I haven't quite decided if it's having grown up in Maine, surrounded by wilderness, or whether it's the brief moment of warm escape from our oh-so-air-conditioned office, but there's just something about Madison Square Park that draws me in, day after day.

For those of you who have been to the park (or now have looked it up on a map), you know that it is really quite small – it only takes me about two minutes to walk diagonally across, even in heels.  But the park’s twisting pathways, flowing fountains and numerous spots to stop, sit and soak it all in, allow you to become truly immersed in nature, and are reason enough to actually take your lunch break during the busy work week.

Of course, you eventually realize that you are in the midst of a famous metropolis, and with the best of both worlds, there is no shortage of things to do, places to go, or people to see…

Surrounding the park you can find almost anything you might want to eat, whether it’s a gourmet meal, a sub from a chain restaurant, supplies for a picnic, or fresh fruit from one of the many outdoor vendors.  If you're willing to wait in the ever-present line (or know enough to check the live video feed to see any breaks in the crowd) the juicy burgers and heavenly concretes at the Shake Shack are honestly worth your wait.  Just make sure to B-line it if you’re only filling your frozen dessert fix.

 But, what really draws the crowds in to Mad.Sq.Pk. is the summer concert series that takes place at 7 p.m. every Wednesday until 8/4.  With "acts ranging from jazz, soul and R&B to folk, bluegrass and pop…” there's sure to be something for everyone!  

Whether it's your type of jam or not, the concerts make for great people watching sessions, and can be the perfect outdoor alternative to typical happy hours (the Shake Shack serves beer and wine).  Definitely worth a trip, but hurry, concerts end soon!

Other attractions at the park include:

·      Seasonal Art Exhibits

·      A dog park

·      A children's play area

·      Grassy sections for lounging

·      Plentiful chairs, benches and small patio tables

* For a list of all the things going on make sure to check out the park's event calendar.

Weather permitting, you know where to find me this summer: in my small city escape!  I hope someday you check it out, too.

Abby

It’s that time of year again. What time of year you may ask? Time for New York City Restaurant Week! NYC Restaurant Week debuted in 1992 as the country’s first-ever restaurant week. Today, Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event that lasts approximately two weeks every summer and each winter. Over 250 restaurants participate each season. These restaurants offer a three-course prix-fixe meal for $24.07 (lunch) and $35 (dinner).  

Last night, I dined at Le Cirque, one of the city’s premier French restaurants. I must admit that this was my first time eating French food and I was initially a bit intimidated by the menu. I ordered Chicken and Ramp Tortelli as my appetizer, which was a dumpling served in hazelnut broth. Everyone at my table agreed that this was the most delicious appetizer. For my main course, I ordered Sautéed Beef Medallions, which were served over a mushroom tart. This was equally scrumptious! Being a chocolate lover, I ordered Chocolate Fondant with caramelized bananas and salted caramel ice cream for dessert. After consuming my daily serving of chocolate, I sampled my friends Crème Brulee, which Le Cirque is famous for. The most unique element of their Crème Brulee is the dish in which it is served. Once you eat the dessert, you are provided with the recipe.

NYC Restaurant Week is a great way to experience restaurants that you wouldn’t normally frequent. While NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2010 officially ends on Friday, many restaurants have decided to extend their specials through the end of the summer. Click here for more information. Bon appétit!  

Megan

Before I entered the world of public relations, I was a manager at a busy and popular restaurant in New York City. During the three years I spent in the restaurant business, there was one question that was always asked of me: “HOW THE HECK DO I GET A RESERVATION?!” Well folks, I’m about to share with you my tips to scoring a great reservation.

1. If you want an 8pm reservation and the restaurant offers you 9 pm, take it! Let the reservationist know that you prefer something closer to 8 pm. If that 8 pm reservation opens up, the reservationist is going to call people with existing reservations before s/he starts calling off the wait list.

2. If you can’t get a reservation over the phone, try walking in if you’re in the neighborhood. Restaurants often reserve several tables for walk-ins only—these tables do not appear on OpenTable.com.

3. If you walk in to a restaurant and you’re told that it will be an hour wait and you’re thinking of slipping the maitre d’ dolla dolla bills…THINK AGAIN! You are wasting your money and let’s face it, you’re not at a club in Vegas. A tip is not going to get you fed faster. If the maitre d’ makes magic happen and seats you quickly, express your appreciation after your meal. Only then should you tip, if you so choose.

4. Become a manager’s BFF. Strike up a conversation with a manager and exchange business cards. The next time you want to come in you can skip calling and not bother with Open Table. You can e-mail the manager directly and ask for reservation help.

5. Calling far in advance to make a reservation is always advised. Many restaurants accept reservations 28 days in advance. However, if you’re unable to score a table in advance, call the day before and even the day of your desired reservation. During this time restaurants receive cancellations and release un-booked reservation slots that it held for regulars and friends of managers/owners of the restaurant.

6. Lastly, if you see this man, alert someone in the restaurant immediately. They will owe you forever .

Maya

When did we start living in the future? I mean, we’ve all been aware of technology evolving through our lifetime, but nothing like the pace we seem to be currently on.

The other day I found out Sony is developing a display that is as thin as a sheet of paper and flexes like paper too. We’ve got cars that run on air, and with regards to cellular technology all I have to say is this- iphone.

All of these innovations are amazing and were conceived to give us the ability to multitask and mass communicate. But, has anyone thought about how much we all depend on technology?

Back in the day, I remembered all sorts of things from phone numbers and addresses to instructions on how to make a kite. Nowadays, if I walk out of my home without my cell phone I can’t help but feel a little anxious.

Technology certainly has its perks and I’d be a hypocrite if I told you not to use it, but as an exercise, try going a day without your phone. Who knows, you might find it liberating.

Freddy 

Towels.  Sunscreen.  Sunhat.  Bathing suit.  Biodegradable trash bags.  CHECK!  Seems like a normal packing list for a weekend beach excursion until you notice that trash bags have found their way onto the list.  Whereas many beachgoers wish their fellow terry-clothed neighbors took the time to clean up (two words for clean up when used as a verb) after themselves at the beach, more often than not we’ve all left something behind for someone else to find.  Back to that thought in a moment…

My first beach love lies on the shores of Ocean Beach, Fire Island in New York, where as a toddler I took my first steps and now as an adult, continue to visit for memorable weekend jaunts.  I will confidently share that I’d prefer to visit any shore than the mountains no matter the history, the hotel or epicurean delight that may tempt me into the forest.  Spending time at the beach is something I look forward to all year long.

So, imagine my joy and delight upon learning that as part of the Barefoot Wine team at Hunter Public Relations, I would take part in an entire summer-long series of beach cleanups this summer during the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project! Though my team has been keeping beaches Barefoot-friendly for the last 4 years with support from the Surfrider Foundation, it is still a brand new undertaking for me.  So, I couldn’t have been happier or more enthusiastic about a trip to Rockaway Beach, New York two weekends ago for the kick off.

The weatherman called for rain but it turned out to be a fantastic, super sunny day for a cleanup.  More than 100 beach cleanup volunteers (including many fellow Hunter PR staff members, along with my sister, mom and helpful husband) joined up for a Saturday afternoon complete with picking up trash from beside the shore.   Following the cleanup we toasted everyone’s efforts with glasses of Barefoot Wine + Bubbly and a live music performance by Eric Hutchinson.  As the summer sun set, we high-fived each other’s efforts knowing that come Monday morning, we’d have a slight sunburn on our noses and shoulders as we start planning for the 20 additional cleanups taking place from now through October. 

Next time you see me at the beach, you can rest assured that this beach gal will have a bag in tow for trash to stow.

Check out the schedule and join us on the beach this summer!

Sarina