Honu-Hugger said:
It's a quick trip but I'd sure like to meet up with some RFF friends while there if possible. My schedule is shaping up like this: an Alpa buddy is picking me up Friday night at JFK which will be a treat; my entire Saturday is wide open until 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. (party's at 8:00) and possibly some time available Sunday before leaving late afternoon. I'm staying at the Grand Hyatt near Grand Central Station -- any chance we can get together for some of this HCB inspired shooting? Or at least a big fat Pastrami sandwhich and swap a few camera lies? Drinks are on me...
I won't be in town over the weekend, but here's some suggestions:
For pastrami sandwich close to your hotel: Sarge's Deli which is on 3rd around 37th Street. Not a "classic" but nearby and decent. Forget 2nd Ave. for reason cited above. Katz's is good but a "schlep" from your hotel. Don't forget Carnegie Deli over at 56th and 7th if you go up that way.
Street Shooting I: Easy walk from your hotel over to 34th St b/w 5th and 7th to check out the shopping crowds at Macy's etc. Alternate would be to go up Lexington to 59th and catch similar at Bloomies.
Street Shooting II: Your hotel is only a few blocks east of Times Square - unless there is a major snow storm or something - there will be plenty of folks wandering around and the lights and razzle dazzle are better than ever.
Street Shooting III: If weather is "nasty" just push some 400 to 800 or 1600 and head into Grand Central station (right at your hotel). The people and architecture are good for burning at least two rolls. Remember A
Catcher in the Rye and take a photo or twelve of the Information Stand!
Street Shooting IV: Being both a native and a WTC 9/11 survivor, I find the crowds at GZ to be "off putting". But it is a tourist site, nonetheless. Not sure what folks expect to see - these days its just a big hole in the ground and nascent construction site. But there it is.
Street Shooting V: Go to Soho early, maybe take the subway down to Canal St./Chinatown area first and walk up. Soho is full of galleries, chic shops etc. all in "quaint" urban cast iron structures. If weather is nice, it will be full of folks.
Street Shooting VI: On Saturdays there is the Green Market down at Union Square. Lots of crowds sniffing lots of veggies at lots of vendor tents. Plenty of other street action all around the area and down a few blocks toward New York University at Washington Square etc.
Just remember, it is February. We've been having the most amazingly mild winter on record - but February is traditionally NYC's snowiest month so keep #III in mind.
As to your queries. The
Brasserie is still around - forget about ancient venues like Maxwell's. Blow $5 on a Zagat's guide if you are looking for some nice restaurants. But prepare yourself for both sticker shock and the fact that the really "in" places will be booked up. That said, there are "cancellations" and more than once I've gotten into a "hot" spot by just walking in and asking. If you want a nice dinner before your party in Soho go over to
Balthazar on Spring Street just west of Lafayette. Hard to get in w/o reservations - but worth a try.
Oh and remember, if the light on the top of the taxi is NOT lit up - that means it's already got a passenger(s). Nothing makes you stand out like a tourist so much as waving frantically at a "full" taxi! Look for the ones with the top light on!
😀
Have a great trip - let us know how it comes out.
Oh and at all cost, avoid any real estate brokerages - prices are too damned high already - we don't need more folks coming in and further driving up prices! :bang:
