Martin’s Pretzels – Delicious Staple in the Union Square Greenmarket

It is long overdue, but we must talk about one of the most delicious vendors in the entire Union Square Greenmarket, Martin’s Pretzels.  I almost always buy some pretzels when I walk buy – they are just too good to pass up.  I agree with this author’s take – they ARE pretty much addictive!

http://firstavenue.hubpages.com/hub/Union-Square-Greenmarket-Martins-Pretzels

Delicious, hand made pretzels…

Three words – Bread.Butter.Cheese.

In a unique twist on the New Business of the Week, I want to feature the hottest, newest, underground restaurant/food delivery service in Manhattan – “Bread.Butter.Cheese.”  (Phone number is 917.727.6643)  If you can’t tell what the cuisine is by the name, it’s the new-school Grilled Cheese sandwich! 

Started by a young upstart chef (and actually one of my good friends from College), each day there is a new type of Grilled Cheese that he hand delivers throughout the area.  Although he is based in the East Village, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Union Square.  Check out a couple pictures of “the goods”…

Bread.Butter.Cheese. is delicious – I can attest to it!  If you want to try it, just give him a call at 917.727.6643 and check out his facebook page, which is where he outlines the sandwich of the day (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/breadbuttercheese?ref=ts)

Here’s an article that highlighted Bread.Butter.Cheese. recently also: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around-town/food-drink/East-Villages-Secret-Cheese-Dealer-99764119.html

Sukkah City – NYC 2010

As the summer begins to wind down and thoughts of Autumn come to our mind, the Harvest is one of the themes.  I bet you’re thinking I’m going to highlight Union Square’s immensely succesful,  Harvest in the Square, right?!?!  Nope… I’m talking about Sukkah City – NYC 2010.

http://www.sukkahcity.com/

The sukkah is a temporary structure, outlined in the Bible, to share food, drink and entertainment.  Only Sunday, September 19th through Tuesday September 21st, 12 radically temporary structures will be built in Union Square!

Should be a very interesting event – I hope you come check it out!

Here’s a quick rendering of a Sukkah:

Summer in the Square – August 5, 2010

Tomorrow is Thursday, so it’s time for the Summer in the Square update – August 5th, 2010. 

There is plenty to do in the morning, afternoon and evening, so try to make it out to the park for at least one of the events.  As a big music fan, I love to catch the artist of the week…. this week it’s Andy Mac.

Here’s a video of one of his performances: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udOxf_Hioe0

Courtesy of the USP website (http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/), here is this week’s Line-up (August 5th):

Begin your day at 7:00 AM with the Basics of Running 101, followed by an All Levels Yoga Class with Prana Power at 8:00 AM. Both classes are presented in partnership with lululemon athletica. Then at 9:00 AM, burn off some major calories with Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp’s Low Impact Cardio Class.



Join Yogi Beans in our new playground at 10:00 AM for Mommy & Me Yoga, followed by Fati & Charles at 12:00 PM, performing songs in Spanish that will have your whole family salsa dancing. Also, make sure to stop by the Baby Loves Disco tent to chill out and score some great giveaways.


At 6:00 PM, Andy Mac hits the stage with his catchy melodies, charming lyrics and harmony-coated acoustic pop music.

Let’s hope the weather cooperates tomorrow – enjoy Summer in the Square!!!

Mariella Pizza – Simple and Delicious Italian Restaurant – 180 3rd Avenue

Don’t be fooled by Mariella Pizza’s appearance – it may look like a run of the mill NYC pizza shop, but it is so much more!!  Mariella Pizza is located on the corner of 16th Street and 3rd Avenue (180 3rd Avenue)  http://www.mariellapizzanyc.com/main.html. 

Apart from great pizza, Mariella has great-tasting, classic Italian food.  Don’t expect anything fancy from this Union Square restaurant, but their large menu features every major Italian dish and I’ve yet to be disappointed! 

My personal favorites – chicken parm or baked lasagna.

Check out yelp for other reviews – http://www.yelp.com/biz/mariella-pizza-inc-new-york

Summer in the Square – July 22, 2010

It’s that time of the week again…. Summer in the Square – July 22, 2010 edition.  This should be a great week for music fans with two great performances given by Million Dollar Quartet (http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com/) and Danni Rosner (http://www.myspace.com/dannirosner ; http://www.dannirosner.com/) 

Courtesy of the USP website (http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/), here is this week’s Line-up (July 22nd):

At 7:00 AM, get a jump start on your day with the Basics of Running 101, followed by an All Levels Yoga Class with YogaWorks at 8:00 AM. Both classes are presented in partnership with lululemon athletica. And at 9:00 AM, join New York City’s toughest workout with Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp for a Low Impact Cardio Class.




Kids head on over to the new playground for Yogi Beans’ Mommy & Me Yoga at 10:00 AM. Then at 12:00 PM, come boogie with DJ Mikey of The Rub and Emcee Tah when Baby Loves Disco takes center stage in the South Plaza. Visit the Chill Zone for a goody bag while supplies last, courtesy of H&M, Plum Organics, Cleanwell, Snikiddy, Babylegs and more.

At 4:30 PM, the series ramps up with a musical review showcasing the cast of Million Dollar Quartet, nominated for three TONY awards this year including Best Musical. The evening ends on a high note with Danni Rosner’s organic pop performance at 6:00 PM.

It’s supposed to be a bright, beautiful day, so ENJOY SUMMER IN THE SQUARE!!!!!!!

NYC Artist goes Homeless For One Week in Union Square

From August 15 through August 21, Yusif Ramelize will be going Homeless for One Week to raise awareness and money for the Food Bank for NYC.

http://www.homelessforoneweek.com/

According the Coalition for the Homeless briefing paper by Patrick Markee, Senior Policy Analyst, NYC homeless shelter population has reached an all-time high. There are over 39,000 homeless people and 10,000 homeless families in shelters each night.

If you want to contact Yusef Ramelize, here is his contact information: homlessforoneweek@gmail.com or (917) 324-1882

New Restaurant of the Week – Chipotle – 117 East 14th Street

Earlier this year (March 2010 to be exact), Mexican fast food chain and fan favorite Chipotle (www.chipotle.com) opened up on the corner of 14th and Irving (117 East 14th Street). 

Despite mixed feelings about national chains moving into the area (see my TGIF post here – https://unionsquarenyc.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/tgi-fridays-opening-soon-in-union-square/), I think that Chipotle is a great new addition.  Not only is the food surprisingly good, but the storefront conforms to local neighborhood norms including signage that isn’t overpowering.

If you’ve never heard of Chipotle, it’s definitely worth trying.  I’m a fan of the burritos (especially their guacamole!), but I have tried and liked most of their menu as well.  Take a look at some other reviews (http://www.yelp.com/biz/chipotle-mexican-grill-new-york-7)

Let me know if you have suggestions for other “New Business/Restaurant of the week”!!

Summer in the Square – July 8th, 2010

Today is Thursday, so that means it’s time for Summer in the Square!!!

Over the last two Thursdays, there have been some outstanding concerts in the South Plaza and lots of people have come out for all of the other programs as well.  People, this is Union Square at it’s best! 

Courtesy of the USP website (http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/), here is this week’s Line-up (July 8th):

Fitness in the Square begins at 7:00 AM with the Basics of Running 101, followed by an All Levels Yoga Class with OM yoga at 8:00 AM presented in partnership with lululemon athletica. Then at 9:00 AM join Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp for our Low Impact Cardio Class.




Join Yogi Beans in our new playground at 10:00 AM for Mommy & Me Yoga, followed by Hot Peas N Butter, back on the South Plaza at 12:00 PM. Winners of the 2006, 2008 and the 2009 “Parent’s Choice Awards,” this band is set to get the kids movin’ with their unique elements of traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz and folk. And stop by the Baby Loves Disco tent to chill out and score great giveaways.



Don’t miss The Stephen Beasley Project, a four man Rock & Soul experience, when they hit the stage at 6:00 PM and bring some cool to the summer heat.

Don’t be scared by the hot weather and come ENJOY SUMMER IN THE SQUARE!!!!!!!

NYC Restaurant Week – Summer 2010; Union Square Style

As a friendly, neighborhood reminder, Restaurant Week is set to start next week (July 12 – July 25th – http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek).  Prix-fix lunch is only $24.07 and prix-fix dinner is only $35.00, so get out there and start making reservations before it’s too late!

Here is a list of Union Square restaurants that are participating: Blue Water Grill (see picture below), Devi, Maialino, Olives, Rosa Mexicano, Tocqueville, and Wildwood BBQ.