August 28, 2015

NYC--Queens--Jackson Heights: el Rico Tinto Bakery; restaurant review

el Rico Tinto Bakery  

76-07 37th Ave., (718) 424-1324. 

The simple el Rico Tinto Bakery cafe produces particularly good breakfasts.  Portions are large, and presentations are pretty.  The menu includes a flaky croissant with eggs, hot cakes with strawberry sauce and coffee whipped cream, French toast, chilaquiles, an assortment of omelettes—even eggs Benedict—and pastry cases are filled with tempting items.  Custom-made fresh fruit juices are also available.  Lunch and dinner are heavy with Mexican items—burritos, tacos, flautas—as well as empanadas, pastas, fish, and steak.

interior of el Rico Tinto Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC
interior of el Rico Tinto Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC


cookies at el Rico Tinto Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC
cookies at el Rico Tinto Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC
  

hot cakes with strawberry sauce at el Rico Tinto Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC
hot cakes with strawberry sauce at el Rico Tinto Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC




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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


August 26, 2015

NYC--Queens--Woodside: SriPraPhai; restaurant review

SriPraPhai  

6413 39th Ave., in Woodside, (718) 899-9599.  L-D Thur-Tu.  Cash only.  

In a no-frills atmosphere, this popular Thai restaurant features two dining rooms plus outdoor seating.  The SriPraPhai menu is extensive.  Among the many items on the special vegetarian menu, are:  

exterior of SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
exterior of SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC


crispy Chinese watercress salad at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
crispy Chinese watercress salad at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC


drunken noodles at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
drunken noodles at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC


Pad Prik King with green beans at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
Pad Prik King with green beans at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC


Penang curry at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
Penang curry at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC


black beans in coconut milk at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
black beans in coconut milk at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC


mango sticky rice at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC
mango sticky rice at SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens, NYC




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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


August 24, 2015

NYC: Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven; restaurant review

Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven  

350 Hudson St., Soho, (212) 414-2462.

Though not too long ago the inventory for Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven was made right here, production has now moved to the Brooklyn Army Terminal factory and everything is distributed from there.  Though most famous for their thick and spicy hot chocolate and chocolate bonbons, the company’s more than 100 items—all made without preservatives or additives--include marzipan and marshmallows as well as chocolate-covered fruits and nuts.  There are many more outlets around town and in Brooklyn, where the actual factory is located.

interior of Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven in NYC
interior of Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven in NYC


cookies and candies at Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven in NYC
cookies and candies at Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven in NYC



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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


August 21, 2015

Taveuni Island, Fiji: Paradise Taveuni; hotel review

Paradise Taveuni  

Waiyevo, 679 888 0125.  10 bures and 1 apartment; maximum capacity is 22 guests.  Pool; full-service spa.  Restaurant; bar; tour desk; full-service dive shop; gift shop.

Located 25 miles from the Matei Airport, this remote resort is reached via a scenic 1-hour drive through rainforest and coconut plantations and over a long stretch of unpaved (or “unsealed”) road.  It is beautifully situated on the Taveuni’s flat south end behind a 2,000-foot-high ridge of mountains formed by 28 extinct volcanoes that protects it from the wind, which ensures calm, clear waters here year-round.  Oceanfront on 5 acres and with a deep-water drop-off, the resort was remodeled from a backpackers resort in 2007.  This property was originally used for growing cotton, and Fiji’s first sugar cane field was nearby.  And though it really does feel like paradise, it is on the dry side of the volcano--the other side is even more lush!  Most guests are American, and all are welcomed with a refreshing coconut milk drink followed by a foot massage on their bure patio. 

welcome coconut milk drink at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
welcome coconut milk drink at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji


Your name is chalked on a board outside your bure, and the staff addresses you by name within hours, adding “welcome home” to the greeting.  Bures are separated from the ocean’s edge by a large expanse of well-manicured grass, and each is positioned for a water view. 

bures at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
bures at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji


Bures are built mostly with wood from local coconut and rain trees, and each has a king-size bed in a separate bedroom as well as a spacious lounge room with a stocked beverage area, but you’ll find no phones, TVs, or clocks.  “We’re on rooster time,” says personable Australian owner Allan Gortan, and chickens run freely throughout the property.  

guest room at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
guest room at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji


Bathrooms have a shower-tub and access to a lava-rock-fence-enclosed courtyard with flowers and ferns tucked in here and there and a refreshing outdoors shower and Jacuzzi.  The showers can be iffy with hot water, which comes and goes, but there is simply nothing like a cool-off in an outdoor shower.  Throughout the bure are cool white-tile floors, some covered by locally made woven-fiber rugs, and a high woven-fiber ceiling with huge support logs has two fans.  Traditional thatching combined with wood louvers keeps air flowing throughout.  Air conditioning is not available or missed.  Glass French doors open to a spacious front patio with daybed.

In the morning, roosters announce the new day followed by the sound of the generator being started up by owner Allen, and often a soft rain falls to help keep the sumptuous landscaping green.  The owner is an award-winning chef, though he now mostly oversees the tasty menu featuring many Fijian delicacies and local organic produce.  Breakfast specialties include lovely sunny-yolk eggs, delicious spicy lamb sausage, and fresh papaya-banana juice.  The addictive house cocktail, a Yellow Bird of Paradise, is made with local white rum, coconut liquor, and fresh papaya and banana.  Meals that are included in the room rate:  a full cooked breakfast, one-course lunch, and two-course dinner.  

dining room at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
dining room at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji


Guests may choose to upgrade to a two-course lunch and/or a four-course dinner.  Beverages included in the daily room rate are tea, coffee, and iced tea.  Several drinks package upgrades are also available.  The resort’s tap water is from a local spring in the volcano, so no need to spend big bucks on bottled Fiji Water.  On the night of the Fijian Lovo Feast, guests can watch the traditional preparation of foods for cooking in a lovo pit next to the ocean--including braiding coconut leaves around the chicken, fish, beef, and cassava.  After indulging in an appetizer of really good Fijian popcorn (deep-fried coconut strips), the feast is enjoyed at a long communal table out under the stars.  

setting table for Fijian Lovo Feast at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
setting table for Fijian Lovo Feast at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji


Later, villagers arrive to sing and to perform the sacred kava ceremony.  Flashlight fish come out in the evening and are worth the short trek from the dining room to observe.  Free on-site activities include coconut tree climbing lessons and a sulu (sarong)-tying demonstration.  

sulu-tying demonstration at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
sulu-tying demonstration at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji


Optional off-site activities include horseback riding, kayaking, jet skiing, hiking, guided tours to waterfalls and rainforests and to villages and Sunday church services, as well as swimming in the ocean-side horizon-edge pool and relaxing in a hammock.  Snorkeling and diving is excellent right off the resort pier, but trips are also scheduled to the famous Rainbow Reef and other world-class dive sites.  The water is crystal clear and warm.  An oceanfront spa offers massage, facials, and pedicures--Fiji Fuchsia anyone?--which are especially enjoyable since you get to look out at the ocean.  Guests who get engaged at Paradise get a free Sunset Wedding if they return.  

outdoor massage room at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji
outdoor massage room at Paradise Taveuni in Fiji




images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 19, 2015

NYC: Dash + Shop MoMA; things to do

Dash  

119 Spring St./Greene St., Soho, (212) 226-2646.

Well, I never would have known that this little boutique was owned by Kim Kardashian unless someone told me.  My adult daughter was that someone.  So we popped inside Dash to get a look.  There were several pods of teens swarming over the goods, and a herd of Dash Dolls (clerks) taking care of business.  We looked, we left.  But I’m glad we stopped in.

display window at Kim Kardashian West's Dash shop in NYC
display window at Kim Kardashian West's Dash shop in NYC


interior of Kim Kardashian West's Dash shop in NYC
interior of Kim Kardashian West's Dash shop in NYC



ShopMoMA Design Store  

81 Spring St., Soho.

This really big shop is filled with all the wonderful well-designed items this museum store is known for.  I wish I’d bought the Keith Haring umbrella, but it’s a good thing I didn’t buy the limited edition Andy Warhol sideways heart sunglasses because they looked really horrible on me.  Fortunately, some round cut-out sunglasses looked great on one of the customers.  Items at the ShopMoMA Design Store make fabulous souvenirs, and purchases benefit the museum. 

dazzling customer in Andy Warhol round sunglasses at ShopMoMa in NYC
dazzling customer in Andy Warhol round sunglasses at ShopMoMa in NYC

 

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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


August 17, 2015

NYC: High Line, Section #1; things to do

High Line, Section #1  

Gansevoort St. to 20th St., along 10th Ave., (enter/exit by stairways and elevator at 10th Ave. & Gansevoort; also at 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th sts.), Chelsea-Meatpacking Districts, (212) 500-6035.  Daily 7am-11pm.  Free.

Make a beeline to the High Line.  In the 1930s, trains chugged along this elevated steel trestle.  It was abandoned in the 1980s, and a few years ago the track was repurposed as a three-story-high park.  It features attractive plantings, wooden benches, and great views of the Hudson River.

High Line park seen from below in NYC
High Line park seen from below in NYC


High Line park in NYC
High Line park in NYC


High Line park in NYC
High Line park in NYC
 



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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 14, 2015

NYC--Queens--Jackson Heights: Phayul Restaurant; restaurant review

Phayul Restaurant  

37-65 74th St., 2nd floor, (718) 424-1869. L-D daily; $. No reservations.

 Located up a steep stairwell, past a beauty shop that does “Himalayan Eyebrow Threading,” this tiny Tibetan restaurant would be easily missed if you weren’t aware it is there. There isn’t usually a wait for one of the few tables at Phayul Restaurant, and I like that they are by windows. I was brought here by someone who raved about the momos, which are good and made even better with the addition of the house-made hot sauce available on the table, but it turns out that I thought the noodles were the prize dish. I also liked the spicy fried potatoes and the mango lassi, though Tibetan butter tea was also an option. We ordered all vegetarian, but many other meat-oriented dishes are also available.

dining room at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY
dining room at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY


kitchen at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY
kitchen at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY


vegetable momos at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY
vegetable momos at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY


fried noodles at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY
fried noodles at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY


spicy fried potatoes at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY
spicy fried potatoes at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY


seasonal greens at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY
seasonal greens at Phayul Restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY

 


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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 12, 2015

NYC: Cafe Borgia II (CLOSED) + Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery; restaurant reviews

Cafe Borgia II  

CLOSED  161 Prince St./Thompson St., Soho, (212) 677-1850. 

This is the perfect place to sit down and while away the time over a sweet and a cold or hot drink--depending on the weather--especially if you can nab one of the tables open to the sidewalk.  Being so small, Cafe Borgia II is surprising to find they have an extensive menu, with breakfast items, sandwiches and burgers, and ice cream concoctions. 

exterior of Cafe Borgia II in NYC
exterior of Cafe Borgia II in NYC


trio celebrating a birthday at Cafe Borgia II in NYC
trio celebrating a birthday at Cafe Borgia II in NYC


Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery 

is directly across the street at 190 Prince St. 

Operating within the old-time building that once was home to the Vesuvio Bakery, Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery delivers bread by bicycle-powered rickshaws and gives customers who arrive by bike a discount.  People line up to purchase giant chocolate-chip cookies (a vegan version is available) stacked in the window, pretzel croissants, and other delicious items from City Bakery.  Grab-and-go light lunch items are also available; seating is limited.

line out the door at Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery in NYC
line out the door at Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery in NYC

 


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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


August 10, 2015

NYC: Sabon; things to do

Sabon  

123 Prince St., Soho, (212) 982-0968. 

The first Sabon shop in America—it is an Israeli business--is in Greenwich Village and more are located all around the town, but the one I prefer is this tiny one in Soho.  Most visits begin with the hand-washing ritual at a basin in the center of the shop.

hand-washing ritual at Sabon shop in NYC
hand-washing ritual at Sabon shop in NYC


Then you can stroll the store and enjoy your smooth hands while your decide what to purchase.  Any item makes a great souvenir, but the foot lotion seems especially appropriate to soothe your tired feet after a day of walking the streets of NYC.

interior of Sabon shop in NYC
interior of Sabon shop in NYC


My favorite fragrance is their signature patchouli-lavender-vanilla.  I have this in body lotion, hand cream, foot cream, and a bath bomb that discreetly emits its fragrance throughout the bathroom as it waits to be used.

products at Sabon shop in NYC
products at Sabon shop in NYC


soaps at Sabon shop in NYC
soaps at Sabon shop in NYC


In addition, I received from my children a gift of the salt scrub—which leaves some oil behind that is a great moisturizer and barrier for skin—and a mineral powder soak that absorbs into the skin.  Happy birthday to me!  C’est bon!

my birthday gift, from Sabon shop in NYC
my birthday gift, from Sabon shop in NYC



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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 7, 2015

NYC: Whitney Museum of American Art; things to do

Whitney Museum of American Art  

99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District, (212) 570-3600.  M&W 10:30am-6pm, Thur-Sat 10-30-10, Sun 10:30-6, closed Tu.  $22, seniors/students $18, under 18 free. 

This major museum specializing in American art has closed its Madison Avenue location and moved into the trendy Meatpacking area by the southern tip of the High Line.  The new building housing the Whitney Museum of American Art is sharply angled, with polished gray stone and plenty of glass.

exterior of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
exterior of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


The recommended way to view exhibits is to take the elevator to Floor Eight, where 1910-1940 is represented by colorful Georgia O’Keeffes, streamlined Machine Age works, and more.  On Floor Seven, 1925-1960 covers Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, my favorite being Alexander Calder’s large three-dimensional Circus and an accompanying video that shows some of the pieces in action.  I joined one of the popular free tours here, but it was so crowded that I dropped out part-way through.

Floor 7 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
Floor 7 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


Floor Six covers 1950-1975 and Pop Art,

Floor 6 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
Floor 6 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


and Floor Five covers 1965-Present.  Each floor has an outdoor space with stairways, sculpture, and city views that are themselves worth the price of admission.

view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


Both museum restaurants are operated by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group.  On Floor One, Untitled at the Whitney Museum of American Art provides fine dining, and on Floor Eight, Studio Cafe provides light snacks and meals with inside and outdoor seating and great views.

Studio Cafe at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
Studio Cafe at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC



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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


August 5, 2015

NYC: Schnippers Quality Kitchen + Shake Shack + Madison Square Park; restaurant reviews + things to do

Schnippers Quality Kitchen  

23 East 23rd St., Flatiron District, (212) 233-1025. 

We wanted to eat outside at Shake Shack, but the line was way long.  So, luckily being with a savvy local, we headed to Schnippers Quality Kitchen.  I liked the high ceiling and view of the sidewalk activity, and since it is an order-at-the-counter kind of place the price is certainly right.

interior view out from Schnippers Quality Kitchen in NYC's Flatiron District
interior view out from Schnippers Quality Kitchen in NYC's Flatiron District


Burgers are the menu mainstay.  I ordered the basic but made the mistake of calling it “plain” and so got no toppings.  This was quickly remedied by a roaming server, who delivered lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles to me with a big smile.  Also on the basically American-food menu are fried chicken, sandwiches (including a BLAT--bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato), hot dogs, mac and cheese, sloppy joe, fish & chips, and salads as well as very good chicken tacos.  Sides include as assortment of fries—the sweet potato fries with the maple syrup dip is very popular--as well as thick onion rings.  Complimentary chilled lemon-water is available, but I opted for a delicious black & white shake consisting of vanilla ice cream swirled with chocolate sauce.

burger and shake at Schnippers Quality Kitchen in NYC's Flatiron District
burger and shake at Schnippers Quality Kitchen in NYC's Flatiron District



Shake Shack  

23rd St., betw. Fifth & Madison aves., in Madison Square Park, (212) 889-6600. 

Rain or shine there seems always to be a line at Shake Shack.  There are several other locations, but this one has the best rep.

Shake Shack dining area in Madison Square Park in NYC's Flatiron District
Shake Shack dining area in Madison Square Park in NYC's Flatiron District

order line at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park in NYC's Flatiron District
order line at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park in NYC's Flatiron District
 

Though I passed on lunch here because of that line, I then wound up enjoying a juicy burger and shake at JFK in the Delta terminal where I endured a minimal line. 

order counter at Shake Shack in Delta terminal at JFK
order counter at Shake Shack in Delta terminal at JFK


burger and shake at Shake Shack in Delta terminal at JFK
burger and shake at Shake Shack in Delta terminal at JFK



Madison Square Park  

Named after President James Madison, this small park has been a public space since 1686 and a city park since 1847.  In the late 19th century it was surrounded by mansions and fancy hotels and relatively unused by the public.  Today Madison Square Park features art displays and concerts and is often crowded with people.



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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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