Sandwiched between two colossal parks, this northern Manhattan neighborhood gets its name from the park that runs along Broadway and the Hudson River, the Fort Tryon. Fort George is the name of the last fort of its sort (pardon the tongue twister) which was built in 1776 at the intersection of Audubon Avenue and 192nd Street. Today it's also known locally as "Hudson Heights." Name debates aside; this area possesses many hidden qualities. For starters, it hosts people of various ethnicities and backgrounds. The space surrounding Fort Tryon Park and Yeshiva University is predominantly Jewish, but East of Broadway begins to feel more south-of-the-border and Caribbean. Second, the streets, some of them pretty steep, offer pedestrians pleasant strolls. And last but not least, if you speak to the locals, they'll tell you that they wouldn't live anywhere else. The reason? Well, this place has quieter streets and bigger spaces for less, great chunks of green land, and great spots for your chillin' necessities on any given day of the week. And if you ever feel like leaving this land of greatness, downtown Manhattan is just 30 minutes away.
Built in 1935 by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the architect of Central Park, and gifted to the city of New York by John D. Rockefeller in 1917, Fort Tryon Park is the 67 acre chunk of green that never goes unnoticed. 1995 was a good year for this fellow because it was then that it became part of the New York Restoration project, founded by Bette Middler, who switched Beaches for Parks (we're kidding Bette) and under which the park went through a much needed restoration (thanks Bette). The historic architecture of this site has offered generations of visitors, areas of recreation, gardens to contemplate and grass lawns to spread colorful picnic blankets. If the basket is empty park goers can always go to the New Leaf Restaurant, an upscale restaurant and a landmark within a landmark. If they are feeling "cultural" then we suggest paying The Cloisters a visit. The building, an extension of the Metropolitan Museum, offers a feast to the eye thanks to its magnificent architecture (with elements from four Medieval French Cloisters), stained-glass windows, tapestries and gardens for the horticultural enthusiast. Don't miss the Medieval Festival that takes place here, every year. Visitors can experience the Middle-age way-of-life and even dance, sing and talk like back in the day. Warderere!
Anchored at the edge of the Harlem River, stands the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse. Reminiscent of the old New York boating life, this structure is the first new community boathouse in New York City in nearly 100 years. It opened its doors in 2004 to offer the community rowing lessons and regattas. To reach the boathouse go to 10th Avenue and Dyckman and walk south on the Lillian Goldman Walkway. Just before you get there, you'll pass by the restored Swindler Cove Park, a coveted spot to stare at the ducks or contemplate the river. If you decide to continue south on the walkway, the only way out is through the bridge that connects to 155th Street in Harlem. You've been warned.
Zysman Hall is the name of what was Yeshiva University's Main Building, back in 1928 when it was completed. Today, the Zysman Hall, designed by Charles B. Meyers Associates, is home to YU's High School for Boys. Once inside, don't expect to be greeted by a tour guide. The guard will most likely escort you to the door. Instead, stick to admiring the building from the outside since it features a Byzantine style that reflects the Jewish approach of architecture. If you feel the need to stock up on kosher goodies, now is the time. Cross the street for a full selection of delis, restaurants and bodegas that carry them.
Nightlife
Ok. There isn't a ginormous selection of bars but don't leave the neighborhood just yet. Get some drinks and placate the late-afternoon hunger at Bleu Evolution. The Monkey Room is ideal for game nights or late night drinks. Hit the dance floor in absolute Caribbean fashion at Arka Lounge. For a good neighborhood bar, try Locksmith Wine Bar.
Restaurants
New Leaf Restaurant at Fort Tryon Park is a must. Find great Indian cuisine at Kismat. Enjoy a real Caribbean meal at La Casa Del Mofongo or go Dominican at Rancho Jubilee. The Mexican food can't be beat at Tacos El Paisa. For perfect falafel make your way to Golan Heights.
Shopping
Home to one-of-a-kind shops like Gideons Bakery, for kosher sweets and Food Palace, for caviar and other Russian goodies. Buy your furry friend a treat and a makeover at Critter Outfitter. Get gourmet edibles at Frank's Market or practice rhyme by buying wine from Vines on Pine.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Posted By:
Jessica Solt
Photo:
Jessica Solt
Critter Outfitter
The Critter Outfitter has just been in the neighborhood for a little over 3 years but owner Valerie Volinski is proud to cater to the pet owners' needs in the area. With hundreds of products available; from food, snacks, pet clothing, toys, and much more, this has become the go-to place for locals with furry friends. Critter Outfitter also has grooming services available for cats and dogs, although they specialize in cats. Delivery service is available.
Also, if you ever want to rescue a kitty from a shelter they might hook you up with the right people.
If you're ever in the hood, step right in and say hi to lovely Mrs. Parbarry, the store pet.
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Thursday, April 03, 2008
Posted By:
Jena Tesse Fox
Photo:
Jena Tesse Fox
New Leaf Restaurant & Bar
If you should take the A train, get off at 190th Street, take an elevator up to the top of Fort Tryon Park, stroll through perfectly tended and sculptured gardens and head towards the Cloisters, you'll pass what looks like a humble cabin hidden in a forest of tall trees. This is the New Leaf Cafe, which serves fresh, organic food in an elegant and almost rural setting. Sitting on the outdoor patio and looking out over trees and flowers, one could easily forget that one is dining in Uptown Manhattan. Founded by Bette Midler as part of her New York Restoration Project, the New Leaf Cafe is one of the few Michelin rated restaurants in Inwood. Brunch is especially popular at New Leaf, and at $18.95 prix-fixe, it is the most cost-effective way to enjoy the otherwise somewhat expensive restaurant. A la carte dinner entrees cost between $22 and $32 dollars. Unless the weather is unbearable, every effort should be made to eat outside. Surrounded by the park and right next to the Cloisters, the patio may well be the most romantic places north of 96th Street.
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Friday, January 25, 2008
Posted By:
Jena Tesse Fox
Photo:
Jena Tesse Fox
809 Sangria Bar & Grill
On one of the most ghetto-y streets in Inwood sits a hidden treasure of taste. Specializing in Dominican churrasco steaks, 809 Sangria Bar is a haven for carnivores who want their beef with a bit more kick than they might find at, say, Peter Luger's, and combines traditional meat-and-potatoes fare with exotic Caribbean flavor. Small yet spartanly elegant, this restaurant specializes in grilled meats and features a good variety of the eponymous beverage. The menu is simple enough for any average red-blooded American to enjoy, but the cuisine is haute enough to appeal to any sophisticated New Yorker. The centerpiece of the menu is the large-yet-thin churrasco steak, grilled to order and then coiled up with basil leaves for a wonderful mix of flavors. Crispy fries made from yucca instead of potatoes serve as the starch, and various chimichurri sauces are provided for dipping everything on your plate. Sangria is, of course, the only appropriate beverage at such a restaurant (Just try ordering a seltzer. Go on. I dare you.), and there are several varieties to try. The classic is probably the best choice for purists, and conjures images of bullfights and flamenco. Ole!
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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Posted By:
Dave Cook
Photo:
Dave Cook
Nena La Rubia Dessert Cart
Why settle for cider? In the largely Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, the cold-weather drink of choice is a hot cup of habichuelas con dulce (ah-bee-Cway-lahs con Dool-say), "beans with sweets." As I shuffled my way up the line at this popular stand, another customer told me that back home, many families prepare this treat at Christmastime, and around Easter, too. My cupful (just a buck!) floated milk crackers on top of a thick beverage that may have combined sweet creamed beans, cinnamon, and perhaps a little coconut milk. (Who knows for sure? "Nena La Rubia" isn't likely to give away her recipe, and in any case, she was too busy with her ladle.) I also discovered whole red kidney beans and some sort of Caribbean sweet potato while poking around underneath, but for habichuelas con dulce, you don't really need a spoon: Drink up, and tap the side of your cup to shake free the last few goodies at the bottom.
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Monday, October 02, 2006
Posted By:
Rachel Greenwald
Photo:
Rachel Greenwald
IS 218/Swindler Cove Garden
A nifty, back-to-nature experience is Swindler Cove park. Completed by the New York Restoration Project in 2003, five-acre Swindler Cove provides visitors with restored wetlands, a fresh water pond, and a children's garden. By train, take the #1 to Dykeman and walk east. By bicycle, follow the Manhattan Greenway to the same intersection, but make sure you end up on the north side of Dykeman. If you don't, you'll find yourself on a not-so-nifty, south-side bike path leading to an area of High Bridge Park abandoned since the mid-1970s. This area is slated for renovation in 2007, but until then, it's a prime example of urban decay. While you're enjoying the blight, walk ten-minutes southward to High Bridge stairway. Completed in 1848 and modeled after Roman architecture, High Bridge used to deliver water to lower Manhattan as part of the Old Croton Aqueduct. In addition to keeping city-goers cholera-free, the bridge was a popular destination until the mid-20th century. High Bridge, like the abandoned paths that serve it, is also slated for restoration. But a word of caution: if you decide to take a sneak peak, don't sneak in alone. Trust us.
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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Posted By:
Rachel Greenwald
Photo:
Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse
For a sea-level perspective of the West Bronx, and a opportunity to dip your feet into the Harlem River, head over to the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, tucked into the far right corner of Swindler Cove Park. The boathouse, completed in 2004 by the New York Restoration Project, not only houses boats—duh—but also provides a number of Tri-State Area rowing clubs, colleges, and schools with a meeting place and facility. Best of all, its main caretaker, the New York Rowing Association, offers rowing lessons for adults. If you're one of those rare New Yorkers who's out of bed before noon—hey, my lawyer doesn't even get up that early—you can sign up for weekend instruction held from 7-10 am. Although registration was in May for September and October classes, the painfully early start may have left a few openings available. Send an email to learntorow@nyrowing.org. And if you have crew experience already, the full list of member associations is available at www.nyrowing.org. To get to there, take the 1 Train to Dykeman and walk eastward to the Harlem River or ride your bike along the east side of the Manhattan Greenway.
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