NYC Offers Cultural Plethora—although NYE Is Overrated

The first time I visited New York City two years ago, I was instantly enamored. I agree with Woody Allen. In the opening montage of his classic film Manhattan, he incorporates Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in the background, claiming that the city seems to pulsate to the sharp, staccato notes of the song.

Having visited, I concur. New York provides newness around every corner, much of it disjointed and incongruent—but pleasing all the same. In fact, much of it is pleasing because of its incongruity.

Stepping on a subway train to jaunt around Manhattan, for instance, is sometimes akin to stepping into a microcosm of the greater world outside. The ethnicities, the nationalities, are multiple. Even the language is surprising and interesting. Yes, one overhears a great deal of both English and Spanish, but there are many exceptions. Not only does the city host its share of immigrants, but it witnesses a constant influx of visitors who offer variety and flavor.

The cultural activities New York offers are numerous. It boasts over 500 art galleries, some of the most recognized theatre productions in the nation, and a dining experience that can itself be considered an art—with delights ranging from a savory street vendor hot dog to some of the best-ranked restaurants in the world.

A visit to just one art museum, which will take at least half a day, is worth the time. Traversing the Guggenheim’s spiral walkway to the top and back down is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Likewise, standing in front of a Warhol, Pollock, or Picasso at the Metropolitan or the Museum of Modern Art is breathtaking. Examining some of the works closely can reveal brush hairs remaining in the oils, as I saw in Picasso’s canvases.

Above all, one of my favorite portions of any vacation is the cuisine, and New York is one of the best places to eat. I tend to start at the bottom of the ranks and work my way up, so I have yet to dine in its finest restaurants, but I have consumed some of the best pizza that can be had. In fact, I would argue that it is difficult to purchase “bad” pizza in NYC. One of the best, Lombardi’s in downtown Soho, bills itself as the oldest pizzeria in America, started in 1897 by an Italian immigrant. I will vouch for the classic Italian margherita they serve. Even the free brick-oven personal pie offered with each drink purchase at the Gramercy neighborhood’s Crocodile Lounge, although plain, is not bad.

New York, of course, is famous for its delis. The best I have tasted I obtained from Katz’s Deli. Some might recognize its bustling atmosphere packed with diners seated at tables in the open area in front of the counter, as featured prominently in the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from the 1989 movie “When Harry Met Sally.” I will say that if she’s having the scrumptious, oversized Reuben, stuffed full of kraut and cheese and melt-in-your-mouth corned beef piled high between two slices of toasted rye, count me in. Despite the slightly hefty $15 price tag, I’ll have what she’s having, too.

My greatest disappointment, however, was New Year’s Eve. On television, the event appears festive and uncomplicated, but as more than one New Yorker revealed, it is mostly attended by tourists. With good reason, New Yorkers have the good sense to remain home. In order to witness the official ball drop, there are one of two requirements: observers must either arrive in Times Square in the afternoon and remain there in a single spot, packed tightly without leaving for any reason whatsoever; or pay a few hundred dollars to attend a Times Square venue party that affords a view of the famed midnight event. Otherwise, it is impossible after a certain time to make it past police barricades along the streets into the Square to enter the gathered throng.

Nevertheless, the Big Apple is like no other. I plan to return during a time of year not so steeped with fellow tourists, perhaps spend a summer month sometime in the future. I feel akin to Allen’s protagonist as he describes him in the opening montage of the film “Manhattan: “New York was his town, and it always would be..." It is mine, too.