Cruises on the Hudson are a Summertime thrill that we look forward to every year. The warm breeze and scenic landscape have become a familiar and cherished indulgence. One our favorite ways to cruise is with Classic Harbor Line. Their well-managed fleet always provides a fun, safe experience. Their most luxurious vessels are the Manhattan and Manhattan II. Each yacht is designed with classic details, featuring a bright interior lounge below as well as a magnificent outer deck with seating. Last year we spent a full day on their cruise to Poughkeepsie. This year we decided to try their Bear Mountain excursion. The Bear Mountain cruise begins at pier 62 in Chelsea, from there it’s a three-hour cruise to Bear Mountain State Park. The ship docks for three full hours at the park before heading back to Chelsea.
Dinner
In New York City, the meatpacking district is the place to go for good eats and exceptional nightlife. It’s no secret why Bagatelle is one of the places everyone must visit while in the big apple. Bagatelle is a fine French bistro known for a lively brunch scene, with an opulent space accented by graffiti art. Depending on the day/night, the ambiance at Bagatelle can be fun, cozy, or a party. The night we stopped in to sample the menu, it was very cozy and intimate, which is what we prefer. Speaking of new the menu, let’s talk about what Bagatelle is offering their patrons for this Spring/Summer season.
Review: Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern
Location: 93 MacDougal Street, New York N.Y. 10012
Cuisine: Italian (Pizza)
Best Dish: The pasta was tasty and the meatballs unforgettable but the pizza reigns supreme.
Price:$$
Overall: A quaint restaurant with old-school charm and amazing pizza. An ideal option for all pizza/pasta lovers.
New Yorkers know good pizza, we all possess the innate ability to ferret out the very best in saucy cheesy goodness. As a result, the argument over the best in the big apple is one that will rage on to infinity. Each boro has their go-to pizza place, one of Staten Island’s favorites is Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern.
Activity: Dinner and a show
Description: Enjoy a delicious southern meal and a live performance featuring the hottest acts in Modern Jazz.
Meal: Appetizers, entrees, and cocktails
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, is located on Broadway at 60th Street, New York. Frederick P. Rose Hall and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola can be accessed using the JAZZ elevators located on the ground floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle across from Hugo Boss, located in the Time Warner Center.
Cuisine: Elevated American Southern
Cost: $$$
Inside Balfegó First NYC Kaitai Show
Have you heard of a Kaitai Show? No? Well, I had not either until last week when we had the privilege of attending the first ever Kaitai Show at La Nacional in New York City. A Kaitai Show is the demonstration of cutting and butchering techniques by a master chef. This Kaitai Show featured a gargantuan specimen of Bluefin Tuna weighing more than 400 lbs.
The Bluefin was caught less than 24 hours before making its debut at the show.
Location: 371 West 46th Street New York, NY
Cuisine: Rustic Latin
Best Dish: The Lobster Taquitos was an outstanding dish. The crispy wontons held up well against the succulent lobster filling.
Price: $$
Overall: If you’re looking for more than a boozy brunch La Pulperia’s Drag brunch will give you an experience worth sharing. This isn’t a show for the overly sensitive or easily offended. Prepare to have a good old, adults only good time.
Location: 50 East 86th Street (At Madison Avenue) New York, NY 10028
Price: $$$
Overall: It’s a little taste of Paris’ La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) on the Upper East Side. A night in this sweet French restaurant may leave you expecting to wander out onto cobblestone streets – and not into a sea of yellow cabs.
Location: 256 West 52nd Street (At 8th Avenue) New York, NY 10019
Cuisine: Russian
Best Dish: Zharkoe is a hearty bread bowl filled with tender beef stew. It was delicious and filling. The bread was fresh and flaky and the stew savory and succulent.
Price: $$$
Overall: Good food with a relaxed vibe. Russian Samovar is located next to all of the hottest Broadway shows. You should stop by for a pre or post theater meal.