Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Tiny and exotic Japanese

Rai Rai Ken is a tiny Japanese bar well worth the visit. Eating by the bar just by the kitchen adds to the exotic Japanese interior. Fourteen seats only. Tasty and cheap. And in my favourite neighborhood.
____________________
EAST VILLAGE 214 East 10th street between ave A and 1
mon-sat 12pm-2.30am sun 12pm-11.30pm

Sunday, April 27, 2008

My favourite China Town spot

In the wild huckstery at Canal Street I have found this little oasis. The Pashmina Mall is calm and quiet and filled with beautiful pashminas of all colors and qualities. And supernice staff who patiently listens to my Chinese and answers as if I actually speak it well. Absolutely adorable. A bit tricky to find tho. On the north side of the Canal Street some 10 shops from the corner of Lafayette. A huge sign with Chinese lanterns says Pashmina Mall. It is at the very right hand end of the long corridor into the building.
____________________
CHINA TOWN 265 Canal Street by the Lafayette intersection
10.00 am - 7.00 pm

The East River traffic

My feelings for the East River Walk are mixed. The idea of having a walk just by the water is brilliant. And the benches and rails and pavings are super. But the heavy traffic from the East River Drive is absolutely awful. And just as close as the water. So I highly recommend an ipod for this trip. Running from 32nd street down to just below the Williamsburg bridge and back is really nice. Lot of happenings to pass. Not to mention this beautiful sea traffic.
____________________
EAST VILLAGE 36th to the Williamsburg Bridge

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Afternoon in Washington Square Park

My stroll in Washington Square Park yesterday reminded me of one of my snapshots about a month ago. A quick glance made me presume this was a young student studying at NYU but dreaming of Columbia Harvard or Yale. In every detail fullfilling all the necessary criteria of the classical image of an intellectual student. From the neat sailor shoes and discrete pullover to the newly bought briefcase and the mandatory glasses. With a pipe as a distinct trade mark.

Friday, April 25, 2008

No strolling in the parks for now

There used to be this very nice axe between Union Square Park and Washington Square Park. A brief outdoor lunch at the former and a coffee at the latter. Very happening. But right now - with major refurbishing projects in both parks - I suggest lunching and coffeeing elsewhere. Hopefully the parks will come out astonishingly beautiful in the near future - with these pink blooming trees allover.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

For the B-boy lovers

I do recommend a pitch stop at The Sunshine Cinema to see Planet B-boy. Fun touching and interesting about hiphop culture and the world championship of break dance. At times the film felt just a little bit too long, but the music and the moves made it so very worth it. Especially loved the french blondie and his insightful mom.
____________________
LOWER EAST SIDE 143 E Houston between 1st and 2nd Ave
check homepage for the hours

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Sunshine Cinema

The Sunshine Cinema at Lower East Side is not very crowded now the warm sunny spring is here. Which makes it even better as a warm and soft closing of a day in the sun. Independent movies and supernice staff. Perfect location between American Apparel and the Wholefoods. Supernice bars in the area.
____________________
LOWER EAST SIDE 143 E Houston between 1st and 2nd Ave
11.00 am - 10.15 pm weekdays - supercool films weekend midnights

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Living at the age of extinction. Or restoration..?

Black & White Gallery's current exhibition is tiny and supercool Law of the Land by Kim Holleman. The paintings were not my cup of tea - but instantly I fell in love with the apocalyptic turntables and the bouncy remote control toy cars. Not to mention the open trailer with plants outside the front door. At the back yard, visitors may add plastic bags to interact with the piece of art. Supernice staff who encouraged both carplaying and photoshooting. Gotta love that..!
____________________
WILLIAMSBURG 483 Driggs Avenue between 9th and 10th
friday-sunday 12 pm-6 pm until May 25th

Monday, April 21, 2008

For all those bridgelovers

At Memorial Day there will be some serious strolling across the bridges of New York. Burn Some Dust is organizing a walk across some 20 bridges within one day. Starting off early in New Jersey - ending at nighttime across the Brooklyn Bridge. Not to mention they give training walks [beautifully maped] and keep track on Face. Both the maps and earlier project NYC Trek give inspiration on where to stroll.
____________________
THE FIVE BOROUGHS
Memorial Day 24th of May 2008 07.30 am in New Jersey

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Artsy New York

The beauty of New York is all the tense creativity. Everyone knows someone. Who is an artist designer photographer painter writer. The best part of being here is to actually meet all these people. Today I went to see Nonnie Moore's paintings since decades. The first one from 1960 all dark and the very last one from this year all yellow and pink - were my favourites. But what captured me the most were her scetches and scrap books. A whole life wrapped up in a few strokes.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Superfriendly Gitane

Sometimes I am amazed by the smallest things. Like the combination of efficiency and friendliness. The huge crowd outside Café Gitane made me hesitate today - when this suprisingly calm girl noted me for the list - gave me the exact time for return - and smiled. I took a stroll along Mott street and came back a little late. Again - she smiles and shows me the notebook with my name and a big question mark. Oh I had the perfect spot for you and you were gone. Indeed. Maybe a bit loud but tasty and friendly. French-Maroccan. And affordable.
____________________
NOLITA 242 Mott Street at the corner of Prince
9 am till midnight

Estimate your New York moves

Use the Google Map Distance Calculator if you are curious on the distance of your walkings and bikings. This brief stop at the library and a dinner in Brooklyn was 18 km [12 miles] and took less than an hour biking. A decent evening stroll.

Friday, April 18, 2008

About New York in Swedish newspapers

New York is one of the most popular destinations for Swedes right now. A month ago the fall flights from Stockholm to New York were more or less sold out. Even though I still believe it is way too polluting to travel this far only for a weekend of shopping, the articles are quite fun reading for the someone who speaks Swedish.

Some three scarce tips on coffeeshops meet the loaded readers guide that definitely takes some insights. Great cheap eating and good cab service. But the thought of paying $24 000 for a total Sex and the City stay in New York is not my cup of tea. Walking the streets in Carrie Bradshaws Blahniks does not challenge my Huffy. Part from biking there are also some decent running and fitness options. And I do recommend to have a look at the downloadable New York Guide.

My favourite article is the one on cruising. My project to be.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

A drink with a view at 230 fifth

The perfect after work. Don't be discouraged by the neverending line on the street - it takes no time to reach the 20th floor. Be early tho - even at 6 pm - to get a table. Have some miniburgers and a beer and watch the sunset. Drinks are barely okay and service is everything but fast. But it is cheap and superfriendly and so worth the view.
____________________
FLATIRON 230 5th Ave between 26th & 27th
4 pm - 4 am all week

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Looking for heaven

Love the skyskrapes. Love the view. Love the vertigo.
____________________
EAST VILLAGE towards USQ 14th Street at 3rd Ave

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

My favourite morning spot

Sometimes I want to hang out with friends. Sometimes read a book. Sometimes start working at 7 am but still buying my breakfast. All these times I go to my nextdoor B Cup Café. Friendly without being pushy. Always crowded but never full. Few but clever choices on the menu. Tasty. And a supernice green sofa with plenty of space for all my projects and skyping. Naturally there is wireless - and even a socket at the foot of the sofa. How perfect is that.
____________________
EAST VILLAGE ABC 212 Ave B at the corner of 13th street
weekdays 7am-10pm weekends 8am-10pm

Sunday, April 13, 2008

For the graffa lover


Just by the Williamsburg bridge there is some seriously cool graffiti. Love how the truck is covered in just as much paint as the buildings. I surely recommend an evening stroll - by foot or bike - in this area.
____________________
WILLIAMSBURG Driggs Ave and S 5th St

Friday, April 11, 2008

Angello-Ingrosso at Pacha New York


Even more Swedish House Mafia entertaining New York. Tonight the colleagues of Axwell - Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso - will conquer the newyorkee dance shoes. Or at least I hope so. Last week the dancing really didn't get started until maybe 3 am when it was no longer packed. I hope for some earlier dancers tomorrow night tho. And I will for sure be one of them.
____________________
HELLS KITCHEN West 618 46th Street
friday april 11th 10 pm free before midnight and swedes before one

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Biking Lower Manhattan

I do have to admit I love the excitement of biking in traffic. Zigzag through all those yellow cabs makes my day. But sometimes the fastest and easiest way is to avoid all the jam and red lights. When I am off to the Financial District I actually take the river cycle track. Try it. For the someone not commuting - it is all worth it for the beauty. Just look at this low angle of Manhattan Bridge.
____________________
EAST RIVER & HUDSON E 18th St south and then north to W 50 St
safe to bike also in the evening or at night

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The nightshift

The beauty of running my own business and writing my own thesis - is that I also have my very own hours. Usually I stick to business hours and keep social. But sometimes I just have to do those creative brilliant nighttime hours too. Believe it or not - Starbucks is my nightie choice. Its open its fresh its clean its foodie and it is quite happening. Blingblinged garbage trucks pass by. Police officers grab a bite. Homeless waiting for morning. Bikers. Shifters. I just love it.
The beautiful photo in my inbox is from my talented friend Richard.
___________________
UNION SQUARE 41 Union Square W at the NW corner
open 24-7

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Laidback Japanese

Quite a different experience to find a laidback and spacy Japanese. Striking is the Eurodance on quite loud speakers. Maybe fun - but not very classy. Guess it contributes to the laidback vibe tho. Haru has the perfect location just above Union Square. Always welcoming staff and good treatment at the door. Never full. Great sushi. And best of all. Happy hour if eating at the funky bar weeknights.
____________________
UNION SQUARE 220 Park Ave South Union Square NE corner at 18th St
lunch and dinner - happy hour at weekdays 5-7 pm

Monday, April 7, 2008

Afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton

The gem of midtown. Stroll through the much conveniently opened doors and be guided into The Star Lounge. Which is a not so very fit name for this cosy and quiet tea haven. Heavenly comfy arm chairs and attentive service. Not so crowded Sunday afternoon. No windows and no view being the capture of it all. Cosyness is the very essence.
____________________
MIDTOWN 50 Central Park South at 6th Ave & 59th St
generous opening hours - being a hotel

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Nighttime spring in Alphabet City

Alphabet City is that perfect area for strolling. Especially nighttime. All kinds of bars and restaurants from all over the world. Vintage stores open till midnight. Party crowds laughing and smoking on the streets. And trees - mind me - with flowers. This is so my New York.
____________________
EAST VILLAGE 6-11 streets between ave 1 and c
some restaurants are closed daytime

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Saturday favourite

Accidently I ran in to cosy and classy brazilian BarBossa the other day. Perfect after a Saturday afternoon in SoHo or for a Caipirinha before heading on. Did not try the menu tho. Friendly staff and funky vibes. Beautifully reviewed.
Update. The food is delicious. Love the avocado shrimp special.
____________________
LITTLE ITALY 232 Elizabeth st btw Houston and Prince
5-11.30 pm and also daytime on weekends

Friday, April 4, 2008

Axwell at Pacha New York

Pressphoto.
Finally..! My friend and supercool house producer Axwell will DJ at Pacha tonight. Axwell's own productions are quite awesome and mixed with some great new Swedish House Mafia I definitely see some dancing coming up. As clubs in New York tend to play the Euroscene of 2005 I am curious to hear some new loops.

Axwell top three
1. I Found You
2. Watch The Sunrise
3. Together

Check out the Axtone Merchandise with some blue&yellow hoodies.
____________________
HELLS KITCHEN West 618 46th Street
friday april 4th 10 pm free before midnight

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Fine Vintage For Men may well include women


On my way strolling Williamsburg I passed this absolutely stunning vintage shop - Houndstooth. The guy was the sweetest ever - in superskinny jeans looking suspiciously Swedish. The jeans that is. Even though marketed as Fine Vintage For Men - ladies can definitely find some treasures in here. Especially a beautiful saddle bag for the bikee. Most of the clothes carried a personal tag - gotta love that - and the whole setting is exquisitely funky and classy.
____________________
WILLIAMSBURG 484 Driggs Ave
1pm - 8pm all days . early closing sundays at 7pm

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The Farmers Market on Manhattan


Something is wrong with the fruits - especially apples - in the supermarkets over here. The taste is somehow plastic and dry. Me not like. So instead of not buying apples - which is not an option for me - I go to one of all the Farmers Markets. As I used to work in midtown my favourite one is at the buzzing yet surprisingly quiet Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza. Perfect for a quick snack and a look at one of all the many UN Demonstrations origining from this spot.
____________________
EAST MIDTOWN East 47th st 2 ave Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza
wednesdays daytime

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Biking the bridges

Me and a friend decided to enjoy the spring and go biking all Saturday afternoon. The bridges over East River are easily crossed on the cycle and pedestrian tracks. Certainly giving some fine excercise. After the mandatory Shabbath stroll in Williamsburg, we stopped by the famous Polish butcher for some slavic chat and sausages.

Kept biking up north crossing the river to Queens, where we ended up in the shooting of Wanted. After some small talk we took the Queensboro bridge over to 59th street and Ave 2 downtown. Including two vintage shops a Polish butcher a coffe a gallery a film shoot and a water&banana stop - this amazing trip took us four hours.