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Posted by Andrew Hickey on Feb 23, 2010 in Travel
Loosen Up at These Three New York Luxury Spas
Posted by Andrew Hickey on Feb 19, 2010 in Travel

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).
Three Organic Eateries to Try in New York City
Posted by Andrew Hickey on Feb 17, 2010 in Travel
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
Four Places to Get Your Junk Food Fix in NYC
Posted by Andrew Hickey on Jan 18, 2010 in Travel
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.
Shaken, Not Stirred: Martini Drinking Around NYC
Posted by Andrew Hickey on Dec 29, 2009 in Travel



















