NYC Strolls. I completely adore

Walking is the single best way to enjoy this island of infatuation, we never tire of her constant change from street to street and avenue to avenue.  Manhattan shines everywhere as does Brooklyn, the boogie down and okay, okay Queens.  I prefer to start downtown (always) so let's start in the fidi and head north from there.  

The financial district is near and dear to my heart and the seaport is my best friend who always yields a warm welcome.   When I go to the fidi, I prefer to start at the seaport and work from there.  The hidden gem of the seaport restaurant scene is a small Italian restaurant that's phenomenal.  Aqua is tucked on a peddle bricked street and hidden but if you crave a world class treat, this is it.  During the summer months it's fun to walk the seaport, duck into shops, tinker with toys, eat softies and drink beer.  When you walk the seaport you will enjoy what I call frontier freedom, the feeling that you have went back in time.  The Paris Cafe is still alive however, the blue eyed baby that was Carmine's Italian Seafood is closed.  Sad. 

The bikers can be annoying but the old fish markets and art sales will make up for it as this one of a kind scent is a pheromone sure to make you tingle.  After a short walk about at the seaport head to Stone street to peak at the old joints of a district built on business and relationships.

Stone Street (daytime) is all about the let loose approach, Ulysses' for a Bloody Mary and oysters followed by a car wreck bottomless brunch at Harry's.  Beer pong with Irish lads or tip cup with blonde bombers.  Tourist are lurking about, linked with real Newyorkers getting their fill.  If the weather is nice, you're in for some fun.  

Stone Street (Nighttime).  Wow what a difference the sunset makes.  Now you have the blue hairs, blue bloods, cocky coscksmen, dresses flowing and heels clapping.  The night life in the fidi is painful, really though.  Dinner scene isn't exclusive to stone street but cocktails are for sure; in my opinion.  The dudes at Vintrey are solid and the dead rabbit is classic brown whiskey drank made with love.  

This post is meant to be read as a series of strolls about our Burroughs that are sure to make your mind wander and heart race.  I love this city with all that I am and whom I want to become.  Walking is the best transit we have here, no doubt.   

Cheers,

AT   

Booze Brunch Bafoons

Sunday bottomless brunch is the idea that always seems to be the best but isn't.  We meet friends with an unorganized plan of destruction.  We pair our eggs Benny with sugar filled mimosas or spicy short poured bloody Mary's.  The act is fun and booze filled with little or no regret.  This isn't a date option but a way of life here in manhattan.  Brunch however, can be a date setting if we make the choice to set a plan to meet around 1 or 2 for a classic meal with a hint of romance and snuggly appeal.  

My favorite brunch date spot is the place that exudes warmth.  The first stop on this journey is the flower shop to show our bew that our intentions are grown up.  We walk a bit upon meeting to window shop at the stores on 5th avenue until the mood has become relaxed and the sense of well being is perfected.  

My favorite brunch haute on the island of misfits is at the four seasons restaurant in the pool room.  It's a historic establishment where the power lunch runs rampant Monday thru Friday.  Julian Nicolini is the face of this restaurant and his charm is so refined even JFK jr. was intimidated.  You walk up the stairs and are greeted by a room that is overwhelming with character and elegance.  Make your reservation in advance and request a table in the pool room.   Your date will pant like a puppy when you arrive at your table for they have only wondered about this place.  You have blown them away with your posture and decision making.  Sit up and order, take the menu and have fun.  Make the decision for both of you and share plates as you are the boss. 

Remember, the cardinal rule of this date is to be a grown up and shower the room with smiles and giddy laughter.  When brunch is over, you will both be hot and ready to bump ugly's but be strong, its time to move on.  Walk a bit and tighten closure as you are where you need to be with this one.  You've impressed and made the impact.  Don't be a tewl and chase your date home as you have done good.  Take a nap and be proud of yourself, your breath was on point, the spot was dope, you maintained your posture, you brought flau flau's.  Yay yew.  

Cheers,

AT. 

Dinner and a movie is for Lame-O's

Dinner and a movie sounds so lame.  I would rather be spoon fed arsnec than go on this date.  Save your coins for laundry and beat it.  I talk to a inordinate amount of people on a given day and it always makes me gag and shun when someone tells me of this genius idea to do "dinner and a movie".  If you aren't using a cane to hobble and limp around this great city, it's a bad idea.  Unless you were born before the '57 Chevy Bel Air or It's not a date.  Don't call it one.  

Dinner and a broadway show.  Not cool either, unless ma and pa are in town and it's a double date with the reason being that pa will get some rest during the closing act.  He's Ty Ty from all the walking and gawking.  So now that we are clear about this, it's time to explain why it's so boring and stupid.  

First of all, originality is plagued in an era of copy dogs.  My generation and the generations that are growing up now are all vintage and shit.  Like.  You should have a passion and enthusiasm to be original.  Dating in NYC is more daunting than those hedge fund guru's mathematic equations that entise us all.  The stats on this island make it so brutal, whether you are gay or straight, fit or fat, blonde or brunette....  You're fucked.  This island is a real life tv show built for bravo.  

Instant gratification is the name of the game.  You have to sparkle or be out shined by the competitors who eat all the right food, hit the gym and have pretty blue eyes.  When our parents and grandparents were a mirror image of us, they didn't have to deal with the pressures we face everyday in the dating world that is NYC.  Be original.  

Cheers,

AT.  

From Miles Davis to Jay-Z to Frank

Music plays an important role in our lives, the lyrics we listen to motivate and captivate us as we sing along.  The music I listen to is not impressive and though my memory is sharp.  I mumble lyrics, can't carry a tune or bust a move on the dance floor either.  Awful rhythm isn't attractive or cute and mine is the worst I've encountered.  It doesn't stop me from trying or laughing it off with swagger.     

Getting ready for a date makes music even more important, the shau shau is ran to the tune of The Smiths or old school hip hop.  I've heard these songs a trillion times and my memory wanders deep into thought, so deep one might forget conditioner or to shave those pesky neck hairs.  Damn it.    

After we are squeaky clean, now is the time we all fear and love the most at the same time.  Pick the outfit, fight with our hair, brush after brush until we are perfect.  We admire our beauty and talk to ourself while muttering our chosen beat.  Sometimes, I play the same song on repeat and think to myself about the night ahead.  Running around our tiny and overpriced apartments here in never grow up land, we search for shoes and the only clean pair of socks that we know are hidden deep in this fucking drawer. 

Once we are dressed for the pounce and kill its time to turn off iTunes and head out.  The music we decided upon has structured our mood for the evening ahead.  Whether it's classics of yesteryear or the newest Justin Timberlake.  The time has come to smile and hail a cab.  I've never felt better....

Cheers,

AT

The NY Post is HOT

 

The New York Post is much more than a newspaper, it captures and defines NY and the New Yorker in all of us.  I don't like reading the web or mobile version, it's just not the same.  The smell of your ink saturated paper, the box scores, weird but true and Page Six are better in print.  I like holding you as a prop on the train, walking the streets with you tucked under my arm feels so right.  

The Post has never broke my heart or failed to kiss me, it's never ran late or had a headache when I'm horny.  You my dear newspaper are always on time and funny.  I love yew.    

I prefer to purchase you at Eastern Market on Grand Street between Orchard and Ludlow as to anywhere else.  You smell better on the Lower East side and you complete me as I walk to Cup and Saucer for eggs, bacon and coffee to kill another hangover.  You keep me up to date on the city I adore the most with a humor induced style and risky images that are one of a kind.  

I have left you for short periods of time thinking that the golden coast was the place for me.  It's not, those Cali clowns can have their foreign cars, flat billed hats, surfboards, skateboards and pretend they aren't desperate to live here. 

I haven't found anyone who is more honest and poignant than you and I remember the days when you cost far less.  But it doesn't matter how much Rupert wants to rape me... You are worth all my coins.  

Cheers,

AT. 

Be a Prince or Princess on Prince St.

The Steak Au Poivre is my dish of delight.  

It's cold outside and you want to take your date somewhere warm and cozy with a New York feel that is unmatched.   On Prince street you are in the heart of SoHo and this famed restaurant is a royal palace that won't disappoint.  

Raoul's is as New York as it gets, the spiral staircase, the psychic fortune teller, the bar and the people are all breathtaking.  But my favorite part is the garden seating where you and your date will walk through the loud busy kitchen to discover your romantic table for two.  At this joint you can sip cocktails made with pride and eat food that fits any mood.  The wine list is sufficient and welcoming without pretentious approach.  This dining experience is sure to please even the pickiest eater.  

It's the kind of place where love birds kiss and snuggle in romantic gangster booths.  Mothers and Fathers join there New York child for dinner during their visit from middle America.  "Honey I just love it here, little Johnny knows all the spots" dad says with a grin.  

Your date will grin too, thinking that his or her date is a stud and knows all the spots.  What makes Raoul's such a gem is not the food or the ambiance or the service.  It's the energy, baby.  You have walked into a setting so ruff and rugged; yet as shiny as Don Drapers shoes.  When this dining experience has ended the legs of the fantasy island that is manhattan are at your feet.  You can take this night anywhere you want from a stroll up to Pegu Club or head due west for after dinner drinks at Little Branch.  

Cheers,

AT. 

My dearest friend: Rye Whiskey

Dear Rye Whiskey and Bitters,

You are the one for me; you calm my nerves and allow me to think clearly even if I have made poor decisions under your tutelage.  I accept and take full responsibility for my actions.  You are and will always be my cocktail of choice.  Your name is synonymous with my city Manhattan.  I drink you stirred straight up and you have never let me down.  

Dates mostly surround themself with booze and when we choose our goto drink it's a tone setter of its own accord.  I find myself catching people not knowing who they are or what they want because the decision making process is complicated.  Don't be corrupted and confused, find your niche; belly up with head held high and shoulders back.  I often reference a date experience where I met a girl at a dope bar, she ordered espresso martini to set the tone.  Piss poor decision on her part as we finished our cocktails and I paid the check.  I preceded to hail her a taxi and tell her to lose my number.  I was shocked and appalled at her choice, it immediately put my mind at ease as I didn't have to waste anymore time with this clam.  

My all time favorite cocktail bar in Manhattan was formerly known as Milk and Honey.  It was a Sasha Petraske brain child and he nailed it.  I spent countless nights at his bar feeling like Mick or David Bowie were bound to walk in at any moment.  The rules of his lair were the finest that I had encountered.  Reservations and Membership were a staple, no phones, no hats, no noise and surely no approaching someone in a manner of hopeful hookup.  

The good news for you is the space can still be visited in a different way but just as perfect.  Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy are very close friends of mine and I adore their skill set.  They worked closely with Sasha as bar tenders at Milk for 8 years and when Milk moved up town they took over.  Sam and Mick are prophets from lands far away, Sam from Austrailia and Michael from Belfast.  They always take me and my friends to a place of comfort and the experience is second to none.  It's so much better than everywhere else.  

On your next date, start or finish here...  Attaboy is located on Eldridge street just south of Delancey.  Find it and find out why I have called it home since the early 2000's.  

Penicillin and GreenPoints are tasti delights and the brown whiskey selection is beyond ones imagination.  It's the epitome of Manhattan.   Go and find out for yourself and smile in the presence of the coolest dudes I know.  

Cheers,

AT. 

Newton's third law of emotion.

"For every male action, there is a female overreaction".   -sir Isacc Newton. 

The above quote is a model and can be molded into whatever direction your dating calls for.  

This post is related solely on communication and dating.  When do we text back?  How often do we respond?  When do we call?  When do we answer?

In the era of iPhones and Notes, Droids and Htc's.   We all have a smart phone and it's more than our mode of communication it becomes the sticky glue that we use for everything.  It's our todo list organizer and the source of updates to all social media.  Most of our words and expressions are misleading and misconstrued via text.  Dating is so much harder these days than when Ma and Pa were chasing each other around and playing red rover red rover in the playground.  

The lag time response game is most important in dating.  You have to be strong and I'm not saying its easy but it's a skill that if used will ensure what I refer to as "back sweat".  Back sweat is terminology referring to the discomfort and confusion your date or slam piece will incur when you don't respond.  Again.  They know you received the text but why haven't you responded?  Because you aren't sweating it, make them sweat you and wonder how long, checking their phone and smoking cigs dying for a response builds want and need.  

Never have the last word; so important to remember that you aren't waiting on response.  Always leave the thread in your hands, it's your game and you are the one who doesn't have the last word.  Make your bew finish the thread and restart the thread.  They won't understand why you haven't responded to that joke or off the cuff lame thing they are doing.  It doesn't matter to you because you have too much going on even if you are just laying in bed eating Spaghetti O's and watching sandlot for the 50th time.  

Phone calls in the 21st century are a treat, when your trick calls... answer.  It's so much cooler and classic of them.  If you don't answer and they leave a voicemail the game is won, champ.  If they don't leave a voicemail no biggie but if they do, it's over.  You have spun the web and tangled them tightly.  Nice job.  As for, calling them, not necessary but voicemail head can be called back just not right away.  Also, never mention the voicemail as cute or anything.  I don't care if they played a baby grand and we're singing a love tune.  (You didn't listen yet).  Hello.  

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn,

You do not accept a follow or friend request until this shit is locked down duh.  Unless this person is going in the friend file who happens to sleep over when it's convenient then it's k.  

Cheers,

AT.  

Fridays are Fun

Fridays are fun and especially here in manhattan as for most of us it marks the conclusion of our work week.  The city is energetic with commuters racing for transit, last second shoppers starving for a steal at Zara or Top Shop.  Happy hour cocktails at our favorite saloon is an in-depth assessment of where and who we are.  

Friday Night Dates are a bird of a different flock as they don't ever begin before 9pm.  The first step is to confirm dinner reservations (always have a ressie you're not that dope).  Step two is cocktail with friends for happy hour followed by dry cleaning pickup Shau Shau and nap.  Now that we've gotten our beauty rest, we are ready to go.  The city is as alive as it can be with boys and girls all acting their part.  The boys are humming rem tunes and pretending not to care as the high heeled girls hearts are pitter patting to the beat of boring boy names such as Bill, John, Nick and the most over used and adored even by me Jack...

The stage is set with dinner but now for an opening act.  Meet your date for a glass of bubbles or a cocktail before dinner, preferably walking distance from the restaurant.  Late evening strolls are great ice breakers and definite mood changers.  The pre dinner meet and mingle is just as important as restaurant choice, it sets the tone for the unfolding hours ahead.  

The best scent in the world (g rated) is the scent of excitement.  You know that if this date is going well it might as well keep going without fear of guilt or lack of recovery.  Sundays are meant for recovery with brunch and football.  Monday seems decades away and the calls will come but a distant worry now, rest and recover on Sunday (even he did) because the calls are coming and they won't sympathize with your hung over ass.  

Fridays are the one night we have the green light to continue into the wee hours and boldly take risks.  I'm a firm believer in Friday fun so therefore, enjoy and adhere to these rules to succeed above and beyond the slam piece status.  

A) Eat late, even if your date doesn't like eating late.  It's manhattan and we eat late!

B) Never take mta to or fro a date, trains are non negotiable even if faster.  You aren't that broke; roll coins if necessary

C) Stroll the city streets with your date, walkings good for you and cute.  

D) Recovery time is Sunday.  Friday night is your night to let loose and shine.  

E) Nap and Shau Shau are must do's  Don't come from work, that's lame and gross. 

Chicago said "Saturday in the park" we will get there soon.  Crawl, Walk, Run.  Fridays are fun, have fun and get laid.  If it's not a first date.  

Cheers,

AT

Romance Personified

The statistics of our city are daunting and intimidating however, if we use them to our advantage one will realize that as Frank Sinatra said we have the world on a string.  

I decided to share these statistics in this post as a tool for dating based on perspective of just how much opportunity we have.  Take advantage of it. 

Manhattan alone has over 30,000 restaurants and each one deserves some love and appreciation.  You can decide to eat Chinese in Chinatown or Italian on Arthur ave in the boogie down or the finest beef at one of our famed steakhouses.  The seafood is special from Le Bernadin and Masa but the secrets are your own discoveries.  I don't base my restaurant decisions on zagat or ny times reviews, it's all about personal experiences and boundless knowledge (trial and error).  When you pick a dining haute or cocktail lounge the choice is almost more about the "hood" than it is the cuisine or mixology.  

I am going to start my suggestions in a area most New Yorkers loath.  Midtown. I am of the minority of residents who refuse to hate on midtown as I truly believe it shines more often than not.  The energy is unparalleled from the Hudson River to the east river in midtown.  The 5:30pm commuters racing for the train and the post shift workers dying for a drink are priceless.  The sun setting walk up and around Madison Avenue in the low 50's is a sight to behold and cherish.  Our first midtown haute is my most cherished and classic prize in this area.  This restaurant is famed and often forgotten.  It doesn't need a name but it has a number '21...

The 21 Club is a sight for sore eyes and a love of a different color.  It's the hallowed grounds in which Joe Kennedy boot legged and Howard Huges did business.  It's where Sea Biscuit is immortalized along with Jackie O and every president since Hoover.  It's as classic as it gets.  If you are setting the tone for a romantic date, this is it.   Period.  The upstairs at 21 is the Mecca of romance, make a reservation for upstairs where they have 32 seats and the service is impeccable and the silence is deafening.  

Population

New York City: 8,224,910
Bronx: 1,392,002
Brooklyn: 2,532,645
Manhattan: 1,601,948
Queens: 2,247,848
Staten Island: 470,467

New York City, total area in square miles: 301
Manhattan, total area in square miles: 23.7
Manhattan, length: 13.4 miles (21.5 km) long
Manhattan, widest point: 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
Manhattan, narrowest point: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) at narrowest point
The Bronx, total area in square miles: 44
Brooklyn, total area in square miles: 81.8
Queens, total area in square miles: 112.2
Staten Island, total area in square miles: 60.2

Cheers,

AT

Weeknight versus Weekend

In this post I will discuss the difference between a weeknight and weekend dates and the pros and cons of both.  

First of all, weeknight dates are short and cute.  It allows both parties to move on and reflect about the date; thoughts of time spent will linger into the work place for feedback the next day.  Again, this will set the tone and allow for conscious decision making going forward and develop pride.  You should be proud of your date and excited to share the experience with others.  We all appreciate and crave reassurance. 

The weeknight date setting should be comfy due in part that most of us work the next day.  After work meet ups are cliche and lame.  Keep happy hour friendly and with friends.  It's not a date.  Instead make early dinner reservations but not too early.  After dinner; move on and go home.  Keep your date cute and the dater at bay.  Text, email and phone rules apply here. 

The text rule:  insure your date is home safe and sound.  That's it.  You have communicated enough.  Go to bed. 

The phone rules: keep phone out of sight and totally out of mind during the date.  You aren't that busy.  Also, if your date calls to wish you good night.  Answer, thank them and go to bed.  You did good.  

The email rule:  Never email a date until they are your partner and you are no longer dating them.  It's totally unwarranted and non negotiable.  

Secondly, the weekend date.  Time is of no worry.  Make it a late dinner.  Meet for drinks first and set the tone before somewhere else.  I'm a firm believer in dinner dates as we all enjoy sharing a meal and conversation.  This setting will also allow many ice breakers during the evening to set the tone.  Pick a spot that is warm and elegant but also very busy.  You can think romance with a bustle.  Noise and action will relieve pressure and also build comfort and poise.  

When dinner is over you have the time to take your date anywhere.  Here in New York I love to walk to a dope spot and converse more while on the way.  After dinner drinks are followed by walking your date home.  End the date with a conclusion and if you feel comfortable set up the next date.  

Turn phone off, Bustling Romance, Elegance, Conclusion, Tone Setter, Cute and Comfy.  

Cheers,

AT.  

 

Date Mindset and Self Confidence

Self discovery and self confidence go hand in hand.  They are the pieces to the puzzle that allow us to believe in what we are doing is right.  

Going on a date is fun, exciting and downright nerve racking but if you are confident in your appearance and approach it makes you calm in the moment.  The first step to date night is the offer to share time with a person you are interested in getting know.  The rules are simple and based on the date number.  In this post I will reveal the First Date rules.  

Rule One: Punctuality Be on time and enthusiastic but also calm

Rule Two:  Style is as important as choice of setting; use your style specific to environment 

Rule Three:  Confident Chatter: have a plan of what you intend to talk about whether it be family, values or twitter

Rule Four:  Setting the Tone:  the location and ambiance is the tone setter, make a conscious effort to chose a location that creates a sense of well being for both you and your date. 

Rule Five: Timing:  first dates of importance should end as a cliffhanger and set you up for date number two therefore, have a end in sight (not your apartment).  

Now that you have the first date rules you can start to run the mind race of deciding on where, who, when and most importantly set goals.  Ask yourself what you truly want out of this first date and when you close the door on date number one you will be ready to move on to date two.  Use your goals to insure self confidence and self discovery.  

Relax, Have Fun, Drink, Eat, Walk, Talk.  

Cheers,

AT.  

My first post is dedicated to my love.

I dedicate this blog to the person I love the most.  Not the city I love the most.  Thank you Gia for being my dream date forever and always. 

This is my first blog post and the foundation is set in a place many refer to as the city that never sleeps.  I love New York.  I have traveled this city by foot, train, taxi, bus and ferry.  It is my passion and whom I have always dreamt of being.  I am grateful for the constant hunger that we as newyorkers experience every morning from the moment our day starts til we lay our head at night.  The boundless opportunity that is in front of us to take on and adore the city is constant.  The setting is perfect for every datenight.  

Trying to decide where to go for the perfect date can be the easiest task however, "pulling the trigger" on a destination can be a struggle as the plethora of options are intimidating.  I rack my brain regarding cuisine.  I boggle my mind searching for the perfect setting of ambiance, energy, mood and location.  Even though my favorite "hood" is the lower east side it doesn't always yield the best Opening Act. 

My commitment to this blog is not only suggestive "joints" based on experiences but also a brainstorming of what goes into datenight.  I will not only focus on dinner spots, drink hautes, places to stroll, things to do and be seen but also the mindset of datenight.  Please join me on this journey and let's have some fun dating in New York. 

Cheers!

AT.