Month: December 2012

Shimmie Horn

Things to Do in NYC on New Year’s

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ball-dropThere’s probably no more exciting place to be on New Year’s than in New York City, the City that Never Sleeps.   Whether you are there on business, vacationing at one of Shimmie Horn’s luxurious Triumph Hotels, or happen to be privileged enough to live in the Big Apple, why not make 2013 the year opening to remember, by getting tickets to the Times Square Party?

Pass prices for the 10th annual event range from $235 for standard fare from 9pm, to $295 from 7pm.  Each add-on (for various dinner packages) is $55.  The After Parties Party Pass which gives one complimentary admission to any of the Official NYE 2013 After Parties.  These commence at approximately 2am and usually cost around $35 for entrance.  The Parties All Access Party Pass gives one admission to some of the city’s most exclusive clubs, lounges and restaurants.  For partying in “green” style, check out Greenhouse which is both the city’s Premiere Nightlife Destination and first ever eco-friendly nightclub. There are over 10 after parties to choose from with this pass.

And of course, while in town, check out the crystal ball drop with its “lucky” Number 13.  Tim Hopkins is not concerned about the traditional unluckiness associated with the number claiming “we think 2013 will be an amazing year.”  Well, for those seeing it start in NYC, it probably will.

Iroquois Hotel

New Year’s in New York

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Shimmie Horn
Relaxing near Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel

It’s not that long until New Year’s.  The time has thus come to start planning for the festive occasion.  For those who happen to be fortunate enough to be in New York City – perhaps in the center by the Theater District at Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel, or the Bryant Park Hotel – the place to be when the clock strikes midnight is with a great view of the Times Square Ball dropping.

The entire area will seem like an outdoors party.  Starting at 42nd Street and spreading all the way down to Central Park, those who want to enjoy Times Square on New Year’s Eve will be able to participate in a cool party.  Enjoy the city’s lights while watching – live – the infamous drop of the New York City Times Square Waterford Crystal Ball!

For a particularly spectacular view, Sentry Center is where one needs to be.  It towers over 20 stories above all the partygoers, giving one an outstanding view of this infamous event.  Not only will one be privy to the ball dropping, they will also be able to see the tremendous crowds of people outside enjoying their experience watching the city move into 2013.

Chandler Hotel

Exclusive Sushi on the Lower East Side

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For sushi with a difference, check out Rayuela.  Offering creative sushi dishes, this restaurant is perhaps, surprisingly, not even Japanese, but Latino!  Located in New York’s Lower East Side, the eatery’s signature dish – tuna rellena – is very popular, having survived two menu makeovers.  So what does this $14 dish offer?  Atkins would be proud since it is a far cry from traditional sushi (omitting the rice) but focuses on avocado and tuna and is, simultaneously, in line with Latin-fusion.  Other ingredients include shrimp and crab which are joined together by spicy chipotle aioli.  Avocado mousse and mandolined cucumbers grace this dish along with a soy sauce broth.

So for those in the area – maybe on vacation or business – who want to get a feel for Latinos and Asian fare, enjoy a bite (or 10!) at Rayuela!

Shimmie Horn

Pedicabs for Tourists

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Tourists anywhere in the world are, unfortunately, a prime target for getting taken advantage of.  Whether it is at market stores, negotiating with street vendors, or even taking a cab ride, tourists have a generally harder time staying on a budget than locals.  However, there is now good news for those who happen to be taking a vacation in New York, perhaps staying at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, Gramercy Park Hotel, or The Jane Hotel.  The city’s local council just approved new regulations for pedicabs in the area, with the specific goal of safeguarding tourists against greedy, unethical cab drivers. Pedicab drivers are now being legally requested to charge their customers by the minute, with the timer clearly visible.

Until now, it has been more common for pedicab drivers to charge per city block and passenger, with some even putting on additional fees and surcharges.  There was one dreadful case a few months ago of a Texan family paying over $400 for a 14-block ride.  Now, with the new pedicab law, this issue just will not arise.