On the Rocks: Three Intoxicating New York Whiskey Bars

Drink up!

Whether you like it on the rocks, with a little soda, cold, or warm, there is nothing better than a good glass of whiskey (or whisky, as Scots seem to prefer). New York City is home to a plethora of wonderful booze locales that serve up a mean glass of single malt scotches or fine whiskeys. These NYC bars feature an extensive selection of the adult beverage that is perfect to sip on a cold winter night.

The Whiskey Ward: Located just three blocks from the Williamsburg Bridge, this Lower East Side saloon is decorated with many whiskey jugs and barrels that really do a good job to set the drinking mood. The amazingly extensive list of whiskeys include bourbons, rye, Irish whiskey, single malts, un-chill filtered scotch, and many more. The scene is a mixture of serious sippers and amateur drinkers and the prices are reasonable. 121 Essex Street. Stay nearby at the Hotel on Rivington or the Thompson L.E.S.

The Dead Poet: Walking down the often times bustling Amsterdam Avenue in the Upper West Side, one might miss this literal literary hole-in-the-wall if they blinked. But the Dead Poet is a must visit destination for whiskey drinkers that also happen to enjoy good literature. Why, you ask? Because the owner of this tiny bar is a former English teacher who has decorated the space with verses by his favorite writers. Enjoy a glass — or twelve — of some Irish whiskey and then squeeze by the 20-foot bar area to enjoy a quick game of pool or a fistful of popcorn. 450 Amsterdam Avenue. Stay nearby at the Lucerne Hotel.

d.b.a.: With two locations, one in New Orleans and the other in the East Village, d.b.a. (which has been rumored to stand for “drink better ale” and “don’t bother asking”) is a serious drinkers destination. With roughly 250 different beers on tap that range from the usual names to boutique micro-brews and 60 tequilas, it is the mind boggling collection of 90 single-malt Scotches that have most customers smiling and sipping. During the warmer months be sure to step outside and enjoy your adult beverage on the covered patio area. Avoid d.b.a. during the workweek after-hours or else you will be waiting a little longer for that refill due to the busy crowds. 41 First Avenue. Stay nearby at GEM Hotel SoHo.

Tags: big apple, dead poet, new york, new york city, nightlife, Travel, whiskey ward

Loosen Up at These Three New York Luxury Spas

The Spa in the Mandarin Oriental, New York

They say that New York is the city that never sleeps. While that might be true, locals do enjoy some downtime at the numerous luxurious spas that our Big Apple boasts. From day spas to hotel spas, we got you covered with three destinations that you need to check out when attempting to recharge your batteries after a long day of wandering around NYC:

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental: When it comes to luxury, the Mandarin Oriental’s 35th floor spa has it down to a science. The views alone are outstanding – the rooms provide spectacular bird’s eye views of Central Park and the Hudson River. Services include Ayurvedic skin and body treatments, various massages and acupressure. Guests are asked to book 90-minute services when making their appointment. This 14,500 square foot space comes with a price, however, so you might need an extra massage or two after realizing how much you dropped here. But hey it’s all worth it, right? 80 Columbus Circle. Complete the splurge with a stay at the Mandarin Oriental.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa: Most people are familiar with this spa now that it has branched out to more than 20 locations nationwide. But it all started here in New York City back in 1910 when a nurse named Elizabeth Arden opened one of the city’s first spas, using (guess what) a red door as its trademark symbol. My wife swears by Irene, who is an esthetician, so ask for her when you book your next facial or massage. Other treatments include eyebrow shaping, various waxing procedures and the spa even offers a hair and nail salon on site. Prices are moderate as far as NYC luxury spas go, so you can get rubbed sans guilt. 691 Fifth Avenue. Stay nearby at the Peninsula New York.

Oasis Day Spa: With three locations throughout New York (two in Midtown and one in Westchester, NY), Oasis has grown tremendously since it opened as a chair-massage family business a little over a decade ago. The largest and most popular location on Park Avenue is well known for its soothing on-target skin and body treatments that include over a dozen type of massages, various waxing procedures and body bronzing. Prices are more affordable than you would think for a spa located at such a ritzy address. 1 Park Avenue. Stay nearby at the Affinia Dumont (which also has an Oasis Day Spa on site).

Tags: ELIZABETH ARDEN RED DOOR SPA, MANDARIN ORIENTAL, new york, new york city, OASIS DAY SPA

Three Organic Eateries to Try in New York City

A Salty Caramel Pecan ice cream sandwich at Stogo in New York City

Although the Big Apple boasts more fast food, food carts and overall fat-friendly restaurants than I care to count, did you know that New York City is also chock full of delicious places to dine out if you are a health-conscious eater?

Manhattan has a lot of amazing restaurant choices these days and your options go way beyond typical vegan and vegetarian staples like tofu and sprouts.

If you look hard enough, you will find a bounty of locales that offer gourmet raw food, vegan delicacies and overall healthy options on their menus. From dinner to dessert and, oh yes, all the way to a nightcap, here are three outstanding organic destinations.

Quartino Bottega Organica: Located in the neighborhood of NoHo (North of Houston Street), Quartino’s chefs take great pride in offering healthy cuisine that’s also exciting and delicious.

Some of my favorite dishes to order when I visit are whole wheat pizza covered in fresh mozzarella and organic tomatoes, fettuccine del quartino (fresh homemade fettuccine with avocado & tomatoes) and the potato gnocchi with pesto sauce.

Wash all of this goodness down with a bottle of organic wine. During the warmer New York months, opt to sit in their backyard dining area. 11 Bleecker Street. Stay nearby at The Bowery Hotel.

Stogo: When I dine out, dessert is never an option – it’s mandatory. If you have a sweet tooth but still like to watch what you eat, then this healthy ice cream shop is your place to let loose and indulge. With over 20 soy-based “scoopable” flavors to choose from, Stogo is the place to go for good vegan ice cream.

On my many visits to this East Village shop (and I am not a vegan), I’ve partaken in such exotic offerings as honey lavender and cardamom pistachio.

There are plenty of toppings to choose from as well, so be prepared to pour on some extra goodies like cookie pieces and fresh fruit. Cookies and brownies are also available for purchase. 159 Second Avenue. Stay nearby at the Cooper Square Hotel.

Counter: With a belly full of healthy goods, it is time to finish things off with a few cocktails. While this East Village eatery offers a great menu of Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dishes, it’s also well known as a place to down a few cold ones.

Counter has an impressive collection of over 300 organic and biodynamic wines, many organic beers and even some tasty organic martinis. Never has being so healthy been so much fun. 105 First Avenue. Stay nearby at GEM Hotel SoHo.

Image: Flickr member yuko chan

Tags: big apple, bowery hotel, cooper square hotel, gem hotel soho, new york, new york city, organic, restaurant

Four Places to Get Your Junk Food Fix in NYC

Let’s face it, we Americans love junk food. We cant help it as most of us were raised on it from a young age. As much as we try to count calories, eat organic and attempt to hit the gym, the occasional doughnut or cupcake finds it way into our hands and down our throat. So stop hiding your love for all that is devilishly delicious, embrace your inner kid-like cravings and visit these four high-sugar eateries around New York.

S’Mac: Who doesn’t like a big bowl of macaroni and cheese? At this East Village hangout expect to dine on such flavors as creamy brie and Mediterranean mac. To class it up, wash down all this goodness with a glass of red wine. 345 E 12th St. Stay nearby at the Millennium UN Plaza.

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Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop: With such menu items as the Fluffernutter and PB&J shake with a “krazy” straw, how can you not have a good time while pigging out at this Greenwich Village comfort food hot spot. On the way out be sure to pick up some souvenirs like an official Peanut Butter & Co. lunchbox or toy monkey. Stay nearby at the Four Points Sheraton Manhattan SoHo Village.

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The Soda Shop: Tribeca meets small town America in this charming retro restaurant that is a popular destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After you chow down one of their tasty burgers or sandwiches, be sure to save room for a classic egg-cream, malt or banana split. 125 Chambers Street. Stay next door at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Doughnut Plant: The king of kid-friendly foods has to be the doughnut. I have yet to meet a rug rat that will pass on fried dough covered in some sort of sugary topping. Flavors on the ever changing menu include tres leche, roasted coconut, cranberry and peanut butter glaze raspberry jam. 379 Grand Street. Stay nearby at Hotel 91.

Tags: doughnut plant, new york, new york city, peanut butter & Co., s'mac, the soda shop

Shaken, Not Stirred: Martini Drinking Around NYC

Although I prefer a Jack & coke or an icy cold Guinness, there is no denying the fact that martini madness is alive and well in watering holes around the United States. The resurgence can be partially attributed to the popularity of AMC’s hit series Mad Men. But this classy cocktail is definitely a drink that appeals to more than just James Bond wannabes and fancy pants club goers. Here is your intoxicating invite to four New York City martini hangouts that will leave you staggering around the Big Apple in delight.

Simone Martini Bar and Cafe:  Upon entering this popular and cozy East Village hangout, which is only a short stroll from the Cooper Square Hotel, you cant help but feel like you’re spending a night in Paris. The eye catching décor will definitely have your eyes working overtime and the impressive martini menu will leave you coming back for more. Check out Simone Monday through Thursday and enjoy “the best martinis in town” for only $7. 134 1st Avenue

Katwalk NYC: The crowd at this Midtown bar usually consists of corporate suits and “beautiful people” interacting in an orgy of adult beverages, flat screen televisions, and speakers pumping out very loud music. The most mentioned martinis at this watering hole include a chocolate martini, mocatini, and their signature katini. 2 West 35th Street. Stay nearby at Morgans.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Martini Bar: What’s better than indulging in a few martinis in New York City? How about doing so high above New York City. Open between Spring and late fall, weather permitting, locals and visitors alike enjoy such signature adult libations as the Metropolitan martini. Even if you order a beer or soda at this beautiful rooftop bar, the views of Manhattan and Central Park are worth the visit. 1000 Fifth Avenue. Stay nearby at the Franklin NYC.

M Bar: No need to worry about how you will get home after downing a few too many at this chic West Side lounge. Located in the Mansfield Hotel, M Bar serves up an eclectic selection of savory spirits. The signature cocktail is Violet’s blueberry martini. This concoction consist of Stoli Vanil Vodka, French Parfait Amour, blueberry & pineapple juice, and fresh blueberries. 12 West 44th Street

Double Down Saloon: Calling itself “a clubhouse for the lunatic fringe”, this Lower East Side meeting place might not look like the typical place to pony up to the bar and ask for a martini. But the bartenders at Double Down Saloon do in fact serve up a twisted version of the popular libation. The signature flavor at this East Houston Street “boozatorium” is the bacon martini. Made popular at this saloon’s Vegas location, a “bacontini” or “pig on the rocks“, is a cocktail consisting of bacon flavored vodka, strips of bacon, and of course an olive. 14 Avenue A. Stay nearby at Thompson LES.

Tags: amc, mad men, martini, new york city