Socialight Around NYC Channel Socialight Feed

beer beer beer (40 of em)

2008-06-08T10:41:32Z

With 40 beers on tap here, you’re bound to find a couple of good ones. I enjoyed Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Ale. Yum. Say that 4 times fast. Gets tougher after just one of these strong IPA-style brews.

- .

10 min down, 27 to go...

2008-05-16T20:27:42Z

enjoying my entire night in the Morgan Ave L stop

- .

The best coffee bar in NYC.

2008-02-24T11:49:21Z

Jamie, from Blue Bottle Coffee in SF, is a master of the bean. Not only that, but the eclectic, warm atmosphere he has created in this sliver of a shop in the East Village lingers delicately in your mind long after the last delicious drops of your espresso are gone.

Espresso, americanos and cappucinos are a must, but you should also try out some of their delicious snacks – like cured olive cookies, Cardamom-orange bundt cake or the lavender and salt butter cookies. Their homemade almond milk is a creamy alternative to soy.

Abraco means “hug” in Portugese.

- .

Get your late night cupcake fix here...

2007-11-02T09:23:18Z

Seriously. If you’re craving anything sweet, like cupcakes, brownies, tarts, meringues, creme brulee, pastries, petit-fours, cakes, cookies and pretty much anything else you can imagine that requires heartstopping amounts of sugar as a raw ingredient – you can find it here.
It’s also open til late. Not late enough for the 3am munchies set, but they’ll get there once they see the demand.

- .

Nice view, expensive not-so-nice food

2007-10-29T16:47:30Z

A simple breakfast for 3 cost about $90. I had the fanciest fare of our group, eggs benedict, and it was a mistake: overcooked eggs drenched with way too much thick, goopy, yellow hollondaise sauce.
But we did get to watch a swedish curling team on the ice on the adjacent ring on the crisp (finally) autumn day and the conversation was good. My Canada-based breakfast guest felt at home.

- .

Big room, medium-sized flavor

2007-10-26T12:48:04Z

Went here when craving Indian, but we couldn’t get into the place we wanted. It’s a nice, big room, with a photo of good ol’ Bill Clinton dining there next to the bar. Though the room was big, they were understaffed and half of the restaurant was closed so we had to wait. The curry was pretty good. It’s expensive for what it is, but I’d go back.

- .

Narrow, quality coffee shop

2007-10-15T10:27:17Z

I usually hit this place after morning appointments at my dentist on Park Ave, treating myself to a perfectly pressed cappuccino (my favorite in the city – seriously). The place is a classic coffee shop. They’re efficient and friendly enough. Morning clientele (that’s the only time I’ve been there) is an (ok, not so) interesting mix of midtown dwellers, midtown execs, and shoppers taking breaks from Barney’s across the street.

- .

Vegan Dosa wins award for best street food!

2007-12-12T09:04:08Z

“Kumar, who runs NY Dosa, a vegan food cart at Washington Square Park South and Sullivan Street, won the third annual Vendy Award, which is bestowed upon the city’s top street chef vendor. Kumar, who had competed unsuccessfully in the two previous Vendy Awards, finally won for his specialty Pondicherry dosas, a type of filled crepe. He accepted the large silver Vendy cup on Saturday night.” – Newsday

Congrats Kumar! This is very well-deserved. Your dosas really are the best!

- .

400m public track

2007-09-26T11:49:00Z

Great 400m 8-lane rubberized track open to the public. To get there, take the stairs up 138th St and head over the bridge to the park.

- .

Death & Co

2007-09-10T23:13:25Z

I’m told it gets really crowded on weekends, but last Tuesday it was perfect. The dimly lit, well-designed interior envelopes you as soon as you walk in the door; it feels like an alternate universe, like you’ve left the East Village.

Once inside, order up some of their creative cocktails and relax for good conversation and not-too-loud, not-snobbish ambiance and good, attentive service.

For cocktails, I tried the Fresa Breva (jalapeno-infused tequila with lemon and strawberry) and then switched to the Ramble (gin, lemon, and fresh raspberries). Both were awesome.

- .

first mountain biking trails and bmx park in nyc

2007-07-17T14:01:14Z

After years of work, the first Manhattan mountain biking trail network officially opened May 19, 2007. There are various loops for a total of 3 miles of trails of all abilities… ranging from easy rolling singletrack to the Hellfighter freeride/downhill trail. There’s also a BMX jump park.

See nycmtb.com for more info and a trail map

- .

Public red clay tennis courts

2007-11-12T15:06:12Z

(i have no idea who these guys are btw)

10 public red clay courts at 96th Street in Riverside Park are open for play daily from mid-April until early December. Requires NYCTennis Permit, which may be purchased at the Arsenal in Central Park, 830 5th Avenue at 64th Street, (in front of the Central Park Zoo), and from Paragon Sport Sporting Goods, Broadway and 18th Street. Permits cost $10 for Juniors (under 17.) Single play tickets (day permit) are also an option and may be purchased for $7 at the court entrance. Play is limited to one hour of court time for singles players and two hours for doubles. For more information about season permits call 212.360.8131

See Riverside Clay Tennis Association for more info

- .

I got "doored"

2007-07-11T22:45:07Z

Riding downtown in the left-side bike lane last night, a cab came screaming up into the bike lane buffer zone and the door popped open - just before I passed by. Dan hit door, bike stopped, Dan kept going. Dan hit ground and tumbled, bruising and scraping up left hand, right hand, right arm, left butt cheek. I'm ok though. I'm told getting doored by a cab is a rite of passage for every NYC cyclist.

The woman who was in the cab - a tourist - was really apologetic. So was the cab driver, but still: why can't drivers pay more attention to bike lanes?? The police officer who came by didn't do/say a thing to him.

- .

Seinfeld Restaurant

2007-06-12T10:11:56Z

This diner’s outside was the model for the diner on Seinfeld. Good enough for me! Food is decent and fast. I had the Seinfeld theme song stuck in my head all day though. Which would be okay if it was actually a song and not just like six notes on constant repeat!!

From YahooTravel, travel.yahoo.com:
Phone: 212-864-6137
Hours: 6:00am-1:30am Sun-Wed, 24 hours Thu-Sat

- .

old style ale house and grill, settle in for cheap food and a few pints

2007-11-12T15:10:30Z

Just what you'd expect from an ale house, a long line of bar stools with many beers on tap (including Shark Fin, Hoegaarden, and Magic Hat #9). Food menu above average for this type of place, had a quality chicken sandwich with jack cheese and fries (excellent fries, sweet potato as well). Dimly lit booths in back are great place to settle in for a bit and relax with a few pints after a long work week. Right in the heart of the Fruit Loop district of Brooklyn Heights, nestled between Cranberry & Orange Streets.

- .

Squash on the UES: 4 intl courts

2007-03-17T22:52:07Z

A not too pricey option for squash... they have 4 international courts (wood walls with glass backs). Usually need to reserve your court about a week in advance. I've seen a few good players floating around, not sure if there are any ladders or tourneys.

- .

the original Big Nicks, infinite menu in small space

2007-03-09T09:14:02Z

Went here for the first time recently. After dozens of visits to the other Big Nicks over the years, the experience was strangely the same. The pizza shares the slight metallic taste that somehow adds rather than detracts from the taste. The menu is just as vast, they have the 1 pound Sumo burger, and the plastic plates are even the same. only big difference is the size of the place: only one room, about half the size of Big Nick's North. Was surprised--it was packed at 8pm. I thought most people went to Big Nicks 2am+?

- .

new quality burger place

2007-03-16T21:28:11Z

Haven't been to Vynl's other Hell's Kitchen location, but I think this new UWS one is virtually the same as far as decor and menu goes. The 8 oz burger is quality, all three of us agreed. The shoestring fries were crispy and quality as well. I think they're still breaking everything in a bit, someone had an itchy finger on the dimmer switch, rapidly shifting the light setting from 'diner' to 'romantic' repeatedly. [go to site]

- .

In the Year of the Pig, the Bourgeois one disappoints.

2007-02-21T12:01:03Z

Sigh. The ‘Pig is a fantastic little hole in the wall in the East Village that looks good on paper – great chocolates, fantastic fondues. Sadly my experience there the other night just wasn’t up to snuff.

Three of us descended on this place with high hopes only to have our eagerness squashed flat roadrunner-style by a congealed lumpy fondue and average to tasteless drinks.

I had a dark hot chocolate which was alright, but not very sweet, but the real tearjerker was our Gruyere fondue which struggled to rise above the level of “watery stew with lumpy bits of garlic and cheese tossed in” but sadly failed. I blame the heat. The tiny little flame underneath the bowl didn’t even seem capable of sustaining a pinprick of light, let alone keeping an entire fondue at melting point. I asked our server what the problem was, but he merely mumbled something inconsequential and slunk off into the corner.

I’m not sure if they were having a bad day or not because everything else (atmosphere, snacks etc) seemed almost perfect, so I will definitely give it a second chance, but I’m going to beware of the fondue.

- .

Bobby Flay's Spanish/tapas place

2007-02-18T21:25:41Z

To top of my wild weekend of great food, drink, and entertainment, went to Bolo tonight. The food was really good. I had the black squid ink risotto with lobster and prawns (pictured). Ended the meal off with angel food cake (my fave) with lemon sorbet.

- .

Company

2007-02-18T21:20:46Z

Saw Company at today’s matinee. Truly a New York story, and a unique production, with the actors also the musicians. Recommended.

- .

Fantastic coffee, delicious panini

2007-01-28T10:06:02Z

During school I worshipped at the altar of Tarallucci coffee. IMHO, these guys (and their big brother on 18th St) make the best Italian espresso, cappucino and lattes in NYC. No contest.

Their paninis are delectably crispy, perfectly lunchsized and you’ll want another as soon as you finish devouring one. Here’s a review from another fanboy. Head over and be converted.

Photo by roboppy

- .

Studio B: great dancing, crap coatcheck

2007-01-23T00:34:31Z

An expansive, fun venue in Greenpoint, Studio B is booking some of the most exciting electronic music around. This place has huge potential – but they really really need to figure out how to run coatcheck. 1hr to get my coat after paying $3?? C’mon people…

Carl Craig played an alright set here tonight, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what Optimo brings on the 23 of February.

- .

MTA trials improved subway displays! Finally!

2007-01-15T11:59:07Z

I walked onto the L platform today in Williamsburg and was pleasantly surprised to see a large LED display showing estimated times of when trains would be arriving at the station! Yay!

This is something that I really enjoyed when I was over in the UK and it makes the waiting period far more bearable, being able to count down the minutes until your train arrives.

Or cursing violently when it’s delayed. Either way. Far more enjoyable!

- .

Classic Central Park running routes

2007-01-13T11:52:15Z

Probably the three most classic runs in Central Park:

1. Reservoir loop (1.58 miles): dirt, flat surface, well lit at night.

2. Bridal Path loop around the Reservoir (1.66 miles): dirt with slight elevation changes, no lights at night. Add on a northern loop around the softball fields for an extra mile or so.

3. The 6 Mile Loop (6.02 miles): known as the big loop, this is the paved road with a running lane counter-clockwise that extends to the far reaches of the park. Well lit. Smallish hill near the boathouse and biggest hill at northern end of park (84 vert feet). A couple options to cut this run short at 72nd St. and at 102nd St.

- .

Sake Bar Decibel

2007-01-08T19:50:19Z

My favorite bar in Manhattan is discovered by descending a grimy stairwell into a gloriously cramped bar packed to the brim with lucky cats, sake bottles and some rather bizarre touches (fish missile anyone?. Make sure you drink some kansansui, down a lychee martini or two and snack on the delicious cooked lotus root.

Also, don’t try to get friendly with the staff – nobody remembers you. Ever.

- .

Magnolia Bakery: the place in the SNL rap video

2007-01-11T00:19:55Z

This West Village bakery is the original cupcake epicenter of NYC. Featured on the 2005 SNL rap Lazy Sunday, lines are typically around the corner to get one of these buttery sugar bombs. Recommend choosing your walking route to insure that you’ll pass this place on the way… if there’s no line, swoop in and shovel in 1 or 2 and continue on your way.

- .

The Pita Pocket [CLOSED]

2008-06-23T10:55:56Z

Nestled cozily next to a parking garage, the unassuming Pita Pocket is one of the best falafel and schwarma places around. This is the closest thing to an Israeli falafel you’ll find this side of Tel-Aviv, from the fresh salads and the delicious hummus to the freshly made falafel balls which are fantastically crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

- .

Don Giovanni pizza

2006-12-15T13:28:01Z

The rustica is a to die for pizza, this place is amazing and delivery is quick. The Alle Vongole is also excellent, kind of greasy (clam and bacon pizza) but it will hit the spot. Also, they sell wine by the bottle on Sunday, so when the wine shops are all closed, this is where you pick up a bottle!

- .

must see: a real Egyptian temple

2007-03-17T23:02:19Z

The Temple of Dendur is a highlight of most people’s first Met visit (oh yeah, and all the nice paintings). This is the real deal, an ancient temple given to the US by Egypt and re-assembled here in 1978. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a stroll in some day and you’ll be amazed.

- .

Nov foliage in Central Park

2006-12-13T00:12:23Z

stopped for a second to snap a quick photo of a deserted Sheep Meadow on a chilly NYC marathon Sunday

- .

Back Room: fills up quickly, teacup thing silly

2006-12-09T22:45:19Z

Ah yes, it’s kind of fun tunneling through the intentionally covert entrance, but once in the bar’s like many others. Pretty much need a reservation to sit in the plush limited seating. And oh yeah, their “thing” is to serve drinks in teacups… just don’t do the math of price per liquor ounce and you’ll enjoy this gimmick more.

- .

Haru: work lunch sushi hotspot

2006-12-07T15:41:04Z

Mostly business meal types but the sushi is fresh and generously cut. Combo meals are the only way to keep tab manageable unless the company’s picking up. [go to site]

- .

Matsu: a twist on sushi classics with fast service

2007-07-16T21:17:34Z

Overshadowed by Teriyaki Boy next door but these sushi rolls are (at least) one level up! A twist on classics, with fast service. Decor is cheap-chic, like Ikea-plus. Try the Hot Dancing Spicy Tuna Roll.

212-799-7922

- .

drinks on the beach on the EAST RIVER???

2007-06-19T11:37:52Z

Believe it when you see it, there’s a beach-bar on the banks of the East River. A sandy beach created in the midst of vacant construction lots with full-frontal views of Midtown across the river. Someone there told me that they plan to double the size of the beach next year. Has beach volleyball nets and a huge outdoor tent. The burgers are excellent, try the Motz Burger served with Schnack Sauce. [go to site]

- .

Rice to Riches: Jetsons meets rice pudding

2007-01-05T22:55:59Z

Jetsons meets rice pudding. Who knew ride pudding could be so fun and tasty? Suggest adding in toppings and getting a half portion per person; too much sweet rice can be overload. [go to site] [photo from curbed.com]

- .

Bryant Park Grill: grab after-work drinks on the terrace

2006-12-06T13:42:47Z

Ridiculous to think a private business can be afforded such amazing public space to operate in. Food is good, a bit pricey for New American standards, but paying for the views of the greens (or ice skating rink in winter). In the summer there’s a good open air terrace for after work drinks.

- .

JG Melon: melt-in-your-mouth burger goodness

2007-01-10T10:05:49Z

Heard about this place from friends for a while before I finally sunk my teeth into one of their perfect burger creations… it was so good that everything became a blur and when I looked up I had buried three bacon cheeseburgers. When burgers get this good there’s no way to make them better… JG Melon’s earns its place in any “top burger” list in every juicy bite.

- .

Burger Joint: the "hidden" gem

2007-01-10T10:06:25Z

This place is the “hidden” gem that everyone always talks about… anyone serious about a good burger needs to experience this. A quintessential “joint” atmosphere ludicrously located in a dark offshoot of the plush Parker Meridien hotel, look for the neon burger sign. As for the burgers, genius, the pre-condimentization (ketchup & mustard) is just right. The fries, served in greasy brown bags, are top quality as well. Two cheeseburgers, fries, and a vanilla shake will do about just right. Everything about this place is awesome, including their website.[go to site]

- .

Koronet Pizzeria: super-sized slices on the cheap

2006-12-20T12:25:18Z

This is the place you may have heard of, it’s not an urban legend. Come on, the size of these $2.75 slices is ridiculously super-sized. Popular with the Columbia crowd and anyone else looking to stuff themself for $5.50 [photo from Joe Schumacher’s blog]

- .

Big Nick's: Burger Joint/ Pizza Joint

2007-01-10T10:07:01Z

This late night joint beckons at the end of many late nights. Packed into two tiny rooms, Big Nick’s offers virtually everything you can think of on its hundreds of menus, flyers, and ticker tapes lining the walls, from minestrone soup to the infamous Sumo Burger (1 1/2 of meat). Tip: order a slice of pizza (they come really fast) while you wait for the rest of your meal. Big Nick’s is more about the atmosphere and late night scene than the food quality, yet sometimes nothing’s better than burying a Sumo Burger at 4am. [go to site]

- .

Shake Shack: a must for burger lovers

2007-01-10T10:08:15Z

This “shack” is a must for burger-lovers in NYC. Opened in 2004 in the middle of Madison Square Park by the same guy responsible for upscale restaurants like Union Square Café and Gramercy Tavern. The burgers are freshly ground chuck and smallish, definitely order more than one when you get up to the counter… the line here can be absurd. Fans of this place check the Shake Cam to gauge the line before they go. [go to site]

- .

Corner Bistro: still worth the hype

2007-01-10T10:08:52Z

Although the secret’s out, the Bistro Burger remains one of the all-time greats… when there’s a line it just runs along the bar, so relax and grab one of the two interchangeable McSorley’s Light or Dark beers on tap. The bacon-cheese “Bistro Burger” is scrumptious and melts-in-your mouth, the modest size leaves you wanting more… sometimes it’s not a bad idea to just order two upfront. [go to site]

- .

Saigon Grill: fast turnaround, quality Vietnamese

2006-12-05T19:21:26Z

Multiple locations throughout the city, quality Vietnamese at reasonable prices… go in for the fastest turnaround in orders. If you call for take-out, they’ve got your address logged with your tel no. for even faster service.
[go to site]

- .

Saigon Grill: fast turnaround, quality Vietnamese

2006-12-05T19:23:01Z

- .

Saigon Grill: fast turnaround, quality Vietnamese

2006-12-05T19:22:08Z

- .

August: seasonal is the mantra of this precious place

2006-12-13T12:40:41Z

Seasonal, seasonal is the mantra of this precious place. Good (almost) outdoors seating in back.

- .

Caffe Buon Gusto: build-your-own pasta dish

2006-12-05T14:57:23Z

Italian for those seeking the fresh pasta but also to control every aspect… select a pasta, meat, sauce. Fresh, generous portions, good prices. Too full to even contemplate the desserts!

- .

O Mai: stylish Vietnamese in Chelsea

2006-12-05T11:01:10Z

Stylish Vietnamese in Chelsea. Loads of skinny-minnies abound, amidst great muted lighting. Not the bargain of a Saigon Grill but better light fixtures.
go to website

- .

Chestnut: seasonal menu with an awesome prix fixe

2007-01-16T22:40:23Z

Seasonal menu with an awesome prix fixe avail on Tues & Weds. $25 for 3-courses, open to select from entire menu. [more info]

- .

Cafe Ronda: good (but pricey) tapas

2006-12-05T01:03:01Z

Good (but pricey) tapas on the UWS, pan-Latin, although entrees are avail too. Strong emphasis on meats, great wine list with solid Argentine and Chilean representation if I am remembering correctly. Just wish they’d turn the damn music volume down b/c would be nice to leave not only full but with the larynx intact.

- .

Casablanca Tea Room: small bites for first dates

2006-12-05T00:22:00Z

Chic Soho restaurant with an uber-white motif, lit by a generous number of tealights. But the Moroccan dishes are far from generously portioned, although each tiny bite is tasty. Good for first dates fueled by a strong credit line.

- .