0 Next Stop...Floor 54

54 Stories above the streets of Times Square, sits the Highest Rooftop Bar in Manhattan. The name? Well you guessed it...Bar 54, which is located inside the Hyatt Times Square, on well, the 54th floor.

Last week we were given the chance to try out the newest, hippest spot in Manhattan.  Let me start this off though by saying the staff is absolutely phenomenal, extremely genuine and very helpful. Not to mention the bar tenders and chefs are DAMN good at their jobs.

Now, it is a high-end lounge and with that comes some steep prices for drinks.  My favorite, the Rhapsody in Rye (Bulleit Rye, Ramazzotti Amaro, Benedictine, Dry Vermouth, Angostura, and Orange Bitters), will run you $25 dollars. HOWEVER!!! DO NOT!! Let the prices steer you away because the Rhapsody in Rye is definitely worth it. My other go to drink of the evening was the Green Submarine (Pimm's, Tanqueray Gin, Green Chartreuse, Ginger Syrup, Lemon, Cucumber, Soda), which was actually served in a punch bowl.

Bar 54, also has some AMAZING food. They managed to make great dishes better and things that I'd probably never order very enjoyable. Things like the Chicken Liver Mousse (Pomegranate, Sorrel, Crostini).  I'd have to say that the Pomegranate really makes this little dish, in that you have no idea you're eating liver (which by the way, I was VERY hesitant to eat since I'm not really a liver fan). The Sweetness of the pomegranate, mixed with the crostini = YUM! HOWEVERRRRR, my favorite bite of the night *insert drum roll please*....was the pulled pork slidah (Boston accent added for no reason).  I can't confirm nor deny I may have followed the waiter around grabbing one each time around. Pork was tender, and the pickles had just enough bite to them to compliment the sauce to a T! Next time I make it there I want to try out Porchetta Sandwich, because I love Porchetta, and well bacon. 

The decor has a very modern feel to it, with couches and chairs setup to make you feel comfortable, and right at home. However, the spotlight of the place is their rooftop deck, which overlooks Times Square, and has a direct sight line to One World Trade Center. I wish it wasn't so cold out this night as I  would have loved to enjoy the view a little bit more.  They do have little heaters and fireplaces on the deck to keep you warm, but the warmth inside was way more appealing!

I'm looking forward to making a trip back here in the spring/summer when the weather is nicer, to really get a good feel for the whole spot. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get dressed up for a really nice night out in Manhattan.

We would like to give a very special thank you to Paula who made the opportunity for us possible, and also to Klair and Richard for helping make the night a great one. We are extremely appreciative and look forward to seeing you all again very soon!

Bar 54

135 West 45th Street

(646) 364-1234

0 Best Burger Hunt NYC - Part 5 (The Perfect Pint)

I know some of you have been to The Perfect Pint, and you're probably saying to yourself...Marty, seriously? You're putting THEM on your list?? Yea, well, you obviously haven't had their lamb burger...so SHUT UP!! Kidding...I love you guys, but seriously...you've never had it.

0 Best Burger Hunt NYC - Part 4 (Bobby Vans Burger)

Bobby Vans Burger is directly across the street from my job, it was cold out, tons of co-workers had suggested trying it and had given it rave reviews. Naturally, I had to give it a try.

2 Staycation in NYC

Ok, well it wasn't much of a Staycation, and was more of a one night fling.  As many of you know, it snowed out here in NYC and Long Island on Tuesday.  Being that I work in NYC, we had events going on at my firm Tuesday and Wednesday night.  The problem was, the snow was getting so bad, getting home tuesday night, and getting in Wednesday Morning were going to be quite difficult for me. SOOOO....my firm offered to put me up in a hotel for the night.  Turns out, a brand new Hyatt opened up three doors down from my office.  I always admire how nice it is from the outside, well last night....I got to admire it first hand.

The front desk staff is EXTREMELY nice and helpful.  Honestly, haven't encountered a staff like that in quite a long time.  They were welcoming and comforting, and were eager to answer any questions about the amenities of the hotel.

When I got to my room, I was blown away honestly.  It was awesome and very New York City. What really surprised me when I walked in was a personalized card and some brownies from Fat Witch.  Earlier in the day I had been tweeting with the hotels account, trying to find out if any rooms were available, and just asking general questions about the hotel.  It was a very nice touch, and very much appreciative (Thanks Paula).

I won't lie, I had a pretty awesome room. I had a nice living room with a couch, and a 40 inch flat screen. The desk was very large, and definitely enough space to do any work that may have needed to get done.

The bathroom was very nice, and I loved the shower! I don't know why, but I LOVE when the shower head is above you in the ceiling, kind of like your under a waterfall.  There's just something so refreshing about just standing under there, it relaxes me.

The most important part in my eyes, the bedroom! I had a very nice king sized bed with another 40 inch flat screen TV on the wall.  TONS of closet space(which I didn't utilize in the least bit, seeing as I was only there for a few hours).  Let me tell you, that bed was extremely comfortable.  From the pillows, the blanket, and the mattress, I slept soundly with no problems what so ever.  Which I know is a problem for a lot of people when staying at hotels, in that they can't really get comfortable at all.  WELL, this bed, hands down wins best hotel bed award in my book.

What really got me though, the cleanliness of everything.  I've stayed at my fair share of hotels around the country, and the Hyatt takes the cake for cleanliest one I've stayed at so far.

So, if you're going to be around the area of Times Square, or just staying in the city, I HIGHLY suggest staying here.  With the upcoming Super Bowl, it is the prime spot to stay at being Super Bowl Boulevard is about a 45 second walk away.

I'd like to personally thank the entire staff, and Paula, for being extremely helpful and welcoming for my one night stay.

Hyatt Times Square

135 West 45th Street, New York, NY

(646) 364-1234

@HyattTimeSquare

0 Best Burger Hunt NYC - Part 2 (The Counter)

After all the talk of burgers on Friday, naturally, I had to get one. So to continue my quest for the best burger in NYC, I landed at a make your own joint called The Counter. I always pass this place on my walk home from work and have been meaning to try it.

2 Get the wings he said.....

Alright, so George, who is also a member of the NomInNY team, told me to go to Virgil's BBQ to get the wings. Told me that they were mindblowing and I would not be disappointed. Being a 30 second walk from work, I said what the hell, it's Friday, why not??  

I didn't even look at the menu, ordered a drink, and told my waiter I'd like the chicken wings please. Now, when I think wings, I think small, bar style wings. No joke, no less than 10 minutes, a HUGE plate of five chicken wings was put in front of me. it was NOT what I expected in the least bit.

Put right in front of me I could smell the rub they used on the wings, which was pretty much a dry rub with spices in it. Really hit the nostrils good though. Wasn't sure how to attack these massive pieces of chicken, so I started with fork and knife. That failed miserably. Just picked it up and went to work. The chicken was tender, juicy, and just flat out delicious!! I demolished each and every piece, and left no prisoners.  

I would absolutely recommend these to anyone. Also, don't let the whole "but it's in Times Square" fear get you down, just suck it up and GO!! You'll thank both of us after you eat them. 

Virgil's Real BBQ

152 West 44th Street

212-921-9494