6 hot tips on New York: travel expertise from Wenzani

Dec 13, 2011 5:29:55 PM

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Lost in New York, or know it like the back of your hand? Wenzani, the new app launched by Lonely Planet, is a great travel companion whether you’re exploring a new place or hunting for hidden gems in your home city. The app tailors content to your location and preferences; see tips from travel experts and locals or add your own reviews to the app. Here’s what Wenzani insiders recommend in New York:

Robert Reid, Lonely Planet US travel editor, recommends…

Prospect Park. The creators of Central Park created Brooklyn’s Prospect Park as a sequel – and considered it superior to its Manhattan big brother. It’s huge and green, and open for use without all those pesky Central Park rules. Think baseball, cricket, football, soccer, medieval war (‘mock’) and picnics atop a setting once part of a Revolutionary War battle.

Socrates Sculpture Park. Several blocks west of Astoria Queens’ subway stations, this free outdoor sculpture park always has a few interesting pieces to see, along with free summertime movies, but is perhaps best worth a look for its waterfront views of Manhattan.

Liz Borod Wright, editor of travelogged.com, recommends…

Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. The Chinese may not be known for their dairy, but the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is edging them into the dessert hall of fame one delectable scoop at a time. Don’t be turned off by the narrow, no-frills shop – serious ice cream is being served here. The Chinese-themed flavours are excellent, especially red bean and almond cookie. The typical American flavors like chocolate chip are delicious too. No matter where you dine in Chinatown, make sure to save some room for a post-meal trip to the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

Chelsea Market. The Chelsea Market has taken a former factory of cookie giant Nabisco (creator of the Oreo) and turned it into an 800ft-long shopping concourse that caters to foodies. And that’s only the lower part of a larger, million-sq-ft space that occupies a full city block, current home of TV channels the Food Network, Oxygen Network and NY1, the local news channel. The prime draw for shoppers, though, are the more than two dozen food shops, including Amy’s Bread, Fat Witch Bakery, the Lobster Place, Hale & Hearty Soup, Ronnybrook Dairy and the Nutbox.

William Smolen, New York lifestyle consultant, recommends…

ABC Kitchen. ABC Kitchen is the latest venture from Jean George Vongerichten, who’s trying the local organic-chic path that results in one of the best overall dining experiences in New York in the ABC Carpet and Home Building. The tables are spaced far apart and it feels light and fresh. The food and overall experience is sort-of perfect. The menu constantly changes, but their caramel sundae, inspired by a box of cracker jack, is not to be missed. It’s a tough reservation to land, but it’s a flawless dining experience and worth the effort. It’s definitely a scene, but it’s a fun scene and I still think about the food weeks after having last visited.

Dram. Dram is an unmarked bar wrapped in reclaimed wood that has been deconstructed to the bare essentials. The factory-style windows open to the street and the warm lighting and enticing cocktails welcome you like a moth to a flame. They offer five types of ice cubes, depending on the drink, and the cocktails are a great prelude to the fried chicken and pies at Pies’n’Thighs just down the street. The scene is relaxed, the bartenders are friendly, and, most importantly, they know how to make a great cocktail.