Our purpose: To give New Yorker's and visitors alike a very tangible option of something to do that will liven up their week. It is our hope that these "picks" remain things that one can actually do without a lot of money or hassle (time, however, you will need) -- in other words, we're keeping it simple. Expensive shows, restaurants etc. are great, but there are too many people in this town listing and opining about those already - too many critics spoil the broth! We'll be sticking to stuff that Life in Gotham staff and friends have actually done and enjoyed. It is our hope you'll enjoy it just the same. One last thing: your feedback is requested. If you did what we suggested and thought it was a stupid thing to suggest, or if you really loved it, let us know! Also, your ideas and faves are welcome for submission. We'll try out your idea and if we like it, we'll feature it and credit you as the source.

Week of 1 August, 1999:

Pastries in the Park - The park is on the Hudson River. The bakery is Bouley.

So Tribeca is expensive. It's not news. But for those of you that have shrugged the nabe off as unimportant other than a restaurant destination, don't. It's one of my favorites. It's something most nice Manhattan neighborhoods aren't: quiet on weekends. Many of my  Saturday and Sunday mornings of late have begun at Bouley Bakery, where you don't have to break the bank for great breakfast breads and pastries. Grab what it is you want, add a cup of coffee (I don't vouch for that - Korean delis have served me better) and flee the scene for a a walk through the still sleeping streets. Save, that is, for dads running behind strollers, faithful dog-walkers and fitness buffs enjoying the luxury of a vacant downtown sidewalk. Head west on Chambers Street to West Street, and cross via the pedestrian bridge (I don't want you to get killed crossing the highway!), continue to walk down Chambers past the very interesting new developments in this, the northern end of Battery Park City - Stuyvesant HS on the right, and the new luxury apartments on either side towards the end of the block. Walk out on to the promenade on the river. It's the cleanest, most well kept stretch of park anywhere in New York. It's also almost brand new, and not too populated. The grass is green, the air is fresh, the space is wide open - eat and drink and marvel at the panoramic view from North Jersey to the Narrows, and an unobstructed look at everything in between.

And then tell me you don't love me.

Bouley Bakery - 120 West Broadway @ Duane St - 212-964-8362 - (Opens 8AM Sat-Sun)

Rockefeller Park - Chambers Street @ River
(Opens 6:30-7:00AM Sat-Sun)

Directions: 1/2/3/9 to Chambers Street.

Email: dj@asan.com

Next Update: 9 August 1999

all contents ã1999