Distracting your Children with Shiney Things

Luckily, NYC, has just about all there is to offer in terms of attractions, restaurants and shops (..and everything else....), so finding activities for children to do isn't too difficult. And, I've found, that if your child is well behaved the doors are open to them just about everywhere (bars and club excluded- a shame, I know). I thought I'd make a list of fun things for kids, and parents alike, to do. If your child is not well behaved... May I suggest leaving them at home?

1. Museums

Sure, kids may think they don't like museums, but if you take them to the right one they'll have a great time! My father lived in NYC when I was younger and we would go to museums and galleries all the time and look how cool I turned out! The best, in my opinion, is the American Museum of Natural History. Filled with reconstructed dinosaurs, taxidermied animals (not as creepy as it sounds), butterflies and a planetarium any child or adult is guaranteed a great time.
Other great ones are the Children's Museum of the Arts (where your child can participate in creating different art projects- a great way to stimulate the mind!), the Children's Museum of Manhattan and, if you find yourself in BK, The Brooklyn Children's Museum.

2. Central Park

While it might not be the warmest place to venture, Central Park is a must see for any one's visit to the Big Apple. Not only is it an incredible forest amongst the hustle and bustle of the skyscrapers and touristy shopping of 5th Avenue, but there are also fun things to see and do! The first stop should be the Alice in Wonderland sculpture on the East side- fun to climb and pose with and we all love the story of Alice!
While it might not be the largest zoo in the world, the Central Park Zoo is one of my favorites. You can take a leisurely stroll through it and see seals, monkeys and birds without the hassle of trekking it to the larger and more impressive Bronx Zoo.
In the summer you can float miniature sailboats in a fountain and go row boating, in the winter ice skating at Wollman Rink.

3. Broadway

Seeing a Broadway show is a great attraction in New York, and one children can appreciate as well! Shows come and go so it's best to check out websites like Broadway.com to see what is playing while you are in town.  but The Lion King has been playing for quite some time and is a visually innovative and original take on the Disney cartoon. Wicked, the story of Wizard of Oz as told by the Wicked Witch, is very funny and Mary Poppins is another Disney classic worth a re-visit. And then there's Spiderman....

4. The High Line

When the weather's nice The High Line is a great place to take the kiddies. Originally an above ground subway track, it has now been transformed into a fun boardwalk. Starting at Gansevoort and ending at 30th Street, it has water fountains, benches, foliage and artwork. The view of the West Side is interesting if you want to talk a walk along the boardwalk, or you can just sit and relax on one of their lounge chairs. During the summer The Lot, an area underneath the 30th Street entrance, has different pop-up events such as a roller skating rink and food and beer trucks. Fun and Games!

5. Fun Restaurants

While most children can eat at any restaurant without a problem (maybe not Hooters...) there are a few that are extra special!

Serendipity 3 is known for their kitschy decor, gigantic hot chocolates and long lines. Definitely a good time.

Jekyll & Hyde Club Club is a one-of-a-kind experience. While the food is hardly gourmet (burgers and fries) the atmosphere takes you to a creepy other-worldly time. With cool decorations and actors dressed in costume throughout the place it is an experience. The-tongue-in-cheek comedy throughout takes away the scary factor.

Benihana is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in hibachi while entails the chef chopping up veggies and meat on a grill and cooking it right in front of you. They play around and toss food about in an entertaining way which adds to the enjoyable experience.

 Ninja is another Japanese restaurant, this time with...Ninjas! Prepare yourself for surprises as people dresses as ninjas pop out in corners and make you jump with glee!

NYC might seem like a cold and busy city sometimes, but we're all heart! Whether in a park, museum, restaurant or even just meandering down the street, your child will have just as good a time (if not better!!!) as you!!!

Five Faves of 2011

There have been some great restaurants popping up lately, conveniently enough below 14th street so I don't have to step outside my comfort zone! Although I have mentioned a couple of them previously I would like take a moment to highlight my favorite new restaurants that popped up in 2011 and thank them for filling my belly with deliciousness!
In no particular order...

1. Sauce

From the same owners as the ever-popular Frank, Lil' Frankie's and Supper, the newest addition to the family, Sauce, opened just a couple of months ago in the LES and I was lucky enough to have dined there recently. This casual (no reservations, cash only policies) Italian restaurant was bustling when I went on a Saturday night so my friend and I sat at the small bar and had a glass of amazing Barbra D'Alba while we waited for a table. I'm not usually a red wine drinker but this was light and smooth and we ended up bringing the rest of the bottle to our table. The menu was extensive with many salad, pasta and meat dishes. They actually have their own butcher on site which adds to the atmosphere. We squeezed in at a little table, sandwiched between a few other tables- the place was packed! And noisy! Not a good first date spot (there were alot of repeated sentances, leaning over the table and "what?" moments during our meal) but a place with great energy and livliness. We shared an amazing Kale salad with a mustardy dressing and delicious buttery croutons, followed by Tagliatelli Bolognese. Amazing! The portion looked small but it was filling and we noticed other tables had gigantic sharing style plates that looked fun. We skipped dessert because we were too full, but I will definately go back. Writing this is making me hungry....

2. Saxon + Parole

I have reviewed this restaurant before but I still highly recommend it. Their options of seafood and meats were all eye catching and I loved that the flavors were all really clean and fresh. Whenever a guest is looking for a trendy but delicious restaurant in the area I send them to Saxon + Parole and they are always very happy to have gone. The way the rooms are set up, you can sit at a cool looking bar, have a more upscale experience with white table clothes, be in the middle of the fun in a booth or be tucked away in a romantic corner with candlelight. Something for everyone!

3. The Wren

I mentioned The Wren in my last post but I think it's a great place to visit. Whether for a meal, a light snack or for drinks, the warm atmosphere of this Gastropub is inviting and cozy. I love the wood tables and walls and their lighting, as well as their mix of modern and old school tunes. The selling point for me, however, is the friendliness of the staff. Always smiling and welcoming (but not in an overbearing or false way) they make you feel right at home...which is probably why I have gone so many times....

4. Buvette

This cute little French bistro is on one of those little West Village streets I rarely find myself on but always enjoy myself when I do. I came to meet my friend at Buvette a while ago for a late snack and was pleasantly surprised at the simplicities and complexities of the dishes. We sat at the bar and enjoyed some wine while taking in the quaint atmosphere reminiscint of the little cafes in Paris. The bartender was pleasant and we were surprised when after we ordered our food, he began preparing it. My friend ordered the steak tartare and it was "Awesome". I had the pate with little toasts and cornichons. Also very good and authentic Frenchie food. The bistro is a little small and unually packed without taking reservations. Worth the wait or go late night styles like I did. Although their breakfast looks really good too....

5. Parm

Everybody in NYC is obsessed with Torrisi Italian Specialties (alright, maybe a slight exaggeration) so when rumors started swirling that they were opening another restaurant next door excitement rang through the streets. Parm is a more casual version of the now prix-fixe only Torrisi, executing delicious fare such as their famous Turkey sandwich that tastes like heaven on a bun. Even the simplest items, like their Meatball or Chicken heros will change the way you look at sandwiches forever. Their sides are delectable as well, with brussel sprouts, poppers and cauliflower that will make even a vegetable sceptic a fan. And don't miss out on their homemade Ice Cream Cake. Maybe my favorite thing on the menu.The atmosphere is 50s diner style, only cooler with vintage-looking patterned wall paper and red bar stools. It is also easier to get into than Torrisi, there may be a wait for a seat but you don't have to wait in line for hours to guarantee a seat. They also do takeaway that you can call in ahead of time if you're in a rush. Either way, I suggest you sample their goods.

If you can only have one meal in NYC, Sauce, Saxon + Parole, Buvette, The Wren or Parm will beautifully illustrate the way cuisine is heading in New York. No longer, for the most part, do restaurants have to rely on overly elaborate design or stuffy service with ridiculous prices. Normal people can have a great time too!