San Genaro's Feast 2012

Once again the streets of Little Italy, Nolita, and a bit of Chinatown has been invaded by the Feast of San Gennaro. This year marks the 86th year for the festival and for all the years I've been around they have the usual staples: sausage and peppers, cannoli's, zeppoles, pizza, pasta and what feels like millions of people; this year is no different.

There is excitement in the air and you can have fun and will find some inventive foods, freshly rolled cigars, rides, games, and even some art. Definitely worth a trip if you have never been or even if you have.

Now until September 23rd.

Bar Hopping - Bryant Park

Its the unofficial start to Autumn today and many are saddened that the evenings spent outside are now a thing of the past or at least until next summer. Let me tell you it isn't so! Autumn is the best time of year! I love it. The weather is cool and crisp yet warm enough where you can still spend time outdoors comfortably. The weather will be glorious until at least the end of October. Be sure to not hibernate too soon.

A great place to go is Bryant Park. Last week I met up with some co-workers at the Bryant Park Cafe for an afterwork drink. We were having a great time as we had prime real-estate by the bar but one of my colleague's insisted that if we went to the Bryant Park Grill it would be more fun because it was a rooftop. Reluctantly, we left for greener pastures. The Bryant Park Grill rooftop is very nice and it does have a nice over head view of the park but we didn't have great real-estate by the bar and could not get a table. We stayed for one drink and were once again on the move to for the Bryant Park - Southwest Porch. Which happens to be my favorite spot in Bryant Park. It feels like going out to a friend's backyard. There are swings, rockers, adirondack chairs, and power outlets just incase you need to charge your phone. The good part is you do not have to buy anything from the bar to hang out there but you will need skill in scoring a comfortable spot.

Live instagram feed of Bryant Park

Gallow Green above Sleep No More

I couldn't resist immediately making a reservation for Gallow Green the day after receiving the invitation above from the McKittrick Hotel. I opted for 8pm on Friday night. Upon walking into the rooftop bar it felt like walking into a secret garden where the hostessess have names such as Firefly and Clover and the mixologists and staff all have a 1930's 1940's vibe to them. A DJ plays a mix of lounge-y relaxed music. It is a really pretty and romantic place; great for a date. Making a reservation requires a $20 advance purchase and is applied towards your tab. Drinks are priced at about $14 each. The house cocktail list includes "Damned Spot" and "Third Degree". They also offer a variety of punches for 2, 4, and 6 people. Click here to view pictures of Gallow Green. Located at 542 West 27th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Click here for my post on Sleep No More.

NYC's Largest Block Party - Museum Mile

In under one week on June 12th from 6pm - 9pm ten of New York City's greatest museums will be open to all free of charge! I attended the Museum Mile festival a few years ago and thought it was a great way to browse museums like the Neue Galerie New York or the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution which I had never even heard of. It is also fun to just walk along Fifth Avenue from 82nd Street to 105th Street and see what events are taking place on the streets. It is one big cultural block party complete with music and entertainment for children and adults.

The Highline

Have you been to the Highline yet? If not; make the time and get over there.  Since the Highline reopened as a park in 2009 it has become a major tourist attraction and with good reason. First of all it is a great concept: make something beautiful and unexpected (public park with lovely greenery) out of something ugly (decrepit train tracks). Second, the Highline has added much needed green-space to an area which never would have gotten it without the innovative design. And third, it is a great place to people watch and photograph!

This is a live photo stream with the #highline hashtag from Instagram:


The Highline has also partnered up with chefs and restauranteurs that create food that is thoughtful, creative, and interesting and it is offered right on the Highline. Click here to see the current partners.

The last few times I went to the Highline I had lunch at Artichoke Basille's Pizza. They have a delicious, can you guess? artichoke pizza! It is conveniently located across the street from the West 18th Street entrance. After you eat the pizza you walk off the extra calories.

The Highline is open daily from 7am to 11pm
It is wheelchair accessible
For more information click here

Dos and Don'ts of a Successful Book Club via 21cWoman

Top 10 Dos and Don’ts of a Successful Book Club (via 21C Woman)

Everyone loves a good book. From a formal meeting at your local library or town hall to a relaxed get-together with friends, book clubs are the perfect way to indulge in your love of reading and share those cherished stories with others. Just bear in mind these important rules to ensure that everyone…

In case you were wondering that is me in the center! My book club has been around since 2007 and it is still going strong. We are friends and friends of friends that meet every 6 - 8 weeks to discuss the current book selection, catch up, and enjoy each other's company. To see what I'm currently reading check out the GoodReads box in the sidebar.