Start at one of my favorite markets in the world. Located only steps from the #11 train on 80th and Broadway, is the famous Zabar’s Deli. To call this place a deli is a little bit of an understatement. It's a city block-wide gourmet sanctuary and a staple of the Upper West. Family owned and operated for decades under the watchful eye of Saul Zabar, this place is renowned for the best coffee, smoked fish, cheese, candy, snacks and house wares available anywhere. It's truly an experience just to take a lap of this place.

Start out in the store itself to get acquainted and build up an appetite, keeping a keen eye on the fish market, cheeses, and especially the coffee section. Pack a picnic bag with snacks for the park later if you like. Then head next door to their cafe and try some of the bagels and lox, and a $0.75 first timers cup of hot lava. You may want to sign up for their airmail catalogue as well-- their gift baskets aren’t cheap, but if you ever craving for a taste of NY you can have it sent over night to you, anywhere in the world. It's well worth it as a gift or an indulgence. H&H bagels across the street are also crème de la crème, but I’m fairly certain that Zabar’s uses their bagels anyway so you can skip it.

Head south down Broadway taking note of all the shops, Stand Up NY Comedy Club ( 78th b/t Amsterdam and Broadway)-- if you go here don’t pay the cover just get the discounted tickets from the vendors roaming on Broadway if you need a laugh for a two drink minimum. When you intersect with Central Park West (8th Avenue) stop on the Northwest corner and have a look around. Does that building there look familiar? It ought to, because it's the former home of John Lennon and the current home of his widow Yoko Ono.

The Dakota, built between 1880 and 1884, was one of the only buildings in the area at the time, as shown in the photo below from 1890. So that’s what Norman Rockwell was going for! The wrought iron gate on the south side of the building with the torches is the site of his infamous assassination by Mark David Chapman December 8th 1980. If you’re a real Beatle maniac head across CPW to Strawberry Fields, the site of his memorial... it's a worthwhile detour. Yoko still makes a silent pilgrimage across the street once a year like clockwork...

Big Nick’s (77th and Broadway) is the home of my favorite slice of pizza on the UWS, cold draft beer and a huge menu of great homemade items. Have a peek in Fairway (Broadway b/t 74th and 75th) for some of the most excellent fresh produce available, and then hang a left going East on 72nd St. As you turn you will notice the ubiquitous Gray’s Papaya’s with their Recession Special ($3.50 for 2 hot dogs and a drink, tax included)

At this point start heading south on Central Park West until you get to 66th St. On your left behind some bushes will be the famous Tavern on the Green (Central Park @ West 67th street, New York, NY, 10023). Just head straight through the parking lot, sneak past the shrubs and take a peek through the bay windows. It's a very famous and expensive restaurant, but the accept cash only as far as I know and I hear the food isn’t very good anyway.

The dcor is some of the best in New York, with each room decorated expertly to mirror a season. It’s kind of like dining in a Faberg Egg. Marvel at the horses and buggies. Oohs and Aahs. You may want to ride in one around the park though I’ve never had the desire. Watch out for horse manure.

Across the street from TOTG inside the park is the lovely Sheep’s Meadow where you can lounge out in the sun or shade, and bust open that picnic if you so choose. Maybe you brought a Frisbee or can join in on a game. In the summertime guys come around with coolers on wheels and will sell you anything from bottled water to cold beer and margaritas. This is truly one of the prettiest spots in the city.

The buildings that make up the 360° skyline around you represent some of the most expensive real estate in Manhattan. If you really want to choke over the real estate prices, take a walk down Central Park South (59th St between 5th and 8th avenue) and see the 8 figure apartments, or just chill and explore the park.

During the summer there are free concerts, working stiffs on lunch break, rollerbladers, cyclists, musicians and sunbathers-- all in all a great opportunity for people watching and relaxation. In the winter there is ice skating and beautiful footpath walks reminiscent of a Robert Frost poem.

If the sun is setting or you’re getting hungry, head over to Rosa Mexicano (61 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY, 10023). Delicious frozen pomegranate margaritas, and probably the best sit down Mexican food on the Upper West. Order the guacamole, the waiter makes it fresh right in front of you. Yum. There’s also a waterfall right on the wall! Take that Donald Trump! Afterwards you can head back to the comedy club or take in a show at Lincoln Center... or check out my Hell’s Kitchen or UWS Night Out tour to get the party started! Cheers for now...

Bradley Hart

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