jovnyc
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Reviews
Canal St
"Highlights and Lowlights of Canal St."
So this is definitely the street to avoid if you are a claustrophobic and/or germaphobic. I won't kid you, the streets are filthy and smelly. Walking is only a little more difficult here than Time Square. However, eating here is fun if you know where to go. My recommendation is Happy Shabu where you can make your own soup. It's much more flavorful than the Japanese version of Shabu. While you are in the neighborhood, stop by one of the little bakeries for a bubble tea and cheesecake bun. This area is also great for difficult to find ingredients and spices.
West 23rd St
"Street to Get Things Done"
So with the opening of Home Depot on the stretch of 23rd between 5th and 6th, this is where to go to start home improvement projects. There is a locksmith on the south side of the street as well. The street runs both ways so make sure you look right and left before crossing. It's close to Madison Square Park so you can picnic there on sunny days. The one restaurant that I recommend here is the Rickshaw Dumpling Bar. Avoid the watermelon lemonade though--it's sickly sweet. The duck dumplings are delicious as are the chocolate filled ones.
Laguardia Pl
"Fun and Delicious Place to Visit"
The strip of LaGuardia Place between Bleecker and Houston happens to contain my favorite bakery in all of NYC--Bruno's. It's like finding yourself in a lovely European cafe all of a sudden. Try the favori (chocolate hazelnut mousse with chocolate ganache on top). Sigh! It's the perfect after dinner location since it stays open pretty late for a bakery. So you can enjoy your latte while waiting for your comedy show to start. The whole area is pretty hopping so avoid living there if that isn't your scene.
East 14 St
"Union Square, Lively and Fun"
Ironically, Union Square is one of the best places to exercise your capitalistic impulses and shop. From the farmers market to the Virgin Megastore, you won't have a lack of things to buy. The Strand Bookstore is just south of Union Square on Broadway. If you head east on 14th St, you will find a Trader Joe's if the Whole Foods in Union Square South is too pricey for your wallet. The protests in Union Square are amusing. Bring lunch (and even a dog to walk!) to watch the political street theater. Agree or disagree--it's much cheaper than the shows uptown. Spend time people watching to find your hidden cultural anthropologist emerge. I wouldn't recommend this area for the easily shocked or offended.
