Great Roadside Trip: Phoenicia Diner

© Doug Koh

At last we've arrived at the long weekend and just in time to enjoy the fall foliage. The city is always late to show its bright autumn colors but Upstate NY never fails to amaze around this time. If you have the chance to drive up this weekend, you'll surely see sights of gold and red just as the leaves slowly start to fall and fade. And don't forget to take advantage of the season flavors - pumpkin sugar donuts and apple cider are available at nearby markets and grocery stores. 

But if you are really craving for a fuller meal, we highly recommend this popular roadside joint. Off of Route 28, Phoenicia Diner is just the kind of place you'd imagine to find on a good 'ol fashioned American road trip. What we love is the creative mix of the nostalgic American diner atmosphere and new, thoughtful design. The menu has a  wide selection of breakfast favorites, sandwiches, greens, and more! All ingredients are from local farms and gardens. 

Make sure to come with an empty belly!

© Doug Koh

© Doug Koh

© Doug Koh 

© Doug Koh

Directions from New York City:

NYS Thruway 87 to exit 19 Kingston and first turn off the traffic

circle to RT 28W for approximately 22 miles. Phoenicia Diner will

be on your left  after the shopping plaza. Look for their logo on the

sign in front.

Other local food stop recommendations:

Adams Fairacre Farms
1560 Ulster Ave, Lake Katrine, NY 12449

adamsfarms.com

Wallkill View Farm Market

15 New York 299, New Paltz, NY 12561

http://wallkillviewfarm.snappages.com

Art and Music in the city

Some are already talking about summer being over.  Nonsense! there are still plenty of summer days ahead of us. One of the great remaining weekend activity for music loving New Yorkers is the Highly anticipated MoMa Warm Up series.

From June to September,  the PS1 Museum is hosting an outdoor music series taking place every Saturday (this year through September 6th see link above for details). 

For 17 years now,  Warm Up is introducing us to experimental live music, sound, and DJs—both local and international. The Project supports both established and emerging artists and provides a space for collaboration to them.

It is a fun, high energy place to be and if you are into the music and dance scene, definitely a summer destination to mark on your calendars before the end of this summer. And because It is at MoMa, there is of course a great art installation each year to rave about. Awesome backdrop for visitors.

Art, dance, music and culture mix. This is new York!

Plant a Tree in NYC!

It's planting season and New York needs you for this great project:

Have you heard of Million Trees NYC? It's an ambitious program that aims to have New York City's residents plant one million new trees within the five boroughs over the next ten years.  

We all wish we lived in a lush tree-lined street right?  Well, it is now possible to help transform the urban scape and green your neighborhood!

  Trees can be planted on private properties such as front and backyards, commercial properties and community gardens.  

You can get training to learn how to do it or just join a team of well-trained gardeners and be part of this sustainable project.

So if you are an enthusiastic, energetic, and environmentally–minded New Yorker, get dirty this spring and plant a tree for your city! 

And get your kids involved. It's such a fun thing to do as a family.

Care, donate, educate, all details are here.

 

 

 

 

Smorgasburg

Last weekend finally felt like a breath of Spring here in New York and lots of folks were out and about. This month is the last month that the Williamsburg Brooklyn Flea is held indoors before heading to the lovely waterfront for Spring and Summer weekends (can't wait!). 

The Smorgasburg indoor food market is such a fantastic place for gathering with friends,  filled with rich flavors, it has become a weekend destination for comfort food and tastes from all around the world.  You can feel the passion behind every food stand. It is a great Brooklyn experience if you are just visiting and always a great place to go back and mingle for us locals.

Such a great sense of community.

 

The Year of the Horse

We have just entered a new year in the Chinese calendar.  

As always, the festivities are fascinating and grand here in New York City and around the world.  

Such a beautiful burst of energy and light with colorful Dragon dances and a festival of lanterns in the darkest night of the month.  

This year, we are welcoming the wooden horse.
Years of the wooden horse are associated with warfare. Astrologers are predicting tumult and conflicts.  So be prepared, hang on to your harness and be ready for the ride!

Happy Chinese new year dear readers!

(Do you know your Chinese sign? find out in the chart below)

A Hint of Tradition from Europe

Christmas markets originated in Germany as far back as the Middle Ages.  They take place during the four weeks of Advent, right before Christmas.   Held in the town square, they used to bring a great sense of community offering traditional Christmas cookies, heart-warming locally made drinks, nativity scenes and wooden toys accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.  It must have been a magical time for small towns and villages back in the days, with such a sense of unity and sharing.

The markets have been admired all around the world.  Many countries now host their own versions of them. 
We love the look of them.  Old, new, it's a great time of year!