NYC Restaurants Experience Surge In Sales During Usually Slow Summer Months

Business for New York City restaurants usually hits a low point during the summer months, slowing to a crawl as residents head to the beach or elsewhere on vacation, or bring picnics to the parks. Yet surprisingly, Crain's New York is reporting that restaurant sales have seen a modest surge this summer and the recession’s effect on restaurants has also eased, ushering in strong growth.
Restaurant sales are finally stabilizing and tables are filling up since the recession took hold of the industry last October. For some restaurants, more customers are being fed in June and July compared to the same months last summer.
There are a number of possible reasons why New Yorkers are suddenly emerging to enjoy themselves and eat out: people don't want to deprive themselves any longer, especially in summer, or perhaps they are feeling more confident with job security. Outdoor seating is also a draw in the summertime, and with the rainy weather the Northeast has been experiencing this summer, it’s safe to say that New Yorkers will do anything to get out of their apartments and find ways to beat the gloom.
NYC Restaurant Week is also making a big difference, which started July 12 and will end August 2, acting as a city-wide promotion of the best restaurants New York has to offer. Not only do Restaurant Week’s large discounts draw customers looking for budget-friendly options, but they want to experience the most ambitious eateries creating buzz in New York City.

He Still Won't Grow Up: Peter Pan at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater

Mention the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, and you will either get a blank stare or a look of delight. Located in New York’s Central Park, the theater started life in 1876 as an example of Swedish design at an exposition in Philadelphia. The cottage was purchased by the New York Parks Department and moved to its current site when the event ended. It was completely restored about 10 years ago.
(To file under “Did You Know”: The cottage was brought here at the suggestion of Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park.)
This summer, the cottage features a new retelling of the “Peter Pan” story, called “Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land.” What’s new? Well, for one thing, it’s set in New York City; for another, Tiger Lily is now a native of India rather than being Native American. Will Nana the dog, by far our favorite character, make an appearance? No word yet...The show runs every day during the summer (although show times differ).
The marionettes are hand-crafted; the setting is lovely; and although performances are geared to kids 3-9, it’s more of an “everyone” kind of experience, at least once.
PS Yes--it’s air conditioned.
The Marionette Theater is located on the west side of the park at 79th Street, south of the Delacorte Theater. For more information about showtimes, performances, and birthday parties at the Cottage, call (212) 988-9093.

Big Brother Will Soon Be Watching In New York City Subway Cars

Subway riders will soon have a watchful eye looking over them as they travel. By the end of the year, a single New York City subway train will have CCTV security cameras in every one of its cars as an experimental program by the MTA. It is a groundbreaking security initiative used to determine if similar systems should be installed on every train as a way to deter criminal activity and to aid officials in emergencies. The footage could also assist in determining the facts in incidents, as the MTA has had to shell out millions in damages to injured passengers who have sued.
The train will be outfitted with a digital surveillance system in the corner of every car. The system creates a computer-based log that can be viewed after a crime. The images will not be watched live because of financial constraints, but authorities are hoping that would-be criminals will think twice. Authorities also hope it will act as a weapon against terrorism. MTA officials won’t reveal which subway line will get the camera-equipped train, though it will likely be on one of the newest “letter” trains with the proper computer wiring.
To install surveillance cameras in all subway cars would be an expensive endeavor for New York City. The MTA currently has no money in its capital plan to pay for the installation of cameras in all trains, and it’s unclear if money could be allocated in the next capital program.

Central Park Zoo: Even Cooler Than Before

New York’s Central Park Zoo is pretty nifty already...but it’s about to get a whole lot cooler when "Chill Out!” its premier summer weekend event, runs from August 1-2 (this coming Saturday and Sunday.
The triple “p”s of animal cool—puffins, polar bears and penguins—have the starring role this weekend, since most of the events revolve around them. (And, let's face it, they know a thing or two about cool, not to mention downright cold.)
What’s on the menu? For starters, try tilapia, whipped cream, and vegetable popsicles. Yum. Oh, wait: they're not for visitors, they're for the animals. At 1:00 pm, zookeepers grab their ingredients and duel to create the tastiest treat for the two polar bears. From 1:30-4:00 pm, wander on by the ice-carving station, where the carving masters from Ice Fantasies make giant ice animal sculptures (yes, they can be touched.) Other events include keepers giving out frozen treats (hence the popsicles) to various zoo residents from penguins to snow monkeys (taking place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm), and two special theater performances.
While you’re there, visit the newest zoo residents--the snow monkeys in the Alison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit. Three new cats can be found (warning: they’re often hard to spot) in a replica of their home in Asia. Check out the "hidden" snow leopard display while you're there.
The Central Park Zoo is located at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. For more information, call (212) 794-0284.

New York City Tops List Of Best City In The U.S. For Singles

Looking to find love, but don’t know where to find it? Look no further. The Big Apple has just been ranked number one on Forbes.com’s annual ranking of America’s “Best Cities for Singles,” bumping Atlanta from the top spot. This marks New York City’s first time in the top spot since Forbes.com debuted the list in 2001. Following close behind New York City to round out the top five are Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Ranking dead last is Jacksonville, Florida.
Forbes.com generated the “Best Cities for Singles” list by assessing 40 of the largest urban areas in the U.S. based on the cost of living alone, coolness, culture, job growth, online dating, nightlife, and the ratio of singles to the entire population of the city. With more active members living in New York City on Match.com than any other place in the U.S., online dating was a big factor in the city’s rise in the rankings. Singles make up 28 percent of the overall population in New York City.
The tough economy in New York City has led singles to shift their priorities to seeking happiness and comfort in others, taking the focus away from financial stresses. And with an unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, New Yorkers are taking advantage of their severance packages as well as the city’s many restaurants, bars and museums, meanwhile meeting new people or bringing dates along.

Disney Pin Trading: As Close as Midtown New York

Disney pin fan? Love to trade? Trip to Disney World not in the offing this summer? No worries--grab your collection and head to the World of Disney Store on New York’s Fifth Avenue. The first Saturday of the month, from 10:00 am to noon, is the time for pin traders to show up. (Upcoming dates include August 1 and September 5.)
For the uninitiated, pin trading has been around since 1999, at the start of Disney’s Millennium Celebration, and the pins are available at the stores, the resorts and theme parks, and online. Thousands of pins exist, and (believe it or not) guidelines for trading and etiquette are even in place. Pins feature everything Disney, from movies to theme park attractions to characters (we’re big Stitch fans, ourselves), and range in price, style, and availability. Those in the know wear lanyards (long ribbons that hang around your neck and display the pins: warning--they can get very heavy.) And don’t worry that it’s just for the under-12 set—adults are major collectors.
While you’re at the store, pop up to the third floor and tour the Art of Disney Gallery; you’ll find posters, lithographs, giclees (generally, art prints created from an inkjet printer) and more.
Of course, you’ll find plenty of Disney merchandise as well; for further information, call the store at 212 702-0702. They’re located at 711 Fifth Avenue, which is at 55th Street.

Second Avenue Subway Construction Saga Continues With New Due Date

Previously expected to be complete in 2012 and then in 2015, the long-anticipated subway running along Second Avenue on the East side of Manhattan has been delayed yet again, according to a yearlong review by the MTA of the ongoing construction. The Second Avenue subway line is now expected to open in July 2016, and possibly even in July 2017 if there are more delays.
The first phase of construction is currently taking place from 96th Street to 63rd Street, a 1.7-mile route, with new stations at 96th, 86th and 72nd Streets. The plan is for the subway line to eventually stretch 8.5 miles from 125th Street in Harlem to Hanover Square in the Financial District. The cost of the new subway line is expected to increase to about $4.4 billion.
Currently the 4/5/6 line is the only subway line like it running the length of the East side of Manhattan in New York City. The Second Avenue subway would benefit the community and the entire city once completed, and will reduce overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue line.
The MTA is encouraging residents to shop Second Avenue businesses despite the temporary inconvenience of construction, which has in fact been hurting businesses, mainly in the East 90s. There are also concerns in the Upper East Side real estate market that the construction could deter potential buyers from purchasing properties east of Third Avenue, though once complete, the far East side will no doubt rise in value.

New York Public Library Adds Wi-Fi Access

For those who like their elegance in New York tempered with a dose of high-tech, the New York Public Library’s main building at 42nd Street has just expanded its wi-fi access.
Most recently used for special occasions, the Beaux-Arts Edna Barnes Salomon Room has been designated a room for both reading and wireless internet. It’s located on the third floor of the Stephen A. Schwartzman Building.
Seating (and free wi-fi) will be available for 128 users; starting July 28, laptops will be available for loan.
But don’t expect Formica and plastic chairs: new furniture in the 4,500 square-foot room features 16 custom-made black walnut tables and leather chairs that match the floors’ dark maple. New lighting fixtures have also been added. Although a spokesperson says the internet service is "fast," you'll need to stay in the reading room--and check it out for yourself.
Fun fact: The room was originally designed as a 19th-century picture gallery; it was restored and given its current name in 1986 to honor the 75th anniversary of the opening of the library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.
And who, you may ask, was Ms. Salomon? She was the wife of a former NYPL Chairman of the Board, whose leadership helped the library after economic difficulties in the 1970s. Perhaps the Salomon name will do so again.
If not, it's still a nice place to browse the web or read a book. 212 930-0800

Trans Fat Ban in New York City Restaurants Proving Successful

After two years of waging war on artificial trans fats in New York City restaurants, nearly all city restaurants have successfully cut the artery-clogging unsaturated fats from their menus (or at least to low levels of less than 0.55 grams of trans fat per serving), health officials are reporting. New York City’s Department of Health announced in December 2006 all licensed dining establishments—not only restaurants, but school cafeterias and street vending carts as well—were required to phase out heart-unhealthy trans fats from their foods. Prior to the ban, the Department of Health found that about 50 percent of restaurants it inspected used artificial trans fats for cooking, frying, and baking in their shortenings, oils, and spreads.
The department originally tried a voluntary program and an educational campaign by mailing information to train restaurant workers about the issue to about 30,000 food establishments. This educational campaign had little to no effect after a year. The department decided to instead launch a full-on mandatory ban of trans fat, which has worked well, despite some resistance from the restaurant industry, thinking it would affect business.
By November 2009, less than two percent of restaurants still used trans fats, and that number has since decreased. Since the trans fat ban proved successful in New York, it has caught on and been adopted by at least 13 other jurisdictions, such as Boston.

Tribute to John Lennon's New York City Years Features Rare Artifacts, Bloody Clothing From Death

A new exhibit created by Yoko Ono on John Lennon’s life in New York City is currently on display at the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame Annex in Soho. The exhibit is named “John Lennon: The New York City Years” and features rare and never-before-seen artifacts, films and photos capturing a time when Lennon was politically and socially active and he put out some of his best work.
New York City was Lennon’s adopted home from when he left England and moved stateside in 1971 until his death in 1980. Some highlights on display include the original handwritten lyrics of 10 songs like “Luck of the Irish,” “Nobody Told Me,” and “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” as well as the New York City T-shirt Lennon wears with the skyline behind him in a famous photograph by photographer Bob Gruen. Another item is Lennon’s green card that expired in 1972, leading the Nixon administration to seek his deportation, but he remained in the U.S. thanks to the support of many like John Lindsay, who was the mayor of New York City Mayor from 1966 to 1973. Most controversially featured are the bloody clothes Lennon wore on the evening he was murdered.
A portion of the ticket cost is donated to Spirit Foundations, a charitable foundation created by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Extended exhibit hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11:00am to 10:00pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to midnight with last admission one hour prior to closing. For tickets call 866-9-ROCKNY or 866-976-2569, go to www.rockannex.com, or visit the box office located at 76 Mercer Street.

Naked Cowboy Throws His 10-gallon Hat In The Ring For Mayoral Run

As New York City’s richest resident Mayor Michael Bloomberg attempts to run for his third term, Times Square’s famous busker and tourist fixture Naked Cowboy has offered himself as a write-in candidate against Bloomberg for the office of New York City mayor. Known for singing and strumming his guitar in nothing but a cowboy hat, cowboy boots and tighty-whities in rain, snow or shine, Naked Cowboy, a.k.a. Robert Burck, 38, officially announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City on July 22.
Burck held a press conference in Times Square where a large crowd of media gathered. He kept things brief with plenty of wordplay, promising to “do more with less” for New York City residents. Burck’s platform includes cutting wasteful spending, building the city’s economy and tourism, supporting small businesses, and greening city buildings. If elected November 3, Burck said he would remain accessible and carry on this usual routine in Times Square.
Though he may seem not seem like a serious choice, Burck cited Arnold Schwarzenegger as having not been elected governor of California for his vast political background, but rather because he “exuded the spirit of the community of which he represents.”
Burck has a political science degree from the University of Cincinnati, several self-published motivational books, a country music album, and is an ordained minister, eager to build a Times Square chapel marrying straight and gay couples in an effort to rival Las Vegas’ wedding business.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route - Route Change for 2009

After much speculation, it was announced in April 2009 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will have a new route for 2009. The new, wider route will give the parade the extra space it has needed for more parade goers and will allow for more economic activity.
The parade had previously started at 77th Street and Central Park West to continue South on Broadway when it reached Columbus Circle, through Times Square and ending in Herald Square. The new route will now have four 90 degree turns, with the parade starting at 77th Street and Central Park West, turning East onto 59th Street, then South at 7th Avenue, then East on 42nd Street for a block before turning South onto 6th Avenue, and finishing in Herald Square at 34th Street. This is the sixth route change in the history of the parade since its debut in 1924.
The parade route change has sent hotels on 6th and 7th Avenues scrambling to create pricey room packages and viewing parties in their event spaces for people who want to watch the parade indoors. This change is of course a disappointment for Broadway hotels whose business will now be hurt because the parade won’t be passing outside its doors anymore.
Full Story: http://www.nytix.com/Hotels/articles/thanksgiving.html

New York Chocolate - An NYC Religion

Sometimes you want more than just your run-of-the-mill candy bar in NYC. You want to go someplace where chocolate isn’t just a snack, but a way of life. Enter the chocolate nirvana's.

Start with Max Brenner, where chocolate isn’t just a way of life, but a near religion. With stores around the world, the chain takes its chocolate seriously. You can start with breakfast (and if you can’t wait, go for the Melting Cinnamon Chocolate Chunks Oatmeal) proceed to the Petite Lunch (where sides include waffle fries dusted with chili and, of course, cocoa powder) and then head for the big time. Maybe Max’s Three Layer Chocolate Confection with Toffee Bananas? You can always attempt the Peanut Butter Crunchy Dessert Bonbon, or any one of the fondue, ice cream or crepe creations.
Max Brenner has two New York locations: 841 Broadway (between 13th and 14th Streets) and 141 Second Avenue (at 9th Street.) call 212 388-0030.

Next stop: Jacques Torres. The dessert czar (he was the pastry chef at Le Cirque) has several locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, including one on the upper west side (285 Amsterdam, between 73rd and 74th Streets; 212 787-3256; as well 350 Hudson Street (212 414-2462. (The location in Brooklyn features an ice cream store and factory that is visible from street level.) . While you can buy standard chocolates (if your definition of standard includes Champagne Kiss bonbons) the real draw is the amazing hot chocolate in a variety of flavors.

Finally, head to the delightful Marie Belle. With such events as private chocolate-tasting classes and a Cacao Bar and Tea Salon, this shop offers an elegant take on the chocolate experience. Try the Aztec Hot Chocolate.www.mariebelle.com; MarieBelle on Madison (762 Madison Ave, between 64th and 65th Streets) (212 249-4585); or MarieBelle SoHo (212 884-9707) 484 Broome Street.

J.C. Penney Set To Open First-Ever Manhattan Store

American department store chain J.C. Penney is opening its first-ever store in New York City on July 31 at 33rd Street and 6th Avenue in the Manhattan Mall. The mall is located one block from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square and a block from Penn Station.
While the store will have an official grand opening on July 31, a soft opening is taking place tomorrow, July 23, and the new locale will be open to shoppers from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. With more than 1,100 stores across the country, this 153,000-square-foot J.C. Penney store will staff 500 associates. It will be the first J.C. Penney store in Manhattan despite maintaining a corporate office on the island from 1914 to 1988.
There are currently J.C. Penney stores in Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx that are top revenue generators for the department store, so Manhattan store sales are expected to do quite well. The two-level store will finally breathe some life into Manhattan Mall as it has been a ghost town while undergoing renovation for the past year or so.
J.C. Penney is famous for boasting affordable clothing and has recently stepped up to shedding its dowdy reputation by offering designer collections like “I Heart Ronson” by Charlotte Ronson and a Cindy Crawford Home line coming out in September. A Sephora cosmetics store will also open within the new J.C. Penney.

PATH And Bridge Toll Revenues Hurting In Summer Tourism Decline

While New York City’s economy is no doubt feeling the heat of the recession, a new report has emerged that PATH rail system ridership and traffic through the tolls on the six area bridges into the city have also taken a hit. PATH ridership declined 3.5 percent during the first six months of 2009 compared to the first six months of 2008. Traffic through the Port Authority’s six bridges and tunnels fell 3.1 percent. The Lincoln Tunnel has had the steepest decline, of 5 percent. This information was announced July 14 by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
Consistent revenue coming in from leases and fees along with cutting costs have helped the Port Authority stay afloat financially, but this goes to show that not even New York City’s transportation systems and toll bridges are recession-proof.
Not only has New York City tourism been on the decline this summer with fewer visitors, but fewer commuters are coming in for work, with the loss of 107,800 jobs in New York City since August 2008. Layoffs throughout industries across the board have clearly caused a domino effect on the tourism industry. The unemployment rate is currently at 9 percent in New York, and the recent 65 percent rise in gas prices may be another reason why people are off the road this summer.

The Guggenheim and Frank Lloyd Wright Celebrate a Golden Anniversary

Quick, how many architects can you name?
No, neither can we.
Well, except for Frank Lloyd Wright, and this summer marks the 50th anniversary of his design of New York City’s extraordinary Guggenheim Museum, which is celebrating with an exhibition called “Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward,” running from mid May to August 23.
Co-organized by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the exhibition features 64 projects, ranging from private homes, religious spaces, and government buildings, to designs for buildings that were never created; it also includes some original drawings that have not previously been on public view.
Renowned for creating a form of architecture in which form and function meld seamlessly, Wright’s love of nature and tranquility are highlighted here, as is his elegant use of simplicity.
Displayed on the winding ramps of the Museum, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the exhibition highlights the artist’s 72-year career through a range of mediums, such as new 3-D models and digital animation.
The exhibition also includes lectures, children’s programs, and an audio tour.
The museum is located at 1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street.
For hours, directions and more information, log onto their website: www.guggenheim.org; or call 212 423-3618.

Celebrities Play Tour Guide For New Big Apple Greeter Program

As part of the Big Apple Greeter organization’s new “Celebrity Greeter for a Day” program, visitors will have the opportunity to go on free tours led by celebrities who will offer them a personal taste of New York City, rather than taking them to the usual famous tourist spots. The “Celebrity Greeter for a Day” program was launched July 15 with the help of former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber and “The Sopranos” actor Dominic Chianese (in photo) at City Hall in Manhattan. Also on hand were Big Apple Greeter representatives and New York City tourism and elected officials.
The program intends to match tourists from around the world with well-known New Yorkers serving as volunteers, offering their unique perspective on a walking tour of favorite haunts. More than 300 New York City residents serve as greeters throughout the year. Now celebrity greeters will be added to the mix and matched up with visitors the same way other volunteers are paired. Greeters are matched with visitors based on language, neighborhoods they want to see, and other interests. However, visitors won’t know in advance if they’ve been paired with a celebrity, so it will be at random.
The Big Apple Greeter program also brings economic opportunity to New York City’s tourism industry. Founded in 1992 by Lynn Brooks, this non-profit organization’s mission is to enhance New York City’s image to foreigners, and to show them New York doesn’t have to be expensive and overwhelming.

Coffee And Doughnut Chain Tim Hortons Makes New York City Debut

Canada’s leading coffee and doughnut chain Tim Hortons opened 12 new stores in New York City on Monday, July 13, entering the competition against Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts for the first time in the Big Apple. The Tim Hortons shops will mostly open in former Dunkin' Donuts locations that were shut down Friday, July 10, before undergoing a fast renovation over the weekend for its Monday debut. The chain opened its doors in key tourist destinations like Broadway, Times Square, Penn Station, and Madison Square Garden. Two locations are open in Brooklyn.
Three additional locations are expected to open in August as well. These three will open in existing Cold Stone Creamery stores as part of an ongoing test initiative to co-brand with up to 100 stores in the U.S. Debuting in New York City is a significant milestone in the Tim Hortons brand expansion.
The locations are operated by franchisee The Riese Organization, which operates 113 restaurants in New York City. The Riese Organization agreed to end its franchise relationship with Dunkin’ Donuts by July 31 and is therefore converting their Dunkin’ Donuts locations to Tim Hortons. The termination of the relationship is a result of a health violation dispute, and each are claiming they ended the relationship.
The Ontario, Canada-based company with a U.S. headquarters in Dublin, Ohio sells coffee, fresh baked goods, sandwiches and soups. There are about 3,500 locations in North America, 500 of which are in the U.S. with more to come.

If It’s Summer, It Must be the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival 2009

Summer is for movies. But it’s also for being outside. Big dilemma!
No, wait…go to New York City’s HBO Bryant Park Summer Film festival, and you can do both!
Now in its 17th year, the free (no tickets needed) Time Warner Cable-sponsored festival shows movies every Monday night approximately at sunset (usually between 8:00 and 9:00 pm) from mid-June through August 17.
The festival kicked off with “The Sting” and will end with “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” In between, viewers are treated to such classics as the cult favorite “Harold and Maude” (with Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon; July 20); “The Defiant Ones” (Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis; July 27); and “Kramer vs. Kramer” (Dustin Hoffman; Meryl Streep; August 3). For a complete schedule, call 212 512-5700, or go to http://blog.when/hbofilmfest. AOL keyword: Bryant Park Film festival.
The movies are shown on a huge (22” x 43.5”) screen in the park, located between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The lawn opens to viewers at 5:00 pm; you can bring a blanket and picnic on the lawn, or try to grab one of the 4,000 park chairs on the sidelines.
Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft sandwich spots have kiosks set up where you can purchase sandwiches and ice cream, or you can bring your own food.
Either way, it’s the perfect melding of indoor-outdoor fun.

Wendy Williams Goes from New York City Shock Jock to TV's Anti-Oprah

Taking the leap from radio to TV, popular longtime New York City DJ and urban radio shock jock Wendy Williams debuted her new nationally syndicated daytime talk show The Wendy Williams Show on July 13. It airs on FOX 5, My 13 and FOX 11 channels all across the country. BET Networks have also picked up the cable rights to the show and added it to their lineup, airing weeknights at 11 p.m. starting July 13 as well.
The Wendy Williams Show test ran for six weeks last summer in New York, Dallas, Detroit, and Los Angeles before syndication company Debmar-Mercury signed a deal with FOX Broadcasting Company to broadcast the show beginning in July 2009. The preview shows included a fan-fave interview with Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth (of Celebrity Apprentice fame) to promote her book "The Bitch Switch". In the interview Omarosa demonstrated that she couldn't actually switch "The Bitch" off and all hell broke loose on the set, making the show an instant classic.
Like her radio show the Wendy Williams Experience, Williams will continue to cover a mix of hot topics like celebrity gossip, fashion, entertainment, advice, and interviews with a wide range of guests on her one-hour TV show. Williams has branded herself as the anti-Oprah and hopes to appeal to a more mainstream audience, just at a time when Oprah is experiencing her lowest ratings since 1992. The show will be seen on 95 percent of U.S. households with televisions.

Duck, Duck…Tourist? An Amphibious Tour Recreates Henry Hudson's Voyage

You may have been on a New York City bus tour or even a boat tour…but a duck tour? Well, now’s your chance. Starting in Times Square and making its way through Manhattan and then into the waters of the Hudson River (yes, you read that correctly; the “Duck” is an amphibious vehicle that transitions easily from land to water) the vehicle was inspired by the voyages of Henry Hudson’s ship The Half-Moon. Hudson, for those who need a refresher, was the 16th century explorer who is known for discovering both New York and the Hudson River.The road and river tour, that was up-until recently known as the New York Splash Tour, includes travels to view some of New York's most famous sights (tour guides are on hand to point them out); and a stop in the NYC Ducks Theater, where you’ll experience a multimedia motion-simulator ride that mimics Hudson’s journey across the Atlantic (complete with rushing wind). While “Duck” tours are available at other locations around the world, this is the only one that offers the multimedia experience. The tour culminates with a splash into the Hudson River for a fabulous view of Manhattan. The Duck returns to Times Square after the tour.
The tour lasts between 60 and 75 minutes; and tickets can be purchased online (http://www.coachusa.com/nycducks/) or by calling 1-888-838-2570. Tour check-in is on 8th Avenue near Restaurant Row; the exact location will be given when you make your reservation. Departures are offered daily April-November.

A Guide to New York City's Best Mobile Eats

There is more to New York City food carts than hot dogs and soft pretzels. In the latest issue of Time Out New York, the magazine lists the best food trucks and carts New York City has to offer. Here is a brief roundup:

The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck
Doug Quint serves soft serve ice cream in cones with an interesting variety of toppings such as bacon, crushed pretzels, and Nilla Wafers. Various locations around NYC.

Calexico
Brothers Dave, Jesse and Brian Vendley sell gourmet Cal-Mex cuisine and have garnered a following for their flavorful meat and generous portions. Calexico carts are found at the corner of Prince and Wooster Streets as well as Broadway and Broome Street.

Cupcake Stop
Lev Ekster sells mini and regular-size cupcakes with flavors like Oreo crumb and chocolate peanut butter swirl. Catch Cupcake Stop daily at Fifth Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets and nightly at 23rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.

NY Dosa
Thiru Kumar offers vegan dosas, a delicate lentil-and-rice-flour crepe filled with vegetables and potatoes, with coconut chutney and spicy vegetable soup, undoubtedly one of New York’s healthiest carts. Look for Kumar on West 4th Street at Sullivan.

Kwik Meal
Mohammed Rahman opened his first cart in 2000 and three more since, becoming a popular Midtown fixture at West 45th Street at Sixth Avenue with his succulent lamb over rice and vegetable-filled pitas.

Kim’s Aunt Kitchen
This cart draws crowds for its fried whiting and flounder sandwiches served on Wonder, whole wheat or pita breads. Also try the beef bulgogi, a step above the usual street meat, at West 46th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Street Sweets
Inspired by a visit to Italy, Samira Mahboubian opened a food truck serving croissants with assorted fillings like Nutella and marshmallow crème. Check http://twitter.com/streetsweets for Midtown location updates.

Two Popular New York Sightseeing Double-decker Bus Companies Merge

In an effort to cut costs, two of New York City’s best-known rival double-decker tour bus companies are merging to combine operations in a joint venture. CitySights NY and Gray Line New York Sightseeing will continue to operate under the same names, but the new company will be called Twin America, with a fleet of 100 vehicles and gross assets of $28 million combined.
Supposedly no layoffs are happening as a result. The merge comes at a time with New York City’s tourism boom is taking a hit from the economic crisis and the number of tourists expected to visit New York are much lower this year.
Another double-decker bus and fairly young competitor on the scene is the Big Taxi Tour, a hop on, hop off family-run bus tour company bringing passengers to attractions in New York City. Their yellow buses with black and white-checkered stripes have been seen more and more throughout Manhattan. Big Taxi Tour is less expensive than CitySights and Gray Line with $25 rides through Midtown and Downtown, versus $44 for CitySights or Gray Line. Whether this bargain bus and the economy will harm Twin America is yet to be seen.

New York City Beaches Make A Big Splash This Summer

Don’t bother heading east to the Hamptons or Jones Beach this summer to relax on the beach. Instead, check out some of New York City’s little known urban beaches, that is, if you mind not swimming. Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City has 1,002 tons of imported New Jersey sand spread over 44,000 square feet and a wonderful view of Midtown Manhattan’s skyline across the East River. There’s beach volleyball, a snack shack and bar, and sprinklers that mist the beach. Deejayed beach parties for people 21+ take place Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m.
Former military base Governors Island is undergoing a transformation with a 40-acre park in the works and a new beach that officially opened on July 11. The beach features 300 tons of sand spread over 20,000 square feet, a café and outdoor grill, beach volleyball, basketball, and a view of Lower Manhattan. Live outdoor entertainment is also scheduled, with acts like Erykah Badu and The B-52s coming in August.
South Street Seaport also has a new 18,000-square-foot beach that opened on Memorial Day, located on the north side of Pier 17 with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River. Games like skeeball, ping-pong, and 9 holes of miniature golf are onsite, as well as Fish Shack for burgers and fish tacos, and Pop Bar for popcorn and soda. Like the beach in Long Island City, this beach has deejayed parties on weekend nights for the 21+ crowd.

Catch Free Performances At Central Park SummerStage And Celebrate Brooklyn!

Whether you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, there are two free public concert programs not to miss this summer in these New York City boroughs. Central Park SummerStage, a program of the City Parks Foundation founded in 1986, presents a variety of free performing acts to the public. The performances and events are open to all ages and showcase music, dance, spoken word, and film. These are held in the various outdoor venues in Manhattan’s Central Park in New York City. The series began June 5 and will conclude August 16, so there is still time to catch a show. Some well-known names still to come this summer that are sure to draw large crowds are Jazmine Sullivan, Q-Tip, Chester French, Ginuwine, Bettye LaVette, Bela Fleck, The Pretenders, and Juliette Lewis.
Celebrate Brooklyn! is an outdoor performing arts festival offering free music, dance, theater, and film events in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Bandshell. The program began June 8 this summer with a performance by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, and will end August 15 with Animal Collective. Several other artists yet to perform this summer are Big Daddy Kane, Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal. The concert series is free but a $3 donation is suggested upon arrival. Celebrate Brooklyn! was launched in 1979.

Construction On New Meadowlands Stadium Ahead Of Schedule

Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the soon-to-be home field of the New York Giants and Jets football teams, is under construction and months ahead of schedule. The stadium will still open during the projected time frame of December 2009 to April 2010.
Meadowlands Stadium is replacing Giants Stadium, with the construction taking place nearby in the parking lot. Giants Stadium will be demolished when Meadowlands is completed to free up more parking lot space.
The new open-air stadium will have 82,500 seats, including 200 luxury suites, four large video boards in each of the four corners, and a fenced in security perimeter. It will be the second-largest stadium in the NFL behind FedExField, home to the Washington Redskins outside of Washington D.C., with a capacity of 91,704.
Environmentally friendly initiatives are being taken to create one of the greenest sports venues there is. Meadowlands Stadium will be partially built with 40,000 tons of recycled steel and stadium seats will be constructed from scrap iron and recycled plastic. Water use and construction waste are being cut, and concessions will use biodegradable utensils, plates and cups. Construction costs are currently estimated at $1.6 billion.
The opening of Meadowlands Stadium follows the open of Citi Field in March 2009 and of the new Yankee Stadium in April 2009, both in New York City.

NYC Restaurant Week Kicks Off This Weekend

This Sunday, July 12, marks the beginning of NYC Restaurant Week and will last for three weeks until July 31. Participating in the celebration of New York City dining this summer will be 250 restaurants featuring a wide range of cuisines.
The restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner, allowing the opportunity to dine at some of the best restaurants in town and at hot newcomers for a fraction of the (usually expensive) cost. Prices are per person, with lunches priced at $24.07 and dinner at $35, not including drinks, gratuity or tax. Both lunch and dinner aren’t offered at all participating restaurants, but most do.
As some of the best restaurants can sell out quickly, it is recommended that reservations be booked ahead of time by simply calling the restaurant or reserving a table through OpenTable.com.
NYC Restaurant Week takes place twice a year for several weeks at a time, in January and every June or July. This summer is the first time that many of the restaurants will offer the program on Sundays, as it has traditionally been offered on weekdays only. Saturdays are still excluded.
NYC Restaurant Week first started in 1992 as a one-time culinary program to welcome the Democratic National Convention to New York City, and was such a hit that it developed from there, as residents wanted to take part in the event as well and eat at New York’s best restaurants.

New York City Sees Hotel Boom Despite Room Occupancy Decline

Nearly 40 new hotels will open in New York City in 2009, including the Standard, the Ace, and the Cooper Square hotels, adding hundreds more to New York City’s existing 85,000 guest rooms. In a seemingly odd time to be expanding, New York is seeing a hotel room boom with more lodging than ever before.
New hotels projected to open in 2009 had been in the works as hotel occupancy rates steadily climbed in the last five years, often causing room shortages, with 39.9 million visitors in 2004 to a record 47.1 million in 2008. However, the suffering economy ended the climb with a dismal last quarter in 2008. Not only has there been a drop in room occupancy, but room rates as well.
According to PKF Consulting, 2008 had an average daily room rate of $268.59, while 2009 had a rate of $220.42. The average occupancy was 81.0 percent in the first quarter of 2008, while the first quarter of 2009 saw 67.3 percent, a number dipping into dangerous territory.
Travelers aren’t reserving rooms as far in advance anymore, and business expense accounts are being tightened to not include as much business travel. Hotels will have to offer good prices and incentive packages to gain guests.
The aforementioned chic and innovative new properties offer a glimmer of hope. The Standard has floor-to-ceiling glass windows providing amazing Hudson River views from its location on Washington Street, while the Cooper Square captures modern luxury with its sharp interior, and the Ace rocks a Indie/hipster flair.

Things to Do in New York City on the Fourth of July

This weekend, take part in the Independence Day festivities in New York City. Not to miss are the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks launched off of six barges in the Hudson River, starting at approximately 9:20 p.m. The fireworks can be seen from along the West Side Highway, on Piers 84 and 54, De Witt Clinton Park at 11th Avenue and 52nd Street, or on a water taxi cruise. Also consider watching them explode while partying at a rooftop bar like Highbar (251 West 48th Street) or Hudson Sky Terrace (356 West 58th Street).
Another must-see is Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island in Brooklyn at the original Nathan’s restaurant near the boardwalk at 1310 Surf Avenue. A group of 20 contestants line up behind a 30-foot table to begin eating as many hot dogs as possible at 12:00 p.m. to begin the 12-minute contest. This famous hot dog eating contest has been held each year on July 4 since 1916.
The River To River Festival, a free arts festival of performances and events, takes place ever summer from June to August. On July 4 the festival will host a concert in Battery Park with singer/songwriter Conor Oberst (a.k.a. Bright Eyes) as the main act as well as indie-rocker Jenny Lewis.

Michael Jackson Remembered in New York City

Thousands of fans came in droves yesterday, June 30, to the Apollo Theater in Harlem to pay their respects to Michael Jackson at a public memorial service. Fans began lining up as early as 5 a.m. and the doors opened at 2 p.m., with the line snaking around two blocks. An estimated 600 people endured the rain and long wait to crowd into the historic music hall. The Rev. Al Sharpton led the memorial service which lasted six hours. A special video tribute was played as well as Jackson’s hit songs.
Many other Jackson tribute parties have broken out throughout New York City. On June 27, about 100 people gathered in Times Square along with a crowd of onlookers. The group wore headphones and pressed play on their music players at about the same time to have a dance party to the song “Thriller.” Word was spread through Twitter of the get together.
A few hundred people spontaneously gathered in Union Square on the night of Jackson’s death, June 25, for a sing along and dance vigil to celebrate his life and music. The crowd belted out his hits in unison and circled around those brave enough to impersonate his signature dance moves.
Madame Tussauds has placed Jackson's wax figure in the window display of the wax museum in Times Square. Retail stores, bars, dance clubs, and other establishments throughout New York City have also kept Jackson’s music on repeat.