Greetings.  Would like to ask the help of anyone from New York City.

I'm planning a vacation there next week (staying in midtown Manhattan)
and am looking for recommendations for fun/interesting things to do in
NYC and places to eat 'outside' the obvious (i.e. Statue of Liberty,
Empire State Bldg., broadway shows, etc.).

Restaurant recommendations don't have to be fancy/expensive, just good
food.  Could even be 'hole-in-the-wall' places, just as long as the
neighborhood is safe.

Was trying to do a little research on the Net, but I keep coming up
with the same recommendations (which is why I'm looking for things
'outside' the obvious).

Many thanks for your help/comments.

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Clarification of Question by respree-ga on 17 Jun 2003 14:00 PDT

boy, my typing sucks. =(  Sorry

Typo corrections on my previous comment:

"I'm 'not' really picky..."

"Bobby Flay..."

"I live in Los Angeles..."

---

Clarification of Question by respree-ga on 17 Jun 2003 15:32 PDT

Thanks again, one and all.  Hey, somebody take the $10, will ya?  I'm
feeling guilty at all this information I'm getting for
free...although, I'm loving the spirit of you New Yawkers! =)

Since Google Answers has been around for a while, I figured that we
might have gotten this kind of question before, along with a five-star
answer.  And indeed, we have:

"Q: Visiting New York City"
Google Answers
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=57432

"Q: 'Sight-Seeing in NYC for Europeans'"
Google Answers
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=70438

So you might want to ask easterangel-ga for more ideas, since he has
some experience with this sort of question.  I am originally from Long
Island, and visit the City from time to time, so I might be able to
help you too.  And perhaps we have an NYC resident, employee, or
frequent visitor among us who will have some ideas.

A couple of out of the way places but still my favorites:
http://www.metmuseum.org/events/ev_cloisters.asp

After midnight, a nice stroll on the Brooklyn Promenade:  (safe neighborhood)
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/0021036681.html

Here are few NYC links:
http://manhattan.com
http://nyc.com
http://newyork.com
http://www.gawker.com/index.html
http://www.chowhound.com/boards/boards.html

Have a great trip, Garrick!
V

Don't miss the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden
Planetarium. Educational, fascinating, and fun. Just like Google
Answers. ;-)

Take a roundtrip ride on the Staten Island Ferry -- good, cheap, funky sightseeing.

A great somewhat out-of-the-box museum is the Frick Museum
http://www.frick.org/. Less museum-y than most, I've found.
Great restraunts are far too many to list, and with many different
price ranges.  Restaurants are hard to recommend, as there are so many
variables (what types of food do you want, price willing to pay,
atmosphere desired, etc).  If you want to give me some hints, I'll be
happy to make some recomendations.
Also, http://newyork.citysearch.com lists events for particular days
that you can sort by category.  It is also a great resteraunt
reference, and I find that the reviews are usually on target (as long
as it's from multiple users).
As far as the neighborhood being safe, as long as you stay below 130th
street (and usually even if you don't) you should consider yourself
safe, although you should always be aware of your surroundings and use
common sense.
If the weather is nice, The Boathouse in Central Park is a nice place
for lunch (the view, not necessarily the food, that is).  Also, you
can visit the farmer's market in Union Square on the weekend.
If you're feeling a little adventurous, I would also recommend
visiting Chinatown (downtown on the east side).  Stopping in a local
"hole in the wall" for dim-sum is also fun and delicious.  The sights
(and smells) of this neighborhood are often overlooked by tourists,
but it really is something to see.
A lot really depends on what you're into.  If you want to tell us the
way you typically lean, I can offer some more suggestions.
I hope this helps, and I know you'll have *THE BEST* time in our
wonderful city, whatever your tastes. That's what makes it so great!

The Harp and Eagle in Queens serves a very cold - frosty beer. So I hear.

Thanks so much to all for the generous answers provided so far.  I
realize now my question was a bit too open ended, so...

To provide more info on my preferences;

Food: I like any type of good food, any price range is fine.  I'm live
in Los Angeles so we can pretty much get most types of ethic food, but
some unusual (and good) ethnic food would be nice (excluding Japanese,
Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai, cause I know what they taste like). How
about Russian, Soul Food, Italian, Southwestern, etc.?  I watch the
food channel a lot, so I was wondering if any of the chefs that have
television (cooking) shows also have a restaurant in NYC (i.e. Emeril
Lagasse, Mario Batali, Bobby Flaw, Iron Chef Morimoto, Ming Tsai,
etc.) where I might sample their cuisine.

Museums: Would like to visit one large museum, fine art (maybe
something that could keep us busy for 1/2 to a full day).

Places: Any trendy (wierd/unusual) people-watching type places or
shopping areas?  Or a recommendation for a particular tour of the
city?  Or something television related (maybe watching a taping of a
show)? Nice Jazz club?

Age: I'm not that young any more (although, not yet walking with a
cane), so I'm not really into the night club scene.

I'm really picky or on a tight budget and but anything fun will do.

Hope the clarification helps narrow the recommendations for subsequent
comments posted.

Thanks again. =)

For fine art, you really should visit two museums.
One is the Frick, as noted in an earlier comment.  The Frick is the
robber baron's former 5th Avenue home, furnished as it was including
the dozens of masterpieces on the walls.  You can see it all in a
couple of hours if you're short on time.
http://www.frick.org/html/vtmnf.htm

The other is the New York Metropolitan Museum, one of the world's
great collections.  Much more than you can see in a day, and you may
need to choose among european paintings, a wonderful collection of
Oriental work, other art of the ancient world, a big Impressionist
section, etc.
http://www.metmuseum.org/visitor/vi_fl_english.htm
A little known tip about the Met:  The posted ticket price is only a
suggestion.  If you don't wish to pay the stated $12 per person,
simply tell the cashier how much you'd like to pay.  You'll receive
the same admission button regardless....

The Metropolitan can't really be appreciated in a one-day visit. How
about the Guggenheim? One of the neatest buildings anywhere, and an
excellent collection.

http://www.guggenheim.org/new_york_index.html

Agree, Frick and the Guggenheim are excellent museum choices and the
Met can be overwhelming in one trip.  MoMA is another one I'd hate for
you to overlook.  Take comfy shoes!

Mario Batali:
http://eatdrink.timeoutny.com/articles/399.ftreaderschoice.php

Gray Line Tours:
http://www.graylinenewyork.com/sightseeing.cfm

Jazz:
http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/index.shtml
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7117734
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7121521

Rainbow Room:
http://www.cipriani.com/cipriani/Events/Conventions/conventions.htm

Rock Junket:
http://www.rockjunket.com/highlights.html

Sylvia's:
http://www.sylviassoulfood.com

M&G Soul Food Diner:
http://www.drumcall.com/html/drumcall_restaurants.html

Here are some hotels if you're not fixed for accommodations yet:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=216098

http://www.dylanhotel.com
http://www.hotelchelsea.com
http://www.lowellhotel.com
http://www.peninsula.com/experience
http://www.casablancahotel.com

Alright, now I've got something to work with!
Food:
Indian: Nirvana (Central Park South).  A FANTASTIC Indian food
experience.  A very romantic beautiful setting to enjoy, overlooking
all of Central Park.  Somewhat pricey, and probably more comfortable
with a spouse/significant other.
More casual Indian: Baluchi's (Many locations).
Sushi: Yama (3 locations) or Tomoe Sushi (NOHO/Thompson Street) ALWAYS
a line outside, and that's because it's delicious AND affordable.
Again, Chinatown for Dim-Sum is a great choice, and probably different
than the Chinese you're used to eating.
Korean Bar-b-q: Woo Lae Oak (SOHO/Mercer St) Self-cooked (with
assistance) at your table.  This restraunt is a fairly trendy scene-y
crowd, with good food.  For more casual Korean food, try Kum Gang San
(32nd St (little Korea) or Do Wha (West Village on Carmine).
Malaysian: Penang (multiple locations) is a nice casual restraunt (you
can reserve a "tent" for ~5 or more at the 2nd Ave/82ns St Location). 
Food is very good.
Dessert: Magnolia Bakery (Bleeker St) is a great place for a late
night snack and coffee.

For good people watching during the day, SOHO and the West Village
both have countless cafes and eateries (many with outdoor seating),
and you really can't go wrong.
Anyplace in the West Village will provide ample opportunity to see the
"out of the ordinary".

Jazz: Again, the West Village is the place to be. Arthur's Tavern is a
standout, as well as Small's (10th Street).  Either will be a
knockout.  Also to be mentioned is the Cotton Club in Harlem (125th
Street) (Don't worry, it's safe).

Also, for seeing art, SOHO has a number of galleries, and many of the
boutiques are works of art in themselves, in addition to the many
talented street vendors.

You can probably investigate any or all of these further on
citysearch.
I hope this gives you some good ideas.

If you have any questions on any specifics, please ask.  If you think
of something in particular that suits your fancy, post it on here.

NY Waterway also has nice boat tours, and you can take one to a
baseball game for a nice full-day activity.

The hop-on hop-off bus tours are also advised, though some are better
than others, and I don't know which ones they are.

A walking tour of Greenwich Village will also make you forget you're
in NYC, as well as the West Side's beautifully redone, just re-opened
waterfront (Runs ~57th Street all the way to South St. Seaport).  You
can rent a bicycle for a nice self-tour along the water.

Hope you enjoy all of this!

As previously mentioned, www.citysearch.com is a terrific resource.
And chowhound.com, too, where all the foodies hang out and state their
faves.  Be sure to click on the section for "New York."

You can log onto Zagat.com and read reviews of all types of
restaurants.
Invaluable.  

If you like Bobby Flay, you might want to try his restaurant, MESA
GRILL,
which is a lot of fun.   102 5th Avenue, downtown...212 807-7400. 
Open
for brunch and dinner.  Check out his website:  www.mesagrill.com

And if you like incredible guacamole and pretty good Mexican in a more
upscale setting.There's ROSA MEXICANO...one near Lincoln Center and
one on 1st Avenue.   They make it right at your table in the stone
grinder bowls -- divine.

Or. . .and ignore the crazed bar scene in the front, make reservations
at DOS CAMINOS.  Again, great guac made tableside and really good
food.
There's a DOS CAMINOS at 373 Park Ave. So. (between 26-th & 27th
Street).
212 244-1000.   Or One down in Soho  475 Broadway.  212 277-4300.

Respree, 

I also recommend the Met, as well as the Guggenheim (fab!) and MoMA.
The Closter should be also extremely interesting - a reconstruction of
a closter not far away from Yeshiva University.

Regarding your TV question, I remember that you can arrange to see an
NBC show at: http://www.nbc.com/nbc/footer/Tickets.shtml

As for restaurants, I am sure that a New Yorker would do better than
me, but I remember from my own trip (which was ages ago) that you
could go to see the Cotton Club and get there real "Soul Food".

MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art) is closed for renovation.
Highlights of the collection are on display in Queens.
http://www.moma.org/visit_moma/momaqns/index.html

If you like jazz, I came across something during a midtown stroll that
may be of interest to you. The Iridium at Broadway and 51st St. offers
a jazz brunch on Sundays, featuring the very cool Bob Dorough, for
just $21.95. Check it out at www.iridiumjazzclub.com, where you can
also buy tickets in advance.
Have fun!

Hi Garrick,

Author Neil Gaiman had a lovely link in his journal today:

Forgotten New York
http://forgotten-ny.com/

If you have time to explore while you're in NYC, you might want to
explore some of the places noted there - be sure to take your camera!

Iron Chef Morimoto got his US start at NYC's very fashionable Nobu:

Nobu
http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/Restaurants/nobu/Nobu%20Main.htm

He's not there anymore (having opened his own *incredible* restaurant
in Philadelphia a year and a half ago), but his influence is still
apparent in the menu.  If you go, try the Toro Tartare - I sampled
this at Morimoto, and it's to die for.

--Missy

To: justaskscott-ga, v, pinkfreud, ewek1, pafalafa, sgtcory, richard,
cryptica, politicalguru, scribe, and missy.

Boy, I'm overwhelmed at all the complimentary suggestions.  Its
evident you take great pride in your city.  Am looking forward to my
visit.  Thanks so much for the time spent.  Looks like I'll have
plenty to do on my trip (thanks to you), and virtually no time to
spend appreciating my over-priced hotel room [14% room tax, geez
louise]. =)

...some late entries...

Russian Vodka Room
http://www.rvrclub.com

Babbo
http://www.babbonyc.com

Carnegie Hall
http://www.carnegiehall.org/calendar.jsp?uuid=C5E9CE6E607523E-9917018080009630&selecteddate=06282003
The JVC NY Jazz Festival on the 28th sounds mighty tasty.  Nothin'
like hearin' these cats woo this particular venue. The acoustics are
fabulous!

IN New York
http://www.in-newyorkmag.com/pages/contest.htm

TV Tapings
http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=376

Museum Page
http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagepkey=957

Tours/Attractions
http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagepkey=958

Etc.
http://www.in-nyc.com/tv

Theater Mania
http://www.theatermania.com

Museum of Sex
http://nycsex.museumofsex.com

Virtual Tourist
http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt

...no, it wasn't too late. Still trying to visit all the recommended
site as we speak...

Thanks for the interesting links, V.

Like pafalafa-ga would do (maybe), one of my New York choices would be
to take the Staten Island ferry (which is a free, 24-hour service,
seven days a week). Would also like to walk around the South Street
Seaport area (is it nearby? I don't know), enjoy the buildings and
sniff the sea! Visit St Patrick's Cathedral on Wall Street, and walk
around that area (Wall Street, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue). So far
this is all very standard tourist stuff: South Street is one of the
top five tourist spots in NY.

In addition, would visit one or two of the super-trendy hotels with
incredible lobbies, designed by Ian Schrager or Philippe Starck. The
Hudson, for example:

  "Entering the Hudson is a literally transporting experience. A
30-foot chartreuse glass tunnel escalates you from the city's grimy
streets into a massive lobby of 40-foot glass ceilings, tumbling
vines, a broad front desk of oak carved to connote an old gnarled
tree, and a 56-arm crystal chandelier."
   http://travel.boston.com/stories/061001_ny_schrager.html
 
I'm also very interested in the whole "Upper East Side" thing -- the
idea of an American self-defined aristocracy seen in movies like
"Cruel Intentions" and "Six Degrees of Separation," so would take a
walk along the east side of Central Park ... and listen. And maybe
continue walking into Harlem, and take in some rap poetry, or a
reading.