Concierge Dec 09
Content
in new york magazine where® magazine: new york where® guesTbook: new york qg: new york ciTy's quickguide in new york map
the best t h i n for : s e e , | o , e | t, b u y a n | e n o y i n e v e r y sourceg t oshoppingddininga entertainmentd art +jantiques |tmuseumsr| e a t c| imaps h i s g events t y
issue
special holiday
whaT’s new in new york This dEcEmbEr?
here’s a sneak peek at this month’s special features, events, useful tips, latest openings, free deals and more—especially for you and your guests!
december
2009
shopping dining entertainment art + antiques museums events maps
hot happEnings
de c emb er 2 0 0 9 the complete guide to go
New York
®
russian revoluTion
that Will speak your language
a World of gifts
catherine Zeta-jones
ENTERTAINMENT gAllERIEs+ANTIquEs sHOPPINg MusEuMs DININg gETTINg AROuND MAPs
s p e c i a l h o l i day i s s u e
debuts on broadWay
12_IN_Cover.indd 2
inneWyork.com Now on the Web and iPhone inneWyork.com
Now on the Web and iPhone
11/12/09 3:10:04 PM
you’d like to keep for yourself
Now on the Web and iPhone
Don’t miss the landmark retrospective exhibition Kandinsky, on view through Jan. 13, 2010, within the fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St., 212-423-3500). See 150 of Vasily Kandinsky’s most important paintings and works on paper, plus new contemporary art installations and the Guggenheim’s renowned permanent collection. Sign up to receive a Guggenheim Concierge kit and enter to win a pair of admission passes. E-mail your name and address to [email protected] by Jan. 1, 2010. (Pictured: Vasily Kandinsky, Black Lines (Schwarze Linien), Dec. 1913. Oil on canvas, 129.4 x 131.1 cm. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, by gift 37.241 © 2009 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris). guggenheim.org Give it for less! Shop Loehmann’s (101 Seventh Ave., at W. 16th St., 212-352-0856; 2109 Broadway, at W. 73rd St., 212-882-9990) for your holiday gifts this season...cashmere, jewelry, designer handbags, cold weather accessories, men’s and more! Find something to give (or keep) from top designer names at up to 65 percent off department store prices every day. Loehmann’s is the “it” store for holiday gifts! Attention, Concierges: This season, Loehmann’s is sharing the gift of giving with a 12-percent savings pass for you to share with your hotel guests. To order passes for your hotel Concierge Desk, please e-mail Adeline Tafuri ([email protected]). loehmanns.com
12_WH_Cover_EDITED.indd 1
11/10/09 5:50:54 PM
loeh prices, high-TickeT iTems
This monTh in IN New York
Make sure you’re Keeping Up with Zeta-Jones (p. 32)! Take a holiday shopping tour Around the World in NYC (p. 34). PLUS: Get your behind-the-curtain theater scoop in Footlights (p. 16) and IN Sights (p. 26) on the top attractions. Join MVP/NY on Twitter and follow our feed for great deals, specials, event info and news alerts: twitter.com/NYC_Info!
This monTh in where ® new york
one of a kind
We have Little Somethings (p. 16) for him, her, the kids and everyone else on your holiday gift list. PLUS: Get the local scoop in a NY Minute (p. 12) and take some Zip Trips (p. 14) through the city’s coolest neighborhoods.
in this E-LEttEr
ShopS & ServiceS Erik Thomsen LLC Asian Art Filene’s Basement Imperial Fine Books Jersey Gardens Loehmann’s Rafel Shearling Store Scholastic Store The Store at the Museum of Arts and Design Toys “R” Us Times Square Dining & nightlife Benjamin Steakhouse BICE Ristorante Grand Central Oyster Bar Montenapo Restaurant San Rocco New York 3 3 1 3 1 2 3 3 3 AttrActionS/eventS American Museum of Natural History Avenue Antique Show Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center Chicago Da Vinci’s Workshop Fuerza Bruta: Look Up! GROOVALOO Guggenheim Museum Institute for the Study of the Ancient World Metropolitan Opera New York Botanical Garden One of a Kind Show and Sale Statue Cruises Wintuk
Dec. 10-13, the One of a Kind Show and Sale (800-677-6278) makes its New York City debut at Pier 94 after 30 wildly successful years in Toronto and eight in Chicago. This four-day holiday shopping show features the best in fine art and craft from more than 200 unique artists, artisans and designers from across North America. Complementing one-of-a-kind shopping, visitors will be treated to live music, fashion shows, expert presentations, gourmet cafés, bars and special events. oneofakindshowny.com
old europe
3 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 2
The most exciting archaeological exhibition since King Tut, The Lost World of Old Europe has stunning jewelry, sculpture and pottery up to 7,000 years old! This is the first time it has been shown in America. See it at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (15 E. 84th St., btw Madison & Fifth aves., 212-992-7843), located near the Met. Free admission! nyu.edu/isaw/oldeurope
Book and antiques lovers, unite! The Avenue Antique Show is taking over the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Ave., at E. 67th St.) Dec. 2–6. Make sure to visit Imperial Fine Books, the leading specialist in leather-bound sets and fine bindings in all fields, at Booth # 37. Imperial Fine Books will also appear at the Greenwich Antiques Show (Civic Center, Old Greenwich, CT) Dec. 3-6. If you can’t make it to the shows, visit the store (790 Madison Ave., 2nd fl., at E. 67th St., 212-861-6620). imperialfinebooks.com, avenueshows.com
book bound
candy and cake
2 2 3 3 3
The Metropolitan Opera’s annual series of English-language holiday presentations for families continues with Hansel and Gretel (Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, W. 64th St., at Columbus Ave., 212-362-6000). Family-friendly prices and showtimes that won’t keep children up late make it an ideal way to celebrate the holidays. Eight performances only, including four matinees. Order tickets online or by phone. metopera.org/hansel
for even more hoT happenings
Written and Designed by Yan Timanovsky, MVP/NY Marketing December 2009, vol. 9, no. 12 mvpny.net
Turn to the December calendar on p. 44 of IN New York and “Hot Dates” on pp. 8 & 10 in Where New York. Plan ahead and check out the calendars for January (p. 46) and February (p. 48) in IN New York.
1
up-to-thE-minutE nEws
ring iT in louder Than ever
concierge announcemenTs
12.01: Macy’s Holiday Event, 6–8 p.m., reception 12.02: The Institute for the Study of the Ancient
dining, shows, shopping and more for you and your guests!
This year, visitors will have several activity choices on Dec. 31 in addition to the famous midnight ball drop. Leave your New Year’s resolution on the Confetti Wishing Wall at the Times Square Information Center (Broadway, btw W. 46th & W. 47th sts.). Shredders will be available for use in Duffy Square to discard bad memories from 2009 as part of “Good Riddance Day.” Other events include a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises party cruise; the New York Road Runners’ Emerald Nuts Midnight Run around Central Park with DJ and dancing at 10 p.m., a costume parade and contest at 11 p.m. and fireworks and a four-mile race at midnight. Brooklyn residents and visitors can take part in the borough’s largest New Year’s Eve party at Grand Army Plaza, which will include fireworks and live music. See more info on all activities online. circleline42.com, nyrr.org, prospectpark.org, nycgo.com
provided by Montenapo Restaurant.
World, New York University, special reception for the exhibition The Lost World of Old Europe, 6–8 p.m. 12.14: Dr. Linhart, 6–7:30 p.m., catering by BICE Ristorante, complimentary massage by Graceful Services. Ticket offer for Burn the Floor: Dec. 3, 8 & 9. Ticket offer for Zero Hour: Dec. 4, 7, 9 & 10
NOTE: All times and venues are subject to change. Look for your personal invitation in the mail. Please DO NOT RSVP until you have received your invitation.
Taking The ciTy by snowsTorm
The smash-hit family show of the holiday season is on now at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden (Seventh Ave., btw W. 31st & W. 33rd sts., 866-858-0007)! Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk is an exciting winter adventure about a boy’s quest for snow. The show weaves thrilling acrobatic and breathtaking theatrical effects into an extraordinary journey to an imaginary land called Wintuk. cirquedusoleil/wintuk4kids
navigaTe IN New York
FEATURED THIS MONTH Claudia Iluc, Inside Source Concierge, Le Parker Meridien, on smarter holiday shopping. Children’s Size Conversions Holiday Sights & Events Important Phone Numbers Radio Stations Restaurant Openings Show Previews & Openings Size Conversion Chart Temperature Conversion Three-Month Weather Chart Tours Travel, Tickets & Transportation
49
lincoln cenTer news
The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (61 W. 62nd St., 212-875-5030), a new civic space and urban arts oasis, is now the site for free public performances every Thurs at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Target Free Thursdays series. Please note: Full facility opens Dec. 17 and the box office opens Jan 7. lincolncenter.org
sail inTo 2010!
Statue Cruises is offering New Year’s Eve cruises. Kick off the New Year in the shadow of Lady Liberty. Fireworks will ring the skyline as you toast, dine and dance the night away. Cruises depart from Battery Park and Liberty State Park. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 877-523-9849. Book today for the most memorable New Year’s ever! statuecruises.com
choo-choo Train
For a full day of fun, visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (200th St., at Kazimiroff Blvd., Bronx, 718-817-8700). Enter a wonderland of historic New York landmarks made from plant parts and model trains on more than a quarter mile of track. Enjoy hot chocolate at the cafés, decorate gingersnaps, visit with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and stroll through 250 acres of the Garden’s grounds, spectacularly decorated for the show. nybg.org
55 89 109 74 96 68 56 108 108 70 86
navigaTe where
Dining Entertainment Galleries & Antiques Maps Museums & Attractions Numbers to Note Shopping Transportation + Tours
68 24 46 82 60 87 48 78
sTay sharp, look sharp
Rafel Shearling Store (216 W, 29th St., btw Seventh & Eighth aves., 212-564-8874) is a manufacturer of fine shearling garments for women and men. Its made-to-measure department is famous. Special December offer: Most specials made for the same price as off the rack. Choose from a wide variety of styling details and dozens of colors. rafelshearling.com Benjamin Steakhouse (52 E. 41st St., btw Park & Madison aves., 212-297-9177) has extended its hours for the holiday season. Through Jan. 1, Benjamin is open until midnight! benjaminsteakhouse.com
afTer hours
geT in The groove
GROOVALOO, the freestyle dance sensation, is back in New York by popular demand and plays off-Broadway at the Union Square Theater (100 E. 17th St., at Park Ave. So., 212-307-4100) through Jan. 3, Tues-Sun. Based on the troupe’s true-to-life experiences as told by the dancers who lived them, GROOVALOO is driven by intoxicating displays of physicality, a vibrant musical score and powerful spoken word poetry. The show’s intertwined stories chronicle the struggles, hopes and triumphs of the 14-member cast. GROOVALOO celebrates the passion and purpose of life while revealing the heart, soul and artistry of freestyle and contemporary dance. The show has received praise from the New York Post and Los Angeles Times. groovaloo.com
MVP/NY will donate $5 from each paid subscription of IN New York and WHERE New York magazines to City Harvest, which feeds over 260,000 needy New Yorkers every week. Each $5 donation means 20 pounds of food for the hungry! To subscribe, call 212-557-3010, or visit mvpny.net or cityharvest.org.
hELp End hungEr— subscribE todaY!
The winTer QG is ouT!
The Fall 2009/Winter 2010 issue of QG: New York City's QuickGuide is now available! It’s packed with great maps (now including bike paths), neighborhood information, hot tips from hotel Concierges, money-saving coupons and helpful information for travelers on everything from indoor pools to free outdoor WiFi! Pick up your copy today and visit quickguideny.com!
e ing sid aV in Y-s e on m
have a ball aT bice
$ on Up Co
Dance the night away at BICE Ristorante’s (7 E. 54th St., btw Madison & Fifth aves., 212-688-1999) Gala New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31, featuring an à la carte menu, party favors and the vocal and musical talents of Luigi and Arlette. Seatings at 9 & 9:30 p.m. $70 entertainment fee. To RSVP, call 212-593-0665 ext. 100 Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; or 212-688-1999 Sat, Sun & holidays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Before or after a show, try BICE’s pre-/post-theater menu (4–6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.–close), which includes three courses and a glass of wine ($45). The offerings include parmigiana di melanzane condita al pesto leggero (baked eggplant parmigiana with tomato sauce basil pesto and mozzarella cheese). Have you tried the weekend brunch? Served 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat & Sun, the menu features bistecca di manzo alla Bismark (grilled skirt steak topped with fried egg and served with asparagus) and pancake con arancia e ricotta servito con miele di maple e misto bosco (orange and ricotta-flavored pancakes served with maple syrup and mixed berries). bicenewyork.com
December 2009, vol. 9, no. 12 mvpny.net
Qg
$$
QuickGuide
Fall/Winter 2009/2010
NEW YORK CITY’S
» ConCierge tips » neighborhoods » itineraries » traVeL essentiaLs » LoCaL maps
ameriCan mUseUm of natUraL historY
graY Line new YorK sightseeing
aLso aVaiLabLe onLine in spanish
QUiCKgUidenY.Com mVpnY.net
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2
up-to-thE-minutE nEws (cont'd)
The Store at the Museum of Arts and Design (2 Columbus Circle, btw Broadway & Eighth Ave., 212-299-7777) has opened a 1,200-square-foot popup store at Kate’s Paperie (1282 Third Ave., at E. 74th St., 212-396-3670) until Jan. 15, 2010. The store highlights products created by three international paper artists whose work is included in the museum’s current exhibition Slash: Paper Under the Knife— Mia Pearlman, Rob Ryan and Beatrice Coron. madmuseum.org
dining, shows, shopping and more for you and your guests!
mad sTore
To show guests some appreciation, the Scholastic Store (557 Broadway, at Prince St., 212-343-6166) has launched the BIG RED Rewards program, which includes benefits from pre-notification of store events to personal shopping experiences! Guests will also receive $5 off every $100 purchase once they hit the “SUPER SHOPPER” level (purchases of $500 or more). See http://p.p0.com/YesConnect/HtmlMessagePreview?a=sCW89esc9WqYKYGvyZxbzE for more information. scholastic.com/sohostore
when scholarship pays
renaissance in Times square
heads up!
For two amazing years, audiences have been blown away by New York City’s sexy smash hit, Fuerza Bruta: Look Up! Don’t miss your chance to save big on Off-Broadway’s 360-degree heart-pounding spectacle with $55 tickets. Jump in…hold on…and look up! Visit broadwayoffers.com or call 212-947-8844 and use the code FBLU or print this offer and bring it to the Daryl Roth Theatre box office (101 E. 15th St., at Union Sq. East, 212-947-8844). lookupnyc.com
Don’t miss Da Vinci's Workshop: Inventor, Artist, Dreamer at Discovery Times Square Exposition (226 W. 44th St., btw Seventh & Eighth aves., 866-987-9692) thru Apr. 4, 2010. This all-new exhibition brings the visionary's inventions to life through full-scale and interactive models. Find out how Da Vinci’s vision for an airplane, automobile and bridge would have worked long before they became the modern world's reality. Plus, uncover the translations and hidden meanings of the mastermind's paintings, sketches and notebooks through virtual and interactive touch-screen panels. Discover the mind of a genius in this limited, world-premiere engagement. (Photo: Copyright by Leonardo3, leonardo3.net.) discoverytsx.com
winTer in florida
ash's bash
Now thru May 15, Grand Central Oyster Bar’s (Grand Central Terminal, lower level, E. 42nd St., at Park Ave., 212-490-6650) offering Florida stone crabs! Succulent and delicious, these crab legs are a delicacy. $39.95 for a 20-ounce main course, lunch or dinner. oysterbarny.com Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch Saturday and Sunday, San Rocco New York (39 W. 24th St., btw Fifth & Sixth aves., 212-255-4655) is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and atmosphere. Experience the original aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks with finger foods). San Rocco is the perfect after-work gathering space. Aperitivo is available every day from 6 to 9 p.m. sanroccony.com
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz makes her Broadway stage debut reprising the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago (Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., btw Broadway & Eighth Ave., 212-239-6200) for a 10-week limited engagement, thru Feb. 7. She first took on Roxie Hart in 2006, when she played the role to critical acclaim in London’s West End production of Chicago. Special holiday performances have been added: Dec. 23 at 8 p.m., Dec. 30 at 2:30 & 8 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. chicagothemusical.com Perfectly situated in the Theater District is an oasis of flavor and authentic Italian cuisine, Montenapo Restaurant (250 W. 41st St., btw Seventh & Eighth aves., 212-7647663). With a gorgeous view of the birch tree garden, designed by Renzo Piano for the New York Times Building, Montenapo’s sophisticated atmosphere, decor and cuisine provide discerning theatergoers with an exquisite culinary experience to complement a great night on Broadway. montenaporestaurant.com
rocc ouT
geT wiTh The Times
Toys ahoy!
wedding bells
Wonder and imagination take flight at Toys “R” Us Times Square (1514 Broadway, at W. 44th St., 800-8697787)! No tour of the Big Apple is complete without a visit to the “World’s Greatest Kids Store™”! Imagine taking a ride on a 60-foot Ferris wheel, stepping inside a life-sized version of Barbie®’s Dollhouse and an animatronic Jurassic Park™ T-Rex. Check out the complimentary personal shopping service, which lets you shop, wrap and ship anywhere! Come and visit the store today! discoverytsx.com
The Running of the Brides®, Filene’s Basement’s (2222 Broadway, btw W. 79th & W. 80th sts., 212-873-8000; 620 Sixth Ave., btw W. 18th & W. 19th sts., 212-620-3100; 4 Union Sq. So., 40 E. 14th St., btw Broadway & University Pl., 212358-0169) legendary sale of discounted designer wedding gowns is Feb. 5, 2010. It’s a tradition among local brides, but shoppers come from all over the U.S. and around the world to attend the event, which features thousands of wedding dresses, originally retailing for as much as $10,000, priced $249–$699. Bargain-hunting brides start lining up hours before the doors open at 8 a.m., but many good deals can be found throughout the day. The sale ends at 10 p.m. Gown sales are final. The sale is held at the Union Square location. For more information and tips on successful bridal gown sale shopping, visit the Web site. filenesbasement.com
garden-fresh shopping
domo origamo
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of New Jersey’s largest outlet mall! Shop incredible deals at over 200 stores, including Cole Haan, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s and DKNY JEANS. Enjoy tax-free clothes and shoes. Jersey Gardens (651 Kapkowski Rd., Elizabeth, NJ, 1-877-SAY-VALU) is accessible via the NJ Turnpike (Exit 13A) or NJ Transit bus #111 from Port Authority. Valet parking every weekend. jerseygardens.com
December 2009, vol. 9, no. 12 mvpny.net
Celebrate the holiday season with a visit to the spectacular Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West, at W. 79th St., 212-769-5100), on view thru Jan. 3. This year, A is for Apatosaurus and B is for butterfly as the ornaments depict museum favorites from A to Z. amnh.org Dec. 11–23, check out the holiday season exhibition at Erik Thomsen LLC Asian Art (44 E. 74th St., 2nd fl., btw Park & Madison aves., 212-288-2588), which specializes in antique Japanese screens and paintings, as well as Japanese gold lacquer objects, tea ceramics and signed ikebana bamboo baskets. erikthomsen.com
far easT arT
3
the best t h i n for : s e e , | o , e | t, b u y a n | e n o y i n e v e r y sourceg t oshoppingddininga entertainmentd art +jantiques |tmuseumsr| e a t c| imaps h i s g events t y
issue
special holiday
whaT’s new in new york This dEcEmbEr?
here’s a sneak peek at this month’s special features, events, useful tips, latest openings, free deals and more—especially for you and your guests!
december
2009
shopping dining entertainment art + antiques museums events maps
hot happEnings
de c emb er 2 0 0 9 the complete guide to go
New York
®
russian revoluTion
that Will speak your language
a World of gifts
catherine Zeta-jones
ENTERTAINMENT gAllERIEs+ANTIquEs sHOPPINg MusEuMs DININg gETTINg AROuND MAPs
s p e c i a l h o l i day i s s u e
debuts on broadWay
12_IN_Cover.indd 2
inneWyork.com Now on the Web and iPhone inneWyork.com
Now on the Web and iPhone
11/12/09 3:10:04 PM
you’d like to keep for yourself
Now on the Web and iPhone
Don’t miss the landmark retrospective exhibition Kandinsky, on view through Jan. 13, 2010, within the fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St., 212-423-3500). See 150 of Vasily Kandinsky’s most important paintings and works on paper, plus new contemporary art installations and the Guggenheim’s renowned permanent collection. Sign up to receive a Guggenheim Concierge kit and enter to win a pair of admission passes. E-mail your name and address to [email protected] by Jan. 1, 2010. (Pictured: Vasily Kandinsky, Black Lines (Schwarze Linien), Dec. 1913. Oil on canvas, 129.4 x 131.1 cm. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, by gift 37.241 © 2009 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris). guggenheim.org Give it for less! Shop Loehmann’s (101 Seventh Ave., at W. 16th St., 212-352-0856; 2109 Broadway, at W. 73rd St., 212-882-9990) for your holiday gifts this season...cashmere, jewelry, designer handbags, cold weather accessories, men’s and more! Find something to give (or keep) from top designer names at up to 65 percent off department store prices every day. Loehmann’s is the “it” store for holiday gifts! Attention, Concierges: This season, Loehmann’s is sharing the gift of giving with a 12-percent savings pass for you to share with your hotel guests. To order passes for your hotel Concierge Desk, please e-mail Adeline Tafuri ([email protected]). loehmanns.com
12_WH_Cover_EDITED.indd 1
11/10/09 5:50:54 PM
loeh prices, high-TickeT iTems
This monTh in IN New York
Make sure you’re Keeping Up with Zeta-Jones (p. 32)! Take a holiday shopping tour Around the World in NYC (p. 34). PLUS: Get your behind-the-curtain theater scoop in Footlights (p. 16) and IN Sights (p. 26) on the top attractions. Join MVP/NY on Twitter and follow our feed for great deals, specials, event info and news alerts: twitter.com/NYC_Info!
This monTh in where ® new york
one of a kind
We have Little Somethings (p. 16) for him, her, the kids and everyone else on your holiday gift list. PLUS: Get the local scoop in a NY Minute (p. 12) and take some Zip Trips (p. 14) through the city’s coolest neighborhoods.
in this E-LEttEr
ShopS & ServiceS Erik Thomsen LLC Asian Art Filene’s Basement Imperial Fine Books Jersey Gardens Loehmann’s Rafel Shearling Store Scholastic Store The Store at the Museum of Arts and Design Toys “R” Us Times Square Dining & nightlife Benjamin Steakhouse BICE Ristorante Grand Central Oyster Bar Montenapo Restaurant San Rocco New York 3 3 1 3 1 2 3 3 3 AttrActionS/eventS American Museum of Natural History Avenue Antique Show Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center Chicago Da Vinci’s Workshop Fuerza Bruta: Look Up! GROOVALOO Guggenheim Museum Institute for the Study of the Ancient World Metropolitan Opera New York Botanical Garden One of a Kind Show and Sale Statue Cruises Wintuk
Dec. 10-13, the One of a Kind Show and Sale (800-677-6278) makes its New York City debut at Pier 94 after 30 wildly successful years in Toronto and eight in Chicago. This four-day holiday shopping show features the best in fine art and craft from more than 200 unique artists, artisans and designers from across North America. Complementing one-of-a-kind shopping, visitors will be treated to live music, fashion shows, expert presentations, gourmet cafés, bars and special events. oneofakindshowny.com
old europe
3 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 2
The most exciting archaeological exhibition since King Tut, The Lost World of Old Europe has stunning jewelry, sculpture and pottery up to 7,000 years old! This is the first time it has been shown in America. See it at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (15 E. 84th St., btw Madison & Fifth aves., 212-992-7843), located near the Met. Free admission! nyu.edu/isaw/oldeurope
Book and antiques lovers, unite! The Avenue Antique Show is taking over the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Ave., at E. 67th St.) Dec. 2–6. Make sure to visit Imperial Fine Books, the leading specialist in leather-bound sets and fine bindings in all fields, at Booth # 37. Imperial Fine Books will also appear at the Greenwich Antiques Show (Civic Center, Old Greenwich, CT) Dec. 3-6. If you can’t make it to the shows, visit the store (790 Madison Ave., 2nd fl., at E. 67th St., 212-861-6620). imperialfinebooks.com, avenueshows.com
book bound
candy and cake
2 2 3 3 3
The Metropolitan Opera’s annual series of English-language holiday presentations for families continues with Hansel and Gretel (Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, W. 64th St., at Columbus Ave., 212-362-6000). Family-friendly prices and showtimes that won’t keep children up late make it an ideal way to celebrate the holidays. Eight performances only, including four matinees. Order tickets online or by phone. metopera.org/hansel
for even more hoT happenings
Written and Designed by Yan Timanovsky, MVP/NY Marketing December 2009, vol. 9, no. 12 mvpny.net
Turn to the December calendar on p. 44 of IN New York and “Hot Dates” on pp. 8 & 10 in Where New York. Plan ahead and check out the calendars for January (p. 46) and February (p. 48) in IN New York.
1
up-to-thE-minutE nEws
ring iT in louder Than ever
concierge announcemenTs
12.01: Macy’s Holiday Event, 6–8 p.m., reception 12.02: The Institute for the Study of the Ancient
dining, shows, shopping and more for you and your guests!
This year, visitors will have several activity choices on Dec. 31 in addition to the famous midnight ball drop. Leave your New Year’s resolution on the Confetti Wishing Wall at the Times Square Information Center (Broadway, btw W. 46th & W. 47th sts.). Shredders will be available for use in Duffy Square to discard bad memories from 2009 as part of “Good Riddance Day.” Other events include a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises party cruise; the New York Road Runners’ Emerald Nuts Midnight Run around Central Park with DJ and dancing at 10 p.m., a costume parade and contest at 11 p.m. and fireworks and a four-mile race at midnight. Brooklyn residents and visitors can take part in the borough’s largest New Year’s Eve party at Grand Army Plaza, which will include fireworks and live music. See more info on all activities online. circleline42.com, nyrr.org, prospectpark.org, nycgo.com
provided by Montenapo Restaurant.
World, New York University, special reception for the exhibition The Lost World of Old Europe, 6–8 p.m. 12.14: Dr. Linhart, 6–7:30 p.m., catering by BICE Ristorante, complimentary massage by Graceful Services. Ticket offer for Burn the Floor: Dec. 3, 8 & 9. Ticket offer for Zero Hour: Dec. 4, 7, 9 & 10
NOTE: All times and venues are subject to change. Look for your personal invitation in the mail. Please DO NOT RSVP until you have received your invitation.
Taking The ciTy by snowsTorm
The smash-hit family show of the holiday season is on now at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden (Seventh Ave., btw W. 31st & W. 33rd sts., 866-858-0007)! Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk is an exciting winter adventure about a boy’s quest for snow. The show weaves thrilling acrobatic and breathtaking theatrical effects into an extraordinary journey to an imaginary land called Wintuk. cirquedusoleil/wintuk4kids
navigaTe IN New York
FEATURED THIS MONTH Claudia Iluc, Inside Source Concierge, Le Parker Meridien, on smarter holiday shopping. Children’s Size Conversions Holiday Sights & Events Important Phone Numbers Radio Stations Restaurant Openings Show Previews & Openings Size Conversion Chart Temperature Conversion Three-Month Weather Chart Tours Travel, Tickets & Transportation
49
lincoln cenTer news
The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (61 W. 62nd St., 212-875-5030), a new civic space and urban arts oasis, is now the site for free public performances every Thurs at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Target Free Thursdays series. Please note: Full facility opens Dec. 17 and the box office opens Jan 7. lincolncenter.org
sail inTo 2010!
Statue Cruises is offering New Year’s Eve cruises. Kick off the New Year in the shadow of Lady Liberty. Fireworks will ring the skyline as you toast, dine and dance the night away. Cruises depart from Battery Park and Liberty State Park. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 877-523-9849. Book today for the most memorable New Year’s ever! statuecruises.com
choo-choo Train
For a full day of fun, visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (200th St., at Kazimiroff Blvd., Bronx, 718-817-8700). Enter a wonderland of historic New York landmarks made from plant parts and model trains on more than a quarter mile of track. Enjoy hot chocolate at the cafés, decorate gingersnaps, visit with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and stroll through 250 acres of the Garden’s grounds, spectacularly decorated for the show. nybg.org
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Dining Entertainment Galleries & Antiques Maps Museums & Attractions Numbers to Note Shopping Transportation + Tours
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sTay sharp, look sharp
Rafel Shearling Store (216 W, 29th St., btw Seventh & Eighth aves., 212-564-8874) is a manufacturer of fine shearling garments for women and men. Its made-to-measure department is famous. Special December offer: Most specials made for the same price as off the rack. Choose from a wide variety of styling details and dozens of colors. rafelshearling.com Benjamin Steakhouse (52 E. 41st St., btw Park & Madison aves., 212-297-9177) has extended its hours for the holiday season. Through Jan. 1, Benjamin is open until midnight! benjaminsteakhouse.com
afTer hours
geT in The groove
GROOVALOO, the freestyle dance sensation, is back in New York by popular demand and plays off-Broadway at the Union Square Theater (100 E. 17th St., at Park Ave. So., 212-307-4100) through Jan. 3, Tues-Sun. Based on the troupe’s true-to-life experiences as told by the dancers who lived them, GROOVALOO is driven by intoxicating displays of physicality, a vibrant musical score and powerful spoken word poetry. The show’s intertwined stories chronicle the struggles, hopes and triumphs of the 14-member cast. GROOVALOO celebrates the passion and purpose of life while revealing the heart, soul and artistry of freestyle and contemporary dance. The show has received praise from the New York Post and Los Angeles Times. groovaloo.com
MVP/NY will donate $5 from each paid subscription of IN New York and WHERE New York magazines to City Harvest, which feeds over 260,000 needy New Yorkers every week. Each $5 donation means 20 pounds of food for the hungry! To subscribe, call 212-557-3010, or visit mvpny.net or cityharvest.org.
hELp End hungEr— subscribE todaY!
The winTer QG is ouT!
The Fall 2009/Winter 2010 issue of QG: New York City's QuickGuide is now available! It’s packed with great maps (now including bike paths), neighborhood information, hot tips from hotel Concierges, money-saving coupons and helpful information for travelers on everything from indoor pools to free outdoor WiFi! Pick up your copy today and visit quickguideny.com!
e ing sid aV in Y-s e on m
have a ball aT bice
$ on Up Co
Dance the night away at BICE Ristorante’s (7 E. 54th St., btw Madison & Fifth aves., 212-688-1999) Gala New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31, featuring an à la carte menu, party favors and the vocal and musical talents of Luigi and Arlette. Seatings at 9 & 9:30 p.m. $70 entertainment fee. To RSVP, call 212-593-0665 ext. 100 Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; or 212-688-1999 Sat, Sun & holidays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Before or after a show, try BICE’s pre-/post-theater menu (4–6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.–close), which includes three courses and a glass of wine ($45). The offerings include parmigiana di melanzane condita al pesto leggero (baked eggplant parmigiana with tomato sauce basil pesto and mozzarella cheese). Have you tried the weekend brunch? Served 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat & Sun, the menu features bistecca di manzo alla Bismark (grilled skirt steak topped with fried egg and served with asparagus) and pancake con arancia e ricotta servito con miele di maple e misto bosco (orange and ricotta-flavored pancakes served with maple syrup and mixed berries). bicenewyork.com
December 2009, vol. 9, no. 12 mvpny.net
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QuickGuide
Fall/Winter 2009/2010
NEW YORK CITY’S
» ConCierge tips » neighborhoods » itineraries » traVeL essentiaLs » LoCaL maps
ameriCan mUseUm of natUraL historY
graY Line new YorK sightseeing
aLso aVaiLabLe onLine in spanish
QUiCKgUidenY.Com mVpnY.net
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up-to-thE-minutE nEws (cont'd)
The Store at the Museum of Arts and Design (2 Columbus Circle, btw Broadway & Eighth Ave., 212-299-7777) has opened a 1,200-square-foot popup store at Kate’s Paperie (1282 Third Ave., at E. 74th St., 212-396-3670) until Jan. 15, 2010. The store highlights products created by three international paper artists whose work is included in the museum’s current exhibition Slash: Paper Under the Knife— Mia Pearlman, Rob Ryan and Beatrice Coron. madmuseum.org
dining, shows, shopping and more for you and your guests!
mad sTore
To show guests some appreciation, the Scholastic Store (557 Broadway, at Prince St., 212-343-6166) has launched the BIG RED Rewards program, which includes benefits from pre-notification of store events to personal shopping experiences! Guests will also receive $5 off every $100 purchase once they hit the “SUPER SHOPPER” level (purchases of $500 or more). See http://p.p0.com/YesConnect/HtmlMessagePreview?a=sCW89esc9WqYKYGvyZxbzE for more information. scholastic.com/sohostore
when scholarship pays
renaissance in Times square
heads up!
For two amazing years, audiences have been blown away by New York City’s sexy smash hit, Fuerza Bruta: Look Up! Don’t miss your chance to save big on Off-Broadway’s 360-degree heart-pounding spectacle with $55 tickets. Jump in…hold on…and look up! Visit broadwayoffers.com or call 212-947-8844 and use the code FBLU or print this offer and bring it to the Daryl Roth Theatre box office (101 E. 15th St., at Union Sq. East, 212-947-8844). lookupnyc.com
Don’t miss Da Vinci's Workshop: Inventor, Artist, Dreamer at Discovery Times Square Exposition (226 W. 44th St., btw Seventh & Eighth aves., 866-987-9692) thru Apr. 4, 2010. This all-new exhibition brings the visionary's inventions to life through full-scale and interactive models. Find out how Da Vinci’s vision for an airplane, automobile and bridge would have worked long before they became the modern world's reality. Plus, uncover the translations and hidden meanings of the mastermind's paintings, sketches and notebooks through virtual and interactive touch-screen panels. Discover the mind of a genius in this limited, world-premiere engagement. (Photo: Copyright by Leonardo3, leonardo3.net.) discoverytsx.com
winTer in florida
ash's bash
Now thru May 15, Grand Central Oyster Bar’s (Grand Central Terminal, lower level, E. 42nd St., at Park Ave., 212-490-6650) offering Florida stone crabs! Succulent and delicious, these crab legs are a delicacy. $39.95 for a 20-ounce main course, lunch or dinner. oysterbarny.com Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch Saturday and Sunday, San Rocco New York (39 W. 24th St., btw Fifth & Sixth aves., 212-255-4655) is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and atmosphere. Experience the original aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks with finger foods). San Rocco is the perfect after-work gathering space. Aperitivo is available every day from 6 to 9 p.m. sanroccony.com
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz makes her Broadway stage debut reprising the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago (Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., btw Broadway & Eighth Ave., 212-239-6200) for a 10-week limited engagement, thru Feb. 7. She first took on Roxie Hart in 2006, when she played the role to critical acclaim in London’s West End production of Chicago. Special holiday performances have been added: Dec. 23 at 8 p.m., Dec. 30 at 2:30 & 8 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. chicagothemusical.com Perfectly situated in the Theater District is an oasis of flavor and authentic Italian cuisine, Montenapo Restaurant (250 W. 41st St., btw Seventh & Eighth aves., 212-7647663). With a gorgeous view of the birch tree garden, designed by Renzo Piano for the New York Times Building, Montenapo’s sophisticated atmosphere, decor and cuisine provide discerning theatergoers with an exquisite culinary experience to complement a great night on Broadway. montenaporestaurant.com
rocc ouT
geT wiTh The Times
Toys ahoy!
wedding bells
Wonder and imagination take flight at Toys “R” Us Times Square (1514 Broadway, at W. 44th St., 800-8697787)! No tour of the Big Apple is complete without a visit to the “World’s Greatest Kids Store™”! Imagine taking a ride on a 60-foot Ferris wheel, stepping inside a life-sized version of Barbie®’s Dollhouse and an animatronic Jurassic Park™ T-Rex. Check out the complimentary personal shopping service, which lets you shop, wrap and ship anywhere! Come and visit the store today! discoverytsx.com
The Running of the Brides®, Filene’s Basement’s (2222 Broadway, btw W. 79th & W. 80th sts., 212-873-8000; 620 Sixth Ave., btw W. 18th & W. 19th sts., 212-620-3100; 4 Union Sq. So., 40 E. 14th St., btw Broadway & University Pl., 212358-0169) legendary sale of discounted designer wedding gowns is Feb. 5, 2010. It’s a tradition among local brides, but shoppers come from all over the U.S. and around the world to attend the event, which features thousands of wedding dresses, originally retailing for as much as $10,000, priced $249–$699. Bargain-hunting brides start lining up hours before the doors open at 8 a.m., but many good deals can be found throughout the day. The sale ends at 10 p.m. Gown sales are final. The sale is held at the Union Square location. For more information and tips on successful bridal gown sale shopping, visit the Web site. filenesbasement.com
garden-fresh shopping
domo origamo
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of New Jersey’s largest outlet mall! Shop incredible deals at over 200 stores, including Cole Haan, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s and DKNY JEANS. Enjoy tax-free clothes and shoes. Jersey Gardens (651 Kapkowski Rd., Elizabeth, NJ, 1-877-SAY-VALU) is accessible via the NJ Turnpike (Exit 13A) or NJ Transit bus #111 from Port Authority. Valet parking every weekend. jerseygardens.com
December 2009, vol. 9, no. 12 mvpny.net
Celebrate the holiday season with a visit to the spectacular Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West, at W. 79th St., 212-769-5100), on view thru Jan. 3. This year, A is for Apatosaurus and B is for butterfly as the ornaments depict museum favorites from A to Z. amnh.org Dec. 11–23, check out the holiday season exhibition at Erik Thomsen LLC Asian Art (44 E. 74th St., 2nd fl., btw Park & Madison aves., 212-288-2588), which specializes in antique Japanese screens and paintings, as well as Japanese gold lacquer objects, tea ceramics and signed ikebana bamboo baskets. erikthomsen.com
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