Family Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach to Patient Care
December 29- 31, 2010
Millennium Times Square - New York City
145 West 44th Street
New York, NY, 10036-4012
Phone# 1 (212) 768-4400
Staying at the Millennium Broadway in Times Square
The Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City is a standard high rise hotel located
on 44th street and Broadway, half a block from Times Square. It offers a casual
ambiance and access to Broadway theaters, Fifth Avenue shopping, midtown
Manhattan business and fine dining.
Distance from hotel to JFK International Airport (JFK), 19 miles. Distance from hotel to
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), 16 miles. Distance from Newark Airport (EWR), 15 miles.
Valet Parking- $55 per 24-hour period in garage. No in/out privileges. $65 per 24-hour
period for oversized vehicles.
** Fees do not include tax and are subject to change without prior notification.
Check In: 4:00 PM.
Check Out: 11:00 AM. Please Note: The hotel is sold out on December 31st for New
Year’s Eve and will not be able to extend the check out time for attendees departing that
day. We ask that you please have your traveling companions take care of check out
while you are attending the conference.
Fitness Center
Located on the 16th floor and accessible 24 hours a day. Equipped with stairmasters,
exercycles, treadmills, rowing machines, free weights, and training circuit. The only
Fitness Center in the world that is certified Pure Allergy Friendly.
Spa services available on request.
Dining at The Millennium
** Please be advised that restaurant services will not be available on New Years Eve at the
Millennium Hotel.
Restaurant Charlotte, the popular Manhattan restaurant, with its attentive staff, warm
décor and soaring windows is the perfect spot for breakfast.
Operating Hours
Breakfast 07:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Charlotte Bar and Lounge is located next to the famous Charlotte Restaurant. The
Lounge offers comfortable club seating in a sophisticated post-modern setting. A light
menu is served from 12PM - 11PM.
Operating Hours
Charlotte Lounge: 12PM - 11PM
Charlotte Bar: 12PM - 12AM
General Information for New York City, NY
Do what New Yorkers do: walk. Wander the angled tree-lined streets of Greenwich
Village or the avenues of million-dollar townhouses on the Upper East Side. Art lovers
should not miss the Warhols and Pollocks at MoMA, or the comprehensive and
essential Metropolitan Museum of Art. Outdoors, mingle with joggers and skaters in
Central Park or smell the blooming flowers at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Head to
Battery Park for sunset views over the Hudson River, or watch the world below from the
top of the Empire State Building.
Getting Around NYC via Subway or Bus System
If you can't walk to your destination, mass transit is the next-best way to get around.
The City's rail and bus system is run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
and known as MTA New York City Transit. It's inexpensive, environmentally friendly and
a great way to see sights throughout the five boroughs—and it operates 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
Purchasing a MetroCard is your first step to getting around on subways and buses. You
can buy a MetroCard at subway stations, from either automated machines (which
accept cash, ATM bank cards and regular credit cards) or booth attendants (cash only).
A single subway or bus ride is currently $2.25. Riders can buy a SingleRide card (cash
only; must be used within two hours of purchase), a pay-per-ride card or an unlimited
MetroCard. Pay-per-ride cards range in value from $4.50 to $100. An unlimited
MetroCard allows users to ride as often as they like within a fixed time period: options
include a one-day Fun Pass ($8.25) and unlimited cards that last for seven days ($27),
14 days ($51.50) or 30 days ($89).
Fast Facts about Riding the Subway
• Subway trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• For $2.25 (the cost of a single ride), you can use the system citywide and transfer as
many times as you need, as long as you don't exit the system through a turnstile.
• You can transfer from bus to subway or vice versa within two hours of using your
MetroCard. (The free transfer does not apply if you leave a subway station through a
turnstile and want to get on another subway line.)
• Subway stations on the same line are generally about eight to 10 blocks apart.
• The subway does not travel to Staten Island. To get there, board the free Staten Island
Ferry or take a bus.
Fast Facts about Riding the Bus
• All City buses accept the MetroCard and exact coin change (no pennies or paper
money accepted).
• Check the route sign on the front of the bus before boarding to ensure it's the bus you
want, and make sure you know if it's making all stops or only "limited" stops (the limited
buses don't make all stops along the route).
• Enter and pay at the front of the bus.
• A single ride costs $2.25 on a local bus and $5.50 on an express bus, and will take
you any distance until the end of the route.
• Many buses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but be sure to check
whether your route offers overnight service. A schedule and route map posted at the
bus stop indicate when the bus should arrive and where it will go.
• Buses run about every five to 15 minutes, or at longer intervals, depending on the time
of day.
• Buses generally stop every other block on avenue routes and every block on crossstreet routes. Late at night, from 11pm to 5am, bus drivers will stop wherever you ask
them to—as long as they feel it's safe.
• MTA service information is available at mta.info or by calling 718-330-1234.
**Please visit the MTA’s website for the most reliable and up to date information.
http://www.tripplanner.mta.info/_start.aspx
Fast Facts about NYC Taxi Cabs
The City's fleet of yellow taxicabs is regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Grabbing a cab can be ideal when tired feet, heavy luggage or shopping bags weigh
you down.
• Taxis are available 24 hours a day.
• Hail taxis whose numbers are illuminated on top—they're on duty.
• Board and exit the cab curbside.
• Hotel doormen can hail a cab for you; a $1 tip is customary for this service.
• Minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 40 cents every fifth of a mile; there is
also a New York State tax surcharge of 50 cents per ride.
• An additional $1 surcharge is added to the meter Monday–Friday, 4–8pm, and a 50cent surcharge is added at night, 8pm–6am.
• All taxis accept cash and most accept credit cards.
• Tip 15–20% at the end of a trip; tolls are extra and added to the metered fare.
• Group rides from York Avenue to the Financial District cost a flat $6 only from
designated pickup points during morning rush hour. Call 311 for more information.
• Dial 311 in NYC to inquire about lost items or other concerns; visit the Taxi and
Limousine Commission website for more info at
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/home/home.shtml.
Climate in New York City in December
The average high in December during your travel time will be around 41 degrees
Fahrenheit and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
We would suggest to pack a heavy jacket and other cold weather wear such as gloves,
hats and scarves, especially if you plan on going out at night. The wind chill will make it
seem a lot colder then it is.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Times Square's bright lights shine on elaborate stage productions in Broadway’s
theaters. Dress up for a classical concert at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center. Lovers of
soul head to Harlem's Apollo Theatre. The legendary Blue Note and Village Vanguard
pack in jazz fans, while cutting-edge bars and clubs in Meatpacking District lure the
beautiful people.
Restaurants and Dining
With small apartment kitchens and a culinary smorgasbord around every corner, it's no
wonder New Yorkers eat out so much. Start in Chinatown for steaming Cantonese
noodles or indulge in juicy steak at Minetta Tavern or Peter Luger's. Mix with celebrities
at a fusion spot in Chelsea or tuck into a steaming bowl of mussels at a cozy Greenwich
Village bistro. If you're on the go, grab a slice of pizza or a bagel with a schmear of
cream cheese. For cheap, good, ethnic eats, hop on the subway to Queens or Brooklyn.
NYC’s 10 Best Restaurants in Times Square, Manhattan
1. Trattoria Trecolori. 254 West 47th Street, Theater District. A comfortable
atmosphere with reasonably priced Italian food menu and specials. Attentive service,
solid Italian cuisine with generous portions and a large menu to select from. Perfect
place to eat before a Broadway show with a date.
2. Churrascaria Plataforma. 316 West 49th Street, Theater District. A large Brazilian
restaurant with a wide variety of different cuts of BBQ meat. The price is fixed; it is all
you can eat. Prices are steep, but the meat is plentiful and sure to fill a NYC tourists’
appetite after a long day.
3. Carnegie Deli. 854 7th Avenue, Theater District. This famous deli is a couple blocks
outside of the Times Square, but definitely worth the walk. Carnegie Deli has huge
portions where the sandwiches are large enough to share. Save room for their famous,
large New York cheesecake.
4. Ruby Foo’s. 1626 Broadway, Theater District. It is a comfortable place where you
can sit all night and close the place down. The sushi is good, the location cannot be
beat as it is in the center of Times Square, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
5. Patzeria Perfect Pizza. 231 West 46th Street, Theater District. Patzeria’s Perfect
Pizza is a small, unpretentious NY pizza shop with four styles of pizza: a traditional NY
pizza, a thin crust, Sicilian, and one called the grandma pizza. Also serve good hot
sandwiches like meatball and chicken parmigiana. Good NY pizza in Times Square.
6. Becco. 355 West 46th Street, Theater District. Avoid the all you can eat pasta deal
and order a seasonal entree during your visit to Becco in Times Square. This restaurant
gets crowded. Make a reservation from their website at www.becco-nyc.com, but still
expect to wait upon arrival.
7. Wu Liang Ye. 36 West 48th Street, Midtown East, Theater District. Authentic
Chinese food in Times Square. They have a mix of the best Sichuan and Hunan dishes
to choose from, as well as your typical fried in brown sauce American style Chinese
food like General Tso’s chicken. The food is considered spicy for the American palette
but I do not think so and prefer to add peppers to increase the heat. Do not be afraid to
ask your waiter what is the most popular and traditional dishes for the full experience.
Whether you order an authentic or American style dish, the Chinese food is the best in
Times Square. Most crowed during lunch time.
8. Havana Central. 151 West 46th Street, Theater District. Havana Central offers a
solid, inexpensive Cuban menu and a fun atmosphere. The Cuban food is not
completely authentic, I would say it is Cuban Fusion to accompany all the tourists, but
the food is staple, flavorful and plentiful. They also have great options for vegetarians.
Can also be a romantic Cuban restaurant for a late, dimly lit dinner with your partner.
9. Blue Fin at W New York. 1567 Broadway, Theater District. A modern, sophisticated
seafood restaurant located in the heart of Times Square. Blue Fin is set on two floors,
with floor to ceiling glass windows. The entrees are fresh and presented beautifully,
and the atmosphere is elegant with cool jazz music.
10. Junior’s. 1515 Broadway, Theater District. Junior’s is famous for their
cheesecakes, but you would surprised that it has a full menu with all your basic diner
plates including sandwiches, salads, seafood and steak. Yes, it is touristy and loud, but
the food is good and reliable and the cheesecake is a must try. In fact, Junior’s
cheesecakes have been listed as one of NYC’s 10 Best Cheesecakes.
Other Restaurants to Check Out
The Ultimate in Pizza Inc. 401 East 57th Street. (57th & 1st), (212) 319-9027
The Ultimate in Pizza Inc. has become a staple on the New York pizza scene. The
name alone stands for excellence in the craft of making high quality pizza with only the
freshest ingredients on the market. Their homemade sauce and tasty cheese put their
pizza a step above the rest. Not in the mood for pizza? No problem, they also boast
famous pasta dishes and hearty salads that are sure to please. No more waiting with
hunger pains for a tasty meal, The Ultimate in Pizza Inc. will take care of you!
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 1501 Broadway. Judging by the growth of this moviethemed chain, whose domain extends from the Mall of America to the Tokyo Dome,
there must be more fans of Forrest Gump—and "Chilly shrimp"—than we thought. The
food is a combination of Cajun and seafood (do you remember what Bubba loved to
catch?). There’s a good children’s menu; you signal the waitress with a “Stop, Forrest,
Stop” sign; and don’t even ask what happens if they find out you’ve never seen the
movie.
Carmine's. 200 W. 44th St. Carmine’s in the theater district was founded in 1992, years
before Disney and other family-friendly businesses transformed Times Square, and the
gamble paid off handsomely. Using the same formula that’s kept its Upper West Side
sibling cooking on all burners, it’s a roaring success, with a high-spirited old-time
atmosphere, mammoth portions that demand to be shared, and uncomplicated
Southern Italian cooking that delights the palate and fills the belly. This place reminds
you that red sauce, garlic, and good times will never go out of style.
Ellen's Stardust Diner. 1650 Broadway. This themey theater-district diner serves up
iconic nourishment, from classic American meat loaf and old-fashioned chicken pot pie
to the rich, creamy shakes. A model-train set circles the room, fifties videos play on
TVs, and if you come at the right time, you’ll be entertained by waiters and waitresses
singing tableside Elvis and Broadway tunes.
The Essential New York Eating Itinerary
New York has countless restaurants of quality and variety. If you want a sampling of
true New York cuisine, follow the "required eating" itinerary below. Whether you jam the
stops below into 1, 2, or 3 days, a gargantuan appetite is required.
1. Bagels with Lox
Start your food tour at Barney Greengrass, the Sturgeon King (541 Amsterdam Ave.;
tel. 212/724-4707), where they have been making that famous combination, bagels and
lox, since 1908. If there is anything more satisfying than a fresh, out-of-the-oven bagel
with a schmear of cream cheese and a slice of lox, I don't know what it is. This might be
one of the most popular breakfast items in New York.
2. Cuban/Chinese
There used to be dozens of Cuban/Chinese restaurants in Manhattan, most on the
Upper West Side. The boom began in the late 1950s after the Cuban revolution and the
beginning of the Castro regime. Chinese-Cubans emigrated to New York and opened
up restaurants serving both Cantonese-style Chinese food and traditional Cuban food.
A few are left, and my favorite is Flor de Mayo (2651 Broadway; tel. 212/663-5520).
Here I can order a big bowl of wonton soup followed by a huge plate of yellow rice and
black beans.
3. Chicken and Waffles
You're out late, maybe listening to jazz at one of Harlem's many clubs, it's getting near
dawn, and you can't decide whether you want dinner or breakfast. You can't resist the
fried chicken, but waffles sound good, too. So you try both -- maple syrup melding with
the hot sauce; sweet with savory. The birthplace of this dish is said to be Wells Chicken
and Waffles in Harlem in 1938. Wells is long gone, but chicken and waffles live on. For
the best rendition, as well as for grits and fish cakes -- another outstanding combo -- go
to Amy Ruth's (113 W. 116th St.; tel. 212/280-8779).
4. The New York Oyster
There was a time when New York was more the Big Oyster than the Big Apple. The
local harbor beds overflowed with oysters and the mollusk helped feed the city. You can
recall those glory days at the Grand Central Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station (tel.
212/490-6650) where, since 1913, oysters have been the specialty. Order them on the
half-shell from Long Island, Washington State, Maine, Virginia, or Canada, with the
Metro-North commuter trains rumbling in the background. It's a true New York eating
experience if there ever was one.
5. A Slice of Pizza
Toss on some red pepper or garlic, and eat it standing up to capture the grease before it
stains your clothes. That's the way we've been eating pizza in New York for years. The
classic New York slice, however, has been on the decline ever since the chain pizzerias
have corrupted the landscape. For the best "slice" head to Joe's Pizza (7 Carmine St.;
tel. 212/255-3946) in the Village, open late, satisfying your cravings.
6. The Hot Dog
This might be an obvious choice, but I don't think so. You can find carts selling cheap
hot dogs throughout the city. You might be tempted to try one just to say you did. And I
think you should; it definitely is a New York experience. But even better, take the train
out to Coney Island and sample a Nathan's Famous dog right on the boardwalk (1310
Surf Ave.; tel. 718/946-2202). Maybe it's the salty sea air. Maybe it's the crisp skin of
the hot dog, or the way it's perfectly fried. Whatever it is, you won't forget your Nathan's
hot dog on Coney Island.
7. The New York Strip
Some of New York's oldest restaurants are steakhouses, and for good reason. They
keep it simple. Some might have sawdust on the floors, others clay pipes on the ceiling,
or photos of celebrities on the walls, but that is about as fancy as they get. What they do
is serve quality, properly aged meat cooked to perfection and presented in a nononsense, no-frills manner. And no one does that better than Peter Luger in
Williamsburg, Brooklyn (178 Broadway; tel. 718/387-7400).
8. Ice Cream with a View
If you've been able to sample the above essential New York eating experiences into 1, 2
or 3 days, finish your tour off at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (1 Water St.; tel.
718/246-3963), where the homemade ice cream is absolutely delicious and the view at
river's edge of Manhattan, just below the Brooklyn Bridge, is equally stunning.
Pre-Theater Restaurants
db Bistro Moderne. 55 West 44th Street. At Daniel Boulud's hectic bistro, the rooms
are a little pokey and the kitchen can take glacial lengths of time. But the food is
generally worth the wait, and it's always fun to see formerly desiccated society matrons
bravely gobbling down brawny dishes like stuffed pig's trotters. The noble $32 DB
Burger is stuffed with truffle-and-foie gras-laced short ribs, and is accompanied by silver
stirrup cup of pommes soufflées.
Sushi Zen. 108 West 44th Street. Sushi Zen is a two-decade-plus veteran of
Manhattan's sushi scene. The platter of maitake, enoki, and other, rarer fungi sit there
right on the sushi bar, almost lost in the hushed, bamboo-arched room. Just indicate
your interest, and an attentive fish carver—an expert, it should be noted, in the artful
arrangement of salmon slabs, jack mackerel, sweet uni, and marinated oysters—will
slice off some 'shrooms, wrap them in foil with slivers of dried chili, and toss 'em in the
oven. They emerge woody, buttery, with an edge of heat—proof that there's more to a
top-notch sushi joint—a category in which Sushi Zen uncategorically belongs—than just
real crabmeat in the California rolls.
Thalia. 828 Eighth Avenue. Fresh, creative American cuisine, including a raw bar, is the
focus at this stylish theater district restaurant. A striking space turning out trendy,
contemporary dishes like tuna tartare with Granny Smith apples and ponzu sauce, and
a shellfish plateau.
Osteria Al Doge. 142 West 44th street. Theatergoers looking to catch a quick and
satisfying bite before the show will appreciate the Northern Italian flair of Osteria al
Doge. This Venetian-inflected eatery offers specialty pasta, seafood, and risotto dishes
all served with delicious homemade focaccia. The lunch menu includes plenty of colorful
salads, though it's best to avoid the prime midday hours when the ambience is
compromised by a wave of corporate types. Those looking for the same menu in a less
crowded environment should visit Doge's sister restaurant, Osteria Laguna, just a few
blocks away
Lattanzi. 361 West 46th St. Roman-Jewish versions of antipasti, pasta, meat, and fish
are available every night after 8pm–once the pre-theater crowd has cleared out. The
signature appetizer is carciofi alla giudia, a trio of bronzed artichoke florets grilled in a
light olive oil and garlic. Artichokes reappear in the layers of the lasagne verdi, slabs of
homemade spinach noodles alternating with layers of tangy tomato and onion sauce.
Cameos of fennel, pine nut, and even raisin can appear, as in the trigliette all'Ebraica,
where sweet raisins balance the sour of vinegar in a red snapper recipe that dates to
the Middle Ages. Lattanzi's menu isn't limited to the ghetto; hearty Roman-style fare (the
mainstay of the pre-theater menu) is also available.
Great Post-Theater Restaurants
Sardi's. 234 W. 44th St. A New York institution since it opened in 1921, this Broadway
legend is old-school to the extreme, from the walls covered with famous color
caricatures of Lucille Ball and Jackie Gleason to the red banquettes, old wooden chairs,
and lampshade light fixtures. While the food won’t win any awards, you won’t be
disappointed with traditional favorites like the famed special house antipasto. The menu
now also includes some slightly more daring entries such as chicken breast strips in
madras sauce.
Victor's Café. 236 W 52nd St. Since it first opened its doors in 1963, Victor's Café has
been the place Broadway Theater goers return to again and again for generous portions
of authentic Cuban cuisine. This lovely restaurant, owned and run by the Del Corral
family, offers both a prix fixe lunch menu and prix fixe dinner menu that is sure to satisfy
anyone who has a predilection for fresh mixed salads, robust sausage or savory ham
entrees, followed by traditional Cuban custard for dessert. Victor's is also one of the
only Broadway Theater restaurants which specifically features After Theater Specials,
including small dishes such as Sugarcane-Glazed Salmon, Sliced Roast Suckling Pig,
or you might want to try their refreshing cold Gazpacho Soup. This is quintessential
Cuban cuisine at its finest.
The House of Brews. 363 W 46th St. Some Broadway theatergoers do not want a
multiple course dining experience before or after attending a show, preferring lighter
fare washed down with a beer or two instead. In this case we heartily recommend The
House of Brews, where you can dine on Prince Edward Island Mussels, or Hot Chicken
Wings bathed in Diablo Garlic Fire Sauce, while sipping a brew from their impressive
international beer menu. With its professional and speedy service, this is the perfect
place for a quick pit stop before heading off to your Broadway evening show.
Pongsri Thai Restaurant. 244 W 48th St. Pongsri Thai Restaurant is the oldest familyrun and operated Thai restaurant in New York City. Conveniently located in the heart of
the theater district, this restaurant traditional Thai dishes including Mee Grob, beef
satae, Tom Yum Koong, Tom Kha Gai and more. They offers steak, seafood and
chicken dishes along with a variety of Thai salads.
Chez Josephine. 414 W 42nd St. A tribute to legendary Josephine Baker, this Parisian
bistro with live music and a tantalizing menu exudes theatrical panache. At Chez
Josephine, one of New York's most romantic restaurants, a bit of Montmartre on 42nd
Street, Jean-Claude Baker and Jarry Baker are your warm and welcoming hosts who
treat guests as family. The eclectic menu at this New York City restaurant reinvents the
traditional cuisine of the French American bistro. At anytime, you can experience what
Jean-Claude Baker calls his "human cocktail" - a medley of celebrities, local color, and
a loyal and devoted following from…
Shopping
Couture designer shops line Madison Avenue, while the major department stores like
Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's anchor Fifth Avenue in Midtown. Cutting-edge
designers show their wares in the Meatpacking District, while high-fashion boutiques
and cool housewares peak out behind the cast-iron facades of SoHo. Rummage
through vintage clothing boutiques on the Lower East Side or sift through knockoff
sunglasses, purses and watches on crammed Canal Street in Chinatown. Head to
Greenwich Village to browse music stores and boutique food shops.
Downtown
Lower Manhattan & the Financial District
The mother of all discount department stores is Century 21, across the street from the
World Trade Center site. New inventory flows in all the time, as do throngs of
customers. A little farther north by City Hall is local electronics megamart J&R, with
competitive prices on everything from cameras and computers to CDs and software. It's
wise to buy electronics here rather than at the "going-out-of-business" joints in Midtown.
Head to the East River via Fulton Street to visit the South Street Seaport (tel. 212/7328257; Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z to Fulton St.). Familiar names such as Gap,
Abercrombie & Fitch, and Coach fill the cobblestone-paved, open-air mall. Cross South
Street to visit Pier 17, one of the biggest indoor malls in Manhattan. But don't let the
word "mall" discourage you. While filled with largely nondescript shops and a forgettable
food court, this retail-laden locale is worth the trip for the historic ambience and stunning
harbor vistas. Be sure to hit the pier's top outdoor deck for a one-of-a-kind Brooklyn
Bridge view. For store directories, visit www.southstreetseaport.com and
www.downtownny.com.
Meanwhile, the Financial District has become quite the little high-end haven in recent
years. On Wall Street, check out big-name retailers like Tiffany & Co., True Religion
Brand Jeans (tel. 212/791-5930), Thomas Pink (tel. 212/514-7683), and Tumi (tel.
212/742-8020), as well as Hermès (tel. 212/759-7585) on Broad Street.
Chinatown
Don't expect to find the purchase of a lifetime on Chinatown's crowded streets, but
there's always quality browsing. The fish and herbal markets along Canal, Mott,
Mulberry, and Elizabeth streets are fun for their bustle and exotica. Dispersed among
them (especially along Canal), you'll find a mind-boggling collection of knockoff
sunglasses, handbags, fragrances, and watches. It can be a fun browse, but don't
expect quality, or for the seller to make eye contact -- and absolutely bargain before
busting out your wallet! (Also, skip the bootleg CDs, videos, and software -- these are
stolen goods, and you will be disappointed with the product.) I'd steer clear of
electronics altogether, but if you must buy, at least open the package before you buy to
make sure you're not buying a brick in a name-brand box.
Mott Street, between Pell Street and Chatham Square, has the most interesting of
Chinatown's off-Canal shopping, with antiques and Chinese herb shops sandwiched
among the tiny storefronts selling stacks of Chinese dinnerware. Just around the corner,
peek into Ting's Gift Shop (18 Doyer St.; tel. 212/962-1081), one of the oldest
operating businesses in Chinatown. Under a vintage pressed-tin ceiling, it sells good-
quality Chinese toys, kits, and lanterns. Pearl River on Broadway, while technically in
SoHo, also is a can't-miss for Chinatown souvenir shopping.
The Lower East Side
The artists and other trendsetters who have been turning this neighborhood into a
bastion of hip have also added a cutting edge to its shopping scene in recent years.
You'll find a growing -- and increasingly upscale -- crop of alterna-shops south of
Houston and north of Grand Street, between Allen and Clinton streets to the east and
west, specializing in up-to-the-minute fashions and edgy club clothes, plus funky retro
furnishings, Japanese toys, and other offbeat items. Before you browse, stop in at the
Lower East Side Visitor Center, 70 Orchard St., between Broome and Grand streets
(tel. 866/224-0206 or 212/226-9010; Subway: F to Delancey St.), for a shopping guide
that includes vendors both old-world and new. Or you can preview the list (and score
coupons) online at www.lowereastsideny.com.
SoHo
People love to complain about superfashionable SoHo -- it's become too trendy, too
tony, too "Mall of America." True, J. Crew is one of many big names that supplanted
many of the artists' lofts that used to fill its historic buildings. But SoHo is still one of the
best shopping 'hoods in the city, and few are more fun to browse. The elegant cast-iron
architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the distinct rich-artist vibe: SoHo has a look
and feel unlike any other Manhattan neighborhood, which is why it's a city-landmarked
district.
SoHo's shopping grid runs from Broadway west to Sixth Avenue, and Houston Street
south to Canal Street. Broadway is the most commercial strip, with such recognizable
names as Pottery Barn, Banana Republic, Sephora, and A/X Armani Exchange.
H&M, the Swedish department store with cutting-edge fashions sold at low, low prices,
has two stores that face one another on Broadway. Bloomingdale's has a downtown
branch on Broadway, while nearby, Prada's flagship store is worth visiting for its
spacious, almost soothing design alone (by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaus). A definite
highlight is the two-story Pearl River Chinese emporium, which offers everything from
silk cheongsam (traditional Chinese high-necked dresses) to teaware.
Nolita
Not so long ago, Elizabeth Street was a quiet adjunct to Little Italy. Today it's one of
the hottest shopping strips in the neighborhood known as Nolita (North of Little Italy).
Elizabeth and neighboring Mott and Mulberry streets are dotted with increasing
numbers of shops between Houston Street and the Bowery. It's an easy walk from the
Broadway/Lafayette stop on the F, V line to the neighborhood, as it starts just east of
Lafayette Street; you can also take the no. 6 train to Spring Street, or the N, R to Prince
Street and walk east from there.
Nolita is the cousin of SoHo -- making it cute, and not cheap. Its curb-to-curb boutiques
are largely the province of shopkeepers specializing in high-quality fashion-forward
products. More and more, it's become a beacon of niche designs from around the world.
Calypso (280 Mott St.; tel. 212/965-0990; www.calypso-celle.com) has evolved into a
successful brand of boho-hippie-chic styles for women, children, and babies, with
several stores in Nolita. Nearby you'll find laid-back, military-inspired fashions at Unis
(226 Elizabeth St.; tel. 212/431-5533), which are within reach of most wallets.
The East Village
The East Village personifies bohemian hip, though many New Yorkers would argue the
area, with its shiny new condos, is gradually being engulfed by gentrification. The
easiest subway access is the no. 6 train to Astor Place, which is just a couple blocks
east of the prime hunting grounds.
That said, if it's funky, sassy, and possibly illegal, it's probably for sale on St. Marks
Place, which is the alternative name for 8th Street between Third Avenue and Avenue
A. This strip is a permanent street market with countless T-shirt and tattoo parlors and
boho jewelry stands. The height of the action is between Second and Third avenues,
where used-record collectors can have a field day. If you're in search of the harder-edge
East Village and feel like a walk, head east toward the lettered streets that comprise
"Alphabet City" (home turf of the musical "Rent").
Lafayette Street from SoHo to NoHo
Lafayette Street has a retail character all its own, distinct from the rest of SoHo. It has
grown into something of an Antiques Row, especially strong in furniture. Prices are high,
but so is quality. The stretch to stroll is between 8th Street to the north and Spring
Street to the south. Take the no. 6 train to Astor Place and work your way south, or get
off at Spring Street and walk north, or take the F or V to Broadway-Lafayette and you'll
be in the heart of the action. Highlights include Gallery 440, (440 Lafayette St.; tel.
212/979-5800), for vintage 20th-century lighting and furniture pieces from American,
French, and Italian designers.
Also stop by Other Music at 15 E. 4th St. (tel. 212/477-8150) to browse their amazing
selection of new and used CDs and vinyl records. Let the knowledgeable staff help you
find the right new band or album to get you in the local NYC-music mood.
Greenwich Village
The West Village is great for browsing and gift shopping. Specialty bookstores and
record stores, antiques and craft shops, and gourmet food markets dominate. On 8th
Street -- NYU territory between Broadway and Sixth Avenue -- you can find trendy
footwear and affordable fashions.
But the biggest shopping boom of late has happened on Bleecker Street west of Sixth
Avenue. Between Carmine Street and Seventh Avenue, foodies will delight in the strip
of boutique food shops, including Amy's Bread, Wild Edibles, and Murray's Cheese.
In between are record stores, guitar shops, and a sprinkling of artsy boutiques. On
Christopher Street, you'll find such wonders as Aedes De Venutas, a gorgeous little
boutique selling fabulous perfumes and scented candles that are difficult to find in the
States, and the Porcelain Room, 13 Christopher St. (tel. 212/367-8206), which is
located below street level and offers amazing antique and contemporary porcelains that
have to be seen to be believed.
Chelsea/Meatpacking District
Almost overnight it seems, far west Chelsea has been transformed into the Chelsea Art
District, where more than 200 galleries have sprouted up in a once-moribund enclave
of repair shops and warehouses. The district unofficially stretches between 14th to 29th
streets and the West Side Highway and Seventh Avenue, but the high-density area lies
between 20th and 26th streets, between Tenth and Eleventh avenues.
The Meatpacking District has also zoomed from quaint to hot (and some say over) in no
time, with such big-name designers as Stella McCartney (429 W. 14th St.; tel. 212/2551556), Christian Louboutin (59 Horatio St.; tel. 212/255-1910), and Alexander
McQueen (417 W. 14th St.; tel. 212/645-1797) in residence. Jeffrey New York, an
offshoot of the Atlanta department store, has pricey designer clothes, an amazing shoe
collection, and the friendliest staff in New York.
Union Square/The Flatiron District
The hottest shopping/eating/hanging-out neighborhood in the city may be Union
Square. The long-forlorn south side of the square is now a mega-shopping zone with
Whole Foods, Filene's Basement, and DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse). Just to
the right is a Virgin Megastore. On the north side, Barnes & Noble is situated in a
beautifully restored 1880 cast-iron building. Of course, the beating heart of Union
Square is the 4-days-a-week Greenmarket, the biggest farmers' market in the city.
When 23rd Street was the epitome of New York uptown fashion more than 100 years
ago, the major department stores stretched along Sixth Avenue for about a mile from
14th Street up. These elegant stores stood in huge cast iron buildings that were long
ago abandoned and left to rust. Over the past several years, however, the area has
become the city's discount shopping center, with superstores and off-pricers filling up
the renovated spaces: Filene's Basement, TJ Maxx, and Bed Bath & Beyond are all
at 620 Sixth Ave., with Old Navy next door.
Midtown
Herald Square & The Garment District
Herald Square -- where 34th Street, Sixth Avenue, and Broadway converge -- is
dominated by Macy's, the self-proclaimed "biggest department store in the world." At
Sixth Avenue and 33rd Street is the Manhattan Mall (tel. 212/465-0500;
www.manhattanmallny.com), home to affordable national standards like LensCrafters
and RadioShack.
A long block over on Seventh Avenue, not much goes on in the grimy, heavily industrial
Garment District. This is, however, where you'll find that quintessential New York
experience, the sample sale (the box titled "Additional Sources for Serious Shoppers,"
above, points you to upcoming sample sales around the city).
Times Square & The Theater District
You won't find much in the heart of Times Square to entice the serious shopper,
because you can find most of the goods at superstores and malls back home. Among
the best is the dazzling Toys "R" Us flagship on Broadway and 44th Street, which even
has its own full-scale indoor Ferris wheel.
Stop in and gorge on some of the over 55 utterly divine chocolate-chunk flavors of
cookies at Ruby et Violette (457 W. 50th St., between Ninth and Tenth aves.; tel.
212/582-6720).
If you've still got room for a meal, you're in luck: You're a stone's throw from Restaurant
Row (46th St. btw. Eighth and Ninth aves.), where you're sure to be sated, if a bit
overwhelmed, by a city block of cuisines from over 11 countries. You might even stop
for drinks and a show in one of the many cabaret bars. Find out more at
www.restaurantrownyc.com.
Fifth Avenue & 57th Street
The heart of Manhattan retail ranges up Fifth Avenue to 57th Street and across. Tiffany
& Co., which has long reigned supreme, sits a stone's throw from NIKETOWN, the NBA
Store, and the huge Louis Vuitton flagship at the corner of 57th Street and Fifth
Avenue. In addition, a good number of mainstream retailers, such as Banana Republic,
have flagships along Fifth, shifting the breadth of higher-end shopping to Madison
Avenue north of 59th Street. You will find a number of big-name, big-ticket designers
radiating from the crossroads, including Versace, Chanel, Dior, and Cartier. You'll also
find big-name jewelers here, as well as grand old department stores such as Bergdorf
Goodman, Henri Bendel, and Saks Fifth Avenue -- all Fifth Avenue mainstays that
must at least be browsed, even if your budget won't allow for more than longing glances
at the goods.
Mall with a View -- The Shops at Columbus Circle mall, in the Time Warner Center,
features not only some of the biggest (and most expensive) names in retail, but it also
offers shopping with a view of Central Park. Situated just off the southwest corner of
Central Park, the mall is 2 city blocks long and four stories high. But for shoppers who
set their sights on such retailers as Williams Sonoma Home, A/X Armani Exchange,
Coach, Hugo Boss, Eileen Fisher, Thomas Pink, Borders, and the massive 59,000square-foot Whole Foods Market, does the picturesque view really matter? For more
information and a complete list of stores, check the mall's website at
www.shopsatcolumbus.com, or call tel. 212/823-6300.
Uptown
Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue from 57th to 79th streets boasts the most expensive retail real estate
in the world. Bring lots of plastic. This ultradeluxe strip -- particularly in the high 60s -- is
home to the most luxurious designer boutiques, with Barneys New York as the anchor.
Don't be intimidated by the glamour of this shopper's mile or any of the celebrities you're
likely to bump into. There are affordable treasures to be had, such as the Ginger Flower
room spray at Chinese luxury boutique Shanghai Tang (600 Madison Ave.; tel.
212/888-0111) or a pair of crystal cufflinks at the international Lalique boutique at 609
Madison Ave. (tel. 212/355-6550).
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side's best shopping street is Columbus Avenue. Small shops
catering to the neighborhood's white-collar mix of young hipsters and families line both
sides of the pleasant avenue from 66th Street to about 86th Street. Highlights include
Maxilla & Mandible -- the "world's first and only osteological store" -- for museumquality natural-science-based gifts and Harry's Shoes, but you won't lack for good
browsing along here. The Shops at Columbus Circle also offers a world of upscale
choices for shopping.
Boutiques also dot Amsterdam Avenue, but main-drag Broadway is most notable for its
terrific gourmet edibles at Zabar's and Fairway markets.
Shopping One-Two-Five Street -- It's official: 125th Street is more vibrant than ever -a true shopping thoroughfare, especially on the blocks between St. Nicholas Avenue
and Fifth Avenue. Big chains, such as Old Navy, the Children's Store, H&M, the Body
Shop, Starbucks, and Modell's, have recently set up franchises on 125th.
Travel and lodging information is provided as a courtesy. MCE Conferences has no
affiliation with any of the providers. We hope that the service provided meets your
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Have a wonderful time in New York City!
The Staff at MCE Conferences