A baby boomers guide to visiting New York City – Part 1

Referred to as the fluttering proverbial butterfly, New York City’s visiting baby boomers are not the usual aging hipsters. Viewed as energetic and active participants of life, the activities and sights of New York City offer these tech-savvy individuals a break away from it all-a place to change gears from a world made by the boomers themselves. Reshaping the tourist market to fit their personal needs, this baby-boom generation appreciates the finer things in life at a relaxed pace.

New York City’s famous magical Broadway shows are a major draw for those who are here for a return visit, or for those arriving for a very first time. To lock in ticket prices and avoiding sell-outs for a favorite Broadway show will require an advance booking for a wide range of choices from musicals to special shows, always offering something for everyone and for every pocketbook size. Packages can be booked in advance for dinner packages that include favorite show tickets and a pre-paid dinner at the nearby finest Manhattan restaurants. Special hotel packages are also available for those who are here for several days of visiting or business, with show tickets and the finest of Manhattan hotels offering transportation to the show and back.

Having tea in the famous New York City “high-tea rooms” in the Upper West Side, or enjoying unique dining with live opera or show tunes are available throughout New York City, with every type of meal and cultural taste of the world being offered. One example is a whole month of sopranos and tenors, organized for over 25 years by the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York for special events, concerts, exhibits, and lectures to celebrate New York City’s Italian culture. If walking and eating are a favorite enjoyment, the Walking and Eating Tour of Greenwich Village is located in a historical neighborhood of artists and writers, having successfully resisted the “gentrification” fallen of its neighbors. Repeat tourists have warmed to its very quaint looks and the feel of overseas Europe with narrow, winding streets lined with historical 1800 brownstones-coming back year after year to savor the past.

Requiring advance preparations, another celebration that New York City embraces for its visitors is December’s eight-day Festival of Lights to celebrate the Jewish Hanukkah with a full schedule of events and festivities, located in Manhattan. Celebrating Jewish national survival and religious freedom, the lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah is larger than life-a 32-foot high, two-ton candelabra lit by a cherry picker. Once this is completed, the night is celebrated with folk dancing and eating of the holiday jelly donuts (sufganiyot), along with many other special ceremonies.

For those who enjoy walking and a more relaxed pace, New York City offers private and public walking tours with five of the most popular tours available-Midtown Architectural, Gargoyles in Manhattan, Upper East Side Millionaires Mile 1, Little Italy, NoLIta & Five Point, and Lower East Side Jewish Heritage 2. Uniting the past through each area’s history, architecture, with added pictures and stories-many other neighborhood walks are available with reservations not required for most of them. If architecture and turn of the century mansions are appreciated along with varied cultural themes and diverse neighborhoods, this is an excellent tourist activity to appreciate New York City’s past, present, and future-a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the downtown crowds.

Restaurant recommendations: New York City, NY – Part 1

For two years I worked as an event-planner-of-sorts in New York City. I would plan a month’s worth of activities for visiting business people who wanted to experience all that the city had to offer. Though many of my activities included trapeze classes, broadway shows, and dinner cruises, by far and away the events that my clients looked forward to the most were those that involved a heavy dose of wining and dining. After a few years of restaurant-hopping and scouring the city for the best eats, I have compiled a list of Manhattan restaurants that are definitely worth their dish. (Though a few of these restaurants fall on the pricey side, those on a budget will be thrilled with these selections as well).

1. DAVID BURKE AND DONATELLA

Modern American

133 E. 61st Street

Owned by internationally-renowned chef, David Burke, and hot-on-the-scene restaurateur, Donatella Arpaia. The colorful, posh interior complements the delectable yet playful entrees. I recommend ordering the tasting menu du jour to make the most of this heavenly dining experience. Their wine selection is wonderful, and if you’re ordering dessert, just try to pass on David Burke’s delightful Cheesecake Lollipop Tree. Though this gem is on the pricier side, it’s worth every penny. A must dining experience for that evening when you’re feeling especially indulgent.

2. ISABELLA’S

American Nouveau, Mediterranean

359 Columbus Avenue

If you and your friends are in a mood for brunch, I completely recommend Isabella’s. However, get there early or make reservations, as there is sure to be a wait – especially on weekends.

Side note: Isabella’s is owned by B.R. Guest Restaurants, a company that has a lot of great, resonably priced eateries sprinkled all over the city. A notable few:

Ocean Grill, a short walk from Isabella’s at 384 Columbus

Blue Fin, for trendy dining in Times Square

Ruby Foos, fun pan-Asian fare, Uptown and Times Square locations

3. HARU

Sushi

Locations all over New York – though my favorite is the one at 433 Amsterdam Avenue

Though a chain that’s rapidly growing, Haru offers one of my favorite sushi experiences. Serving melt-in-your-mouth fresh fish in unique ways, Haru caters to the minimalist and the experimentalist alike. My favorite thing about Haru is the price: even on nights when I gorge myself on sushi, I’m always surprised at how small the tab is at the end of the night.

4. JACQUES-IMO’S

366 Columbus Avenue

Creole, Cajun

For something different and fun, Jacques-Imo’s serves up atypical New Orleans fare. A must-try: the Alligator Cheesecake – think more quiche than dessert – it’s abosutely delicious and surprisingly addictive. For added fun, check out Jacques-Imo’s not-necessarily-suitable-for-g randma Bingo nights during the week.

5. CIPRIANI DOWNTOWN

376 W. Broadway Avenue

Italian

I love this SoHo hotspot. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Though it’s a little rough on the wallet, it’s definitely worth checking out. The veal ragout is simply AMAZING, and though Bellini’s don’t necessarily pair naturally with Italian fare, I usually end up ordering about four over the course of the meal. Another great perk: during the warmer months, dining on the outdoor, cobblestone patio is a pleasure that even the most seasoned New Yorker can’t resist.