Shopping in New York City

>>  New York City does provide a lot of shopping opportunities. When you visit for a short time, however, the proliferation of bank buildings in former shopping areas and the increased presence of chain stores in the city make it a bit difficult to find truly unique products. Hopefully, Littleviews can help you discover new items as well as interesting things to do, taste, and see.

I judge a good shopping opportunity by whether the shop itself is appealing, the area surrounding the shop is interesting, and, of course, the products in the shop are unique. I do not look specifically for bargains, but I keep an eye out for reasonably priced items.

Of course, we all shop for good eating experiences. My dining and candy recommendations are based on whether these businesses are housed in exceptionally attractive settings and/or their food is unique. Although high-quality, tasty food is a consideration, I do not recommend products based on relative standards of excellence. Instead, I look for good presentation.

All that said, you might want to check my list of New York City's Best Chocolate and Candy Shops.

Note: This shopping column was restarted in July 2009 and will always display the last six months of tips.

Questions? Ask away . . .
Karen Little
February 9, 2010

Chocolate cafe and boutiques next to Bryant Park in New York City February 5, 2010: Unique, New York-type shopping is reappearing next to Bryant Park on 6th Avenue and on West 40th. During February, I'll highlight the area's exciting places to browse, plus will publish an article on the stunning SoHo Woman Boutique. Watch for them! This shopping tip is about the delightful Lily O'Brien's Irish Chocolate Cafe, a charming, year-old cafe featuring chocolate drinks (plus other beverages), chocolate desserts, and handmade chocolate candy. The candy I've sampled is firmer than most, making it easy to nibble when paired with coffee. Flavors change weekly. Individual chocolates are $1.20 each and the pretty treat you see here came to $5.23, including taxes. 36 W. 40th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues

Cute hats and scarves in New York that you might not find January 21, 2010: I hope you find this trove of lush scarves and beaded baseball caps (among many things). The problem is that they are offered for sale in a temporary store named Legato Boutique at 109 E 42nd Street, next to Grand Central Terminal. The boutique itself is small, but not tiny, letting you consider most of its wide selection of unusual headgear and accessories at a glance. Its permant shop (which is a distributorship) is named American Headwear, and, according to its business card, it is located on 1030 6th Avenue. That said, I have not been there to check it out and the website provided on that card is not in service. But what the heck...if you are a scarf-buff, check out both places and hope that one or the other still exists. If they do, you'll see scarf and accessory styles not commonly seen elsewhere, selling at a reasonable $20 to $35. And while their wide-range of casual hats are also worth seeking out, it's their jeweled baseball caps ($35 to around $350) that steal the display. These caps are perfect for women-who-like-to-have-fun, and make great headgear for friends who travel in "gal's night out" packs.

Visit the o-mah-gawd Fred Leighton Jewelry Store January 8, 2010: I love over-the-top, sparkly, worthy-of-old-time-royalty, and just plain lovely jewelry. To get my fix, I drop by Fred Leighton to see what appears to be a museum-load of bejeweled treasures. I plan on writing an article about this store in February, but even without that article to guide you, I encourage you to see it for yourself. Do you still harbor an inner princess (or, for that matter, prince)? This is the place to supplement your fantasies. For fun, check Fred Leighton's website: www.FredLeighton.com. Wait several seconds for it to start moving (it takes a long time to load). Websites, however, are *never* better than the stores they describe. Physically standing next to cases of glittery, wearable art provides most people of like mind with a treasure-trove of experiential pleasure. 773 Madison Avenue.

Enjoy fresh, perfect hamburgers at HB Burger January 4, 2010: Yesterday, while walking west on 43rd Street from Grand Central (to stay out of 42nd Street's icy wind), we discovered HB Burger. Well, we were slow to discover it as this restaurant opened in early 2009, but were glad we did. In the shadow of its sister restaurant, Heartland Brewery & Chop House, HB Burger is a charming, full-service restaurant. I recommend that you try it. Unlike Heartland Brewery's other restaurants (all of which feature its famous Brooklyn-brewed beer), HB Burger focuses almost exclusively on burger preparation. Are you on a tight budget? Its $7.50, tender, half-pound burger is enough for two. Dinners (which include fish, chicken, and salads) range from $14 to $17. I like my burgers plain and rare, so its HB Beef fits my needs. Other popular burgers include Buffalo-style, Kobe beef, Prime steak, and the unusual free-range bison. If you are new in town, venture off Time Square's Broadway at 43rd Street, heading east to 127 43rd Street. There, you'll find this restaurant, plus New York's famous Town Hall stage and the Henry Miller Theatre.

Tips on 2009 holiday shopping December 17, 2009: I recently posted two articles that may interest you and your holiday shopping. They are: Visit The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park Visit the New York Public Library Gift Shop

Lee's Studio on 57th Street December 14, 2009: The Time Warner Center area is always a "must" to visit when you are in New York City. The building is stunning, it is across the street from Central Park, is next to periodic holiday fairs, is near Lincoln Center, and is only a short distance from 57th Street shopping. That said, one of my absolute favorite places to shop in New York is Lee's Studio - Lee's Art Shop on 57th (near Broadway), where I've purchased furniture, gifts, art and craft supplies, and books throughout the years. As an art supply shop, it has everything, which is handy for students of The Art Student's League just down the block. As a gift shop, you'll find unique items for as little as $5, many between $45-$60, and even more over $100. You'll see many paper-based products, pen and desk accessories, artificial flowers, novelties, handbags, ornaments, frames, and jewelry (to name a few things). It also has a toy shop with equally unique items. Despite being a first-class place to shop, its three websites do not always work correctly. That said, these websites represent: Lee's Studio Home: This site features a catalog of furniture, home accessories, seating, tables, and lighting. Lee's Studio - the shop This site provides an overview of Lee's multi-story shop. Lee's Studio - Art Shop: This site provides more information about Lee's Art Shop and products, along with many broken links. 220 W. 57th Street, Between Broadway and 7th Avenue

See Beautifully Decorated Holiday Windows, Stores, and Lobbies for Free in New York City December 3, 2009: Check out windows and stunning interior decorations at: American Museum of Natural History Holiday Tree: Suggested donation to take a peek, or free if you ask. Central Park West at 79th Street. Barneys New York: 600 Madison Avenue at 61st Street. Bergdorf Goodman: 5th Avenue at 57th Street. Grand Central Kaleidoscope Light Show: Floating light projection patterns on grand walls! Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street. Holiday Train Show at Grand Central: Check out the New York Transit Museum Gallery display! Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street. Macy's Herald Square: Famous windows! 34th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. Henri Bendel: 712 5th Avenue at 56th Street. Lord & Taylor: 4424 5th Avenue between 38th and 39th Streets. Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree: Suggested donation to take a peek, or free if you ask. 100 5th Avenue at 82nd Street. Saks 5th Avenue. Also pick up free New York travel guides! 5th Avenue at 50th Street. Time Warner Center - Under the Stars: Climb to upper floors and watch the star-studded lobby turn colors. Columbus Circle, Broadway at 60th Street. Trump Tower: Holiday decorations, plus a breath-taking waterfall. 5th Avenue and E. 56th Street. UBS Building: Mechanical window display. 299 Park Avenue at 49th Street. And peek into... : Make a point of checking out grand hotels and business buildings!

2009 Winter Holiday Gift Bazaars in New York City - NYC December 1, 2009: New York City's holiday gift bazaars open around Thanksgiving and stay open through December 24th. Here's the list: Bryant Park: In the evening, this bazaar is my favorite shopping extravaganza. It features shops cast as cabins, a skating rink, an antique merry-go-round, a fountain, an abundance of hot chocolate, the stunning Bryant Park Cafe, and the famous main New York Public Library. 42nd Street at 6th Avenue Grand Central Holiday Fair: Here you'll find high-quality gifts and crafts, with American craftspeople represented. While not a juried crafts fair, it is similar to one. Nearby treats include Grand Central's first-rate restaurants, fresh bakery, and its "taste of NYC" food court. Eating "in" is a nice touch when its cold outside. 42nd Street, between Vanderbilt and Lexington Avenues Holiday Market at Union Square: This huge bazaar primarily features imported crafts. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is complemented by a large Greenmarket where you can buy veggies, flowers, maple candy, yarn, jams, wine, and other locally produced goodies during the day. This thrilling location attracks tens of thousands when weekend weather is beautiful, so if shopping is your mission, sharpen your elbows, otherwise, browse during bad weather. Broadway, between 17th and 14th Streets Holiday Market at Columbus Circle: This is organized by the people responsible for the Union Square Holiday Market and features many of the sparkling vendors found in other holiday markets. Broadway and Columbus Circle between 58th and 60th Streets Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew's: This is the smallest of New York’s holiday bazaars. With the exception of sterling silver jewelry, I've found that the items being sold here are similar to what you'd find in a street fair. It improves each year, so if you are in the neighborhood, check it out. Park Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets

Burgers & Cupcakes, the best burgers (and cupcakes) in NYC November 11, 2009: Michel London is a professional caterer known for excellence in food, much of which is produced at Burgers & Cupcakes, his shop on 9th Avenue. Excellence in preparing burgers and cupcakes is, of course, subjective and is a topic hotly argued from time to time by foodies at TimeOut New York. My "best" vote goes to both delicacies made at London's shop. His burgers have always been perfectly done to my request and are covered with a bun that doesn't overwhelm the meat. At $6.50, they beat everything in town. Complete your meal with a $2.50 or $3.50 cupcake. London's moist, freshly-baked cakes are topped butter cream frosting that does not leave an aftertaste. Indulge your inner glut and order two small cupcakes so you can sample contrasting flavors, like vanilla and chocolate. Connected to this shop is London's pizzeria, which specializes in cracker-crisp crusts. Note that this is not a fast food joint. Service and meals are leisurely. If you dine alone, you'll like the fact that there is a convenience store nearby where you can buy newspapers. I usually choose the NY Post because it features breezy articles and often runs valuable Macy's coupons. 458 9th Avenue between 35th and 36th Streets (No website)

LaDuca Shoes - dancing shoes for women of all professions November 6, 2009: Do you get excited when you see uniquely styled, handcrafted shoes made from glove soft leather by Italian craftsmen? And do you like to dance? Stop by LaDuca Shoes, where you will see 5th Avenue styles sold on humble 9th Avenue. These dressiest-of-dress shoes are made for the feet of professional dancers (female and male), actors, and commoners, alike. While there, thrill to the sight of numerous photos of America's top stars who signed their images thanking owner Phil LaDuca for his merchandise. Pricey? Well, these shoes are far more reasonable than what you might buy at Saks, and quite possibly, more comfortable, too. LaDuca's website (www.LaDucaShoes.com) doesn't begin to visually describe what you'll see in this small, but well-heeled shop. It is located in an interesting-yet-gritty area on 9th Avenue, near the NY NJ Port Authority, several cool (and affordable) restaurants, and the famous Cup Cake Cafe. For more information on owner Phil LaDuca and many of the celebrities that wear his shoes, check this 2005 TheaterMania article. 534 9th Avenue at 39th Street

Dedicated gifts of paper October 25, 2009: Stop by PrintIcon to browse through an amazing selection of paper-based items, including paper rain coats and messenger bags! While you can check out their website (which, unfortunately, does not always behave as it should), you *must* stop by their store. It is a beautifully decorated, full-service printship that also features a wide array of decorative items. Among the best are an exclusive selection of cardboard products that are locally manufactured across the Hudson River in Union City, New Jersey. These cardboard products (many of which are not on their website) include human-sized furniture, space dividers, unusual wall hangings, and various types of vases, all of which you can decorate yourself. Best are children's toys such as you see here. These sturdy cardboard toys include a rocket ship, TeePee, lemonade stand, playhouse, chair, doll house, and airplane (plus more). Ranging in price from $40 to $95, they are perfect for home, daycare centers, or classrooms. After assembling the toys, just give kids paints, felt tip markers, and perhaps glue and glitter to finish them properly. 7 West 18th Street, New York - www.PrintIcon.com

Finding a good deal in New York City October 22, 2009: If you are a bargain hunter, you'll find a huge difference between what is truly a "good deal" as compared to what is "cheap," "discounted," and/or "free when purchased with a related product or service." Many people wrongly think that what they see sold on the streets of New York City are bargains. The truth is that only a few are. Most products (such as pleather handbags) cost far less at places like Target, Kohls, and Walmart. You actually pay a premium for street pushcart merchandise, while thinking you got a deal because of low overhead. Want to buy "street scarves?" Yes, at $5 each, they are inexpensively priced, but you can buy far better quality scarves for very reasonable prices in regular stores (especially discount-type stores such as Loehmann's or Century 21) if you know what "quality" is. Hint: Look at the edges. Are they firm and secure? Not puckered? Stitched by hand? Love to shop at holiday fairs and street fairs? Seek truly unique items, or, if you understand merchandising, look for distributors who are introducing or dumping products. Generally ignore hype that contains one or more of these words: bargain, discount, cheap, deal, door-buster. Avoid altogether "knockoff." Love resale? Beware that in New York, some resale prices are set higher than when the items were first introduced (often true for jewelry), or are set at standard sale prices for new items. A good deal is the price you can afford for what you want to buy as compared to the price you'd normally pay for the product's highest quality. The best bargain-hunting strategy is to regularly shop where the highest quality merchandise (or service) is available. Start on top, then work your way down, making comparisons along the way. If you start seeking deals at the bottom, you will generally pay way too much for what you buy, even though you think they have low prices. When you use this strategy, you'll begin to see when all prices at a certain level are being adjusted (not "discounted") lower to a level where more sales can be made. A seemingly once-in-a-lifetime buying option, then, might continue for some time, thereby increasing its affordability and selectability. Note that during price adjustment periods, you might also become aware that quality is also being lowered. In this case, snap up the best quality, older merchandise immediately. Buy stunning leather handbags, for example, and not inexpensive pleather (no matter what designer brand name it has). The more you know about quality and related buying options, the better you can discriminate between choices and stretch your buying power!

Glamour, spandex, Patricia Field, and naughty bits October 22, 2009: It's a fairly short walk from Union Square to Houston Street and then to The Bowery. Patricia Field's boutique is near the corner that's anchored by a giagantic Whole Foods (which is close to the cool Sunshine Cinema). Here you'll find her large boutique, which is a place where girls-(and a few boys)-who-want-to-have-fun shop for their partywear. You may know Patricia Field as the award-winning costume designer for Sex and the City. Patricia's fashion and retail roots, however, have always been in partyware; wild and wonderful. Her shop's outdoor signs poke fun of the neighborhood, which at one time was known as the restaurant supply district (it still is, but not as much). Browse here for bustiers, tiny minis, metallic tights, and a little something that no women should be without - a sequin strap bondage dress. Expect to see fun, fashionable, and naughty things. Her website does not do justice to the variety of her merchandise, murals (hummm!), or to her colorful sales staff. 302 Bowery, near Houston Street - www.patriciafield.com

Suarez Handbags - designed in New York and made in Italy October 20, 2009: When you are in the mood to shop for beautifully made, originally designed handbags and leather goods, stop by Suarez Handbags at 5 West 56th Street just off 5th Avenue. Handbags are designed by Matthew Suarez (a member of this multi-generational, family-owned operation) and are constructed in Italy by traditional craftsmen. Most bags are made of finely tanned leathers, including alligator and ostrich. Prices range from $300 to $3,000. Need your hair done? Suarez is next door to Sassoon. And what is around the corner on 5th Avenue? There you'll see BVLGARI, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Bergdorf Goodman, to name just a few places where lovely handbags can be found. Please browse everywhere! Oh, and while you are at it, make a point of comparing prices. While you are in the neighborhood, admire the beautiful interior of Trump Tower (and perhaps take advantage of its equally stunning public restrooms).

My favorate place to shop for clothing - Bolton's September 25, 2009: Actually, my favorite places to shop are Bolton's, Saks 5th Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman's, but I'll tell you more about all that on another day. My heart and wallet, however, goes out to Bolton's. Have you ever seen the bumper sign "Caution! I stop at rummage sales..."? Well, whenever I walk by a Bolton's, I stop in, no matter what my clothing needs are. I simply love hunting through its racks for something exceptional at an equally exceptional, rock-bottom price. Bolton's is an overstock, odds 'n ends shop filled with interesting brands and styles. It is not a high-end designer discount shop, so don't expect to see Gucci or Giorgio Armani. Their merchandise quality, however, is always higher than what's provided through mega-retailers, such as H&M, Forever 21, and stores of that type. As Bolton's display only a few pieces of each item, approach their inventory as a treasure hunter, rather than as someone trying to acquire wardrobe staples. Are you visiting Manhattan? You'll find snooping through these shops worthwhile. Bolton's features American sizes 12 and below, and like anywhere in Manhattan, the smaller you are, the better the selection and bargains. For locations (and there are many), see www.BoltonsStores.com.

The Balloon Saloon for kids and adults, alike September 2, 2009: Sharon, the owner and manager of The Balloon Saloon is a "Certified Balloon Artist," which means that what you see in her shop are more than just a pile of balloons! In the back of the store is a balloon assembly area. On the day I visited, two talented men were putting together tangles of balloon bouquets, plus blew up three floating balloons for my thrilled grandchildren (two Dora the Explores and one balloon-in-a-balloon Spider Man). Visiting by subway? Make sure you tell the staff and they will package your balloons in a large plastic bag to keep individual balloons from bonking heads as you travel. The shop itself is filled with balloons of all types, plus novelty items, and toys, making it an easy place to find gifts. Seeing, however, is not believing. Check their website to discover the wide array of services they offer to children of all ages. The store is near The Parks of Battery City, a stunning park, playground, dining, and just plain relaxing area to be featured on Littleviews later in September. 133 W Broadway at Duane Street - www.BalloonSaloon.com

Two Little Red Hens - cutout cookies and small, fancy cakes August 30, 2009: Second Avenue on the Upper East Side used to be filled with European-type shops where you could get the best meats and bakeries. Today, there are only a few spots of note. Right next door to Scheller & Webber, possibly the last sausage maker in the city, is the Two Little Red Hens. Although not an European shop, its quality is excellent. Shop there to buy funky, butter-almond cutout-cookies, or small cakes trimmed like bright chrysanthemums. The cookies cost $4 each, with three of them making a nice gift. Make sure you get them well-wrapped as they break easily. I love their small cakes and find them a better value than many cupcakes as they have a reasonable frosting-to-cake ratio and they are easy to share with a few friends without being overwhelming. 1652 2nd Avenue at 86th Street - (212) 452-0476 - www.TwoLittleRedHens.com

Resources to start your own business and/or change your career August 26, 2009: Professional development and continuing education course catalogs have been freshly published, with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) featuring an excellent array of reasonably-priced courses for people who want to start their own businesses. Retail is emphasized. The New York University Bulletin for the School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies is also out. Their courses are more pricey, but still within reach. Use their certificate programs to freshen your resume, or help you gain the skills needed to set up shop for yourself. Are you 65 or older? Mention it when you register at NYU and get 50% off tuition! That said, you have to register in person to get the discount. www.fitnyc.edu and scps.nyu.edu

Shopping for women's skin care products with men August 25, 2009: Women, have you ever wanted to shop for skin care products in a wonderful, sweet-smelling shop, only to have your husband or male friend refuse to go in, or worse, go in, but look dower by the door? To avoid that situation, or to just please yourself, visit Kiehl's large flagship store near Union Square. In addition to skin care products for women, men, babies, and even pets, the shop is filled with antique motorcycles. Trust me, these bikes are irresistible to most men as are Kiehl's products to many generations of women. I recently purchased Kiehl's Marvelous Mineral Mascara because of its state-of-the-art, ultra-soft brush and mascara that doesn't sting or clump. Be sure to ask for several free sample packets, too! Many items cost around $15 and all make nice gifts. Kiehl's attractively packages your purchases, too, so if you are giving them as gifts, it might not be necessary to rewrap them. 109 3rd Avenue - www.Kiehls.com

Parisian candy, a cafe, and a swank restaurant August 22, 2009: Petrossian, a gourmet, French-influenced restaurant that resides in one of New York City's most beautiful buildings, is well worth your time to see, and perhaps, sample. Located a half block from Carnegie Hall and only four blocks from The Lincoln Center, the best time to see this restaurant is at dusk when its outside lights are turned on. Seeing the building's details during the day is also astonishing. This is a "get dressed up and eat" establishment, although casual dining and fantastic desserts and candy can be eaten at its Cafe & Boutique. Sample incredible treats for around $3 and up; a high-quality bargain! This restaurant is known for its hyper-expensive caviar, foie gras, and smoked fish. If that is not to your taste and budget, don't let that stop you from dropping in (while dressed up, of course). Their lunch menu is reasonable and their old-world charm, priceless. If money is no object, of course, you'll be happy spending it here. 58th Street at 7th Avenue - (212) 245-2214 - www.Petrossian.com

Bakery, marshmallows, and unique gifts in New York August 17, 2009: Three Tarts, a cute, sunny bakery, has made a serous effort to become a "destination stop." The "tarts" are three women who love colorful desserts and confections (candy) as much as they love gifts. Pictured here are their signature, homemade marshmallows (seven flavors), sold at $1 each (mix or match). Want to ship them home? Appropriate containers are available. Their remaining dessert cases are filled with jewel-like treats, including gelées (jellies), brightly-colored petits fours (tiny frosted cakes), cookies, and product variations, such as marshmallow baby booties and marshmallows on a stick. You'll have an easy time finding food gifts at Three Tarts and an equally easy time finding household gifts, such as plates, cups, linens, baby stuff (great bibs), soaps, and containers. This 9th Avenue shop is located near the new High Line Park and cool boutiques. Walk a bit further south and you'll arrive at the vibrant Meat Packing District. 164 9th Avenue at 20th Street - (212) 462-4392 - www.threetarts.com

Stunning floral collection, plus bamboo, in New York City August 15, 2009: If you love floral design and seek stunning arrangements, spend time visiting New York's florists. Their primary customers are luxury hotels, halls, and special events. This means that you, as an individual customer, can often buy unusual arrangements from them based on previous designs, but at a fraction of their original development costs. Visit Doro's Annex, a floral design shop based in New York and Seoul, Korea, that specializes in exceptionally imaginative arrangements, delicate and natural. I especially like those that include orchids and bamboo. Pictured here are 4- to 5-foot tall, hanging bamboo containers ($75 each), carved to hold plants (plants are extra). Grouped, these natural containers would look good in almost any room or lobby that is filled with light. The staff at Doro's Annex will be happy to help you design an arrangement using these containers, or you can buy them, then do it yourself. Bamboo packs well! Visit DorosAnnex.com for more examples of their work. After you pick a category (such as Gallery, then InStyle Magazine), click on the resulting picture to start a slideshow. Site navigation takes some thought. Note: Consider attending their floral design classes by lead designer and owner, Sung Jung. Doro's Annex, 180 9th Avenue - (212) 255-5689

Tiny boutique sells top-quality scarves, shawls, and handbags August 5, 2009: If you seek unique, wearable art, visit the extremely tiny boutique, Eve Bari at 205 W. 57th Street (212 974-8533). There you'll find at least 75 different textured silk scarves, all folded together on a rack smaller than one you might have in your own closet. Pictured here are soft, silk scarves with imbedded felt designs by German designer, Marsha Ginsburg (www.masha-ginsburg.com). The contrast of silk and felt is tactilely pleasing and the colors arresting. Her website provides better images than the small ones I'm able to show here. The exact designs available at Eve Bari are not on Ms. Ginsburg's site, but you'll get an idea of texture and quality. You'll also find one-of-a-kind designer handbags, many made of the softest leather, beaded clutches, and an assortment of costume jewelry at Eve Bari. Prices on handbags and scarves from $100 to $500.

Cool styles and colorful gifts for adults and kids alike August 1, 2009: Pylones, which originated in France, is known for its ultra-bright, very imaginative gifts. It's quickly making headway into the New York City area through five popular stores, plus booths in upscale holiday markets. The bigger the Pylones store, the better. Children are particularly welcome at their SOHO store, which happens to be my favorite. Best, it's in an interesting area where you'll find nearby shops and the French Balthazar Restaurant at 80 Spring Street equally appealing. Pylones' website at www.pylones-usa.com contains pictures of almost all their wares, but I recommend ignoring the site so that the surprise of visiting one of their shops completely overtakes you. Real life definitely triumphs over rows of mini-photos! Locations: SOHO at 69 Spring Street - Greenwich Village at 61 Grove Street - Grand Central Terminal at 8 Grand Central Terminal - Wall Street at 183 Broadway - and 842 Lexington Avenue (pictured).

With crispy, fresh dinner rolls, who cares about dinner? July 30, 2009: My critique of restaurants begins and ends with their breadbaskets. So imagine my surprise one recent hot day after I settled into Angelo's Pizza, a European-style cafe on 57th Street (a block from Bergdorf Goodman's on 5th Avenue) for ice tea and a small salad when I was served flaky-crisp, soft-in-the-middle, homemade dinner rolls. Oh mah gawd! Rolls like these are usually only available at 4-star restaurants. Their brick oven pizza served to the couple next to me also seemed delicious. It looked great, of course, plus I overheard the couple rave about its cracker-thin crust. Angelo's Pizza has three locations: 117 W. 57th Street by 6th Avenue (212 333-4333), 1697 Broadway between 53rd and 54th Streets (212 245-8811), and 1043 2nd Avenue by 55th Street (212 521-3600).

Whiten your teeth - obey! July 29, 2009: I'm sure that you've seen all those "reduce belly fat" and "make yellow teeth white" ads on the Internet that end with the word "obey." My understanding is that some of these ads, which promote free sample items except for a small handling fee, can lead to the theft of credit card information. If you do want to whiten your teeth and protect your identity at the same time, buy an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste (I use Arm & Hammer "Advance White with Baking Soda and Peroxide") and a bottle of drugstore peroxide. To whiten your teeth, squirt a slug of toothpaste into bowl or disposable cup, followed with about the same volume of peroxide. Mash the two together, then brush. Do you have dark stains between tightly-spaced teeth? After brushing with this mixture, floss to make sure that the mixture flows between those teeth. You'll be amazed at how fast this works!

Kute Kids Klose - Japanese-style July 25, 2009: The Japanese are the world leaders in creating really cute depictions of kids and dolls and through fashion, have extended their vision onto real children. The Japanese also love to wear really old, American work-clothing (Tees and jeans), which we export to them by the container. With both Japanese trends in mind, you must visit Trico Field (65 W. Houston Street near West Broadway at the north end of SOHO). There you'll see an adorable display of toddler and children's clothing snatched right from the backs of college students and construction workers. And think of the educational savings when you buy! If your children (or grandkids) wear these cloths, you don't have to send them to a private prep school to gain status. Price? Well, sometimes you need to see fashion just for the pleasure of the sight. Even the experience of consulting a price tag can be entertaining.

Warning! There is a massive shift in NYC's shopping areas July 22, 2009: Before heading off to some cool shopping location, check first to see if it still exists! Stores are closing due to the current economy. Other unique reasons include: On Canal Street, many stores have been shuttered due to the prevalence of illegal goods. In better neighborhoods, stores have been closed because owners could no longer afford jacked-up rents. Now landlords have no income from their property, and shoppers are left empty-handed. Very worse, banks have bought up blocks of otherwise shopping districts. These banks are simply disgusting. You'll have no problem seeing them when you arrive because there are often three on a block, leaving almost no room for stores and even less ambiance for shopping. In general, if you want an interesting shopping experience, walk around SOHO on a warm, sunny day. Other cohesive areas exist (Saks and Bergdorf Goodman are still here, thank god), but you need to know where they are. While it's great to zip here and there to check out a unique store or sale, if your time is budgeted, you'll get more for it by strolling through a cohesive shopping destination.

Carry this super-slim, $20 blanket to the beach or game July 19, 2009: I purchased this $20 blanket for my daughter's family last year and finally picked one up for myself. The blanket, which zips into its own self-case, is lightweight, 60" by 72", and water-repellant. Use it as a beach blanket, stadium blanket, or stadium cushion. Sand shakes out at first flick and spilled beer slides right off. It's good for a stroller blanket, too! You can purchase it locally from its exclusive distributor, Bed Bath & Beyond, or search the store's website for "travel blanket."

A Night Out at a Charming, Small Theater July 17, 2009: If you are on the lookout for unique films (foreign, independent, and golden oldies), and crave a small, modern, very clean, reasonably-priced theater in which to see them, I highly recommend the Quad Cinema (www.quadcinema.com). 34 W. 13th Street. The theater is located in a residential area between 6th and 5th Avenues, dominated by the New School University. Consider having an after-show dinner directly across the street at the pretty Da Andrea Restaurant (www.daandreanyc.com). The theater is conveniently located between Union Square and Washington Square, with numerous subway lines stopping nearby. If you arrive at 7th Avenue and 14th Street Station (subways 1,2,3, 9, and the New Jersey Path train), stop by the new, tiny Irving Farm Coffee Company (www.irvingfarm.com), where you can purchase aroma-fresh bags of coffee beans (around $12 a pound), and, of course, sip rich cups of brew. 56 7th Avenue.

Best Rolling Shopping Tote in the World! July 16, 2009: Schlepping is the number one back-and-shoulder health hazard in New York City. The reason is that without a car to carry our stuff, we pack it into purses, backpacks, reusable shopping bags, and multiple, skinny plastic bags, which we carry around incessantly. Fortunately, there's the wonderful Luggage America Rolling Shopping Tote to the rescue at only $25 (click www.luggageamerica.com to view style RS-200). Over the years, I've owned several different types of rolling carts and this is the best by far. Its features include: A telescopic handle (not a common feature on most shopping totes). An easy-to-grasp pickup handle, which makes negotiating subway stairs a snap! Expandability (you can make the case taller when the zipper is open, or smaller by tucking the top inside). A zipper closure (use it optionally). Exterior net pockets (great for water bottles, reading material, and small umbrellas). An interior zippered pocket. Adjustable width. Bright colors! I regularly use my lime green tote when I walk around NYC (it's especially handy on a photo shoot), go grocery shopping (it holds a week's worth for two people), spend time at the beach, and need carry-on luggage. The only place I've seen these totes sold in New York is where I bought mine, which was at Duke Luggage & Gift Shop, 24 W 14th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues (212 337-0981). Pictured is Kamal, who has helped me over the years with my purchases.

Best New York City Dining Guide July 13, 2009: Every year I rave about TimeOut New York's Eating & Drinking guide. This year it is bigger in size and even better! The new $12 publication is 10" tall by 7" wide. It is no longer pocket-sized, but it is *much* easier to read and its pictures provide more information. The publishers understand how diners want to find information and make it easy to use and enjoyable to read. Find cuisines via color-coded tabs. Learn about new foods through cuisine glossaries called "Read 'em & eat." See pictures of how food is served (important if you want to try something new) and/or pictures of colorful locations on every page. The guide's final pages contain maps of New York, Brooklyn, and Queens; an alphabetical index; and a neighborhood index, which is cross-referenced to reviews. If you passionately seek interesting places, this guide is a "must have." It will keep you absorbed in dining possibilities for hours and provdes a good base for discussion with friends. Of course, if you need to quickly find a restaurant or bar, you can do that, too!