All Things Brooklyn – Brooklyn Sting: The Ultimate, Wallet-Friendly NYC Date
Times are tough.The Dow is down, prices are up, our wallets are empty.But we’re not going to let the recession keep us from enjoying the greatest city in the world.So let me present my Chrismukkah gift to you: the Ultimate Wallet-Friendly New York Date.(It also goes over well with out-of-town relatives.)
Take the subway over to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in DUMBO, arguably home to the best pizza in the city.During my last trip to Grimaldi’s, I nearly cried tears of joy at the sight of my pepperoni pizza. Fresh mozzarella, basil, and homemade tomato sauce joined the most tender pepperoni I’ve ever tasted. In typical New York fashion, the pizza is best eaten by folding it down the middle. Grimaldi’s only sells pies and doesn’t take reservations or deliver, so be prepared to wait outside for a table during peak hours. (Trust me, the pizza is worth the wait.) Pies are less than $20 and can easily feed 2 to 3 people. Leave the plastic at home—Grimaldi’s only accepts greenbacks.
From Grimaldi’s, walk two blocks towards the East River to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Like Grimaldi’s, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is possibly the city’s best. Lines during the summer can be quite long, so winter is actually one of the best times to go. Even if it is twenty degrees outside, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is a mandatory stop for anyone with even a passing interest in ice cream. Flavors are old-fashioned staples such as chocolate and peaches & cream; I’ve pledged my eternal loyalty to their coffee ice cream. One scoop for $3.50 is plenty for one person, two scoops will set you back $5.50. Cash only.
Even if the cold forced you to eat your ice cream inside, take some time to linger at the Fulton Ferry Landing, on the doorstep of the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. The Fulton Ferry Landing boasts one of the best views of downtown Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll recognize this vantage point from countless New York City movies. If you’re on a date, there are few places in the city that are more romantic than the Fulton Ferry Landing.
Now it’s time to burn off the pizza and ice cream by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk past Grimaldi’s along Old Fulton Street until you reach the pedestrian entrance to the bridge. Keep your eyes peeled—the staircases up to the walkway can be a bit hidden. The first half of the mile-plus trek is uphill, so you will warm up quickly. Though you can walk the bridge in either direction, downtown Manhattan is best seen by walking from the Brooklyn side. The walk is free, the views are priceless.
Total cost for two: under $40. Be sure to bring your appetite, a camera, your Metrocard, and cash. To make a day of it, start at the New York Transit Museum.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria // 19 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn Heights, 11201 // (718) 858-4300 // A or C to High Street
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory // 1 Water Street, Brooklyn Heights, 11201 // (718) 246-3963 // A or C to High Street
Tags:Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, brooklyn ice cream factory, Grimaldi's, Julie
24. December 2008 at 9:50 pm :
Excellent recommendations! I can’t wait to utilize this date and report back to you. I’m sure it will be a success! Thanks!!!
Cosmo