The Best of (My) New York

Unlike my recent steadfast devotion to my other blog, I admit that this one has taken a bit of a backseat and never took off like I hoped. Heavy on the possibilities, I haven’t found time to write much. All that is changing.

New York Magazine’s most recent double issue spelled out their choices for “best of” for 2009. The brilliantly-talented and always witty writers of NY Mag’s Daily Intel blog followed up with a reader’s poll. Like any subjective argument, some of the answers I agree with and some are just simply baffling. To counter the magazine’s readership, I give you my Best of New York list. Remember – I haven’t been everywhere, so do not be offended by this list if you think some staples are missing. I very rarely leave the East Village. Is that fair? Probably not but this is my list, not yours. Leave your comments below.

Because I need to be productive at work, I’m going to break up my responses over the course of a few days. Today’s categories – Best Pizza, Out-of-Towner Showcase, and Bagel.

Best Pizza

Nino’s - A certain friend will definitely balk at this one, as he has tried for months to get me trek to Brooklyn’s Di Fara, but let me explain. When I want pizza, I’m more times than not under the influence of Yeungling. Nino’s is cheap, close by, always open. An additional point for serving the most massive lamb gyro this side of the Atlantic.

Crocodile Lounge – Technically this pizza is drunk crap food and served to one of NYC’s most eclectic crowd of bar goers, but in Recession 2009, this free personal pizza (toppings are a few bucks extra) earns consideration. Tip the pizza makers and you’re suddenly next in line. Photobooth is $3 extra.

Artichoke – The new 14th Street hotspot needs no introduction – heavenly artichoke/spinach dip on a thicker-than-usual-by-NY standards pie is a devine combination. The secret to success (and beating the ridiculous line) is to order a whole pie for pick up. Coming in around $26 for the pie might seem like a rip, but consider you're typically shelling out $4 a slice. You’ll never wait in line by yourself again. No guarantees that the commoners in line remain peaceful when you swoop in for your private pie, though.



Best Place to Take an Out-of-Town Guest

The Hudson River – Usually a day of sightseeing involves walking amongst the granite and steel towers of midtown, however it is refreshing for visitors to see more than the Empires and Chryslers of the city skyline. People watching opportunities abound, as do the off-shoots of possibilities of things to do. Watch the trapeze classes, dart into a watering hole, or pay your respects at the World Trade Center. Even better, hit up a bodega, buy some 40’s, and make a toast to The Man. The soon-to-be completed High Line Park will provide an additional photo opp, not to mention sick examples of “When Luxury Real Estate Goes Bad, NYC Style.”

Brooklyn Bridge – Another money conscious spot, the bridge provides awesome views, good exercise, and great conversation. Plus if you reach the other side, technically you’ve been to Brooklyn, right?

Brunch – This one will cost a few bucks, but few things scream “weekend in New York” more so than doing brunch. It is neither breakfast nor lunch, so don't bother calling it either. Put on your Sunday best, pull up a chair at a tiny village café, and enjoy your company. The eggs are actually good, the coffee strong, and hopefully the alcohol is flowing. Don’t feel rushed – it’s the one meal of the week that is relaxing because there are typically no other plans for the day. Brunch is the plan. Every New Yorker has their favorite local establishments; mine earn a future category all to themselves.


Best Bagel

David’s Bagels - Sorry, NYMag writers and readers – you effed this one up. David’s Bagels is hands down the best damn bagel in the city of bagels. Maybe it’s the water, maybe it’s the dirty counter, but their bagels are the perfect combination of what makes a bagel a bagel (take notes, Pepperidge Farms) – hard crust, dense but chewy interior, served hot with three times the necessary topping. It’s a shame that over-inflated rents forced their 1st Ave/14th Street location to close a few months ago, but they live on at 1st Ave and 19th Street. Normally I would shutter at the idea of spending $3.25 on a bagel when the corner cart sells the same for $1.25, but there’s no comparison. My newly discovered go-to combination – sesame with garlic & chive cream cheese. It’s a combination not safe for close conversation but otherwise delicious.

Ess-A-Bagel – honorable mention for their convenient midtown location. They’re good bagels. Added points for being a decent hangover cure.

Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments. Next up – Best Brunch, Best Street Meat, and Best Way to Blow Your Money.