Tuesday, October 10, 2006

COOL IN YOUR CODE: 10016

I was channel surfing the other day and came across this show on the NYC channel (Ch. 25 on Time Warner Digital Cable) called COOL IN YOUR CODE. The show basically highlights some of the cool shops/restaurants/unique happenings within a particular area of New York City. It's actually a pretty interesting show, in that it pays particular attention to little-known places and stays away from the big-name spots, which I like.

That being said, I started thinking about our area code (10016) and my idea of what's COOL IN YOUR CODE, and came up with a tiny little list of places for good old MURRAY HILL, since I'm always being teased for never leaving the neighborhood.

1) EXCEL NEWS (3rd Avenue, between East 34th/35th Street). My favorite bodega in the neighborhood. It's a 24-hour spot, which is always key for that late-night fix for bottled water, snick-snacks and an endless array of magazines fit for toilet reading. Probably has the most extensive supply of scratch-offs I've ever seen. Staff is friendly and accommodating and they always look out for the bar after-hours, calling me if they notice any unsavory characters lurking about. Thumbs up.


2) DUANE-READE (3rd Avenue & 34th Street). Normally I loathe cookie-cutter stores like DUANE -READE, but this particular one gets a thumbs up for cool late-night staff, and for allowing me to redeem expired coupons. Also a 24-hour store which is always key. You never know when you need to pick up some medicinal items at 4am.

3) WILD EDIBLES (3rd Avenue, between 35th and 36th Street). The neighborhood's only seafood shop, you can pretty much get any type of fresh seafood items you want here. And if you love seafood, but loathe to use your kitchen (as I am), they will prepare your items any way you like in their own kitchen. A bit pricey on some items, but hey, it's New York.


4) THE DUMONT PLAZA HOTEL (East 34th Street, btwn 3rd Avenue & Lexington Avenue). In my opinion, the best hotel in the local area, in an area filled with business-class hotels. The rooms (or suites) are apartment-style, with kitchenettes and living-room areas. This is key when you are staying in a hotel for more than a few nights and want to save money by buying your own grub as opposed to forking over big bucks on overpriced hotel crap. Also has an awesome workout room- evidenced by the many pro teams that stay there on a nightly basis.



5) MURRAY HILL MARKET (East 34th Street, btwn 3rd and Lex). Located next to the DUMONT PLAZA, this 24-hour deli is relatively new but has instantly taken over as my favorite deli in the neighborhood. It's very clean, food's always fresh; They have a pretty extensive "Build Your Own Salad" bar and the prices are very reasonable (for New York anyways). Friendly staff who knows what you want.

6) OREN'S COFFEE SHOP (3rd Avenue between East 30th and 31st St.). Very underrated coffee shop with coffee that puts Starbucks to shame. Cute chicks behind the counter helps too.



7) JACKSON HOLE BURGER JOINT (right next door to THIRD and LONG). Famous burger joint with the old school burgers, made by hand (not those cookie-cutter frozen burger patties). Burgers are HUGE (about the size of your head) and very good. They also have hot chicks to serve you, which is always a bonus. Great staff.

8) LIBRETTO'S PIZZA (3rd Avenue, btwn East 36th/37th St.). As a general rule, I am not a big pizza guy; however, I will make an exception for this place. Great thin crust, hand-tossed pizza at great prices. Awesome sauce and plenty of apps to choose from.

9) THE UNDERGROUND (2nd Avenue, between 34th/33rd St.). I know you are probably surprised that I would name another bar on this list, but hey, you gotta show love where it's due. Now this place isn't much on the surface- it's never that busy; but that's what's cool about it. It has a series of dimly-lit rooms so if you are out with a specific someone and are trying to keep a DL-profile, you want to go to a place that's "In the Cut" (as AFRIKA BAMBATTA would say), where you can do your dirty without being spotted, if youknowhutImean...... And this place is perfect for it! It also has an outdoor patio with a couple of TV's for you hardcore smokers.

And finally.....

10) THIRD and LONG (3rd Avenue and East 35th Street). Of course, I'd be remiss to not mention this place... A simple little bar with a lot of character. While there are other bars on 3rd Avenue that have more of a "trendy/lounge" atmosphere, THIRD and LONG is the neighborhood version of CHEERS, where almost everyone knows your name (even if you don't realize it). Patrons are friendly and laid back, the staff is pretty much the same. Leave your pretensions at the door; come in as a stranger and most likely, you leave as a friend. Drink specials o'plenty. What more is there to say? (okay so I am a bit biased. Sue me.)

I could go on and on, but to honest, I have other things to do. I think you get my point. There are a lot of cool things going on in our code; I only scratched the surface. If you live in 10016 and want to add to the list, feel free to do so. It would be interesting to see what else we come up with.

DOLLAR DRAFT MADNESS continues tonight! Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

Before I go, I have to wish THE MAYOR OF MURRAY HILL a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I'm sure he's probably enjoying a "long and enjoyable" birthday lunch today, so enjoy yourself, big dawg!


NUFF SAID