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…because Starschmucks is not coffee.

Best Places to get a Cup of Coffee in New York - http://4sq.com/SQs71Q

-photo by R.E.

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Sometimes we all need a little ME time! This list was inspired by my Cali guest <3

Best Beauty Dens in New York - http://4sq.com/SIpwWc

-photo by retales botijero

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Ah 2012. The one year I spent fully in New York. What a great ride it has been. I wake up feeling energized and full of zest for life everyday.

My love for you grows stronger as the time goes by, New York. Oh how I love thee.

TOP 10 2012 - NY airbnb

10. Koffeecake Corner Lexington - When I discovered Nutella Latte, there was no turning back.

9. Mie Jakarta - Nothing comforts the soul and warms my tummy like down home, authentic Indonesian spiciness.

8. Bookmarc - Whenever I am in need of a souvenir, a present, a fun shopping store, or just to waste some time, I know I can always count on Bookmarc.

7. MyWayCup Coffee - They have converted me to appreciate a good cup of coffee. Nothing energizes me in the morning but a wonderful cup of soy latte from these guys.

6. Century 21 Department Store - About 90% of my home goods are from here. Truly a lifesaver for great, affordable pieces. This new Century 21 location beats all else hands down with it’s wide aisles, clean open spaces, high ceilings and wonderful selection. 

5. 230 5th rooftop lounge - Splendid summer memories bringing my out-of-towners here, wowing them with great views of New York. 

4. Frying Pan - Another summer gem. Who doesn’t want to drink on a boat and feel the breeze? To chill, to chat, and to get chummy; oh the summer indulgence.

3. Cho Dang Gol - Anytime I have a visitor who is down for some good Asian food, this place always tops the list. I can never get tired of this Korean homemade tofu gem of a place. Also, many pregame memories made here that truly defined my 2012. Psst, hint hint, you must try the Makgeolli.

2. Cloister Cafe - Ah, my go-to spot while I was on a dating marathon stint. Lol. From awkward, pain-inducing dates, to wonderful, tipsy times with secret lovers, Cloister Cafe will always hold a special place in my heart. Do try the Rose-Mint Hookah flavor combo.

1. Central Park - This place is so huge, I will probably always find a spot for it in all of my Top 10 list. Wonderful summer concerts with good friends; quiet, peaceful times lying on a blanket with a book in hand; stealing kisses with my dates; stealing more than kisses with secret lovers…

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Cure your crazy party hangovers this week with sumptuous brunches and drinks. 

Did I hear unlimited drinks for some (Yerba Buena Pssstt…)? Give me a WOOT WOOT.

Best Brunches in New York - http://4sq.com/V3T4xQ

- photo by darkmatter

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ALWAYS

When you've gotten on an express and you realize you're going uptown instead of downtown.

External:

Internal:

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A sweet lesson on patience.  A NYC Taxi driver wrote: I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. ‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’ ‘Oh, you’re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, ‘Could you drive through downtown?’ ‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly.. ‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. ‘I don’t have any family left,’ she continued in a soft voice..’The doctor says I don’t have very long.’ I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. ‘What route would you like me to take?’ I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired.Let’s go now’. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. ‘How much do I owe you?’ She asked, reaching into her purse. ‘Nothing,’ I said ‘You have to make a living,’ she answered. ‘There are other passengers,’ I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly. ‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’ I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life.. I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

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PEELS RESTAURANT

When - 1.45pm, Sunday

What I ordered - Shrimps and Grits, Peels Punch ($27.15)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Food - 3.5/5

Couldn’t decide between their build-a-biscuit, or shrimps and grits. Lots of tables ordered the build-a-biscuit. S+G was tasty, albeit a ‘lil salty. Ask to hold the salt! 

Atmosphere - 3.5/5

Gorgeous men, and women. Made me feel like the ugly duckling. Just slightly. Noisy and lively. My kind of favorite solo dining experience.

Drink - 5/5

Just perfect. Sweet tart with a just a slight hint of alcohol to know that they didn’t scrimp on it. Would come back again just for the drink.

One Please James - 4.5/5

The noisiness level made it easier. No crickets playing in my head. Bar dining was perfect to dine solo, though it would have been better if it was dominated by singles instead of couples who could not wait for a table.

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OVERALL: 4/5

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325 Bowery  New York, NY 10003  (646) 602-7015 Daily, 7am-midnight Nearest subway: [F] 2nd Ave; [6] Bleecker St. http://peelsnyc.com/

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christianborromeo:

Just cos.

I can’t believe I actually laughed at this.

Why did I divide sin by tan?

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deleteyourself:

Boner inducing macaroon maker Ladurée to open on the Upper East side this summer (go with the framboise flavor).

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deleteyourself:

Crumpled City Maps is a project by Italian designer Emanuele Pizzolorusso. No one likes folding maps, so his maps are made from tough yet soft paper that is designed to be crumpled up and shoved into your pocket.

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TEN TOP BROKERS IN NYC

Chelsea Sam DeFranceschi (Core Group NYC; 646-331-8534, corenyc.com) does himself a lot of favors by including a hunky headshot in his Craigslist ads, but beyond the superficial, he was transparent, knowledgeable and not pushy in the least.

Cobble Hill Jean Sardo (Smith Hanten Real Estate; 718-834-0300, smithhanten.com) has a deep knowledge of the nabe (having lived there for 23 years), and was refreshingly honest about the quality of the landlords in the buildings he showed us.

Cobble Hill/Park Slope  Pedro Pachano (Realty Collective; 718-834-1440, realtycollective.com) reminded us that his fee (and the rent) were negotiable, and was up front about the shortcomings of what we were seeing. Plus, as a designer, he understands how space can best be used.

Dumbo/Brooklyn Heights  Candice Vilaire (Brooklyn Heights Real Estate; 917-405-7342, brooklynheightsrealestate.com) was eager to make conversation, and really listened to what we were looking for.

Financial District Zachary Uzupis (Christie Property Group; 215-208-0140, zachary@christiepropertygroup.com) has a nonthreatening, nonsalesperson approach, which makes the apartment-hunting process much more enjoyable.

Fort Greene Anthony Crews (Crewstown Realty; 718-643-8100, crewstownrealty.com) has lived in the area for 11 years, which might explain why he was so calm and comfortable with the listings.

Lower East Side Tony Wilson (Citi Habitats; 212-253-2525, citi-habitats.com) was on time and enthusiastic. He knew the area well.

Soho Adrian Johansson (Habitatman NYC; 917-860-9795, habitatmannyc.com) is a born-and-bred New Yorker: He was straight to the point and consistently followed up to see if we wanted to move forward and to tell us what else he had available.

UES Morgan Turkewitz (Citi Habitats; 212-400-1300, citi-habitats.com) was totally fun to scope apartments with: She was helpful, straightforward and seems truly invested in getting her clients the perfect place.

West Village Sara Lebow (City Connections; 212-994-3204, ccrny.com) was pleasant and not overly aggressive.

-courtesy of TimeOut NY '10

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Best new restaurant: Locanda Verde

This Tribeca trattoria packs in diners so tight, the scrum at the host stand is more raucous than midnight in clubland. It’s no surprise, then, that this born-again destination (site of the short-lived disaster that was Ago) beat out the other impressive contenders. Andrew Carmellini’s lusty cooking—featuring generously portioned and moderately priced dishes like succulent thin-sliced porchetta and garlic-sopped fire-roasted chicken—is one very good reason the place is still booked nightly. Karen DeMasco’s sweets, such as lemon rosemary pastries in the morning and grown-up ice-cream sundaes at night, are another. 

Locanda Verde 377 Greenwich Street at North Moore St (212-925-3797) http://www.locandaverdenyc.com

Mon–Fri 7–11am, 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–11pm; Sat, Sun 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–11pm.

Subway: 1 to Franklin S

- review by TimeOut NY '10

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