Categories: Eat & Drink; Adventure & Sports

Everything in Black and White in New York City

By Chelsea
updated 2 months ago

Often things are described in terms of "black and white...." or " Well 'it' isn't black and white." Many things in life, in decision making, in various situations, etc. often DO fall into a category that is gray. There aren't always clear cut, BLACK or WHITE, sometimes there's a strange shade of ivory, or charcoal. Then there are the things that are ACTUALLY, black and white. Sometimes, things ARE just that simple. Sometimes the things that come in black and white would never exist if they were "off-white" and "onyx."

Black and White Cookies

My favorite thing about living in New York is the Black and White cookie, most definitely. It isn’t the “energy” or the culture, it isn’t the “opportunity” or the architecture….it’s quite simply, (apparently I am a simple person despite my neurosis) the black and white cookie. Almost cake but not quite, sweet but not too sweet…not just chocolate, not just vanilla, perfect for the indecisive folks like myself, they are a simple delicious delicacy. Outside of New York City it’s difficult to find bakeries that make the black and white cookie as perfect as the Big Apple.

The Keys

Initially what attracted me to New York City was the live music. Being that I’m a musician at heart I knew New York had everything I’d need to follow that dream. I taught myself how to play piano three years ago and am in awe anytime someone gets on stage who can blow you away on the keys. Whether you’re wandering around Bleeker St. or you stumble into one of the music venues in the East Village, piano rings through the city streets, adding to the noise that is a constant buzz no matter what time of day.

Piano's Bar and Grill

158 Ludlow St New York, NY 10002

Piano’s caters to even the pickiest music fans. No matter what genre you prefer there will be an evening, and there is live music every night, that you’ll be able to listen to some incredible tunes of your choice. Artists from NYC and touring musicians play here,

Piano Plus

907 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

How you’re going to lug a piano up a six floor walk up, I have no idea. If you’re lucky enough to live in an elevator building, congratulations. If not, stick with a keyboard.

Central Park Zoo

830 5th Ave, Manhattan, NY 10021

The Central Park Zoo has been a place to view exotic animals gifted to the park since the mid-19th century. Today, th...

The Central Park Zoo has been a place to view exotic animals gifted to the park since the mid-19th century. Today, the cages have become natural habitats, ranging from a humid rain forest to the icy home of the mighty polar bear. It also contains the Tisch Children's Zoo, an area where children can interact with animals. The zoo is located within Central Park, on the southwest side near The Pond.

Prospect Park Zoo

450 Flatbrush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Prospect Park Zoo features a collection of over 400 animals from places such as the steamy rain forests of Eastern As...

Prospect Park Zoo features a collection of over 400 animals from places such as the steamy rain forests of Eastern Asia and the icy wastes of Antarctica. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the group effort of tiny wood-cutter ants and experience the majesty of polar bears. Three exhibit areas are designed to give children an interactive and educational environment for exploring the zoo's wildlife, including animal drawing stations and animals that children can touch. The zoo is located within the boundaries of Brooklyn's Prospect Park, near Prospect Pond.

Play with Black and White

One of my favorite trends in the New York City bar scene are the bars with board games! I’m a huge fan of being able to get together with friends, have some good laughs, share some drinks and appetizers and then go home feeling like a champion after successfully whooping a** at ANYTHING we do. Competitive? Maybe a little bit. I just want to make sure that everyone know where they stand…..by the way, domino’s is actually a GAME, not just a bunch of fancy pieces to line up on your kitchen floor and watch knock over.

ANYTHING OREO

I have a deep respect for people that manage to make turn a simple factory cookie into a shake and it doesn’t stop there. People have gotten so creative with the Oreo that they’re deep frying them (they possibly have a death wish for an instant heart attack), they’re adding them to cheesecake and milkshakes. Now that is creativity. The respect I have for creative Oreo users doesn’t translate when it comes to people making wedding cakes out of Twinkies however, I’m sorry it just doesnt. So when I think black and white, Oreo is one of the first things that wouldn’t be the same if it were any other color. Don’t argue with me and mention the seasonal Easter and Halloween Oreo’s, they aren’t the same, end of discussion.

Emack & Bolio's

389 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Though it isn’t strictly Oreo, the Grasshoper Pie icecream with creme de menthe liquer and Oreo chunks is a mouth orgasm.

THE WHITE PARTY

You don’t have to actually BE white to attend the party, as a matter of fact the annual White Party is thrown in the Hampton’s every year by P. Diddy or Sean Combs, or Puff Daddy….or whatever you want to call him. The ultra exclusive event is invitation only and unfortunately, the location is a secret….sorry. It’s in the Hamptons somewhere? I have yet to be invited. Attendees are allowed to wear white ONLY or they aren’t permitted to come in. Diddy has his standards.

Zebra's

Zebra’s are a mystery to me. They’re like unicorns, or just really cracked out horses. They’re like something in a crazy dream where you’re riding an animal in a Crique Du Soleil show….obviously, I have a great deal of love for the Zebra for that reason alone. They are daring, they stand out. Anyone with Zebra PRINT on anything, like a Zebra, is daring enough to want to stand out and I can relate. If I were an animal, I’d opt to be a Zebra.

Lenox Lounge Inc

288 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027

The Zebra Room at Lenox Lounge is one of the most historical Harlem jazz clubs. The dining, the atmosphere and the music drip with history of some of jazz’ greatest legends.

Eat Drink & Be Merry

300 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

So that you don’t have to head all the way to Atlantic City, you could just rent out one of the rooms and have your OWN poker night. You’ll lose less money and you’ll be able to decipher your friends poker faces much easier.