The Wander List

a daily guide to wanderlust in the city

Get a Hot Dog, Stat! May 28, 2009

Filed under: Budget Friendly,Dining,Holidays,NYC Brooklyn,Summer,Uncategorized — thewanderlist @ 4:11 am
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Tasty cheese fries, easy on the fries.

Tasty cheese fries, easy on the fries.

Death Cab for Cutie’s song Coney Island has been looping in my head since Chris and I trekked to the beach spot last weekend. Maybe because of the lyrics, I anticipated a desolate relic “of summers past,” a kind of Santa Monica meets Tombstone.

 

I can hear the Atlantic echo back,
roller coaster screams from summers past.
and everything was closed at Coney Island
and I could not help from smiling
Brooklyn will fill the beach eventually
and everyone will go except me.

 

The band was smart to travel off-season. This Memorial Day, it seemed every city in the world sent a delegate.

 

We rode the subway for an hour and, without thinking, I hopped in line at the sprawling Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand across from the station. It’s several stands, really, with lines for hot dogs, fried chicken, hamburgers and frog legs. I’ll let you guess which was shortest.

 

An hour away from fried bliss.

An hour away from fried bliss.

It took an hour to get a corn dog, meanwhile Chris found a taco stand, devoured his quesadilla and explored the peninsula. (Did you know Coney Island is no longer an island? A creek separating it from Brooklyn was filled in some 50 years ago. But “Coney Peninsula” doesn’t roll off the tongue.)

 

I can’t say the dog isn’t worth the wait. All beef aside, its history is compelling. A Polish immigrant, Nathan Handwerker, founded the business with his wife’s recipe in 1916. Al Capone and Cary Grant were regular customers. And forget kissing babies – Nelson Rockefeller said you must be photographed eating a Nathan’s hot dog to get elected in New York.

 

But I’d suggest walking past the big stand and hitting the boardwalk and carnival. Both have smaller Nathan’s vendors with shorter lines. And if you are feeling extra sacrilegious, hop over to the competition for a Chicago-style dog.

 

In the end you’ll have more time to play on the beach, eat cotton candy and check out the freak shows, which is what you’re really hungry for.

 

 

"Victory!" Or, "I went to Coney Island and all I got was fat."

"Victory!" Or, "I went to Coney Island and all I got was fat."

Planning a trip? Try

www.coneyislandfunguide.com

 And coming up at The Wander List: The Headless Woman, Shoot the Freak, and other Coney Island oddities.

 

Blend in or Stand Out May 28, 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized — thewanderlist @ 2:45 am
The New York sidewalk stare. Practice it.

The New York sidewalk stare. Practice it.

New Yorkers have a special radar for outsiders. Like the guy in poetry class who told me I have a “Utah accent.” The cab driver who insisted I am too nice to live here. The hairdresser who said my calmness gave me away, then promptly darkened my hair, gave me severe bangs and said, “There. Now you look like a New Yorker.”

 

Viola!

 

Then there was the New York Times article announcing an outbreak of niceness, as if it were the swine flu. 

 

I’ve yet to decide if standing out is good or bad. I tend to think that when I forget how to be pleasant, it’ll be a cue to go home. But when you want to blend in, remember these fool-proof tips:

 

1. Never, ever look up when walking down the street.

2. Come to think of it, don’t look to the sides either. Eyes should focus on an imaginary spot directly in front of your feet.

3. Try to go an hour without saying ”please” or “thank you.” Work your way up to 24.

4. Carry a man purse (whether you’re a man or woman).

5. Fill it with a survival kit for the day: change of shoes, subway map, umbrella, dimes for the homeless.

6. Download map-aps on your iPhone for inconspicuous navigating. (NYC Subway Map by Gotham Wave Games is a reliable freebie.)

7. Always read a book on the subway. No eye contact!

8. Not even if someone is shampooing his hair with suds from a milk bottle.

9. Become exceedingly passionate about a small corner of Manhattan.

10. Say things like, “I never go above 14th Street.”

11. Better yet, become exceedingly passionate about a small corner of Brooklyn.

12. Walk with your elbows.

 

Meet Fleet Week May 21, 2009

Filed under: Budget Friendly,Entertainment,NYC Midtown,Spring — thewanderlist @ 10:59 pm
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I might have believed Fleet Week was a myth conjured by writers of Sex and the City, another excuse for Samantha to have a rendezvous or two.

 

Then today, I noticed that every other man walking down 10th Avenue wore Navy whites. I asked my dinner companion what it was about. “I’ve heard of something called Fleet Week,” she said, then admitted she saw the ”sailor” episode. (It comforts me to know New Yorkers’ knowledge of their city rests as heavily on SATC as mine does.)

 

The official Parade of Ships sailed through the Hudson River yesterday, docking for New York’s 26th annual Fleet Week. It’s a time for sailors to have a little fun exploring the city, and for residents to learn about the naval forces.

 

Any sailor would adore Miss Turnstiles.

Any sailor would adore Miss Turnstiles.

The idea of sailors in the Big Apple predates Fleet Week. If you’re a musical buff, you’ll remember the 1949 film On The Town, inspired by the musical about three sailors who make the most of a 24-hour leave in the city. Gene Kelly’s character falls for “Miss Turnstiles of the Month,” and as a kid I longed to be queen of the subways. Not so much anymore.

 

The sailors are in town until Wednesday, and judging by the calendar of events it will be a great week for free entertainment. Here are a few highlights I’m interested in checking out:  

 

Friday-Tuesday, 8 am-5 pm
Free Tours of Navy & Coast Guard Ships
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway, Manhattan

 

Saturday, 7:30-9 am
Tug Of War – USN vs. USMC on the NBC Today Show
Where: Rockefeller Plaza, 49th Street, 5th/6th Avenues

 

Sailors on their way to the ballet at Lincoln Center Thursday, May 21, 2009.

Sailors on their way to the ballet at Lincoln Center Thursday, May 21, 2009.

Saturday, 5-8 pm
USMC Band Performances
Where: Central Park Band Shell

 

Monday, 1-2 pm
Manhattan Memorial Day Parade
Where: Broadway/Dyckman streets

 

For a full schedule of events, check here. For Daily News coverage, here.

 

Be An Organized Traveler May 21, 2009

Filed under: Budget Friendly,Shopping — thewanderlist @ 4:22 pm
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Anyone who’s seen my purse would be hard-pressed to call me an organized traveler. It takes 10 minutes to find my keys among the maps, cameras, books, snacks, tissues, Excedrin, sunglasses (yes, multiple pairs) and cardigan. But The Container Store’s “organized traveler sale” at least offers the hope of being organized, and for these prices I’m tempted to buy in. 

 

I’m coveting this cosmetic bag, just $2.99 and made completely from recycled soda bottles.

This could double as a chic purse and sturdy travel bag. $27.99. $34.99.

If I had a pooch, I’d bring these colorful food-and-water bowls along for our excursions. $4.99. $9.99.

 

 

Here’s an oldie but a goodie: Knock Knock’s packing checklist. I never leave home without it. $4.99. $5.99.

 

 

I bought an unnecessarily fancy version of this at Sharper Image last year for $50. The Container Store is now selling TSA-approved toiletry bottles for $5.99.

As someone who has ruined or lost perfectly good jewelry by letting it rattle around inside a suitcase, I think I need this. (Matching cosmetic bags, document holders and city totes make for a nice set). $14.99. $19.99.

 

Admire Fashion Plates at the Met May 19, 2009

Filed under: Arts and Culture,Celebrities,Dining,NYC Upper East Side,Year-round — thewanderlist @ 2:42 am
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Madame Gres evening gown, 1954

Madame Gres evening gown, 1954

There are so many reasons to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art this season. Just this week, Michelle Obama christened the new American wing, calling on the city to dismantle barriers between arts and the community (more on that later).

 

Of course, every change in New York has its critic. But a 12-year renovation has ushered in more sunlight, brightening up and airing out a corridor of statues and ceramics. On a recent visit, I found an artist using the natural light to sketch one of the statues. Imagine spending an entire day musing on one piece of art.

 

Speaking of muses, the Met emerged as a focal point for the fashion industry last week with the star-studded debut of its Model as Muse exhibit. It is modern, edgy and unexpected – well worth a trip.

 

Interesting enough, press who covered the First Lady’s visit fixated on fashion. ABC reported that Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, designer Ralph Lauren and model Iman attended, and Michelle wore a purple Isaac Mizrahi dress with metallic shoes. For a stitch-by-stitch recap, you need Women’s Wear Daily’s blog.

 

Model as Muse is a journey through fashion decades, exploring not only the looks but the models who inspired them. I loved the satin party frocks, wool jackets and refined femininity of the room devoted to the 1940s. 

I would die if I could come back and wear this dress, hang with these elephants.

 

Too bad pictures weren’t allowed, because there’s simply no way to describe the cut-out dresses of the ’60s room. Consider a mini dress with two holes removed for the goodies. Or a topless bathing suit with torso straps (not safe for work but pictured here).

Twiggy flaunted her midrift in the 60s. Others let it all hang out.

 

The ’70s display was all about working women, with wide-legs, oxford shirts and masculine poses. The ’80s and ’90s heralded the supermodel – you’re sure to remember the ad campaigns and magazine spreads featured here. The exhibit moves through grunge, Kate Moss, and the Eastern European aesthetic. All the while, Nirvana’s All Apologies and Marilyn Manson’s The Beautiful People blare over the sound systems. Super surprising and kinda cool.

My friend and I finished the day with our favorite ritual, 2:30 p.m. tea at the museum’s Petrie Cafe. It’s a little pricey, but the windowed view is perfect. A silver tray of cakes and sandwiches served with tea (English Breakfast, please) is the perfect fashion plate. You’ll leave hungry, but then again, you’ve just spent an hour looking at 90-pound models.

 

As for breaking down barriers between art and community? Let’s start with the price tag. A little known tip: many NYC museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History, suggest you donate $20 a ticket. But it is truly a donation and you can enter for free. So don’t let price deter you. I gathered up all the cash I had on me — $4 — and got in with no problem. This may be the best reason of all to hit up the Met.

 

Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street

New York, New York 10028-0198

Information: 212-535-7710

Hours:

Closed Mondays (Except Holiday Mondays)
Tuesday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion runs through August 9, 2009

 

 
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