5 surprising summer dates in New York
In a city full of Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class cocktail bars, it is all too easy to get stuck in the ‘dinner and drinks’ rut when it comes to organising the perfect date. So as the summer heat descends upon Manhattan and she starts to tire of being wined and dined, forget following the crowd and try taking her to one or two of our alternatives – she’ll love it, we promise.
Go old school on Coney Island
Keep it casual but still impress her by winning her a prize at one of the carnival games in Luna Park or taking her on an adrenaline-pumping ride on the 85-year-old Cyclone. After the excitement, relax with two classic ‘franks’ from Nathan’s Famous and then order a drink from the Coney Island Brewing Company. If there’s still time wander down to the Sideshows by the Seashore, one of New York’s last remaining old-timey circus sideshows.
Get your cultural fix
Delve into one of the finest art collections in the world at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including a stunning retrospective exhibition of photography documenting the glamour of 1920s life in New York by Garry Winogrand. Afterwards, buy her a cocktail from one of the best bars in the city (recently featured in ‘5 New York rooftop bars’) and take in unrivalled views of the Manhattan skyline.
Go all-American
A game of baseball in summer heat, surrounded by evangelical fans is about as American as it gets. Spend the day cheering for the Mets at Citi Field, safe in the knowledge that if she doesn’t fall for the Mets’ charm she’ll enjoy an afternoon sitting in the sunshine, with a Sixpoint Sweet Action in one hand and you in the other. After the game, take a romantic stroll through the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and grab dinner at the local favourite Joe’s Shanghai, famous for its dumplings.
Pick a picnic
Instead of settling for the packed Central Park, head to the Brooklyn Bridge park and enjoy the spectacular views of the Brooklyn bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The beautiful waterfront pathway is a great place for a carefree wander and if you get peckish you can stop for a hot dog and a Sixpoint Bark Red Ale at Bark Hot Dogs’ rooftop concession stand on Pier 6.
Get ahead in the gastronomy game
Getting a table a New York’s busiest and longest standing dining institutions is near impossible once their reputation is consolidated by reviews and evangelical word of mouth. But if you know about the brightest stars of New York’s restaurant scene as soon as they open, then you’ll be sure to impress her. Cosme, the highly anticipated Brooklyn tortilleria set to open in June, will be the second Mexican restaurant opened by acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera. It’s sure to be something different, so beat the buzz and grab a table early – you’re knowledge will seem more and more impressive as her friends begin to rave about Enrique’s legendary tortilla soup.
By Charlie Gardiner-Hill
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