Travel 

Advertisement

Insider New York

continued from page 1

Eat like a New Yorker
Zabar's - You haven't been initiated into New York life until you've shopped for smoked salmon and cream cheese at this food emporium on the Upper West Side. Fabulous cheeses, breads, meats, sweets - pick up lunch then walk over to Central Park three avenues away (2245 Broadway at 80th St; +1.212.787.2000).
H&H Bagels - Next door to Zabar's sits the finest bagelmaker in NYC. Pop in anytime. They're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (2239 Broadway at 80th St; +1.212.595.8003).
Grimaldi's Pizza - What makes a perfect pizza is a matter of much debate in New York, but Grimaldi's, also known as Patsy's Pizza, is the pie on everybody's lips. This popular restaurant is in Brooklyn, so make an afternoon or evening of it by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge then finding your way down to this riverside joint (hint: take a map or a native or you're likely to get lost). Bring cash, because they don't take credit cards, and be prepared for a wait. (19 Old Fulton St between Front and Water Sts, Brooklyn; +1.718.858.4300).

Look like a New Yorker
The New York woman's secret to looking so good is on practically every street corner: the neighbourhood nail salon. These all-purpose, no-frills beauty pit stops are usually staffed with Asian or Eastern European women, and they provide affordable manicures (as low as $7 - about £4), pedicures and waxings. Everyone from lowly administrative assistants to highly placed beauty editors take advantage of them. Book an appointment or just walk in, as long as you don't mind waiting a bit. You pay after the manicure but before the polish application (so no smudges). Tipping is a necessity and 15% to 20% is customary, more if you've gotten particularly good service. To find a good one, ask any New York women you know - they'll undoubtedly have a favourite. Mine is Dyanna (150 E. 39th St; +1.212.213.0011), which performs nearly painless bikini waxes. Alternatively, stop by one that looks busy and clean.

Do culture like a New Yorker
A financial bigshot got caught several years ago donating money to the 92nd St Y in a bid to get his child a place in its highly regarded nursery (price tag: $15,000+ per year for 4-year-olds). You can hardly blame him. This centre, founded in 1874 as the Young Men's Hebrew Association, is a venerable community and cultural institution, with events, lectures, classes, childcare programs, and more - all of the highest standard. Get tickets to an event during you stay, if you can (1395 Lexington Ave; +1.212.415.5500).

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon

  Get the latest iVillage news on your desktop    Sign up for more iVillage RSS feeds

© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB