The 'Gossip Girl" Guide of NYC Restaurants

You can't deny that Gossip Girl shows different sides of the City. No matter you are one of the downtown crews or want to be a member of Upper East Side Elites, follow the rundown of Gossip Girl set location to discover more unique dining and night life experience in NYC.

1. The Box
Remember Chuck's would-be burlesque lounge "Victoria" ? The Box is the real life setting of Victoria. The box is actually a Dinner Theater, it opens at midnight and offer its customers with high quality entertainment.





2. Golden Unicorn Restaurant
Chuck accompanied Blair on a double date with Nate and Bree. This is one of few Chinese restaurants appear in the show. Golden Unicorn Restaurant is Dim Sum places located in Manhattan Chinatown, offering different kinds of authentic Cantonese Dim Sum.


3. Housing works
Lonely Boy Dan weren't invited to most of the exciting scenes in the city, he goes to Housing Work, a bookstore and coffee shop to write. 

Address:126 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012

Girls Afternoon Out: Selected High Tea in NYC

A cup of fine tea and layers of mini sandwich and desserts in a quiet places with girl friends is what I think a best way to spend a afternoon in NYC.

Here I picked 3 afternoon high tea places that will make your day.

1. Alice's Tea Cup
This quaint tea house is definitely something to experience, but I am content just going once. The decor was charmingly miss-matched like the Story Alice and Wonderland. It has a large collection of tea and delicious desserts. The decorations alone transport you to another world. If you like mix-matched tea cups, an assortment of "Tea Cup Party" bites and hat overall antique/mystical vibe, this is your place. 

Address: 102 W 73rd St, New York，NY 10023

Tel：212 799 3006

2. Lady Mendl's Tea House

Lady Mendl's Tea House is located near Union Square,in a elegant hotel  Irving Place. The Tea House is  intended for the customer to re-create the atmosphere of Victorian afternoon tea.  The Tea House doesn't have a sign outside, it is very easy to miss it. but once you find it, you will fall in love with it.





Afternoon tea set is fixed, but you can choose your favors of tea.

Address: 56 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003

3. The Palm Court

This is my favorite afternoon tea destination in the City. The Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel is every girls in the city should visit. The afternoon Tea service blends an innovative menu with a formal tea to provide every guests an unique experience to enjoy the charm of the fashionable tradition of Plaza Hotel.

Hours of Operation

Afternoon Tea is served daily in The Palm Court from 2:00pm - 5:00pm.

Dress Code

Business Casual attire is recommended.

Holiday Markets in New York City!

Start from November, the City is immerse in the atmosphere of Holiday Season.  Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day is on its way and the City prepares the Holiday Market for people to celebrate.

Holiday Market in Byrant Park：


Starting from the first day of November, Holiday Market in Byrant Park is open to public as Winter Village. There are boutiques for clothing, accessories, home goods etc. In addition, there is a Le Carrousel in the park that created to complement the park's French classical style. Don't forget the Ice Rink which features free admission ice skating in addition to high quality rental skates, skating shows and more activities.

Best Tofu Soup in K Town

The late autumn breeze is caressing the city, a bowl of burning hot and spicy Chigae (Korean soup) or a sizzling table of Korean BBQ is what most people needed to adjust to the winter. Here I picked 3 best Korean Restaurant in K town that you could enjoy the Korean culture by enjoying the Korean food.

1. BCD Tofu House

BCD is a Tofu soup specialty restaurant that famous for using the the best quality of Tofu in their soup. The Tofu in the soup has a  silky and soft texture, mixing in the different soup based (Seafood, kimchi, port, oyster etc.) with different spicy levels can warm you up immediately. BCD Tofu house also provide each customer a generous portion of appetizer, their fried fish appetizer is very delicious.

Thanksgiving in New York City

Thanksgiving is no doubt the most important holiday for American. if you choose to spend your Thanksgiving in New York City, the city has a lot to offer. Remember, the city is yours to enjoy!

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has 86 years of history. countless enormous balloon
and performers, including stars like Kristen Chenoweth, Joan Jett and Blackhearts, Sharon Jones, The Dap Kings Jimmy Fallon will present in the parade, the parade will parade from Herald Square Macy's to West 77th street.

21st Annual NYC Canstruction Competition

Canstruction, just like the new word mean， is structures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. the NYC Canstruction Competition is an annual design competition and the most unique food charity in the world. The competition attracts desiners, architects, engineers and contractors to design and build their structures. The exhibition shows their work and donate the can food to City Harvest for distribution to those in need.





Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a can of high quality food to the exhibition's collection station.

The Frick Collection is Showing Girl with a Pearl Earring

The Frick Collection is the final American venue of a global tour of paintings from the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in The Hague, the Netherlands. While the prestigious Dutch museum undergoes an extensive two-year renovation, it is lending masterpieces that have not traveled in nearly thirty years. At the Frick, a selection of fifteen paintings includes the beloved Girl with a Pearl Earring (c. 1665) by Johannes Vermeer and Carel Fabritius’s exquisite Goldfinch (1654). The exhibition continues the Frick’s tradition of presenting masterpieces from acclaimed museums not easily accessible to the New York public.
- See more at: http://www.frick.org/exhibitions/mauritshuis#sthash.sreS08gQ.dpuf

UrbanSpace's New Expansion: Broadway Bites

UrbanSpace is a British-based company that has undertaken a variety of specialty marketplace projects in neighborhoods across the five boroughs, including Grand Central Terminal, South Street Seaport, 57th Street, Madison Square Park, Columbus Circle, Ladies Mile (6th Avenue), Union Square, the Meatpacking District, Downtown Brooklyn and Bowling Green. The goal is to foster creatively rich environments, where local artisans, makers and chefs mingle, exchange ideas and, of course, showcase their wares. 

Now UrbanSpace is expanding to the Midtown, just  located at 33rd Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue.  The market is open daily from 11am-9pm, Monday, October 28th through Sunday, November 24th. 

The market will feature twenty-five unique chefs and epicureans, serving their delicious creations in the epicenter of the city. 

Best Lobster Places in NYC Count Down: Pearl's Oyster Bar

If you search "Lobster NYC" in Yelp, Pearl's Oyster Bar must be on the top five list. Although it is officially a Oyster Bar, its lobster roll is the signature dish that this bar get its frame from. The head chief, Rebecca Charles, is the first person that create Lobster Roll. Therefore, Pearl's Oyster Bar is also the origin of NYC lobster roll.


The lobster roll is so amazing, so much lobster that it oozes off the bread, the perfectly toast hot dog bun, lobster meat tossed with mayo, right amount of seasoning with herbs. It is accompanied with shoe string fries. $28 well spent!

Food Truck:Luke's Lobster

Luke's Lobster is a very popular lobster joint in east village. It is famous for their fresh Maine lobster roll and other seafood. The joint is very small with limited service. But people are still lining up for this their lobster roll.

Now, you can find Luke's lobster food truck in Midtown, the same freshness and delicious seafood roll.

Japanese BBQ: Gyu Kaku

Speaking of Japanese BBQ, you must try Gyu Kaku before you raise any opinions.

Gyu Kaku was a little BBQ restaurant by a train station in Japan, and the business was going down. So the owner come up with a "300 Yen Promotion", if any customer give them feedback on their experience in Gyu Kaku, they will receive 300 Yen. By listening to the customer, Gyu Kaku's business is improving a lot and eventually become the world's largest Japanese BBQ franchise chain restaurant with more than 600 chain restaurants. There are 3 in NYC.







Their special is a great deal but try Kobe beef if you have the budget.

Best Pizza in NYC (Part2): DiFara’s Pizzeria

Domenico DeMarco was born in a family of bread baking in 1959, he immigrated to New York from Italy Caserta. In the beginning, he was just a peasant farm on Long Island, but the rain homesickness so that he can not forget his childhood hometown flavor. Later, he opened this pizzeria in Brooklyn. He personally choose the best materials and oversee the whole process.  Each pizza is his masterpiece, the attitude of excellence earned him a good reputation. Both  "New York Magazine" and Zagat reviews hornor this pizzeria.



Di Fara is not only the traditional round pizza, as well as a square pizza. Although this pizza to be slightly more expensive than other stores, but the exquisite good taste attract customers to come back. Di Fara Special pizza is one of the hot products here. Red peppers, red onions, green onions, mushrooms, sausage, Melaleuca tower, a variety of cheese, tomato sauce, simple ingredients but it can bring unexpected rich flavor.

Price: $ 5 a piece of  Pizza
Location: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn

Best Pizza in NYC (Part1): Lombardi's

The first New York pizza parlor - Lombardi's

Lombardi's is the originator of New York style pizza. In 1905, Lombardi's got business license issued by the City of New York, became the first pizzeria in New York City. 100 years later, people still lining up in front of  Lombardi's everyday for their pizza.



Many first time visitors to New York, have to go buy a Lombardi's Pizza, New York witnessed some centuries cuisine. With little bit of the charcoal smokiness in the crusts and a soft inside, covered with fresh tomato sauce, Italian sausage, home made meatballs. 




Address: 32 Spring St New York
Phone (212) -941-7994

Must Try Food Truck in NYC: Wafels & Dinges

Wafels & Dinge is a food truck that sells only Belgian waffles, it is one of the most popular food truck in the city. The two signatures are Brussels Wafel and Liege wafel. Liege Wafel is a unique Belgian waffles snacks, made with whole wheat yeast dough, plus the Belgian pearl sugar. The aroma of caramel is irresistible.



There are many topping that you can choose from, such as strawberries, Nutella, one topping is for free, add a second topping with a extra $1. If you want to add all of the topping, only $2 extra.

The truck also sells salty bacon waffles that can be considered a full meal.



Location: usually at Central Park and Astor Place.

YSL Sample Sale

October's most anticipated sample sale, YSL Sample sale is happening. YSL host sample sale twice a year, one in June and one in October, they have a lot of YSL shoes to offer, but not many purses in stock. Price and address see below for detail.

An Unique Way to Shop: Second-hand Stores of NYC

Treasure hunting in New York on a variety of second-hand shops must not miss! There are high-end Second-hand luxury stores provide both unique luxury products and a selected fashionable taste. The fashionable items are carefully selected by the owners from variety of sources, and of course cheaper than retail price! The pleasure of visiting the second-hand shop, is that you never know what will be found, like the treasure hunt, everything feel special and unique.

INA is the best luxury second-hand store in New York City. It got its frame from acquiring all the props of Sex and the City after they wrapped up the final season in 2004, including all the clothing and accessories.

INA is very different from the other second-hand store, INA collects items only from boutique brands, sources from top stylists, fashion editors and supermodels, thus ensuring second-hand items with good taste and in good condition. You will find Alexander Wang, Martin Margiela, Dies Van Noten, Paul Smith and so much more just like you can find at Barneys.


Address: 15 Bleecker Street
Phone: (212) 2288511
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12 to 8 pm
Sunday 12 to 7 pm
Website: http://www.inanyc.com/

NYC's Street Attraction: 5Pointz Graffiti

5Pointz Graffiti Art Area, affectionately nicknamed the " Institute for Higher Education Burnin", is an industrial park that was borne in Long Island City art exhibition with 200,000 Square feet of graffiti painted wall, making it one of the world's largest collection of street art. 5Pointz is named after the five Boroughs of New York City, this area attracts street artists from Japan, Brazil and other places to create Graffiti. A curator Meres will perform a live demonstration of how he creates his own works of graffiti, it is must-see show if you like graffiti.

Experience Art and Performance With Suprise: Art In Odd Places

New York City is full of surprises, that's because this city has attracted artist around the world to show their creativity and design. Every year, Art in Odd Places (AiOP) host a festival that brings artists to present their work in the public to encourage social interaction between art and people. 

Art In Odd Places is  ninth annual public art and performance festival will take place October 11-20, 2013 along 14th Street from Avenue C to the Hudson River in NYC. This year’s theme is NUMBER.

Chelsea Market

No matter you are New Yorker or tourist,  Chelsea Market is one place that you can't be missed. This old Biscuit Company Factory loft has becoming one of the most popular foodie destination that attract restaurants, markets and companies to move in. 

Chelsea market is a collection of foodie destinations housed in a Victorian ear Brick building. Once you step into the market, you would have difficulty making up your mind for what to eat.

If you crave for artisanal popsicles made with real fruit juice, head to People's pops. I personally like the strawberry-ginger combo, while my friend swears by the tartness of the salty plum. 

Fans of unique flavors of gourmet salt and olive oils can find their object of affection at The Filling Station. Think specialty choices such as cinnamon-chocoalte-chipotle salt or bourbon salt. 

The  Lobster Place is a must, you can find big, fresh lobster and many kinds of shell food or even good quality Omakase in this place. Don't afraid to get messed, dive in the lobster and enjoy it.

Chelsea Market is worthy of a visit, not as pretty as the Ferry Building, but with the same exorbitant prices.

New York City Food & Wine Festival

Get ready to celebrate New York City Food & Wine Festival on October 19th with top chiefs from the Empire State. You will have a chance to enjoy dishes from Howard Kalachrikoff (From Gramercy Tavern), Tom Schaudel (fom Jewel), honorable Andrew Cuomo and other framers, butchers  brewers and vintners that prepared you the taste of the New York. 

One of the high point of the NYC Food & Wine Festival is the Taste of NY brunch. Take a seat in the Pier 61 the light house and be sure to look around for renowned culinary faces like Chef Marc Murphy (you’ll know him from Food Network’s “Chopped”) and Chef Howard Kalachnikoff of Gramercy Tavern. With plenty of other surprise guests and a menu that would excite even the most discerning of food lovers, this brunch is a can’t miss fall food event. Taste your way to an Empire State of mind.

Date & Time:
Saturday, October 19
12pm-3pm

Location:
Pier 61 The Lighthouse at West 23rd Street and West Side Highway

Hermes Pop Up Store in Columbus Circle

Spotted, Hermes is having a Pop up Store in Time Warner Center of Columbus Circle. This cute little pop up Silk Bar will run through October 31st, supporting the company's Silk Knots mobile app. The app, which also launches today, dispenses vital silk scarf information including knotting films and knotting cards.

The Pop up store is inspired from a diner that have neon "menu" showing everyday's Silk Special. It also featuring this fall's new scarve collection. It is a cute little surprise to New York.

Haven for Uni Lover: Soto

Uni, or Sea Urchin. is a kind of buzzard food to many people. But for people who love it, it is one of the most delicate sea food that leave every lush slip of the textures full of flavors.

Soto, a hidden gem (I mean, seriously hidden, you can't tell it is a restaurant when you walk pass it) of west village, is a restaurant that specialized in Uni. You can find creative dishes with Uni, such as Uni Cocktail, Uni Shiumai etc.

Other than Uni, Soto offers good quality sushi too. But by the New York standard  Soto's Sushi is good but not perfect. The raw fish is flown in from around the globe five times a week, and it’s available in the usual rainbow of esoteric and pricey varieties.