The vibrant pulse of the metropolis often seems to trump (and we don't mean Donald) the sweeter things in life, namely spending quality time in good company. Meeting singles in the "Big Apple" is challenging, but possible if you plan ahead, always keeping the "d" on the same line as the rest of the word.
1. Where To Live?
Real estate is prohibitively expensive in Manhattan and many residents live in the outlying boroughs and commute to work. Pick a large apartment building where you are likely to meet other singles. Meeting potential dates via commuting sometimes happens, despite the sardine-in-a-can-like feeling often associated with rush hour travel.
2. Where to Work?
You don't want to work so far away from where you live that you spend most of your free time commuting. Working in Manhattan centralizes your position within traveling distance of movies, museums, restaurants and nightclubs. If you live in the outskirts, easy access to transportation brings all things closer together.
3. What Should You Wear?
Like that old Cole Porter song, just about "anything goes." Jeans work well in many restaurants for lunch and certainly for all museums and outdoor activities. For a night of dining and theater, men might don a sport jacket and ladies a dress or nice pair of slacks and appropriate top. Never enter public place barefoot and/or wearing inappropriate clothing. Just use your sense of common.
4. How Much Cash Should You Carry?
For a night out for two, you can expect to spend up to $200 dollars, depending on where you go. Carry both cash and cards, as many restaurants don't take all credit cards. Don't carry both in the same pocket or wallet. Also, and this is most important, do not flash your money, whatever you do.
5. Don't Drink and Drive
The New York police do not appreciate drunken drivers. Take extra money along for a cab. Drink responsibly because the life you save may very well be your own.
6. Some Unique Neighborhoods
New York is a fascinating amalgam. Below are a few highlights about some of the many sections.
Upper West Side (Lincoln Center, New York Historical Society, Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, Hayden Planetarium)
Upper East Side (Cooper Hewitt Museum, The Frick Collection, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 92nd Street Y)
Greenwich Village (The Village Vanguard, Washington Square Park, New York University, The New School)
Chelsea (Madison Square Garden, Chelsea Hotel, Chelsea Piers)
7. Some Interesting Sights To See
One of the problems with planning a date in New York is narrowing down the many fascinating possibilities. Some cool "dating spots" might include:
The Statue of Liberty
Visiting this special lady can really keep you humble. Throw in a tour of Ellis Island as well.
The Cloisters
This romantic and unique but slightly out of the way museum features art and architecture from the Middle Ages.
Ground Zero
Three thousand people lost their lives in the worst terrorist attack in the history of the United States. A visit would certainly make a sobering and memorable date.
Union Square Market
Open all year round on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Pick up a home-cooked pie to share with your date while you are there!
8. Nightlife in the City That Never Sleeps
Music- The Knitting Factory
Everything from "pop to melancholy noise," it is also a cafe, which serves interesting food.
74 Leonard Street
New York, NY 10013
Tel: (212) 219-3132
http://www.knittingfactory.com
Dancing-South Street Seaport
Consider a free evening on Pier 16 in front of Skipper's Restaurant any Saturday during the summer of 2008, beginning at 9:30 pm to 1 am or later. Music is mostly Latin and nearby dining (not free but reasonable) is available.
NYCDJBRB@gmail.com
Tel: (718) 783-3286
Live Entertainment- The New York Comedy Club
There is a two-drink minimum every night, but cover charges are less ($5) Sundays through Thursday than on Fridays and Saturdays ($10). Worthwhile and funny!
241 E 24th St, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Tel: (212) 696-5233
9. To Dine Divine
Here are three fine New York dining experiences, each from a different price range.
Esca (Theater District)
Southern Italian / Seafood. Expensive, but has a great wine list.
402 West 43rd St. (at Ninth Ave)
212-564-7272
The Savoy (Soho)
Excellent service and a casual environment. You can enjoy their creative cooking with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients moderately or expensively.
70 Prince Street (between Crosby and Lafayette)
(212) 219-8570
Malaysia Grill (Uptown)
Very reasonably priced, delicious food.
224 West 104th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
Tel: 212-579-1333
10. Freebies For Two
Although New York is an expensive place to live and play, like the words of that old song, "the best things in life are free." Depending on the season, there are many interesting things to do. In the warmer months consider a walk through Central Park or the smaller "vest pocket" variety such as Paley Park on 53rd between Madison and Fifth Avenues. Along Fifth Avenue is a perfect winter stroll for window-shopping, particularly during the holiday season. Rockefeller Center is close by and a must see if for no other reason than to behold the breathtaking Christmas tree that annually adorns it center.
So what are you waiting or? Make that date and check some of these places out, either all at once or one at a time