I was in the US for almost two weeks, with about five of those days in Philadelphia, and the rest in New York.
I've done The Best Of New York City once before, and here is one more. Some of the items from my previous list stand, and I've added some new ones.
NEW Best Smoked Salmon: Toast, on 105th and Broadway. It is served with mayonnaise (with some lemon flavoring) and capers on toast crackers.
NEW Best parquette: The American Musuem of Natural History, 81st and Central Park West. For quiet contemplation, or a quick sandwich, before embarking onto the City again. This is smaller than, and different from, the "Small Park" at Strauss Park I list below.
NEW Most exhilarating 30 minute walk: Brooklyn Bridge. From Manhattan to Brooklyn (or almost to Brooklyn). I tried to find the Washington Plaque, but it will have to be for next time.
NEW Best Walk by the Hudson River: Riverside Drive. Don't get annoyed by the stream of traffic along the driveway, it is actually strangely soothing, like a flowing river. And the sparkling water is beautiful near sunset, when there is a breeze flowing from the river.
NEW Best Coffee: Plaza Hotel Food Hall (it is NOT called the Food Court). At the Pain D'Avignon stand.
NEW Best Bus Ride: Down Central Park West with the M10 to view the Park and the stately apartments. Again this is different from the M4 I list below.
Here is the rest, from 2013:
Best Hotel Lobby: The Plaza Hotel, on 59th and Fifth.
Best Hotel Bakery: The Plaza Hotel, at the lower level.
Best Hotel Bakery Item: The Hamentashen at the Plaza Hotel (apricot filling).
Best Hot Chocolate: Broadway Restaurant. Ask for whipped cream at 25 cents extra. The Broadway Diner has apparently been used for several movies, including George Clooney's Michael Clayton. As far as I can recall, there were also photos of old time movie stars on the wall, who had dined at the diner.
Best Pork Chops: West 107, on Amsterdam. For $13.50 you get the Grilled BBQ Pork Chops, which are listed under "From the Farm" on the menu. They are enough for two meals (share with someone, or take home a doggy bag). The side vegetables aren't spectacular, but they will do.
Best Burgers: I'm no real expert on burgers, but Toast's $10 burger (well, $9.95) fits the bill. The restaurant decor, some kind of faux Art Deco is spacious, in a bohemian (Art Deco) sort of way. And the best way to eat a burger I learned, is "medium rare." That way, there is no need to cover up the over-cooked, dry meat with all kinds of condiments. Toast (Downtown?) is on 105th and Broadway. Apparently, there's another on 125th Street.
Best Bagels: Broadway Bagel. Quick service, quiet and cheap.
Best Midtown Cafe: Europa Cafe. It does have a French cafe feel to it.
Best Midtown Diner: The Red Flame. Quiet and bright.
Best Irish Pub/Restaurant: Kennedy's. Despite a bit of a shaky start, the "Library" in the back of the restaurant provides a pleasant atmosphere for a group dinner.
Best Ethnic Restaurant: The Red Rooster Harlem, run by Ethiopian Chef Marcos, who's adds his own touches to "world" cuisine.
Best Museum/Gallery: The Morgan Library and Museum. Free on Tuesdays 5-7, but the adjacent McKim's room is free entrance Tuesdays, 3-5; Fridays, 7-9; Sundays, 4-6.
Best Museum With a Garden and a View: The Cloisters. Views of the George Washington Bridge (with the Hudson River) and the New Jersey Palissade from the garden.
Best Ceiling Mural: Grand Central Station.
Best Mini-Park: Strauss Park. With benches for sitting and contemplating.
Best Department Store: Bergdorf Goodman (no not Macy's). Bergdorf Goodman is understated, and has a beautiful entrance (don't mind the slovenly pedestrians in the linked image) with a doorman.
Best Christmas Window Display: Tiffany's. Disclaimer: I haven't actually been to see the Tiffany display, but Macy's, Lord and Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman have strange "pagan" themes to their windows, and have no luster (is it because of the paganism? I think so.).
Best Window Shopping Strip: No, not Fifth, but the adjacent Madison Avenue, where the many designer boutiques are located.
Best Bus Ride and Tour of NYC: The M4. Make sure to click "continue with the tour" at the bottom of the linked website to go on the tour from start to finish, starting at the Cloisters and ending at Penn Station.
Best of Best Of: Just walk down the avenues, look up at the buildings, take your time and don't mind the crowd, New Yorkers are friendly and polite.
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Posted By: Kidist P. Asrat
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