Neighborhoodr : Midtown East, Manhattan, New York

This doorman can carry your groceries - and a tune.

Barry Finer, a fixture at 155 E. 38th St. for 24 years, swapped the lobby for a recording studio as he recorded 16 self-penned songs for his debut CD, “I’m in Love.”

“I’ve heard his music - he plays it in the lobby,” says Jennifer Weissmann, a mother of three who has lived in the building for 12 years. “I think he’s going to be the next Elvis.”

New City Signage? On 36th and 2nd.

In search of info on the infamous Clover Deli in Murray Hill I came across a flickr account of “someone’s” favorite NYC eats. Clover Deli, of course being one of them, followed by other Murray Hill staples such as Penelope Cafe (yes), Banc Cafe (used to be old school) and Carl’s Steaks (a late night must) . This someone even gets out of the neighborhood, mentioning East Village’s, Frank and Flatiron’s, Shake Shack, and Turtle Bay’s J.P Clarkes. And, there is mention of Washoku Cafe, on 37th between 5th and Madison. New to me, but apparently a gem. Okay.

Who is this o’knowledegable someone? The Real Estate Group! This is a surprise. Check out their website for real estate broker restaurant reviews. Their Great Manhattan Eats flikr album. And, just click the name of each restaurant in the pic comment for a broker’s review. Such as this one about Frank.

I’m just touched by the whole thing.

(by the way, that pic up there is of Clover Deli and their fabulous cupcakes. They may look like just a corner bodega, but they’re not. Around for 60 years and baking up delicious food)

(via Grub Street)

I Trulli’s new apertivo hour (weekdays from 5:30 - 7 pm) boasts a buffet of free antipasta (vegetable and pork pie, fried artichokes, meats and chesses, etc) to go with $13 cocktails and bright Italian wines like Lambrusco.

I Trulli is yum.

click the pic for NY Mag review

(via NY Post)

Nicole Kidman in the ‘hood yesterday on Park Avenue

Just filed for a liquor license to serve wine at the 23rd Street / Park location.

(pics via Michiel Maandag flikr account)

Though the Tibet Festival pictured here was in October, these shots are too beautiful not to share.

The festival was in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, the largest public garden on the east side in Midtown Manhattan. It starts at 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue and is 1.5 acres. The garden has a green market, seasonal events and volunteer opportunities.

check out their website

(via midtown lunch)

O-Bao opening on 53rd between 2nd and 3rd.

Click the pic for more details

Cask Bar and Kitchen on 33rd Street between 3rd and Lexington

Is now open.

Apparently, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is ‘loungy’ but the cask beer is not a-flowing as much as one might expect from a bar called Cask (so says Alex Hill on BeerAdvocate.com).

Food menu to be available by the weekend of the 11.27

click the pic for yelper Dave S’s review and pics (some of which I’ve posted here)

Defontes open on Sundays

click the pic