Terr's NYC

I'm not a New Yorker. Nor do I really pretend to be, but I'm in NYC frequently for various reasons. Since I live so close to the city I'm frequently asked to share some must-do/eats that I know of. soooo here's my attempt - this is not a definitive list by any means, but when I take people around, this is what happens:

Breakfast
-I don't know. I'm a believer that you should eat whatever you want at whatever time of the day so I'm not of real use. Stop in wherever is convenient - Starbucks is acceptable, I suppose.

If you're not from the area and it'll be a while to you can come around again, walk down 42nd Street and around Time Square. I'm not terribly fond of it myself, but its flashy and loud and worth taking pictures for a little while. JUST PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF *INSERT DIETY* DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET THAT YOU ARE CROSSING TO TAKE PICTURES.
There's huge chunks of street around Time Square that are blocked off for this purpose. Heck you can even buy yourself a snack and sit at one of the lil tables there.
Also the New Years Eve Ball is there 365 days a year so that's somewhat interesting.
If you're lucky and its a weekday morning in the summer, walk down a couple more blocks on 42nd and 5th to Bryant Park and you might catch a free show of some sort.

If you like big name shops and stores, walk up 5th Ave and poke around or just window shop.
If you're there and you're Catholic and or just like architecture, St.Paul's Cathedral is just up the way. Say some prayers, light some candles or just walk around in awe of the building itself.


If you happen to be around Radio City or Rockefeller Center and looking for a quick cheap lunch the Halal "Chicken&Rice" carts on 53rd&6th are decent. Its' basically chicke or lamb on seasoned rice, ice berg lettuce, pita bread, and a selection of special sauces - get the white sauce (i believe is yogurt based, not mayo) I know people that rave on and on about it. It's OK. They also have lamb, and if you're vegetarian there's a dude on the other side of the block with Falafel - that's where you'd find me.

It's not in the general vicinity and of midtown, but if you're driving or will take a cab, check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. That's always cool. If I remember correctly, they have this really cool wing that is devoted to suits of armor and weaponry and stuff. It's been a while, but I think there's a good pizza spot a few blocks away on 82nd an Lexington

If you have kids with you, take them to the American Museum of Natural History. They have dinosaurs and this really cool blue whale hanging from the ceiling in one of the rooms - shit now i want to go to that one.

If you go to either of these museums you'll be right next to Central Park which can be interesting.
If you're a Beatles fan, check out Strawberry Fields Memorial by the W. 72nd Street entrance across from the Dakota Apartments where Lennon lived.
If you like movies or tv shows that take place in NYC, go check out Bethesda Fountain. It should be along that same route on 72nd street, but i may be mistaken. Godspell, One Fine Day, Gossip Girl, Ransom, Enchanted, Home Alone 2 all have scenes there.




Places to Eat
-Hop Kee in Chinatown on Mott St. They have a great menu and if you're truly familiar
with Chinese cuisine, you can order from the Secret Menu. Here's the big secret, its not written down, tell them what you want in Chinese, and they'll hook it up for you.
-Magnolia bakery - 401 Bleecker Street - You like cupcakes don't you?
-Cupcake Stop - Think ice cream truck, but gourmet cupcakes instead - find them on twitter with their daily specials - they often have vegan and celiac friendly cupcakes that are delicious. Twitter.com/CupcakeStop
-Grays Papaya - Hot dog place featured in many movies and such. hotdogs are good and the juices/punches are even better. several locations and don't be fooled by Papaya King or Papaya Dog.
-The Meatball Shop on 84 Stanton St. it has mine and Kevin Smith's approval, and we're chubby guys and chubby guys know food.
-Junior's Cheesecake - P.Diddy likes them. I like them. You should like them.
-Shake Shack - some of the best burgers in NYC - think 5guys, but better. The line might be insane, but worth it - plus you might see celebrities
-I wish i could say where to go in Little Italy. i've wondered into several spots with no big discernible name, but they were always delicious and most of them have a "secret menu" if you know what you're doing.


Other things to do
-Check out the old CBGB - 315 Bowery and Bleecker. its actually a store now by John Varvatos, but he's kept as much of it alive as he could without taking anything away - fixtures, floorings, walls, etc.
-if you're buying a trinket or clothing from a stand on the street you can almost always cut a deal when you buy more than 1 of stuff. boot leg dvds, belts, shirts, etc.



not sure what else to suggest...
not all new yorkers are rude, but many are. please walk with purpose or you might be trampled. many cops that are posted in public places are friendly and have great suggestions.
If something or some place feels sketchy, just leave.
Carry hand sanitizer and use it.


Have fun,

Terr