Hone In On Four of Your Five Senses to Have a "Dialog in the Dark."

If you have 20/20 vision or better, consider yourself lucky.  If you have less than perfect vision, but your eyesight can be corrected with lenses or even minor surgery, consider yourself lucky.  Have you ever wondered what you are taking for granted?...The ability to read this post, for example.

"Dialog in the Dark," a unique new exhibition at South Street Seaport, leads visitors on a journey through mock ups of famed New York City locations in total darkness, giving patrons the opportunity to experience blindness firsthand. With the loss of the ability to see, it is amazing how quickly the other senses take over - smell, sound, taste and touch.

While waiting for the tour to begin, overhead video monitors go in and out of focus, demonstrating various forms of visual impairment.  Before entering the exhibition, visitors sign a waiver, and each individual participant is then given a walking cane that becomes a lifeline as a blind or otherwise visually impaired tour guide leads the way with only his or her voice.

In the first room of the tour, the aroma of fresh flora permeates the senses, birds can be heard chirping, and there is a flowing fountain of cold water that visitors can reach out and touch.  Can you guess what location this is supposed to be?  If I haven't already given it away, ponder on this...

The sensory tour next continues to mock ups of other NYC locations.  Step into a Fairway Market and learn how difficult a routine task like food shopping becomes when you cannot see.  How do you know what food you are selecting?  How do you know how much money you are taking out of your wallet when, to the touch, there are no distinctive qualities differentiating most U.S. currency?  How do you board the proper subway to get to and from the market?

"Dialog in the Dark" is a rare, ironically eye-opening experience.  The tour lasts approximately an hour to an hour and a half, and ends in a room designed to look and, more importantly, feel like, a diner.  Visitors sit around a booth with their tour guide and engage in a discussion about how they felt traveling around in total darkness, and how persons with various visual impairments conquer such challenges daily.  Many of the guides are happy to answer personal questions about how their visual impairment has impacted their lives.

As the lights slowly come on in the "diner," participants see the tour guide for the first time.  I took the tour myself recently, and was shocked to find that the images I had formed in my head of everything from what our guide looked like to the color and shape of the booth we were sitting in, were completely erroneous.  What a different perspective on life this exhibition offers.

Check hours and prices here or, if you are ready to purchase tickets, click here.

And be sure to visit some of the exhibition's partners:

Lighthouse International 
Dialogue Social Enterprise
Bodies: The Exhibition 
Fairway

Calling All Amateur Astronomers!

Jupiter, the Moon, and Venus, lining up in March 2012

Have you been following the dance of Jupiter and Venus across the night sky over the past few months?  If you have a wanderlust that extends beyond our globe, then you should pay a visit to the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York.  Where can you find them, you ask?  On a clear night, try checking out their free observation sessions across the five boroughs.  The "AAA" boasts several hundred members that participate in and help host frequent observation sessions, as well as exciting astronomy lectures and classes.

At last week's observing session at the High Line in Manhattan (which occurs every Tuesday night from April to October, weather permitting), WGINY was able to glimpse the rings of Saturn, the crescent phase of Venus, and the binary properties of the star, Castor, among other celestial objects, through the surprisingly high-powered telescopes set up by the "amateur" astronomers. Although membership is encouraged to support the organization, any visitor or passerby is warmly invited by AAA members to partake in observing sessions.  If you thought you couldn't see stars in New York City due to ambient light, you'll be shocked by what the AAA can show you, and tell you.  I have attended observing sessions in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and have learned so much (including how to best position my own travel scope...) just from a few moments of discussion with the interesting, knowledgeable astronomy-buffs who host these events.

And, if you want even more ways to seek out stars:
Columbia University Astronomy Outreach: lecture and stargazing sessions every other Friday.
College of Staten Island Observatory: public schedule varies.

Dana Parish Shines at "The Living Room."

A few years ago, I was listening to a "Yahoo! Music" station (well, at that time it was "Yahoo! Radio") while working, when suddenly I became captivated by a song from a powerful female vocalist I had never heard of before, Dana Parish.  After doing some research, I found that the song I had heard, "Not My Problem," was part of a debut album Parish had released in 2007, "Uncrushed."  Of course I immediately purchased the album, and it has become one I frequently listen to on replay and suggest to friends.

Whether I'm doing some soul-searching, having an introspective day, initiating a break-up, or finding myself on the receiving end of one, Parish's music is always easy to relate to.  For awhile, I was even quoting from the chorus of one of her songs, "Outta Time," on my personal facebook profile. (I can't seem to find an audio or video copy, but you can listen to a sample on amazon.com).

Parish has since played any number of shows in and around NYC, and WGINY was in attendance at her most recent show, on March 30 at "The Living Room." This was a special show for Parish, as not only was it her birthday that evening, but the show was being recorded for Sirus Radio (air date/time/station not available yet).  Striding in fashionably, and perhaps ironically, late, Parish took the stage and immediately began her show with my favorite facebook-quotable song, "Outta Time."  Standing on stage in a blue sequin shirt and jean skirt, she shone just as brightly as on her debut record.

Dana Parish Shines at "The Living Room"

In March, Parish released a new EP, "Nothin' But a Heartbreak."  Confident and sassy, with a voice that commands attention, and the stage presence to match, this unconventionally beautiful brunette (clearly, I have a thing for brunette singer-songwriters...) must surely know a thing or two about breaking hearts.

At the March 30 show, backed by band members on lead guitar, bass, drums and piano (an actual baby grand piano, not a keyboard!.. played by Andrew Hollander, who co-writes many of Parish's songs), Parish performed the first song off of her EP, "Superman," among others.  "Superman," which recalls a woman taking charge of her love life, is inspiring, and mayhaps hit-worthy.    

There they are! Even got the baby grand in this one.

Large stage... hard to photograph the whole band...

It is hard to describe Parish's varied genre.  She has a rich, full voice, and although the vocal range of her songs seems to stay squarely within her belt-y alto range (which I believe she definitely has the ability to step outside of...),  her songs seem to blend together rock, soul, and even country.  Parish displays a mellow style, with a hint of edginess thrown in at times, and this works well for her.

I don't have many criticisms for Parish, except to say that some of the harmonies that her band members joined in on, not present on her albums, did not seem to do much to improve the live show.  I would love to hear more of these harmonic efforts in the future, as long as they really fit the songs and are not forced.  Parish's voice is so powerful on its own, I'm not sure she even needs the backup...

I hope "Heartbreak" finally propels Parish, who has composed songs for Celine Dion and recent Asian sensation, G.E.M., into mainstream audiences.  She certainly deserves the recognition.  See for yourself at her next NYC live show, an intimate set at Rockwood Music Hall on Wednesday, May 9, at 9pm.

Check out Dana Parish online:
http://www.danaparish.com/
http://www.myspace.com/danaparish
http://noisetrade.com/danaparish
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dana-Parish/183958908292957

Spring Is In Full Bloom at the New York Botanical Garden's 10th Annual Orchid Show.

The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Houses The 10th Annual Orchid Show.
Photo by WGINY.

Situated on 250 acres of prime property, and operating since 1891, the landmarked New York Botanical Garden is a serene escape from a city known for its towering skyscrapers and urban overcrowding, to a kaleidoscope of color and the brilliant face of Mother Nature.  Through April 22, the main exhibit at the Garden is the The Orchid Show: Patrick Blanc's Vertical Gardens.  The Orchid Show, now in its 10th year, is housed in the Garden's "Enid A. Haupt Conservatory," an immense greenhouse modeled on a similar structure at the British Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.  The show features a rotating annual theme-- last year's theme focused on Broadway, while this year's show highlights "Vertical Gardens" designed by artist and botanist Patrick Blanc. 

"The Waterfall Wall"
Photo by Talisman Brolin. Used with permission.

Entering the Conservatory, visitors are immediately transported into a lush, tropical rainforest, where a flowering "Waterfall Wall," designed by Blanc, greets guests.  Continuing through the various halls of the Conservatory, look up, through trees and all around, as Spring is blooming everywhere.

On display are vanilla orchids (a building block of vanilla extract), butterfly orchids, rainbow orchids, reed orchids, and more, from every corner of the globe.  Make sure to read the placards situated around the exhibit so as to be able to discern the "butterfly" from the "rainbow" orchids and pinpoint which orchids originate from the Americas, or from as far off as China and Vietnam.

Orchid Close-up.
Photo by WGINY.

Rainbow Orchid Close-up.
Photo by WGINY.

Reflecting Pool.
Photo by WGINY.

Let the fragrant aromas of these flowers guide you from the forest to the desert, as you move through the Conservatory.  Although exhibits at the Conservatory change frequently, some of the surrounding flora remains perennially.  There's more to this exhibit than just orchids. Don't neglect the other well-preserved beauties, such as the deserts of the Americas and Africa, or the reflecting pool in the "Palms of the World Gallery."
Nevertheless, if it is orchids you came to see, you can rest assured that approaching what can only be described as the grand finale rooms of the show (aka "The Seasonal Exhibition Galleries") will make visitors squeal, "Oh my, oh my, oh my!" (Yes, that is a direct quote from an anonymous guest...).

"Visitors Enjoy a Cube of Orchids"
Photo by Talisman Brolin. Used with permission.

Patrick Blanc has arranged thousands of vibrant orchids, creating stunning "walls of living foliage" that mesmerize the eyes.  Blanc's method allows flowers and vines to grow along walls without any soil.

In the first room of these Seasonal Exhibition Galleries stands a 13' x 13' cube, both aesthetically and architecturally pleasing, made of walls lined with vertical foliage, and housing some of Blanc's personal reflections on his works, as well as images and drawings of how vertical walls have been practically applied, such as on buildings in Paris, from where the designer hails.

Bursting with brilliant arrays of orchids, this year's show, "Patrick Blanc's Vertical Gardens" is truly a visual treat. Click here to purchase tickets to the Garden, which includes admission to the entire grounds, as well as the Orchid Show.  Ticket and membership purchases help Garden conservation.

"Orchids at the New York Botanical Garden"
Photo by Robert Benson. Used with permission.

Reed Orchids.
Photo by WGINY.

More Tips For Attending the Orchid Show: 

Take a personalized audio tour using your cell phone, by dialing (718) 362-9561 in the Conservatory, and keeping an eye out for placards with tour codes. 

The Orchid Show is an extremely family-friendly environment.  Children of all ages are welcome and will be especially happy if they have their own camera or can at least borrow Mom's camera-phone. 

Don't miss the display of miniature orchids at the show, encased in glass for the plants' protection, these small wonders can contain hundreds to thousands of tiny blooms. 

Wear appropriate shoes.  Remember, you are walking through a rainforest and a desert...  

If you'd like to see the orchids at night, while sipping on a complimentary cocktail and jiving to a DJ, you may enjoy "Orchid Evenings," which takes place every Saturday night throughout the Orchid Show, as well as Friday, April 20.

For the true orchid enthusiast, there are orchid-themed films, classes and lectures available almost daily throughout the show. 

Finally, when you do head out to explore the remainder of the garden (which could take half a day), make sure to grab a map.  You'll avoid getting lost, and you'll know the locations of all tram stops should you tire early.  

Snapshots of Other Suggested Areas to Explore at the Garden: 

(All remaining photos are by WGINY)

Magnolia Trees are Getting Ready to Bloom... 

Cherry Blossom Trees are ... Blossoming!

The Children's Garden features activities for young folks. 

Picturesque, Historic Stone Mill.

Daffodils on Display: Don't Stare Too Long at This "Narcissus"... 

Laugh Yourself Silly at These NYC Comedy Clubs.

Do you like to laugh? Of course you do! Want to know where to go to see your favorite stand-up comedians and improv acts, heckle some amateurs, or try out your own jokes at a comedy open mic?

Here are my suggestions for comedy clubs in NYC:

#1 Pick: Comedy Cellar.  Located in Greenwich Village, on MacDougal Street, between W. 3rd Street and Minetta Lane (just a few doors down from Mamoun's famous falafel restaurant...), Comedy Cellar is by far my favorite comedy club in NYC. Colin Quinn, Dave Attell, and "Godfrey" are just some of the regular comics on the lineup here, and on one occasion, while I was enjoying a Comedy Cellar show, Jerry Seinfeld even stopped by unannounced. Apparently famous celebrity comics tend to drop by quite often.  From Sundays through Thursdays at Comedy Cellar, if you make your reservation early enough, you can get a free "no cover" pass for up to four people (although a 2 item minimum still applies).

I also highly recommend Dangerfied's, a legacy of the late Rodney Dangerfield himself ("I don't get no respect!"), located on 1st Avenue, off of 61st Street.  Dangerfield's, which has been in operation since 1969, claims to be New York City's longest-running comedy club.  There are special discounts available nightly, such as free cover tickets Mondays through Thursdays (with a two drink minimum), and 2 for 1 tickets Fridays through Sundays (with NO drink minimum).  Dangerfield's does not announce a daily lineup on it's website like Comedy Cellar, but you can call for more information (917-210-2541).  Jerry Seinfeld and many others have been known to appear here as well.

If you prefer the improv scene, make some time to stand in line at the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre, founded by comedian Amy Poehler ("Parks and Recreation," "Saturday Night Live," "Baby Mama"), among others, and operating in New York City since 2003.  Although the main location is on W. 26th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, there is also a second NYC location in the East Village, on E. 3rd Street, between Avenues A and B.  "UCBT," as it is often referred to, was the first theater to bring "longform improvisation" to NYC, which the company describes as "an entire show consisting of interconnected scenes, characters, and ideas completely made-up on the spot with no pre-planning or pre-writing." UCBT's shows are a riot, and they are, quite literally, a different experience every single time.  Check out the schedules for UCBT and UCBT East to find the show(s) that suit you.  Note: Although you can make reservations for most shows online, at well worth-it prices, typically $5-10 per ticket with no drink minimum, plan on arriving 30 minutes or even an hour before your showtime, as lines form down the block for nearly every ticketed show.

For a more low-key improv experience, I have a soft spot for Big Apple Playback Theatre, an improvisational group that brings audience members' stories to life through theater, musical performance and sometimes even interpretive dance.  Attending a "BAPT" show can be quite a cathartic experience.  Don't be shy... When the performers ask for audience members to tell a personal story, raise your hand and pour your heart out.  Speak your mind and then watch your own story unfold on the stage in front of you. You may even be called up to participate in the re-enactment.  BAPT holds public shows, runs anti-bullying programs for school-aged children and teenagers, and other community programs.

If you don't have cash to burn on comedy shows, there are also many bars and clubs throughout the city that have free comedy nights.  My suggestion is "Gandhi, Is That You?", a free weekly show on Wednesday evenings, downstairs at Lucky Jack's Bar and Lounge. Other free and low-cost comedy shows are frequently advertised/announced on NYC event and nightlife sites such as theskint and murphguide.

If you're looking to be the one on stage, this calendar provides a pretty comprehensive listing of comedy open mics nightly.

Finally, unless there's a specific comedian you are heading there to see, avoid over-hyped, midtown tourist haunts like Broadway Comedy Club and Caroline's.  They're overpriced and they lack the friendlier, cozy atmosphere of the smaller clubs.  Nevertheless, Caroline's does have a long-running "New Talent" night weekly, where you just might see some amateur comic get his or her start.

"French Roast" Serves Up More Than Just a Good Cup of Coffee.

Brunch has always been my favorite meal of the day, but learning how to "brunch" in New York City can sometimes be a challenge. There is no such thing as "french toast," only "brioche french toast," or "challah french toast."  A short stack of pancakes doesn't exist, but "cinnamon apple pancakes" and "pumpkin pecan pancakes" are all the rage. And those scrambled eggs you love? They're probably available somewhere, but you'll need to get more creative than that if you're looking to fit in at a trendy brunch spot on a Saturday or Sunday mid-morning or afternoon.

Soft Polenta With Brie (and a slice of "Breakfast Pizza" on the side...)

Well, look no further than hip, Upper West Side café,  "French Roast."  While it may be named after the superb cup of coffee it serves, the palatable brunch options more than compliment the java, as I discovered during a recent brunch at French Roast. 

Despite a packed house at around 1:30pm on a Sunday afternoon, we were seated within minutes, and the food was served quickly, yet was fresh and hot. 

My dining companion went for an inventive "breakfast pizza," made with eggs, tomato sauce, parmesan and spinach, while I opted for a "soft polenta with brie" dish, which was a concoction of eggs fried perfectly over easy, situated on a stockpile of fluffy, buttery, brie-ful polenta, garnished with sprigs of asparagus and drizzled with tantalizing white truffle oil. The taste remained on my tongue, and in my mind, for hours after the meal. Although we of course could not try them all, some of the other scrumptious-sounding menu items included a "potato, leek & goat cheese frittata," a "tomato & avocado salsa omelette," "brioche french toast with mixed berries," and, quite classically, "buttermilk pancakes with fresh strawberries and Vermont maple syrup," along with other interesting egg, croque, salad, soup, burger and sandwich options, to name a few... 

"Breakfast Pizza"

French Roast is located at 2340 Broadway, and is open 24 hours a day, but brunch is served only from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. French Roast also has a downtown location, in the West Village, with varied menus. Leave a comment if you have any information on the downtown café. 

If You Don't Know JACK (as in, JACK Bistro & Bar), You Should Learn!

Perfectly steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels at Jack

If you're strolling around the Union Square area, overwhelmed by the chain restaurants and trendy cafes, and you just want a simple, hearty meal at a reasonable price, grab a table at JACK Bistro & Bar on the corner of University Place and 11th Street. Self-described as a "warm, vibrant bistro," Jack serves up a variety of savory dishes, from traditional mac and cheese or ravioli, to fresh seafood such as scallops, trout, and mussels, to fuller, more "meaty" meals -- chicken scarpiello, roast turkey, schnitzel, steak frites --- Mmmm is for Meat!! Of course, as with any decent bistro, you will also find an array of various salads and sandwiches.

Truffled Mushroom Flatbread Pizza (offered as a special one evening)

Notwithstanding the plethora of options available for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch (as well as on the extensive, affordable wine list), the best perks of Jack are the many specials available daily. Every night of the week holds a different deal -- Monday is "All You Can Eat Mussels" night; wine specials are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Thursday features all desserts half-off (with entree purchase); etc. As if these bargains weren't enough of a draw, Jack is currently offering a "Beat the Winter Blues" dinner special-- a $20 three course prix-fixe option for not only dine-in, but also take-out and delivery patrons. (Bonus: if you order delivery, your meal comes with a complimentary box of Jack's homemade Cajun-style potato chips!).  If you happen to pass by the area at lunchtime, you can also purchase a complete lunch meal for only $10, which comes with soup, salad, entree, a side of frites, and a soft drink! This is really a steal.

Jack is open late for dinner every night, until 11pm, Mondays through Thursdays, 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10pm on Sundays.

Beat the Winter Blues and Get Some Exercise Too!!

When you've come down off the high of the Giants' Superbowl XLVI win, you may look around and find your Sundays impossibly boring and cold. Why not explore one of the city's most beloved winter pastimes -- ice skating! Did you know that there is at least one outdoor skating rink in every borough, except The Bronx, for some reason... and that's just counting the "NYC Parks and Recreation" rinks?

Find the rink closest to you here, and make sure to follow the links for "more information" to see individual rinks' hours, pricing and exact locations. Many rinks also offer both beginner and figure skating lessons for children and adults.

A figure skater performs at Rockefeller Center

Some tips:
If you own your own ice skates, you can skate for FREE at Citi Pond at Bryant Park.

Wollman Rink at the Southern end of Central Park may remind you of a fair number of movies, with its picture perfect setting among the city's skyscrapers, but for a less crowded (and cheaper!) skating experience, head up to 110st Street & Lenox, to the Park's lesser-known rink, Lasker Ice Skating Rink.

The Meatpacking District's famed Standard Hotel is now operating an ice skating rink, for the second winter in a row. Like Bryant Park, you can skate free if you bring your own. I really like the atmosphere around this rink. It's not very touristy, and there is a cute little (outdoor) lounge area where you can enjoy "Aprés Skate" drinks such as real hot chocolate made with melted chocolate before your very eyes (expensive, but worth a try), as well as hot cider and select adult beverages.

If you happen to live in the Stuyvesant Town or Peter Cooper Village rental communities, new for the 2011-2012 season, you and your guests now have access to your own private outdoor rink located at Stuyvesant Oval.

Guess Who Eats Together at the Carnegie Deli?

According to Adam Sandler's, "The Chanukah Song," that would be "Bowser from Sha Na Na and Arthur Fonzerelli." But take a few steps into this tourist haunt, and you'll see that the walls are littered with photos of famous actors and actresses, athletes, politicians, musicians and other celebrities who have dined there. At Carnegie Deli, New York City's largest kosher-style deli, the portions are hearty and huge, with wildly inflated prices to match.

Inside of the "Ah, There's the Reuben" Sandwich

Despite the high prices, the food does certainly please the palate, and, you're guaranteed to have leftovers. My dining companion ordered a quintessential Reuben sandwich. For $23.95, this gargantuan sandwich came "piled high" with corned beef (one could also order pastrami or turkey), sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Curious just how high the meat on this sandwich was layered, we counted after the first bite -- and it appeared to have TEN layers of sliced corned beef. Looking at my friend's plate, there was clearly enough for two or even three people to share. Carnegie Deli is wise to this, and charges a $3.00 fee for sharing, which I believe can go toward the minimum $12.50 per person table charge when dining in.

I went with a bowl of $10.50 matzah ball soup (which I could have gotten for $9.50 if I wanted it sans noodles...), which was surprisingly and satisfying. Two large, fluffy matzah balls appeared to be perfectly packed together as I poured homemade chicken broth over them (Carnegie serves the broth and the balls separately). While filling, what would have really made this soup top the charts is some fresh vegetables or real chicken in the broth, neither of which are included.

I also ordered a potato pancake, or what many Jews know more recognizably as a "latke," a fried pancake made of potato and onion that is a staple when it comes to traditional kosher cuisine. At $5.50, my hand-sized potato pancake, served with applesauce or sour cream, was actually worth the price, and may be the best latke I have had in the tri-state area (although, it has been quite some time since I have dined at what is arguably NYC's oldest delicatessen, Katz's...).

Conclusion? Carnegie Deli is fun to try once or twice, especially if you have never been to NYC before.  Carnegie Deli is located in midtown, at 7th Avenue and 55th. Carnegie Deli does not accept credit cards; although it does accept travelers' checks. The Deli also delivers.

Go "On Location" to Famous NYC TV and Movie Sites -- Whether You Have Lived Here Your Whole Life or Are Just Visiting for a Day!

Recognize this firehouse?

How about now?

"When was the last time you went "on location"? That's the motto of the only television and movie tour company in New York City, "On Location Tours."

Private "On Location Tours" Bus

WGINY recently had the opportunity to go behind the scenes with "On Location Tours" to visit NYC sites featured in popular movies and TV shows. Although I have lived in the New York metropolitan area nearly my entire life, I was quite impressed by the unique vantage point offered by the "On Location" tour, as I was whimsically guided through a city I thought I already knew.

During the approximately three to four hour Signature New York City TV and Movie Sites Tour, visitors and native-New Yorkers alike (I met at least three of the latter on our tour) were whisked away by a private, luxury coach bus, and taken on a movie-magical journey to discover NYC like they've never seen it before. We visited sites from movies such as "Breakfast at Tiffany's," the "Men in Black" franchise, "The Devil Wears Prada," "When Harry Met Sally," "Miss Congeniality," "Ghostbusters," "Serendipity," "August Rush," "Spider-man," "Superman," "Zoolander," "Scent of a Woman," "Kate & Leopold," and countless others. We also encountered sites where episodes of timeless sitcoms such as "Friends," "Seinfeld," "30 Rock," "Will & Grace," and "Sex and the City," have been filmed, as well as beloved dramas such as "Law and Order," and even those guilty pleasure shows you don't want to admit you watch, like "Gossip Girl," or "The Apprentice."

"I'll have what she's having..." became an oft-quoted line from "When Harry Met Sally" after a scene between Billy Crystal ("Harry") and Meg Ryan ("Sally") at Katz's Delicatessen.

The "Friends" apartment at Bedford and Grove

"I am Legend" fans may recognize these apartments...

"The Cosby Show's" Huxtable Residence

Throughout this exciting tour, our guide, Scott Bolohan, who, like the other six rotating guides that lead this tour, is an actor himself, also pointed out where certain celebrities resided around the city. We learned where stars like Bruce Willis, Renee Zellweger, Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and others have their NYC digs. Bonus points were offered to anyone who actually spotted a "celeb" from the bus (although none of us did). As I learned on my tour, and as I also know from personal experience, it can sometimes be difficult to walk around neighborhoods like Midtown or TriBeCa without spotting someone famous. No stranger to the spotlight, our guide kept a comedic personality and showed off his expansive knowledge of random NYC movie and television facts (making sure to also point out each and every role he's played here...).

One of the best parts of the tour were the TV and movie clips that the guide played on the bus, to complement each site the tour came upon. It really gave the tour a special flavor to be able to watch, for example, Chris Reeves (as Superman), landing on Margot Kidder's terrace (Lois Lane) in the 1978 original, sensational "Superman," and then look up and see the very building "Ms. Lane" lived in towering above us, or to view clips from more modern movies like "Enchanted," in Central Park, or "I am Legend," in Madison Square Park, just as we passed these spaces. And while an enclosed bus might not be the very best way to see each of these sites (despite large, clear windows), our tour did literally stop to go "on location" five times -- in Greenwich Village, SoHo, TriBeCa, and twice in the West Village. Some of the many highlights of these stops were visiting the famed firehouse from "Ghostbusters," which remains a working firehouse to this day, hanging on the porch of the "Cosby" residence (Surprise!... it's not really in Brooklyn...), and standing outside the "Friends" apartment building.

Overall, the On Location Tour, which began at 11am, was a wonderful way to spend a morning and early afternoon. Even if you've never seen any of the movies or TV shows I've mentioned (which I would find highly unlikely...), at its core this tour provides a relaxed adventure through some of NYC's most historic landmarks. Any guidebook will note the popularity of iconic sites such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Flatiron Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral, F.A.O. Schwartz, Columbus Circle, as well as the many public parks the city thrives on -- Central Park, Washington Square Park, Bryant Park, and Madison Square Park, to name a few. The tour passed by all of these, and we were treated to the rich histories of each site, both on and off the screen, as well as given some tips for how to come back and visit these sites on our own (e.g. to go to the top of the Empire State Building).

St. Patrick's Cathedral is featured in "Spider-man"

Central Park's southwest entrance is featured in "Enchanted," and the park overall is the most filmed location in the world!

For just $42, this tour is a true steal, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the city, especially, of course, if you do happen to be a TV or movie buff. **Special discount for WGINY readers: use promo code "TakeTwo" when you purchase your tickets online to save 10%**

On Location Tours also has other tours tailored to Brooklyn TV and Movie Sites, Central Park TV and Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Sopranos Sites, and Gossip Girl Sites, or combine your "Signature" TV and Movie Sites tour with a visit to Madame Tussaud's or an NBC Studio Tour. After your tour ends, check your tour's "playbill" for tips on how to score free tickets to live tapings in NYC.

Never a dull moment in vibrant Washington Square Park.

Pandora Presents: Portugal. The Man

"Pandora Presents: Portugal. The Man" at Bowery Ballroom

Internet radio sensation, Pandora, recently implemented yet another innovative way to bring music to the masses -- through live "courtesy" concerts geared towards Pandora listeners' preferences. Last night, WGINY attended the second installment of the new concert series, "Pandora Presents," and was treated to an intimate, and totally free, show by "Portugal. The Man" at the Bowery Ballroom.

Pandora Founder, Tim Westergren, Introduces the Show

These guitar-driven, percussion heavy purveyors of rock performed solidly for nearly two hours, and were full of energy, enthusiasm and jamming instrumental solos. So, what's the catch? That's the best part -- there is none! The Bowery Ballroom show was personally introduced by Pandora's founder, Tim Westergren, who described his dream that the "Portugal. The Man" show, and a prior "Dawes" show in Portland, Oregon, would be the first of many "Pandora Presents" concerts, with a goal of creating a "musicians middle class," increasing exposure of featured Pandora bands and making live music more accessible.

Pandora users who received an exclusive invite to the "Portugal. The Man" show included internet radio listeners who had "thumbed up" songs while listening, indicating that they liked similar tunes.

Admittedly, WGINY recently strayed from Pandora and has devoted much music discovery time to the cloud-like site of a competitor. (Thus, I received my "Pandora Presents" invite from a friend...). This type of marketing, however, may be just what Pandora needs to remain a fierce competitor in the wake of sophisticated cloud computing. As I write this, I have myself rediscovered my lost Pandora account. Feeling mellow at this particular moment, I decided to listen to my Okkervil River station, and was instantly reminded why this site has been such a huge success. When you use Pandora enough, it literally learns your tastes, playing songs it thinks you may like, by various artists, including some you may never have heard before. (Case in point -- I now plan to research Pedro The Lion, a band I previously had not heard of, which just came up on my Pandora radio. Just before and after that, my ears were pleased as Pandora pumped out tunes by Elliot Smith, Band of Horses and Noah and the Whale for me).

Want to see "Portgual. The Man" before these Alaska-based boys embark on an Intercontinental tour? Tickets are available for a NYC show this Friday, January 20, at Brooklyn Bowl. (Note: The Brooklyn Bowl show is not affiliated with Pandora).

Jewish Community, Heritage and Culture Come Alive at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

If you have already seen the quintessential NYC museums -- The Met, The MOMA, the Museum of Natural History -- and you are looking for something a little different, yet still quite captivating, head downtown to the Museum of Jewish Heritage, located at 36 Battery Place.

At the MJH, follow the timeline of Jewish history from the late 1800s through the present day as you make your way through the museum's three floors. Beginning on the first floor, step into a rotunda in which a vivid, nine-minute montage introduces Jewish life and culture to visitors. The museum's exhibits then continue, with the first floor examining Jewish life from 1800 to 1930, the second floor presenting the plight of European Jews between 1930 and 1945, and the third floor concluding with the Jewish experience since the end of World War II.

Your journey through this museum is sure to be an emotional one. On the first floor, feel the joy and awe of various Jewish customs and rituals surrounding family milestones such as a wedding or the birth of a child.  Learn how members of Jewish communities interacted with each other and cared for each other, as well as for their "Gentile" neighbors, and how the Jewish population grew and expanded worldwide between 1880 and 1930.

Prepare your tissues for the next floor, however, as you explore intolerance, hatred, Anti-Semitism and the plan for Jewish extermination in the wake of World War II.  Explore the sad truth about how many people, and even world leaders, closed their eyes, and their countries' proverbial gates, to the violent persecution of Jews in Europe in the years leading up to the war and throughout Adolf Hitler's Holocaust.

Nevertheless, despite the devastating experiences of the Jewish ghettos, kristallnacht, and the concentration and death camps, post-war Judaism persevered, and Jewish culture slowly began to thrive again.  On the museum's third floor, see how European Jews began to rebuild their lives.  Learn about the birth of the State of Israel, and come to understand how "the story of Jewish heritage continues ... guided by the same principles that existed before the war -- tradition, community, and justice." (Quote attributed to MJH's Visitor Guide).

The Museum of Jewish Heritage also has rotating special exhibitions.  Due to time constraints, WGINY was only able to explore one of three current exhibits, "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race," which focuses on the controversial practice of, and theories behind, eugenics, especially as it related to the preservation of the "Aryan Race" in the mid 1900s.  Fueled by racism, stereotypes, and pure ignorance, the idea of essentially weeding out all but one superior "Master Race" is chilling.  Make sure to see this exhibit soon, as it only runs through next Monday, January 16, 2012.

In order to have time to see all of the museum's permanent exhibits, as well as the current special exhibits, "Deadly Medicine," "Emma Lazarus: Poet of Exiles," and "Let My People Go! The Soviet Jewry Movement, 1967-1989," allow at least three hours.

The museum is easily accessible via public transportation.  Find information about tickets, including free Wednesday evening access, here.

You Won't Believe It's Tofu at Soy Restaurant!

If you're in the Lower East Side and searching for some fresh, healthy food that's good for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, swing by 102 Suffolk Street (between Delancey and Rivington) and pop into Japanese home-cooking restaurant, Soy. Don't walk too fast, or you just might miss this small, charming restaurant.

Interior of Soy

Able to comfortably seat about ten people, with a handful more at the counter, Soy features dishes made with, you guessed it, soybean, as well as tofu (which actually comes from soybean curds...). However, the menu doesn't stop there. Traditional Japanese homemade plates such as "Niku Jaga," a beef and potato dish (made with real beef...), and "Daizu Gohan," a soybean rice dish, are juxtaposed with comfort foods like croquettes, and inventive items such as edamame cheese rolls and, what is arguably the restaurant's most popular dish among LES residents and visitors, a spicy tuna and avocado bowl that is raved about on food-review sites such as yelp and menupages. Soy is consistently highly rated for both dine-in and neighborhood delivery.

My mouth salivating for the spicy tuna and avocado bowl before I even sat down, I knew I had to try it. Our waiter even expected as much, and guessed I would order the bowl before I could place my order. Thus, despite the title of this post, I actually didn't order any tofu... Glancing over at the specials board while waiting for our food, I wondered whether I should have taken a chance on something new and different, one of the soybean specialities perhaps, or one of the daily changing entrees, which on the day I dined at Soy included Miso Snapper and Garlic Chicken, but I had already placed my order. Nevertheless, my meal indeed left me smiling.

Spicy Tuna and Avocado Bowl at Soy

Served in a warm bowl and beginning with a bed of fluffy white sushi rice (although the restaurant does not actually serve any sushi, owing to the fact that sushi as Americans know it is not a dish many Japanese people cook at home...), followed by a bountiful serving of spicy tuna nestled on top of pieces of creamy avocado, I knew this dish would delight. If you try it, make sure to mix the items in the bowl together to really enjoy the tasty texture of the avocado and spicy tuna melting together in your mouth.

If you like the laid-back, green, tranquil atmosphere of cafes in New Paltz or [insert name of any hippie-college-town here], you'll love the vibe at Soy. The decor is quaintly adorable, if not a bit eccentric, and overall the restaurant/cafe has a very homey feel.

At the end of our meal, I still could not take my eyes off the specials board, and the interesting-sounding desserts like green tea cheesecake or the "I can't believe it's not tofu" pudding, but my dining companion and I had tickets for a show and couldn't stay. If you get to try some of these desserts, please leave a comment.

Daily Specials Board at Soy

Soy apparently goes even beyond just serving food, into the realm of pedagogy, offering Japanese cooking classes with themes such as "Soy Cooking for Clueless," "Everyone Loves Japanese Curry," and "Sushi Master." The three-hour evening classes are only $65 each, and they're limited to six students  to provide a very intimate experience (and, also because the kitchen is really small).

Soy is typically open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm-10pm, Saturdays from 5pm-10pm, and closed Wednesdays and Sundays. Delivery ends 30 minutes before closing time. Check Soy's website for updates, as the restaurant also tends to close on popular holidays like Christmas and New Year's.

Watch the Ball Drop in Times Square Without Standing Outside All Day...

The rumors you've heard about trying to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve are true ... no alcohol allowed, no bathroom breaks unless you want to push your way back through the crowd, heavily monitored by police... And now that it's actually gotten cold outside in NYC, do you really want to stand outside for hours just to get a glimpse of the ball dropping at midnight?

If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, check out the Times Square Alliance's description of the New Year's Eve festivities here. For cool facts about the ball's history and how it is and has been constructed over the years, see here. Some people are lucky enough to have a friend or family member who has either rented a hotel room or works in an office building surrounding Times Square. However, if you're not one of those people, please read on.

While, admittedly, WGINY will be snug and warm at a cozy house party on NYE, watching the ball drop live on TV from a comfy living room, I can offer some suggestions for those of you who want to get out of the house and experience one of the most iconic New Year's celebrations worldwide:

• Buy a ticket for Dave and Buster's New Year's Eve celebration, which gives you access to Times Square (to get to the venue...). Note: D & B does not offer private viewings of the ball drop, but having a ticket for a Times Square venue will help you work your way through crowd control. $75pp+.

• TGIF -- You may be thinking you don't want to spend your NYE at a chain restaurant in NYC, but think again... If you buy a ticket to TGIF's Times Square New Year's Eve party, you can have the opportunity to exit the bar just before midnight, right onto the heart of Times Square, and then re-enter after the ball drops. $220pp+.

• Madame Tussauds -- Spend your evening mingling with famous celebrities, sports figures and politicians, or at least with their wax likenesses... And if you're willing to drop some extra dough on these tickets, you can watch the ball drop from the museum's second floor which overlooks Times Square. $700pp. (Less $$ if you just want to hang at the venue and not have access to the overlook).

• Dream Hotel -- Still pricey, but for less than Madame Tussauds' package, you can buy a ticket that will give you access to a top-floor lounge with views of Times Square. $495pp.  (Less $$ for venue access without view of Times Square). 

• For more ideas on how to get tickets to New Year's Eve events in Times Square, so that you have a legitimate reason to be there, see here. There's a party for every budget! Re-entry is not guaranteed at most of these venues, but if your aim is to get to Times Square, you may be able to accomplish just that...

• A friend's mom gave me the following idea, which I have not personally tried, but which I do trust, and which can save you at least a few hours of freezing outside: buy a ticket for a movie at one of the major movie theaters in Times Square -- either AMC Empire 25 or Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 -- make sure to show your movie ticket to police at showtime, and when the movie ends, walk right out onto prime Times Square area. Although the movies at AMC end pretty early in the day, with the last movies beginning at 3pm, Regal has at least one movie beginning at 6pm on December 31. In other words, you can have food/drink/bathroom access with a Regal movie ticket until at least 8pm in Times Square... 

• Finally, a few years ago, Caroline's, a top-rated comedy club on Broadway, had a special for New Year's Eve where patrons could have the opportunity to come to a late-night comedy show and then spill out onto Times Square just before the ball dropped. It's not clear from their website whether or not Caroline's still offers this. Contact the club directly for details. 

One last side note: I randomly found this event, "Times Scare," while Googling Times Square activities (and I realized it also appears on the link above). It does not appear that the event will offer an actual viewing of the Times Square ball drop (besides on live TV), but it just seems like a super cool idea -- a 6-hour open-bar Halloween-themed haunted masquerade party, and there's even a magic show! 

A True "Nightmare (Before Christmas)" Comes to Life on the Lower East Side

The creators of the critically acclaimed "Nightmare" themed haunted houses (as described in WGINY's Halloween suggestions post) are at it again. Not even two months past the thrills and chills of Halloween, the creative team behind Nightmare brought back, and significantly expanded, a popular nightmarish attraction for a limited time--"The Experiment," originally developed in conjunction with Nightmare's 2011 "Fairy Tales" haunted house, is a 50-minute off-Broadway show where every audience member is a potential, no, a probable, subject.

The show at "Los Kabayitos Laboratorio" ran from December 9-23. Although WGINY did not get to experience "The Experiment" until the night before it closed, I still felt it deserved some recognition here, and by way of this review, I hope that the creators are encouraged to develop more attractions like this, and/or re-open this show for a longer engagement.

According to the creators, "[s]tudies have shown that the anxiety of the holiday season, coupled with seasonal depression, heightens the neurotransmitters associated with feelings of fear," and "The Experiment" exploits "those levels of fear for an adrenaline rushing 50 minutes of twisted holiday pleasure."

This "Nightmare (Before Christmas)" was no kids' show. Rather, the very limits of participants' fears were tested and re-tested in a small, poorly lit lab, controlled by two rather mad scientists. Those who did not do as these stern scientists said, found themselves relegated to a special corner reserved for cowards (and anyone with food or animal allergies was advised to tell the experimenters at the beginning of the show...). Every moment kept the audience on the edge of their seats, or cuddled up in their friends' seats, afraid of what might happen next. If you've ever seen TV's "Fear Factor," then you may have some idea of what audience members experienced during "The Experiment." What do you fear? Pain? The dark? Humiliation? Large flying cockroaches that enjoy burrowing into their prey? Ten tests conducted by the scientists explored these fears and more, using participants from the audience as test subjects.

I definitely left this show with the heebie-jeebies, and a paranoid feeling all the way home that someone, or something, was watching me. Even as I type this, my mind reverts back to the fear I experienced at this show just two nights ago, of the terrifying and revolting things I saw (and didn't see...) that made me cower and cringe.

Glancing at the time now, it looks as though this will post just in time to actually be up the night before Christmas... so, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Mwuahahahaha....

WGINY on Vacation

WGINY is leaving this suddenly cold New York weather for sunnier skies. Look for new posts at the end of December.

Meanwhile, my music enthusiasts should check out these events:

Brooklyn Night Bazaar, December 15-17, at 149 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. Tickets for James Murphy (of the late, great LCD Soundsystem...), Fucked Up, and The Hold Steady can be purchased here.

DJ Jonathan Toubin Benefit, Friday, December 16, at Brooklyn Bowl, featuring the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bear in Heaven, and more.

Parisian Favorite Comes to New York City

Saturday Evening Service at Le Relais de Venise NYC

Recently, upon the recommendation of a trusted co-worker and friend, I was excited to dine at
"Le Relais de Venise "L’Entrecôte", a Parisian restaurant she had first stumbled upon while traveling in Europe. She told me of how an extravagantly long line and the fierce aroma of fresh steak drew her in to the restaurant's original location in Paris. When she learned of a new New York branch, she did not dare dream that it could hold a candle to the original, but she found that it was just as hearty and fulfilling. Of course, WGINY had to give it a try... 

First Course = Salad 

The handful of worldwide locations of "L’Entrecôte," as it is often referred to, all have no menu. No menu is necessary as the only meal served is steak and frites. As soon as you walk into the New York branch, your senses are overpowered by the satiating scent of sizzling steak. (Don't worry vegetarians, there are some exceptions made for you...). Your first course is a simple salad mixed with walnuts and topped with a mustard-vinaigrette dressing that has just enough kick to keep it interesting. 

"Steak and Frites"

At some point, a waitress, who is most likely a young, pretty female styled in "French Maid" attire, will visit your table and ask each member of your party how s/he likes his or her steak cooked. There are only three options -- rare, medium or well -- no in betweens allowed. Although the restaurant says that the main course of "steak and frites" is served in two portions, it is really more like one regular-sized plate of steak and frites followed by a very small second helping of steak and some more frites. Nevertheless, the steak is absolutely superb. Entrecôte is a French term meaning a "premium cut of beef" (Source: Wikipedia), and there is no doubt that this steak is of premium quality.


As you bite into each tender morsel of the sliced steak, what will really make you swoon is the "secret sauce." That's right, according to the restaurant's maitre'd, the sauce is made from a true secret recipe known to only four living persons in the world. I did try to ask a variety of waitresses if they could reveal any ingredients, but each one responded that she herself did not know how the sauce was made. Apparently, the base of the sauce for all for all of the restaurant locations is made in France, shipped out to the other branches, and then finally mixed fresh at each individual location. You will definitely want to lap this sauce up by the spoonful, even when the steak is all gone. It also makes a good dipping sauce for the frites, which, while served traditionally thin and crispy, could use a touch more salt and/or pepper. There is also homemade mustard on each table. Add a dollop to your steak every so often if you like things spicy.

Wine and Coffee Bar 

While enjoying your meal, be sure to also check out the wine list. Although the options are fairly limited, each bottle has been chosen to pair perfectly with your dinner, and since full bottles start at only $23.95, there is no excuse not to order one.


Finally, you will also want to peruse the 16 or so dessert options to round out your Parisian dining experience. If you don't speak French, call over a waitress to describe the desserts for you, as the printed list does not include English descriptions.

After much debate, my dining companions and I settled on two sweets -- a classic creme brulee, and what we were told was the house specialty, "Le Vacherin de Relais," a tower of meringue layered with vanilla and hazelnut ice cream, drowned in hot fudge and topped with whipped cream. The latter was actually a bit too rich for my tastes, but the creme brulee was divine. The caramelized top tasted like the crispy skin of a freshly roasted marshmallow, and the thick, sweet cream underneath the sugar-coated top was heavenly.


I can honestly say that my friend's recommendation for Le Relais de Venise "L’Entrecôte" was spot on. I enjoyed a wonderful, fun meal in an atmosphere that sought to transport me to Paris from the moment I arrived. 

Note that "L’Entrecôte" does not accept reservations, so plan accordingly. The New York branch of Le Relais de Venise "L’Entrecôte" is located at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 57th Street. A full meal of salad and two portions of steak and steak and frites costs $25.95 per person. Drink and dessert options can be found here.