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MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/11 19:39:06


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


How do!

So what with Covid and that messing the world up, my planned and paid for 2020 trip didn’t go ahead. But I will be rebooking for 2022, to coincide with my annual bonus for a boost in spending munneh.

What I’m wondering at the moment is how open NYC is? For reference, I’m fully vaccinated, and will be accepting a booster shot should one be offered. And I’ve no issue wearing masks and that - so any social limits shouldn’t be a problem.

I’m hoping to do the usual touristy stuff, possibly with a stopover visit to Lizzie Borden’s house (looks to be doable as a day trip, but would basically take an entire day just travelling there and back. And given I’ve no experience of US public transport, I’ve no idea if it would be a pleasant journey…)

Last time I pre-booked a hike up the Statue of Liberty, and will do so again. Does anyone know if it’s worth pre-booking other such attractions? I know there are another 10 months of developments and changes, but figure I might as well use Right Now as an assumed status quo (because I like it I like it I like it)

All thoughts welcome!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/11 21:33:05


Post by: Nevelon


NYC (and the east coast in general) has some decent coverage with public transportation, although some of it has a dubious reputation. I know I’ve personally take the amtrack rail down the Hudson River and it was quite the pleasant trip from Albany/Rensaleer to NYC. This was many years ago, very pre-covid. Vaccine or not, I’m not sure I’d want to share the air with a subway full of people these days, YMMV.

Schedules should be available online, so you could check it it would work. Greyhound/other busses as well.

Honestly don’t know where exactly you are looking to go, so it might be a little too far off the beaten path.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/11 23:55:54


Post by: Voss


Well, Amtrak train from NYC to Providence isn't (wasn't) an issue, that's a normal route- Amtrak used to be my favorite option for entering/escaping New England. Going further to smaller towns... (assuming you mean the LB House in Fall River, Mass) used to be doable for that area, but I'm not sure these days.

Bus would definitely not be a pleasant journey.

Back in the Beforetimes, I'd suggest just renting a car, but prices now are a little nuts in places, and availability hits a ??.

In general, without a car (or an Amtrak line), the US is effectively bizarrely isolated city-states, with a lot of rural areas between them.
Except LA, which is a group of bizarre city states with the rural spaces removed. :0


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 01:14:45


Post by: chaos0xomega


What I’m wondering at the moment is how open NYC is? For reference, I’m fully vaccinated, and will be accepting a booster shot should one be offered. And I’ve no issue wearing masks and that - so any social limits shouldn’t be a problem.


Currently things are fairly open, though mask mandates (and vaccine mandates) are starting to pop back up. The general consensus in the NY metro region is that we are heading back towards some level of further shutdowns/lockdowns as the weather begins to cool and the environment no longer acts as a meaningful natural COVID buffer going into fall. This is almost purely due to an unwillingness by some segment of the population to wear masks, get vaccinated, or really do anything at all that might help contain or stop the spread of the delta variant, although there are indications that these holdouts are starting to cave in, partly due to the fact that a number of very vocal anti-vax and anti-mask spokespersons have started dropping dead from COVID over the last few weeks.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 07:15:58


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Thank you. The Covid answer seems suitably comprehensive, so I think we can move on from that to avoid discussion becoming argument.

For train journeys, how scenic are the railways? I don’t mind a slightly trickier journey if there are pleasing sights on the journey.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 10:57:32


Post by: Nevelon


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Thank you. The Covid answer seems suitably comprehensive, so I think we can move on from that to avoid discussion becoming argument.

For train journeys, how scenic are the railways? I don’t mind a slightly trickier journey if there are pleasing sights on the journey.


As was pointed out, the US is a lot of metro city-states in a sea of rural. That said, the urban sprawl along the eastern seaboard is a real thing. Depending on the route you take, it might be snippets of small town Americana and fields. Or, it might just be concrete, interspersed with thinner concrete bits. As you are starting in NYC, it’s all going to be city for the first bit as the urbanization recedes.

I’m not an extensive rail traveler. But for the few times I needed to head into the city, we took the train down, rather than deal with city traffic/parking/etc. I enjoyed it, but it’s been a long time (like 20ish years)

You could google map and satellite view the path and get a guess of what it’s going to be.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 15:58:09


Post by: chaos0xomega


I expect you'll find Amtrak and American rail infrastructure to be a poor comparison for what you might have encountered in Europe. Most Americans are not extensive rail travelers in general, and if we are its usually local rail (i.e. subway or local commuter rail. We're very much a car culture here, even in the NYC metro mega-sprawl. As a result, investment into the technology and infrastructure has generally lagged here compared to other parts of the world.

I couldn't even really tell you what train trip from NYC to anywhere other than the Albany, NY region is like (scenic, mostly follows the hudson river, some nice vistas/panoramic views through small riverside towns, as well as bits that go through older often run-down industrial hubs), as aside from 2-3 trips by rail between home/college, my train rides haven't ever been more than 5-10 miles (and a lot of those are mostly spent in tunnels/below ground).


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 16:08:06


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Oh, one thing I can’t remember I mentioned before.

Not only am I a filthy smoker, but I smoke roll ups, rather than regular ciggies.

I’m perfectly happy with being limited in where I can have a smoke, but I’m thinking I should switch to straights, less a Police Officer see my furtive rolling and figure I might be smoking something entirely different? I ask as I don’t know how common roll ups are stateside.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 16:59:26


Post by: Voss


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Thank you. The Covid answer seems suitably comprehensive, so I think we can move on from that to avoid discussion becoming argument.

For train journeys, how scenic are the railways? I don’t mind a slightly trickier journey if there are pleasing sights on the journey.

Not particularly, in general.

There will be gaps, but a lot of rail lines vary between walled off by concrete walls or treelines in an attempt at noise reduction, some countryside gaps and fairly ugly view of the 'back sides' of towns that the lines pass through.
NYC to Boston does have a few coastal views as it passes through Connecticut and Rhode Island.

As for trickier journeys, there really aren't any. Our train network was properly gutted by the 20th century consolidation of the 19th century rail companies (there were lots of small regional companies), and then by the trucking lobbies.
https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-train-routes
If you want to get somewhere that isn't a major city (or possibly between two of them, sometimes), you'll need a bus or car.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 17:16:13


Post by: chaos0xomega


Roll ups aren't particularly common but they aren't uncommon either. I don't think you'll encounter an issue with them, especially not in NYC (every once in a while I see someone on the subway or a bus, etc. roll up a cig to smoke when they get off).


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/12 22:12:24


Post by: Ahtman


Honestly depends on where you are rolling them up. It shouldn't be an issue but that doesn't mean it won't be in the wrong place/time. Smoking in general is far less common these days and attitudes toward it can vary wildly.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/21 16:22:12


Post by: LumenPraebeo


chaos0xomega is not entirely correct. Cigars are limited to a few places in NYC. Of course you could smoke on the street, but its not allowed in area's with heavy pedestrian traffic. You can smoke in private property, in privately owned vehicles, tobacco stores, and in certain bars.

As for the Covid situation, if you're vaccinated, there really shouldn't be much danger for you. New Yorkers are encouraged to wear masks, because we are a centrally situated city. Immunized people still have a small chance of spreading CV19 to other places.

My favorite places in NYC are Prospect Park, Central Park if you don't mind walking past people every 10 feet, the MET, the AMNH, the Botanical Garden, and Governors Island. You should visit at least one of those places if not all of them.

That being said, I've lived my whole life in NYC, its a concrete jungle. If you want something less artificial; upstate New York has an incredible amount of beauty. Pure American landscape, with rolling hills, rivers and lakes, yellow meadows, streams and waterfalls every direction you turn. Its beautiful any season of the year, but jaw droppingly gorgeous during Fall. The Catskills and Adirondack Parks would be my recommend for any beginner's journey to the New York Mountains.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/21 16:27:45


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Probably gonna stick to the city I think, as I’m after a taste of as much Americana as I can get.

I know in the current climate it can be tricky as who knows which might survive until my visit, but I’m open to recommendations for Mom & Pop style restaurants where I can try different American cuisine.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/21 16:50:21


Post by: LumenPraebeo


Well...not sure if you count pizza, but thats all thats coming to my head right now. There are plenty of italian, indian, chinese, and mexican foods. lol

Theres this place in downtown Brooklyn called Dinosaur Bar-B-Q...I've been thinking about them for the last few months. Not exactly Mom&Pop, but the foods amazing.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/21 16:56:18


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Oh Pizza counts! And definitely in the market to try a few New York Slices!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/21 23:45:09


Post by: chaos0xomega


 LumenPraebeo wrote:
chaos0xomega is not entirely correct. Cigars are limited to a few places in NYC. Of course you could smoke on the street, but its not allowed in area's with heavy pedestrian traffic. You can smoke in private property, in privately owned vehicles, tobacco stores, and in certain bars.





We weren't talking about cigars there, chief (and even still you can bring cigars just about anywhere, you just can't necessarily smoke them).


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 14:37:23


Post by: Kanluwen


Having grown up constantly traversing to upstate NY to spend summers with family?

Gonna advise against it now. COVID's been a big problem because of something we're not really allowed to talk about here anymore. Suffice to say, the family members I still have in that area are extremely anti-masking+vaccination. It also isn't all that interesting outside a few parks.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 14:45:23


Post by: Voss


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Probably gonna stick to the city I think, as I’m after a taste of as much Americana as I can get.


Just FYI, those are contradictory statements. To get actual Americana you need to leave the cities.
The big cities are where we go to get the dim echoes of other cultures and put our toes into the shallow end of experiences past the limitations of 'Merica!'


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 16:51:40


Post by: LumenPraebeo


My good friend recommends The Smith in East Village 3rd Avenue and The Grey Dog on University Place and East 12th.
Stay away from restaurants in Midtown and near Central Park.
I still wholly recommend Dinosaur Bar-B-Que on Union Street Brooklyn; and while you're over there its only a short stop over to Barclays Center. Check out 5ive Spice Tacos&Banh Mi.
There's also Chick-fil-A around the corner. Personally, I would not pass up the chance to grab a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A if I'm passing the area before heading back to work.




Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Kanluwen wrote:
Having grown up constantly traversing to upstate NY to spend summers with family?

Gonna advise against it now. COVID's been a big problem because of something we're not really allowed to talk about here anymore. Suffice to say, the family members I still have in that area are extremely anti-masking+vaccination. It also isn't all that interesting outside a few parks.


Yea, some people upstate are really bitter at us city folk, got some deep seated Republicans up there. They cheer for their team, and the city-folk cheer for their team. One can possibly even say its more of a football game kind of situation rather than any knowledgeable or thoughtful desire to shape our society in a meaningful way. But nooo, thats crazy talk.

Anyway, as a New Yorker, I'm disappointed that you feel it isn't that interesting. Now, I haven't traveled upstate once every year growing up like you have. But I've been a few times, and every time has been a unique and memorable time with close friends and family. One only needs to google New York mountains to see what amazing sights and opportunities awaits should you make the decision to venture there. Theodore Roosevelt, our most outdoors president you'll ever find, loved New York. And if you know anything about Teddy Roosevelt, I think that in itself is more than enough said.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 18:33:45


Post by: Nevelon


There is a lot of Us vs. Them in regard to The City and the rest of the state. You tell someone you are from New York, they just assume NYC. And while there is a strong urban v. rural divide, it’s not 100%. The fact that the state tends to be dominated politically by the city riles up a lot who prefer other paths. But there are all kinds of people all over the state. Upstate probably has more in common with Vermont/New Hampshire than the City. (and those two states have a mix of ideologies)

I’m in the Saratoga Springs region. There is a ton of things to do just around here, depending on what sort of things you enjoy and the time of the year. Head north, you hit mountains, with great hiking and skiing. Tons of breweries/distilleries/wineries. Crafts and farmer’s markets. Historical battlefields.

Obviously not as densely packed as stuff in the city. But a different kind of vacation.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 18:52:47


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Gonna give Chik-Fil-A a miss, for reasons we don’t discuss on Dakka.

However, I’ve heard Popeyes is rather good, and possibly superior?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 23:45:26


Post by: LumenPraebeo


I prefer Popeyes over KFC. Theres only a handful of them in NYC though.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/22 23:56:08


Post by: BlackoCatto


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Gonna give Chik-Fil-A a miss, for reasons we don’t discuss on Dakka.

However, I’ve heard Popeyes is rather good, and possibly superior?


Missing out on good chicken sandwiches but whatever.

Amtrack is okay but it depends on where you want to go. You'll either get urban sprawl or rural country side with it.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 01:47:31


Post by: chaos0xomega


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Gonna give Chik-Fil-A a miss, for reasons we don’t discuss on Dakka.

However, I’ve heard Popeyes is rather good, and possibly superior?


Popeyes chicken sandwiches are superior to Chick-Fil-A (which are good but at this point overrated compared to some of its competitors offerings). They also don't come with the baggage that we don't discuss on Dakka.

There is a lot of Us vs. Them in regard to The City and the rest of the state. You tell someone you are from New York, they just assume NYC. And while there is a strong urban v. rural divide, it’s not 100%. The fact that the state tends to be dominated politically by the city riles up a lot who prefer other paths. But there are all kinds of people all over the state. Upstate probably has more in common with Vermont/New Hampshire than the City. (and those two states have a mix of ideologies)


Its more than just NYC vs the rest of NY State. Its NYC vs. most of the rest of the country. NYC has a serious case of main character syndrome.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 03:50:55


Post by: Ouze


I got a Burger King spicy chicken sandwich the other day and to be honest, it was about as good as Popeyes. I was really surprised by that because lol Burger King, really? But a friend swore... and he was right.

I also think Chik-fil-a is deeply, deeply overrated and is probably the least good of all the national burger chain chicken sandwiches.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 07:39:50


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


So pizza.

I remember as a kid hearing about how some American students in the UK were hungering for NY pizza so one of them flew to NY and got... 50? 100? pies and flew back with them. He of course got his pies from the best pizza parlor in New York, Ray's Pizza.

By the 90s there were almost 50 restaurants in NY with names like Ray's Pizza, Famous Ray's, Original Ray's and Famous Original Ray's.

Turns out there's a Game of Thrones style back story involving family betrayals and all that.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray%27s_Pizza

The Ray's that he bought from, and that I think of as the 'real' Ray's (whether or not it was the original) unfortunately closed in 2011.

So I would say pick a Rays and take a picture and tell everyone you found the one true Rays. Who's to say you're wrong.

Oh and Complete Strategist on 33rd street, Strands Books and Forbidden Planet on Broadway between 11th and 12th streets.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 16:28:23


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


Voss wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Probably gonna stick to the city I think, as I’m after a taste of as much Americana as I can get.


Just FYI, those are contradictory statements. To get actual Americana you need to leave the cities.
The big cities are where we go to get the dim echoes of other cultures and put our toes into the shallow end of experiences past the limitations of 'Merica!'


America is a melting pot. The cities are completely valid Americana. Most Americans live in cities.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I remember being very disappointed by the Strand bookstore. It was a big building, but the selection wasn’t anything special at all.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 16:35:56


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


If you really want to see America you need to get out of Manhattan.

So take the Staten Island Ferry (30 minute ride, free), walk around a bit, take it back and you'll get the general idea


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 21:00:07


Post by: Ouze


Voss wrote:
Just FYI, those are contradictory statements. To get actual Americana you need to leave the cities.
The big cities are where we go to get the dim echoes of other cultures and put our toes into the shallow end of experiences past the limitations of 'Merica!'


Interesting. It's rare you see anyone handwave away 83% of a country's population as insufficiently part of the nation.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/23 21:31:07


Post by: Nevelon


 Ouze wrote:
Voss wrote:
Just FYI, those are contradictory statements. To get actual Americana you need to leave the cities.
The big cities are where we go to get the dim echoes of other cultures and put our toes into the shallow end of experiences past the limitations of 'Merica!'


Interesting. It's rare you see anyone handwave away 83% of a country's population as insufficiently part of the nation.


To be fair, I think there is a difference between “America” and “Americana” While the hustle of the urban centers, and the things it supports (theater, museums, events) is a huge part of our nation, when I think “Americana” I think small town, Norman Rockwell, quaint little things. Not full on farm-rural, but not the big city. This is almost defiantly an image that does not actually exist, but one I hold. This might be from my growing up in New Hampshire, and now in Upstate. I’m no stranger to cities. I spent a decade living in Louisville; while not the scale of NYC, few things are. But for me, my heart is craft fairs, farmers markets, mom and pop diners, and small town, USA. YMMV.

America is iconicly referred to as a melting pot. Closer to a stew pot. A mix of everything, but not homogeneous. Chunks of different people and different cultures. But all together to make a sum greater than its parts.

To bring this back on topic, when you have one week, how much can you see? NYC has a LOT going on, but it’s just one aspect of our nation. Is it worth the time/effort/money to try to stray afield and see different parts? You could spend a lifetime searching this nation and constantly be seeing new things. What’s on your to-do list, and how much time do you want to invest in broadening your scope?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 00:52:00


Post by: chaos0xomega


Agreed with Nevelon. You can get a good cross-section of America in NYC, but if you're only seeing NYC you're going to fail to fundamentally understand America as a whole and miss a lot of what shaped the nation into what it is.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 02:11:53


Post by: Voss


 Nevelon wrote:
 Ouze wrote:
Voss wrote:
Just FYI, those are contradictory statements. To get actual Americana you need to leave the cities.
The big cities are where we go to get the dim echoes of other cultures and put our toes into the shallow end of experiences past the limitations of 'Merica!'


Interesting. It's rare you see anyone handwave away 83% of a country's population as insufficiently part of the nation.


To be fair, I think there is a difference between “America” and “Americana” While the hustle of the urban centers, and the things it supports (theater, museums, events) is a huge part of our nation, when I think “Americana” I think small town, Norman Rockwell, quaint little things. Not full on farm-rural, but not the big city. This is almost defiantly an image that does not actually exist, but one I hold. This might be from my growing up in New Hampshire, and now in Upstate. I’m no stranger to cities. I spent a decade living in Louisville; while not the scale of NYC, few things are. But for me, my heart is craft fairs, farmers markets, mom and pop diners, and small town, USA. YMMV.


Exactly this. When someone says 'Americana,' they're not talking about big city corp/academic/gov't/cultural centers.
Though I'd definitely argue that Rockwell contributes to the image that didn't exist (and did it from the city perspective).



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 09:01:42


Post by: BrianDavion


chaos0xomega wrote:
Agreed with Nevelon. You can get a good cross-section of America in NYC, but if you're only seeing NYC you're going to fail to fundamentally understand America as a whole and miss a lot of what shaped the nation into what it is.


TBH it's impossiable to experiance all of the US in one city; it's like saying "I want to experiance all of europe" when going to Paris


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 09:09:57


Post by: Not Online!!!


BrianDavion wrote:
chaos0xomega wrote:
Agreed with Nevelon. You can get a good cross-section of America in NYC, but if you're only seeing NYC you're going to fail to fundamentally understand America as a whole and miss a lot of what shaped the nation into what it is.


TBH it's impossiable to experiance all of the US in one city; it's like saying "I want to experiance all of europe" when going to Paris

Tbf you can experience basically all of france in a Way in paris. Atleast continental france.
The francophonie overall though you wouldn't, considering a Lot of that is outside of continental france.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 09:30:27


Post by: BrianDavion


Not Online!!! wrote:
BrianDavion wrote:
chaos0xomega wrote:
Agreed with Nevelon. You can get a good cross-section of America in NYC, but if you're only seeing NYC you're going to fail to fundamentally understand America as a whole and miss a lot of what shaped the nation into what it is.


TBH it's impossiable to experiance all of the US in one city; it's like saying "I want to experiance all of europe" when going to Paris

Tbf you can experience basically all of france in a Way in paris. Atleast continental france.
The francophonie overall though you wouldn't, considering a Lot of that is outside of continental france.


No, and the US isn't exactly like le Francophonie (I should know my country's a member) but I do think the europe comparison was valid. the US is a big place and despite being one country with one langauge there are a fair number of cultural differances across it


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 11:20:48


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Meh, he's going on vacation, not getting a PhD in American Studies. If he wants to go to NY, let him go to NY.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 15:16:03


Post by: Kanluwen


BrianDavion wrote:
chaos0xomega wrote:
Agreed with Nevelon. You can get a good cross-section of America in NYC, but if you're only seeing NYC you're going to fail to fundamentally understand America as a whole and miss a lot of what shaped the nation into what it is.


TBH it's impossiable to experiance all of the US in one city; it's like saying "I want to experiance all of europe" when going to Paris

I mean, you can experience more of the US in one city than you might think. Certainly more than this weird rosy glasses idea of "gotta go to a small town" to experience it.

The days of roadside diners, cross-country roadtrips, and the like were more fiction than reality.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 17:00:22


Post by: chaos0xomega


American cities I think are generally too modern and cosmopolitan to actually give you an accurate reflection of American culture and society as a whole, unlike many major cities in Europe which even if they have large international communities are still deeply rooted in a local culture and longstanding history that continues to define them and their surrounding environs.

The US, like certain other parts of the world, also has a lot of distinction between cities themselves - the culture in NYC is very different from Boston, or Miami, or Los Angeles, or Seattle, etc. Its not unlike the cities in the UK in that regard, but in many cases (especially as you travel south and west) the differences are even more stark.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 17:06:11


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


I probably should’ve said a very literal taste of Americana.

Gumbo, Grits, Biscuits, Barbecue, Street vendor Hotdogs.

I know the majority of the stuff I shortlisted above is Southern cuisine, but I figure most US Cities will offer authentic options to get trying.

The best bit? Next time I’ll visit Texas or Louisiana, and be able to appreciate.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/24 21:22:43


Post by: BlackoCatto


Street Vendor is a very regional.... as in mostly just New York City and to extent a few other cities thing. You don't find that in other places.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/25 03:25:35


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


You do find food trucks everywhere, though. I found a food truck 9000 feet up a mountain in Utah.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/25 03:34:45


Post by: BlackoCatto


 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
You do find food trucks everywhere, though. I found a food truck 9000 feet up a mountain in Utah.


Far rarer though. Out where I am, we barely ever get a food truck. You have to go the next county over to get one and they are usually only on the occasional event day.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/25 12:43:42


Post by: Nevelon


We have plenty of food trucks around here upstate. Not sure how widespread they are as a phenomenon. But they are the modern upscaled hot dog cart, with WAY better offerings.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/26 04:10:32


Post by: BlackoCatto


Only proves more of what I said. Think of the states as small independent countries with cultures and customs similar but different.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 12:57:20


Post by: Herzlos


It's worth noting that the covid rules change quite a lot - so there's no guarantees about what state things will be in even a month or 2 out.

There's also a huge amount of nothing between the cities, big, flat, grey, nothing. Unless you're going along a coast or mountains then don't expect much from a train view and just go with whatever has less changes or is quicker.

If you want to see more then you can always fly into NYC and then fly out from somewhere else (Philadelphia with it's cheese steaks or Boston with its seafood).

I like Boston, it's got loads of American history stuff and is a fairly walkable city.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 15:37:35


Post by: BlackoCatto


Herzlos wrote:
It's worth noting that the covid rules change quite a lot - so there's no guarantees about what state things will be in even a month or 2 out.

There's also a huge amount of nothing between the cities, big, flat, grey, nothing. Unless you're going along a coast or mountains then don't expect much from a train view and just go with whatever has less changes or is quicker.

If you want to see more then you can always fly into NYC and then fly out from somewhere else (Philadelphia with it's cheese steaks or Boston with its seafood).

I like Boston, it's got loads of American history stuff and is a fairly walkable city.


Grey nothing? I didn't now large parts of my country was a grey hellish landscape.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 15:52:54


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


On the food truck thing, there are such things in the U.K.

However, they tend to be overly trendy, and run by hipsters. So I’m hoping to experience the genuine article.

For example, a Taco truck not run by some trendy hipster with a passion for easy money, but someone with an actual, cultural love and knowledge of the food.

Just as you can never respect an English Haggis (what with me being Scottish), I want a Hispanic Taco Truck at which to stuff my stupid bearded face.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 16:00:51


Post by: Kanluwen


Then you'll be hard pressed to find such a thing, period.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 16:13:40


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Well.

Bugger.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 18:33:38


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Not a problem in NY, if not a food truck it's an easy subway rise to Spanish Harlem or other Latin neighborhoods.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 19:03:31


Post by: Nevelon


I can only imagine that folks in NYC would have a low tolerance for fake/phoned in ethnic cuisine. Pretty much every cultural sub-group should have a number of authentic restaurants kicking around.

If you know where to find them.

(But that’s me guessing)


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 19:20:50


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


You might think the same of Awwwwwwwwlllldd Lahndahn Tahn (as the native cockernees call it).

But….you’d be wrong.

Just hipsters. With nothing but their gumption and a multiple thousand pound “loan” from their parents


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/08/27 19:22:24


Post by: Kanluwen


 Nevelon wrote:
I can only imagine that folks in NYC would have a low tolerance for fake/phoned in ethnic cuisine. Pretty much every cultural sub-group should have a number of authentic restaurants kicking around.

If you know where to find them.

(But that’s me guessing)

This is true...my statement was more in regards to the idea of food trucks being trendy. It's not really a "trend" for a lot of them but rather the fact that renting a crummy old truck and getting it fixed up is cheaper than a storefront.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/01 02:11:24


Post by: LumenPraebeo


 Nevelon wrote:
I can only imagine that folks in NYC would have a low tolerance for fake/phoned in ethnic cuisine. Pretty much every cultural sub-group should have a number of authentic restaurants kicking around.

If you know where to find them.

(But that’s me guessing)


Oh hell yeah, any inauthentic food will be called out pretty fast here. Well, maybe not called out, but a restaurant can't survive if its food isn't authentic, cause you'll find a hundred other restaurants run by people from those actual places easily.

As for food trucks, try them if you REALLY want to I guess, or if; like any New Yorker, you want something fast and cheap and you're short on time. Some of them are pretty decent, but most of the time, you'll find better food elsewhere.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/01 05:02:04


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 LumenPraebeo wrote:
 Nevelon wrote:
I can only imagine that folks in NYC would have a low tolerance for fake/phoned in ethnic cuisine. Pretty much every cultural sub-group should have a number of authentic restaurants kicking around.

If you know where to find them.

(But that’s me guessing)


Oh hell yeah, any inauthentic food will be called out pretty fast here. Well, maybe not called out, but a restaurant can't survive if its food isn't authentic, cause you'll find a hundred other restaurants run by people from those actual places easily.

As for food trucks, try them if you REALLY want to I guess, or if; like any New Yorker, you want something fast and cheap and you're short on time. Some of them are pretty decent, but most of the time, you'll find better food elsewhere.


I found NYC great for international food, but is it good for typical American foods? I figured you're better off just travelling to those places.

Personally, I lived a year and a half in the US and didn't spend much time in the cities. Cities all feel very same-y to me, I grew up in the suburbs of an Australian city and NYC just feels like a bigger version of an Australian city to me, just the people have a different accent, lol. Sure, some cities are quieter, some cities have more of a night life, but they all have a similar vibe to me. Nashville was the only one that stood out as unique for obvious reasons.

Probably my favourite part of my stay in the US was jumping in a car and driving across half the country. Stop at a town and pop into a pub or diner that has a good rating on the interwebs, ask for a pint of the local beer and a dish of whatever the local speciality is (if there is one), have a chat to some of the locals then drive 4 or 5 hours to another place.

But each to their own, I have friends who just did the cities and really enjoyed it, I never felt a great compulsion to go to NYC even though I was living less than 2 hours away from it.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/01 05:09:48


Post by: techsoldaten


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Probably gonna stick to the city I think, as I’m after a taste of as much Americana as I can get.

I know in the current climate it can be tricky as who knows which might survive until my visit, but I’m open to recommendations for Mom & Pop style restaurants where I can try different American cuisine.


A few thoughts.

- The lockdowns have been hard and the restaurant scene has taken a beating. You're better off focusing on known good quantities than taking a chance at some hole in the wall you read about online.

- Expect everything to be expensive, prices can change quickly right now. Had an $18 Pabst at an Irish Pub last month, which is a disgrace.

- Rays Pizza is the best. Make that one of your first stops.

- Take the time to go to Peter Luger's in Brooklyn. Legendary steakhouse, worth the trip.

- I'm personally a fan of Carmines for Italian. There's a location near Times Square, save room for the Tiramisu.

- Rosie O'Grady's is a good place for steak and seafood. I usually stop there when I'm in town, they are unaffected by shortages because they have own suppliers.

- The Doubletree in Times Square is a good place to stay. Central to most of the rest of the city, have recently been able to get rooms for $120 a night.

- Conversely, some friends and I have had bad experiences with AirBnBs. There are a lot of high vacancy buildings right now, people who moved out of the city and still own a condo are putting these things up left and right. Low occupancy means you don't get important amenities like doormen, friend of mine was mugged last month in the hallway of the place he stayed in Dumbo. Had his cheek slashed in what used to be a safe building.

- Unless you're really, really into the spectacle - avoid Broadway plays. Right now, there's a lot of security theater going on, it takes away from the experience.

LMK if there's anything more specific you're interested in.





MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/01 05:31:25


Post by: Ahtman


You won't get an overall sense of America from a visit to NYC because that isn't really possible. All of the major cities are different and there is are major cultural differences between them. Los Angeles is different than Chicago is different than Atlanta is different than New Orleans, ect.

That being said one will still get a lot out of it and there is much to do in any one of them. NYC is a special and unique place, though not quite as much as some New Yorkers would like to believe, and is a great place to visit with good people and lots of sights to see.

Just going to London won't encompass the entirety of the UK but that doesn't mean one shouldn't visit. I mean even Ron Swanson has been to London.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 07:05:50


Post by: LumenPraebeo


 techsoldaten wrote:
Conversely, some friends and I have had bad experiences with AirBnBs. There are a lot of high vacancy buildings right now, people who moved out of the city and still own a condo are putting these things up left and right. Low occupancy means you don't get important amenities like doormen, friend of mine was mugged last month in the hallway of the place he stayed in Dumbo. Had his cheek slashed in what used to be a safe building.


Your friend got attacked and mugged in one of the most hipster and gentrified neighborhoods in Brooklyn? Was the attacker walking sideways and snapping his fingers to a steady beat when he was approaching? Sorry, just having a laugh. It's bad luck and unfortunate your friend was attacked. I hope he's recovered from the ordeal and has better future fortune.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
AllSeeingSkink wrote:
I found NYC great for international food, but is it good for typical American foods? I figured you're better off just travelling to those places.


Atmosphere of a midwest restaurant in NYC isn't going to be the same as a restaurant in the American midwest, but yeah, I'd say the food would have a fairly authentic American taste to it. If there's any noticeable difference between hamburgers, briskets, salmon, or taters/gravy between regions, it's too small for me judge clearly. It'll be closer than any American restaurant in another country at the very least, I'd bet.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 11:33:55


Post by: Nevelon


 LumenPraebeo wrote:
If there's any noticeable difference between hamburgers, briskets, salmon, or taters/gravy between regions, it's too small for me judge clearly. It'll be closer than any American restaurant in another country at the very least, I'd bet.


Bolding mine.

There is a whole food culture about American BBQ, and the brisket is a big part of that. There are places where if you loudly said “Briskets all the same, I can get this in NYC” I would not place bets on your ability to walk out the door under your own power.

Because you are going to have to roll out after being stuffed full of the local speciality.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 12:04:54


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


I suspect that I’d need to take my Jollof approach when tasting American Barbecue.

Jollof is a really, really awesome African rice dish, with many regional variations. I’m lucky to have tried a good half dozen or so iterations through my colleagues.

The key is to always declare the one you’ve just had The Best. It will have been delicious, so no worries about pretending to enjoy it.

And if you’ve been presented with two? Make a show of savouring each. Then either Batman out with a smoke pellet, or spontaneously combust before offering an opinion.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 12:37:15


Post by: Nevelon


That sounds like wisdom, and the right call.

It should not be a huge issue for a NYC trip. While New Yorkers enjoy BBQ as much as the next American, we don’t really have a cow/pig/chicken in the race. That’s mostly a southern thing.

You might get cut for suggesting a Chicago pizza is the superior pie, so there are some food culture landmines to be wary off. But you can probably just smile, apologize with your foreign accent, and let the locals educate you on the correct best choice.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 15:03:49


Post by: Kanluwen


Yeah, but anyone saying Chicago "style" is real pizza is wrong anyways!


But for real, the few times I went to NYC it was hard to find bad food unless I actively went looking for spots.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 19:14:09


Post by: BlackoCatto


Hamburgers are also utterly different depending as well. There isn't one way to cook it.

One shop might marinade it in 22 different spices. Another might put breading in it to make it have a crisp and soak in all the grease and fat.

The concept of Old Bay seasoning is utterly foreign to someone in Montana than someone in Maryland.

Beyond that far different cultures and dialects. Baltimore for example is often pronounced and spoke of as "Balmore" or "Balmer".

NYC while nice isnt much a taste of America, it is barely a taste of NY the state.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/06 23:18:13


Post by: LumenPraebeo


 Nevelon wrote:
There is a whole food culture about American BBQ, and the brisket is a big part of that. There are places where if you loudly said “Briskets all the same, I can get this in NYC” I would not place bets on your ability to walk out the door under your own power.


There's tons of restaurants in NYC owned and run by southern and south midwest Americans. The only thing I'd say from down south that is hands down superior would be buttered biscuits. Flour/wheat from the south is unique, and can't be cultivated anywhere else in the world. Of course you're gonna find Southern BBQ done better down south, but theres plenty enough places in NYC where the foods hardly anything to complain about. Unless you're petty and like to cause scenes, just to complicate your life a tiny bit further, which granted, there ARE a fair bit of those crazy types in NYC.

And no ones gonna cut anyone for suggesting some other places have better food.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 04:04:37


Post by: Voss


 LumenPraebeo wrote:

Atmosphere of a midwest restaurant in NYC isn't going to be the same as a restaurant in the American midwest, but yeah, I'd say the food would have a fairly authentic American taste to it. If there's any noticeable difference between hamburgers, briskets, salmon, or taters/gravy between regions, it's too small for me judge clearly. It'll be closer than any American restaurant in another country at the very least, I'd bet.


I mean, it depends what kind of restaurants you're going to. If you're going to a TGI Ruby Applebees Ponderosa Hoss's chain restaurant, then sure. Those'll be largely the same with some minor variations.

If you're going to a restaurant that's actually a part of the region rather than a franchise, you're talking gibberish. If you can't tell the difference, there is something medical wrong with your tongue.


---
That said, NYC isn't a place I'd bother with barbecue, BBQ, brisket or anything like that.

Because this is really a thing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbp9UrwC-mI

Find some nice Italian (american) cuisine instead. Or something else appropriate to the local neighborhood.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 04:16:18


Post by: LumenPraebeo


You have cooked before haven't you? Good food is still good food, and the difference is just in skillful preparation and cooking. The only difference you're emphasizing at this point is just snobbery. Theres more than enough places in NYC where people would line up for really good food.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 08:30:12


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Well, the idea for me is to enjoy NYC as an introduction. Then for whenever my next trip is, perhaps Houston TX to try proper Texas Barbecue and Tex Mex, whilst also being in day trip distance of Louisiana to scoff down some Cajun and Creole.

Doing it this way around, I can enjoy what New York offers, then Go To Source to try something I can be confident is properly authentic.

After all, I understand the difference to be noticeable (it’ll be even more noticeable if I can kick smoking and get all my taste buds back!). This way, I can enjoy Alright I Guess Barbecue, then appreciate just how much better Really Good Barbecue is. Same with Cajun and Creole stuff.

For instance, in my range of home cooking is a recipe calling itself Jambalaya. And, whatever it actually is, is pretty damned tasty, hence I like making it and eating it. But I know that if someone from Louisiana asks if I’ve ever had Jambalaya before? The true answer is “no, I have not”.

And I really, really want a Crawfish Boil.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 09:31:56


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


One suggestion- General Tso's chicken.

It seems to be a uniquely Chinese-American dish, I never found it in China but you can get it at any Chinese take out place. Even the super-authentic spot I went to last year had on their "Chinese American" menu section probably because they were tired of Yanks asking for it.

Deep fried chicken in chili sauce with broccoli. Good stuff.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 10:28:18


Post by: Nevelon


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
One suggestion- General Tso's chicken.

It seems to be a uniquely Chinese-American dish, I never found it in China but you can get it at any Chinese take out place. Even the super-authentic spot I went to last year had on their "Chinese American" menu section probably because they were tired of Yanks asking for it.

Deep fried chicken in chili sauce with broccoli. Good stuff.


Also varies wildly by who’s making it. The sauce is both sweet and spicy, but how much of each is very chef dependent. This isn’t a regional thing, but more about what the guy working the wok likes to do. I’ve had it all over the spectrum, and it’s all good.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 10:30:36


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Definitely going to be trying that!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 14:46:36


Post by: BlackoCatto


The only thing you will get authentic from New York is a good Jewish delicatessens, the Chinese NY markets (visit the first H Mart location, a great chain that started there and still has its OG market open too) and pizza, damn good pizza.

BBQ and anything else a no, regardless of some sudden transplant.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 14:55:18


Post by: Kanluwen


 Nevelon wrote:

Also varies wildly by who’s making it. The sauce is both sweet and spicy, but how much of each is very chef dependent. This isn’t a regional thing, but more about what the guy working the wok likes to do. I’ve had it all over the spectrum, and it’s all good.

Also has to do with if it's breaded or unbreaded!

This is something I like to make but can't really eat from places because of food allergens, but I use a couple of different store bought sauces. If it's breaded? It absorbs the sauce slower, almost marinating it while if it is unbreaded it absorbs the sauce quicker and more directly giving it a heck of a kick.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 15:30:55


Post by: Voss


 LumenPraebeo wrote:
You have cooked before haven't you? Good food is still good food, and the difference is just in skillful preparation and cooking. The only difference you're emphasizing at this point is just snobbery.

No. The difference I'm emphasizing is flavor.
Different regions use different ingredients in the same dish, and they taste very different. In decent restaurants, skillful preparation is a given, not a difference. Dismissing that as 'snobbery' is honestly baffling.

I will never, ever be able to get decent German brochen in this country, because Americans think bread needs sugar rather than pork fat. No amount of skill makes up for that. Nor the difference in which grains are used as the basis of the dough.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 16:03:33


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


It’s certainly true that Terroir is a thing. I’m not convinced it’s as pronounced as the French claim it to be in Wine, but that’s because all wine tastes horrible to me.

For instance, humble Butter. I understand the Irish brand Kerrygold is popular in the US, as it’s noted for its golden rather than off-white colour. A result, if memory serves, of the cows being grass fed.

So one could use Kerrygold in a recipe, then regular US (sorry if that sounds insulting, I don’t know any US butter brands) the next time, and end up with a different taste.

Likewise with chillis and spices in general. Freshly toasted and ground spices are always going to be better than something pre-ground out of a jar, because the flavours are just fresher. That’s not to say the pre-ground jar spices are bad. If they were, nobody would use them.

So I fully except a full blooded Ragin’ Cajun could use entirely authentic “passed down through the family, where let’s face it all the best recipes come from” recipes, and have setup shop in NYC. But if the ingredients are local ones? You will end up with a different taste.

Similarly, local taste preferences will inform what you put on your menu, and how you might adapt your recipes.

It doesn’t mean the resultant dish will be bad, or a poor example of the overall original cuisine. Just that for The Really Real Thing, you got to go to that area.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 16:51:12


Post by: gorgon


 Nevelon wrote:
 LumenPraebeo wrote:
If there's any noticeable difference between hamburgers, briskets, salmon, or taters/gravy between regions, it's too small for me judge clearly. It'll be closer than any American restaurant in another country at the very least, I'd bet.


Bolding mine.

There is a whole food culture about American BBQ, and the brisket is a big part of that. There are places where if you loudly said “Briskets all the same, I can get this in NYC” I would not place bets on your ability to walk out the door under your own power.

Because you are going to have to roll out after being stuffed full of the local speciality.


Yeah, you have variants within *states* that people argue about. Western vs Eastern Carolina BBQ, etc.

I mean, I roll my eyes when BBQ wars start and usually stay out of it by telling them that Korean BBQ is my fave (which is true). But BBQ styles are a REALLY BIG DEAL to people in the BBQ regions, no doubt. And some of the differences are pretty obvious and not things only an aficionado would recognize.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 17:09:40


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Hence my Jollof solution. If like me you’d be a visitor? Agree it’s the best you’ve ever had.

It is rude to insult one’s host, after all.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/07 19:19:55


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Korean BBQ is awesome.

And all Vietnamese food of course.

There is one space they use in Kung Pao Chicken in China that is apparently illegal in the US so it never tastes the same


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/09/08 20:45:22


Post by: LumenPraebeo


 gorgon wrote:
Yeah, you have variants within *states* that people argue about. Western vs Eastern Carolina BBQ, etc.

I mean, I roll my eyes when BBQ wars start and usually stay out of it by telling them that Korean BBQ is my fave (which is true). But BBQ styles are a REALLY BIG DEAL to people in the BBQ regions, no doubt. And some of the differences are pretty obvious and not things only an aficionado would recognize.


The difference these guys are emphasizing and making it out to be is not a big deal though. Its inches as opposed to anything revolutionary. I've been to Texas, and I've been to Florida, and yeah, the foods pretty darn amazing. Would i prefer Texas BBQ over NY BBQ? Definitely. Would I be disappointed that I'll only get the latter? No...I'd be perfectly happy with either. There's other stuff more important to me anyway, such as the friends and family I'm spending time with. I just don't agree with the notion all these guys are saying in this thread that you have no idea what American food is unless you go to certain places. Again, improvement in flavor is inches, not miles.

I love food as much as everyone here, and I'll appreciate good food when it's put in front of me, but I shun the idea of whatever it is thats going on in this thread; all this talk about some good food being better than other good food. Its snobbery and vanity.



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/19 12:58:35


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Quick question on tipping.

Starting to look into booking, and one of the hotel options includes a breakfast buffet. Assuming that’s stretch-or-starve self service, what’s the etiquette or policy on tipping where such a brekkie is included in the room price, so won’t result in a separate bill?

Is it bung a few bucks to the concierge staff? Give a couple of bucks to the busboy clearing my table once I’ve stuffed my idiot face?

Really don’t want to be seen as a cheapskate, and I want to ensure any tip goes to the relevant staff.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/19 14:07:34


Post by: chaos0xomega


 LumenPraebeo wrote:
You have cooked before haven't you? Good food is still good food, and the difference is just in skillful preparation and cooking. The only difference you're emphasizing at this point is just snobbery. Theres more than enough places in NYC where people would line up for really good food.

Have *you* cooked before? Skill in preparation and cooking is only part of the equation, what makes certain regional cuisines superior to the same dishes made in others is the presence of and access to certain ingredients of superior/differing quality,etc. Theres a reason why pizza and bagels in the NYC/NJ area are superior to what you will find in other parts of the country, and its not because of a lack of expertise or skill in other areas. Theres a reason biscuits and fried chicken in the south and midwest is superior to that found in the northeast - its a different type of flour that doesn't keep well and can't be exported. Texas and South/Southwest barbecue is driven by the immediacy of access to key ingredients (mainly the animals themselves, which are more freshly accessible than whats possible in the NYC metro region, and likewise have a different fat/muscle composition and ratio to cows and pigs found in the northeast owing to the warmer climates), as well as access to the fresh wood stocks needed to infuse the flavor and smokiness that its known for - those same types of trees don't grow in this part of the country and due to various import/export laws its usually not possible to import that wood into the state (and even if it was the differing levels of humidity, etc. here would mean that it wouldn't retain its qualities).
Can you get good BBQ? Yes. Is it the same? No. Pretending that it is would be the actual snobbery, rather than appreciating the factors that make certain regional cuisines what they are.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Quick question on tipping.

Starting to look into booking, and one of the hotel options includes a breakfast buffet. Assuming that’s stretch-or-starve self service, what’s the etiquette or policy on tipping where such a brekkie is included in the room price, so won’t result in a separate bill?

Is it bung a few bucks to the concierge staff? Give a couple of bucks to the busboy clearing my table once I’ve stuffed my idiot face?

Really don’t want to be seen as a cheapskate, and I want to ensure any tip goes to the relevant staff.


Somewhat defends on the buffet - some are fully "self serve" where they give you unlimited access to plates and cups and you can help yourself to whatever you want in whatever quantities you want and you basically have no interaction with waitstaff (other than maybe some specialty preparation stuff like if they have a mongolian grill or meat carving station, in which case they might have a tip jar), and your used dishes go into a tray/tub when you're done - usually you don't tip here. Others are partial service where you have plate/food access but need to order beverages (and potentially certain specialty items) - in these types of places you would tip at the table (or tip at the register depending on how they handle their checks). In general, if its a pay at the register/counter type of restaurant (usually a diner), you would still tip at the table if you're tipping cash so that the server/busser gets the money, otherwise if you're tipping on card you would tip at the register when they run your payment. If its a regular sitdown type place where they bring you the bill and then take your payment, you always just tip at the table regardless of if you're doing cash/card, etc. If its a cash tip you just leave it in the little folder that they bring you your check in, if its on your card you write it on the merchant copy of the receipt and leave it in the same. If they don't give you the check in one of those things then usually you just stick the cash under a plate/cup so it doesn't blow away - if you're worried about someone taking the money or it getting lost, etc. then you can just wait til you see your server and hand it to them too.

And then theres all you can eat sushi places (avoid them, not worth the money) where you basically order from a menu and the servers bring it to you - definitely tip at that type of buffet.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 08:30:28


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


That was pretty comprehensive!

So if there is someone clearing the tables, would it just be a couple of bucks, or would that depend on where in the US you are relative to the cost of living?

And since I’m well up for all you can eat Crab, do I tip by the bucket I consume, or just at the end of the sitting?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 13:06:15


Post by: chaos0xomega


Depends on what you mean? If you mean a non-full service restaurant where nobody serves you (I.E. you order at a counter and the food gets brought out to you and at the end of your meal you bring your dishes to a tray return/bucket/basin) you don't tip in that setting. If its like that but instead you leave your dishes at the table when you're done instead of returning them then I think most people don't tip but if you're feeling generous you can leave a couple bucks at the table.

If its full service (i.e. theres a waiter that comes to your table and takes a food/drink order and brings out your meal, and clears the table for you, etc.) then you absolutely tip - the old rule that is followed by folks over 40+ is you tip 15% if the service was good, 20% if it was stellar, and if it was substandard you tip little to nothing. A growing number (if not the vast majority) of people under 40 tip 20% no matter what - if the service was really stellar you may tip more, but you still tip 20% even if the food sucked and the service was terrible (unless it was really truly abysmal to the point that it would be unconscionable for you to even consider giving the waiter a dime - we're talking like the waiter was themselves personally directly hostile/racist/threatened your life, etc).

Only exception is if you're at a bar ordering drinks, you tip per drink order, the size of the tip somewhat varies - best practice is if you're ordering 1-2 identical simple drinks (i.e. a shot or a beer or a simple mixed drink of 2 ingredients ala rum and coke) tip $2-3 per order. If its a more complex order (i.e. cocktails with 3 or more components, or several different drinks, i.e. you're ordering a beer and a long island iced tea, for example) tip $4-5 per order. The larger and more complex the order the bigger the tip - in a sense bar tips are tied more to complexity and the time that the bartender needs to dedicate to the order than they are to cost, whereas food service/restaurant tips are a percentage of cost regardless of the time/complexity involved. Even still, always shoot for around a 20% minimum tip in a bar (and I do mean minimum), in general theres somewhat of an unwritten/unspoken expectation that bartenders are tipped better than waitstaff and anything less than that isn't necessarily seen as insulting but might be interpreted as cheapness (and result in less attentive service).

Best practice in a bar if you're planning to be there for a while is to open the night with a bigger tip ($10-20) on your first round and scale down to smaller $2-3 tips on subsequent rounds. In a sense you're frontloading your tips a bit, the bartenders will remember/recognize you and be more responsive to you/give you a bit better service for doing so - if you're going to be there for a really long time then its good to throw in slightly larger tip ($5) every few rounds as well. Another best practice with bar tipping if its busy is to be mindful of the bartenders time - "keep the change" will earn you friends if the difference in cost and what you paid is only a few bucks, theres no sense in making them bring you back $4 in change only to hand $3 back to them in tips, theres a pettiness associated with keeping that extra $1.

Also if you run a tab (not sure if this is a thing in the UK, some places in the US will let you run a tab so instead of paying each time you order a drink they just have a running counter on your drink orders and you pay at the end of the night), you should still tip on your drinks (you might need to ask them to make change for you if all you have is larger bills on hand), and then tip out a bit more at the end of the night when you close the tab (how much is up to you, in this case you're more tipping them for the convenience of not having to pay per order and for them keeping track of your orders for you than you are tipping against the cost of the bill - a good rule of thumb is to use that 20% standard I mentioned earlier as a rule of thumb - if you kept a count of how much you tipped over the course of the night or have a rough ballpark estimate and see that you undertipped them relative to the cost of what you ordered, tip to "make them whole" when you close the tab, if you were tipping generously all evening this really shouldn't be an issue and I usually just let them keep the change if I'm closing my tab out in cash (unless of course the change is only a couple bucks, in which case I'll throw a few more dollars in to make it a bit more subtantial), or just add an extra $5-10 in tip if I'm closing it out with a card.

The only potential exception to this is if you're at a real cheap dive bar kind of place that serves $1 piss on tap in plastic cups and $5 pitchers, etc. no sense tipping more than the cost of your drink, in this sort of situation consider a $1 per drink/$5 per pitcher tip a good guideline. Likewise, if you're at a high end place where the cheapest drink starts around $20 you should scale your tips up a bit - $5 is a good number in cases like this unless the drinks are so expensive that $5 would come in less than that ~20% target.

And yeah, you would tip at the end of your sitting, not by the bucket.

Also, if you're planning on taking in anything on Broadway, I highly recommend seeing Hadestown - its a new orleans jazz folk-opera of the intertwined tales of Hades & Persephone and Orpheus & Eurydice from Greek myth set vaguely in a somewhat post-apocalyptic Great Depression/Prohibition era middle America. I think its probably the best of what Broadway has to offer and despite its Greco-Roman overtones is distinctly American in its form and presentation. If you do see it, shoot for center-mezz seats, its the best bang for your buck unless you're willing to pony up for good orchestra seats. In general, if you're seeing anything on broadway center-mezz is a good bet, but you should always check sightlines from your seats to the stage as some of the seats, frankly speaking, shouldn't ever be sold as they have obstructed sightlines/ are behind columns/walls, etc. that block half the stage, etc. AViewFromMySeat.com will allow you to see what the view of the stage from various seats around the theater is like to help you make informed decisions about your ticket purchases.

BTW I just noticed your signature, are you a traveling man (and I don't just mean on vacation)?



Automatically Appended Next Post:
EDIT - Also, think it was mentioned prior, but proof of vaccination is increasingly required to do anything in NYC. Not sure how its being done in the UK, in the US we get these paper "vaccine passports", if you have something like that you'll want to keep a copy of it on you or photos on your smartphone, etc. There are various apps being used to track it as well.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 13:33:07


Post by: techsoldaten


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
That was pretty comprehensive!

So if there is someone clearing the tables, would it just be a couple of bucks, or would that depend on where in the US you are relative to the cost of living?

And since I’m well up for all you can eat Crab, do I tip by the bucket I consume, or just at the end of the sitting?


You only tip at the end of the meal. It's generally based on the amount of the check, people are encouraged to tip 15% - 30%. If it's a true buffet - i.e. no table service - you are not expected to tip.

Beware any offer of All You Can Eat Crab in NYC. The city is in the Northeast, good crabs come from the South and the prime season ends in August.

More specifically, the best crabs are North Carolina Blue crabs. They are raised in Maryland, North Carolina and Louisiana. They're not cheap - a bushel of large males costs about $145. The cost to transport them to other states is expensive, a bushel in NYC is going to cost about $360 (if it can be had.) What you really want to get are called Swamp Dogs, which have the most meat and flavor. People I know who in NYC that like crab have Swamp Dogs shipped air-mail.

An All You Can Eat place is going to be offering Alaskan Crab Legs or small / medium females. Either is an inferior product. ACLs are rubbery in comparison and lack the flavor you'd get from NCBs. Females lack meat, you will spend most of your time picking. You do not want to spend a lot of money and end up disappointed. At the very least, call ahead and confirm what they are serving before you pay for it.

Also, something I've found is the quality of seafood (for the money) improves the further you are from Manhattan. Seafood restaurants in Coney Island are generally better than ones in the city. Westchester has some of the best seafood on the East Coast and it's about a 30 minute train ride from downtown.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 13:35:33


Post by: Kanluwen


I think it's really just safer to say "beware of any all you can eat place", to be honest.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 14:04:48


Post by: chaos0xomega


 techsoldaten wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
That was pretty comprehensive!

So if there is someone clearing the tables, would it just be a couple of bucks, or would that depend on where in the US you are relative to the cost of living?

And since I’m well up for all you can eat Crab, do I tip by the bucket I consume, or just at the end of the sitting?


You only tip at the end of the meal. It's generally based on the amount of the check, people are encouraged to tip 15% - 30%. If it's a true buffet - i.e. no table service - you are not expected to tip.

Beware any offer of All You Can Eat Crab in NYC. The city is in the Northeast, good crabs come from the South and the prime season ends in August.

More specifically, the best crabs are North Carolina Blue crabs. They are raised in Maryland, North Carolina and Louisiana. They're not cheap - a bushel of large males costs about $145. The cost to transport them to other states is expensive, a bushel in NYC is going to cost about $360 (if it can be had.) What you really want to get are called Swamp Dogs, which have the most meat and flavor. People I know who in NYC that like crab have Swamp Dogs shipped air-mail.

An All You Can Eat place is going to be offering Alaskan Crab Legs or small / medium females. Either is an inferior product. ACLs are rubbery in comparison and lack the flavor you'd get from NCBs. Females lack meat, you will spend most of your time picking. You do not want to spend a lot of money and end up disappointed. At the very least, call ahead and confirm what they are serving before you pay for it.

Also, something I've found is the quality of seafood (for the money) improves the further you are from Manhattan. Seafood restaurants in Coney Island are generally better than ones in the city. Westchester has some of the best seafood on the East Coast and it's about a 30 minute train ride from downtown.


Shhh, you wouldn't want to be called a snob. Remember, its all about the skill in preparation, haven't you ever cooked before?

I think it's really just safer to say "beware of any all you can eat place", to be honest.


Agreed. Dunno how it is in Europe, but theres a distinct lack of awareness of proper etiquette (and, in fact, state laws) in the NYC area (and presumably the rest of the US) when it comes to buffets. Aside from the grossness of people who have no comprehension of personal cleanliness or public health touching gak with their hands or personal utensils, etc. instead of using tongs/serving utensils, etc. and bringing up dirty plates for second servings instead of grabbing a clean plate for each serving like you're supposed to, theres also just the general lack of quality in the ingredients used (as well as the preparation). Its hard to say its worth it to spend $30 at a buffet to get a metric fuckton of food of inferior quality to what you could get in a fixed serving for $10-20 at a typical sit down or takeout place - American portion sizing being what it is, you're going to still be more than full after your meal even without the all you can eat access.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 14:34:44


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Oh I’m happy to travel for good seafood! Spesh Crab and Lobster.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 19:44:41


Post by: Kanluwen


Personal comment regarding tipping, by the by:

I gravitate towards 18% as my 'standard' tip. Exceptional service goes to 25% while poor service gets a conversation started with the employee to let them know that the service wasn't great.

If they're having a bad day or it's their first day and things are backed up or whatever the issue was might be out of their control? I'll still tip that 18%, going higher if they actively go out of their way to correct the issues with service. If they just don't seem to actively care, then I'll usually start getting a bit irritable or just in the future ask for another server.

Also, if possible I try to leave two tips:
One for the person bussing the table and one for the server. I leave the server's in with the bill and the busser's with the plates and the like.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 19:56:37


Post by: chaos0xomega


So Kanluwen would be fairly unique in leaving two tips, I've never encountered that before - do you leave 18% for both or do you divide it in two?

18% was like a short-lived gen X standard, I think millennials mainly pushed that to 20% because that extra 2% rarely translates to much more than a dollar, if that, and its way easier to calculate (move the decimal over and multiply by 2). Another common thing is to just round up to the next whole dollar (unless its like just a few pennies above the whole dollar, then you can just round down and nobody will care that you shorted them a nickel).

As for conversations, etc. I've never really encountered that either and I'm not sure how I feel about pulling aside someone getting paid $2 an hour to tell them that they suck at their job while they are trying to manage lunch/dinner service. If they're actually bad at their job I will still leave them a 20% tip (again, unless they are actively hostile) regardless but I may mention something to management in a polite way and explain something specific and say that I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble and that I left a 20% tip but that the employee needs to work on something, etc. I do the same if the service is very good, as all too often nobody communicates the positive experiences to managers and waitstaff.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 20:46:52


Post by: gorgon


Eh, I'm Gen X and tipped 20% when no millennials were even of legal drinking age. I think the 15-18% rule and such go back another generation or two. Millennials try to take credit for everything, LOL.

I also think there are slight regional variations with tipping. Around bigger metro areas you'll see much better tips. Out in the sticks you could see more 15-18% tip culture. But I'd never tip as low as 15% unless the waitperson themselves really fethed up my meal and then laughed about it or something, LOL. They rely on those tips, and if there's a problem with the kitchen, etc. it's not their fault. Basically just be generous, and if the restaurant was a bad experience, don't go back.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 22:21:23


Post by: Kanluwen


chaos0xomega wrote:
So Kanluwen would be fairly unique in leaving two tips, I've never encountered that before - do you leave 18% for both or do you divide it in two?

18% was like a short-lived gen X standard, I think millennials mainly pushed that to 20% because that extra 2% rarely translates to much more than a dollar, if that, and its way easier to calculate (move the decimal over and multiply by 2). Another common thing is to just round up to the next whole dollar (unless its like just a few pennies above the whole dollar, then you can just round down and nobody will care that you shorted them a nickel).

18% each. I usually do go out of my way to 'hide' the one for the person doing the bussing though. Someone just coming by and picking up the check won't find it, but someone doing the hard work of picking up the plates and glasses will.

Like I said though, it's the 'standard' that I go by. 18% is the least someone serving me can expect, 25% is the most--unless I'm taking a large party out for dinner in which case it's a whole different ballgame.

As for conversations, etc. I've never really encountered that either and I'm not sure how I feel about pulling aside someone getting paid $2 an hour to tell them that they suck at their job while they are trying to manage lunch/dinner service. If they're actually bad at their job I will still leave them a 20% tip (again, unless they are actively hostile) regardless but I may mention something to management in a polite way and explain something specific and say that I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble and that I left a 20% tip but that the employee needs to work on something, etc. I do the same if the service is very good, as all too often nobody communicates the positive experiences to managers and waitstaff.

See, I don't feel comfortable talking to someone's manager in most cases. For all I know, they're a great employee who usually is doing everything aces.

Eating at a sit-down spot, for me, is usually something I'm doing by myself while trying to get something done while out. I'd usually just ask the person how things are going, what their day's been like, etc. You can glean a lot from someone based upon answers from that.

If there was a problem with my meal, I'll straight-up talk to them about it. I do have to be a little careful because of allergies(nothing life-threatening, just sensitivities to certain things that can cause hives and itchiness) so it's something I've had experience with over the years.

I do always make 100% sure that if I had great service, I write it on the reciept.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 23:23:36


Post by: chaos0xomega


 gorgon wrote:
Eh, I'm Gen X and tipped 20% when no millennials were even of legal drinking age. I think the 15-18% rule and such go back another generation or two. Millennials try to take credit for everything, LOL.

I also think there are slight regional variations with tipping. Around bigger metro areas you'll see much better tips. Out in the sticks you could see more 15-18% tip culture. But I'd never tip as low as 15% unless the waitperson themselves really fethed up my meal and then laughed about it or something, LOL. They rely on those tips, and if there's a problem with the kitchen, etc. it's not their fault. Basically just be generous, and if the restaurant was a bad experience, don't go back.


I dunno, its just based on my personal experience. My parents (boomers, though 70s/80s era immigrants to the US) tipped 15% as a fairly hard rule unless it was really good service they might give a bit more. Some of my older Gen X era friends generally tip 18%. Everyone in my own age range tips 20% or more.

Eating at a sit-down spot, for me, is usually something I'm doing by myself while trying to get something done while out




YOU ABSOLUTE SOCIOPATH!



MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/20 23:49:51


Post by: Kanluwen


I can't get some stuff done while at home or around people, so...done while out at a sitdown spot is the way to go!

ADDITIONALLY!
MDG? Don't use UberEats, GrubHub, or any of that kind of stuff. Inquire if the place you're staying at does so for any food deliveries.

There's been an...interesting issue here in the US with those kinds of food delivery apps creating a "menu" and website for places that don't actually offer delivery, then charging the places for it when they get forced into using the app. My brother works for a burger joint that had this happen to them, and it's been a flipping nightmare to get it all sorted out because the place gets calls about how poor their food was when delivered etc.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/21 00:19:26


Post by: chaos0xomega


Seconding that, for a while the problem was particularly bad in NYC, not sure if thats still the case. A lot of the ordering options are also ghost kitchens of questionable quality.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/21 07:49:10


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Given I am going on my Jack Jones, would I need to tip a bit more generously, given I’ll be spending less, but still taking up at least a two seater table?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also, are there any oddities in law I should be aware of?

I kind of know about jaywalking (cross at proper crossing being the way to sort those out before they happen).

I ask because the police have better things to do with their time than have to bother with my ignorance.

I’ve already decided to smoke straights rather than roll ups (if I’ve not quite by then) lest my ciggie be confused with Devil’s Lettuce.

I’d of course be happy to fully cooperate with the police should something occur, but I’d rather both parties have as little reason as possible to interact.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/22 01:39:09


Post by: chaos0xomega


Jack Jones? I'm guessing from context maybe that means by yourself?

Nah, you'll be fine, the expectation at a sit down restaurant is that you tip a percentage of your bill, while servers have a love/hate relationship with large tables/parties because they can pull a few hundred in tips just from that one table, I've never once seen/heard a server complain about a table of one. Granted if its a really really busy service (i.e. the place is packed and theres a long wait time to get in) you dining on your lonesome is technically lost income for the server, so if you're feeling conscientious tossing a few extra bucks in won't hurt, but its certainly not expected.

Also, are there any oddities in law I should be aware of?

I kind of know about jaywalking (cross at proper crossing being the way to sort those out before they happen).

I ask because the police have better things to do with their time than have to bother with my ignorance.

I’ve already decided to smoke straights rather than roll ups (if I’ve not quite by then) lest my ciggie be confused with Devil’s Lettuce.

I’d of course be happy to fully cooperate with the police should something occur, but I’d rather both parties have as little reason as possible to interact.


Not really. Just don't smoke indoors or within ~20ft of the entrance to a building, avoid littering, and don't drink in public (i.e. don't walk down the street with a beer/cocktail). Even the jaywalking thing is kind of a nonfactor, people do it all the time, the only time you will get slapped for it is towards the end of the month when cops need to make their quota, and even then its really only used as an excuse/probable cause to hit you if they suspect that you're intoxicated or if you're acting like an ass but not dong anything else overtly illegal, etc. Another one you'll absolutely never get hit for is wearing slippers in public after 10pm (I believe its an anti-homeless law, still on the books, doubt its been enforced in the past 10 years). Its also illegal for elevator passengers to speak to one another Oh, also "cocking a snook" is illegal in NYC . Flirting is also a fineable offense ($25). Again, very doubtful any of these laws are enforced.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/10/28 17:17:25


Post by: Ahtman


I don't recall seeing it mentioned before but the listed price of things is not the actual price. Sales is not included in the listed price. This is food as well at restaraunts.

There is an American Gundam action figure with Freedom™ accessories and is listed as $20 it will be $22 when go to buy it.

(made up numbers as tax % varies from state to state)


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/11/20 11:04:36


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Just booking the trip now, so I am hella excited!

Being sensible and booking a private airport transport transfer. Removes much of the possibility of getting ripped off/mugged/kidnapped etc.

Arriving late June, home 3rd July. Gives me plenty of time and opportunity to book visits and sight seeing in the coming months.

Definitely doing the Statue of Liberty. Booked that before, so know what I’m doing there!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/11/25 18:10:14


Post by: Voss


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Just booking the trip now, so I am hella excited!

Being sensible and booking a private airport transport transfer. Removes much of the possibility of getting ripped off/mugged/kidnapped etc.


A whatnow? That sounds like it creates the possibility of getting ripped off, mugged or kidnapped.
Just... get a cab or take the subway. Or a hotel shuttle.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2021/11/25 18:17:27


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Car already booked, through what I trust is a reputable service.

If not, I shall burp in their face.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/01/09 22:22:08


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Another question on tipping.

What is a reasonable amount to tip the hotel’s housekeeping?

The place I’m booked at only does housekeeping a couple of times a week due to pandemic, which is fair enough.

Given they’ll sooner or later be changing my manky* sheets, and sadly housekeeping doesn’t tend to pay that well? Should I budget say five bucks a night, and leave it in tranches for when they are sent round? Because it’s not their fault their services are less required due to plague.

*I’m speaking figuratively for amusement. Even my own sheets at home (Egyptian cotton, thank you very much!) aren’t at all manky and are regularly laundered!)


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/01/09 22:33:08


Post by: techsoldaten


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Another question on tipping.

What is a reasonable amount to tip the hotel’s housekeeping?

The place I’m booked at only does housekeeping a couple of times a week due to pandemic, which is fair enough.

Given they’ll sooner or later be changing my manky* sheets, and sadly housekeeping doesn’t tend to pay that well? Should I budget say five bucks a night, and leave it in tranches for when they are sent round? Because it’s not their fault their services are less required due to plague.

*I’m speaking figuratively for amusement. Even my own sheets at home (Egyptian cotton, thank you very much!) aren’t at all manky and are regularly laundered!)


The times I've tried to leave a tip for housekeeping in NYC, the money was still there when I got back.

I think the practice is discouraged in most hotels.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/01/09 22:42:30


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Interesting.

Mayhap the best tactic is to politely approach the housekeepers, and give them the bills? Discreetly like.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/01/09 23:27:01


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 techsoldaten wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Another question on tipping.

What is a reasonable amount to tip the hotel’s housekeeping?

The place I’m booked at only does housekeeping a couple of times a week due to pandemic, which is fair enough.

Given they’ll sooner or later be changing my manky* sheets, and sadly housekeeping doesn’t tend to pay that well? Should I budget say five bucks a night, and leave it in tranches for when they are sent round? Because it’s not their fault their services are less required due to plague.

*I’m speaking figuratively for amusement. Even my own sheets at home (Egyptian cotton, thank you very much!) aren’t at all manky and are regularly laundered!)


The times I've tried to leave a tip for housekeeping in NYC, the money was still there when I got back.

I think the practice is discouraged in most hotels.


Is it just an NYC thing? Coz I don't recall that happening anywhere I stayed, but I never stayed in an NYC hotel.

Typically just leave a couple of bucks on the pillow for the cleaning staff, if they're not doing daily cleaning I don't know what the etiquette would be, whether to save it up or still just leave a couple of bucks, dunno.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Interesting.

Mayhap the best tactic is to politely approach the housekeepers, and give them the bills? Discreetly like.


But then you wouldn't know if you're actually giving it to the person cleaning your room?

That's why you usually tip each day, because it could be a different person from one day to the next. If they're not cleaning every day then I dunno.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/01/18 15:47:10


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


That’s fair enough.

Also really fancy getting another Tattoo when I’m out there. A pleasing permanent memento of my first international trip in aaaages.

Any ink Dakkanauts able to recommend a studio?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/13 09:35:06


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


ESTA applied for. Given how we’ve lived these past two years, this is a slightly surreal experience.

Really looking forward to this break.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/13 11:04:11


Post by: techsoldaten


AllSeeingSkink wrote:
 techsoldaten wrote:
The times I've tried to leave a tip for housekeeping in NYC, the money was still there when I got back.

I think the practice is discouraged in most hotels.


Is it just an NYC thing? Coz I don't recall that happening anywhere I stayed, but I never stayed in an NYC hotel.

Typically just leave a couple of bucks on the pillow for the cleaning staff, if they're not doing daily cleaning I don't know what the etiquette would be, whether to save it up or still just leave a couple of bucks, dunno.

I'd describe it as an everywhere thing. Tipping cleaning staff appears to be the exception these days. I get the feeling they leave the money out of fear of being accused of stealing.

Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:ESTA applied for. Given how we’ve lived these past two years, this is a slightly surreal experience.

Really looking forward to this break.

Keep us updated on your trip.

Sadly, I don't have a tattoo parlor to point you at. But I hope the advice I've shared proves useful.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/13 13:43:00


Post by: Kanluwen


Could always try leaving the money in an envelope labeled "For Housekeeping Staff" or just asking the hotel itself?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/13 13:51:22


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Think I’ll do the latter, then the former if told not to tip them!

ESTA all approved, there’ll be nothing to stop us this time.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/14 07:11:20


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Got your jabs? Scheduled your COVID test?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/14 08:16:03


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Triple vaccinated. Trip isn’t until June all will follow the relevant guidance.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/03/14 13:41:09


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Saint Marks Place (8th street and 2nd avenue) has some good tattoo parlors. Or at least it used to. Who knows. They may all be sushi bars now.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/09 19:07:35


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Shopping tips…

I will of course be getting souvenirs for my friends, and we’re all kind of into tacky home accessories.

Tacky is of course somewhat subjective, but if anyone can recommend any stores or chains, I’ll do a dedicated Quest For Tat shopping day.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/10 04:19:30


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


What do you mean by home accessories?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/10 07:31:04


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Shopping tips…

I will of course be getting souvenirs for my friends, and we’re all kind of into tacky home accessories.

Tacky is of course somewhat subjective, but if anyone can recommend any stores or chains, I’ll do a dedicated Quest For Tat shopping day.


Tacky souvenir shops are everywhere around Times Square and the Empire State Building, try walking a block or two off of the major sites and prices may drop by 50%


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/10 07:38:16


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
What do you mean by home accessories?


Gonks, Gnomes, Lampshades. Chintz, tat, treasures. Knick-knacks etc.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/11 11:28:43


Post by: chaos0xomega


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
That’s fair enough.

Also really fancy getting another Tattoo when I’m out there. A pleasing permanent memento of my first international trip in aaaages.

Any ink Dakkanauts able to recommend a studio?


Can't really recommend anywhere in NYC proper, grossly overpriced for what you get, and anyone thats actually good at it has months-long waitlists to get into their chairs (in addition to being 3-4x more expensive than what you would pay for similar quality on Long Island, NJ, or upstate New York).

 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Shopping tips…
I will of course be getting souvenirs for my friends, and we’re all kind of into tacky home accessories.
Tacky is of course somewhat subjective, but if anyone can recommend any stores or chains, I’ll do a dedicated Quest For Tat shopping day.

Tacky souvenir shops are everywhere around Times Square and the Empire State Building, try walking a block or two off of the major sites and prices may drop by 50%


This. You might find some good tacky crap down by Canal Street too - Got a missus? You can get her a nice Coach or Gucci handbag for 95% off, of course it might be spelled Coech or Guchi, but you can't beat prices like that. And who could say no to a $15 dollar Rolex (or maybe "Rollex") watch? Some (overpriced) souvenirs and such to be had down by the world trade center as well. In general if you're anywhere near Time Square, Madison Square Garden, or in the theatrical areas of Broadway you'll find lots of dollar stores and chintzy goods dealers selling all manner of dumb gak to spend your money on.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/12 03:33:45


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
What do you mean by home accessories?


Gonks, Gnomes, Lampshades. Chintz, tat, treasures. Knick-knacks etc.


Ah, I think I understand. In New York, you’d call them tchotchkes, pronounced “chawtch keys”.

If you’re in Manhattan, you can buy them everywhere. Central Park street vendors had a fun selection of weird, tacky stuff, if I recall.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/04/12 07:24:43


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


That’s a bloody good word that! I like it!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/05/15 16:23:37


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Not long to go now.

Proper proper planning is well under way. Tickets booked for Bettlejuice on Broadway, and a table booked at the Beetle House restaurant. Also decided I’m doing a $115 all you can eat, cooked to order Lobster Buffet.

Fully intend to visit the Ghostbuster’s Firehouse, with the hope of at least getting to see the Pole, maybe have a pretend “me at the bottom of it” go - as I suspect Elven Safety will prevent a proper slide down it.

Statue of Liberty and Coney Island are also an absolute must, because they are. May do Empire State Building, definitely doing Ground Zero, given the impact of that horrific event continues to affect our day to day lives.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/05/30 19:55:08


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Getting hype now, as in four weeks I’ll already be in New York. I may even have developed a Bronx accent. Who can tell.

In terms of prep I’m there, barring the £115 (ouch) PCR Test, on account the negative result needs to be no more than 24 hours old. NHS App confirming triple vaccination downloaded and ready to go.

I could probably do with getting some Dollars ordered, as I suspect I may get a better exchange rate that way, which will allow me to tip cash (call me suspicious of the human condition, but I’d like to make sure my server gets the dosh, and it doesn’t disappear into the pocket of the business owner).

For tips, I’m thinking a mix of $1, $5 and $10 bills? For those who’ve been following this rather self indulgent thread, you’ll know I’m keen not to be seen as a bad customer, in case I visit a place more than once. I figure those offer the most flexibility. Plus I guess it’s always good to have some literal pocket money for lower value purchases, so I’m not paying fees on my debit card. Also I do wonder how many Bodegas and that won’t accept low value card purchases.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/05/31 01:37:26


Post by: Jadenim


I don’t think it has to be a PCR; a rapid antigen test (I.e. a commercial lateral flow test) is acceptable. Although, as I found when they changed the UK rule last November, you can’t return the tests for refund if you’ve already received the kit.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/05/31 02:58:48


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Not long to go now.

Proper proper planning is well under way. Tickets booked for Bettlejuice on Broadway, and a table booked at the Beetle House restaurant. Also decided I’m doing a $115 all you can eat, cooked to order Lobster Buffet.

Fully intend to visit the Ghostbuster’s Firehouse, with the hope of at least getting to see the Pole, maybe have a pretend “me at the bottom of it” go - as I suspect Elven Safety will prevent a proper slide down it.

Statue of Liberty and Coney Island are also an absolute must, because they are. May do Empire State Building, definitely doing Ground Zero, given the impact of that horrific event continues to affect our day to day lives.


Do you plan to do a lot of walking? You might be able to get in the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street (so close you really should at least see the Bull), and Ground Zero in a single day. The Ghostbusters Firehouse is a short cab ride away if the timing works.

Do you plan to visit Central Park?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/05/31 03:31:25


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Probably going to walk as much as possible, Do a Vimes and feel the city under my feet,

Ghostbusters Firehouse is around a half hour schlep from my hotel, so head there of a morning, then do Wall Street and Ground Zero.

Plus bimbling around let’s me find things otherwise missed, even if it’s just a Bodega for an authentic sandwich type thing,

Not going with any particular day to day plan, other than Beetlejuice the Musical 28th June, and Beetle House for dinner on 30th June.

Oh, and Dave & Busters on 29th, as I understand that’s double play day….


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Jadenim wrote:
I don’t think it has to be a PCR; a rapid antigen test (I.e. a commercial lateral flow test) is acceptable. Although, as I found when they changed the UK rule last November, you can’t return the tests for refund if you’ve already received the kit.


That does seem possible. But, given how much I’m craving this holiday, think I’ll shell out for the PCR version, just in case.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/06 08:48:48


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


 Jadenim wrote:
I don’t think it has to be a PCR; a rapid antigen test (I.e. a commercial lateral flow test) is acceptable. Although, as I found when they changed the UK rule last November, you can’t return the tests for refund if you’ve already received the kit.


Sought advice, and antigen test is acceptable.

I’m triple vaccinated and can prove it. My life to the airport is arranged. And my antigen test is booked for 5pm the day before I fly out.

I’m….I’m all set!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/06 11:42:03


Post by: Nevelon


Hope you have a great trip.

If you get hopelessly lost and end up 4-5 hours north of the The City, give me a shout.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/06 19:32:34


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Just ordered some US Dollars, so I’ll have actual cash in hand for my trip, so that’s pretty much that!

I am so incredibly hype for this. I’ve been waiting around two and a half years due to Plague Postponement, and now all is in place!

I think I’m going to hide at home though, as there’s still time for the Plague to lob on last spanner in the works!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/07 13:01:52


Post by: Jadenim


Bon voyage!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/13 13:30:28


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


If you didn't see it, the US just lifted Covid test requirments!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/13 13:51:34


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Wait what???


Automatically Appended Next Post:
ARSES!!!! That’s £35 I won’t be getting back. Unless…

Hmm. They keep 5%. That’s fair enough.

Amusingly. The cancellation website was Heydoc…


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/13 14:06:33


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Bright side with a fistful of Dollars already, passport and other entry gubbins all done?

Other than packing and getting my carcass to the airport (a friend is giving me a lift, thankfully) I’m all set!

30 months of waiting, and it’s finally gonna happen! This is gonna be grand.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/13 15:44:01


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Can't wait to see the pics!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/13 16:45:17


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


They’ll be on FB. Can’t share them here!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/14 15:25:42


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Also? Best place to get a Blooming Onion in Manhattan.

Aaaaand….GO!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/15 11:03:32


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Genuine question, even if it doesn’t sound it.

I read there’s a Tampon shortage in the US right now, and folk are struggling to find them in stock.

Being a fine upstanding Dirty Socialist, and keen to help out where I can, I’m looking at grabbing a load before my flight out, to be donated to Women’s Charities one in NYC.

The websites I’ve found tend to only solicit cash donations (and fair enough, economy of scale etc) but if anyone knows somewhere I can drop off physical goods, so let me know.

I of course can’t solve the wider problem, but for the sake of a few quid and a wander I can make someone’s month a bit more pleasant.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/15 11:45:35


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Also? Best place to get a Blooming Onion in Manhattan.

Aaaaand….GO!


That's more of Aussie thing no?

Outback Steakhouse (Australian-themed chain restaurant) is the only place I can think of.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/17 16:46:27


Post by: ZergSmasher


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Also? Best place to get a Blooming Onion in Manhattan.

Aaaaand….GO!


That's more of Aussie thing no?

Outback Steakhouse (Australian-themed chain restaurant) is the only place I can think of.

Texas Roadhouse does one as well; they call theirs a Cactus Blossom. I'm not sure you'll find either of those in NYC proper, but I've never been there so I can't say for sure.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/22 15:10:59


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Holiday period has officially started.

Mild panic earlier as my wages were £800 short due to an error, but that’s sorted now.

Got my dollars, ESTA and passport all sorted. Proof of vaccination to go. Just on the phone to the airline, as I need to do a Passenger Attestation form, and their website version is buggered.

Slight change to travel plan due to U.K. rail strikes. Now staying overnight in a Heathrow Hotel, getting there by taxi.

I am very very excited. Provided I can get this bloody form submitted, or can complete one at the airport.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/22 15:53:21


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Bon voyage Mad Doc!

Enjoy!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/23 11:39:37


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Certainly will! Checked in online and pretty much set to go. Only tning I really need do today now is nip to the post office and get a parcel away.

Oh, and try to get Paramount+ to belt up on my telly. It plays some stuff, but not others.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/24 15:03:34


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Pretty much an hour until landing. I am very very very excite, and hope to be eating something delicious by 3pm.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/24 17:44:42


Post by: Olthannon


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Pretty much an hour until landing. I am very very very excite, and hope to be eating something delicious by 3pm.



Have a good one mate! I had some great food when I was in New Yawk.

Being a fine upstanding Dirty Socialist, and keen to help out where I can, I’m looking at grabbing a load before my flight out, to be donated to Women’s Charities one in NYC.


Good lad.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/24 19:41:17


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Well that was fun. McDonalds opposite my hotel turns out to be SmackDonalds. Crack and Smackheads in every crook and nanny. First and last time in there!

Currently marvelling at medicine adverts on TV.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 00:03:32


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Pretty much an hour until landing. I am very very very excite, and hope to be eating something delicious by 3pm.


Oh man, you picked a heck of a day to land in a major American city.

This weekend you’re gonna see some sh**.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
In what part of the city is your crackhead-adjacent hotel?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 00:41:48


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


I’m staying at the New Yorker….oh my that SmackDonalds is quite something!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
And yeah. Hopefully things don’t get interesting

I’m currently forcing myself to stay awake. I’ve been up since 1:30am New York time, barring a couple of naps on the plane.

Figure I can safely throw in the towel around 10pm. Should let me sync up nicely.

Tomorrow I do museums and that, I think.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 01:17:12


Post by: Voss


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:

Currently marvelling at medicine adverts on TV.


Yeah, that's going to be non-stop, especially during the evening news.
Though the best is about 6:40 or so, every couple days, when CBS news will simply stop doing news and tell people what sales Walmart or Amazon are doing at the moment.
'Murican journalism at its best.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 06:47:15


Post by: Jadenim


Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:I’m staying at the New Yorker….oh my that SmackDonalds is quite something!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
And yeah. Hopefully things don’t get interesting

I’m currently forcing myself to stay awake. I’ve been up since 1:30am New York time, barring a couple of naps on the plane.

Figure I can safely throw in the towel around 10pm. Should let me sync up nicely.

Tomorrow I do museums and that, I think.


Should have mentioned this before, but with jet lag make sure a) you carry an energy bar or similar and b) eat at mealtimes, even if you don’t think you’re hungry. Your body won’t know when it’s hungry (like a reverse Pavlov thing) and I find I slam into low blood sugar hard with no warning (full on shakes and dizziness and I need to eat something now!)


Voss wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:

Currently marvelling at medicine adverts on TV.


Yeah, that's going to be non-stop, especially during the evening news.
Though the best is about 6:40 or so, every couple days, when CBS news will simply stop doing news and tell people what sales Walmart or Amazon are doing at the moment.
'Murican journalism at its best.


The thing that always amazes me is the extensive (excessive?!) warnings and small print on the medical adverts, which can immediately be followed by some homeopathic, snake oil bs that doesn’t need to have any disclaimers at all?!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 10:21:10


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Ah, morning. Completely brilliant. Brekkie, then a wander I think. Who ya gonna call? No-one until I’ve got a US SIM card because I reckon a pay as you go data only sim for iPad with phone tethered to it. Then go find the Ghostbusters Firehouse.

Oh, and lots of sunscreen, because I foresee much walking.

Also want to get my fine SJW buns to the Stonewall Inn. See where it all began.

Had breakfast. Two fried eggs, bacon, grits and toast. Grits are a lot nicer than they sound, and I can see why they’re widely regarded as a comfort food. Kind of wish I’d put the hot sauce on it.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 15:49:52


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


If you’re doing a lot of walking, I suggest the west side of Central Park, where you can find the door/front of Dana Barrett’s apartment, as well as horse and carriages.

Perhaps now that Ghostbusters is a hot property again, those carriage drivers won’t just look at someone like he’s crazy when he says to the horse, “Hi, I’m Vinz. Vinz Clortho, Keymaster of Gozer, Volguus Zildrohar, Lord of the Sebouillia. Are you the Gatekeeper?”


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/25 16:15:57


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Wandered down to Greenwich Village today. Sat in the park (Washington Square, I think?), biding time until I can go get my Holiday Tattoo. Nothing fancy, just the Statue of Liberty’s bonce.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Got the new ink. I would share a pic, but as it’s not wargames related you’ll have to wait until I can post it elsewhere then link back!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/26 10:07:30


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


I managed around 6 seconds of Televangelism.

Send you $58 “seed money”. Tell my family members to tell 12 other people (each), to do the same?

Naw.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/27 12:08:49


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Much wandering done yesterday. Central Park and Dana’s apartment building from Ghostbusters, then down to Tribeca to see the Firehouse. The responders inside were super friendly, but I chickened out on asking to touch the pole!

Today I think I may wander to Staten Island.

Oh. And I had a Popeye’s. It was….alright, I guess. Portions are huge, but tasty enough. Didn’t have gravy, so the biscuit was scoffed as is. Pretty nice! Texture is interesting in a good way.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/27 15:53:32


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


If you stop in a deli, be sure to try an egg cream.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/27 16:34:50


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


That sounds intriguing!

Just done the Empire State Building, then got caught in the rain after stumbling across The Compleat Strategist, where I bought random odd models for a friend, and the Ash Wastes book for me.

Caught in a proper downpour, I’m now hiding in a bar with a Miller Light.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/27 16:40:34


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


I love the Compleat Strategist, glad you made it!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/27 16:52:17


Post by: Nevelon


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
That sounds intriguing!

Just done the Empire State Building, then got caught in the rain after stumbling across The Compleat Strategist, where I bought random odd models for a friend, and the Ash Wastes book for me.

Caught in a proper downpour, I’m now hiding in a bar with a Miller Light.


Not to get all beer snobby, but please don’t judge us as a nation by our mainstream beers.

That said, once a year on the 4th of July I have a (single) Budweiser while grilling. Just seems the American thing to do.

But here upstate you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a half dozen micro-breweries (and probably a distiller). Someone is probably brewing something to match your tastes.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/27 22:43:58


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Enjoyed some largely OK beers. I normally prefer something malty rather than hoppy, but what I’ve had has been perfectly pleasant.

Today I did Crab House, and ate all I could. Snow Crab is amazing. Crawfish are amazing. Old Bay Shrimp is amazing. Blue Crab is frankly not worth the bother. General Tso’s chicken is acceptable.

Back to my hotel to charge the iPad.

Might go out later, might stay in. Certainly don’t need to eat for the rest of the day.

Tomorrow I do Top of the Rock, Beetlejuice musical and at 5pm, an appointment at the Apple Store because my headphones are acting up and refusing to connect to my iPad.

Oh, I also utterly wrecked it at Dave & Busters. Earned around 17,000 tickets on the Angry Birds coin pusher. I’ll be back there on Wednesday for their half price day, when I fully intend to wreck it once more. Though….I am running out of luggage space thanks to all the Cuddly Toys.

Also need to see if the Hotel has a guest laundry service. Just saves a job once I fly home.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/28 04:23:09


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


If you’re planning to go out late, and you’re into weird night life, I’d recommending hitting Time Square around 2 or 3 am. Some interesting people around there then.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/06/28 10:45:22


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Might try that tonight. Got Rockefeller Centre at 10:45, then need to be at Grand Central Apple store at 5pm (Beats headphones packed up on me yesterday, and won’t connect to my iPad), then 7pm it’s off to 46th Street for Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!

So yes. A busy one today.

I’ve already had a Proper New York Hotdog (outside the MET) and it was delicious.

Weather is gonna be ridiculously scorching though, so defo slathering on the sun cream, lest my curiously bronze skin get done to a crisp. And take the bottle with me.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/07/01 20:02:57


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


9/11 Memorial Museum today. I wanted to see the place I consider to be the location the future I was promised as a kid was so brutally murdered before it’s time.

I genuinely did not expect it to be as upsetting as it was. It’s….very personal. As a visitor to the US, I was expecting….shall we say “Team America” sensibilities. But there none of that. At all. It focuses on the human cost, regardless of nation.

With so much of the buildings preserved within the museum? I’m genuinely reminded of things of ancient history. Such as the Terracota Army (I saw that when it came to Edinburgh when I was super wee), Skara Brae (which I saw last year) and Pompeii (which I’ve not personally seen).

To see the ruins preserved, and some unexpected ones really brought it home. It’s a genuinely excellent and emotive museum. If you get the chance, go go go.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/07/01 21:51:55


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


My dad used to work there as an on site grief counselor.

And they needed it.

People who'd never been to NY, had no personal attachment would sometimes break down.

I've not been back in 15 years, not sure I could handle taking my kids.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/07/01 21:56:05


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


To be fair, it’s the second thing to have caused this particular “bug, burly, clearly a bit tasty and not at all in touch with his feminine side” horror to cry on this trip.

The other was the following song, from Beetlejuice, The Musical. Which I’d absolutely recommend.

Because whilst Dear Old Mumsie left us when I was 39? There are still days when…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEct4Nod2iU


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2022/07/05 00:32:15


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


And it’s done! Flew home on the red eye, and got home home around 12 hours ago.

The holiday was a blast. Managed to do pretty much everything I wanted, and ate much delicious food.

It might be a couple of years of saving up off, but I will be back Stateside. Maybe not NYC though. Perhaps somewhere in Texas? Perhaps New Orleans. Go for an entirely different flavour of USA.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/01/06 22:57:48


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Arise thread, we have business yet.

Turns out work are running an incentive, and if things go as they currently are, I could be getting a hefty bonus in May, enough to send me back to NYC.

However, rather than staying in Manhattan, I notice that Brooklyn and Queens are typically a lot cheaper, like around £1,000 less. And having pootled around on the Subway system quite happily last time, I think that’s probably the way to go.

But. Given I want a hassle free holiday, are there any parts of Queens or Brooklyn you’d say to avoid? I’d pretty much just be sleeping there, maybe breakfasting, as the rest of the time I’d be wandering Manhattan and perhaps further afield.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/01/07 13:43:32


Post by: Nevelon


So given up on the rest of the USA? The Big Apple got its hooks in you?

Excelsior!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/01/07 13:54:22


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Just stuff I want to go back and do, or do again.

Didn’t manage my harbour tour as the forecast was lightning, didn’t get out to the Statue of Liberty (in hindsight, I should’ve done Rockefeller or Empire State Building) and more Ghostbusters locations to find. I’ve even thought of a convincing lie to get into the library proper 😂😂

Also I want to explore a wee bit further afield. Though a return to Crab House is an absolute must. $80 all you can stuff in your idiot face Snow Crab Legs are to die for. Possibly quite literally if you’re really, really committed to the gimmick.

Plus NYC has a bit of everything. Not necessarily authentic, but enough to give me a taste so if/when I go where say, Louisiana Barbecue is authentic (so, Louisiana) I can appreciate it all the more.

Oh and I somehow entirely forgot about Chinatown and Little Italy.

Also also mostly because I have an idea where the Good Shops are for buying Halloween bits, so the others in my Spoop Troop don’t give me a thrashing upon my return.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/01/08 12:49:54


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


I'm from Queens and that's where my parents are so I tend to stay in Main Street Flushing when I'm back. It's the last stop of the 7 train, 20 minutes express ride to Manhattan, 45 minutes local (express trains only run in the morning rush hour).

The neighborhood had become completely Chinese in my lifetime (even the Korean and Vietnamese presence is being squeezed out) which can be a plus or a minus depending on how Chinese you like things. Mrs Kyoto, a 10 year vet of living in China loves it.

Long Island City, is the closest neighborhood in Queens to Manhattan, 1 stop on the N train. There's been a lot of construction in recent years with some hotels.

Do not stay anywhere that isn't within a quick walk to the subway. Most of Queens is suburban America with infrequent buses and no other way to get around, cars are just assumed.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/01/08 15:29:12


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Chinese sounds good. I don’t know a lot about customs, but I’m a big fan of the food, especially if it’s actual Chinese, and not adapted for the Western palette.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll eat both as Mummy Grotsnik didn’t raised a fussy child, I just like trying new things!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/24 18:38:59


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


So turns out the big money bonus has Actual Sensible Things I should spend it on, so no big holiday this year.

But chatting to a friend, I realised that thanks to light pollution in the U.K., I’ve never truly seen the night sky.

And it’s got me thinking….do US National Parks have rentable cabins etc? Because the USA is a hell of a lot bigger than little old Blighty, and much less densely populated. That appeals to me on some level. Not necessarily for a whole holiday in itself, but perhaps a couple of nights etc.

Any recommendations? Including “don’t do, because we know you’re an idiot and will just get ate off a Bear”


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/24 20:58:29


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


Lots of parks have cabins or yurts you can rent. Usually we bring our own tent, so I don’t remember which ones have the best. Depending on how late you want to be up, Palomar has an observatory telescope and campgrounds…and is an hour (or two with traffic) away from plenty of hotels. You could visit Disneyland and Knott’s in the same trip. Or, if you want to stay in the desert, Anza Borrego has little bungalows you can stay in, where you can easily get put away from light pollution. There are lots of places in the Southwest where you can likely find cheap accommodations and also get away from city lights.

What kind of daytime experience are you looking for? My wife is obsessed with visiting all the local national parks, and can give you more detailed advice.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/25 02:37:06


Post by: Adeptekon


 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
So turns out the big money bonus has Actual Sensible Things I should spend it on, so no big holiday this year.

But chatting to a friend, I realised that thanks to light pollution in the U.K., I’ve never truly seen the night sky.

And it’s got me thinking….do US National Parks have rentable cabins etc? Because the USA is a hell of a lot bigger than little old Blighty, and much less densely populated. That appeals to me on some level. Not necessarily for a whole holiday in itself, but perhaps a couple of nights etc.

Any recommendations? Including “don’t do, because we know you’re an idiot and will just get ate off a Bear”



You're coming to the states just to camp? Don't you know anyone in the countryside over there?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/25 06:40:10


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


We do, but due to tiny country, light pollution is really hard to avoid.


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/25 15:31:22


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


The Scottish highlands seemed pretty deserted, would that do the job? Or out to sea?


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/25 16:15:37


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Scottish Highlands are surprisingly expensive to get to, and Bloody Cold!

I did do Orkney the other year, but it with midsummer on the Solstice, so approx 2.3 seconds of darkness!


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/25 16:28:11


Post by: Crispy78


Best stars I ever saw were in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, went trekking on an expedition with my school. Trip of a lifetime, even if for most of it we just moaned about how hungry we were...


MDG in NYC, take 2 @ 2023/04/25 18:40:47


Post by: Adeptekon


Well I guess it depends if you want to rough it or what your budget is, but I can only speak for going out to the western states.

I do live in the country in the midwest and have great views at night, in fact just caught a shooting star a couple days ago, but my area is still classified as country-suburban as far a light pollution goes.

https://www.cleardarksky.com/maps/lp/large_light_pollution_map.html