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Doughnut Plant

admin — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Didn’t think the words gourmet and doughnuts could possibly go together? It’s entirely possible at the Doughnut Plant located at 379 Grand St. in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Flavors like Vanilla Bean, Roasted Chestnut, Cranberry, and their rich Valrhona Chocolate are all made with no trans fats, preservatives, artificial flavorings, or eggs. Glazes are concocted on site using seasonal fruit, and fresh roasted nuts instead of loads of icky sweet sugar and corn syrup. The flour is custom milled to exact specifications and the fry oil is changed daily. Twice a week, owner and founder Mark Isreal visits the local greenmarket for seasonal glaze ingredients like strawberries, white peaches, ginger, pumpkin, and apricots. These yeast-raised morsels are lovingly covered in a handful of rotating flavors including seasonal specialities like roasted chestnut in November, rose petal around Valentine’s Day, lime doughnuts for St. Patrick’s Day, and a blueberry striped version during baseball season. Being a jelly doughnut freak, their signature Square-shaped variety filled with organic raspberry or strawberry are my favorite. Porthole windows cut into the wall separating the shop and kitchen give you firsthand viewing of the rolling, dipping, and glazing action. Mark began making these doughnuts in his apartment using his grandfather’s century old recipe delivering them on his bike to small downtown cafes. Now, donuts usually last until 2 p.m. in his store so if you miss them here, they are also sold at Zabar’s, Citarella and Dean & DeLuca.

More information on PlanetEye: Doughnut Plant

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Castillo Theatre

admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Established by a collective of political activists and artists about 20 years ago, The Castillo Theatre on 543 West 42nd St. is still the place to go for cutting edge avant garde productions that continually redefine modern theatre in this country. All subjects are on the table including gender identity, the shortcomings of American democracy; the rise of fascism and communism throughout the world; and the legacy of slavery and racism. Genres include the American musical, vaudeville, choreo-poems, historical dramas, hip-hop, and improvisational comedy. Showing Saturdays December 6 & 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM This Is Your Ridiculous Life, an improvisational comedy show, draws members of the audience onstage for an impromptu conversation with professional psychotherapists. On the spot, the Castillo Players transform their life stories into improvised scenes. In this way, background information from the audience becomes the show. But don’t worry about being a sitting duck… each week, four volunteers are picked to go up on stage. The concept originated with founder Fred Newman who also happens to be a psychotherapist. He spontaneously asked somebody out of his players’ group to come up on stage and talk about her life. It turns out her so called ordinary life was more interesting than some of the more established and perhaps contrived scripts out there. So sit back and enjoy the madness!

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Times Square Walking Tour

admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Remember when Times Square was far from a tourist destination…a place you’d never want to take the kids…with peep shows, grime, and scores of men down on their luck hitting a paper bag encrusted bottle? No? Well then, do yourself a favor and take the free Times Square Exposé Free Walking Tour sponsored by the Times Square Alliance. Originally called Longacre Square, this neighborhood was dubbed Times Square in 1904, when as legend has its name was changed when the New York Times headquarters was built at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. Today over 26 million people visit this epicenter of bright lights and dynamism each year. Tours typically take you through historic theatres, past the art deco former Paramount Pictures headquarters, the ultra-modern New York Times Building and perhaps inside a church or two. John’s Pizzeria, a deconsecrated church, boasts remarkable stained glass windows and the savory aroma of their signature coal fired pizza. Guides point out interesting architectural details and the stories behind them such as the marble and bronze statues depicting famous actresses on the outside walls of the I. Miller Shoe Building. Apparently, Miller, an immigrant cobbler, made shoes that were a hit with Broadway actresses like Ethel Barrymore and Mary Pickford. In 1929, he erected these statues in their honor representing these stars’ respective leading roles as Ophelia and Little Lord Fauntleroy.

Tour leaves every Friday rain or shine at noon from the Times Square Information Center housed in the restored Embassy Theater on 7th Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets and lasts about two hours. No pre-registration required but do sign-in

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Jack’s Stir Brewed Coffee

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:30:00 +0000

So what the heck is stir brewed? It just happens to be arguably the best coffee in NYC! It’s difficult for New Yorkers to give a definitive answer on which shop offers the best coffee. Some are better than others for different reasons….heck, your absolute favorite coffee shop may go out of business in a year and the next best place is two train rides away…from everything else that you do. So that being said, there are definitely some independent coffee purveyors that consistently stand above the rest. I most recently raved about Oren’s but if I have to pick a contender, Jack’s Stir Brewed Coffee is another standout. For one thing, as the name implies, Jack’s brewing process is entirely unique. Owner Jack Mazzola invented the device himself which oxygenates the freshly ground beans as they brew, reducing their acidity giving every cup I’ve had a nice smooth flavor leaving the palate unscathed by bitter after tastes. He also found that adding cold milk to hot coffee kills the flavor so you’ll never see those stainless steel carafes on the counter. Only steamed milk will do. In addition to the method, his coffee blend itself is custom made and top secret. But we do know that it’s a certified organic, Fair Trade, shade-grown-micro-roasted dark roast. So there. Go get yourself a cup!

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Sylvia’s at JFK

admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0000

You’ve just arrived at New York’s busiest airport and you need a quick infusion of good home cooked food to supplement that bag of complimentary peanuts you ate on board hours ago. You need to rustle up some real vittles…preferably some local cuisine that’s always so hard to find in an airport. Sure, it may not be the best soul food in NYC, but Sylvia’s definitely stands miles above the panoply of chain restaurants located in terminal 4. Operated by the original flagship restaurant in Harlem, steaming plates of fried chicken, ribs, pork chops, and corn bread are served up with plenty of sides. Don’t miss the opportunity to wash it all down with some locally brewed Sugar Hill beer… certainly beats that overpriced bottle of Bud you’ll get over in the airport lounge. As a testament to its popularity as well as marketing prowess, Sylvia’s also brings a bit of its soul food empire to JFK’s institutional hustle-bustle. Starting in 1962 at its Harlem location with a seating capacity of 35 to now occupying almost a whole city block packing in 450 people, they also offer gospel brunches and a full line of prepared food like pre-seasoned vegetables, spices, as well as cornbread and pancake mixes. Sylvia, the self-proclaimed queen of soul food’s personal cookbook is on sale for those who want to try it at home.

More information on PlanetEye: New York John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport

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Lions at the Gate: The New York Public Library

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:17:50 +0000

This is a guest post from Mary Jo Manzanares, b5media’s Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.

I have many favorite places to visit when I’m in New York. There are lots of great places for shopping, eating and drinking, and just wandering around. One of my very favorite places, however, is a quiet oasis in the otherwise frenzied pace that is Manhattan — the New York Public Library.

I’d seen the library in movies long before I saw it in person. It was featured in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Escape From New York, and the library’s basement was the location of a ghost sighting in Ghostbusters. If a movie is set in New York, watch carefully, and you may catch a glimpse of the famous stone lions which guard the library.

The NYPL has both a circulating public library and a huge research (non-lending) library, making it one of the largest libraries in each category. It is a private, non-profit corporation (not a governmental entity), although it does rely on both private and public financing for its continued existence and growth. The NYPL systems consists of 86 libraries in all. This includes the four main lending libraries, four specialized research libraries. a library for the blind, and 77 branch libraries, not only in Manhattan, but also in the Bronx and Staten Island

The NYPL was founded by the 1886 estate of Samuel J. Tilden, who left money to “establish and maintain a free library and reading room in the city of New York.” Although there were two other libraries open in New York at that time, both were experiencing serious financial hardships. The trustee of Tilden’s estate saw the perfect opportunity to fulfill that vision, and the libraries were combined, forming what became the New York Public Library. A number of years later, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated money to construct branch libraries which would be maintained by the City.

You’ll find the central library on Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Street. It has expanded since its inception, primarily in an underground expansion on the Bryant Park side. The library is a Beaux-Arts design, flanked on either side of the main entrance by two stone lions guarding the premises. Although the lions have been through a couple of name changes, since the 1930’s they have been known as “Patience” (on the south side) and “Fortitude” (on the north side). I love the lions!

Keep reading for more information about this great place!

The beautiful main reading room of the Research Library is often seen in photographs (at right), but in person, it is truly spectacular. It is long, with large windows and high ceilings (52 feet), and is lined with thousands of books along both the floor and balcony level. In this room you can read at the study tables, or in the comfortable chairs, from the non-circulating book collections. Or, do what I did. Just go sit in the room and soak up the history and ambience of the magnificent room, its architecture, and history.

You do not need a library card to visit the library, or for onsite use. If you wish to check out material, or use the extensive online resources, you will need a library card. Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes, or attends school in New York State. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you are subject to a $100 per year library card fee. The libraries are free to all researchers, even though they may not fit into one of the above residency categories. All that’s needed in an ACCESS Card, which can be obtained from a librarian. The ACCESS Card will allow you to use anything from the library’s collection on-site.

One of the very cool features of the library is its telephone reference system. Staffed with expert researchers, the they are required to answer each telephone inquiry in less than five minutes. That question that you’ve been noodling around for weeks will be answered by a researches in less than five minutes. They’ll get you the specific answer, or refer you to a place to get the answer (website, trade group, specialty library, etc.). That’s impressive! The reference system operates Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm (Eastern Time), and can be reached at (212) 340-0849. It handles questions from people around the world, but will not answer crossword or contest questions, offer philosophical speculation, or do your homework!

The library is located at 455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street). Hours are Monday – Wednesday, 9 am – 9 pm; Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; closed Sunday. The library can also be rented out for private events and parties.

It’s worth stopping by, even if the library is closed, just to appreciate the architecture!

Photo credit: wikimedia

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The Dragon’s Gift at Rubin Museum of Art

admin — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:30:00 +0000

If traveling to the Kingdom of Bhutan and exploring the Himalayas is on your must-do list but you now find yourself in NYC, do the next best thing and check out The Dragon’s Gift at the Rubin Museum. Happening now through January 5th, this is a groundbreaking exhibition of rare religious Buddhist art focusing on ancient ritual dances. 87 works feature intricate paintings and images created using applique and embroidery framed in brocade, called thangkas; gilt bronze and wooden sculptures; and ritual objects ranging in date from the 8th to the 20th century. Because most of these objects come from active temples where they still serve as consecrated ceremonial vessels, Buddhist monks will remain in residence at the museum throughout the exhibition, performing daily purification prayers to preserve their sanctity. My favorite are the intricate Bodhisattvas which represent the different paths to enlightenment. Beyond these Bhutanese sacred objects, large video screens in the main gallery show traditional ceremonies and dancing.

More information on PlanetEye: Rubin Museum of Art (RMA)

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Desmond Tutu Center

admin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:30:00 +0000

Right in the heart of bustling Chelsea, the Desmond Tutu Center evokes a castle-like setting complete with lush grounds surrounded by recently renovated 19th-century Gothic buildings. Made of stone and outfitted with wrought iron banisters,this South African-inspired retreat offers a startling juxtaposition of modern conference center alongside the General Theological Seminary. The hotel’s 60 historic guest rooms are fully equipped with wi-fi, flat screen TVs, and are only a few blocks away from the subway on 23rd St. but also accommodate those who want to tune out the modern world. Original architectural highlights include a refectory dating back to the late 1800s, ornate working fireplaces, tall stained-glass windows, and beautifully painted barrel-vaulted ceiling. The facilities are also eco-friendly with geothermal heating and air conditioning throughout eliminating the need for roof-level cooling towers and window air conditioners helping to preserve architectural integrity. Even though complimentary continental breakfast and daily newspaper are included in the hotel’s room rates, accommodations are a bit pricey at around $285 per night. Also, availability is often slim but if you want to have all of Chelsea’s gallery viewing opportunities at your doorstep, this is the place!

More information on PlanetEye: Desmond Tutu Center

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Asian Contemporary Art Fair

admin — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:45:00 +0000

Happening now through Mon. Nov. 10th, the 2nd annual Asian Contemporary Art Fair will be held at Pier 92, 52nd St at Twelfth Ave.. One of the most extensive exhibitions of contemporary Asian art in the country, 80 international galleries and non-profit organizations will be displaying a wide range of work by artists from 14 countries including China, Japan, Korea, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. This year, the scope has been diversified to include art from the Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries of the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. Many of the paintings, sculpture, photography, works on paper, and video installations will be on view for the first time in the U.S.. In case you’re unfamiliar with the themes shaping modern Asian art, think Buddha, Mao and Warhol all wrapped into one. But this isn’t merely a collage randomly mixing Surrealism with Pop Art. Warhol often painted Mao as a comical pop culture icon but this is all tongue-in-cheek because his cultural image invokes real 20th-century political and social pain. This mocking representation often in an ancient context (Buddha), suggests an underlying desire to eliminate his influence by wiping it out with modern consumer imagery. The fair also provides a great opportunity to view loads of brand new talent that departs from this cultural interplay. Admission ranges from $5-$25. Procrastinators come out ahead because admission is free on Monday.

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Chocolate Show

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:45:00 +0000

From a Hershey’s kiss to the finest Belgian truffle, there are few things in life as satisfying as a bite of chocolate. This year’s 11th Annual New York Chocolate Show (Nov. 7th – 9th) is jam-packed with events celebrating the most coveted of sweet treats. It will be held at Pier 94 on the far west side hosting tastings, cooking demonstrations, book signings, a master chocolate competition and even a chocolate couture fashion show. All this for the admission price of just $28! Highlights of this cocoa infused weekend include:

Opening-night benefit and fashion show: Talented designers (including "Project Runway" alumni Jack Mackenroth, Kevin Christiana and Kit Pistol) pay homage to chocolate as they show designs centered on this year’s "All Time Superheroes" theme. Cocktails, chocolate desserts, and creative cocoa-inspired couture will abound. This event isn’t cheap at $250 but benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Culinary demonstrations: Learn what separates your underwhelming molten chocolate cake from the impeccable offerings at the city’s best patisseries, bakeries and restaurants. Dozens of cooking demonstrations take place in two state-of-the-art demo areas: the Chocolate Culinary Theater and the Viking Range Culinary Theater.

Exhibits and tastings (the best part)! Indulge your chocolate cravings from Massachusetts-made Berkshire Bark to New York’s own Payard Patisserie & Bistro. Chocolate fiends of all stripes will be able to get their fix at the many product tastings and exhibits.

Post from: The New York City Traveler