Going to New York City? Here's Some Favorite Things to Do

By George Medovoy, Editor

If you're going to New York City, there is much to do and see. Here are some of my favorites:

Central Park
Nothing compares to Central Parl, the marvelous, sylvan setting in the center of Manhattan -- 843 acres of playing fields, zoos, quiet pathways, carousel rides, skating rinks, theater, lakes, food and entertainment.

(That Guitar Man from Central Park)

One of my favorite things to do in the park is listen to folk singer David Ippolito, popularly known as "That Guitar Man from Central Park," on a hill on the west side of the lake.

As many as 500 people, young and old, some with picnic spreads and others sitting in their row boats, enjoy Ippolito on Sundays at 12:30 when it·s at least 60 degrees out and not raining.

Another thing to do in Central Park is climb up Vista Rock, the park's highest natural elevation, to Belvedere Castle -- "beautiful view" in Italian -- designed as a Victorian folly.

From the top, you can look down on peaceful Turtle Pond and the 55-acre Great Lawn, with its softball fields, basketball courts, and sunbathers.

Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, between 47th and 52nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, is the place to go for shopping and food in a giant food mall.

My recommendation is Mendy's Kosher Deli, where I gorged on a thick corned beef sandwich on rye with a big cup of rich chicken soup. Seconds, anyone?

Breakfast on the Upper West Side
On Sunday mornings, there is nothing more civilized than breakfast at Fred's, a café with sidewalk seating at the corner of Amsterdam and 83rd Street on the Upper West Side.

"Come, Sit, Stay," says the menu, a welcome borrowed from dog language because Fred's is named after a seven-year-old female Black Labrador Retriever.

The story is that Fred didn't quite make it through the Guiding Eyes course and found loving parents in the neighborhood.

Fred's pre-fix Sunday brunch offers classic omelets and pancakes from strawberry to banana buttermilk, orange juice and plenty of coffee.

Greenwich Village and Where to Stay
There is a lovely, century-old small hotel in Greenwich Village, where the rates won't overwhelm you and the charm will delight you.

The Washington Square Hotel is located near major jazz clubs, coffee houses, museums and galleries and Soho shopping for clothing, jewelry and furnishings.

(The Washington Square Hotel)

Owner/artist Rita Paul took her kilns to the basement to produce colorful tile mosaics for the hotel's interior, while daughter and Associate Director Judy Paul has devoted her energy and culinary skills to North Square, the hotel's signature bistro with winning international fare and an American Wine Spectator award.

"We have a special enthusiasm for the bounty of New York," she said, "and in addition to our regular menu and wine list, we offer a special three-course weekend prix fixe menu of New York produce with New York wines for each course."

The "bounty" of New York

North Square's wine list, Paul noted, "is comprehensive without being overwhelming, eclectic but not esoteric, and affordable without sacrificing quality."

"We consider it important," she said, "to offer our local clientele a selection of wines from around the world while at the same time offering our international guests a sampling of the best this country has to offer.

"When selecting a wine, we consider three factors: quality, value and how it will pair with our menu. Quality and value are two sides of the same coin in deciding on a wine for the list."

Paul believes that a "wine's versatility in food pairing is a very important factor."

"Our cuisine, although American at heart," she said, "incorporates culinary traditions from around the world. The list is equally representative of winemaking traditions from both the old and new worlds. About half of our menu utilizes fish or shellfish.

"We therefore offer white wines that vary from sleek and racy to bigger whites that complement the spices of cioppino, as well as lighter reds that won't overwhelm arctic char or pulpo."

Big Apple Greeter
"Big Apple Greeter" is a program that pairs you up with real New Yorkers who share their favorite neighborhoods at no charge. Make an appointment at least three to four weeks in advance.

Staten Island Ferry
Take a cruise on the Staten Island Ferry for spectacular views of the lower Manhattan skyline, harbor and Statue of Liberty.

IF YOU GO...
The Washington Square Hotel is located at 103 Waverly Place in Greenwich Village, (www.wshotel.com, (800) 222-0418).

For information about New York City visit www.nycvisit.com or call (800) NYC-VISIT, the city's official convention and visitor bureau.

For information about "Big Apple Greeter" visit www.bigapplegreeter.com.

For information about the Staten Island Ferry, call (718) 815-BOAT.

Visit Central Park (www.centralparknyc.org).
Listen to folk songs in the park (www.thatguitarman.com).
Explore Rockefeller Center, a majestic art deco masterpiece. Pick up maps in the main lobby at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (www.rockefellercenter.com).