Rossini's NYC - Cutting corners cuts business - Fuhgeddaboudit

Rossini’s Restaurant

108 E 38^th Street

New York City 10016

212-683-0135

http://rossinisrestaurant.com/

Lunch and dinner

By Jane Feehan

Open since 1978, Rossini’s has drawn Madison Avenue execs and minions seeking quality service,  comfortable, sophisticated surroundings, and long ago, good food. One who used to patronize Rossini’s suggested I stop by, recalling his good ol’ days there. He suggested I try their lobster.

Those who say you can’t go home again must have had Rossini’s in mind. I knew I was in trouble when lobster wasn't listed on the menu and tilapia was the fish of the day. That’s one fish I won’t eat. It’s farmed, full of hormones, antibiotics and void of good omega 3s. Cheap. (See: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400472/Avoid-Tilapia.html)  I settled on swordfish. It was so old -- mealy and mushy and covered in sauce -- I could barely down the second forkful. Then I asked for a half order of spaghetti and was sorely disappointed. Overcooked and swimming in olive oil. Fuhgeddaboudit.

Even the wine was lousy - their "private" label. The cabernet sauvignon tasted the same as their pinot noir. That cheap. There were no other wines by the glass. The service was excellent except for the snotty captain who ran through a litany of specials looking at his watch or behind him to goggle at the people straggling in.

To the restaurant’s credit, they reduced my bill by about a third without me saying anything. They knew how bad the fish was. No, this is one place I won’t return to. Seems the competition in the Murray Hill area is forcing Rossini’s to cut corners.

Tags: Italian restaurants in New York City, Italian restaurants in Murray Hill, Madison Avenue restaurants

New York City Subway system: a trove of history and an engineering marvel

Mosaic eagle by Heins&Lafargel/
John H. Parry Co.

By Jane Feehan
For transit directions, visit: http://hopstop.com

The Big Apple's subway system, the best way to get around in the city, continues to fascinate me.

Today’s subway was not the first mass transit in New York. It was attempted a few times during the 19^th century by private companies. Horse drawn carriages were pulled along tracks, then electricity-driven trolleys prevailed. Elevated tracks ruled for a time, carrying locomotives with commuters through a major route across the city. The first subway was created by Alfred E. Beach in 1870. It ran under lower Broadway for three years and was operated by pneumatic pressure and a giant fan. 

Subway route today

Today’s official system was launched by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRTC) October 27, 1904. A 9.1-mile route included 28 station stops from City Hall to 145^th Street and Broadway.  The numbered lines are part of the original system; the lettered routes were added later. The New York City subway system is the nation’s oldest and the world’s largest (by track mileage). It was the first subway to be mechanically ventilated. Twenty three lines move millions of people through the city each day. A New Yorker familiar with subway stats and history told me one of the lines (I will not mention for security reasons) is the world’s most traveled subway route.

Some of the original tiles, along with several beautiful  ceramic mosaic eagles, can be seen on some of the older lines. The photos here were taken at the 33^rd Street station along the 6 line. Be careful taking photos, it’s not allowed – something I found out afterward. For more history – much more – visit one of the sites below.

 http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.mta.info/nyct/facts/ffhist.htm

Tags: NYC subway, NYC subway history, mass transit history New York, world’s largest subway system, film industry researcher.

Amish Market - a Whole Foods alternative in NYC

Amish Market

240 East 45th St. New York, NY 10017 (btwn 2nd Ave & 3rd Ave) Subway stop for the 6 line nearby
Open: Mon - Sat 7am - 9:30pm, Sun 8am - 9:30pm
(212) 370-1761

http://orderamishmarketnyc.com/FoodDelivery/RestaurantLocations.m

By Jane Feehan

It’s tough locating quality food markets with a healthy variety of fresh vegetables and organics in New York City. Amish Market, a “gourmet market group” with several locations in the city fills the grocery store void in several locations and provides an alternative to the overcrowded, frenetic Whole Foods Markets throughout Manhattan.

I stopped at the Amish Market on East 45^th Street recently to stock up the kitchen in my studio hotel room. Beautiful baked goods and desserts were on display at the entrance along with an array of breads. Fresh brewed coffee and a sweet make Amish Market an ideal spot for a continental breakfast. They don’t bake items there but the onion bread I picked up was fresh and delicious. Plenty of produce is available along with some organics at reasonable prices. I was impressed with their collection of vinegars and olive oils, truffle oil – even avocado oil.  A grocery shopper with a flair for gourmet cooking will everything here, including fresh seafood and meats.

A small collection of fine cookware, chocolates, and food baskets make the Amish Market a great place to pick up a gift.   Hot and cold food bars (about $8 a pound) in their cafe and a sandwich counter near the entrance are popular spots for lunch or a light dinner.

Amish Market caters parties and also delivers light breakfasts, lunches and dinners from its other locations. Order online and find other Amish Markets at: http://orderamishmarketnyc.com/FoodDelivery/RestaurantLocations.m

Tags: Grocery stores in New York City, gourmet markets Manhattan, organic produce in Manhattan, alternatives to Whole Foods Markets in New York City, Manhattan grocery stores, Manhattan groceries, film researcher

FEMA, New York's biggest booster. Really.

Photo by Paul Lomatire*. FEMA message also appeared on the
Jumbotron, Times Square and soon at Lincoln Center

By Jane Feehan

Checking in from New York City.

FEMA is operating full throttle to help those  displaced from their homes by Hurricane Sandy.

Thousands of us are here working 12-14 hours a day, six days a week through the holidays, away from home and loved ones with one thought, one mission: to assist people whose lives have been turned upside down by the super storm.

Despite negative stories the news media seems to thrive upon, FEMA is making a difference. Federal money is pouring in, approaching the billion dollar mark. FEMA doesn't make storm survivors whole again, but is instrumental in laying a foundation for a new start.  Hang in there New Yorkers; it's a long road to recovery. Just ask the Gulf Coast. Survivors of Hurricane Katrina have built back stronger and smarter. So will New York. A new life takes time to launch.
And you in the news media, cut us a break. Please.

* Paul Lomatire, a former reporter for the Palm Beach Post, also writes with Jane Feehan for FEMA.

  Tags: Super Storm Sandy, impacts of Hurricane Sandy in New York, FEMA assistance in New York, New York City  

Keens Steakhouse - New York City - steaks, churchwarden pipes, and history

Keens Steakhouse (their sign says "Chophouse")

72 West 36^th Street

New York, NY

212-947-3636

Monday-Friday: 11:45 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Saturday: 5-10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 5-9 p.m.

Closed only at Christmas

keens.com

By Jane Feehan

Once a meeting place for the famous and the only survivor of the Herald Square Theater District, Keens is one of those New York restaurants that people flock to for its fin de siècle ambiance and traditional menu of quality steaks.

Theater district figure Albert Keen took ownership of the restaurant in 1885 and turned the spot into a gathering place for actors, playwrights, publishers and newspaper types. There’s lots of history here, including some Abe Lincoln memorabilia and a large collection of churchwarden pipes – those pipes that smokers would leave at a favorite restaurant for their return visit because they were too fragile to haul around.  

Keens took reservations for 800 this Thanksgiving; it’s a popular place. Steaks reign but fish entrées win accolades. Their bar draws lots of locals, including New York Times reporters with bylines - an interesting bunch. Keens’ pub menu offers less pretentious fare than the main dining rooms, including sandwiches, burgers and salads. Friendly bartenders make the solitary diner feel comfortable. Garage parking is directly across the street.

Tags: New York steak house, New York City restaurants, New York City dining, New York history, film research

National Parks or Preserves in or near South Florida

NATIONAL PRESERVE

Big Cypress

Ochopee, FL

The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther.

Directions »

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NATIONAL PARK

Biscayne

Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL

Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife... or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

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NATIONAL SEASHORE

Canaveral

Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, FL

Situated on a barrier island along Florida's east coast, inviting park highlights include pristine, undeveloped beach, dunes and lagoon offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails. (more)

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NATIONAL PARK

Dry Tortugas

Key West, FL

Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and its military past. Watch the new 'Plan Your Visit' video here or on YouTube!

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NATIONAL PARK

Everglades

Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL

Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world. Everglades National Parks.

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For things to do in Fort Lauderdale, see: http://tinyurl.com/7lbr3e3

   Tags: Parks in South Florida, things to do in South Florida

Flap over Hallandale bridge color

Heading east

By Jane Feehan

A number of residents, and reportedly, Mayor Joy Cooper, are not thrilled with the color the city painted the bridge and its ramps connecting Hallandale’s barrier island with the mainland. 

The city recently paid $33,000 to clean and paint the state-owned bridge "Shoreline Coral."  No one seems to know who picked the color, one of the hues also seen around city hall. Someone there likes bright colors; the iconic water tower (see photo) serves as precedent.  The bridge's paint job and a possible redo may be discussed at an upcoming city commission meeting.

Traveling west

I like it, but don't live there. Perhaps some movie makers on location will use footage of the bridge in SOFLA scenes ... Or, each city can adopt a color for their Intracoastal bridge ... or ...

Tags:  Hallandale, why is Hallandale bridge painted pink?,Hallandale news, South Florida Intracoastal bridges, Hallandale bridge

Good Morning Fort Lauderdale! (Photos)

Tags: Fort Lauderdale beach, sunrise in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale photos