cherrypatter nyc
and great ideas for what to do too!
mini guide: east 100s and 5th avenue
coming up with food options for the area close to the museum of the city of new york, which is worth visiting these days to see the amazing eero saarinen in action, is not so hard. and while i haven’t tried any of these, they do look interesting enough for a visit. it’s just too bad i didn’t do this research before giving birth to s. at mt. sinai. i could have used a good alternative to that cafeteria food though i didn’t mind too much since i had a pretty great view of central park.
finding interesting shopping was a little more challenging. since i have not explored the area much, my best resource was not for tourists — thanks for the ideas — and time out also had a nice run down on the eats and things to do here recently as well. if you’re in the mood for big box, you’re also in luck. although not exactly close by — it is right next to the fdr at 116th street — the new east river plaza is supposed to open on november 12th with costco and then next spring we should see target, best buy and marshall’s. there are plenty of worthwhile things to see though, in addition to the central park of course there is also el museo del barrio right next to the museum of the city of new york on 5th avenue.
food:
il fornaio: pizza slices from a guy who has been there for ages. it may not be di fara’s, but it wouldn’t be a bad option if you’re in the neighborhood. 1505 lexington avenue at 97th street, manhattan, new york, .
el paso taqueria: chowhounders raved about this spot’s great pollo al carbon, blue corn fried calamari and the huitlachoche quesadilla. while not as cozy in its new somewhat fancier digs, regulars still seem to love the food. 1643 lexington avenue at 104th street, manhattan, new york, . (pictured above)
la fonda boriqua: homestyle puerto rican food with well-seasoned stews, mofongo and crispy pork chops, and live jazz music on thursdays, fridays and saturdays. 169 east 106th street between lexington and third avenue, manhattan, new york, .
itzocan bistro: french-mexican affordable fusion that started off in the east village and migrated north with a following. 1575 lexington avenue at 101st street, manhattan, new york, .
shops/sights:
goliath rf: this seems to be a sneaker emporium a bit off the beaten track. supposed to have a pretty extensive collection and nice staff. 175 east 105th street at 3rd avenue, manhattan, new york, .
exotic fragrances, not exactly my thing, but based on what i’ve read this could be the place for all kinds of oils and scents. 1645 lexington avenue at 104th street, manhattan, new york, .
conservatory garden: this garden is glorious. i have been a number of times. small, extremely well tended to with a fountain based on the magical secret garden by frances hodgson burnett and beautiful at all times of the year. 5th avenue and 104th street, manhattan, new york.
graffiti wall of fame, located on a school playground, apparently some people thing this is pretty interesting graffiti art. i have not yet been so cannot vouch for it but the pictures do look fun. 106th street and park avenue, manhattan, new york.
