New York City has so much to offer the discerning visitor. Little shops holding antique collections or even the strangest of gifts for a friend or loved one. New York City is known for it’s hustle and bustle as well as a dingy appearance towards safety and warmth. Although there are many downsides to NYC, one cannot ignore one of the greatest achievements NYC has - Food! The Chelsea and West Village areas of NYC are of no exception.
Now I don’t make it practice to drag both of my sons to a dangerous place on a cold Saturday, with snow actually falling on us as we walk from our car that we parked for FREE. Yes I found free parking on a side street just 1/2 block away from where I was about to enjoy one of the best lunches I have had in NYC.
Enter Bareburger, 153 8th ave Between 17th & 18th streets.
I don’t know anywhere else that you can customize your burgers with great toppings as well as different choices of meat. Bison, beef, Elk are all just examples of the protein choice as well as chicken. Salads and sandwiches are options for those not interested in a burger. For the little ones, they have cubby meals (get it cubby? as in Bear cub, that’s the logo, a bear) tiny little burgers, chicken fingers and more.
All the food at Bareburger is organic. Nothing processed here. The flavor combinations are righteous in their offerings and will easily create a fan out of any burger enthusiast.
One thing though, make sure to get plenty of napkins as these things are big and messy!
The burgers at Bareburger aren’t for the calorie conscience individual(s). They are designed for flavor not health. If that is the case, you might consider taking a jolt over to the NYSC on 8th ave a block or two south. Now New York Sports Club is a large chain gym in NY, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Boston. They operate a few hundred locations amongst the 4 cities. Now, the company has undergone some changes sine I last ran one of their fitness departments, but nevertheless it is a good place to just go in and get your workout on! They have up to date equipment and plenty of it. Just don’t go at peak times as the cardio cops will come by and tell you to get off the treadmill if you go over 30 minutes.
You can skip the gym if you want and take a walk. The city is a great place to do just that. Walking from 17th street, I would suggest heading south down 7th ave all the way to the west village. Just a heads up, that is not a short walk. 7th Ave south has some great restaurants and stores to shop and stop at. Anything from music records, jewelry, fish, to books, and psychics.
You in the mood for a comedy show or live music? You have come to the right place. The west village is inundated with venues to satisfy your laughter itch or let you get your audiogasm on with all types of live music. Just take a walk down MacDougal Street near Washington Square park and you’ll see what I mean.
A great store to stop at on Bleeker St is Murray’s Cheese Shop. Unless of course you are lactose intolerant then it isn’t the best store for you. They have all types of cheese for all over. The staff is very knowledgeable on the stock and can tell you what you need to know. They sorta get you what you need, not just what you want. It’s witchcraft I tell you. Don’t expect to get low end products here, and with that comes the stiff price tag. Be prepared to spend money if you decide to shop here. Don’t know anything about cheese? They also have classes in the upstairs rooms that teach you all about cheese and how to pair it with wines. Not a bad skill to know I must say.
Murray's Cheese shop 254 Bleecker St.
If cheese isn’t your fancy and you are looking for something sweet, then one of the many many pastry shops in NYC will definitely be of use. One I can say is fantastic is just down the road from Murray’s Cheese Shop, Rocco's Pastry shop. It has an unassuming front, but once inside you can see why there is always a line. There are a few tables in the front where you can fight for a seat, but if you are a pacifist at heart and don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, there is table seating with service in the back. Great place to bring kids if you have them as there is something for everyone.
So by now, you have gained some knowledge about NYC and some of its areas. Be warned now, that isn't the half of it yet. NYC has so much to offer, even places that haven't been in the spotlight (yet). Everyday we find something new about this great city. I honestly don't think I will be able to travel to and tell you about all of the places to go.
It sure as hell will be fun and delicious to try!
A membership is not required to do what I do. Just have an open mind and an adventurous heart! Its all about Life, embrace it and GO!!
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