Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria

by Liz Heather in , ,

The Museum of the Moving Image is probably my favourite museum in New York. The main reason for that? It encourages interaction (ie. there are things you can touch and do there). And the exhibits are constantly changing, which I love. They had the tiny door from Being John Malkovich last year! And Walter White's undies! 

The current Chuck Jones exhibit is even a great one to see.

Chuck Jones exhibit, November 2014

Even their permanent collection's great. Some people may not consider it the classiest of museums, but its focus is on movies and television so my question to those people is, "You think you're better than getting to see Robin Williams' fat suit in Mrs. Doubtfire?"

Fat suit from Mrs. Doubtfire

Who wouldn't want to get a glimpse at the intricacies of The Elephant Man's head? 

The Elephant Man's head

There's even a (classic) video game arcade area WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY PLAY THE GAMES. Why is this happening?! I feel like this place is a kid's version of what a museum should be.

Frogger

And of course there are areas that detail the history of cameras, television, etc. but I tend to briskly walk through these rooms (partially 'cause I've already learned about all that stuff the first time I came to this museum and partially because I know where I need to go to get to the fun).

The Film Cameras

The best part of this place? This spot right here (below).

Stop Motion Animation station

You can sit down here and make your own stop motion animation that you can email to yourself. It seems like it might be just for kids - but since there are no signs informing me of that silent assumption, I'm more than happy to plant myself here for at least twenty minutes to craft my masterpiece. It's way more fun than I'm letting on. Or wait, am I accurately emphasizing how fun it is? I feel like I might be.

There's also a sound booth station where you can go in and alter existing movies with your own voice. If that doesn't sound neat, I'm not accurately describing it - 'cause it's neat.

Anyway, I love this museum. I feel like it should be the gateway museum for when you're taking a kid to a museum for the first time. Actually, no! It'd be horrible to take a kid here for their first museum. It'll ruin them for all the others that exist in the world where you can't touch anything. Yeah, don't take them. Also, they tend to hog the animation table props whenever I'm there, so it's probably best to keep them at home. 

The BBLT at Murray's Cheese Shop

by Liz Heather in ,

Before I begin, let me start by saying that you can't get this sandwich at Murray's Cheese Bar. No, no - this one is only available in their cheese shop next door. And no, that's not a typo - a BBLT is a Burrata Bacon Lettuce Tomato sandwich, you rube! And here it is.

The BBLT at Murray's Cheese Shop

Whenever I find myself in the West Village, it's always a hard decision for me to choose this baby or that baby to feast upon. Also, you have to keep in mind that to encounter any kind of burrata dish under $10 is a FEAT in this city.

Definitely try this if you've ever ordered a BLT anywhere in the history of the planet. The extra B really puts it over the top and makes it crazy delicious. 

Spa Castle in Manhattan

by Liz Heather in

Remember how into Spa Castle I am? Well, there's a new Manhattan one opening in November that looks AMAZING. LOOK!

HIghlights

  • This location will ban kids under the age of 16. This is really the only notable fact that's different from the Queens location.
  • Pre-sale tickets are going for $50 each right now (they're normally gonna be $65)
  • The website says there's an Aqua Bar, in which patrons can "swim up and treat yourself to a refreshing drink or delicious cocktail, while never having to leave the pool."

The space'll be three floors, located at 115 East 57th Street. Can't wait to check it out.

Astoria Bier & Cheese

by Liz Heather in ,

Remember how I'm a big fan of Murray's in the city? Well, with the arrival of these (two!) locations of Astoria Bier & Cheese in (duh) Astoria, I never have to get on an E train again.

This is the burrata plate I ate.

Full disclosure: it's not as good as the burrata at The Smith, but it's still pretty memorable. Here's their BLT.

I had a bite of that one and it was really good. I'm not crazy into beer, but apparently this place is known for it. Why is it called bier and not beer? I don't know, but I'm guessing that's what makes it more expensive? Just a theory. Anyway, if you're in Astoria looking for good cheese-centric restaurants, this is the place.

Sidenote: Happy Birthday to the best there is, the kindest kindergarten teacher on this planet and my best friend in the universe. You're wicked and I love you, Harmeet.

Patsy's

by Liz Heather in ,

If you're looking for the best sit-down pizza place in this great city, I hope you're going to Patsy's (or Angelo's - the owners are the same, menu is the same). I've had this opinion for about seven years now, so I know what I'm talking about. Look at this monster. 

Whatever you do, make sure there's pepperoni on the pie. It's that thick-cut kind that makes you happy to be alive. I try to take everyone who visits me here. 

Robbie & 'za

If that doesn't look incredible to you, I really don't know what you're looking for in this life we share. If you care for other NYC pizza advice, go on over here or here or here.