About Town: New York
By Ceri Mobley, PGATOUR.COM Associate Site Producer
The 2008 PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup are finally upon us. And what better place to start than just outside America's favorite city -- New York, New York. The top 144 players in FedExCup points will head to Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., this week for The Barclays.
If you picked this week to tag along, you picked a good one. Let's get started on what there is to do, see and eat about town.
SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE
Paramus is so close to New York City that you can easily stay across the state line and not feel like you're too far from the course. If you're not into the big city traffic, though, then there are plenty of options in Jersey, too.
• It can't get much more convenient when it comes to easy course access than the three-star Courtyard Marriott in Paramus. This hotel is located on the edge of the course and is quite literally a two-minute drive away. You can walk it if you want to. Rates start as low as $140 a night.
• If you'd rather stay in the city -- and therefore have access to pretty much anything you want at any hour besides a golf course -- then book a room in the Big Apple. The three-and-a-half-star Roosevelt Hotel is in midtown New York, located in a building that was erected in 1924. It's about 30 minutes from the course, and rates start around $250 a night.
• If you want to go all out and live it up in New York like you're the FedExCup champion, then you've simply got to book a stay at The Plaza. This five-star (of course) hotel is just across from Central Park and has all the luxury you can imagine comes with a topnotch New York hotel. It, too, is about 30 minutes from Ridgewood, and rates start at -- gasp -- $700 a night.
SOMETHING TO SNACK ON
What is this part of the country famous for if not its fabulous food? It doesn't matter what you're into, chances are, you'll find it here. For now, a couple of suggestions from PGATOUR.COM.
• Chakra Restaurant Bar and Lounge: Located in Paramus, this Asian-and-European-inspired American cuisine restaurant serves up exotic food in an exotic setting. For a good mix of flavor and nationalities, try the Hamachi Tartare to start and the rack of lamb with a side of sautéed herb spaetzle for your entrée.
• Biagio's Ristorante: Like you can come to New York and New Jersey and not eat Italian food. This locally-owned Paramus restaurant has been a staple in the city for 20 years, so they probably know how to cook a good meal by now.
• Carnegie Deli: This place needs no introduction or explanation. Just one tip: Don't wait until you're hungry to head out for the Deli -- you will have to wait in one very long line before you lay your hands on your tasty sandwich.
• Tavern on the Green: This restaurant is probably for those of you who opted to stay at The Plaza (or somewhere of that ilk) because it's fancy and pricy and not something you do every weekend. This restaurant is so classy, it has 11 different menus. Yep, that's right, 11.
SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT
You're probably not wanting for ideas this week, but in case you feel overwhelmed by all there is to do in this area, here are some ideas.
• As the PGA TOUR's Regular Season has come to a close, the NFL is just beginning its preseason, and wouldn't you believe your luck this week? Super Bowl champions the New York Giants are taking on the new home of Brett Favre -- in-town rivals the New York Jets -- on Saturday at 7 p.m.
• You can't go to the New York area and not see a Broadway show, and goodness knows you have your pick of plays and musicals. PGATOUR.COM's pick? Mamma Mia! The silver screen version of the musical is playing in theaters across the country right now, but why not see it on the stage?
• Another New York must is the Empire State Building. Now the tallest building in New York, the views from atop the tower are (on a clear day) spectacular. And what's that shining in the distance? Oh yes, the FedExCup.
• Last, but not least, spend an afternoon in Central Park. Summers in New York are hot and sticky, and the park is like a mini oasis in the middle of a massive metropolis. Plus, there's a zoo. Who doesn't like to look at the animals?
STICKING AROUND?
Maybe you're on a tight schedule to see all the Playoff events, but, if not, and you have a day or two to spare, here are some things to put on your calendar:
• Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Tuesday after The Barclays, the New York Yankees will host the Boston Red Sox at home on the first of three nights where these storied teams will battle it out for bragging rights. Go Sox.
• Newport, R.I.: If you plan to drive the four hours from New York to Boston for the next playoff event -- the Deutsche Bank Championship -- then try to squeeze in some time between tournaments to stop off on Rhode Island's coast. Newport is so beautiful, you might want to stay and just watch the tournament from the couch.
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