UNION SQUARE
Living in the city, it can be difficult for urban dwellers to be in touch with the origins of their food and beverages. Of course, there are many restaurants with exquisitely-prepared dishes inspired by cuisines all over the world, as well as a plethora of grocery stores that offer us more consumer options than we could ever imagine. However, there still exists a lack of connection from the original agricultural process that goes into the ultimate finished product.
While New York City may be far from an agrarian utopia, there are still many farmers markets open to the public that can provide some form of insight into the food and its original farming process. The Union Square Greenmarket is a fine example of one. This Greenmarket operates on the north and west sides of Union Square Park, and is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. There are many different vendors set up around Union Square Greenmarket, and they sell anything from organic red garlic to sheep’s milk soap to lemon catnip plants. One can visit this market for a simple stroll and casual observation session of the people and products, or to sample different foods and speak with the vendors about the farms where the food originates and what to do with it.
A few days ago, MCA Day was announced with the launch of a Facebook and Twitter page dedicated to the event. Taking place in Union Square this Saturday, May 19, the event is in remembrance of the late Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, a.k.a MCA. According to the head of the event, Michael Kearney, the day is meant as a testament to the power and influence of one of NYC's most beloved entertainers: "Picture an NYC Subway car full of all types and walks of life... singing Beastie Boys songs in unison. That's my vision for MCA DAY NYC. I'm going to build that. Thanks for your support. That trains a coming..."
Don’t be fooled by its name, this place is not your average corner coffee joint. Smack in the middle of the bustling Union Square, Coffee Shop has a steady stream of patrons trickling in all day and well into the evening. The hoards of people are a testament to Coffee Shop’s popularity, which is mostly due to their great food, low prices, and hip bar scene.
The noise level is inexplicably high, so if you’re looking for a quiet night out we don’t recommend it. But, if you can handle it, we suggest you order the Greek Salad. Fresh lettuce, feta cheese, ripe tomatoes, and cucumbers are dressed in a light summer dressing. Around the outside are four balls of lightly fried falafel that have a great flavor. We also recommend trying out one of their Deluxe Burgers. We tried the Char Grilled Turkey Burger on a Toasted Potato Bun with a little added avocado to complement the juicy burger. There are tons of toppings and options to choose from, including 4 types of cheese, bacon, avocado, or fried onions.
If you're looking for a swank, hip lounge to celebrate this New Year's Eve, you might want to check out some of these hot venues in NYC to kick off the New Year
At La Zarza, voted East Village's number one exotic resto-lounge, they will be hosting a five hour open bar, including a champagne toast at midnight. Even better, a ticket to La Zarza includes a complimentary ticket to the Juliet after party.
Most of us don't have the luxury of taking a week long holiday around New Year's Eve. With the Christmas holiday having just ended, our vacation time at work has been all dried up and New Year's may even seem like a luxury to some people. So for those of you who want to get the most out of your New York City New Year's Eve experience, here is our Top 10 places to see, in travel order, before you hop the plane back home and back to reality.
1. Central Park: Start your tour through the park at 72nd Street and Central Park West, heading east toward 5th Avenue. You will pass Strawberry Fields where John Lennon played and through the meadow and past The Pond. You will get picturesque views of the Midtown skyline from all angles as you cut across the park.
Pass the overwhelmingly large retail banners of Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Levi’s and Tiffany’s & Co and you have arrived in the heart of Union Square, the shopping mecca of San Francisco. Historically, this shopping district derives its name from the civil war where the area was once used for the Union Army. Like a hodgepodge, Union Square does not have its own distinctive style element like some of the aforementioned neighborhoods but rather grabs influence from commuters, tourists and everyone in-between!
All aboard. Hogwarts Express is now leaving from New York’s 14th Street Union Square Station. The 9 ¾ symbol appeared on the 14th St. Union Square subway sign Sunday night. The marker is in the MTA standard fashion of any NY subway line.
For anyone who is not a Harry Potter fan or doesn’t know the significance of the magical 9 ¾ number, it is the platform for students traveling to the magical academy, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Students would search for the portal, which is an enchanted brick wall, and charge the wall at full speed. They would end up on the other side’s platform packed with wand-wielding witches and wizards.
Macy’s Union Square
170 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Got yourself a little sweet tooth? Well, Top Chef: Just Desserts is coming to Macy's in Union Square on November 17th. Come watch a special screening of the season finale of Bravo’s Top Chef Just Desserts and get a free Macy’s gift card. Also, you will get a free taste of Top Chef contestant Yigit Pura’s homemade macaroons or walnut shortbread.
- The first 100 guests receive a $10.00 Macy’s cellar gift card.
- The first 250 guests will be be sent home with a taste of Yigit’s homemade macaroons or walnut shortbread.
Free, but RSVP required
To reserve a seat, please RSVP by calling: 1-800-786-2665
WHEN: Wednesday, November 17th at 7:00 pm
WHERE: Macy’s Union Square Cellar
Over the past few years the restaurant, boutique, and bar scene on Smith Street has exploded making this downtown Brooklyn neighborhood so much of a hot spot that even Manhattanites are coming in to explore. The area is known for its beautifully tree-lined streets and picturesque brownstones, a Brooklyn staple, and is becoming increasingly popular with trendy new inhabitants and businesses. Yet right off Smith Street, on the peaceful and quite corner of Union and Hoyt Street lies a small and beautiful wine house called Black Mountain.
More important than the nightclub or the stars who walk the red carpet, the group of people who plan New York's hottest parties and events are the force which drives status and sets the tone for the unique Manhattan social scene. The upper echelon of New York society have longed turned to one man and the company he represents to plan the premier events which give the city's hottest nightclubs their best crowds.
Nirav Sevak, Director of Events for Jet Set Events Inc., is among a small group of elite event planners and is sought out by the biggest names in Manhattan society. From world renowned business owners to Park Avenue notables, Nirav and his team of expert event planners work around the clock, seven days a week to orchestrate all facets of high-class party planning. From organizing the entertainment to synthesizing unique social networking, Nirav and Jet Set Events are at the epicenter of their industry. Founded in 2002, Jet Set works with Manhattan's top restaurants, nightclubs, rooftops, lounges and a wide array of other venues to incorporate a conglomerate of creative and top-notch ideas and environments into making one solid and well-organized event.



















