The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist Versus – Laughing Man

Laughing Man goes up against The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist -

All three of these Cappis were juuuuuust right.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Super- Duper high marks here. The laughing man brews up some seriously serious java.   These beans are so tasty and special… we’re creating some sub categories up in here.

1. A.) What takes Laughing Man’s coffee into a league of its own isn’t even the spectacular taste (although it is stellar), but rather where that taste comes from. Laughing Man is the dream child of actor Hugh Jackman and is run by his friends Barry and David Steingard. While on a trip to Ethiopia, Jackman became friends with a local coffee grower named Dukale.

Dukale’s smile makes us “All Be Happy” every time we open up a bag of Laughing Man Coffee!

Jackman, together with the Steingards, created a direct partnership with Dukale in Ethiopia… and then decided to take their coffee shop ethics a step further – by giving 100% of its profits to charity.

Let’s hear it straight from Laughing Man: “By using our resources to find, incubate and support companies and products that believe in the ALL BE HAPPY vision, we can do our part to create jobs, support the entrepreneurial spirit and encourage the ingenuity that is essential to community health. Second, through the successful incubation of companies and products Laughing Man Worldwide gives 100% of the profits it receives from those ventures to charity.”

Tasty and ethical??! Yes please!

1.B.) Wholesale!! All of Laughing Man’s coffee (and hot cocoa… did I mention they have AMAZE hot cocoa?!??) is available for order on their website. Boom.

Coffee, Tea and hot cocoa… oh my!!

2) Extra foamy delight: Triple marks for two foamy soy cappuccinos and one foamalicious skim latte.

3) Real mug: ahhh I hate to give Laughing Man any negatives… but I really missed my real mug!! Laughing Man is currently limited to a tiny, take away only outpost in Tribeca. But I am desperately hoping the take-away only portion is only temporary and I can update this post soon!! (hint hint at you Laughing Man…)

4) Surprise toppings: Peep that gorgeous Latte art. Amiright?!??

5) The Cozy Factor: Again a few negatives here… The space is currently only temporary and incredibly small. But extra points for the super nice barrista’s who let us relax on the window sill!!

Where to get your Laughing Man:

184 Duane St
(at Greenwich St)
Manhattan, NY 10013

Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- Milkshake on The Huffington Post describes the relationship between Jackman and Dukale best: An international Bromance.

- Cocomama Foods shines their “Fair Trade Spotlight” onto Laughing Man by breaking down what’s so cool about their espresso and cocoa (hint… it’s taste and ethics.)

- Shop with Meaning gives Laughing Man props for their social responsible coffee and products.

- Tribeca Citizen gives us an inside peek into the launch of Laughing Man.

- Blog My Lunch highlights Laughing Man’s venture into Organic and kosher chocolates.

 

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Taste and social responsibility… are you sold?!??

 

The Great Shoe Hunt – Case #725: the elusive fabulous yet functional black flat.

I live by the belief that shoes must be fabulous and functional – and I will simply will not settle for anything less.

So when I found out that I needed to stand and walk in black dress shoes all day long at work, I knew I had a shoe hunt on my hands.

I started the hunt with a quick crowd-source of every working professional I know who stands, and the resounding answer was: Dansko. I happily googled what I believed would be my newfound comfy shoe obsession… only to be assaulted by this image -

I know I said comfort was a priority – but that shoe paired with my tailored Brooks Brother’s suit?!?? Even I thought about breaking my zero tolerance rule with this one… so the hunt continued.

Yet my first efforts made me believed I was destined to a grandma shoe…

Sass Shoes: Somehow, I think my boss would frown upon me wearing a lace up sneak with my business skirt… But come on,  it’s slip resistant!

When I started checking out the Shoes for Crews website and not totally hating, it I knew I was in trouble…

Clearly, it was time I called in the big guns – the lead general on my shoe army: Mama Rullz. Here’s her response to my emails with the above mentioned shoes… And I quote: “I don’t know Mags. None of these are exactly that cute. ” Reading that loud and clear Captain. So armed with her (not too many) years of shoe hunting experience, Mama Rullz came to NYC to help me forage.

Here’s to Mama Rullz doin’ her shoe thang…

MamaRullz’s list of Fabulous and Functional Black Flats:

- – - – - – -

1) Cole Haan (with Nike Air Technology):

Air Tali Lace Wedge - $158

Air Bacara Ballet - $148

- – - – - – - 

2) Born:

* Bonus – Their website plays great, trippy music while you shop!

Stowaway II – $100.00

- – - – - – -

3) Clarks:

Plush Dot – $99.99

- – - – - – -

4) Stuart Weitzman:

Caring – $365.00

- – - – - – -

Alright I’ll admit it… the MamaRullz’s list looks a little better than my own.

After a full day trekking from store to store armed with my pair of try on socks, a purse full of snacks for fuel, and MamaRullz’s list clutched in hand – I fell in love.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE…………..

Cole Haan with Nike Air Technology. 

3 weeks and multiple miles of walking and hours of standing later I can now testify: These babies are comfy. Fact. Fabulous and Functional?? CHECK.

Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- York Avenue finds a classic flat look a like for less.

- Don’t want to restrict yourself to just black flats? Fashion Style Advice adds a pop of silver and comfort to your wardrobe!

- Capitol Hill Style gives us plenty of reasons to “give up the height” and go with the flats.

- The luxury spot claims to have found the most comfortable ballet flats EVER.

- The Hollywood Housewife takes us on her comfy shoe hunt with us.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Do you have a fabulous yet functional pair of black flats you’re obsessing over??

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist Versus – Nespresso.

 Nespresso goes up against The Maggie Talks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist.

 

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Here is where Nespresso earns triple marks. Nespresso is best known for their “pods” that skillfully enter their futuristic coffee machines and pump out cups of bold, rich espresso. They take their beans seriously, and your cappuccino gets the benefit. If you love espresso in your face… Nespresso is your place. (Yes Nespresso, you can steal that for your new slogan)

2) Extra foamy delight: Great foam, and they even foamed my soy milk!

3) Real mug: A little more delicate side than I normally prefer for my cappis… but it’s daintiness definitely fits well with the overall fancy vibe.

4) Surprise toppings: They drew a pretty flower in my Cappi Foam. Oh, and did I mention the freebie chocolate piece on the side?!?? LOVE.

5) The Cozy Factor: Nespresso gets about a zero on the cozy… but scores a perfect 10 for the Rich and Swanky-Pants feel. And considering this Nespresso Boutique is nestled among some of the most expensive stores on Madison Ave, I would say this feel is just right. I mean, you get waited on by waiters in suits! That defines swanky-pants.

 

Nespresso Boutique

761 Madison Avenue, NYC

(800) 562-1465

 

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- Danny Kelly might make the two most convincing arguments for Nespresso I have ever heard. 1) “It’s like an Apple Store but for coffee. and 2) “George Clooney would definitely hang out in these places”. Do you even need to hear any more??

- Feisty Foodie hit up Nespresso and got Gelato in their morning drink. Feisty foodie… can I be your best friend??

- So Lifestyle checked out Nespresso’s Boutique in SoHo and gave it equally high marks.

- Eater claims the excitement over the opening of the Nespresso Boutique rivals that of Pop Tarts World in Times Square… and that’s saying something.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - -

Ever gotten your swanky-pants on at a Nespresso Boutique?

How to get a sweet “NOT a FDNY Employee” Card… OR how I finally got a real NBC employee badge.

That’s right… You’re looking at a newly certified Fire Guard.

Now, despite the large red block letters that reinforce that fact that I am NOT a FDNY employee… I still feel pretty badass. I mean, Tommy Gavin and I are practically best friends.

 I know, I know – our similarities are uncanny.

So how did I find myself in this situation where I am comparing my own life to that of Tommy Gavin – Fire fighter extraordinaire of the FDNY who struggles with alcoholism and wild bouts of anger in the hit series Rescue Me?? I can give thanks to my new employer NBCUniversal and their strict fire code for this honor.

If you wanna be a Fire Guard and get a sweet “NOT an FDNY Employee” Card like mine – Here’s the deal:

1) Take a trip to the FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn. Public transport is your friend with this one – the newly renovated Jay Street Subway stop is just blocks away. Tip – Grab a Starbucks at 6 MetroTech on your walk over… you’re in for a long wait.

2) Check in, fill out some light paperwork, and get your number!!

3) Sit, get comfy, sip that Starbs I told you to buy, and listen for your number to be called by the nice, computerized lady. More excitement – You can also watch for your number to be called on a large monitor… think DMV awesomeness.

4) Once your number is called, approach given window, state name, and get verified. Go sit back down and wait for your number to be called by the photographer.

5) When the photog calls your number, channel your inner diva and go get your FDNY glamour shot taken. Then, it’s back to your seat to wait to be called by the cashier!

6) Cashier calls your number, and you shell out 25$… it’s a small price to pay for an ID that will last a life time. Now, back to that seat!

7) Sit close to the test taking door on this one, you do not want to miss your number get called when you’re so close! Tip – use this time for a last-minute study sesh!

8) Number called… it’s test time.

9) You find out you pass immediately after the exam. (You see what I did there? It’s called positive reinforcement. Don’t worry, that’s not on the exam.) Now, take your Fire Guard certified self back to your seat… time to wait for your card!

10) When your name is finally called you realize that you are no longer a number… but a Fire Guard with a real life certificate card. Congrats!!

Heads up – the whole process takes upwards of 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Enjoy.

So yeah, being a Fire Guard is pretty cool and everything (NBD)… but the real reason I waited in 10 different lines at the FDNY was for this:

It’s officially official!!

To get a real life NBCUniversal employee badge! Kinda pumped about this one. I started the Page Program on Monday, and now that I passed my Fire Guard test and The Page test – I’m official!

- – - – - – - – - – -

Who’s coming for a tour of 30 Rock?!??

What I learned today: Super Bowl Sunday is NOT the time for artisanal cheese plates.

Super Bowl Sunday: football, commercials, the half time show, millions of Americans tuning into the same channel, the fact that my home town team the New England Patriots are playing… these things are all awesome.

But the chance to plan an epic food spread?? THIS is what I love most about Super Bowl Sunday. Give me even the slightest excuse to organize a culinary feast… and it’s game on. (See what I did there?? It’s a football pun. You’re welcome)

I was deep in Super Bowl food gluttony thoughts… homemade guacamole, a specialty cheese spread, prosciutto and coppa, fresh-baked seeded crackers, maybe even some humus and crudities if we’re feeling wild… when The Fiance dropped this bomb: “Maggie… you don’t have an artisanal cheese plate on Super Bowl Sunday.”

By the look on his face, you would have thought my idea to bring kale chips to the Super Bowl Party was as absurd as Kurt from Glee beating Gronk from The Pats in a fight…

But without access to my spread of local veggies, organic fruits, hormone free dairy and humanely raised meats… my culinary plans are lost. So what’s a gal to do??

Problem solved – we’re ordering in. Wings, Nachos and Mozzarella sticks.

In honor of “No Artisanal Cheese On Plate Super Bowl Sunday” – Let’s bring on the Snackadiums.

Walls of Meat… both structurally sound and tasty.

24, 375 calories strong… according to the creators over at HolyTaco

Note the Submarine Sub walls… edible and functional.

To learn the magic, check out this video from the Snackadium professionals

Pepperoni Pizza!!

FYI: We might be ordering take out… but I am totes still bringing a spread of deconstructed Nachos: Multi-grain tortilla chips, home made guac, freshly chopped salsa and organic shredded cheese. Hey… I’m still learning this whole “No Artisanal Cheese Plate On Super Bowl Sunday” thing all right?!??

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- HuffingtonPost takes a look at the top 11 most amazing/disgusting snack stadiums.

- Yummly offers up 10 surprising Super Bowl snacks… including this gem: According to 7-Eleven stores, there is a 20% increase in the sale of antacids on the day after Super Bowl.

- Looking for some last minute Super Bowl eats?? Eatin on the Cheap has got you covered.

- Sweet Little Smoothie picked out some of her fav Super Bowl Must Eats.

- And let’s end with some healthy Super Bowl snack ideas from Eating Bird Food - Sorry Fiance… but I had to put one healthy link in

- – - – - – - – - – -

What snacks will you be noshing on this Super Bowl sunday? Artisanal Cheese anyone?!??

Tags: cheese, food, football, organic, snackadiums, super bowl

Five Reasons to Get Your Butt Over to Bryant Park Before Winter Runs Out!!

While meandering through Manhattan last week (obviously while on the hunt for my next cafe to check out) I stumbled right into this little NYC gem: Extended Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.  Now until February 26th, select shops from Bryant Park’s Holiday spread will remain open (and that’s in addition to the park’s skating rink and restaurant!).

So here are your Five Reasons to Get Your Butt Over to Bryant Park Before Winter Runs Out: 

1) Bryant Park is simply straight up GORGEOUS in the winter -

Surrounded by the impossibly tall buildings of Midtown, Bryant Park is a little oasis nestled in between skyscrapers and snug right up next to the New York Public Library (which has eye appeal in its own right). And please, let’s just look at that fountain – It’s like some fancy, old school plaza right out of Europe smack dab in middle of NYC.

2) The Southwest Porch at Bryant Park -

In a city as huge and potentially intimidating as NYC, there is actually a place that exists where you can come relax… with a fire pit, heated lamps, swing chairs, rockers, Adirondacks, christmas lights, full service bar, outlets to charge your laptops – and it’s free… FREE. Added bonus – it’s actually clean. I have no idea how they do it, but somehow this public space is one I can actually sit down in without thinking I probably just caught some strain of  the next pandemic to sweep over the world. Definite win.

3) The Yummy Food Options - 

While in Bryant Park, hopping around the many droll worthy food stands is a must. Let’s explore a few together:

- Kettle Corn NYC -

If the smell of sweet and salty popcorn isn’t enough to lure you into Kettle Corn NYC’s booth, I think this next statement will persuade you: THEY GIVE AWAY FREE SAMPLES! And fairly decent sized samples at that – always a value add in my book. You’ll be offered the original flavor when you first sample… enjoy. But make sure you ask to try a few others as well. My recommends: Chocolate, Caramel, and Cinnamon! (Full disclosure… I only tried the dessert corn. But come on, when it comes to chocolate or savory I will ALWAYS choose chocolate.)

Brought the Papa Rullz back to check out the corn as well. For those of you not in the know, you should be informed that Papa Rullz is quite the popcorn connoisseur… let’s just say that he takes his popping very seriously. After one sample, the Mr. Rullz was buying not one, not two, but THREE bags of Kettle Corn NYC. FYI – his fav was the original.

The Papa Rullz mid popcorn toss to mouth… nice moves Dad.

- Aroma Espresso Bar -

Even a casually reader of this blog knows about my Cappuccino addiction. So when I saw the Aroma Espresso Bar stand at Bryant Park, I OBVIOUSLY had to get a drink (Never mind that I was coming from another coffee…) – and booooy am I glad I did!! There is something about sipping a well foamed Cappuccino outside in the cold that is so perfect and indescribable. For those of you who don’t want to brave the chill, Aroma has a fairly large indoor seating area that is shockingly warm. Bonus – they give you a little hunk of Aroma chocolate with every order… they sure know how to make me happy

- Wafels and Dinges and mmm… Enfes! -

Both shops lured me inside with that distinctly seductive smell of freshly baked goods. While I was too full on Kettle Corn and Aroma to nibble away on any Waffles or Turkish pastries… the lines speak for themselves. I will be back for both.

- Other yummy must-tries include: Big Apple Cider, Pickle Me Pete, and TopArepa.

- Note: In addition to the extended holiday shops, you can always hit up Celsius - Bryant Parks very own bar/lounge.

4) Skating at CitiPond -

Nothing says winter romance like a skate beneath the skyscrapers while holding your significant other’s hand… tote presh. Come on dudes – I’m practically giving you boyfriend points with these date ideas here! Are you taking notes?!? But seriously… the Bryant Park skating rink is twice the size of Rockefeller Center and it’s free – FREE (with your own skates). Personally, I also had fun watching the Zamboni go around in a circle.

5) Free WiFi for all! -

Bryant Park has been offering its visitors free WiFi since 2002 – take that little fact nugget, post up with your comp at Bryant Park and surf the web to your heart’s content.

More Links To Love Bryant Park ALL YEAR ROUND!

- Want in on some Bryant Park fun but can’t make it down to 42nd street?? See all the action on the Bryant Park webcam. 

- Ride the Bryant Park Carousel, play a game of Chess/backgammon, challenge yourself to some petanque, Ping Pong anyone? Or get your knowledge on in the Bryant Park Reading Room.

- Bryant Park events range from movies in the park to music concerts and even football games – click here to view a full list of events!

 

Bryant Park - 

Location: Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Subway: Take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park

Jan/Feb Park Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday – 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Friday and Saturday – 7:00 am to Midnight

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- Lauren Loves to Eat ate her way through Crepe Cafe and Wafles and Dinges… and shares photos from every bite along the way!

- Local Bozo calls the Bryant Park skating rink “one of the most magical experiences that Manhattan has to offer this holiday season” – and now that the holiday shops are extended, so is this magical experience!

- Midtown Lunch focus on all the yummy options still being offered in Bryant Park thanks to the extension of The Holiday Shops.

- Doll House Jeans talks up Aroma’s stand at Bryant Park, saying it’s a great place to stay warm while you sip a hot cocoa post ice skating… or while you check facebook on the park’s free WiFi!

- I really Like Food claims that Kettle Corn NYC’s stand serves up THE BEST kettle corn they have ever had!

- – - – - – -

What are your favorite stands to hit up in Bryant Park??

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist versus – The Vagabond Cafe

The Vagabond Cafe goes up against the The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Check!

2) Extra foamy delight: Ordered my standard soy cappuccino… and it most def had some foam excellence going on.

3) Real mug: Great mug – felt all rustic and like a real legit traveler with my vintage mug. All the mugs are different too, which adds tons to the “vagabond” feel.

4) Surprise toppings: Nothing crazy here… didn’t see a huge topping bar for cappi creation. But with the foam shown above there was no toppings needed.

5) The Cozy Factor: Vagabond really excelled with the coziness. True to their name, you really feel like a hip wanderer who just happened upon a super chic cafe while out on your day’s adventures (never mind that I yelped this place from a half mile away…) The decor matched this laid back, quaint vibe by featuring a mish mosh of antique furniture – you kinda feel like you’re sitting in a well put together flea market or an eclectic grandma’s house (in a good way!). Other things to note: Comfy couches, lots of seating, and free/unlimited WiFi!!

 

The Vagabond Cafe:

7 Cornelia Street, NYC (West Village)

Subway: Washington Square / West 4th

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- The Village Voice Blog highlights The Vagabond’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Latte – waahutt?!?? How did I miss this order… next time.

- NYULocal names The Vagabond a top cafe for students to try some tasty treats while they study.

- Dryastoast loves The Vagabond so much she even mentioned it in her Blog’s About section!

- Daniel Slather noshed on The Vagabond’s food and says its crepes and sandwiches were great!

- The Village Beat says that in the West Village’s caffeinated over drive of cute cafes on every corner… The Vagabond Cafe stands out as a personal favorite. Their tip – check out The Vagabond’s AMAZING latte menu!!

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Does this cappi make you wanna take a trip to The Vagabond? (travel pun intended.)

7 cornelia street, NYC   -    washington square / 4th st. stop

Tags: Cappuccino, coffee, New York City, NYC, vagabond cafe

The Spotted Pig… Fries worth waiting 2 hours for.

2 hour wait… so you know it’s good. Co-owned by Jay Z, Bono and Mario Batali… so you know it’s what’s up. A pile of fries that are bigger than your face… so you know it’s tasty. This is the The Spotted Pig.

3 Reasons to Love The Spotted Pig:

1) THOSE FRIES!! 

Impossibly crispy and perfectly salted with bites of rosemary and garlic surprise… These fries threw a party on my taste buds.

Seriously… these fries will change your life.

A quick google image for The Spotted Pig fries pulls up images like this - 

And this -

And don’t even get me started on this -

While you’re waiting for your table, you will see approximately 100 orders of these babies towered impossibly high teetering on every waiter’s hand as they walk past. Watching everyone else devour these skinny bits of fried potato happiness is agony… but noshing on your own plate is totally worth the wait. The fry tower might seem daunting… but I promise that you will be licking your fry plate clean and wishing you had a double order.

2) AND THAT BURGER!

Once the fries were devoured (and obviously they were crushed before the other two entrees) it was time for the main attraction: The Burger. Having heard rave reviews from my go-to foodie source Sara (of Cocomama foods), it was time I put The Spotted Pig burger to my own burger test: The Fiance.

The Fiance is a burger connoisseur, so obviously I yield all burgers reviews to the master. And his exact review of The Spotted Pig burger: “One of the best, if not THE best, burger I have ever had.” (Full disclosure… I added the enthusiastic, full caps THE… but I know that’s what he meant.)

Heads up – This burger is tasty… but that flavor comes with a pretty hefty price tag: $17. My argument: It’s an entrée!! This ain’t no Mcdonalds’ beef… we’re talking high quality ingredients expertly crafted together. If you want cheap, this isn’t for you. If you want one of a kind, best ever burger quality – this baby is for you.

Side note – I got the Sea Bass on top of a cauliflower puree sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts… and it was also head over heels amazing.

3) Great Place For A Hot Date. 

The Fiance and I were searching for an awesome place for date night. Requirements: Great food in a super fun atmosphere. My love letters to the above fries and burgers clearly approve of The Spotted Pig’s food. The co-owners of The Spotted Pig speak for the atmosphere: Jay Z, Bono, Fatboy Slim and Mario Batali. Jay Z, Bono, and Fatboy Slim??! I know… The Fiance was skeptical of my restaurant facts as well. But here is some Spotted Pig investor proof for your face.

Keeping with the A-list vibe, there is no sign out front to announce The Spotted Pig. Rather, a hanging Pig beckons to all who are in the know.

The Spotted Pig doesn’t accept reservations… because it doesn’t have to. If you’re lucky, you can squeeze your way into a seat and order at the bar, but expect around a 2 hour wait no matter what time you go. This wait is perfect for a hot date night – Put your name in… meander around the romantic West Village… hit up the local spots for drinks along the way…. until you end up back at The Spotted Pig’s bar…. Take in the scene and finish out your wait in style.

Date Night at The Spotted Pig!

The Spotted Pig -

314 W. 11th Street (@ Greenwich St.)
New York, NY 10014

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- Shared Appetite breaks down The Spotted Pig’s entire menu – and gives us some tips about how to avoid the 2 hour wait!

- Food Comas tasted practically the entire menu and nominates the chicken liver toast, sheep’s milk ricotta gnudi, and roasted quail as their must eat dishes.

- Local Bozo agrees with practically every one else in NYC and says The Spotted Pig’s burger is one of the best in town.

- The Burger Review asserts that while tasty, the price tag on The Spotted Pig’s burger outweighs borders on absurdity.

- Heneedsfood insists that if you’re only in NYC for the weekend, you better get your butt down to The Spotted Pig.

- State of the Union Square says their desserts are a must – Popcorn ice cream with Caramel corn? How did I miss this?!??

- Food from Flossie spots another can’t miss order on The Spotted Pig’s menu: The Gnudi.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Have you hovered the burger and fries from The Spotted Pig yet??

Tags: burger, food, Jay Z, Mario Batali, New York City, NYC, Restaurants, Spotted Pig, west village

My afternoon with Anderson – and how you can have your own date with Anderson, Jimmy, Kelly, David, Wendy, John…

This past Thursday I got to go see this man. Doin his thang. With Drew Barrymore. And it was free. Anderson for FREE my friends! Get in on this. Stat.

Show tapings are always a surreal experience… you watch these mega personalities light up your TV, and then BAM – they’re standing 5 feet in front of you. Just doing their job… which happens to be entertaining millions as a TV host. And then walks out some A-list superstar celeb just being herself and talking… 5 feet from you. It’s as if all of a sudden your TV exploded and became your real life. And it’s awesome.

I should disclose that as a host/producer myself, I totally nerd out on set. I mean… the studio! The camera! The control room! The teleprompter!! I was in my element. But please – Just look at Anderson’s studio! How could you not be in love?!?

Everyday, he looks out over New York City. Absolutely breathtaking.

One more time… this time with my super hip, old hollywood filter. Makin it happen. Come on… just please.

So yes, I loved my experience at the Anderson taping. Clearly. Buuuuut one of the best kept secrets in NYC is that you can go to any show that tapes in NYC… FOR FREE.

Some of the best and most iconic shows on TV film right here in the Big Apple: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, SNL, Late Show with David Letterman, Daily Show with John Stewart, The Colbert Report, Kelly Live, Wendy Williams… just to name a few. All of these shows need audiences – and this is where you come in my friend.

They need audiences… you want to be entertained. This elusive, mutually beneficial relationship is something that rarely occurs in NYC – but when it does, you gotta get on it.

So if you want in on this piece of awesome (and yes, you do) here is what you do: 

1) Figure out what shows you wanna check out. And your answer should be all of them. Show tapings are high energy, exciting and a one of a kind experience. Honestly, there’s no such thing as a bad taping. No matter the host, no matter the guest, no matter the show… I promise – you will be entertained.

2) Check out the show’s website for information on tickets/audience. Most shows have an entire department committed to audience relations (they want you!) Normally, you can either apply online or call the show directly.  Many shows also offer standby tickets for day-of sales.

3) Now comes the waiting… it’s here that you remember that however badly a TV show needs an audience, they will always have the upper hand. In most cases, you request tickets from your chosen show and wait until they contact you with the date of the show you can attend. Sometimes you can request a span of dates you would prefer… but that’s if you’re lucky.

4) So now you’ve got your date, you fill out all the necessary paperwork and confirmation, and you arrive on the day of the taping. Now it’s time for some BIG TIPS: Make sure you read all the directions in the email confirmation. Make sure you print out and bring your ticket with you. Make sure you are there EARLY.

Waiting in the cattle call line nice and early for my tickets!!

5) More on that early point. TV is a stickler for this one. They give away more audience tickets than actual seats. So if you want into the show you have already planned your entire day around… get there early.

6) Wait in line some more and then start the seating! My big tip here – go to the bathroom before you sit down!! Yes, even if you don’t have to. They won’t let you leave your seat once you sit down, and you do not want a full bladder ruining your experience.

7) You’re in your seat… the warm up comic has warmed you up… and it starts. BAM. You’re part of TV. And it’s free

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- NYTix lists all the shows that tape in NYC annnnnd they give you the links to get the tickets. They can’t make this any easier!

- Fodor’s provides a step by step guide for getting TV show tickets.

- Can’t get enough of entertainment in NYC? Whatsgoodinny says star tours around NYC are a must for locals and tourists alike.

- If you’re interested in checking out Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, make sure you read Mark in the City‘s post about his studio audience experience first!

- Cityscoopsny breaks down the ticket process for NYC’s hottest shows by degree of difficulty.

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What shows can you just not wait to attend??

Tags: cheap, event, free, live show, New York City, NYC, TV

The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist Versus – Gregorys Coffee

Gregorys Coffee goes up against The Maggie Talks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist.

Yes, I absolutely demolished my Cappi with cocoa powder… and it was awesome.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Marks for high quality here. The barista was super into making my cappuccino too which I always see as a plus.

2) Extra foamy delight: They did the soy foam up right.

3) Real mug: Slight marks off for Gregorys here… they automatically put everyone’s coffee in a to go cup! My coffee to go is fine… but MY cappuccino?! Puleeese. Tip – just ask for a cappuccino for here and you’ll get a sweet mug. (It should be noted – I visited Gregorys midtown location… this love for the to go could account for the mid town customer)

4) Surprise toppings: I love when coffee shops use those large shaker thingies for all the goodies. You know the ones that drop a ginormous amount of awesome smack onto your drink?? Gotta love that.

5) The Cozy Factor: In the vacant java landscape that is midtown… Gregorys Coffee is an oasis. I posted up inside Gregory’s for a good 3 hours to do work. With only about 6 tables, the midtown location can get crowded fast… so grab your seat and sit strong.

*** Bonus points for food! Came in here with the Fiance and he nommed up his croissant. I was particularly enthralled by the sample plate of various baked deliciousness. Freebies get major bonus points.

***** Extra Bonus points… you can become a “Gregular”. Gotta love a good pun.

******* One last note… Gregorys Coffee purposefully doesn’t use an apostrophe. Just didn’t want you all to think I never studied for my SAT’s grammer section.

 

Where to get your Gregorys Coffee:

I hit up their midtown location on 44th street btw 5th and 6th.

But check out their locations all over Manhattan.

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- myfwbnyc raves about Gregorys slop drip coffee.

- Get a peak inside the kitchen with Just Look Inside, as they give us an up close and personal look inside Gregorys coffee.

- Bobby Calise gets the chance to sit down with the Greg behind Gregorys… and fuels his new found coffee addiction in the process.

- Goodiegoodiesglutenfree notes the appearance of some GF friendly treats in the bakery! (and a whole lot of non -GF but quite tantalizing sweets as well…)

- Midtown Lunch notes that the Gregorys on 46th has full on bakery action.

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Have you got your java on at Gregory’s coffee yet??

Tags: Cappuccino, coffee, gregorys coffee, NYC