Okay, let's make that a lot of problems, many of which we've gotten into on AMDAL.
One of America's annoying habits has finally gotten on my last nerves: We over publicize EVERYTHING and most of the time it's really not that awesome. Just because it gets press, doesn't mean it's worth your time. And just because it costs more usually does not make it better.
I think it's time AMDAL starts an Over/Under-rated column to help with this. Kinda like a good movie/better movie, but with real places, people and things to do... and worse graphics/photos in the header. I promise to work on this and/or consult Block for help.
Today's agenda: NYC and all the tourists who are in town right now. I don't understand why these people spend money to come here and then do the same stuff anyone and everyone who has been there before has already done. Where's the excitement in that? Normally, I don't care because it means they won't be where I like to go but I have another round of friends coming to visit and they wanted to know what they should do while they're here. It's been roughly 6 years of friends visiting me and no matter who it is, where they're from or how many years have gone by, they all ask me about the same dumb, non-awesome NYC things to do while they're here.
Here, my friends and foes, is a little NYC cheat-sheet for the next time you're in town. Such topics as Food, Weekend Day-Date, Waterworks, "landmark hotels" and theater... I encourage everyone to enter their suggestions into the comments section as well. Together, we will not let people go to packed, overpriced places that are not awesome!!!
Food: You're hungry, there are 20 restaurants on every block and you're feeling overwhelmed. Don't panic or let your blood sugar dip too low.
Overrated: Any name that you recognize. For the money, no matter how little you want to spend, you can find somewhere much, much better then any chain restaurant. Example #1: The Riese Organization who will be putting in TGIF at 34 Union Square WITH a Tim Horton's. WHY!?!? Because they can. Feeling hopefull, I thought that maybe they'd try to be less "chain" and take advantage of the NYU/ hipster feel of their newest opening spot in using the farmer's market goodies, local wines & beers, no "pieces of flair" and so on. But no, "we're not that type of restaurant" says Mr. Riese.
Underrated: This is a tough one because there is SO much amazing food in NYC, I don't even know where to begin. Here is a cheat sheet to get you started: cheap cuban- once only on Wall St., now all over NYC , amazing live music & best mojitos, italian on the UWS, italian on the UES, Greek yummy-opolus, best sushi in town- SoHo location is the o.g., oysters, the best MSG soaked Chinatown noodles, best deli/ ruben, burgers = pure bliss , NYC's best pizza, for real. Need more? Just comment with what you want and I'll give you some suggestions - I think I've spent approximately 1/4 of my time in NYC eating, from absolute dives to places it's impossible to get a table at. And yes, Per Se is worth the money- it is a culinary delight.
Weekend Day-Date: You finally nailed that hot honey one drunken night, and it turns out she's not your normal bat-sh!t crazy girl. The only problem now is that she wants to hang out... in daylight. Crap.
Overrated: Hanging out in Central Park with friends. While it is something you should do in the summer, it's just gotten out of control lately and the hooligan teenagers who roam sheeps meadow have taken some of the fun out of it.
Underrated: Picnic at the Cloisters. Incredible views of the Hudson, totally romantic, educational and more then that- you put in the unexpected effort which is sure to impress. It's fairly cheap too- $10 roundtrip via the A-train and whatever you spend on grub & wine, but don't be a dbag- pay the full $20/person suggested donation to get in.
Waterworks: Looking for a view of NYC not in a cab?
Overrated: Booze cruises. For $50-100/head, you can do more with your time and money without having to be stuck with hundreds of people you don't want to know. NY Water Taxi is a quick way to get from Wall Street to Grimaldi's in Brooklyn without walking the bridge, but even that has gotten pricey, not so frequent and isn't worth the long line to eat the second best pizza in NYC.
Underrated: Staten Island Ferry. For starters, it's free. No you did not hallucinate- it's free. It has the best view of the Statue of Liberty and at sunset it truly is unbelievable. They serve beer & snacks onboard, making this jaunt back and forth easy and fun. Just don't get off and stay in SI.
"Landmark" Hotels: Every hotel has its perks.
Overrated: The Plaza, the Pierre, the Ritz, Waldorf:Astoria. Don't get me wrong, they're all gorgeous, have really comfortable ammenities and everyone should go to a black tie event at each of them at least once in their lives but they're kinda stuffy and over priced, even by NYC standards.
Underrated: As if the sweeping views and being smack-dab in the "hot" part of NYC lounge-ville weren't enough, The Standard Hotel, located on the new highline, asks their patrons to do make themselves at home when they're staying there. Little things liiiiike do the deed up against the huge glass windows or shoot a porno to name a few. Expect to see things go from this, to this and eventually something like this when walking nearby. I know where to find Scos "studying" from here on out.
Theater: In need of culture and not sure what to do? Hit up a show- it's a good way to spend an evening entertained and with a ticket stub to keep as a momento of your trip to NYC. Usually the mezz seats offer just a good a view as the orchestra for half the price- the theaters are small here b/c they're old.
Overrated: Well, I feel bad dissing on any Broadway shows because they're struggling right now. However, if you're going to fork over the $100/person to go see a show, make sure it's better then Legally Blonde, BlueMan Group or Shrek.
Underrated: If you hurry, Avenue Q is doing it's last few shows until Sept. 13th. Muppets singing such classics as "The Internet's for Porn," "If You Were Gay" "It Sucks to Be Me" and the catchy "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist" will have you laughing out lound and feeling really uncomfortable at times. It's like AMDAL set to music really. In the Heights is the new Stomp and/or Rent, with an equally incredible cast and a phenominal story.
Alright! Enough about NYC!!! Geeze, it's like the city thinks it's the center of the world or something... Oh wait- one more thing: if you want to remind yourself why each area of NYC has it's own stereotypes, go to the LES after 10 pm and stand on the corner Rivington and Essex. Not only will you feel oddly old and out of place compared to everyone walking around, but you might find this awesome guy.*
*It was just too great of a photo not to use.
