LowLine

LowLine Rendering

Have you heard about the LowLine or the Delancey Underground project? It is the opposite of the HighLine. What do I mean? Underneath New York City's Delancey Street is an abandoned train station being re-imagined into a spectacular park.

I love the this idea! It is so unexpected and innovative. It will be a great addition to the Lower East Side (where I grew up). I'm so excited about this. I hope the vision of architect James Ramsay, executive Dan Barasch, and money manager R. Boykin Curry IV is made into a reality.

For more information and to view the full photo gallery to go In Habitat New York City. To donate to this amazing cause click here. Also Mark Miller Gallery in the Lower East Side is showing an exhibit entitled Let There Be Light - A preview of the LowLine Park. On display now until April 29th.

Bar Hopping: Lower East Side

I love love hanging out in the Lower East Side (Manhattan) its the best place to go out in New York City as you can easily hop around during one night and hit up 3-5 places easy! You can even do more if you are feeling ambitious.

Last week on Friday a friend was visiting from out-of-town and we went to five places!  We started off in my neighborhood and had dinner at Cafe Habana, had a couple of drinks at Sweet and Vicious, headed over to Happy Ending (we were too early, it was empty), danced at bobBar, and ended the night at Back Room.  It was so fun.  My friend had a blast and so did I.

On any particular night you can head over to this neighborhood and have a good time. There are so many places you can go to; a recent yelp search brought up 69 bars all within walking distance of each other (Five block radius)! I went through the list and narrowed it down to my 15 go-to places.

Cocktail lounges - Upscale/pricey

1. The Back Room: Is a speakeasy - so it is hidden.  To find it look for a staircase leading you underground - walk through the tunnel, go up the stairs and Voila!  Drinks are served in a teacups and beers are served in paperbags.  There is a hidden room in the back, try to find it.
   102 Norfolk St between Rivington and Delancy St
2. Beauty and Essex: The second floor has a nice bar/ lounge area. Drinks are good and pricey and the appetziers are really good.
   146  Essex St btween Rivington and Stanton St
3. Stanton Social: Same owner/chef as Beauty and Essex, same deal.
   99 Stanton St between Ludlow and Orchard St
4. Above Allen at Thompson Hotel: Great views of Manhattan from the northend.
   190 Allen St between Stanton and Houston Ste
5. Chloe 81: Another speakeasy.
   81 Ludlow St between Broome and Delancy St

Bars

1. Verlaine: 110 Rivington St between Essex and Ludlow St
2. Spitzers Corner: 101 Rivington between Essex and Ludlow St
3. The Skinny: 174 Orchard St between Stanton and Houston St
4. Jadis: 42 Rivington St between Allen and Forsyth St

Club/Bar

1. Fat Baby: 112 Rivington St between Essex and Ludlow St
2. Libation: 137 Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton St
3. Pianos: 158 Ludlow St between Rivington and Statnton St
4. Darkroom: 165 Ludlow St between Stanton and Houston St
5. bob Bar: 235 Eldridge St between Stanton and Houston St
6. Happy Ending: 302 Broome St Eldridge and Forsyth

Trains:
F, J, M to Essex/Delancy St
F, V to Second Avenue

  Mixed drinks in teacups at The Back Room

Click here for a map of the neighborhood and all the locations.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato

If you are ever in the Lower East Side you must stop into this "laboratorio" and try the gelato or my favorite the sorbet. I was there last night and ordered a scoop of watermelon and another of honeydew sorbet. It was like eating the actual fruit. The flavors tasted so natural and refreshing; I almost got another two scoops (but a girl can't go too crazy with calories in this city).

While on my way out I got a glimpse of how the mango sorbet is made. I didnt see much because it was hot out and it was going to rain but they use actual fruit! Amazing!

95 Orchard St - Original location
Between Delancy and Broome Sts

188 Ludlow St - home of the Laboratorio
Corner of East Houston St
http://www.laboratoriodelgelato.com/

Beauty and Essex

Tonight I dined at Beauty and Essex.  I have been fan of Stanton Social for years and upon hearing of this new restaurant in the Lower East Side I was very excited. Chris Santos has outdone himself.  The menu is composed of small plates; perfect for sharing.  Great place to go on a date.  To find a date; I suggest you go if you are a guy. While checking out who was there it seemed like every single girl in NYC was there in her best downtown-chic garb.  The decor is luxurious with chandeliers at very turn, and just when you think it can't get any better you are handed a complimentary glass of champagne in the wash room. Stop by the lounge upstairs before or after dinner, very cool.


146 Essex Street
Between Clinton and Stanton Streets
http://www.beautyandessex.com/