By Jacob Engels
Metropolitan Museum of Art —
****We got there before the MET opened, so we swung by Neofytos on Madison Ave to get a cup of joe. Their small $1 coffee went a lot further than some Starbucks blends.
Wow, where do we start? First off, admission fee is up to you. You tell them what you would like to pay and they give you a ticket (I paid $10 a ticket). From Ancient Egypt to Archaic Greek, to impressionism and colonial times, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has it all. We spent 4 hours at the MET and barely scratched the surface. SIDE NOTE – There collection of armor dating back to before medieval times was magnificent to say the least, and really felt timely considering Games of Throne’s third season premieres this weekend! This is a “Must Do.”
Central Park —
Having seen Central Park before, it’s fair to say that this time of the year does not do it justice. It was very pleasant and relaxing to walk through, but visually, it was pretty drearry. Again, it’s the timing that’s off with our visit, not Central Park. We did however encounter a group of teenage girls stranded in a rowboat and thought “I bet they are looking for an app to help them row to shore.” Cheesy, we know…..but someone had to say it right? For this time of year, we’ll give it a “ehhhh.”
Times Square —
Times Square was hustling and a bustling as usual. At the request of one of our readers, we stopped at Grays Papayas and grabbed a hot dog. It was divine. Thanks for the recommendation Rick! Of course, Times Square is always a “Must Do.”
Urban Outfitters —
Trying to sustain our hipster cred, we made a quick detour to one of the many Urban Outfitters in and around Times Square. Store was clean, organized, and well staffed. However, when you wanted to buy something (I was about to drop $100) the employees seemed pretty uninterested. After being redirected from 3 sales registers (that had staff behind them, but were “not open”) I went to the main line and gave up after waiting 10 minutes and seeing no movement. DO NOT GO HERE.
New York Public Library —
The New York Public Library was kind of on the way, so we figured it warranted a quick walk through. It was pretty busy and we getting off our feet and taking a quick power nap in the reading area up stairs. Oh and let’s not forget that this is where Mr. Big broke Carrie Bradshaw’s heart in HBO’s Sex and the City. We’ll rate the library as a “Must Do.” I mean, after all who is against books? SIDE NOTE — They had a really cool Great Gatsby bag available in the gift shop.
Landmark Theaters —
After quite a few hours on our feet, we decided it was time to rest, and why just sit around? Stoker, which has not been showing in Florida was playing here and we had to see it. The movie which stars Nicole Kidman, Dermont Mulroney, Matthew Goode, and a host of others was not only really really weird/creepy/violent/incestuous….it was a freaking fantastic film. While leaving the theater, we actually bumped in to Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes (Meaning we met both of them and got to hug Eva!!!!) who were there for a red carpet premiere of their new movie “The Place Beyond The Pines”, which also stars Bradley Cooper and Ray Liotta. Theater was clean and seats were comfy, so this is a “Must Do.”
Grimaldi’s —
At this point, we were beat! However, we were told by many that Grimaldi’s had one of the best pizzas in New York. The wait was short, pizza was indeed usually delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy…..but not to cozy. However, they did not take credit cards, which is a BIG BIG NO NO! The bill was $15.50 AND we left a $20 on the table. While we were leaving, the waiter (Who only plopped the pizza down and catapulted 2 sprites on to the table) stopped us and asked why we only left $20. Excuse me, but we’d say our tip was more than generous…..and does he really feel entitled to more? Still, the pizza was damn good, so ignore the lazy staff and stuff your face…..this is a “Must Do.”
Travel —
We walked a lot, but we also utilized UBER several times. This was our first time using UBER (which dispatches a town car, limo, hybrid, or SUV to your location) and we were very pleased. Prompt, respectful, and clean service. Sorry, but for all of you saying we should ride “public transportation,” that’s not how we roll. All black town car or SUV is the only way we travel!
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other businesses and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Jasper, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other businesses and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Jasper, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
