Women in Afghanistan – Circa 2009
September 29, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Something different today, a more serious subject.
Tina Brown published an article on The Daily Beast today, “Let’s Not Abandon Afghan Women.” In the piece, she suggests that, amid all of the conversation regarding how the United States should best handle the current situation in Afghanistan – more troops or not – there is little or no discussion regarding the women of Afghanistan. If troops leave, she says, the women will have been abandoned a second, the first time being after America funded the Afghans in a “proxy war” against the Soviets.
It was the use of the words “second time” that struck me. Have you, like me, forgotten that there was a “first time,” or possibly you never knew. I am aware that the movie Charlie Wilson’s War was meant as entertainment, and was certainly biased to some degree, but I actually learned something about the Russian invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S. covert response. The intentions were good. The leaving, we learned with the benefit of hindsight, was not. History. It seems that at times our memories are short, and we need to be reminded, even of recent history (sometimes, again and again).
Maybe you, like me, had already forgotten about the acid attacks on young Afghan girls as they walked to school one morning in late 2008, which Dexter Filkins described in his New York Times article, “Afghan Girls, Scarred by Acid, Defy Terror, Embracing School,” in January of this year. Two months after the vicious attacks, these brave girls defied the Taliban and resumed their studies at school, because the wanted to learn and their parents wanted them to learn. Do we want to abandon them?
Earlier this month, there was an excellent six-part interactive series “Behind the Veil: Women in Kandahar,” which ran online at TheGlobeandMail.com (one of Canada’s national newspapers). In the series, ten Afghan women were interviewed about their lives in Kandahar today. The sessions were conducted in secret, by an Afghan interviewer prompted with questions from Canadian journalists. A print article by Jessica Leeder kicked off the interactive series. In the article she summarized the situation like this:
“Deteriorating security has forced Kandahar’s women to forfeit gains they only recently won: They are quitting jobs, dropping out of class and slipping on burkas. Despite constitutional guarantees, the status of women these days is little changed from that of their forebears.”
One of the women interviewed was quoted as saying, “We would rather have the Taliban’s time,” and I wondered how that was possible. And then I read. The stories were tough and they were heartbreaking: of freedoms taken away, of forced marriages at a very young age, and of a lack of education and economic opportunity. These women had the courage to speak out. Now that we know, can we turn away?
I don’t know if sending more troops to Afghanistan is the right thing to do or not – I am not naive enough to believe that I have even one-tenth of the understanding necessary to form a hard-and-fast opinion – but I do think Tina Brown is right when she asks, “are we really considering throwing Afghan women back into the darkness after their return to freedom?”
Imagine if it was you.
Bryant Park and the New York Public Library
September 27, 2009 § Leave a Comment
This is another favorite slice of the city. It’s in between things – just east of Times Square, just south of the serious shopping on 5th Avenue, just north of the Empire State Building – and, therefore, easy to overlook.
But you shouldn’t.
There are two great sights seated in one large, stunning city block. Occupying 40th to 42nd Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues, and surrounded by a bevy of noteworthy architectual masterpieces, like the American Radiator Building (now, the Bryant Park Hotel) constructed of dark brick and topped with gold, and 500 5th Avenue (at the northwest corner of 5th and 42nd), an Art Deco skyscraper designed in 1930, the New York Public Library and Bryant Park are certainly worth a visit.
New York Public Library (“Main Branch”)
First, the Midtown location of the New York Public Library (5th Avenue and 42nd Street). Did you see Sex and the City: The Movie? Do you remember Carrie running down the curved stone staircase after Big said he wasn’t sure he could marry her? That is the library. Flanked by a pair of imposing carved lions, the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece. In a word, it is “grand.” One needs only to take in the shape and vastness of the space, and the use of marble, to appreciate how visually stunning the building is. And one needs only to climb one of the wide, marble staircases to the heart of the library, the Rose Main Reading Room, to wish there was some research to do. Long, oak reading tables are lit by brass lamps. A mural of the sky adorns the ceiling. And everywhere … books and wood. The scent of a library.
Bryant Park
Now the park, which has a rich history data back to 1686, and today is a central part of Manhattan life. There are so many things about Bryant ParkWiFi “Hot Spot” that make it unique and unmissable. Yes, this is the park where “Good Morning America” holds its summer concert series. And, yes, this is where the designers and stars congregate have congregated twice each year under the “tent” for Fashion Week. But it’s also the spot where Monday nights in June, July, and August there is an outdoor movie under the stars (the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival), and weather permitting, year-round you will find the Reading Room which offers a wide variety of books, periodicals, and newspapers, and runs a children’s reading program. And where the Holiday Season translates into an outdoor skating rink and a holiday shopping bazaar. Bryant Park is even a – yes, if you go to the park with your laptop, the Internet is free. And there is that vast, green lawn … inviting outdoor space prized by any good New Yorker.
If you want to do like the natives do, time your visit so that you can buy lunch at Zeytinz Fine Food Marketplace on 40th Street. It doesn’t matter what you are in the mood for, they have it (burritos, salads, sandwiches, sushi, pizza). Or if you know you want a salad, try Pax around the corner on 6th Avenue. Food in hand, cross 40th Street and into the park, grab a table (if you’re lucky) or a stair or piece of grass on that vast green lawn, and enjoy the fine weather. Or, if more refined dining suits your taste, make a lunch or dinner reservation at the Bryant Park Grill. It is located directly behind the library near 40th Street. There is an outdoor patio and rooftop for dining in the warmer months, and a fashionable dining room and indoor bar for the rest. From mid-April to November the Grill also runs the Bryant Park Cafe, which offers casual-American fare on a fabulous outdoor patio. It is also a great spot for after-work drinks. Reservations are not required.
And, other than your food and drink, it’s all free!
Take a Walk on the High Line
September 22, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Every time someone asks me what to do while they are in New York, I now have a new “must-get-to” item on my list. I tell them to go to the High Line.
Opened in June of this year, the High Line is a boldly innovate new public park occupying the abandoned elevated railway running along Manhattan’s West Side. At 30-feet in the air, the High Line provides a unique perspective of a city normally viewed from the ground, or 1,224 feet above the ground while on the 102nd floor observatory of the Empire State Building.
A little history … Between 1851 and 1929, there were so many accidents between freight trains entering the city’s densest industrial area and West Side street-level traffic, that 10th Avenue gained the reputation of “Death Avenue.” Approved in 1929, the elevated railway was built in the 1930s as part of a substantial public-private infrastructure project. In the 1950s, interstate trucking began to replace rail as the means of transporting goods into Manhattan. Subsequently, the southernmost section of the High Line was demolished in the 1960s, and, as of 1980, no trains have run on the High Line. In 1999, the Friends of the High Line was created with the intent to preserve the space and convert it to a public park.
The creative use of the space is already garnering the attention of other major cities, like Toronto, with similar transportation gateways.
Section 1 of the High Line, which opened to the public on June 9th, starts at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and ends at 20th Street. When all of the sections are complete, the High Line park will extend a total of 1-1/2 miles, from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea and into Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen.
As you make your way through the park, you will find a mix of old and new, refined and wild, in the unfolding series of gardens and seating areas.
Photo: Iwan Baan, 2009, Courtesy of Friends of the High Line, from The New York Times
Photo: Iwan Baan, 2009, Courtesy of Friends of the High Line, from The New York Times
The High Line is open daily from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. See the Park Information page for directions and access points, and the Maps page for a view of the area and notable park features.
Hop on the subway or in a taxi, and head to the High Line. You won’t be disappointed!
Oh yes, and it’s free.
Single Tickets for The Metropolitan Opera – On Sale Now
September 17, 2009 § Leave a Comment
As of this week, single tickets can be purchased for this season’s Metropolitan Opera performances.
The 2009 – 2010 season gets off to a rousing start on September 21st with a new staging of Tosca. The Met’s list of Current Productions includes: Aida, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, La Boheme, Carmen, La Traviata, Turandot, and more.
Ticket prices start at $20. For the complete schedule, and to purchase tickets, visit The Met Opera web site.
Check out my blog post Where to Eat Pre-/Post-Theatre in New York for restaurant suggestions near Lincoln Center.
Why Not Go for Lunch in New York?
September 16, 2009 § Leave a Comment
No plans for a beautiful Saturday in Manhattan? Still can’t get a dinner reservation at the restaurant you’ve been dying to go to? Would dinner at the new hot spot break the bank? Need a place to stop into while sightseeing or shopping? Or on your own for the day?
Why not go for lunch? I stumbled upon the idea after trying forever to secure a dinner reservation at a reasonable hour (read: not 5:30 or 9:30) at Lupa. Finally, one sunny Saturday afternoon with not much to do I decided to walk to Greenwich Village and see, as they say, what all the fuss was about. I arrived solo and “reservation-less,” and, while there was a wait for tables, I was promptly seated at the bar. It did not take long to see why reservations are hard to come by. Yes, my meal was that good – see below – and the bar service was excellent. A few weeks later, I was able to book a weekend lunch reservation for two at a very acceptable 1:00 P.M. My friend enjoyed it as much as I did. I decided I was onto something. If there was a high end restaurant I wanted to sample, I went at lunch.
Lunch in the city: there is typically much better availability at in-demand restaurants, and it tends to be less expensive than dinner. And there’s always the bar…
When I have errands to run in a certain part of town and want a good meal, I go to a nearby spot and grab a seat at the bar. Being a compulsive reader, I don’t go anywhere without a book in my bag, an easy way to keep occupied (and an excellent conversation-starter).
If you’re on your own, or even if you’re not, many restaurants have bars that serve their full menu, but don’t require a reservation. Should you be out and looking for a place to eat, or want to take a long walk and end up somewhere delicious, a long lunch could be the way to go. And, sitting at the bar, you never know who you might meet?
Here are some suggestions:
- Balthazar Opened by Keith McNally in 1997, Balthazar is a Soho institution. It is always busy. But they have a great, long bar, and the bartenders are fabulous. This is a French bistro, so think Salade Nicoise with fresh seared tuna, or Grilled Brook Trout served over a warm spinach, walnut, and lentil salad. Or, if you seriously craving seafood, opt for one of their Plateaux de Fruits de Mer (a tower of delicacies in shells – yum!). Oh, and order an Oyster Mary (on the list of Hangover Drinks on the weekend Brunch menu) … you won’t be disappointed.
- Boom Also in Soho, this wine bar cum restaurant is a little gem that’s been around for twelve years. Italian fare, reasonable prices, accessible at lunch. A desirable spot to rest your feet in between stores.
- Cafe Cluny This is the perfect West Village bistro. The decor is warm and simple, the food is excellent, and the service attentive. And, yes, it too is always busy. Lunch is served Monday – Friday, and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Weekends are busy. If you are without a reservation, the bar will be your best bet. As for the food, I have been tempted more than once by the Cluny Burger with cheese (and fries). On a healthier note, the Baby Beet Salad is scrumptious and you can’t go wrong with the Organic Three Egg Omelette. Either option is perfect with one of their Bloody Marys (my review: two thumbs up!).
- Cafe Luxembourg If you’re uptown, the Upper West Side has its own neighborhood brasserie. Opened in 1983, Cafe Luxembourg has had a loyal following ever since. Lunch is served Monday thru Friday and Brunch on the weekend. Billed as French American cuisine the menu does change to some degree with the seasons. For lunch you can’t go wrong with a Baby Beet or Country Salad followed by Chicken Paillard or the Maryland Crab Cake. Save room for dessert! They offer a $25 Prix Fixe lunch Monday-Friday, and there is a full-service bar.
- dell’Anima Means “of the soul.” The food is simple and delicious at this West Village favorite. Sit at the bar. The menu is seasonal, so if they’re still available, order Charred octopus with rice beans, chorizo and chicory, or Argula with lemon and shaved parmigiano reggiano to start, and Garganelli with funghi trifolati, lemon and parsely for a main.
- Good Enough to Eat This Upper West Side eatery has been serving some of the best comfort food in Manhattan since 1981. They don’t take reservations and weekend Brunch lines can be long, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. If you’re alone, go for the small bar, where seating turns over quickly. I ate the Upper West Side Omelette, but the Pumpkin French Toast is supposed to be superb. No doubt, there’s something for everyone.
- Lupa Osteria Romana “Roman trattoria fare of the highest quality at a moderate price.” The place that started me on my lunch quest. Once you’ve been seated, the dilemma becomes what to order … everything sounds good, looks good, smells good. There is a fantastic selection of Anipasti e Salumi to start. I tried, and fell in love with, one of their Insalate – Escarole, Walnuts, Red Onion, and Pecorino. For a main, I like the Bucatini All’ Amatriciana and the Bavette Cacio e Pepe. On my second visit, I managed to save room for dessert. The Lupa Tartufo was a good ending. If you are making a reservation, there are two “rooms” in the trattoria: the front, where the bar is, tends to be a bit louder and more lively than the back which is quieter and more intimate. You can try to request your preference.
- Mary’s Fish Camp Does not take reservations! A tiny, homey spot in the West Village, the fish is so good, there is always a queue outside. There are tables, but ask to be seated at the bar – the best spot. Weekdays are a little less busy than the weekend, even at lunch. Again, once you’re in, the next challenge is deciding just what to eat. MFC is known for their Lobster Roll, which the web site notes is in “Limited Supply.” Beyond that, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu … honestly.
- TAO New York The city’s largest Asian restaurant is also its most popular … yes, a dinner reservation can be a bit difficult. Lunch is a good option. If you want to eat in the main dining room beneath the 16-foot tall Buddha, then secure a reservation. If you are open to the bar which is studded with low, Asian-style tables, then you should be in luck without one. Monday – Friday, TAO offers a $24.07 Prix Fixe Lunch Menu with a surprisingly wide variety of choices. If you’re shopping 5th Avenue, this is the place to go.
- The Noho Star It’s late on Sunday morning and you’re hungry, but you’re not sure for what. Head to this Noho restaurant, where you can choose from eggs done any way, omelettes, burgers, salads, sandwiches, you name it. When you do decide what to order, leave room (seriously) for Noho’s Pint Size Bloody Mary. With Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Jalapenos (not to mention a full serving of chopped vegetables) it will last your entire meal. Wait in the bar for your table, or eat there. Your choice.
Buon Appetito!
What’s On in Theatreland – Fall 2009
September 12, 2009 § 2 Comments
TimeOut New York (TONY) is a fantastic source for all things New York. You can check them out online. Or you can purchase a hard copy, which I highly recommend, in advance of your trip.
TONY recently published its Broadway fall preview, a highlight of the season’s upcoming plays and musicals. Included are the revival of the musical Ragtime, Sienna Miller and Johnny Lee Miller in Patrick Marber’s After Miss Julie, Gina Gershon and John Stamos in Bye Bye Birdie, and Richard Thomas in David Mamet’s Race, to name a few. Make sure not to miss the last item on their list, “The Top 5 Off Broadway Shows of the Fall”.
Here are some of my recommendations for fall theatre season.
Shows running that I loved:
After Miss Julie (I saw this in London five years ago and will see it again in NYC)
Billy Elliott The Musical
God of Carnage
South Pacific
The Lion King
Shows I really want to see:
A Steady Rain – Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman, need I say more.
Hamlet – because Jude Law blew them away in London and he’s crossing the pond with this one.
Jersey Boys – because I STILL haven’t seen it.
Oleanna – because I missed it in London five years ago and Julia Stiles will reprise her role.
Superior Donuts - because Tracy Letts’ August Osage County was a masterpiece. My friends and I did not move from our seats for 3-1/2 hours, 3 acts, 2 intermissions.
The Understudy – because it stars Julie White, whose performance in last year’s From Up Here was heartbreaking, funny, and real. Check out BroadwayBox.com for discounted tickets through January 17, 2010.
Wishful Drinking – because I think Carrie Fisher is brilliant.
Where to Eat Pre-/Post-Theatre in New York
September 12, 2009 § 1 Comment
As I mentioned, I love to eat. I am a self-confessed “foodie.” And if I am going to eat out, I want to eat well. I don’t always dine out pre/post theatre, but have managed to enough times to develop my list of favorites, all within walking distance of the theatres on The Great White Way.
Here’s my list. It covers various cuisines and price ranges. I’ve linked all of the names to their web sites where you can review their menus, theatre specials, hours of operation, and reservation policies.
With the exception of John’s Pizzeria, I would strongly recommend that you make reservations, whether it be for lunch or dinner, before or after your show. You can book a table directly on most of the web sites or use www.opentable.com.
- Bond 45 Italian steakhouse, homestyle cooking, in the center of the Theatre District.
- Cara Mia An inviting, creative Italian restaurant nestled on 9th Avenue at the edge of Theatre District. Insalata di Pera and the Scampi al Limone are favorites of mine.
- Churrascaria Platforma Go hungry to this Brazialian steakhouse. The salad bar is out-of-this world and the perfectly-cooked meat is endless.
- Hell’s Kitchen Progressive Mexican cuisine at the border of the Theatre District and Hell’s Kitchen. Try the Crusted Tuna Tostadas and the Pan Seared Halibut (of course, there is always the Guacamole served with Homemade Guallilo Corn Tortillas…)
- Insieme Haute Italian dining that combines the traditional and the contemporary. For a lighter meal, I like the Octopus Carpaccio and one of their delicious pastas.
- Joe Allen Classic American fare is served in this Theatre District institution opened in 1965.
- John’s Pizzeria Brick-oven pizza in the heart of Times Square. They serve salads, sandwiches, and pasta, but really, the pizza is the thing.
- Marseille French, Italian, Greek and North African influences at this 9th Avenue bistro. For lunch, I like the Moules Frites.
- Saju Bistro Authentic French Provencal cuisine in a warm setting. I am a creature of habit at Saju: Jardinette salad, Steak frites, and a side of spinach.
And here are three more that I’ve not yet been to, but about which I’ve heard great things:
- Becco Lidia Bastianich’s Italian restaurant in the Theatre District. They are known for their pre fixe lunch ($17.95) and dinner ($22.95) menus.
- Blue Fin In the W Hotel right on Broadway in Times Square. Fantastic sushi, prominent raw bar, fabulous fish dishes and desserts, and a kids’ menu … it is no surprise that Blue Fin is always busy.
- db Bistro Moderne Daniel Boulud’s French-American restaurant at the edge of the Theatre District. A splurge, but if a DB restaurant is on your list then this is an excellent choice.
And, lastly, if you happen to be going to the theatre, or opera, at Lincoln Center, you might want to check out:
- Bar Boulud (Casual Bistro), Gabriel’s (Italian), Landmarc (Nouveau American), O’Neals (American), or Rosa Mexicano (Mexican), A Voce Columbus (Modern Italian)
Buon Appetito!
The In’s & Out’s of Ordering Theatre Tickets
September 11, 2009 § Leave a Comment
So you know you’re going to New York, you have a pretty good idea of when, and you want to go to the theatre.
What’s On
Get online and go to the one source for all things theatre: The New York Theatre Guide. On this site you will find a complete listing of the Broadway and Off-Broadway shows (alphabetically, musicals, plays), reviews, seating plans, and a map of the Theatre District. The Guide also includes a list of Broadway Openings and Closings, enabling you to determine what will be on when you are in the city.
Tip: As the Guide mentions, the official “Opening” of a play or musical is the “Press Night”. Reviews will be presented in print and online publications the next day. However, most shows will have “Previews” one to two weeks prior to the opening. If there is a show you are intent on seeing, check the Previews dates. Another tip – if Discounted Tickets are available (see below), many times the ticket prices for Previews are less than the official run.
Purchasing Tickets in Advance
As the New York Theatre Guide indicates, you can order tickets in advance by telephone or online (you can also purchase tickets directly from the theatre box office if you are in New York).
There are two online sources for Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets: Telecharge.com and Ticketmaster.com. They always handle different shows, which can be found on the Tickets for Broadway Shows page of the Guide. In addition, the Roundabout Theatre sells tickets directly for some of its productions. These are also detailed on Tickets page.
Ticket Delivery Options
Typically, you will be offered the following delivery options:
- Email delivery
- Delivery by the USPS
- Delivery by FedEx
- Will Call
If you have the ability to print out PDF documents, then absolutely go with email delivery. Should you not have the ability to print the tickets yourself, then, depending on timing, you should request to have them sent by mail or you can pick them up at the theatre box office prior to the performance (“Will Call”).
Discounted Tickets
Yes, it is true, there are often discounts available. You just need to know how to find them. New Yorkers who frequent the theatre are usually in on mail and email lists which notify them of what savings opportunities are available. You too can receive email notifications of upcoming shows and the best discounts.
Telecharge.com offers an email service whereby you can receive presale announcements, insider information and specially-priced offers. Sign up here.
The New York Times provides TicketWatch. Follow this this link to see current offers, and sign up to receive the specials and advance notice for Broadway and beyond.
When an offer arrives in your email inbox from one of the two services, it will have a discount code to be used on the applicable ordering site. Usually, you will find that weekday and matinee performances have the best prices and weekend evenings are the most expensive. Also, as I mentioned above, the tickets prices during the preview period are often less than after the play or musical officially opens. Flexibility is key.
Tip: There is one site which aggregates the majority of the discounts available. I was unaware it until about a year ago, when my mother and I went to see “Billy Elliott”, and a woman, who was also an avid theatre-goer, mentioned it in the way that telegraphed that I obviously must have known of it existence if I went to the theatre often. Well, I did not know about it then, but I do now… BroadwayBox.com.
Broadwaybox.com lists all current discounts for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. As with the offers that arrive individually, you will be presented with the discount code and transferred to the associated site to complete your order.
In addition, BroadwayBox.com has a list of “High-Demand” shows. These are the ones for which it is virtually impossible to secure regularly-priced tickets (forget discounts) because they are booked-out months in advance. You can get tickets, but at a price. Tickets will be available through legitimate ticket brokers. When you select one of the high-demand shows on the site (e.g. “Jersey Boys”), you will be brought to a page that will ask you the maximum price you are willing to pay per ticket (usually several times the face value of the ticket). If you have your heart set on seeing a particular musical or play, and you are willing to pay, this is the only game in town.
Once You are in New York
If you are already in New York and have not yet purchased tickets, by chance or by choice, then a visit to the TKTS Booth in Times Square is a must. The booth, along with two others located at the South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan and in Downtown Brooklyn, are operated by the Theatre Development Fund and sell day-of, off-price tickets. Visit the TKTS Booth site for locations, directions, and hours of operation.
Tip: In late July there was an excellent article in the New York Times in which Erik Piepenburg described how to best take advantage of the newly refurbished Times Square booth (it visually stunning, especially at night) – when you will find the shortest lines, best availability, etc.
Don’t buy from ticket scalpers outside of the theatre.
Do take advantage of advanced purchase offers and preferred seating that may be available through your credit card company.
NYC Theatre Basics
September 10, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Without a doubt, when it comes to the theatre world, only London rivals the Big Apple in terms of the sheer number and variety of productions each year.
Whether your preference is a play or a musical, on Broadway or Off-Broadway, if the theater is your thing, you will likely find a show to fit your schedule and budget.
Here are the basics to help you navigate the options available and determine the best way to purchase tickets.
Broadway and Off-Broadway
Technically speaking, Broadway is defined as the 11-block strip of Manhattan, running between 42nd and 53rd Streets, and 6th and 8th Avenues. The area is also known as The Great White Way and is home to over 40 theatres. In addition, although not located on The Great White Way, productions at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre are also listed as being on Broadway.
Off-Broadway is everything else. It is tempting to go for the big Broadway shows, but I would suggest taking a look at the current offering further afield before making your decision. There are gems that are very often overlooked simply because of their location (read “status”). Most Off-Broadway theatres are much smaller than their Broadway counterparts, providing a much more intimate theatre-going experience.
Show Schedule
In order to assist with your planning, it is worth noting that most theatres run on the following schedule:
Evenings: Monday – typically dark; Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 P.M.
Matinees: Wednesday & Saturday 2:00 P.M.; Sunday 3:00 P.M.
There are exceptions, for example some productions run early (7:00 or 7:30 P.M.) on Tuesday evenings and others geared towards children may very well have 7:00 PM. curtain times. Always confirm the day/time when ordering.
Also, make a note the show’s running time and whether or not there is an intermission. This will help you book dinner/lunch reservations and make other plans.
Seating
Most ticket web sites will provide a seating chart for the theatre. Center Orchestra are usually the best seats. However, the front of the Mezzanine (first two or three rows) will often provide better viewing than rear Orchestra seats.
Ordering Tickets
First and foremost … book early! As soon as you are able to confirm your travel plans, do your research and buy your tickets.
See the next post for the online options for ordering and insider tips on how to obtain discounted tickets.
Welcome to New York!
September 9, 2009 § Leave a Comment
I love New York. Yes, I know this is a cliche, an overused one at that, but it’s true. I lived in this great city for almost five years – eating, drinking, shopping, going to the theater, you name it.
I am asked often, mostly by friends and family, where to go, what to do, where to eat. Part of my motivation for creating this blog was to get this information down in one place rather than drafting individual emails.
My first question to the inquirer is always, “what kind of New York trip do you want?” When it comes to New York (or even London, Paris, and almost every other major city) it is a question that must be asked. There are so many options available, and never enough time to do it all. And, more than anything, you should do exactly what it is that you want to do … have your Big Apple experience.
Yes, tastes change, restaurants come and go, plays come and go, even more quickly. That is the beauty of the web though, isn’t it.
You have my promise that I will regularly update the recommendations in each of the following categories:
Restaurants
Bars
Entertainment
Shopping
Sightseeing
I will include more information soon.
