16 Followers
fun things to do in NYC.
besides eating and drinking. although, drinking might be a good idea anyway.
66 Places
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Peter’s 5-star review: There is absolutely nothing more exhilarating than embarrassing yourself on the soccer field with water all around you, and the downtown Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. I am absolutely grateful that, thanks to NYC Footy,* I can spend my Sunday afternoons coughing and wheezing and trying not to vomit on the gorgeous turf. Evidently, this pier is only going to get better when the concession stands open for the summer. I can only imagine how wonderful it will be to get something delicious to eat before I stumble -- a broken, exhausted man -- past the lovely little dog park on the way to one of the bars on Atlantic where I will drown my sorrows of athletic incompetence in alcohol. I love this pier. I love this field. I love living near Brooklyn Bridge Park. _____________ *http://www.nycfooty.com/: Easily my favorite of the casual co-ed leagues I've been a part of in NYC. -
Peter’s 4-star review: And the Award for Best/Most Offensive Joke Goes To: "Spinach is a lot like anal sex; if you're forced to have it as a child, chances are you won't enjoy it as an adult." I love stand-up. Even when it's bad, it's good. Sure there's a two-drink minimum, but I know you, and you were going to have at least seven anyway. Fucking lush. Oh, and fill out the comment cards. Seriously. They'll send you free tickets, and who doesn't love free shit? -
Peter’s 5-star review: Jimmy Demaret once said, "Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at." Well, he's never played shuffleboard. I know this because I am AWFUL at shuffleboard. (Perhaps it has something to do with the vast quantity of liquor I seem to have consumed every single time I end up playing.) And I love it. Or maybe I just love The Royal Palms...I can't decide. You'd be hard pressed to have a bad time here, unless you're one of those people that hates good cocktails, hospitable service, great music,* fun, etc. Some advice for you, if you decide to go: 1. Be prepared to wait (read: drink). Other people want to play shuffleboard, too. 2. Bring friends. Everything is better with friends, including waiting/shuffleboard. 3. Get some food from the food truck in the bay. Food is good. 4. Before you drunkenly ask a beautiful lady if she wants to play shuffleboard with you, you might want to inquire if she's married first (or at least check for a ring). Because it's rude to tell her to walk away when she belatedly realizes that you're not interested in her shuffleboard skills. And be smaller, so if/when her husband belatedly realizes you were rude to her, he can fight you instead of passive aggressively writing about it in his inevitable Yelp review. While it's a mystery to me how someone wouldn't enjoy this joint, I have heard that The Royal Palms isn't everyone's scene. One of our group did lament, "It's SOOOOOOO straight in here." But as last Saturday proved, booze, food, and shuffleboard can combat any issues with straightness. (I'm not sure that sounded right.) ______________ *You want to be there when El Jefe is on the ones and twos. He brings the party. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Brooklyn Botanic Garden. By the Numbers. 8: dollars for adult admission. 4: dollars you pay if you carry around your college ID 4 years after graduation. 0: dollars you pay for admission on Tuesdays. 100: percentage of BBG visits I have enjoyed. 13: rough number of bonsai trees that rock my world. 17: pictures of the cherry blossoms I took during my last visit. 2: good pictures of the cherry blossoms I took during my last visit. 1: times my brother has pushed me into the Japanese Pond. 3: total number of times my brother has tried to drown me. 19: years since his last attempt. 97: percentage chance that children like me and my brother are the reason you can no longer walk directly next to the Japanese Pond. -
Peter’s 4-star review: I saw the Rebirth Brass Band at BB King's last week. The show was DOPE. There was an amazing vibe all night. It wasn't the Maple Leaf on a Tuesday, but there was definitely a New Orleans flavor in the air. By the end of the show, the stage was packed with dancing girls that the band pulled up on stage, a guy wearing a Reggie Bush jersey was cripwalking around (he even incorporated a chair into his dance routine*), and old men in pimp suits were out in full force. Trust Rebirth to bring out the best. The good thing about BB King's is that no matter what kind of concert-goer you are, there's a spot just for you: (And since we all love multiple-choice questions, see if you can guess which category I fall in.) A. If you're that hardcore fan that wants to push up to the front where you can basically touch the band and dance your ass off the whole set, you can go down in the pit. B. If you're a little more laid back...perhaps a bit older, you can grab a booth or a table around the edges, order some food, enjoy the table service and do that awkward dancing-in-your-seat thing. C. If you LOVE the band, but have a borderline alcohol problem, you can stand by the bar in the back and dance clumsily in between shots. D. If you see a girl you may or may not have slept with and subsequently avoided for three years, you can hide in the bathroom until she goes back to her table. There's an attendant who will laugh at you, but he is ultimately willing to help keep a lookout because you tipped him the last time you were in there. E. If you're wearing the shirt of the band you're going to go see...don't be that guy. Just don't. Tricked you. I did a little bit of everything. Except 'E' of course. Oh yeah, and 'D'. That wasn't me either. What kind of guy do you think I am? As far as the tables go, it's community seating. When the waitress tried to seat us next to some random dudes, one of my friends (let's call him Kyle) said, "Uh, no. Can't you seat us next to some hot girls?" After giving him a long look (in which she made no effort to conceal her hatred), she sat us down with two pleasant, thirtysomething women. Kyle greeted them by saying, "THANK GOD she sat us next to the hot girls." He's my smoothest friend. They didn't even seem to mind that 33.3% of his stories began with, "So every time I get a hooker..." I think he took them BOTH back to his place after the show. Or maybe he passed out on the train and ended up out by Coney Island. I can't remember which. Drinks: expensive (but not surprising in Times Square). $10 for well vodka. Food: Didn't eat, so I can't say. Prices looked a little steep though. Kyle had the cheesecake, and finished it in a minute flat. But that doesn't mean it's exceptional cheesecake, it just means he's a disgusting animal. *I've been practicing this, and I'm ALMOST ready to bust it out in public. Ship me an email if you think I can pull it off. -
Peter’s 4-star review: I always knew ping-pong was cool. I'm just not sure if the ladies of my high school did, because for some reason they didn't respond to my studly spinning prowess (or anything else I did, really). Well, SPiN has done it. They've made table tennis sexy, and not just with the shirts proclaiming that Balls Are Their Business. Let us count the other ways: 1. They've got a DJ spinning Biggie, Pun, and Ms. Mary J. 2. They've got a guy manning the coat check wearing a NKOTB visor. 3. They are unconscionably overcharging for mediocre food and disgusting sounding drinks. All right, so the last one doesn't sound that great, but you probably shouldn't be coming here to eat. And if you really want to drink $9 cans of Sixpoint and horrifically sweet cocktails, that's your prerogative (if you want a decent bourbon, it's going to run you $14, and a club soda will cost you $3), but you probably want to stay light on your feet. Because if there's three things I've learned at SPiN, they are these: 1. I'm not as good at ping pong as I used to be. 2. I was never as good at ping pong as I thought I was. 3. I will never be as good at ping pong as a guy that brings a change of clothes to play. Seriously, some of these guys are the illest ping-pongers I've ever seen. I could actually just sit there and watch them play and be completely entertained, which is probably why they get to play on that center table where all the guys want to be with them, and all the girls want to be them. (Did I mix that up?) So sure, everything is overpriced, including the tables. But there are guys who go around and do nothing but pick up the balls for you...and for us lazy bastards, that means there isn't a better place to play pong anywhere in the city. Come out, work on your game, and you can aspire to greatness. For instance, someday I'm going to be that creep shuffling in, bald AND long-haired with a potbelly, carrying my own paddle (that I've named) in its sheepskin lined case. A guy can dream, can't he? -
Peter’s 5-star review: It doesn't even matter if you like soccer or not; if you like fun, you should recruit 18 of your closest friends and buy tickets in Section 101 (the supporter section) of Red Bull Arena. Last Saturday I did just that, and $20 bought me the best live sports experience I've had in years, watching from right behind the net as the Red Bulls clinched their postseason berth. Although I had a seat, I don't think I used it once throughout the entire game. No one in the entire section did. Everyone was too busy (fueled by big, $9 beers and Red Bull spirit) chanting, singing, flag-waving, trumpeting, tromboning, drumming, lighting flares and jumping around arm-in-arm until the stadium shook. One guy brought a megaphone and I don't think he looked at the field once; he just led the rest of us in songs to support the squad. My favorite, to the tune of Frère Jacques: We are Red Bulls, we are Red Bulls; Piss on you. Piss on you. You have no cojones, you have no cojones; Ours are huge, ours are huge. And they are. __________ The only drawback of the entire evening was using the strange, bowl-like urinals. Which in itself was fine, as the restrooms were quite clean. However, the whole experience took an uncomfortable turn when the two guys next to me started commenting on each others' streams, and how the color of their urine indicated one of them was quite dehydrated. -
Peter’s 5-star review: This is my favorite cinema in the neighborhood.* It's not just because they have a carefully curated selection of films that includes: -topical local selections (think Central Park Five) -excellent indies (think Fruitvale Station) -nostalgic favorites (think The Secret of Nimh, Enter the Dragon) -things you didn't know existed but might enjoy (think Live Action Puppet Shorts) -the mainstream flicks you actually want to see (think Wolf of Wall Street or Inside Llewyn Davis) It's also because the cinemas here are actually clean, civilized places. If I was to drop my jacket on the floor here I would pick it up, rather than assume it was lost forever, permanently stuck there by a horrifying amalgam of soda residue and bodily fluids. Also, the online ticket purchase/pickup is so quick and painless. I don't understand why I pay a surcharge for something that's easier for everyone involved, but I do like never having to speak to an actual person. The worst things you might encounter here are (1) pretentiousness and (2) a pothead knocking over a Wet Floor sign, and the painfully awkward laughter that ensues. The former people usually keep to themselves though. And the latter...wasn't me. I swear. ____________ *And by "neighborhood" I also mean the surrounding four neighborhoods or so. Really, almost anywhere except for the Nitehawk. And maybe the Sunshine. -
Peter’s 5-star review: When I walk around this park, I hear this song on loop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk0dBZ1meio It's not just because I'm slightly crazy, and I hear voices in my head. Rather, it's because I used to be cruel to my woman; I beat her and kept her apart from the things that she loved. And also, I suppose, it's because Brooklyn Bridge Park is getting better all the time. Of course, you [should] know that it has the absolute best vantage point for both bridges and Skyscraper National Park (AKA Manhattan). But slowly and surely, the park itself is blossoming to match the view. The long-awaited development actually happening, and you can see it with each visit. Already, you can hit up the dog run; take a kid to the best playground ever; eat delicious Ditch Plains lobster rolls, amazing Blue Marble ice cream, tasty Bark hot dogs, Milk Truck grilled cheeses and Calexico burritos; play regulation beach volleyball; enjoy a glass of wine while you watch the sunset; lie on the lush, green grass everywhere; take obnoxious engagement photos; use CLEAN public restrooms; watch movies under the bridge; take part in dance parties (Celebrate Brooklyn); enjoy the breeze by the water as you stroll over a mile of shoreline, stopping periodically to rest at the wondrously plentiful benches, tables and more. But we only have two of the six piers completed so far. Still to come: three acres of recreational space, a picnic peninsula with a BBQ area and more concession stands, enhancement of the wildlife preserve and much, much more. I'm not sure if it'll ever supplant Prospect as my favorite park; but even without the view, the 85 acres of fun on the Brooklyn waterfront is already one of the best there is, and getting better all the time. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Are there people out there that don't like Brooklyn Boulders? They must not like fun. I'm not a climber. I mean, I've climbed on several occasions, but I'm not a regular here. I don't have as much insight as someone who visits consistently, nor do I have as much knowledge as a few of my friends, who are pretty hardcore about their climbing. But from my beginner's perspective, this place rocks. Not only do they seem to be constantly updating their equipment to make for a better experience, but everyone here is cool. The staff is absolutely one of the best aspects of this place, as they are all committed to helping you learn. Everyone on staff is a climber themselves. They are great teachers and even better guys/girls. Even if you've never done something like this before, I'd check it out. It's low-key, fun, and non-judgmental. Plus it's a great workout, which we could all use a little more of. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Ah, the Cyclone. I love how I always go on after beers and stomach-unsettling food. I love how jarring and rickety and downright uncomfortable it is. I love how it's so unnecessarily hard to tell how much it costs ($8). I love how it's so absurdly expensive for a roller-coaster. I love how you almost always leave with a few new bruises. I love how each time you ride, you're increasing future chiropractic bills. I love how as soon as you get on, you almost wish it was over. I love how it's so terrifying, not because it's well-designed, but because it's entirely likely that this is going to be the time it falls apart. Actually, none of these sound like reasons to love the Cyclone...and yet, I love it all the same. -
Peter’s 5-star review: If there's one thing I hate, it's you people. And that's why I love the Battery Park Regal: because none of you are ever there. Seriously, this is a state-of-the-art theater showing all the mainstream movies you could ask for, and it's NEVER crowded, let alone sold out. The prices are just as ridiculous as the rest of the city, but I'm willing to pay through the nose to avoid having to deal with you. This theater is a secret that I probably shouldn't be telling anyone about, but I lied before. I really do like you. And I mean LIKE like. Let's make babies. -
Peter’s 4-star review: Last February, I bought two Yelp Deals to come shoot some guns at the West Side Rifle & Pistol Range. I gave them to my girlfriend for Valentine's Day because: 1. Everyone knows that a gift that you got at a discount means more. 2. There's nothing more romantic than shooting guns. Together. In a basement. We finally booked our appointment for last week. We arrived on time and were quickly shuffled into a classroom where we signed a waiver that: 1. Relieved West Side of any responsibility if one of the other guests went all Gomer Pyle* on the range. 2. Declared that we were not unlawful users of marjiana. I, for one, am glad I've never used marjiana. It sounds like marijuana, but more dangerous. After the paperwork was taken care of, a nice man taught us: 1. The finer points of loading and firing a .22 rifle. 2. That doing so is exceedingly simple. Then we loaded up a few magazines, and stepped out on the range. Where I learned: 1. You should probably bring me some sort of delicious offering the next time you see me. Because... 2. I'm a damn good shot. And I have no qualms about ruthlessly shooting up paper, which I'm sure translates to people as well. Overall, I really did have a surprisingly good time. Everyone staffing the range was nice and they seem to know what they're doing. It's definitely different than most of the dates I go on, and I'd gladly come back: 1. To shoot with something with a higher caliber. 2. For my next anniversary. __________ *Parris Island, not Mayberry. -
Peter’s 5-star review: In a previous life, I worked in the World Financial Center. Back then, Brookfield Place was a mostly empty wasteland of a few fancy shops that I had no use for, populated by suited bros. As my old friend Chris used to say, "Damn, shit done changed." There are still plenty of formally dressed finance types and I still have little use for the majority of the high-end shopping, but this indoor plaza has filled out into one of the most elegant spaces in all of NYC. With the gorgeous Winter Garden anchoring the mall with soaring ceilings, palm trees and beautiful lighting all year round, this is a much more worthy representative of our city than the Manhattan Mall. Overall, it is surprisingly peaceful for a heavily populated space in downtown Manhattan, and the food court has grown from just a lonely Blockheads to one of the most eclectic and excellent selections I can think of. Whether you're looking to eat, shop, or just sit, Brookfield is worth checking out. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Do you love beer? Then you probably need to get yourself over to Bitter & Esters. Now, I'm no stranger to beer. I've been drinking beer it for about fifteen years now, ever since I stumbled across a party on the beach as a pre-teen and was coerced into smashing cans on my head in exchange for the delicious liquid inside. Older but no wiser, I am taking my love of beer to the next level thanks to John & Doug. They've created a haven for hops-heads: a place where you can go to learn about beer, discuss beer, and ultimately learn how to make beer...not to mention buy everything you could possibly need to brew your own. Don't know where to begin? The Brewshop 101 class is the intro you need. It's like going to school, if school included a couple pints and only taught you about things you were interested in. You'll learn, step by step, everything you need to know about brewing beer. John will go over everything from making wort to bottling; he'll teach you the best type of beer* and where Dogfish's 90 Minute IPA gets its name (among other beer questions you might have); he'll show you what hops and sanitizer taste like, and he'll teach you the most important, ironclad rules of brewing.** If you've already got the process down, buy yourself a kit and get to brewing at home. (Bitter & Esters will also host you and your friends if you'd rather brew in the shop, which will save you a little trouble and some mess). I just brewed my first batch, and it was easy, fun, and a great thing to do with friends (assuming yours aren't also worthless human beings that are borderline illiterate). And in a few weeks, when it's done fermenting, I'll let you know how badly we screwed it up. ______________ *Free. **1. Sanitize everything. 2. You MUST be drinking beer as you brew beer. -
Peter’s 5-star review: There really isn't much better than the Cyclones in the summer. With the sun setting and the Wonder Wheel in the background, if you don't enjoy watching [occasionally terrible] baseball and all the between-inning entertainment, I think there's something wrong with you beyond your hideous taste in clothes. It's cheap, laid-back, family-friendly fun. Go have a good time. A couple pieces of advice: 1. If it's Jersey Night or Bat Day or whatever, make sure to get there early. If you don't make it at least an hour before the game starts, you're not going to be taking home that Daryl Strawberry Bobblehead you always wanted. 2. Don't come in with high expectations of a perfect evening watching men compete at the pinnacle of their sport. This isn't Yankee Stadium. You're going to see a lot of errors made, and there's no sushi for sale here. This is Brooklyn. They've got knishes, and you know you want one. 3. Make sure they've got honey mustard or BBQ sauce before you get yourself some chicken fingers. Those things are essentially edible honey mustard spoons anyway, so when they are out, what's the point? 4. Don't ask them to load you up on the chili for your hot dog. You won't even be able to see the dog itself, and when the chili gets on your girlfriend's dress nobody is going to be happy. Nobody. -
Peter’s 5-star review: I'll be honest with you: I don't care about Doctor Who. (Maybe I would if I'd ever actually seen an episode, but I'm already pretty backed up in terms of TV I "should" be watching. And I'm a busy man.*) Luckily, The Way Station has a number of things I do care about: Hospitable service. Excellent entertainment (awesome live music, stellar burlesque, etc.). Solid cocktails and a good selection of beer. Interesting decor. A TARDIS.** You know, the things you want in bars. Basically, the Way Station has been around for five years (congrats Andy!), and here's hoping they are around for at least five more. _____________ *Later today I'm going to have to figure out what to have for lunch, among other things. **It's cool. I don't think it's quite as cool as my international friends, who really, REALLY care about Doctor Who, but it's still cool. -
Peter’s 4-star review: This state-of-the-art, polarizing arena is either a sign of Brooklyn's return to glory, a visible embodiment of the borough leaping over a Great White, or proof that money is what matters in this and every other town...depending on who you talk to. Perhaps it's all three. Personally, I don't want to get involved in any of the politics. All I know is that this monstrous construction at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic is better than the hideous hole in the ground that used to be there. The blue Barclays glow is blinding and I've got mixed feelings on the faux-rust facade, but the area is ALIVE now, and I no longer have to worry that roving gangs of teenage girls will beat me up when I walk down Atlantic. Say what you'd like about the development company, but they seem to have gone to great lengths to represent local businesses within the arena. Sixpoint is available on tap [somewhere; I could only find Bud Light]. At nearly every food stand, you can grab McClure's pickles, rice krispy treats from Stinky Brooklyn, and Baked in Brooklyn everything flatbreads. The actual inhabitants of said stands are a nice mix of some of Brooklyn's best, old (Junior's, Nathan's, L&B Spumoni Gardens) and new (Red Hook Lobster Pound, Fatty 'Cue, Calexico). These are all good things. I can't yet speak to whether or not the mass-produced items can replicate the results at the original locations, but I enjoyed the one thing I ate: a white cheddar brat from Brooklyn Bangers (from the folks behind Saul and The Vanderbilt). The extra couple dollars it cost over a regular hot dog were CERTAINLY worth it. The wait to enter the arena because of the metal detectors is also worth it, because when I bit into that brat and shot an entire line of people with cheesy sausage juice, I'm sure I would've been shanked otherwise. Seriously, I sprayed juice at least four feet, much to the amusement of one girl ("That's some juicy sausage!"), and inciting fury from several others. It's a mystery how I haven't been beaten within an inch of my life by now. Yes, there are some issues with the Barclays Center. I'd like to think they are just getting the kinks out; we're still in the first month here, and just like with a new restaurant, you've got to give them some time. Some of the staff seem remarkably incompetent and obviously, there are lines. But to be fair, if you don't want to wait in line, you should go to places that don't hold 19,000 people at the same time. Or you could just spring for a suite. I was lucky enough score a spot in someone else's and as I'd always imagined, the VIP level is a magical place where there are no waits for the bar at all, and drinks cost $11 as opposed to the $13 down with the peasants below. This just doesn't seem quite fair, but I'm not going to apologize for being better than you. And since it's impossible to separate an arena like this from the show you see, I've got to say that HOVA brought the house down. 16 years of straight hits...it's not surprising he sold out every night. The sound is amazing, the lights fantastic, and as far as I'm concerned, it's an incredible place to see a show. I'm going to do it again. And thanks to the pure and simple idiocy of one James L. Dolan, I'll probably be coming back for a Nets game or two as well. -
Peter’s 4-star review: Ah, the Brooklyn Flea. Has there ever been a better place to completely overpay for things that other people found in their parents' basement? My money is on "No." Honestly, I really do love the Flea. The people-watching is unparalleled, and it's an amazing place to take out-of-towners interested in seeing what the "New Brooklyn" is all about. That said, I'll probably never buy anything. Actually, that's not true. Since I'm a fatboy, I always end up buying some food from PizzaMoto, Choncho's Tacos, the pupusa stand, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Porchetta, Brooklyn Bangers, AsiaDog...and I love that I can find such a great collection of spots in one place. That's why Smorgasburg rules as well. However, 95% of the merchandise is drastically overpriced. There are exceptions: Olde Goode Things often has some nice pieces, there's a jewelry stand or two that my girlfriend gets down with. And obviously, since the vendors are always rotating, one or two new and interesting sets of wares every time you visit. Unfortunately, for every one of those there are 15 people trying to sell you a rusted out driving range bucket for $25 (it doesn't even come with the golf balls). Or a milk crate for $40. Or an old seltzer bottle for $95. To me, these prices are beyond ridiculous, but I suppose it's all about supply and demand, so more power to them. Although, I do wish they made more of an effort to distinguish themselves as vendors. I'm not sure if I'm flattered or offended that someone mistook me for the guy with the yarn shop. -
Peter’s 5-star review: There is nothing quite like playing a little pick-up soccer with the Manhattan skyline rising above the trees. It allows you to enjoy the outdoors, while simultaneously serving as a reminder that this ode to nature is entirely contained within the most magnificent of concrete jungles. I appreciate this inherent contradiction; the juxtaposition is just evidence that we, the residents of NYC, have it all. __________ It's no Prospect Park, though. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Who doesn't love the zoo? Things I did here: Fed a baby doll sheep (as cute as it sounds). Scolded an evil goat. Laughed at the monkeys. Kicked a squirrel.* Angered a cow, who then pooped in my general direction. And the main attraction: Watched the sea lions get fed. Make sure to push all the children out of the way so you can get a front-row seat. Although, half the fun is watching the cute kids getting such a kick out of the show. Makes me want one.** Sure, this isn't the biggest zoo I've ever been to...in fact it might be the smallest. But if you can't have a good time here, you probably don't have a soul. Sorry to be the one to break it to you. Also, it's only $8! Considering it's $15 to watch a piece of shit like Battleship in theaters (and $300 million to make it), that's a freaking steal for how fun this place is. ___________ *I didn't really mean to, he basically ran into my outstretched boot. **A sea lion, not a kid. Much easier to train. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Damn NYU kids, get off my lawn! Ah, excuse me. It's because I don't mind being something of a hypocrite that I feel as though I can complain about this park being overrun with students all the time. After all, I was that walking cliche of a teen that bought my first illicit substances in this park, bothering all the older kids skating until I found one smart enough to spot someone he could rip off. But I'm sure that I was the one person that was not horribly obnoxious between the ages of 12 and 23. Personal history aside, Washington Square Park is an icon. Filled at all hours with dogs, street entertainers, and the clinically insane, it's up there with the top people-watching destinations in the known world. The arch is gorgeous (especially at night), and if you are sitting here at sundown listening to a talented busker or two, you'll remember why NYC is like no other place in the world. -
Peter’s 5-star review: This is my new favorite place in NYC. The Nitehawk has been on my radar for a long time, and it's a testament to my own stupidity that it's taken me this long to make it over. Wes Anderson is a good reason to go anywhere, but it was the cinema that made Moonrise Kingdom a special experience. Let's talk about all the amazing things about seeing a film here. 1. They design their own pre-show for the 1/2 hour before your film, and for MK it was basically like me and Bill Murray decided to take a trip down Wes Anderson lane together.* 2. The bar. Pints of Sixpoint are $4 at happy hour. Never a bad thing. They will also make you a legit cocktail, including some created specifically for the film you're seeing. That whimsical creativity extends to... 3. The food. Quite frankly, I would be grateful to have the option of ordering real food of mediocre quality as I watched a movie. The Nitehawk's menu is not just good for a theater, it's just downright awesome for any establishment. I'm not into sweets generally, but the s'mores pie special for the movie won me over. The savory items are even better; the croquettes are crisp on the outside and creamy and lovely on the interior. The jerky is better than any jerky has a right to be, and... 4. The Nitehawk Queso deserves its own, separate mention. With black beans, chorizo and guacamole, it is outlandishly good. Melty, salty, spicy and exploding with flavor, I want this in my life every day. This queso is so good that I want to weep for the poor bastards eating weak, stale round tortilla chips and congealed neon yellow nacho cheese at generic cinemas. 5. The service. Every single person I encountered is friendly and knowledgable about both the cinema and the menu. The servers who come around during the film are very respectful, and go quickly and quietly about their business. It's impossible not to notice food and drink being served around you, but they are as unobtrusive as possible. 6. In addition to new releases, The Nitehawk also shows older classics that you always wanted to see in an actual theater: Taxi Driver. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc. And beyond those guilty pleasures, for you film buffs they offer cinematic masterpieces like Roadhouse. Perhaps one day they'll have a marathon of the entire Swayze oeuvre, and I'll never have to leave. ___________ *We held hands, and neither of us are ashamed of how we feel about one another. -
Peter’s 4-star review: There are a lot of rules at Brooklyn Bowl. I don't like rules. But I will forgive them because: 1. I am a very forgiving person. 2. They make up for all of them by being one of the best places in Brooklyn to see a show, have a drink, and eat some food. I imagine bowling is nice, too, but I haven't done that yet. 3. All the reasons below. Rule: There's usually a cover. But I Forgive Them Because: If you are going to consistently book awesome bands, DJs, shows, etc., you are allowed to charge people for the pleasure of attending. Musicians need to be paid. Rule: You can't enter the front bar unless you are sure you will be eating. But I Forgive Them Because: The other bar has the same stellar selection of Brooklyn beer, and menus you can look at as you drink, in case you decide later on that you are hungry. Rule: All burgers are cooked medium well. But I Forgive Them Because: Actually, some things are unforgivable. This just baffles me, in a place known for their food. I avoided an argument by ordering the fried chicken instead. And although it wasn't the Best Thing I Ever Ate, it was very, very good. The skin is unique; peppery, textured and tasty. I only wish the hot sauce was better. Rule: The fried chicken comes with collard greens and mashed potatoes. But I Forgive Them Because: These were the best collards I've ever had. Seriously. Normally, I resign myself to eating a couple bites every once in a while, just to remind myself that I don't like them. But I ate every bit of Brooklyn Bowl's greens (and it wasn't just because there were large chunks of bacon in them; really, it wasn't). The mashed potatoes were deliciously buttery as well. Rule: Barstools are removed after a certain hour. But I Forgive Them Because: Even though the barstool in question had my coat sitting on it, and I was two feet away when they stole it, the woman at the Lost & Found was very sweet and understanding. Rule: You can't walk up to the bowling lanes unless you have a bracelet. You need a lane number of where your friends are bowling in order to obtain a bracelet. But I Forgive Them Because: This is actually really annoying. Since there is a concert going on and none of your friends can hear their phones, you get to stand around until one of your friends actually looks and sees your text, and hope it's not the one who thinks its funny to tell the security guard that he doesn't know you. But I still love you, Brooklyn Bowl. -
Peter’s 4-star review: Today* I injured myself while washing my hands at the Bell House. FML. Specifically, on the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom. After washing my hands, I pressed down on the lever twice, and the thing popped open and gashed my arm. This is not a painful injury, but it's really inconvenient to be bleeding profusely from your arm in a bar. But if it happens to you, here are some things you can say to girls: 1. Great to meet you! Want to write your number down on this bloody paper towel I have pressed to my forearm? 2. Oh, you ordered the Pinkerton?** Can I try it? I'll do my best not to drip blood into it. 3. I hurt myself. Hold me. After field testing these, I've determined that #3 works best. (Best is clearly a relative term.) Despite this absurd injury, I love the Bell House. It's a little out of the way, so much so that you think you're in the wrong place as you're walking down 7th Street. But make the trek, because they always have fun things happening, there are amazingly comfortable couches and chairs, and the space is huge and a very decent concert venue. The bartender/manager Abigail makes me a mean (citrusy) Bloody Mary, and all the other staff members I've encountered have been sweet as well. __________ *Actually, it was Saturday. That's just the format fmylife.com uses. **All their signature drinks are named after 90s rock albums. And I like most of them. The albums, not the drinks. I don't NOT like the drinks, I just haven't tried them. -
Peter’s 5-star review: I remember my first trip to the Garden. I was nine years old, attending a Ranger game due to the generosity of a friend's father. When he heard it was my first game, he brought me down behind the bench and got me a freezing cold puck, straight out of the bucket.* Paul Messier** was sitting right in front of me; the lesser known Messier, obviously. But how many people do you know who can say that Paul Messier signed their puck? It's like having a Don Swayze autograph. Or, for you young'uns, a Johnny Drama autograph...if he was a real person. Victory! I remember my last trip to the Garden. It was during the Rangers' brief playoff run this year. A friend's company gave her tickets, and her distaste for hockey turned out wonderfully for me. Two friends and I were given the run of a SkyBox full of beer, wine, wings, pasta, cheese, crackers and other assorted items. We stayed well after the Rangers had blown it, drinking the complimentary booze until the attendants kicked us out so they could clean the box. I don't remember each and every time in between.*** But I know what you're thinking, and yes: for me, the Garden represents a long, charmed string of mooching off friends, family, and random acquaintances. And each and every time has been special, because the World's Most Famous Arena doesn't just put on any old show. Even when I've just been going to watch the [godawful] Knicks of the past 10 years, walking into the Garden still makes me a bit giddy. No matter how many times I've been inside, it always feels like a momentous occasion. And I hope it always will. __________ *It wasn't until years later that I realized this didn't happen to everybody. **According to Wikipedia, he is now managing Mark Messier's hotel in the Bahamas. I need to have a talk with my brother. Something's not right here. ***Except the ones where I got to see the great #23 play. You know who I mean: Jeff Beukeboom. -
Peter’s 5-star review: I'm not a cigar guy. That is, I wasn't one, not until I met Dave. Dave Diamante is the owner of this fine establishment (not to mention the most interesting man in the world), and he introduced me to the good life. Sitting back in a leather chair, sipping on the smoke of a mild toro (Dave's own blend),* shooting the shit...suddenly I understand why people love cigars. With dark wood paneling, tin ceilings, and the walls lined with old photos of Dave's family, the space couldn't be more comfortable. The classy lady behind the bar is named Dallas, and she'll take care of you. They don't serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own and pay a ridiculously low corkage fee. If, like me, you're not into strip clubs,** this is an ideal bachelor party location. Bring a few friends, a bottle of whiskey, watch a fight or a game and relax. I couldn't even imagine a more inviting spot to chill out for a couple of hours. So head over, and don't forget to say hi to Dave. He's definitely got a story or two to tell, and a friendlier, more welcoming proprietor doesn't exist. ____________ *A smooth, perfect introduction to the world of stogies. **I'm definitely not just saying that because my girlfriend reads these reviews. Definitely not. -
Peter’s 5-star review: This a NYC landmark. It is a living, bustling monument to money, a building that embodies the very idea of capitalism. As the world's largest exchange, more than $150 billion is traded here every day. It is not only a beautiful building; the NYSE is also an icon, an institution that's been down on Wall Street for centuries. Literally. Since its inception in 1792,* the NYSE has seen historic happenings large and small. There have been peaks and valleys, bulls and bears, visits by world leaders, industry magnates and more. However, despite the incredible list of important events that have transpired at the NYSE, I'm sure we can all agree that one easily surpasses the rest: The day I came to visit. And it was everything I thought it could be. The staff here really knows how to treat guests; everyone was beyond friendly. They pull out all the stops, and our entire group felt very welcome. They don't let just any riffraff in here, but I highly recommend it if you have the opportunity. Although, I did overhear some racist old guys in the bathroom going on about cornering the entire frozen orange juice market, and some $1 bet they had going. Pretty weird, if you ask me, but I guess you can't blame the NYSE for their patrons. ___________ *Thanks Wikipedia! -
Peter’s 5-star review: This is old New York. Radio City is a huge, classic venue that never goes out of style because it's actually an excellent place to see any sort of show. The acoustics are incredible, and if your favorite band* ever gets booked, there probably isn't a better place to see them. There are nearly 6,000 seats inside, and the show will sound amazing from each and every crazy comfortable one of them. I can't claim that I've enjoyed everything I've ever seen here, but the shows are always high-quality from concerts to film premieres to the Christmas Spectacular. The venue is pure class, so make no mistake, everyone in the entire place looks down at you when you get inappropriately drunk and start yelling "Freebird." Of course, tickets (and drinks and concessions) will be exceedingly expensive, but this isn't Alabama. This is a world-famous venue in Midtown Manhattan. If you weren't prepared to pay through the nose, you should probably get off the island. ____________ *Be sure to tell everyone around you that you liked [insert band name] before they did. Because you look way too cool to be into mainstream bands, and that's who plays Radio City. -
Peter’s 5-star review: Sharing their space with the Meat Hook, the Brooklyn Kitchen Labs is the newer, bigger iteration of the Brooklyn Kitchen. They offer all kinds of classes taught by local experts. You can learn pickling from McClure himself, bread-making from SCRATCHbread's Matthew Tilden...basically, there's a whole host of things to take up from beer-brewing to salad-making to butchering to gardening. Just check out the schedule: http://www.thebrooklynkitchen.com/calendar-of-classes-and-events/ I recently took the Sauces class with Brendan McDermott. He rocks. He's down-to-earth, funny and you can tell he loves to cook. I was also happy to discover that although the class was based around sauces, you can come ready with any questions you might have about any aspect of cooking. He's very knowledgeable, and explains things in an accessible way. I feel like the most important things I took away from the class were not actually about sauces, but about general cooking knowledge and technique. Plus, you get to eat at the end, and I like to eat. In addition to the Lab aspect, the store itself is stocked with all sorts of food and drink related items. Anything you might need to cook with (utensils, ingredients, knives, cookbooks), and some odds and ends I haven't seen in many other places. Like: 1. Egg pants. Self-explanatory. 2. Marmite, a disgusting brown substance that I am only aware of because I have friends in London. 3. Spicy beans! In case you didn't know, the dearth of spicy beans is one of the main reasons Bloody Marys in this city will never be great. 4. A huge metal scale that you stand on, and it weighs you. I guess that doesn't seem that special when I write it down. It's much cooler than it sounds, and you'll just have to take my word for it until you go check out the Brooklyn Kitchen Labs.
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