Two for Tea - Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis Hotel

View over the park and Columbus Circle

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Arctic cold came to New York this week and pushed the temperatures below zero; As soon as we got momentary relief from the freeze, the clouds opened full force. My antidote for the wet and cold...a soothing hot cup of tea enjoyed in an elegant and transporting setting. Here are two of my favorite places for afternoon tea.

The Mandarin Oriental - Columbus Circle. Step from the elevator to floor to ceiling windows overlooking nothing less than a staggeringly breathtaking view over Central Park. As you are lead to your table, don't be surprised if you feel a bit tipsy as if you are precariously walking on top of the world. It is absolutely imperative to call and reserve a window table to fully appreciate and marvel at the stunning panorama of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

The menu offers several interesting tea choices, like Lychee Green and Mountain Berry besides the usual Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Darjeeling. Breath in the delicate aroma of your tea selection as you enjoy tea sandwiches, and delicious scones; The pastries are very small and just okay. If you are not big on dessert, when you make your reservation, you might ask them to prepare more scones or tea sandwiches for you instead of the dessert, or try them, they may be to your taste.

In the mood for luxury and old world elegance? 18th century Period French furniture under a grand painted ceiling that simulates the outdoors, richly upholstered chairs and sofas, crisp linen tablecloths, long stemmed crystal glasses, and a pianist playing romantic melodies at the grand piano, make afternoon tea at the St. Regis Hotel, a memorable experience.

You can order a cup of tea without the frills, but for more fun, order the formal English Tea served in silver tea pots. Cucumber, watercress, smoked salmon, and egg salad tea sandwiches, little scones, and mouthwatering delicate pastries arrive on a tiered silver server. My advice, ask them to warm the scones while you enjoy the sandwiches. When they are returned, slather them with marmalade, jams, lemon curd and thick rich Devonshire cream, while you flavor your tea with honey or rock sugar swirls.

Hmm, hmm, so good!

The perfect place to meet a friend and spend hours catching up away from the cold.

Bon appetit!

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York


Addresses to Remember: Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023, 212-885-8800, www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork.

St. Regis Hotel, Fifth Avenue at 55th St. New York, NY 10022, 212-753-4500, www.stregisnewyork.com.

Directions: Mandarin Oriental, from Time Square MTA A, C, or 1 to 59th St. & Columbus Circle.

St. Regis Hotel, from Time Square MTA E to 5th Avenue and 53rd St. Walk two blocks north to 55th St.

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photo courtesy of  Missy Burlin

© Copyright 2007-14 The Cable Group

Two Spectacular Views of Macy's Fireworks

Guaranteed to Dazzle!
Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

So you decided to avoid the traffic and stay in the city this Holiday weekend and take advantage of the pleasures to be had, when most residents have gleefully headed for the beach or mountains. Or, perhaps you are a visitor and wonder how you can orchestrate a terrific view of the July 4th Macy’s Fireworks Extravaganza you’ve heard so much about or seen on TV.

This year for the first time since 2000, the Macy’s barges will light up the west side of Manhattan as part of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail up the river that bears his name. Here are two places you can enjoy a spectacular view of the 9PM blast off on Independence Day.

The rooftop of the Gansevoort Hotel at 9th Avenue and 13th Street is an unmatched vantage point from which to watch the fireworks when they paint the sky with a crescendo of brilliant colors from close to 1000 feet above the water. You will feel on top of the world in the outdoor bar. Get there early, first come first served, rest assured this place will fill up by late afternoon. When I last checked, you could still reserve a table with a commitment to purchase a $300 bottle of whatever you choose. Champagne anyone?

If you prefer a view from indoors, I called earlier today and was told you can still make a reservation for dinner at the revolving Rooftop Restaurant of the Marriott Marquis Hotel at 46th Street and Broadway. The floor to ceiling windows provides an incredible vista of the River and the city’s dazzling skyscrapers. If you get there early you can experience the sunset before the night sky explodes with color.

Enjoy time with family and friends. Happy Independence Day!

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

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Addresses and Directions to Remember: Gansevoort Hotel, 18 9th Avenue at 13th Street, New York, NY 10014, 212-206-6700, http://www.hotelgansevoort.com/. From MTA Times Square, 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to 14th Street, wall one or two blocks west to 9th Avenue, and one block south to 13th Street.

Marriott Marquis Hotel, 46th Street and Broadway, New York, NY 10019, 212-398-9900, http://www.marriott.com/. Short four block walk on Broadway from MTA at Times Square.

If you like today's issue, why not become a subscriber to Postcards from New York? To start receiving your own copy click on Postcards. Or, forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive Postcards from New York too.

You can choose to receive Postcards From New York as an e-mail or RSS feed. Click on the small orange button on the right side of the webpage to activate the RSS. Then you will receive new "Postcards" on your email homepage, or enter your email address on the Postcards from New York Home Page to receive "Postcards" via email. Be sure to check your email in-box for a confirmation email, then just click where indicated to activate your subscription.

Photo courtesy of Macy's



© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Village Stories IV: A Gem on St. Mark's Place

Just waiting to be sipped


----A Postcards from New York Encore----


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Remember the last time you had a "real" New York Egg cream.

As soon as the clerk started pumping the vanilla syrup into the old school Coca-Cola glass, I was transported back to the late 1970s.

I was 8 or 9 years old, sitting on a red vinyl stool, the kind that sticks to your legs when you wear shorts on a hot, humid summer day, at the lunch counter, at a Woolworth's, in the Bronx. My grandmother, who we called Oma, was sitting next to me. We waited in silent anticipation for the soda jerk to present us with our order.

Ohh, the first foamy sip! We never used the straw to begin, so we could laugh at our cream soda mustaches; we always laughed, big belly laughs, and then Oma would kiss my mustache off. How I miss her; Oma always said that she thought clouds must taste like this and someday when we were in heaven, we'd be sipping up all those egg cream soda clouds.

Luckily, you don't have to wait until heaven. A small piece of it is at St Mark's Place and 2nd Avenue at Gem Spa, a tiny 24/7 newsstand. Just think, you can get one any time of day or night! To make the experience extra special, I recommend ordering your vanilla or chocolate egg cream soda in a Coca-Cola glass, not a take away cup. This way, you are forced to take a few minutes to really cherish one of life's simple joys.

Enjoy!

Joseph Knight
For Postcards from New York


Address to remember: Gem Spa, 131 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, 212-995-1866. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Directions: From Times Square MTA N, R and W to 8th Street, walk across Astor Place to St. Mark's Place walk two blocks to 2nd Avenue. From Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street take MTA 1 Bus to 8th Street.

Photo by Joseph Knight


©Copyright 2007-8 The Cable Group

A Gift from Havana

A cool refreshing Mojito

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

It was a typical hot and humid summer Friday night in Manhattan; you know the kind, when your clothing no matter how thin, sticks to you. Where to go and what to drink? My friend, Leah Vail, a gorgeous and vibrant twenty-something entertainment reporter, recommended we head to the rooftop bar at Tonic East on 29th and 3rd. As we entered, the multi-storied establishment's mix of lively music and beautiful people added to the evening's heat.

We climb the three floors and get to the rooftop as the sun sets -- the Empire State Building lights up the dramatic skyscape before our thirsty eyes. A bubbly waitress passes by with a tray of sparkling beverages; as she approached, I asked what it was, and she told me "a Mojito." Both Leah and I agreed we had to have one of these cocktails first created in Havana for Hemingway. When our drinks arrived the condensation beads trickled down the chilled glasses, we toasted in anticipation.

When the liquid touches your lips you'll know this is it, Tonic East has mastered the Mojito presenting it in elegant tall glasses that promise total refreshment. You'll find the mint expertly minced and muddled with simple syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice and a generous helping of rum and just the right amount of ice and soda.

If you are like me, you'll find a single Mojito is just a start. Can I be so bold as to suggest ordering a double Mojito, or as I have asked the folks at Tonic East to name it after me, "The Mojito Joe;" it comes in a pint glass and is a refreshing time saver as truly...one Mojito is not enough.

Cheers!

Joseph Knight
For Postcards from New York


Address to Remember: Tonic East, 411 Third Avenue (corner of 29th Street), New York, NY 10016, 212-683-7090, http://www.toniceast.com/

Directions: From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central Station and 6 to 28th Street and Park Avenue, walk one block to 29th Street then east two blocks. M42 or M104 to Lexington Avenue then M101, 102 or 103 to 28th Street.


Photo by Joseph Knight


© Copyright 2008 The Cable Group.

City Bakery Revisited

A passion fruit tart to dream about

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Of course, soon after I posted With Marshmallows or Without, a cold front came in and we quickly had to pull on extra sweaters, bulky coats and boots. As I write, snow is falling and it is sticking; it's really quite beautiful--just the perfect weather to savor a steaming cup of hot chocolate or bowl of thick chucky soup.

If you recently read Marshmallows, you know the place to enjoy it best this month is "City Bakery" during their 16th Annual Hot Chocolate Festival. Chili Pepper, Lemon Licorice, Tropical, Ginger, Caramel, Banana Peel, and Mango Tea Hot Chocolate are just a few of the inventive flavors to excite your taste buds.

Guess what I recently did to finally satisfy my desire for the luscious desserts that have tempted me for years? I settled for a demitasse cup of Darkest Dark Hot Chocolate so I could enjoy a passion fruit tart and a couple peanut butter cookies without too much guilt (this is Lent after all).

What can I say? To die for! The tart was delectable--the slightest hint of citrus and the lightest crust ever, while the cookies stuck to the roof of my month, like eating peanut butter from the jar with a spoon. Mmm!

Run don't walk, just be careful not to slip on the snow covered streets, to "City Bakery" before the Festival ends February 29. Check here before you go, for the flavor of the day.

Still don't have dinner plans with the Chocolate lover in your life for Valentine's Day? Consider the Hot Chocolate Festival Party--All you can drink hot chocolate featuring five special flavors, hors d'oeuvres, a special menu and live music. As of today tickets are still available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: The City Bakery, 3 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011, http://www.thecitybakery.com/ , 212-386-1414.

Directions: MTA from 42nd Street Times Square, N, R or W to 23rd Street. Bus M2, M3, M5.

Photo by Joseph Knight

©Copyright 2008 The Cable Group

With Marshmallows or Without

Piping Hot Chocolate sprinkled with dark chocolate powder

----A Postcard from New York Encore published last winter----

I know it has been much too warm to think about hot Chocolate. Regardless, do not let the weather stand in the way of sampling a bonaza of hot chocolate flavors during the City Bakery month long Annual Hot Chocolate Festival. I'm heading over there right now, for details click here.

**************************************

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Asks the beaming attendant behind the counter? The choice is a lip biting difficult one.

On bone chilling days like we have had since being teased with 70 degree temperatures a couple of weeks ago, the only possible way to survive until Spring final does arrive is to indulge in a decadent cup or mini mug of City Bakery's delectable hot chocolate. Not too sweet, you will feel its thrilling warmth down to your toes.

Every time I come here I drawl over the mouth watering desserts, but never order one because a little voice warns it would just be too much. This hot chocolate is so filling that after a few sips, you feel as if you've eaten an entire meal.

So rich, so thick, it is prepared in vats like a hearty winter soup. Don't sit at a table and wait to be served. It's a treat for the eyes to stand at the counter where you can watch the velvety textured hot creamy chocolate as it swirls around in the vat. Notice the glass bowl filled with hefty chunks of just made marshmallows; so meaty, you can eat them with a fork.

The rich liquid is first poured into a small pitcher then whipped with an electric whisk before it is poured into...

A mini bowl or demitasse cup, with marshmallows or without, what will it be?

However you take it, don't allow yourself to miss out on this lick your upper lip good experience.

You'll find The City Bakery just off Fifth Avenue at 18th Street.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: The City Bakery, 3 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011, www.thecitybakery.com/, 212-386-1414.

Directions: MTA from 42nd Street Times Square, N, R or W to 23rd Street. Bus M2, M3, M5.


Photo by Joseph Knight

©Copyright 2007 The Cable Group

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Deborah at the piano with Joey, no longer shy singing for an audience

---- About this Story ----

When I met Deborah, the author of How to Survive New York City, we discovered besides our passion for New York we shared a favorite local hang out, the always lively "Mimi's." During this holiday season it's the perfect place for visitors and newcomers to immediately feel welcome and at home.

*********************************************

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Little did I know how much Mimi's would become a part of me when I first walked in the door. This corner Italian restaurant/piano bar's floor to ceiling window on 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue offers patrons a panoramic view of the hurried pace and bustle outside on the street. A former business associate introduced me to the place.

No one remains a stranger once they pass through Mimi's doors. A voice from the direction of the piano calls out "Hello" as soon as you walk in, or perhaps it comes from smiling Fred Graham, who likes to tease you with his welcome. Once you divulge where you are from, the piano player will play a tune only you know from your city or country, no matter how far away.

That would be Hunter at the piano; Hunter Blue. He's the one that looks like a bejeweled monk, and he's one of Mimi's best pianists. They welcomed me the same way. I told them I loved to sing but was shy in front of strangers. Not anymore. They made singing such fun, I can't remember being shy.

Gradually, all the family's members and long-time staff became friends. Dominick, Mimi's son, said of his late father, "it was always his way of treating people that made them feel like family." You cannot stay long at Mimi's and not experience a sense of family.

Just like the TV show, Cheers, the regular patrons are characters; It is entertaining to observe while Fred banters with Hunter until the "all clear" is sounded, so Hunter can play Alice, a favorite song of the late night crowd. Passers-by point and stare while Hunter parades around the restaurant in costumes and flags of the various visitors' countries, making sure they feel welcome. It is truly a unique and entertaining place.

The stories are plentiful; Many became fodder for How to Survive New York City for the Newcomer . Dominick says "Mimi's is the quintessential New York neighborhood place to be." I think it's more than that; It has its own recipe for making people want to return again and again. Sort of like Fred, everyone thought he worked for Mimi's for years, and he only recently joined their payroll. He was a regular who just clicked with everybody. That's the kind of place Mimi's is; full of characters.

Mimi's is for music lovers, the lonely, the curious, and always for the fun-loving. It has played host to famous singers, visiting celebrities and international performers, and the food is as good as the company.

My personal favorites; spinach ravioli, Kailua and decaf, Alice, singing to Saturday night songs Jerry Delet plays, talking to friends and most of all, introducing newcomers to Mimi's. Someday, I hope to meet you there too.

Deborah Torbert
For Postcards from New York

Address to Remember: Mimi's Restaurant, 984 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10022, 212-688-4692.

Hours: Mon-Sat noon for lunch until 2am. Sunday late brunch at 5pm until 2am.

Directions: From Times Square, MTA S to Grand Central and 6 to 51st Street. Short walk to Restaurant. M42 Bus to 2nd Avenue, 10 block walk to Restaurant.

Photo by Fred Graham

© Copyright 2007 The Cable Group

A gem on St. Mark's Place

Just waiting to be sipped


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Remember the last time you had a "real" New York Egg cream.

As soon as the clerk started pumping the vanilla syrup into the old school Coca-Cola glass, I was transported back to the late 1970s.

I was 8 or 9 years old, sitting on a red vinyl stool, the kind that sticks to your legs when you wear shorts on a hot, humid summer day, at the lunch counter, at a Woolworth's, in the Bronx. My grandmother, who we called Oma, was sitting next to me. We waited in silent anticipation for the soda jerk to present us with our order.

Ohh, the first foamy sip! We never used the straw to begin, so we could laugh at our cream soda mustaches; we always laughed, big belly laughs, and then Oma would kiss my mustache off. How I miss her; Oma always said that she thought clouds must taste like this and someday when we were in heaven, we'd be sipping up all those egg cream soda clouds.

Luckily, you don't have to wait until heaven. A small piece of it is at St Mark's Place and 2nd Avenue at Gem Spa, a tiny 24/7 newsstand. Just think, you can get one any time of day or night! To make the experience extra special, I recommend ordering your vanilla or chocolate egg cream soda in a Coca-Cola glass, not a take away cup. This way, you are forced to take a few minutes to really cherish one of life's simple joys.

Enjoy!

Joseph Knight
For Postcards from New York


Address to remember: Gem Spa, 131 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, 212-995-1866. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Directions: From Times Square MTA N, R and W to 8th Street, walk across Astor Place to St. Mark's Place walk two blocks to 2nd Avenue. From Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street take MTA 1 Bus to 8th Street.

Photo by Joseph Knight

©Copyright 2007 The Cable Group

With Marshmallows or Without

Piping Hot Chocolate sprinkled with dark chocolate powder

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Asks the beaming attendant behind the counter? The choice is a lip biting difficult one.

On bone chilling days like we have had since being teased with 70 degree temperatures a couple of weeks ago, the only possible way to survive until Spring final does arrive is to indulge in a decadent cup or mini mug of City Bakery's delectable hot chocolate. Not too sweet, you will feel its thrilling warmth down to your toes.

Every time I come here I drawl over the mouth watering desserts, but never order one because a little voice warns it would just be too much. This hot chocolate is so filling that after a few sips, you feel as if you've eaten an entire meal.

So rich, so thick, it is prepared in vats like a hearty winter soup. Don't sit at a table and wait to be served. It's a treat for the eyes to stand at the counter where you can watch the velvety textured hot creamy chocolate as it swirls around in the vat. Notice the glass bowl filled with hefty chunks of just made marshmallows; so meaty, you can eat them with a fork.

The rich liquid is first poured into a small pitcher then whipped with an electric whisk before it is poured into...

A mini bowl or demitasse cup, with marshmallows or without, what will it be?

However you take it, don't allow yourself to miss out on this lick your upper lip good experience.

You'll find The City Bakery just off Fifth Avenue at 18th Street.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: The City Bakery, 3 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011, http://www.thecitybakery.com/, 212-386-1414.

Directions: MTA from 42nd Street Times Square, N, R or W to 23rd Street. Bus M2, M3, M5.


Photo by Joseph Knight

©Copyright 2007 The Cable Group