ICON Conference 2008 in New York

The 5th biannual illustrations conference will be in New York over the July 4th week-end, 2008.  ICON’s website tells you about the agenda, the speakers, and the conference hotel, the Roosevelt.  I’d like to tell you about some additional resources that will make an illustrators’ time in New York fun, affordable, and action packed.

New York is an expensive city to live in and to visit; per night charges at upscale hotels start at $600, to which the city adds on three separate taxes.  Breakfast, even a simple continental breakfast, with a complimentary paper will  include a gratuity and a delivery fee.  Before lunch, you’ll surely have parted with $100.

The good news is  that there are short number of affordable hotels.   Start here with our recommendations. And July 4 week-end is going to be the optimal time for hotel deals, restaurant reservations, and theater tickets.

A long list of great inexpensive restaurants is listed annually by New York Magazine’s cheap eats issue.

Other promising bits that offset the tab – the best way to see New York: on foot – that is free. The best way to zip around town: the Metro – that is cheap, and the greatest NYC retreat: Central Park – also free.

We’ve got a long list of favorites coming from your colleagues – where to go,  eat, shop, what to do see, do, sketch… Check back with us.

Single in the City

Are you sick of all the hooplah surrounding Valentine’s Day? Are you a fabulous party of one? I already told you how to get lovey and dovey on February 14, but then I remembered there are a plethora of folks in Manhattan that shun the national Hallmark Holiday. Thus, I bring you a variety of NYC activities for the people who are happy (or even those who aren’t so happy) to say they are single this Valentine’s Day.

Town Tavern
134 West 3rd Street bet 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street (212) 253-6955

Join in on the festivities at Town Tavern’s Cupid Is Stupid Party. There will be tarot card readings, snacks, special cocktails and a Cupid-shaped piñata in case you are feeling extra aggressive this Valentine’s day, you can really work it out.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine
126 Rivington Street bet Essex Street and Norfolk Street (212) 995-9960

Grab your friends and head downtown to feed on custom cupcakes, alongside a whole bounty of other baked delights. Any woes you had about being dateless will disappear as you sink your teeth into these yummy masterpieces. There are little café tables to relax and enjoy all the sugar your heart could possibly desire.

Max Brenner
Multiple locations- See Website.

While we’re on the topic of indulging the sweet tooth, I’d like to steer your attention to the grand daddy of chocolate, Mr. Max Brenner. They say chocolate can substitute for a lover so why not let Max be your date? Chocolate pipes run across the ceiling, the cocoa is brewed to perfection and the selection of truffles, sundaes and fudge will satisfy any craving.

Love Actually: Short Films about Love, Sex and Romance
Millennium, 66 East 4th bet 2nd Avenue and Bowery
After party: White Rabbit, 145 East Houston at Eldrigde

Lazy Limabean Film Magazine and SCENEPR bring you a lineup of films about love, relationships and sex from some of NYC’s up and coming filmmakers. Following the showcase you can head to the after-party just steps from the theater at White Rabbit where specialty drinks and appetizers will be served.

Hiro Ballroom
371 West 16 Street at Ninth Avenue (212) 242-4300

Go dance it out to the infamous electronic music of Moby. With his new album about to be recorded this will be one of your last chances to see him perform for a while before he gets busy in the studio. Brazil’s Mixhell and Danny LeNimh (from The Ruff Club a weekly rave party at the Annex) are also on the roster for this event. Thus, it will be a special brain thumping, body jolting night. At the very least, I can promise you Valentine’s Day will be the furthest thought from your mind. Did I mention tickets are only $5 in advance?

The Cutting Room
19 West 24 Street bet Broadway and Sixth Avenue (212) 691-1900

Now here’s an evening for the books. It all begins with Le Scandal’s old-time Burlesque gig followed by sword swallowing, showgirls and a contortionist. Look out for fun giveaways such as tickets to the Museum of Sex. And if you’re hungry there is an optional prix fixe meal accompanied by a live performance from the NYC Blue Devils Band. Food, music and burlesque all rolled into one.

Galapagos Art Space, 70 North 6th Street bet Wythe and Kent Avenues
(718) 782-5188

A national organization dedicated to ending violence against women and girls brings you Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” This one-night only special showing of the world-famous play comes to Williamsburg especially for Valentine’s Day. And don’t think it’s just for the ladies. Any person can benefit from a viewing of this socially important production.

Arlene’s Grocery
95 Stanton Street bet Ludlow and Orchard Streets (212) 358-1633

The notable rock music venue is giving you a chance to get up and give your own performance with an all-night karaoke blow out. Is there anything more fun than sucking back some drinks and singing classic rock onstage with your friends? Ummmm, it’s doubtful.

Casa La Femme
1076 First Avenue at 59 Street (212) 505-0005

Dine on Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare and sip on exotic cocktails in plush private tents that will keep you separate from the couples committing unsightly public displays of affection. Bejeweled belly dancers will also help keep your focus, or lose it.

The Museum of Sex

Okay okay, so you won’t be getting any. So go learn about it! The museum will be extending it’s hours this Valentine’s Day from 11am to 9pm. This will be your last chance to catch their latest exhibit, Kink: Geography of the Erotic Imagination. Who knows? You may meet a potential date for next year while perusing the gift shop.

Sarah Polonsky is a native New Yorker and journalist who has contributed to The New York Post, The National Enquirer, Life & Style and OK! Magazine. She happily shares her savoir faire and joie de vivre as an editor of My Urban Sherpa.

In Celebration of the Chinese New Year…

Happy New Year!

In celebration of the Chinese Lunar Year, which begins today, Thursday, February 7, 2008, the Empire State Building will light up in yellow and red at dusk.

2008, like 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996 is the year of the Rat.
Here is what we found about the year of the rat on http://www.chinatown-online.com/year/year.shtml
Rat: You are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.
Hopefully this is some consolation for people one, 11, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72…
In celebration of the Lunar New Year – you may want to buy yourself something luxurious from Shanghai Tang, something fun and practical from Pearl River Mart, and eat a delicious feast at Shun Lee or Chinatown Brasserie.
A number of Chinese restaurants are offering special banquet meals, as listed on zagats.com

And the colorful Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade: Lion and Dragon Performance will take place on Sunday February 10, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Mott Street and Hester Street.

Leif Ove Andsnes and the NY Philharmonic – Janaury 17, 18, 19, 2008

Ticket holders for the three-day run of Leif Ove Andsnes and the NY Phil and their joyful presentation of Brahms Concerto No.2 in B-flat major for Piano and Orchestra, Op.83, are in for a treat. This wonderful composition of Brahms is lovingly played and a joy for the orchestra and the audience.  Andsnes’ talents are outstanding and well matched by the NY Phil, no surprise thanks in part to Riccardo Muti conducting. Delightful as Andsnes playing is, one of the greatest moments comes in  Andante movement when the orchestra drifts away ethereally.

It is a magical thing, when people come together and make more than the sum of their parts. We are spoiled here in NY because aside from the tremendous talent of the NY Phil  whom one can see so often,  are the regular visits of magical performers from all over the world.  And even so, with all this outstanding talent here in town – this performance is not to be missed.

January 17, 18 & 19, 2008.
Avery Fisher Hall
Lincoln Center

More about coffee. Who could tire of it?

There are few things in life as simple as a good cup of  joe. Every day, in virtually every country in the world, millions and millions of people enjoy a seemingly endless array of coffee.  I have set out to explore as many different kinds from as many different places as humanly possible. If it’s a bean or brewing method that I haven’t seen before, I’m going to try it.

One of the great things about New York City is that the world comes to you. So beans and brewing methods from across the globe can be found in the Big Apple – as long as you’re willing to look beyond the corner Starbucks and the 24-hour Dunkin Donuts.

These are some of my favorite coffee shops, old friends and new– a variety of coffeehouses, for the coffee snob like me.

1.    71 Irving Place Coffee and Tea Bar
71 Irving Place
212-995-5252

Any place that takes the time and makes the effort to get freshly roasted beans to the consumer the way that Irving Farm does gets kudos from me. The beans are roasted on a farm in upstate New York and then shipped down to Manhattan. You know for sure that these guys know their coffee and care about what they serve. There are several Starbucks in the Union Square area alone – but take a slight detour to Irving Place for a much more authentic coffee experience.

2.    The Mud Truck

Since we’re talking about Union Square – if you don’t head to 71 Irving Place, look for the bright orange Mud Truck – usually hanging out on the corner by Virgin Records. Unlike the brown sludge that most street vendors pass off as coffee, The Mud Truck takes its Arabica beans seriously. The novelty of the Mud Truck is taking off – four bright orange trucks now dot Manhattan streets. If you’re not keen on standing on a street corner waiting for a cup,  head to the flagship Kiehl’s store at 109 Third Avenue (13th Street), where the Mud Truck has set up shop indoors.

3.    Aroma Espresso Bar
160 Wooster Street

Israel’s answer to Starbucks recently hit NYC with the opening of the Aroma Espresso Bar in SoHo. Who knew the Israelis had such a knack for coffee? More European than you might think, Aroma consistently serves up a fresh brew – grinding its beans every 2-3 hours rather than pre-grinding every day like most places. Aroma makes my list for being open 24 hours, which is something you appreciate in NYC.

4.    Telegraphe Espresso Bar
107 West 18th Street

My favorite kinds of places are the holes-in-the-wall that you might miss this one if you blink as you walk down 18th street. I’m not the only one who walked passed Telegraphe on the way to the subway or to work without taking note. But when I finally did stop and look, I found a fantastic espresso in an oddly shaped space on a street known more for big box retailers than cozy cafes. Grab a seat by the window and sip your latte as you watch the people go by for a purely New York experience.

5.    Grey Dog Coffee
33 Carmine Street

Grey Dog reminds me of every little town in New England or the Pacific Northwest – where you taste the charm of the place almost as much as the coffee itself. The only difference of course is that when you walk out after getting your cup, you’re hit with the sounds and smells of New York and not some beach town in Maine or Oregon. Rustic charm gets me every time and Grey Dog’s House Blend doesn’t disappoint.

6.    Jack’s Stir Brewed Coffee
136 W. 10th Street

I can see how the organic/fair trade/shade grown thing might attract business. Socially conscious and environmentally friendly coffee is a big hit these days. But Jack’s reeled me in with a new brewing technique that is definitely worth the trip. Stirring the beans as the coffee is brewing results in a cleaner, more authentic flavor. It’s the kind of thing you wonder how it could have taken so long for someone to figure out. Jack’s is another hole-in-the-wall that serves an incredible cup in a hip, friendly environment that makes you wish you lived around the corner.

7.    Oren’s Daily Roast

Oren’s is a small chain that doesn’t really act like one. Since each store gives you the impression that it’s the only one, I find myself looking for Oren to pour a cup for me. Oren’s does what a small chain can do – they buy fresh beans and roast them at their own plant. The only way to get fresher coffee is to roast the beans in the store itself. It’s good to have such quality around as an answer to the inferior brews being peddled as “freshly roasted.”

8.    Porto Rico Importing Co.
201 Bleeker Street

If you casually glance inside, you’ll see giant burlap sacks of coffee in organized stacks all over the floor. But if you trek a little further inside, you’ll see a tiny bar in the back where you can get a great cup of coffee. These guys know everything you need to know about the almighty bean. I owe a friend of mine a debt of gratitude for taking me to Porto Rico for the first time – because if I’m even close, I’ll make the trip over for a cup. This is also a perfect place to try creating your own blends as the coffee experts will guide you to what works well together and what surely doesn’t.

9.    Café Grumpy
224 West 20th Street

Relatively new to the coffee scene in Manhattan, Café Grumpy serves up one of the most unique brews I have ever tasted. Going completely against the Starbucks grain of quick-serve coffee, Café Grumpy makes sure you get the best cup you can possibly get. They do this with the Clover machine – the coolest thing I have seen in a coffee shop. Although it takes 40 seconds to get your cup, it comes out exactly how you want it. No guessing game here – you give your specs to the barista and 40 seconds later, out it comes. Apparently these machines are ridiculously expensive, but I hope more places start using them.

10.    McNulty’s Coffee and Tea Company
109 Christopher Street

I’m cheating here and I accept full responsibility for doing so. McNulty’s has been around since 1895 but to my knowledge, they do not serve coffee in the store. They do however sell some first class beans and they know their stuff. So McNulty’s makes my list because of a little device called the French Press. If you’re in NYC for business or pleasure, that cheap little coffeemaker in your hotel room just isn’t going to satisfy you. This is where McNulty’s comes in. Head down to the village and pick up a French Press and a pound of coffee. You’ll be living it up every morning while the guy next door is drinking the sludge from the hotel restaurant. All you need is some hot water, which you can conveniently get from the aforementioned cheap hotel coffeemaker.

Jeff Mandell is a coffee fanatic who, sneaking sips of his mother’s coffee as a child, was under the impression that it would stunt his growth. Overcoming that popular parental coffee myth, Jeff downed gallons upon gallons of brewed delights in college before becoming a Starbucks barista. That experience opened his eyes to the world of coffee that he has been exploring ever since.

A delicious cup of coffee.

Everyone is talking about New Years resolutions. All this talk of diet and exercise is making me tired. So I started thinking about having a cup of coffee.

I love a delicious cup of coffee. I like it served to me with a smile. I like to drink it in a comfortable place, a calm and well decorated place that offers a clean bathroom.  Taking the time to have a cup of coffee in the day is a luxury – so I like to pick a place that offers a moment to relax, a quiet place where one can read the paper without any phones ringing, or singing, or gurgling…

For me, the antithesis of the lovely coffee shop I’ve described above is Starbucks.  New Yorkers are demanding, exacting and jaded – but we’ve fallen for the burnt tasting, overpriced, clumsily handled coffee of Starbuck’s, a chain that doesn’t offer comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-fi, clean bathrooms nor a bargain price. The magic of Starbuck’s is their ability to build a mega-brand without a quality product, good service, or competitive price.

The other morning I had a cup of coffee that was so delicious, the environment so delightful that I felt transported to the corner cafe of the 15th arrondisement.  There were lovely pastries and croissant, a perfectly made cup of coffee, comfortable seating, lovely fellow diners – several parents with angelic little ones, complimentary Wi-fi, and a pristine bathroom. So on the chance that you too would prefer a coffee shop run by the proprietor with love and care, I thought I would share a short list of these places I’ve stumbled upon, and am always delighted to return to.

Chelsea:  La Bergamote
169 9th Avenue (corner of 20th) New York, NY 10011, 212.627.9010

Joe’s

9 East 13th Street

141 Waverly Place

130 Greene Street

Midtown – Kinokuniya, coffee, Forte teas and Bento boxes overlooking Bryant Park from the 2nd floor of this excellent Japanesebookstore.

1073 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10018, 212.869.1700

Southstreet – Café Dodo – 45 Peck Slip

The next best thing to the charming little gems above is Pain Quotidienne. These Belgian bakeries are popping up all over and offer, sincerely, a delicious cup of coffee. There are several midtown locations, as well as Upper East Side and Upper West Side.

Where to go in NYC on NYE 2008

As the days of 2007 begin reaching a mere few, you might be reflecting on 2007, making resolutions for 2008, or you might be preoccupied with… What are we doing for New Year’s Eve!? New York City is so electric, so outrageous, so chalked full of fun events, we decided to help narrow it down for you. So grab the champagne and a loved one to kiss because we have prepared a list of some wonderful ways to ring in the New Year in 5, 4, 3, 2 …

Classy and Sassy Spots

Cipriani 42“Posh” is the name of the game. This is one of the most beautiful and sought out event spaces in New York. General admission tickets are $165 for a 6-hour open bar (9pm-3am), passed hor d’oeuvres and party favors. Sure to be a supremely glamorous affair.

110 E 42nd St bet Lexington & Park Ave (212) 499-0599

The Altman Building

A national landmark building where luxurious soirees are frequently held all year long. On NYE, $100 will get you through the red rope, a gourmet buffet dinner, a champagne toast and 5-hour open bar (9pm-2am).

35 W 18th St bet 6th Ave. and Broadway (212) 414-4693

The Hotel Gansevoort

If you feel like splurging you can party into 08’ with Kid Rock at the Svedka Vodka-sponsored New Years Eve extravaganza. The always-hip Meatpacking District hotel will be opening up their exclusive zones, Rooftop, Ono, G Spa, Lobby, and the Pool Area for $200 a pop. That includes, top shelf open bar 9pm-3am and cuisine by Ono. For a VIP table, prices reach $350 for the Rooftop.

18 Ninth Ave. at Gansevoort (212) 206-6700

Floating in the New Year
The Circle LineFantastic views of the Manhattan complete with DJ’s cocktails and hor d’oeurves. $120 a ticket. All aboard at 9pm. The boat will not leave the harbor until 10pm and returns at 1am.

Pier 83 West 42nd Street (212) 563-3200

Getting Jazzy With It
The Blue NoteIf it’s fine music you want then check out Chick Corea Elektric Band at this infamous jazz club. There are performances at 7pm and 10pm. Ideally situated in the heart of the West Village making it easy to jump around to many fun neighboring bars. You’ll be singing all the way to 2008.

131 W. 3rd Street between Macdougal Street and 6th Avenue(212) 475-8592

Ball Drop
This legendary event takes place right in the center of it all. If you have the wherewithal to stand in the cold surrounded by thousands of people then go see the infamous ball drop in Times Square. People start to arrive at noon. By the early evening most of the area gets blocked off so in order to be a part of this event you have to be willing to get there early and wait.

08’ in the Park
Tavern On the Green

This beautiful restaurant in Central Park offers you 6 hours of open bar (9pm-3am), 5 hours of buffet dining (9pm-2am), a continental breakfast at 3am, 2 DJ’s and a chance to watch the midnight fireworks go off in the park at the stroke of Midnight. General Admission is $150. VIP tables available.

Central Park West @ 67th Street (212) 873-3200

Laugh in the New Year
Caroline’s on Broadway

You can have a hearty chuckle at either the 8:30 or 10pm shows then dance to the music of live DJ’s after midnight. This is your chance to spend NYE enjoying a show and a party without ever changing venues.

1626 Broadway bet 49th and 50th Streets (212) 757-4100

Bring the Kids
The Big Apple Circus

The circus will start at 9:30pm and end just before midnight so the whole tent can count down together. It’s a fun-filled New Year’s Eve for the whole family. Tickets range from $45 to $125.(212) 268-2500

Sarah Polonsky is a native New Yorker and journalist who has contributed to The New York Post, The National Enquirer, Life & Style and OK! Magazine. She happily shares her savoir faire and joie de vivre as an editor of My Urban Sherpa.

New York Movies

There is a reason so many major films shoot in New York City – New York is a great backdrop. In addition to the iconic locations we’ve seen on the silver screen time and time again in Woody Allen films, there are locations that only a local or a location scout could find. From independents to blockbusters, Oscar winners to box office duds, a film forum of movies have been shot in the Big Apple. If you’re a movie buff you will enjoy this selection of locations, famous with New Yorkers, and made famous on the screen.

1. If you are feeling peckish on the Upper West Side, stop by Café Lalo. You might remember the scene from You’ve Got Mail that was shot here; Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan when she was still the Queen of the romantic comedy. Try some cheesecake with your cappuccino.

Cafe Lalo, 201 West 83rd St.
(Amsterdam & Broadway)
New York, NY 10024

2. Sticking to the romantic comedy/Meg Ryan theme, a trip to the Lower East Side is incomplete without a stop at Katz’s Deli. While the Jewish Deli seems to be an endangered species in NYC, Katz’s still thrives on the old reliables. Go for fare that New Yorkers have been enjoying since 1888: pastrami on rye, knish or matzo ball soup.

Katz’s Delicatessen
205 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002

3. Even though it was nominated for a few Oscars, Working Girl was one of the more underrated movies of the 1980’s. There are quite a few NYC locations in this film. Start with the Staten Island Ferry – the location of the opening and one of the most spectacular views of Manhattan. A sad side note is that the lobby of the office building in the film was the doomed 7 World Trade Center, destroyed on 9/11.

4. Tootsie made such a lasting impression that it was selected by the Library of Congress for its National Film Registry. It’s also a classic New York story that so many of us can relate to. So why not head to another classic, featured in the film – The Russian Tea Room. You are transported from Midtown to Moscow just by walking through their opulent doors.

Russian Tea Room

150 West 57th Street Ave.
NY, New York 10019

5. Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple has been a film, a television series, and a Broadway play. One of the great scenes in the film has Oscar and Felix at Shea Stadium for a Mets game. As a Yankees fan, I normally wouldn’t mention this – but Shea is soon to be a thing of the past, set for implosion after the 2008 season.

6. I don’t have to tell you what Wall Street is about. Just know that a sequel is in the works and I hope it’s as good as the original. Wall Street itself is a tourist mecca – as everyone heads down there to see the financial capital of the world. The goings on of interest take place in glass corner offices, high above the street traffic. For a view at the power brokers in town, head to the 21 Club in Midtown where a scene from the film was shot. It’s old school New York at its finest. Men: Jackets are mandatory.

21 Club

21 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019

7. If you came to town via JFK, you’ve already seen this location. The old TWA terminal was a perfect setting for Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can. Not only was the architecture ideal for the 1960’s-set film, but it was virtually empty since TWA was bought out the prior year. You’ll see a whole new Terminal 5 soon as JetBlue re-opens it in 2008.

8. Ghostbusters featured New York City as a character and a location. The firehouse that served as Ghostbusters Headquarters is my favorite. This very real and very small firehouse epitomizes the Tribeca neighborhood it protects.

Hook & Ladder 8
14 N. Moore Street
New York, NY 10013

9. If you couldn’t tell, I am a huge Neil Simon fan, including Barefoot in the Park. This film resonates today – 40 years after its release. Plus you just can’t deny how damn good-looking Redford and Fonda were in their day. Check out the building where the Bratters lived – which they probably could sell today for a few million bucks.

111 Waverley Place
New York, NY 10011

10. As we have the holidays around us, our review wouldn’t be complete with one of the funnier movies of the last few years, Elf. The department store in the film is actually the CUNY (City University of New York) Graduate Center, and was called Gimbels. Gimbels was Macy’s biggest competitor for many years and played a key role in Miracle on 34th Street – yet another holiday classic. The CUNY building, pictured above, was once Gimbels flagship store before the company went out of business some years ago. If it’s shopping your are after – you can head to Macy’s.

CUNY Graduate Center
365 5th Avenue
New York, NY

Our film editor Jeff Mandell is a native New Yorker whose recent accomplishments include loosening up his Mid-Western born wife to honk and curse at cabbies. He has spent the last 10+ years working in television production on a variety of subjects, some interesting and some obviously not. When not offering an opinion on the subject at hand, Mandell cooks, roots for the Yankees and walks through Times Square pretending to be a Belgian tourist.

Holiday Gifts – New York City

If you are short on time and flush with cash, we have a few suggestions for a time efficient and pleasant shopping experience in New York.

As crowded as 5th Avenue is, you will still find some space, quiet and extravagant baubles at the jewelry counters of Bergdorf Goodman. Men’s gifts are easily selected with the help of expert sales staff at Bergdorf’s men’s shop of the East side of 5th Avenue.
745 5th Avenue @ 57th Street , (212) 753-7300

Attentive help and one stop shopping await you at Barney’s. Here one can find every category of department store gifts with excellent taste and craftsmanship. Top off the visit with a delicious meal at Fred’s on the 9th floor.
660 Madison Avenue @ 60th & 61st Streets , (212) 826-8900

As sure as that blue box is to increase one’s heartbeat – the congestion at Tiffany is an issue. Financiers will enjoy the convenience of Tiffany’s new Wall Street location.

midtown – 727 5th Avenue @ 57th Street , (212) 755-8000
downtown – 37 Wall Street @ Nassau Street , (212) 514-8015

Extravagant gifts for children and elegant women are easily found at Takashimaya. Here you will also found the most exquisite florist in town.
693 5th Avenue @ 54th & 55th Streets , (212) 350-0100

Time saving luxuries can be found for the work-a-holic at Sony on Madison and the Apple stores – midtown and in Soho.

midtown – Sony is 550 Madison Avenue @ 55th Street, (212) 833-8800

midtown – Apple, 767 5th Avenue @ 58th & 59th Street , (212) 336-1440
downtown – Apple Soho, 103 Prince Street @ Greene Street , (212) 226-3126

And if you are waiting to be wowed by the perfect gift – start at 14th Street and 9th Avenue and walk west. You’ll encounter Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, La Perla, Jeffrey (for cosmetics) and Diane von Furstenberg.

Golfing in the New York City area

If you’re coming to New York for a golf vacation, you probably got on the wrong plane. Unless you’ve got an in at the private clubs (the New York area probably has more great private courses than any place in the country), it’s not a great area for golf. But if you must play while you’re here and don’t know any members of Winged Foot or Shinnecock, here’s some suggestions:

Best Upscale Public

Centennial Golf Club

Centennial is a 27-hole semi private facility in Carmel, NY – about an hour drive from Manhattan in light traffic. It may sound far but it’s hard to find a decent public course without driving at least 30-45 minutes; at that point, the extra 20 minutes is worth it for a good course. Centennial is a great layout with good conditions and good management. With 3 nines and a location far enough from the city, it’s usually possible to get a tee time, even on short notice. The peak rate is up to $135 but they also have pretty reasonable twilight (which generously starts fairly early in the afternoon) and off-season rates.

Mansion Ridge

Billed as the only public Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the area, Mansion Ridge is a very nice facility. It’s a semi-private course which actually tries to make its “members” feel like they’re getting something for their money and that feeling carries over to make you feel a bit like you’re at a private club; it’s a well-conditioned, well-run facility. The mountain-style layout is fairly challenging and the scenery is great. Like everything else it is about an hour’s drive from Manhattan, but close to the Woodbury Commons outlet Mall. Peak greens fees run about $140.

Good Mid-Priced Options

Lido Golf Club

In 1939, Lido Golf Club was chosen by a panel of golf experts as the 41st greatest golf course in the world, ahead of such venerable sites as Carnoustie, Bethpage, Oakland Hills, Olympia Fields, MidOcean, Brookline and Maidstone. (By the way, Timber Point on Eastern Long Island was voted #12, wedged right between Augusta and Oakmont; it’s now a Suffolk County public which costs less than $50 to play). Today, Lido costs about $50 to play and it’s well worth it. Though it is very much a public golf course and certainly has “local flavor,” the layout is great. You get a Robert Trent Jones links style course with holes on the water on Long Island (without paying $650,000 to join Sebonac). The course could use a little TLC, but every time I play, I think, “God ain’t making any more of this.” Weekend afternoons can be slow. Only 45 minutes from Manhattan.

Skyview Golf Club

One of the best kept secrets in New Jersey, Skyview Golf has been voted the most scenic golf course in the state. On top of that, it’s an interesting mountain layout with excellent conditions for a public course and reasonable rates. The front 9 is very challenging (you’ll score better on the back) including the crazy par-5 4th, which you may hate but it’s only one hole.

The Closest

Rivervale Country Club (aka Bergen Hills Country Club)

Despite an identity crisis – I have no idea why it has two names), Rivervale Country Club is a good option if you have limited time. It is probably the closest, decent course to Manhattan. Rivervale is a bit pricey (peak rate is in excess of $100) but you’re paying for the proximity to the city; midweek afternoon rates are much more reasonable. It’s a tight, well-maintained layout which has the feel of some of the private clubs in the area.

Sprain Lake Golf Course

Hey, it’s golf. Just over the border in Yonkers, this Westchester county public course is only a 20-minute drive from the Upper East Side. Though a bit on the short side, it is an interesting old-style layout on a great piece of property – bordered by water and in between the Northbound and Southbound lanes of the Sprain Brook Parkway. It’s quite inexpensive and is typically quite accommodating for last-minute tee times.

Pelham-Spilt Rock Golf Course

Pelham – Split Rock GC is New York City’s only 36 hole facility. Both courses are located in Pelham Bay Park (NYC’s largest park) in the Bronx, lying east of Co-Op City and just south of Westchester County. They’re ok. The Pelham Course was built in 1901 and is a links-style layout. Pelham’s sister course, Split Rock, is the “championship” layout and the better of the two. The courses are now managed by American Golf and there are plans underway to invest money in a new clubhouse and make other improvements. These courses are really close by, but it is still golf in the Bronx after all.

About our Golf Editor:

Jay Weiss is a lifelong New Yorker. He is an 8-handicap who lives in Manhattan. He is not a member of a private club, so he’s played most of the courses in the New York area.