David Byrne

Hi

I know David Byrne lives in New York but I wondered if anybody knew where - I%26#39;m guessing it%26#39;s probably Greenwich Village?

My husband is a massive fan and we%26#39;d like to see the area David Byrne lives on our next visit.

Thanks all.

x

David Byrne

I don%26#39;t know where he lives, but I%26#39;ve seen him twice: once walking by Gramercy Park and once at an opening at the Guggenheim. I was thrilled. My younger friends/relatives didn%26#39;t know who he was. That made me feel OLD.

David Byrne

Wow - hubby would have been MAJORLY impressed with that!

I don%26#39;t know where he lives either, but have seen him in both the East and West Villages.

Don%26#39;t forget to walk past the now closed CBGB%26#39;s on Bowery and pay homage to the place where David B first appeared in NYC w/the Talking Heads. The used to open for the Ramones!

we went past CBGB at the end of December - it was a sad sight to be honest - all closed up and just the skeleton of the canopy over the door

On his website he says that he votes in a public school on 11th Street. I don%26#39;t know whether he means East or West 11th, but one%26#39;s polling place is invariably in one%26#39;s neighborhood. He also says on the same page that when police drive radio cars the wrong way down a one way street, it is never, ever because they might possibly be responding to an emergency, but always simply because they like to. He strikes me as not the brightest of men.

Thanks GreenWhite/Blue

I%26#39;ll try and dig a little deeper.

He must have SOME intelligence - after all, he lives in New York!

Wherever he lives, bright or stupid, he probably cherishes the day to day routine of his own private life. It%26#39;s fun to occasionally see celebrities in Manhattan, doing what you want to do and maybe seeing someone there. Trying to track these people down or interfering with their lives seems rude to me.

Don%26#39;t get the wrong impression - we don%26#39;t wanna track him down and follow him around - just have a stroll around the neighbourhood

My husband is a big David Byrne fan too, it would be fun to run into him. We%26#39;ve seen him 3 times in concert, love to see him again. And yes he always seems pretty smart to me.

Here%26#39;s an great article on the amazingly diverse and talented Mr Byrne in today%26#39;s NY Times . . .

nytimes.com/2007/01/14/arts/music/14herm.html

Ambassador Grill Sun. Brunch - Anyone been there?

Hi,

If you%26#39;ve been to this Brunch, please post a review - it sounds good but a couple of restaurant reviewers were iffy about it. Thanks!

Ambassador Grill Sun. Brunch - Anyone been there?

Yes this is an outstanding buffet brunch value, especially considering that you`re getting unlimited champagne with it. It`s currently $54. You`ll start out with their signature lobster/crab/shrimp cocktail then partake of the sumptuous buffet which includes a Peking duck carving station and amazing desserts. Go to milleniumhotels.com then to Millenium UN Plaza hotel and at dining/entertainment you`ll see a more detailed description of the buffet. This is very popular and excellent.

Ambassador Grill Sun. Brunch - Anyone been there?

If you want a good buffet brunch, have a look at Brasserie 8 1/2. Much less money, nicer space (imo).

www.rapatina.com/cgi-bin/menu.cgi鈥?/a>

FAO Voyagereuse

I%26#39;ve bitten the bullet and booked a table at Gordon%26#39;s restaurant (a la carte, not the bar) for March.

I trust your judgement and was just wondering if you%26#39;d eaten there yet? Its going to be a big outlay for us as we%26#39;re also planning a lunch at River Cafe so don%26#39;t want to make a big mistake. I know there are a lot of reviews flying around and to be honest the ones from critics this side of the pond are more favourable, but I was just wondering if you%26#39;d been yet - or are planning to?

FAO Voyagereuse

Hi Ange,

Not unlike Tinkerbell, my tastes are simple. I prefer comfort food to haute cuisine. When I have dined at places like Bouley, Daniel, and Jean Georges it%26#39;s been on someone else%26#39;s nickel, not because of my personal preferences. (I really liked all three of them though.)

I also developed a seafood allergy, limiting my options even further. I wanted to go to Gordon Ramsay but the main restaurant pretty much offers a tasting menu with many courses rather than an a la carte menu, and there are too many dishes I can%26#39;t eat, so it would be wasted on me.

I know by now you have probably studied the menu. If you think the food sounds good, I say TOTALLY go for it. With the exchange rate it is a good deal for you.

Plus, I have read and re-read some of the criticisms, and none of them say the food isn%26#39;t good. What these critics are saying is it reminds them too much of Alain Ducasse and they have seen this kind of food before at other upscale places. Fair enough. The food critics in New York are very worldly and eat at top haute restaurants all the time, so for them yes I can understand they might be a bit bored.

But for you, me and most people who do not regularly dine like this, I think it is an excellent opportunity to sample the wares of a top chef.

FAO Voyagereuse

Thank you for replying so quickly!

Commiserations to you for developing a seafood allergy - I really can%26#39;t think of anything worse! I bore myself sometimes by mainly ordering fish and seafood when eating somewhere good.

I%26#39;ll stick with the restaurant booking I think, with the exchange rate it probably is our best opportunity to eat at a GR place. But do let me know if you go there in the meantime - even if its just eating in the bar! And I%26#39;ll also post back on how we enjoy our expensive (but cheaper than the RC!) meal.

Has anyone seen Stomp or The Blue Man Group?

Has anyone seen either or both of these shows? Is stomp worth seeing? Also, has anyone seen the Blue Man Group? Of these two, which did you prefer? Thank you! = )

Has anyone seen Stomp or The Blue Man Group?

I did see Stomp, though it was some time ago, and loved it. I doubt that it%26#39;s changed since I%26#39;ve seen it. I met someone in the cast once and she told me that it%26#39;s so demanding that they go through casts quickly.

I have not seen Blue Man Group but everyone I%26#39;ve ever met who has loved it.

Stomp is hard to describe -- think percussion with everyday items (garbadge cans, brooms, etc.

The theater is also agreeably small so you don%26#39;t feel that there%26#39;s a wall between you and the stage.

Has anyone seen Stomp or The Blue Man Group?

Blue Man Group is two guys doing some slapstick type of humor. It%26#39;s great for teenage boys or those who appreciate what they would. What is the makeup of your group?

Well, I%26#39;d give Blue Man Group a little more credit than that. :)

I saw both shows years ago, and I%26#39;m also presuming they haven%26#39;t changed all that much.

Warning: now that both shows, and troupes like Cirque de Soleil, are so popular, the novelty has worn off. You%26#39;ve seen segments on TV, and all three of these shows have been parodied. Therefore, it might not seem new and fresh to you.

Blue Man Group

There are 3 guys in blue body paint, but clothed, and they do some acrobatics, percussion numbers and messy skits - all without talking - set to loud techno music and lighting. I really hate mimes and clowns, and I enjoyed this show.

I%26#39;d say its a combo of silliness and art. A lot of their skits are decidedly tounge in cheek about what constitutes ';brilliant'; art . I%26#39;m not sure they still do this, but in one segment, they each pull continuously from giant rolls of toilet paper. The unmanageable wads of Charmin streamers looks silly at first, but then the whole woven mess gets so big, you%26#39;re talking MOMA scuplture proportions. It gets to be bigger than the 3 of them. Then they all work together to move and pulse this immense mountain of tissue in time to music and lighting. It%26#39;s amusing but also looks cool.

They throw around gooey paints, too, so if you sit in the first two rows, they give you rain ponchos.

Stomp

Stomp is not as moody or ';arty';. It%26#39;s a group of acrobatic, enthusiastic dancers who do very coordinated percussion dances using regular everyday objects, such as trash cans, staplers, keys, what have you. The atheleticism is impressive, and they all look so cool doing whatever they%26#39;re doing, even if it%26#39;s just dancing while wearing brown paper bags for gloves. It%26#39;s very upbeat. May inspire you to go to the gym more. ;o)

I%26#39;d say both are good but different. Blue Man is definitely tongue-in-cheek humor, and has been called ';performance art for people who hate performance art.';

Stomp is a celebration of life and rhythm in it%26#39;s own way.

So whatever you are in a mood for.

agree totally with queensblvd,and voyageruse(sorry,spelling?!)

I saw both groups a number of years ago,with spouse and 2 teenage daughters. we had a great time ,lots of laughing,and excitement,something to enjoy as a family,tho%26#39; maybe not with the under 10-12 crowd(may be too noisy for them,also they may not ';get'; either show)

I saw the touring group of Stomp recently and loved every second of it.

Actually planning on seeing Blue Man group (touring) sometime next month as well.

wicked seats

Hi,

I am going to NYC in Feb. My friends and I (4 of us) want to see Wicked. They are already sold out at Ticketmaster. There are lots of options on ebay (i%26#39;m an ebay pro) but they are all listed as partial view. Can anyone tell me from experience if any seats in rows cc, dd, a, b, e, f that are partial view are bad/good?

They would be a couple hundred less than buying center mezz or center orch from a broker.

THANKS!

karen

wicked seats

For that much in savings, I say go for it. My seat was in the center, but honestly, I don%26#39;t remember anything happening at the sides of the stage that a partial view seat would make you miss. Have a great trip.

wicked seats

We were seated in row 3, left of stage on the end of row. I didn%26#39;t feel I missed anything by being so close. If anything it added to the experience being so close to the action.

the Wicked groupies buy those partial view seats all the time

thanks all, for your advice!!!

karen

Buy them: I was in Row A the last time I went and I didn%26#39;t really miss anything (I%26#39;ve seen the show twice before..so I know I didn%26#39;t really miss anything). The only negative was sometimes a member of the company can be situated in front of you and can block your view for about 5 seconds.

Good Italian Restaurant In Midtown Manhattan

Any suggestions for a really good italian restaurant in Midtown? Only in NY for two days and is a trip to Little Italy worth it?

Good Italian Restaurant In Midtown Manhattan

We were in the City this past weekend - on the suggestion of some of the %26#39;local%26#39; experts we tried Le Zie, 7th Avenue b%26#39;twn 20th and 21st.

It is far superior than what you will find in Little Italy, the food is excellent, service very cordial and the prices are very reasonable (for NYC).

My wife exclaimed the chicken piccata was the best she has eaten, the entree was $13.95!!

Give it a try - I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll be disappointed.

Poppa

Good Italian Restaurant In Midtown Manhattan

Little Italy is no longer a destination for outstanding Italian food. (I%26#39;m not sure it ever was). Italian is probably the most popular type of restaurant in Manhattan--beyond what is called ';American.'; You will find all kinds of Italian (northern/tuscan, southern/red sauce, piedmontese etc.) in all neighborhoods at all price points in all sizes, shapes and forms

If by midtown you mean near the theater district, Vice Versa is very good and has some good value prix fixe menus. If you want something more unusual/upscale, L%26#39;Impero is wonderful.

If you%26#39;re more specific about the type of food/place/location you want, we can make some more recos. I haven%26#39;t been to Le Zie (which is just south of midtown) so can%26#39;t compare it but I%26#39;d trust the reco if the menu looks good to you. Have you checked menupages.com?

NY Wiz,

Do you have an address for Vice Versa?

tHANKS!

ViceVersa is located at 325 W. 51st St. between 8th %26amp; 9th Avenue. Good food and service, fun ambiance. More info below from menupages.com about it:

menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp鈥?/a>

Whether or not you`re a fan of Lidia Bastianich`s PBS cooking show, ';Lidia`s Italian-American Kitchen,'; her theatre distict restaurant, Becco, is always excellent and I never miss an opportunity to dine there on my frequent visits to NYC. It`s located on restaurant row at 355 W. 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Phone is 212-397-7957. This is a casually elegant place with lots of charm, outstanding, friendly service and authentic, simple, hearty Italian fare. Prices are surprisingly reasonable. Becco is well known for it`s justifiably popular SINFONIA di PASTA. This is a prix fixe for $16.95 at lunch and $21.95 for dinner. It includes wonderful breads, either a caesar salad or an excellent antipasto misto consisiting of marinated grilled vegetables and seafood (the better option.) The servers then arrive with tableside service from saute pans, of the 3 pastas of the day with unlimited servings. This is always stellar and a great value, although the entire menu is not to be overlooked. The in house made dessert sampler for 2 ($11.00) is perhaps New York`s best dessert value too and there is an extensive list of Italian wines for $25 a bottle. Becco is always exremely busy during pretheatre dining hours so reservations are highly recommended, or go during theatre perfomance times or post theatre when things are a bit quieter, but it`s always a memorable dining experience here. Check out the Tripadvisor reviews.

I am actually staying a bit south of Times Square so any more suggestions are appreciated. I wrote down the ones above. We love Italian Food. What about good Deli%26#39;s?

Avoid the touristy overpriced and attitude laden theatre district delis, The Carnegie and The Stage on 7th Avenue. If you want the real New York Jewish Deli experience you`ll have to travel to Katz`s Delicatessn at 205 E. Houston St. at Ludlow St. 212-254-2246. This is the real deal and it`s been around since 1888. This is great traditional deli food at reasonable prices and they won`t charge you extra for sharing one of their great sandwiches with someone else like they do at those other places.

Well the pastrami experts (not me) would differ with quindad and say run don%26#39;t walk to the Carnegie deli. If you like thin cut pastrami, that%26#39;s the place to go. Katz%26#39;s is good but cut thicker. Ben%26#39;s Kosher deli may be closer to your hotel and is good.

Just south of Times Square generally means the garment center area. One of the best restaurants there is Keen%26#39;s Steakhouse if you like meat (not just steak, they%26#39;re also famous for their mutton chop). If you eat in the bar/pub area off the pub menu it%26#39;s cheaper.

Basilica and Roberto Passon are 2 places on 9th ave in the 40%26#39;s that are well regarded italians. Basilica is just a small, neighborhood place with good prices. (R Passon is too, but nicer).

People swoon over Mario Batali%26#39;s restaurants. The one closest to you would be Esca.

Maui #1.... we eat at a place called Simply Pasta when we go to the city... a local recommended it to us for that area... just barely south of Times Square. It closes early though... 9pm... and they only take reservations by phone, not over the internet... but they do have a web site http://www.simplypastanyc.com and you can look at their menu. It is good priced and the food was great!

Hope that helps...

Thank You!! I%26#39;ll let you know what I find in NY.

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Choosing a hotel - where to start!

My sister and I are coming to new york at the end of june for 5 nights and I%26#39;ve been looking through some of the reviews on here an have no idea where to start with choosing and booking a hotel! There are just so many places!

Ideally we%26#39;d like:

-Twin beds

-near to times square, shopping, broadway

-under 拢150 a night

-29th june-4th july 2007

and we%26#39;re 22 and 24 if that helps with suggestions at all!

Also, do hotel prices tend to go down nearer the time? Would it be worth us booking a last minute hotel nearer the date?

Sorry so many questions, am so excited about coming to visit though!

Thank you xxx

Choosing a hotel - where to start!

I would check Travelzoo for deals as your arrival date approaches. Usually they have some great deals and you can make the most of your hotel budget that way. This week they have the Lexington Ave W for $189 which is a good deal, but it%26#39;s only til March.

Choosing a hotel - where to start!

Check out the following: Radio City Apartments, the Salisbury, and Murray Hill East Suites and see if they have something in your price range.

If you can, book something now that is fully cancellable up until your arrival time, this will give you peace of mind as you review specials that pop up, such as on travelzoo. Those specials won%26#39;t start until about May.

Well for starters 150 POUNDS/night (almost $300) is a very generous budget so you should be able to find something nice. The places Voy mentions above should all be considerably below that figure.

Quikbook.com has good prices and some hotels that are not so well known, kayak.com covers most of the major hotels. Keep in mind these and other US sites don%26#39;t include tax in their price quotes so add another 15% or so for what the total will be. If you%26#39;re looking for something trendy with a good bar (these often have small rooms and may not all offer 2 beds in a room) hipguide.com is a website to lead you in that direction, but always double check reviews on this site.

In the Times Square area, the W Times Square would be a nice trendy option and they do have some rooms with 2 double beds. I see a price of $289/night (plus tax) on the whotels.com website which is a bit above your budget.

I agree with cbcito on using travelzoo for bargain rates, but the best way to do that (imo) is to book something NOW that%26#39;s cancellable (easily doable on quikbook or direct with hotels) and closer to your trip, you may find specials on travelzoo that make it worth cancelling your original reservation.

Location is always debatable with younger people like yourselves. ';Midtown'; east or west is usually where a first time tourist wants to be. Especially midtown west in/near the Times Square area considered by many tourists to be ';the center of it all.'; There are lots of good hotels there now, but it is very touristy and busy. The younger, hipper trendier areas are %26#39;downtown'; or south of midtown in Chelsea, the village, Soho, Tribeca, so keep that in mind if you intend on doing clubbing or trendy shopping.

Checking on quikbook for your dates, the Millenium UN Plaza hotel (midtown east) is $159/night (half your budget) and a very nice hotel with an enclosed rooftop swimming pool and most rooms have lovely views. (Some rooms would have awesome views of the fireworks if you were to stay an extra night ;)

The Affinia 50 (also midtown east) is in a great location for shopping (near Bloomingdales) and their price on quikbook for a junior suite with 2 beds is $259/night. (You will find a better price on affinia.com--maybe go for a 1 bedroom suite) The San Carlos is near the Aff. 50 and some say even nicer and they have a rate of $269/night for 2 doubles.

Do you realize the day you%26#39;re leaving, July 4th, is our independence day and there are big fireworks displays in the evening? What time is your flight out?

Thanks for that, really helpful replies! Will look at those sites/areas and booking something we can cancel sounds like a good idea!

I know unfortunately our flight time (early evening) will mean we miss the fireworks which is a real shame!

Thanks again x

get ride of