Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with NYC

Who will fix my readynas?

shothotbot — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:45:49 -0800

I have a Readynas which will not boot. I have gone through support and am ready to give up. Assuming the problem is fixable, is there anyone in New York who you would trust with recovering your music / photo collection?

Awesome activities in and around New York City?

arantius — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:10:19 -0800

I'm lucky enough to work for a company that sponsors occasional off-site activities for team building. We get to go anywhere and do anything we want together, self organized, within a reasonable budget. We're (mostly) 20- and 30-something males. I'm looking for more awesome things to do in Manhattan, or within an hour or two's drive (i.e. chartered bus). Within one day or possibly including an overnight stay. Things we've done in the past:
* Bus to Atlantic City with a one night stay there
* Fishing trip off of Long Island
* Visited a gun range in PA and shot all sorts of guns
* The New York auto show
* A hockey game at Madison Square Garden
* Go karting
* Quad Bike/ATV offroading
* Six Flags Great Adventure

Lots of us seem to be up for some sort of hiking/camping/geocaching type thing. Generally anything fun and/or exciting is worth consideration.

Budget of roughly $100/head (more or less, we can "save up" two outings worth for really exciting things).

Education That Make You Sweat

The Whelk — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 07:53:10 -0800

Kinda fit 20ish guy in NYC looking for classes that have physical activity as a large component. I'm not looking for sports teams or exercise classes, but " learn a skill/a thing" classes that just happen to require you to lift, run, haul, etc. A spinning class would be out, but horseback riding would be a bit closer ( but not actually horseback riding). Ideally I could get to this class on the subway.

Where should we meet for lunch and beers in Midtown/Chelsea?

computech_apolloniajames — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:16:18 -0800

I'm meeting with a friend tomorrow afternoon for a few beers and something to eat, and I'm drawing a complete blank! An old friend is in town, and as the local, I have the responsibility of choosing where. I am having a last-minute brain freeze, and cannot think of what would A. be tasty, B. have a good beer selection, and C. not be insanely crowded or expensive. Yes, I know this is prime brunch time (but for really dumb reasons, I cannot bring myself to say I'm going to brunch). He will be guitar shopping, I will be coming from the UWS, so really anyplace on the west side would be game. Thanks for your suggestions. We have no food restrictions or requirements.

Hit by a fence

zackola — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:28:11 -0800

So I was biking home from work last night and was hit by a fence. It was very windy and a portion of the fence at Grand St. and Center St. in Manhattan blew over onto me. I'm mostly fine, a little bruised but annoyed because it tore my fancy rain jacket. I know I'm going to get a lot of IANAL responses but I wanted to see if anyone had suggestions of things I could do to possibly be remunerated for the jacket by the city. Here's a picture of the bloodthirsty fence after I extricated myself and my bike from it. Any advice much appreciated.

One of these days these boots are gonna...vanish into thin air?

DeWalt_Russ — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:06:09 -0800

Asking for a dear friend who lost some beloved footwear over the course of a move: Where in New York City do you go to get a nice pair of cowboy boots?

Kill them. Kill them with fire. But which fire and how much?

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:12:27 -0800

[NYC-filter] We definitely have bedbugs - no question - and know that we need an exterminator. We will need to pay for it ourselves. What are some good, discreet, effective (preferably inexpensive) NYC exterminators? And how much do they cost, especially for the size of our infestation? Are there any better steps we can take in the meantime to prepare, minimize the infestation size, and lower our costs? We have what we believe to be a small infestation - bugs have only been sighted in the bed area, in a few wall cracks. Diatomaceous earth has already been laid down. Our apartment is big but uncluttered and we think most of it is safe.

We've checked Bedbug Forums but there are so many professionals there that I think it's hard to get unbiased advice, thus the turning to AskMe.

Throwaway email is thebedbugsmustdie@yahoo.com

Answers appreciated in advance.

Where in New York City can I take some parents to hear the Blues?

Sokka shot first — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 06:04:16 -0800

My friend's parents are going to be in town from June 14-17, and they want to see some Blues. Anyplace with Jazz is apparently a no-go; has be be Blues exclusively. Quoting an email I got from the friend in question:

My parents and I have a long and colorful disagreement over the definition of the musical genre "the Blues". Hard-pressed to name a single band as an example, my father threw out the Chicago Blues Festival, and the local Jackson, Michigan Blues Festival as examples.

Places that have already been ruled out:

B.B. King's (preemptively vetoed as too expensive and too touristy)
Terra Blues (evidently the parents in question were shushed in there for being too boisterous)
55 Club (Not reliably blues-only, also nothing at all on the dates in question)
The Groove (Not reliably blues-only)

Evidently Fat Cat's is under consideration, the only problem reportedly being that Fat Cat's is not necessarily a place where the music is central to the experience, and many patrons aren't there for the music.

I'm totally at a loss as to what to suggest.

Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Brooklyn/Manhattan on short notice?

yaymukund — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:20:55 -0800

My dad and cousin are visiting tomorrow— what's a good vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Brooklyn or Manhattan where we could get a table for three around 7pm today on short notice? It should be pretty nice and quiet. Dirt Candy would be perfect, but it looks like we're too late to get a table for tonight.

Where is this wedding dress shop?

AlisonM — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 19:05:11 -0800

Please help me find this retro wedding dress boutique in NYC that caters to plus-sized women. I may have totally made up this place in my head. So back when I got engaged, I poked around online looking at places to buy wedding dresses in NYC. All the usual suspects came up, but I remember coming across a boutique-type shop that catered to plus-size brides. (They may also do "regular" sizes.) Their dresses were not traditional and floofy. From what I remember, they were sort of retro. I think they may have been on the upper east side. I'm pretty sure that their website had a pink background.

Stupidly, I didn't bookmark their website.

I've done all the google searches I can think of, and all I'm coming up with are all the usual wedding dress places and ads. This place was definitely a small, independent shop. Anyone know the place I'm thinking of? Or was it in my dreams?

lunch on upper east side

third rail — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 18:02:02 -0800

Please suggest a lunch spot on the upper east side, as close to 74th and Lexington as possible; I need to suggest a place to meet and I am blanking on suitable places within a couple of blocks of that intersection. I need a not-loud, not-super-hip place that is basically good salads, sandwiches, omelets, etc., definitely not a diner but not super expensive. Something like a Pain Quotidien menu (I recall there is one on E. 77th and one down about 10 blocks on Lex) but something a little less hectic than that. The diners can't walk all the way to Yorkville though the brunchy american restaurants there are the kind of place that would work well for this event. Any ideas? Thanks. If something seems like a good suggestion but has a different menu please feel free to suggest.

The Happiest Drink in the World in NYC?

kimdog — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:49:41 -0800

Where can I get Babycham in NYC? Either by the glass in a bar, or for purchase by the bottle. Mail order is fine, too. I'm not looking for any substitutes or similar products... I want the prancing deer!

What is the deal with Presbyterian Delis?

el io — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:21:58 -0800

I just moved to NYC for the summer, am living in Washington Heights. It's a pretty dense commercial area with a ton of shops. Among these shops are a number of places that call themselves "Presbyterian Deli." What is this? I'm certainly familiar with the idea of a Jewish deli (serving kosher food); but I have no idea what this is - what is a Presbyterian Deli? Does the religion play a part? Are there any dietary restrictions? Is this just a brand that has no affiliation with anything in particular. Here is a picture of one.

Need to park a motorcycle for 2 weeks (continuously) this July in NYC.

jacobdezoet — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:25:49 -0800

Hello. I acquired a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB250 last summer, and now I need to leave town (Manhattan) for 2 weeks in July. Help me figure out what to do. I don't have any motorcyclist friends who can take my bike away to their garages or move my bike back and forth.

I may appeal to my doormen or advertise in my building (for pay of course), however I'm shy and I worry what would happen if someone fell through, so, I'm wondering:

1) Is there somewhere (perhaps your fine neighborhood?) I can park a motorcycle for 2 weeks in one of the 5 boroughs or Jersey and not have to move it (i.e., no Alternate Side Parking - though I'm also worried about random "DO NOT PARK" signs going up after I've left it and won't be back). I have also seen Primo Spot but I don't really want to drive to Queens to find out if it's right (though it is in my neighborhood).
2) I have heard of free parking for motorcycles at JFK airport. Can anyone confirm this is For Real? See here or here
3) I have a quote for $200 for the 2 weeks in a nearby garage. Should I just do that or would I be fine doing it a freebie way?
4) If I do pay someone to do it, what would a reasonable rate even be?
5) Anything else I haven't considered?

Let me be clear on a couple points: this is not an expensive bike, it's more of an old beater that gives me trouble, but I'm a beginner so it's alright for me. I'd rather it wasn't stolen, but if it is, well, I wouldn't be heartbroken. I'd prefer it didn't fall over, but again, not the end of the world if it does. My main concern is not accruing a bunch of parking tickets or having the thing impounded so I can enjoy my 2 weeks away and not stress.

Thanks MeFites!

Good bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:52:53 -0800

Seeking a good bar or bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for this Saturday night. We're a group of about eight (for a decidedly non-rowdy bachelor party), and we'll be wrapping up dinner at Cubana Socíal (N. 6th & Wythe) at around 10:30 or so. We'd love to head to a place somewhere within reasonable walking distance that's fairly low key, not overpriced, not terribly loud, and (this is the holy grail, right?) not super-crowded. I'd be grateful for any recommendations. Thank you!

What are some good Italian Food in the Meatpacking district in NYC

FireStyle — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:49:01 -0800

My buddy is going on a first date with a girl and wanted to take her out to Italian in the meatpacking district in NYC. What are good choices in that area. He's looking to keep the total bill to around $125, but remember this is a first date, so we need to impress a little as well ;) Thx! Firestyle

Possibly Moving back to London- Help?

bquarters — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:54:27 -0800

Hi, I am considering moving back to London after over a decade in NYC. I have a few questions that I am curious about. But after just typing and erasing them- I am just going to ask how other people have found the differences between living and working in (not visiting!) the two cities. When I first came to NYC I was wowed by how you can 'order anything' (ie sandwiches without butter!) and the 'linear streets' and 'bright sunlight' (all of which I was sorely missing in London that year I lived there) but now I am wondering if there is a different cultural feel? The question about third cultures yesterday made me think- how much of an impact would the external city have on how you feel culturally/personally? I was much younger when I moved previously and also I am looking for other people's opinions and observations.

Has anyone lived in both cities and lived to tell about it? Also, I am very concerned about the money (I would be taking a pay cut from NYC) and the housing factors. Insight into either topic would be helpful but may have to be saved for the next question!

Best route from Brooklyn to I-80W in a big-ass truck?

Dr. Wu — Tue, 28 May 2013 06:05:08 -0800

Moving out of Brooklyn (finally). As I see it, there are two basic options. Can you tell me which one is a better bet, and/or suggest an alternate route? Mrs. Dr. Wu and I are moving out of Brooklyn in a few days, and will be packing all of our belongings into the biggest truck that Penske rents: a 26-footer, with a height of 12'1". We need to get to I-80 westbound, which we'll pick up in New Jersey.

We'll be leaving from Crown Heights, just east of the easternmost point of Prospect Park.

Since we don't have a car and are not familiar with traffic patterns or height restrictions, we're unsure of the best way to get to I-80. Can you please help me determine the best route? I'm particularly concerned about the height restrictions.

Here are the two main options, as I can figure it out from the official NYC truck route map. (Pretty big PDF file, but that's not a direct PDF link.)

Route #1
- Nostrand Avenue SOUTH to Church St
- Church St WEST to Prospect Park Expwy
- Prospect Park Expwy WEST to Gowanus Pkwy
- Gowanus Pkwy SOUTH to 278 EAST, crossing the Verrazano / Staten Island / Goethals Bridge
- 278 to 95 NORTH (NJ Turnpike)
- 95/NJT to I-80 westbound

The advantages of Route #1 would seem to be that it would avoid Manhattan traffic, and that it has more generous height restrictions. Disadvantages are that it is circuitous and expensive: the Verrazano and Goethals Bridge tolls are fairly steep.

Route #2
- Nostrand Avenue NORTH to Atlantic Avenue
- Atlantic Avenue WEST to 278 in Brooklyn Heights-ish
- 278 (BQE) NORTH/EAST all the way up through Brooklyn, Queens, and, via the Grand Central Pkwy, across Randall's Island
- 278 to 87 / Major Deegan NORTH/WEST to 95
- 95 WEST across Manhattan, across the George Washington Bridge, and into NJ
- 95 to I-80 WEST in NJ

The advantages of Route #2 is that it seems to be more direct, and has fewer tolls. But I'm worried about traffic and low bridges.

We hope to get on the road by about 1:00pm on Sunday, June 2. I'm hoping that midday Sunday traffic - on the weekend after a holiday weekend - won't be so bad.

It's going to be a busy, probably hot, stressful day of packing and driving a huge-ass vehicle, so the least stressful route is perhaps the best. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Finding Notary NYC...level: Difficult

bquarters — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:35:06 -0800

Hi, I am looking for a notary in NYC. Yes I have seen this question. No, my workplace doesn't have this sort of service. Yes, I went to the bank, they said they "cannot notarized that something is a true and like copy of the original". Yes, I work normal hours so ideally wanted to do it this weekend but will take time off work (which means the whole day since I work in the middle of nowhere) if necessary. Ideally in Union Square/East Village area but really I am willing to go anywhere. Please help me!

TL:DR- I need a notary to certify documents are copies of originals. Willing to travel anywhere in NYC area. Thanks.

Thai Basil in NYC

willie11 — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:31:35 -0800

Where can I buy Thai Basil in NYC?

Green Mountain Energy in NYC

greta simone — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:04 -0800

New York City dwellers: Do you use Green Mountain Energy for your household power? Why or why not? I see those guys promoting on the street and it seems like a good deal. Have you/do you have it? How does the cost (fixed rate) compare to normal ConEd costs? Do they have good customer service? Are you happy with it? Why or why not? I'm moving into my own place in the city for the first time and I've never been the holder of the electricity account (I paid roommates my portion).

Thanks!

Dinner in Williamsburg for 10

Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:08:53 -0800

Looking for a restaurant in Williamsburg that can accommodate about 10 people on a Saturday night in June, for a bachelor party. Will not be a stereotypical raucous, wasted BP crowd, but would like someplace laid back. More details inside. Per my earlier question, we'll be starting the evening off at Barcade, and after dinner, we're going to Brooklyn Bowl. Here's a Google map showing both; ideally, we'd like to find someplace somewhere roughly between these two destinations. (We don't want to traipse too far off course.)

We'd also like someplace reasonably affordable—we aren't looking for a steakhouse or break-the-bank kind of place. Otherwise pretty agnostic about cuisine, as long as vegetarians won't have too hard a time. (That rarely seems to be a problem in NYC, though.)

And as a throw-in, if you can recommend any bars in the vicinity of Brooklyn Bowl for a last-stop-of-the-night sort of place, I'd be appreciative as well. Thanks!

Iconic buildings/symbols of Astoria or Queens

unknowncommand — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:43:09 -0800

I'm wanting to do a project similar to this, but for Astoria (specifically, if possible) or Queens (generally, if that works out better). So basically, I'm looking for suggestions of iconic people/places/things that represent the neighborhood and/or borough, and would evoke fond memories for folks who have lived there. I'm not going to be taking photos, so I'm not limited to things that currently exist or that are concrete (as a terrible example of this, I mean that an apple could represent "the Big Apple"). I've already thought of Shea Stadium and the World's Fair stuff in Flushing Meadows (QMA, Unisphere, NYState buildings, etc.) What am I missing, Queens-folk?

Great NYC self-serve copy shops?

Narrative Priorities — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:43:01 -0800

I want to organize a small event where people would make/assemble their own b&w zines and minicomics. Is there a copy shop that meets my needs? Things that this ideal copy shop would have:

- Enough room for several people to work - tables where you can organize your material, more than one machine, etc

- Analog black and white machines, as opposed to digital

- Lets you make your own copies

- Either has a lot of paper stock to choose from or lets you bring/load your own paper

- Has the ability to trim copies down, if needed

- Proximity to a space where people can hang out and work for a long period of time -- coffee shop, public library, preferably some place that has tables -- or so large and laid back that we can do the whole event there

- Easily accessible by NYC public transit

The Staples in Park Slope (4th Ave and 3rd) will do in a pinch, but their copiers aren't great and I'd rather patronize a local business.

I'd be willing to travel a little outside the five boroughs for a really great shop, as long as it's easy walking distance from the train and the ride isn't so long that it'll discourage my friends.

I realize this is probably a long shot, but if any group of people can help me out with this, it's you guys!

Moving from London to NYC

colie — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:38:48 -0800

I'm 40, likely to be moving to NYC from London with my partner and 11 year old daughter, and am fortunate enough to have an apartment to rent out in London which gives me a budget of 5,000 dollars a month. Where would MeFi people recommend to live in Manhattan when looking for a 2 bedroom place with that budget? I have no clue, have never been there but it seems like the greatest place on Earth!