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PSA: NYC Summer Guide 2007
SUMMER 2007
Dinner with a Side of Sky
Alma
187 Columbia St., at Degraw St., Red Hook, Brooklyn; 718-643-5400
A restaurant in Red Hook made for romance: Start with a mojito, stuffed with mint and served in a latte-size glass, and end with the just-as-fresh Key-lime pie. Service is spacey, but we like to think that the slow pace ups the tropical factor.
Barolo
398 W. Broadway, nr. Spring St.; 212-226-1102
Barolo is touristy, but it has the kind of tourists you want at a ristorante—Italian ones, seeking a slice of la dolce vita. Check out the wine list, one of the longest in the city. At night—the patio aglow with lights strung through the trees—Barolo feels sexy, if not downright Fellini-esque.
Bar Pitti
Next to Da Silvano, 268 Avenue of the Americas; 212.982.3300
Da Silvano’s more casual next door neighbor, this Italian joint is perfect for people watching and drinking Chianti under the stars.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills, N.Y.; 914-366-9600
It’s not quite The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan’s quest to physically track down every last ingredient of four meals, but Blue Hill at Stone Barns is about as close as most city folk are going to get. Arrive an hour early for the self-guided audio tour of the greenhouse and farm and give a carnivorous nod of thanks to the happy hogs and free-range chickens.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
29-19 24th Ave., Astoria; 718-274-4925
The last of the nearly 800 biergartens that once dotted the pre-Prohibition city. Go for the Staropramen on tap and (when available) the Czech Gambrinus; stay for the live polka.
Café St. Barts
109 E. 50th; 212.593.3333
The food is consistent here at this pleasant summer patio destination, next to St. Bart’s church.
Da Silvano
260 6th Avenue; 212.982.2343
This hot Greenwich Village Italian spot’s sidewalks are flanked with models and the like. Try the white sangria on a hot summer night.
La Bottega
On the terrace of the Maritime Hotel, 88 Ninth Ave., at 17th St.; 212-243-8400
An engaging wait staff and pleasing patio fare: golden sardines, crunchy artichokes in white-truffle oil, and chicken under a brick.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Ave., at Crown St., Park Slope; 718-623-7200
Spring for the $40 annual membership fee, if only for the Wednesday-evening picnicking privileges: Cheese-and-charcuterie specialist Blue Apron Foods is just two blocks away (814 Union St., at Seventh Ave.; 718-230-3180).
Bryant Park
Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Skip the Bryant Park Grill and take a break from ’Wichcraft to try two nearby off-sites: crispy lamb polaw from the Kwik-Meal cart, run by former Russian Tea Room kitchen staff (Sixth Avenue at 45th Street), and chicken-and-rice from the Trini-Pak cart, run, as its name suggests, by a Pakistani family from Trinidad (Sixth Avenue at 43rd Street).
Central Park Boathouse
Park Drive North at 72nd Street; 212-517-2233
Although tourists—and tourist prices—will always be a fact of the Boathouse, it’s worth reconsidering. Not only are the rowboats still lovely, but there’s recently been an ambitious menu makeover. Making reservations for a party of four is the best bet for snagging a lakeside table.
Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park
At the foot of New Dock Street, Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-858-4708
Picnic with a pie from Grimaldi’s (19 Old Fulton St., nr. Water St.; 718-858-4300) and “Mom’s peanut brittle” from Jacques Torres Chocolate (66 Water St., nr. Main St.; 718-875-9772). Walk it off with a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.
5 Ninth
5 Ninth Ave., at Gansevoort St.; 212-929-9460
At the back of a stately brownstone on the most frenzied corner of the city’s most frenzied neighborhood is Eden: a rose garden hemmed in by ivy-covered walls. Chef Zak Pelaccio’s peas-and-bacon dish is justifiably famous, and his newest, tempura lobster with ginger, will be, too.
Gavroche
212 W. 14th St., at Seventh Ave.; 212-647-8553
It’s on a scummy stretch of 14th Street, but out back, under the stars and beside the multitiered fountain, Gavroche feels like France. The fare is refreshingly straightforward, especially the goat-cheese tart, frites, and Belgian-chocolate gâteau.
Le Jardin Bistro
25 Cleveland Pl , New York , NY , 10012
Simple French pleasures in a stellar setting.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St., at S. Portland Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn; 718-858-9500
The popular Nolita diner Habana has a Brooklyn spinoff (next to the Lafayette Avenue C-train stop) that’s even better than the original. The scene is part restaurant, part block party—and drinks are served out of a down-home 1949 GMC pickup truck.
Harry’s LIC at Water Taxi Beach
2-03 Borden Ave., Long Island City; 212-742-1969
With sand trucked in from Jersey, the beach here is as real as a spray-on tan. But who cares? It’s worth a visit just for the sheer novelty of it all: beach volleyball, stellar views of midtown, and dirt-cheap PBR longnecks.
L’Impero
45 Tudor City Plaza; 212.599.5045
Leo’s Latticini
46-02 104th St., Corona; 718-898-6069
Called Mama’s by the borough’s cops and firefighters, the tiny provolone-scented food shop has been serving possibly the best Italian sub in the city since the thirties. And now you can eat one in the new back garden—next to a statue of Saint Francis.
Loreley Biergarten
7 Rivington St., nr. Chrystie St.; 212-253-7077
It’s not as authentic as the Bohemian (see No. 4), but Bowery traffic is far away, the savory sausages have just the right snap, and if you go early, you’ll hear “Grüß dich!” more than “Hey dude!” Get a Kölsch: It’s served in a slim glass, like champagne.
March
405 E. 58th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-754-6272
Bring a bottle of Provençal rosé and go for one of the garden tables on the no-corkage-fee nights (Sundays and Mondays). Chef Wayne Nish has a new six-course tasting menu.
New Leaf Café
1 Margaret Corbin Dr., Fort Tryon Park; 212-568-5323
An uptown Tavern on the Green, the café has a large slate courtyard that’s an ideal place for sunset snacks. Try pairing the highly addictive Portobello-mushroom fries with the organic Pinkus pilsner.
Nice Matin
201 W. 79th St., at Amsterdam Ave.; 212-873-6423
Request a sidewalk table in the section facing less-fume-heavy Amsterdam Avenue, and order the burger: Comté cheese and aïoli is the best thing to happen to ground beef since Daniel Boulud started stuffing his patties with foie gras.
Pampano
209 E. 49th St., nr. Third Ave.; 212 751-4545
Falstaffian tenor Placido Domingo’s midtown Mexican gem offers two outdoor options: There’s a tranquil second-story terrace (a miracle on noisy 49th Street) and, in the office building next door, Pampano Taqueria for takeout—eat it at the pocket park on 51st near Third Avenue.
Paradou
8 LW 12th; 212.463.8345
Quaint French cuisine in Meatpacking with lovely patio.
Patroon
160 E. 46th St.; 212.883.7373
Great new American food, wonderful service, excellent outside area on the roof top. New decoration is perfect for entertaining business .
PJ Clarke’s on the Hudson
4 World Financial Center; 212.285.1500
Legendary burgers and Guinness overlooking the Statue of Liberty
River Cafe
1 Water St , Brooklyn , NY , 11201
Seafood at one of New York's truly stunning settings.
Shake Shack
Madison Square Park, enter at 23rd Street and Madison Avenue; 212-889-6600
Overhyped and overrun, but still deserving of a spot on this list.
Smith Street
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
To the chagrin of a couple of curmudgeonly residents—and to the delight of the rest of us—Smith Street has blossomed into an outdoor diner’s paradise. Check out the picnic tables at the Gowanus Yacht Club (323 Smith St., at President St.; 718-246-1321), the lovely backyard at Grocery (288 Smith St., nr. Union St.; 718-596-3335), and the quirky patio at Robin des Bois (195 Smith St., nr. Warren St.; 718-596-1609).
Stone Street
The financial district
The cobblestoned restaurant row has three superior spots with sidewalk tables: Adrienne’s for deep-dish pizza (54 Stone St., nr. Hanover St.; 212-248-3838), French comfort food at the Financier Patisserie (62 Stone St., at Mill Ln.; 212-344-5600), and the just-opened Brouwers (45 Stone St.; 212-785-5400), a fish restaurant.
Tatiana
3152 Brighton 6th St., at Brightwater Ct., Brighton Beach, Brooklyn; 718-891-5151
There are about a half-dozen similar cafés on the Brighton boardwalk—and this one is the best. Order the chicken Kiev for yourself, a smoked-fish platter for the table, and wash it all down with homemade kvass, an alcoholic Soviet-era refreshment that tastes a lot like root beer.
Terrace 5
Inside MoMA, 11 W. 53rd St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-708-9400
With a vast overhang that could keep diners dry in a hurricane, Terrace 5 is open rain or shine. If you need a quickie, try the gelato cart in the sculpture garden instead.
Tree
190 First Avenue; 212.358.7171
Quaint French in East Village with surprisingly spacious back patio.
Trestle on 10th
242 10th Avenue; 212.645.5659
Unusual Swiss cuisine in the heart of West Chelsea – lovely back patio.
The Yard
Next to the Soho Grand, 310 W. Broadway, nr. Grand St.; 212-965-3588
A little slice of suburbia in what used to be a service corridor running between West Broadway and Thompson Street: With an outdoor grill, humongous margaritas, and dogs rolling around in the grass, it’s a nonstop backyard barbecue party for the whole neighborhood.
Vespa Restaurant
1625 2nd Ave , New York , NY , 10028
Funky European-style restaurant, lounge and wine bar serves Italian-Mediterranean fare in cozy, eclectic dining room or coveted outdoor garden patio.
Waverly Inn and Garden
16 Bank St.
Dine under the stars at Graydon’s West Village hot-spot
The Best Rooftops and Outdoor Bars
230 Fifth
230 Fifth Ave., twentieth fl., between 26th and 27th Sts.; 212-725-4300
If the Miami Vice boys wanted somewhere to land their chopper, not only would the city's largest rooftop bar be spacious enough, but Sonny and Rico would feel right at home among the palm trees and the endless expanse of wooden benches.
The View: The Empire State Building to the north, the MetLife building to the east, and Jersey to the west.
The Menu: $14 cocktails incorporate purées made of guava, cactus, and blood orange; bar snacks range from fried shrimp to the Malaysian Romli Burger.
The Hours: Daily, 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
A60
60 Thompson, 60 Thompson St., between Spring and Broome Sts.; 877-431-0400
Hotelier Jason Pomeranc's elegant members-only rooftop bar happens to be less exclusive than it seems. Sure, gaining access is a helluva lot easier if you're his gal pal Shannen Doherty, but would-be partiers can also score a key card by getting a room.
The View: The thirteenth-floor terrace showcases the skylines of midtown and lower Manhattan.
The Menu: Mixed drinks with fresh exotic fruits run $10 to $14 while the spicy Thai hors d’oeuvre are similarly priced at $12 to $16.
The Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to midnight through Labor Day
AVA Penthouse
210 W 55th St; (212) 956-7020
Dreamy rooftop at the Dream hotel
Bar 13
35 E. 13th St., at University Pl.; 212-979-6677
NYU students who couldn't make it to Florida for spring break seek solace at this campus clubhouse which opened its Miami-themed rooftop garden in June. Amid the palms and illuminated panels, revelers can pretend they're in South Beach—and of legal drinking age.
The View: Opaque screens surrounding the deck mean the only place to look is up.
The Menu: Well drinks are $6, while the 13-ini, the bar's signature Absolute Mandarin-based beverage, costs $7.
The Hours: Mon., 7 p.m. to midnight; Tue., 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Wed. to Fri., 5 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Sat., 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Sun, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
B-Bar & Grill
40 E 4th St , New York , NY , 10003-7004
Packs a buzz on balmy summer evenings.
Bed New York
530 W. 27th St., between Tenth and Eleventh Aves.; 212-594-4109
As of Memorial Day weekend, Bed New York is inviting you to rise and shine on the roof. This 7,000-square-foot outdoor haven for hedonists is equipped with the same oversize Tempur-Pedic mattresses as the nightclub's main space, plus two fully stocked bars, and seating areas throughout.
The View: Shots of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building impress, but people-watching may prove more entertaining.
The Menu: Unconventional cocktails include the Bed Knob, a mixture of Knob Creek, maple syrup, lemon, apple cider, ginger beer, and a splash of ginger honey.
The Hours: Mon., 7 p.m. to midnight; Tue. to Wed., 7 p.m. to midnight; Thurs., 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Fri. to Sat, 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m
Boat Basin Cafe
W 79th St , New York , NY , 10024
Seasonal outdoor dining spot where the views and the pub-grub eats just don't get any better.
Bohemian Hall Beer Garden
29-19 24th Ave , Astoria , NY , 11102
The last of its kind, this old Astoria landmark beer garden soldiers on.
Bookmarks
Library Hotel, 299 Madison Ave., at 41st St.; 212-983-4500
With its brick walls, lovely floral displays, and abundance of reading material, the terrace of the Library Hotel's rooftop bar could pass for the patio of an Upper East Side townhouse.
The View: The majestic Lefcourt building rises across the street.
The Menu: Elegant concoctions like the Chambord Royale, which artfully blends Stoli Vanilla, Chambord, and fresh grapefruit juice.
The Hours: Mon. to Sat., 4 p.m. to midnight; Sun., closed
Cabana or La Bottega at the Maritime Hotel
Maritime Hotel, 363 W. 16th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-242-4300
Of all the red-hot cocktail aeries that have opened in the past few years, Cabana at the Maritime fulfills the fantasy best. In the summer, this place feels like a trendy L.A. nightclub: heat lamps, leafy plants, tropical wallpaper, strappy sandals, blue cushions, halter tops, and even some celebrities.
The View: Sean Penn, Sam Rockwell, and the sisters Hilton have been sighted in the past.
The Menu: No more frozen mojito, but cool off with a bottle of sake or a martini with fresh lychee juice ($12).
The Hours: Tue. to Thurs., 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Fri. to Sat., 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sun. to Mon., closed
The Delancey
168 Delancey St., at Clinton St.; 212-254-9920
At this time of year, the rooftop is this rock club's main draw. As for the bouncer guarding the staircase, he's there to prevent overcrowding, not to grade your outfit. And while lots of bars hype tar roofs as alfresco, this space actually has it going on in a southern-greenhouse sort of way, with benches, fountains, even a grill.
The View: A clear shot of the Williamsburg Bridge.
The Menu: The margarita machine churns out frozen blends for $8 apiece. Meanwhile, bottled beer and well drinks run a reasonable $6.
The Hours: Daily, 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The Heights Bar & Grill
2867 Broadway, between 111th and 112th Sts.; 212-866-7035
Students and locals flock to this second-story Morningside Heights bar with its semi-retractable roof. You'll pay $6 for a margarita, but dude, you'll be so wasted you won't even care.
The View: The only thing that will make you feel high up are your beer goggles.
The Menu: Frozen margaritas ($6.50) and stuffed-to-bursting burritos ($5.50-$11.95)
The Hours: Mon. to Wed., 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thu. to Sun., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hotel Metro Rooftop Bar
Hotel Metro, 45 W. 35th St., between Fifth and Sixth Aves.; 212-279-3535
We'll grant you it's a bit sketchy, but this rooftop jam is surprisingly fun with cheap beer and an unpretentious after-work crowd.
The View: A close-up of the Empire State Building
The Menu: $5 cans of Bud or $6 bottles of Corona ($3, 5:30pm-7:30pm)
The Hours: Mon. to Sat., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun, closed
Hudson Sky Terrace
The Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St., between Eighth and Ninth Aves.; 212-554-6303
Now this is a summer camp we'll never-ever-ever write tear-stained letters—gasp!—begging you to—sob!—pick us up from. Pinky swear. Why just look at the brochure: Fanciful cocktails, table servants (excuse us, service), even a hammock. But since our mom won't give us the money to stay here, we'll be prowling for plastered hotel guests in the Library Bar.
The View: A fifteenth-floor terrace affords glimpses of the Hudson River, as well as Ninth Avenue stretching toward lower Manhattan
The Menu: Refreshments like the Strawberry Coconut Caipirinha and White Sangria practically scream summertime.
The Hours: Daily, noon to 10 p.m. through October
The Garden of Ono
Between Little West 12th Street and 13th Street
The bamboo-filled outdoor gardens are the restaurant/bars most coveted see-and-be-seen seating in warmer months
Jade Terrace
China Club, 268 W. 47th St., between Broadway and Eighth Ave.; 212-398-3800
Off the packed and sweaty dance floor, an Asian-themed terrace offers a serene palm-frond oasis. Unlike the other rooftops on this list, the Jade Terrace is primarily a dance club, so if you're looking to avoid cover charges, beefy bouncers, and a hey-baby vibe, go elsewhere. Note: Thursdays boast a buffet. ($20 cover)
The View: Times Square towers.
The Menu: Summer drinks ($9-$15) include mojitos, a white sangria made with champagne instead of wine, and a cocktail incorporating mango vodka and lemon and lime juices.
The Hours: Mon. and Thurs. to Sat, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Sun. and Tue., closed
Larry Flynt's Hustler Club
641 W. 51st St., at Twelfth Ave.; 212-247-2460
The vision of the West Side Highway from the new "adult rooftop" wouldn't inspire anyone to propose to his girlfriend, but that's just fine for the cigar puffers who aren't thinking of marriage when they're staring at the busty barmaid.
The View: Banker wankers killing bills on silicone sisters.
Menu: The Hustler no longer serves food, so make do with a beer or cocktail.
The Hours: Mon-Fri, 6pm-4am; Sat, 8pm-4am; Sun, closed
Local West
1 Penn Pl., Eighth Ave. at 33rd St.; 212-629-7070
Okay, so not much is exhilarating about the rooftop of a one-story building, but those looking to unwind before their train back to the burbs could do worse than snagging a seat at the smattering of tables or at the elevated patio bar atop this casual beer bar near Penn Station.
The View: Chat up the folks on the upper decks of the tour buses that constantly roll by.
Menu: Sliders, nachos, chicken tenders: You get the idea. Pomegranate martini, $10; beers, $6.
The Hours: Daily, 11am-2am
Luna Park
Middle of Union Square
Fun, casual outdoor bar in the middle of Union Square with killer margaritas!
Me Bar
17 W. 32nd St., between Broadway and Fifth Ave.; fourteenth fl.; 212-290-2460
This Koreatown rooftop boîte, hidden atop the La Quinta budget hotel, is the antidote to karaoke-room claustrophobia. Although throw pillows and beach chairs lend a beach-house vibe, the drink prices are decidedly left of Hamptons.
The View: Who cares that you're drinking with tourists when the Empire State Building is all aglow directly overhead.
The Menu: A sheaf of delivery menus rescues those swayed by the pomegranate martini, made with liqueur and cranberry juice. During the 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. happy hour, a $1 discount means $4-$5 beers and $5-$8 wines.
The Hours: Daily, 5:30 p.m. to midnight.
The Park
118 Tenth Ave., between 17th and 18th Sts.; 212-352-3313
Our young spies say that the Park, which has seen scads of A-list celebs and Vice-toting debs pass through its kooky environs over the years, shows zilch signs of cooling (hell, Gisele Bundchen threw a modelicious bash here, so there you have it). But just as sexy as its patrons is the rooftop penthouse, complete with a hot tub that's known to get especially naughty on Sunday nights, when the boys come out for a romp in "The Rambles."
The View: Eye candy compensates for a lackluster third-floor-level take on West Chelsea.
The Menu: Nobody's here for the food: It's all about the sangria, $11 fresh-fruit cocktails such as the banana coolata (vanilla, Kalhua, fresh banana purée, and sweetened coconut milk) and mango and raspberry mojitos.
The Hours: Fri-Sat, 11pm-4am; Mon-Thu, Sun, closed
The Pen-Top Bar & Terrace
The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Ave., at 55th St.; 212-903-3097
The Pen-Top's clubby vibe and Astroturf has been replaced with a new glass-encased bar resembling a big block of incandescent ice. Kinda cool in a slick 007 way, but sorta cheesy and souped-up Mars 2112, too. Still, there's no shortage of tables on the sizable slate-topped terrace.
The View: Stunning views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, as well as midtown architectural gems like the Citicorp Center.
The Menu: $20 apple martinis and the $80 Jewel in a Glass (Louis Roederer Cristal and Dolce Far Niente) keep out the riffraff.
The Hours: Fri. to Sat., 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Mon. to Thurs., 4 p.m. to midnight through September 30
Plunge
Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave., at 13th St.; 877-426-7386
Elbow your way into the elevator and travel up to the hip and hellishly crowded Plunge, in the fifteen-floor penthouse. You'll exit directly into the bar area, which is open when the weather is warm and covered by a glass greenhouse-like structure when it's rainy or chilly.
The View: Great shots of lower Manhattan and New Jersey, not to mention the Soho House's pool.
The Menu: Basic cocktails start at $14.
The Hours: Daily, 11am-4am
Rare View
Shelburne Murray Hill, 303 Lexington Ave., at 37th St.; 212-481-1999
Rare Bar & Grill, the popular hamburger eatery inside the Shelburne, has taken charge of the hotel's roof bar and decked it out with tables, chairs, and an elevated bed. The efforts have paid off as twentysomething Murray Hillers are making this a pre-party pit stop. Just don't say we didn't warn you about the bathroom lines.
The View: A sixteenth-floor bar with outstanding midtown views, including the Chrysler Building
The Menu: $15 mango margaritas and blood-orange cosmos, as well as hulking burgers downstairs in the grill.
The Hours: Mon. to Sat., 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun, closed
Roof Garden Café
The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., at 82nd St.; 212-535-7710
So...if that Andy Goldsworthy sculpture could speak, what do you think it would say? We'll let you puzzle that out, up on the romantic rooftop of the Met, where art, hot Italian tourists, frozen daiquiris, and colossal Central Park views converge into one juggernaut of a drinking experience. If you can't manage a pickup line in a place like this well, then, you're hopeless.
The View: A fifth-floor garden surrounded by the park, its skyline, and sculpture installations that change every summer.
The Menu: Sparkling wine and ham-and-brie baguettes.
The Hours: Fri. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tue. to Thurs. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Mon, closed
The Terrace at Sutton Place Bar and Restaurant
1015 Second Ave., between 53rd and 54th Sts.; 212-207-3777
The good news first: Sutton Place has a huge rooftop patio with lots of tables and a long, snaking bar worthy of Club Med. The bad news: It's a tad bland in that East Side sports-guy kind of way. Apparently some people just feel more comfortable in khakis.
The View: A third-floor terrace overlooking Second Avenue.
The Menu: $8 cocktails and generic pub grub
The Hours: Sun. to Wed., noon to 1 a.m.; Thu. to Sat., noon to 4 a.m.
White Horse Tavern
Hudson and W. 11th.
Casual beers and sidewalk picnic tables at this local West Village watering hole.
Pick a Beach, Not Just Any Beach
FOR PEACE AND QUIET
Georgica Beach
East Hampton, Long Island
When novelist—and notable Georgica beachgoer—A. M. Homes wasn’t issued a beach parking pass, her lament was covered in the New York Times. Her disappointment was understandable. This is the un-Hamptons beach—refreshingly un-sceney, a serene oasis noteworthy for simply being beautiful. Though the beach is bordered by celebrity homes, the real action is watching swans swim in the adjacent Georgica Pond. One of the only Hamptons beaches without amenities (there are public restrooms, but no concession or food stands), Georgica is never crowded. Still, those looking for the ultimate in tranquillity might consider going before 9 A.M. (when beach rules don’t apply and dogs walk off-leash) or after it closes at 6 P.M. (at which time anyone is free to park, even A. M. Homes).
FOR SURFERS
Robert Moses State Park
Fire Island
Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island and Montauk’s Ditch Plains do not evoke the same awe that Hawaii’s Pipeline or San Francisco’s Maverick’s do, but local surfers all along the Eastern Seaboard will tell you their home breaks are much more fun. Of the two, Ditch is the more popular and thus the more crowded, whereas the five miles of beach break at Robert Moses, even on its busiest days, usually have no more than five or six surfers in the lineup. Plus, it’s open year-round and from sunup to sun-down: just the thing for hard-core surfers who are indifferent to the weather, if it means a good ride.
FOR SCENESTERS
Crescent Beach
Shelter Island
Crescent Beach is a thin stretch of pebbly sand, and there are no waves to speak of. There are, however, great hordes of hotties, thanks to André Balazs’s Sunset Beach hotel, restaurant, and bar, which injected an unlikely shot of Miami flair into sleepy Shelter Island when it opened nine years ago. The scene has an almost surreal diversity. First, there is the standard Balazs crowd of supermodelish ladies in micro-kinis and their paramours with impossible tans and abs of steel. They all look like record producers and drug dealers, and they play the meanest, sexiest game of volleyball you have ever seen. Then there are the local preppy girls sneaking mojitos, and maybe a few nerds on hiatus from the nearby Itzhak Perlman music camp. Rounding it all out are the retired firemen and their extended families, the backbone of Shelter Island, guzzling Coors Light. It all makes for quite a party.
Summer 2007 Free NYC Events
Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
When: Monday nights at 5pm beginning in June
Where: The lawn of Bryant Park (40th St. & 6th Avenue)
What: This is a series of outdoor, classic movie screenings, playing on Monday nights throughout the summer months in Bryant Park, Manhattan. In the rare events that it rains, films are screened at sunset the following night.
http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php
Monday, July 9, 2007
Wait Until Dark
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Monday, July 16, 2007
To Sir, With Love
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Sting
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Monday, July 30, 2007
All the King’s Men
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Monday, August 6, 2007
Bus Stop
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Monday, August 13, 2007
Casablanca
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Monday, August 20, 2007
Psycho
5pm-11pm
The Lawn
Broadway in Bryant Park
When: Thursdays from 12:30-2PM
Where: Bryant Park (40th St. & 6th Avenue)
What: Experience the glamour of Broadway in the great outdoors. Each week, several of this year’s biggest hits come to the park for a dazzling afternoon of song and dance.
JULY
7 Mamma Mia/Musical of Musicals: The Musical/Stomp
14 The Phantom of the Opera/Hairspray/Beauty and the Beast/Altar Boys
21 Once Around the Sun/Rent/Sweet Charity/Drumstruck
28 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang/The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee/Chicago/Wicked
AUGUST
4 Broadway Dances for Life
18 Lennon/The Actor’s Fund: On the Twentieth Century/ The Lion King/ All Shook Up
http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/broadway.php
Bryant Park Good Morning America Concert Series
When: Friday mornings at 7AM
Where: Bryant Park (40th St. & 6th Avenue), Upper Terrace
What: The concert series will showcase the hottest music with a wide array of artists.
Friday July 20, 2007
John Mayer & Special Guest
7:00am–9:00am | Upper Terrace
Friday July 27, 2007
Sugarland
7:00am–9:00am | Upper Terrace
Piano in the Park
When: Daily, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Bryant Park at the Fountain terrace
What: Some of the best pianists from all over New York come to Bryant Park to play on the Piano in the Park.
Schedule TBD
http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/piano.php
Hudson River Rocks
When: Various dates(see below)
Where: Pier 54, West St. at West 14th St.
What: Concert Series featuring exciting new artists as well as established favorites. Staged in a festival setting, complete with food and drink. These vents promise an evening of fun and entertainment.
Tuesday, June 12 – Dr. Pepper’s Band in a Bubble - Cartel
Thursday, June 28 — Joan Jet and the Black Hearts
Thursday, July 19 — The Blind Boys of Alabama, Trombone Shorty, Sam & Ruby
Thursday, Aug 9 — Yerba Buena, Los Amigos Invisibles, Jose Conde y Ola Fresca
http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/Calendar/RR.htm
Hudson River Moondance
When: Sundays July-August 6:30pm-10:00pm
Where: Pier 54, West St. at West 14th St.
What: Dance the night away under the stars with music from New York’s hottest dance bands on Sunday evenings – no experience necessary. Featured styles include swing, tango and salsa. Free!
JULY
15 George Gee and The Jump, Jive and Wailers – swing
22 Mo’ Guajiro – salsa
29 Eternal Tango – tango
Aug
5 Los Hermanos Colon – salsa
12 Davie Berger and the Sultans of Swing – swing
http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/Calendar/Moon.htm
Hudson River Flicks
When: Wednesdays in July& August, films start around 8:30pm
Where: Wednesday at Pier 54 on 14St. & West St., Fridays at Pier 46 on Charles St. & West St.
What: Enjoy great movies and free popcorn every Wednesday and Friday in July, under the stars in Hudson River Park.
JULY
Rocky Balboa
Nacho Libre
25 The Matrix
AUGUST
Stripes
Gladiator
Beerfest
22 Superman
Rumble on the River
When: Thursday June 21 and Thursday July 26, 7pm
Where: Pier 84, 44th St.
What: Ameteur Boxing on the river
8th Annual Blues BBQ
When: Sunday, August 19th – 2pm-9pm
Where: Pier 54, 15th St.
What: The hottest blues artists from across the country and New York’s best BBQ restaurants fire up the grill
River to River Festival
When: June – August
Where: Various venues downtown
What: Founded in 2002, The River to River Festival is a partnership between the Alliance for Downtown NY, arts>World Financial Center, Battery Park City Authority, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and South Street Seaport.
The River to River Festival takes place each summer from June through September, in a variety of public venues that canvas all of Downtown New York - from Chambers Street down to the southern tip of Manhattan and across the island from river to river.
See website for complete schedule
http://www.rivertorivernyc.com
Rooftop Films
When: Sunday, August 19th – 2pm-9pm
Where: Open Road Rooftop project - LES
What: The 2007 Rooftop Films Summer Series will consist of more than 32 different programs, all featuring programs of new, independently produced, feature-length or short films. The Summer Series will begin with a FREE sneak preview show in Ft. Greene Park at 8:30 on Saturday, June 2nd. The following weekend (Friday, June 8th), we will have our official opening night at our spectacular new venue, the Open Road Rooftop Project, on the roof of the former Seward Park High School, on Grand and Essex on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Friday, June 8th Kickoff
Full Schedule TBD
Bridgehampton Polo
When: Saturdays in July and August
Where: Bridgehampton Polo Club
What: Bridgehampton Polo Club hosts the coveted Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge. This summer's matches promise to be some of the most exciting in the sport of polo. Some of the world's greatest athletes will compete for one of sport's most treasured prizes. On each of six consecutive Saturdays this summer, the Bridgehampton Polo Club opens for public viewing amid the splendor of the fashionable Hamptons summer scene.
Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge:
Saturday July 21st 4pm
Saturday July 28th 4pm
Saturday August 4th 4pm
Hampton Cup:
Saturday August 11th 4pm
Saturday August 18th 4pm
Saturday August 25th 4pm
Washington Square Music Festival
When: July and August
Where: southeast quadrant of the park, near the statue of Garibaldi. Seating is first-come, first-served. Rain space for the July concerts is: New York University’s Frederick Loewe Theatre, 35 West 4th Street.
What: The Washington Square Music Festival, under the auspices of the Washington Square Association, Inc., presents its 49th season of free concerts in the Square.
Sunday, June 17 at 3 pm:
A Folk/ Blues concert featuring the
Rishell and Raines Trio
www.paulandannie.com
Tuesday, July 10 at 8 pm:
Three by Four
4 horns
4 trombones
4 cellos
Tuesday, July 17 at 8 pm:
Gershwin/Weill – Music as Political Statement
Strike up the Band, an instrumental suite based on Gershwin's anti-war farce for winds and strings arranged by Eric Salzman.
Instrumental Suite from The Three Penny Opera
Selections from Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny & The Three Penny Opera
Tuesday, July 24 at 8 pm:
Music for Piano, Winds and Strings
Quintet for piano and winds
Allegro for clarinet, basset horn, string trio in F Major
Septet for piano, oboe, clarinet horn, bassoon, cello and double bass
Tuesday, July 31 at 8 pm:
Charles Mingus Orchestra
http://www.mingusmingusmingus.com/
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
When: August 1-27th
Where: Lincoln Plaza (64th St. Between Columbus and Amsterdam)
What: A free festival with something for everyone, Lincoln Center Out of Doors presents over 100 different events: world music, internationally acclaimed dance, cutting-edge performances, special events, cool jazz, and fun for kids. More than 100 free events, including dance, music, drama and mime, will be presented almost daily through Aug. 27 in the area around Lincoln Center. Among the events will be the world premiere on Aug. 10 and 11 at 8:15 P.M. of ''Angels,'' a musical piece by David Borden, with Mr. Borden and the Mother Mallard Ensemble.
Among the other events are the annual Caribbean Carnival Day. Aug. 6 at 1 P.M.;,the First All-American Juggle-In, Aug. 12 at 1 P.M.;, a the Third Annual Blues and Gospel Day, Aug. 26 from noon to 9 P.M., and a Folk Heritage Day, Aug. 27 from noon to 8 P.M.. Information: (212) 877-2011.
Schedule TBD. Check website for more information.
http://www.lincolncenter.org
New York Philharmonic
When: Wed, Jul 11, 2006, 8:00 PM; Tues, Jul 17, 2006, 8:00 PM
Where: The Great Lawn, Central Park
What: This beloved tradition, now in its 43rd year, is coming to a park near you. Music under the stars, family and friends, and a fireworks finale make for a perfect summer evening. Followed by free fireworks!
July 11: Ludovic Morlot, Conductor | Stefan Jackiw, Violin
Berlioz: Le Corsaire Overture
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.
July 18: Sir Andrew Davis, Conductor | Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano
R. Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks
various: Arias by Puccini, Massenet, Catalani, and Weber
Musorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
http://nyphil.org/attend/summer/index.cfm?page=parks
Shakespeare in the Park
When:
ROMEO AND JULIET
June 5 - July 8
Directed by MICHAEL GREIF
Featuring Opal Alladin, Lauren Ambrose, George Bartenieff, Ari Brand, Anthony Carrigan, Dan Colman, Michael Cristofer, Tiffany Danielle, Seth Duerr, Quincy Dunn-baker, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Christian Felix, Brian Tyree Henry, Susan Hyon, Oscar Isaac, Camryn Manheim, Orville Mendoza, Owiso Odera, Jeffrey Omura, Lucas Papaelias, Austin Pendleton, Mary Rasmussen, Michael Rossmy, Cornelius Smith, Alexander Sovronsky, Timothy D. Stickney, and Christopher Evan Welch
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
August 7 - September 9
Directed by DANIEL SULLIVAN
Where: Delacorte Theater-Central Park
What: Pick up your free Shakespeare in the Park tickets on the day of the performance beginning at 1pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park or from 1 to 3pm at The Public Theater Box Office, 425 Lafayette Street.
http://www.publictheater.org/view.php
Metropolitan Opera In the Park
When: June 12 and June 13 at 8pm
Where: The Great Lawn – Central Park
What: Every year, Met in the Parks offers performances of two different operas for visitors to enjoy at various parks in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and New Jersey. While this offers an opportunity for the uninitiated to get a taste of opera, more importantly it's an opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy drinks, snacks and conversation with an operatic background. The closer you sit to the bandshell, the more seriously the audience takes the performance, so gauge your positioning appropriately. Performances begin at 8 p.m., so if you want seating close to the bandshell, plan to arrive about 2 hours early -- if you're less particular, and depending on the size of your group, you can arrive up until the show begins. Pick up a Playbill (distributed free at entrances) so you can follow along with the story.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
Charles Gounod's Faust
PS1 Warm Up
When: Saturdays from July through Early September from 3pm-9pm. Opens June 30th
Where: MOMA – PS1 – Long Island City
What: Warm Up is P.S.1's critically acclaimed music series and has become one of the most anticipated summer events. The series is housed within the architectural installation created by the winner of the annual P.S.1 and MoMA organized Young Architects Program . Together, the music, architecture and exhibition program provide a unique multi-sensory experience for music fans, artists, and families alike.
Warm Up was conceived in 1997 as a summer-long dance party to attract crowds to P.S.1 and Long Island City, Queens. The series runs every Saturday from July through early September and draws thousands of local and international visitors each day.
Highlights from the series include a stellar group of international DJs and live music ensembles: DJ Harvey, Groove Collective, Lovebug Starski, Afrika Bambaataa, Prins Thomas & Hans-Peter Lindstrom, Mad Professor, Richie Hawtin, Danny Krivit, Trevor Jackson, Francois K, DJ Craze, Charlie Dark, Vikter Duplaix, Fischerspooner, Frederic Galliano, Kid Koala, Arto Lindsay, The Scissor Sisters, Ursula Rucker, Derrick May, Swayzak, Luke Vibert, XPress 2, Danny Wang, and many more.
http://www.ps1.org/ps1_site/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Riverside Park Summer Events
When: May-August
Where: See website for specific event locations
What: Riverside Park is a great place for both relaxation and recreation. While quiet spaces are abundant, many activities and events create a lively atmosphere. Riverside Park Fund sponsors and hosts a wide variety of activities including musical performances, theatre performances, family/ children activities and wellness events..
http://www.riversideparkfund.org/
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
When: Sundays from May 27 through September 30, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (except June 10)
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
What: Local residents and some visitors enjoy the rhythms of modern jazz, salsa, gospel and at times modern dance here at the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Plaza on the doorstep of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park.
May 27: Sadiki Conde (African)
June 3: Tulivu Donna Cumberbatch (Jazz)
June 17: Los Soneros de Oriente (Cuban Son)
June 24: Harlem Blues & Jazz Band (Blues & Jazz
July 1: James Carter Quartet (Jazz)
July 8: McCollough's Sons of Thunder (Gospel)
July 15: Max Pollak & Rumbatap (Afro-Cuban)
July 22: Casym Steel Orchestra (Calypso)
July 29: Pablo Mayor – Folklore Urbano (Modern Colombian)
August 5: Howard Johnson & Gravity (Jazz)
August 12: David Oquendo & Havana Tres (Cuban)
August 19: Roberta Piket Trio (Jazz)
August 26: New Amsterdam Musical Association (Jazz)
Sept 2: Jimmy Delgado's Salsa con Dulzura Orchestra (Salsa)
Sept 9: I.S. 143 Performance Ensemble (Salsa)
Sept 16: Conservatory Garden Anniversary Celebration
Sept 23: Bob Cunningham's Quartet (Jazz)
Sept 30: One Voice (Gospel)
Dumbo First Thursdays
When: First Thursdays of every month
Where: Front Street; Dumbo
What: DUMBO's First Thursday Gallery Walk is sponsored by Two Trees Management and features area galleries and artists' studios open from 5:30 to 8:30 on the first Thursday of each month. The welcoming informality of First Thursday attracts casual browsers as well as serious art collectors to each festive event, with galleries, studios and cultural organizations in DUMBO hosting receptions and exhibition openings. There is no admission fee- participating galleries are open to the public. First Thursday hours for some galleries/artists may vary during the summer and on holidays. Gallery receptions, neighborhood dining and bars, and live music add to the evening's festivities.
http://www.dumbo-newyork.com/index.cfm?objectid=FB5DA14A-3048-2B26-C0D7C84394240752
NBC Rockefeller Plaza Concerts
When: 7:00am mostly Friday mornings
Where: 49th St. Between 5th & 6th Avenues
What: NBC’s Annual Today Show concert series at Rockefeller Plaza
Friday, May 25 - Blondie
Monday, May 28 - Maroon 5
Friday, June 1 - Big & Rich
Friday, June 8 - Rihanna
Friday, June 15 - Enrique Iglesias
Tuesday, June 19 - Bon Jovi
Friday, June 22 - Chicago & America
Friday, July 6 - Fall Out Boy
Friday, July 13 - KT Tunstall
Friday, July 20 - Hairspray the movie
Friday, July 27 - Marc Anthony
Friday, August 3 - Vince Gill & Amy Grant
Friday, August 10 - Natasha Bedingfield
Friday, August 31 - Chris Brown
Central Park Summerstage
When: Various dates- TBD
Where: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, 72nd St &5th Avenue
What: Summer stage is one of New York’s greatest summer institutions, filling Central Park with music, theatre, opera and dance for two months each summer.
Only highlights listed. See http://www.summerstage.org for full schedule:
Friday, June 8th Joss Stone at 6:30pm
Monday, July 16th:The Decemberists at 6:30pm
Thursday, August 9th: The Black Crowes at 6:00pm
Saturday, August 11th: Galactic at 3pm
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
When: Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 7:30PM
Where:The Namburg Bandshell and Mall Concert Ground, mid-Park from 66th to 72nd St.
What: The oldest free outdoor concert series in the US, the Naumburg features symphonic and semi-classical music.s(No rain dates)
Tuesday, June 26 Melody of Dragon
Tuesday, July 3 The Boston Brass
Wednesday, July 25 Brooklyn Philharmonic - Alexander Platt, conductor
Wednesday, August 15 Naumburg Orchestra - Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
http://www.naumburgconcerts.org/
Best Ice Cream in NYC
These New York City ice cream shops offer the city's best ice cream, gelatos and sorbets, from basic chocolate, vanilla and strawberry to lychee, ginger and wine flavored variations.
Il Laboratorio del Gelato
Small batches prepared using top ingredients set apart the Italian style gelato and sorbet served at Il Laboratorio del Gelato. Each day, choose from 12 ever-changing flavors served up by lab coat garbed staff at this small shop.
Address: 95 Orchard St.
Telephone: 212-343-9922
Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily (6 p.m. Sun/Mon)
Australian Homemade
Ice creams, sorbets and remixes offer visitors to this Australian inspired ice cream shop a delicious, refreshing experience. Everything is made on premises, using all natural ingredients and flavors.
Address: 115 St. Mark's Place
Telephone: 212-228-5439
Ronnybrook Farms
Ronnybrook Farms' super premium ice creams are rich and feature milk and cream from the upstate New York's dairy farm. Flavors are available by the scoop, and they also offer pints to take home. Toasted Hazelnut and Columbia County Coffee are popular favorites.
Address: 75 9th Avenue(15th/16th Sts)
Telephone: 212-741-6455
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
While the view alone is worth a visit to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, the delicious ice cream is worth a journey even without the skyline. Enjoy your ice cream while you watch ships in the harbor -- and you can even work off the calories with a sunset walk across the nearby Brooklyn Bridge.
Address: Fulton Ferry Landing Pier (Old Fulton and Water Sts.)
Telephone: 718-246-3963
Hours: noon - 10 p.m. daily (11 p.m. Thurs - Sun in summer)
Il Gelatone
Authentic Italian gelato and sorbetti offerings bring many to visit Il Gelatone, featuring 6-8 flavors daily. Plain milk flavored demonstrates the simple deliciousness of this Italian confection.
Address: 397 Third Ave (28th/29th Sts)
Telephone: 212-481-2093
La Maison du Chocolate
This classic French chocolatier serves up amazing ice cream at its two shops in Manhattan during summer months only. Caramel ice cream is a particular favorite.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Center
Telephone: 212-265-9404
Upper East Side Location
Address: 1018 Madison Ave(78th/79th Sts.)
Telephone: 212-744-7117
Ciao Bella Cafe
One of New York's original gelato makers, Ciao Bella has moved its plant to New Jersey, but continues to offer impressive sorbets and gelatos.
Grand Central Station Location
Address: Lower Level Food Court
Telephone: 212-867-5311
Upper East Side Location
Address: 27 East 92nd St
Mott Street Location
Address: 285 Mott Street
Telephone: 212-505-7100
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