Tuesday, September 30, 2014

#968 - Junior's Cheesecake

Junior's Restaurant has housed the crown jewel of Brooklyn, on the same Dekalb and Flatbush corner, for over 6 decades. Their famous cheesecake has always been a great source of pride for Brooklynites, who would go to the ends of the earth defending its title as the "world's best".  A fire, that once threatened to destroy the restaurant, drew massive crowds of onlookers, who watched firefighters extinguish the flames while famously chanting "Save the Cheesecake"! 



As Brooklyn's landscape changed, many iconic staples disappeared and gave way to unfamiliar developments, pricey real estate, artisanal cheese shops, wine bars and "trendy" eateries. Junior's almost suffered the same fate, when developers tried to buy the property in order to tear it down and replace it with a high rise complex. To the delight of New Yorkers, Junior's owner chose his employees and irreplaceable memories over the $45 million buyout.  


The original Junior's restaurant is staying put and will continue to give future generations another reason to love New York.


Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our countdown!



Tuesday, September 9, 2014

#969 - 9/11 Tribute in Light

An annual art installation of two vertical light beams rising out of lower Manhattan into the heavens,
in memory of the September 11th terrorist attacks.  The Tribute in Light is a silent and symbolic reflection of hope.






Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our countdown!




Monday, September 1, 2014

#970 - The West Indian Day Parade

Labor Day in New York would NOT be complete without the annual West Indian Day parade. Year after year, over a million spectators take over Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway and turn it into the nation's most infectious carnival atmosphere, as they celebrate their pride in all things Caribbean.  The crowd proudly waves their national flags; they adorn themselves in patriotic tones and grow wildly enthusiastic as a range of Caribbean rhythms fill the air and an endless procession of colorfully costumed participants jump up and dance down the "Parkway".












Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our countdown!


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

#971 - Dîner en Blanc

The global phenomenon emerged in Paris, over 25 years ago, and has since become one of the most coveted experiences in major cities, around the world.  Once the trend made its way to New York, in 2011, Dîner en Blanc burgeoned into an annual tradition for thousands of fashion forward foodies, who donned their finest all-white attire to attend the ultra chic Parisian style pop-up dinner party...   
in a top secret location.




Okay... yes, guests MUST trek through the streets of NY and jockey for a spot on a crowded subway line (during the height of rush hour) while carrying their own food, table, chairs, flatware and miscellaneous table settings and praying that their immaculately white apparel remains in tact, as they make their way to this undisclosed location ...





 
BUT, it all pays off when the adventure leads to an elegant outdoor feast, with 4,500 glamorous friends, followed by great music and the funnest night of dancing!









Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our countdown!





Saturday, August 9, 2014

#972 - Derek Jeter

Modern day sports icon, Derek Jeter gives New Yorkers
another excuse to brag and beam with pride.


The 5 time World Series champion shines as the captain of the
New York Yankees and as the team's all-time career leader in hits.

3,431 (to be exact) and counting...




20 years of greatness ...
RE2PECT


Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our countdown!




Saturday, July 26, 2014

#973 - Bacon and Beer Classic

While the Mets were away, Citi Field played...
 host to New York's Bacon and Beer Classic event.  



 Bacon lovers got to feast on 25 mouthwatering bacon dishes from local eateries. 

 






 


 

 .... and beer aficionados soaked up tons of suds from
35 of NYC's breweries.





Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our list.




Sunday, July 13, 2014

#974 - Bastille Day Celebration


 Bastille Day celebrations make New Yorkers shout Vive La France, from the top of their lungs!



When our 4th of July holiday comes to an end, the American hot dogs, burgers and potato salad dishes get swaped for les crêpes, la baguette, la fromage et les vins français... briefly, of course.












The national celebration belongs to France, but New Yorkers won't pass up an opportunity to commemorate the occasion with their own parties.  Can you say joie de vivre?

 







Stay tuned for the next item(s) on our list.