Shopping in Kuala Lumpur - Malls, Bazaars and Flea Markets

Kuala Lumpur ranks as one of the top shopping destinations in Asia. As all budgets are catered for, you will be enticed to shop till you drop! You can also expect both a fantastic variety of products as well as value for money. From designer labels to home-grown brands, even the discerning shopper will be spoiled for choice. But you may like to bring home something typically Malaysian, in which case, spare some time to shop for ethnic crafts. A wide range can be found at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex and the Central Market.

Among the recommended items are batik (hand-painted or in block motifs available in traditional and contemporary designs, available as pareos, sarongs, scarves, shirts or dresses); songket (cloth intricately handwoven with silver or gold thread); silver items (jewellery, tableware and other home adornments); pewterware (various decorative and functional items); woodcarvings (aboriginal); pottery and ceramic (the choice is mind-boggling, but look out for Sarawak pottery or the Perak labu sayong); and weaved products (from practical bags to trinket boxes).

Places to shop include countless spick-and-span shopping complexes, duty-free shops, department stores, hypermarkets and handicraft centres to make-shift stalls and open-air night markets. Almost all shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur open for business from 10am till 10pm daily, public holidays included.

While the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival which runs from July to September and the Malaysia Savings Sale in December draw hordes of shoppers from around the region with offers of up to 70% discount on store products, you can still find bargains and sales at independent retailers outside scheduled sale carnivals.

Besides larger malls such as Berjaya Times Square, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Suria KLCC and those at the Bukit Bintang and Imbi area, many shopping complexes and departmental stores also offer economical buys such as Pertama Complex, Sogo Departmental Store, Kota Raya and Campbell Complex.

Then there are the numerous shops, flea markets, bazaars and side street stalls, notably dotting Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India (Little India), Brickfields (another Little India), Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Petaling (Chinatown), Plaza Mont Kiara and even the Sunday Night Market on Jalan Telawi in Bangsar.

On Saturday nights, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to vehicles and transformed into a bright and bustling night market with hundreds of stalls selling a gamut of products from foodstuff to leather goods.

Jalan Petaling Night Market in Chinatown sizzles every night while on Sundays, the Pasar Minggu Kampung Baru (Kampung Baru Sunday Market) turns into a treasure trove of shopping delights with local colours, sights and sounds. Below are the major shopping malls in the city:

AMPANG PARK
Jalan Memanda 3, Ampang

Ampang Park is the oldest mall in Kuala Lumpur, and also happens to be the grand dame of bargain buys, especially for electronics and electrical products as well as ethnic clothes. The bazaar-like atmosphere of its shops and stalls that line its corridors make for an interesting visit.

AVENUE K
156 Jalan Ampang

Avenue K is a top-end lifestyle mall with eight levels, designed for retail and leisurely pursuits. It's the place to shop for international brands and local labels.

BANGSAR SHOPPING CENTRE
285 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar

Located in the heart of one of Kuala Lumpur's posh suburbs, BSC is the place to shop, dine and most importantly, to be seen. The Cold Storage supermarket here stocks a fair amount of foreign foodstuff which is often hard to come by at your regular supermarket. The mall is also home to the Actors' Studio, one of the country's most definitive stage performance companies. You can catch seasoned and budding actors performing regularly at the studio.

BANGSAR VILLAGE I & II
Jalan Ara, Bangsar

The complex is spacious and its anchor tenant The Village Grocer attracts many shoppers with reasonably priced fresh fruit and vegetables and other supermarket items. F&B outlets there are cool places to hang out. Shops sell varied items, making the complex vastly popular in vibrant Bangsar.

BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE
1 Jalan Imbi

Berjaya Times Square offers over 500 retail shops. Foodies will be pampered by over 100 choices of cafes, restaurants, bistros and fast-food outlets. Its major attraction, Cosmo's World, the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, is a stand alone theme park with an abundant variety of entertainment and thrilling rides catering to all ages. Cosmo's World also houses one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world.

BB PLAZA
111 Jalan Bukit Bintang

Located adjacent and connected at all floors to Sungei Wang Plaza, BB Plaza houses some of the more notable tenants which are shoppers' favourites. These include the Metrojaya departmental store and several jewellers lined at its entrance. Al fresco cafes at its entrance offer shoppers a welcome respite from the busier pursuits of shopping.

CAMPBELL COMPLEX
Jalan Campbell

A compact spot that's great for watches and men's shoes at affordable prices.

CENTRAL MARKET
Jalan Hang Kasturi

Once the city's busiest wet market, Central Market was dramatically transformed in the late 70s to become one of the topmost destinations to hunt for souvenirs and local arts and crafts. Here, tourists will get to soak in the artistic and cultural aspects of Malaysian life as artists ply their skills. Batik and craft shops provide a great shopping experience.

GREAT EASTERN MALL
Jalan Ampang

Located along the prime "Embassy Row" of Jalan Ampang, the mall is home to many specialty stores, including British India and Guess as well as designer cafes like Starbucks. Cold Storage Supermarket is its anchor tenant.

KL PLAZA
Jalan Bukit Bintang

For up-market buys, head for KL Plaza, home to luxury watch shops, jewelers and beauty salons. The famed Planet Hollywood is located here. Several al fresco eateries along the Bintang Walk belt offer great food and entertainment.

KOTA RAYA COMPLEX
Jalan Cheng Lock

A bargain hunters' haven, Kota Raya Complex, located across from KL's Chinatown, has a wonderful selection of gifts and trinket shops that are just as colourful as they are varied. This is also a favouriete hang-out spot for Filipinas on Sundays.

KUALA LUMPUR CRAFT COMPLEX
Jalan Conlay

The complex showcases quality Malaysian handicrafts in both contemporary and traditional designs. There is a large collection of locally produced batik, songket, wood carvings, rattan trinkets and pewter products. There is a Do-It-Yourself Batik-making corner with resident batik makers on hand to assist tourists. At the Artists Colony, tourists get to mingle with local artists and learn about their craft.

LOT 10
50 Jalan Sultan Ismail

Boasting an eye-catching green facede, Lot 10 is a popular haunt for both local and foreign shoppers with Isetan as anchor tenant. It caters for the average income as well as the wealthy. As part of the Bintang Walk area, it also has several al fresco eateries and cafes along its immediate surroundings.

LOW YAT PLAZA
Off Jalan Bukit Bintang

Fronting BB Park, Low Yat Plaza is dedicated to IT products such as computers, laptops and peripherals. It also has a good measure of camera shops, fashion and leather goods stores.

MAJU JUNCTION MALL
1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail

Strategically located at the busy junction of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Sultan Ismail, the mall attracts discerning shoppers with its specialty fashion stores such as Wh by British India and Nichi Fashion City. Besides a food court, it also has an indoor archery centre.

MID VALLEY MEGAMALL
Lingkaran Syed Putra

Mid Valley Megamall offers 5km of shopping, leisure and dining outlets. With more than 430 shops, the mall is also home to three retailing giants, namely, Carrefour, Jaya Jusco and Metrojaya. It also houses a Cineplex, state-of-the-art bowling centre and a one-stop IT centre. If you need to refuel after all that glorious shopping, there's a whole world of culinary delights just waiting for you. From chic-bistros to fast-food outlets and food courts, they are all teeming to satisfy any tastebud.

PICCOLO GALLERIA
Jalan Bukit Bintang

A medium-sized shopping galleria sandwiched between Lot 10 and KL Plaza, Picollo Galleria adopts Italian shopping ambience with specialty stores offering lifestyle fashion products and art pieces. Ristorante L'Opera, a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine located on the ground floor, is one of the most popular places at Bintang Walk.

PERTAMA COMPLEX
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Though Pertama Complex is one of the oldest shopping complexes in KL, it still has a faithful following of shoppers due to its reasonably priced products, ranging from telecommunication devices to leatherwear such as Cowboy boots and jackets.

SOGO DEPARTMENTAL STORE
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Located on busy Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Sogo offers a wide range of merchandise with prices ranging from high-end to mid-range. The centre has a well-stocked department store, supermarket, bookshop, restaurants, food court and offices.

PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR
Jalan Bukit Bintang

Consisting of seven levels, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur boats of more than 450 stores offering some of the world's renown brand names. Shoppers are spoiled for choice in terms of fashion, food and urban leisure.

STARHILL GALLERY
Jalan Bukit Bintang

Undoubtedly one of the classiest malls in the city, Starhill offers a great selection of top-end designer labels and luxury watches. There is also a great selection of spa and beauty treatments on its Pamper Floor.

SUNGEI WANG PLAZA
Jalan Sultan Ismail

Having the biggest concentration of hair and beauty saloons among the city's malls, Sungei Wang Plaza offers almost 500 stores offering almost everything under the sun at affordable prices. The complex is anchored by Parkson Grand. Its main entrance is lined with several interesting eateries. It's the kind of place that shoppers keep returning to.

SURIA KLCC
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Jalan Ampang

Suria KLCC is an up-market shopping destination with hundreds of shops offering a wide range of goods and services that pamper the needs of shoppers - from fashion, entertainment, arts and culture, to local delicacies and international cuisines. The mall is surrounded by hotels, office buildings, a scenic park and dancing fountains. Its anchor tenants include Isetan, Parkson Grand and Tanjong Golden Village.

THE MALL
Jalan Putra

Located across from the Putra World Trade Centre, The Mall is a relatively large mall with a penchant for leather shops and boutiques. The Parkson department store is its anchor tenant. It also has a Malaccan-themed food court on its top floor.

THE WELD
76 Jalan Raja Chulan

A pleasant medium-sized mall, The Weld has an assortment of shops from bookstores to watch shops, a pharmacy and also a ladies' wellness centre. Several eateries are located at its concourse area.

Flea markets are great places for browsing or to shop for exotic jewellery, household items, second-hand books, ceramics and other bric-a-brac. The main flea markets in Kuala Lumpur are listed below:

Bangsar Utama Flea Market
Kompleks Niaga Utama
Bangsar Utama
Daily: 10am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-8pm

Amcorp Mall
Jalan Timor, Petaling Jaya
Daily: 10am-4pm
Sat-Sun: 11am-3pm

Carnival Flea Market, BB Park
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Daily: 10am-4pm

Central Market, Jalan Kasturi
Daily: 10am-8pm

KL Arts Market (Laman Seni)
National Art Gallery
Jalan Tun Razak
First Saturday of the Month: 8am-5pm

Little India, Jalan Masjid India
Daily: 8am-10pm

Mont' Kiara Craft Mart
Plaza Mont' Kiara
Sundays: 10am-6pm

Sogo Flea Market, Ground Floor
Sogo Shopping Centre
First Sunday of the Month: 11am-7pm

Souk Al-Tar, Maju Junction Mall
Daily: 10am-10pm

How to Best Enjoy a Burgundy and Provence River Cruise

Immortalized by the Beatles poetic phrase, "lavender fields are forever," a river cruise though Burgundy and Provence can truly be a trip of a lifetime. The two rivers, the Saone and the Rhone, respectively, combine to create your liquid highway through the very heart of France's majestic Burgundy and Provence culinary and wine regions.

For those who have never enjoyed such rich and rewarding experience, a word to the wise. Of all the many river cruises available in Europe, this particular itinerary is the most demanded of them all. Traditionally, for peak season dates of May and June and September, these intimate [140 passengers] destination intensive river cruises sell out almost a year in advance. You can save a few bucks if you book in August or October and the weather is still great.

This cruise appeals to anyone of 50 who wants to see Burgundy and Provence in depth as it allows you to visit the heart of the area in one fun-filled week. Even better, extend your trip for a bit before the cruise in Paris or Lyon and at the end, on the French Riviera.

The cruise offers unimaginable wine tasting and culinary opportunities as well as history back to the time of the Romans, the art of Van Gogh and Cezanne and Monet, and of course, those extraordinary French cities of Beaune, Tournon, Viviers, Vienne, Avignon home of the Papal Palace and Arles to mention but a few.

It's easy to understand why this is the most desired of all European river cruises. You cruise begins or ends [cruises operate in both directions] in Chalon-sur-Saone, located on the Saone, a small and charming medieval town in the middle of the Burgundy region. Your journey will culminate in the provincial capital of Provence, several hundred enthralling miles to the south in another awe-inspiring, 2500 years medieval town of Arles. Arles is this incredible little town with cobblestoned streets, shops and cafes that you would only normally see in the movies, it's a fairytale area you just will not believe and one to visit soon.

Provence is also steeped in history and rich culinary traditions due in no small way to the worldwide success of its most noted chef, Paul Bocuse [some trips dine at one of his restaurants]. It is also known for its incredible architectural landmarks, medieval villages, and yes wines. It is after all one of the most well known wine growing regions in the world, Beaujolais in the north, and the Ce´tes du Rhone varietal wines in the South

For art lovers, you will be as they say in "hog heaven" as you are immersed in the works of van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet and Gauguin in more museums than you can count on two hands. And for the lovers of the grape, need you say anything more than, Burgundy? This is also a region in France where the great chefs have their roots in places like the food capital of the world, Lyon.

A cruise to Provence allows you to enjoy the essence of France at its best, from the history and traditions of the monarchy, to the cuisine, art and wines of one of the most picturesque places on earth and there's no easier or more relaxing way to take it in than on a luxurious and un-crowded river ship with other like-minded travelers.

There are significant differences among the cruise lines and ships and the worst mistake that unsophisticated travelers make is buying this river cruise based solely on price. While price is important, there are many other elements of the cruise selection that come into play. Most Provence river cruises are similarly priced, but it is important to get the product that best suit your own personal lifestyle and taste and you don't always do that when you buy based on price alone.

Buying this type of cruise is somewhat similar to buying a pair of shoes. If it's a bad fit, you're not only going to be uncomfortable, but you may waste a lot of money.

All the major river cruise lines including: AmaWaterways, Avalon, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking Cruises offer exceptional early booking values on most 2013 Burgundy and Provence cruises.

If this is your first river cruise, don't just rely on surfing the Internet; speak with one of the experienced river-cruise experts at Premier River Cruises. They know how to match you to the RIGHT ship, the RIGHT itinerary and get the BEST value for your travel dollar.

Go Figure.

After a month of picnicking and al fresco dining, July rolled in. It's uncomfortably hot and I don't have air conditioning, so clearly I thought it best to start baking again. I dabble, it's true. Doug makes fun of me as I always claim to never, ever bake. Usually I'm proclaiming this as I'm handing him an oatmeal cookie or a loaf of banana bread or some such thing. He's right. I do bake more than most non-bakers, and I certainly bake more than I ever have before. But the truth is, most of the time I don't really know what I'm doing.

I rarely perceive recipes as anything more than a general guideline, a suggestion, and in baking – unless you're Betty Crocker – that's not very wise. So I do have some flops. Most of the time my baked goods are yummy or look good, but usually not both. And there are always tweaks I intend to make the next time I bake that cake, or pie, or what have you. The main problem, I think, is that so often I'm experimenting and playing and riffing, but I almost never make the same thing twice. Hence, I never actually perfect any of my baking projects. Those tweaks I mentioned? They never have a chance to see the light of day. Or rather, the light in my oven.

Some clients of mine gave me a bag of tart, little apples from their parents' garden a few weeks ago. This is what lured me into this baking surge. I tried to eat one of those apples, but it was was so sour all of the moisture was sucked straight out of my mouth. And they hurt my teeth (most apples do). Nothing can ever, ever go to waste with me, especially not a sweet home-grown gift. And so, as I do when I have a baking conundrum, I called my mom. “Apple Crisp. It's in your Craig Claiborne.” That's basically all she had to impart – which was enough. She has been making apple crisp all my life, and – cooked fruit aside – I have always loved it. Granted, I prefer to pick the crumb part all out and leave the baked apple part for someone else.

So I made an apple crisp. But, of course I couldn't just follow the recipe. I had to add blackberries. And I'm sure other stuff, too. So, while it was pretty tasty, it was really wet. Which, of course my mom warned me about: “Tweeters, just remember, the blackberries will be good but they will completely liquify, so you may need to compensate.” Compensate? I did not. She was right. So the next week, when my neighbor gave me some peaches, I decided to make a peach crumble. Keeping in mind the lesson I learned the week prior, I compensated by adding lots of extra crumble part. But, of course it was unnecessary as there were no blackberries. Just the peaches. So I essentially made a doughy extravaganza with a peach essence.

Live and learn? Or not.

Earlier yesterday, the fourth of July, I could not get back to sleep after Fred roused himself to go surfing at the crack of dawn. So I wandered into the kitchen, made a pot of coffee, and poked around in the fridge to see what I wanted to get into. And there were the black figs.

So I called my mom. And as she often does, she suggested a pie. But I just so happen to be deathly afraid of making doughs, and crusts and stuff like that. Oh, and never bread. Never. But I also refuse to purchase pre-made pastry dough. Quandry. I figured, since it was hours before I usually got out of bed, why not get down and dirty, and confront my fear with some pastry dough play times.

I followed my mom's recipe to the T. I used chilled lard. I used butter. Everything. But I also decided that I wanted to add almond flour instead of all all-purpose flour. I had almonds. I had the flour-making version of the Vitamix. Almonds sound like they would profile perfectly with figs. Oh, and there was that one, errant white peach hanging around, too...

And, against my better judgement, the riffing began again. I found about three recipes that all looked good, but were completely different: parbake crust, do not parbake crust, cut the figs in quarters, lengthwise – cut the figs in slices, widthwise (is that even a word?). Oh wait, this one calls for mascarpone and honey and I've got some crème fraiche and honey! What about a little vanilla? And some lemon zest! Here I go again on my own...

I did par-bake the crust. And, yes, I added all of the stuff I mentioned above. And it was beautiful. And it would have been perfection, cartwheels and wait for it... fireworks... If I had A) cooked it all the way through, and B) why has no one ever explained the pricking little holes in the bottom of pastry dough to me before? Maybe if I had read any one recipe all the way through...

So finally, I decided to break my bad pattern and make the very same tart again. Mostly it was because I got up so ungodly early and was confused about how much time still lay ahead in my day. And my mom's pastry dough recipe did make enough for two.

Now that it was mid-afternoon on the fourth of July, during the hottest part of the day, and in my house, after the oven had been on around 400 degrees for the better part of five hours, I succesfully created what I considered to be a A) varsity level baked good, and B) I try, tried again and got it right. Lesson learned. Go figure.

Now, let's hope Fred will make some ice cream before I melt.

Fig, Peach & Mascarpone Tart

Makes 1 9-inch tart

For the Crust:

1 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

¼ cup almond flour

1 teaspoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sweet butter, chilled

3 tablespoons lard, chilled

3-5 tablespoons ice water, as needed

Sift flours, sugar and salt into a mixing bowl. Add chilled butter and lard. Working quickly and using your fingertips, rub or cut fat into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles course meal.

Sprinkle on ice water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, and toss with a fork. Turn dough out onto your work surface and, using the heel of your hand, smear dough away from you, about 1/4 cup at a time. Scrape it up into a ball and wrap in wax paper. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.

Roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured work surface. Line a 9-inch pie plate with half of the dough.

For the Filling:

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

1/3 cup honey

Zest of ½ lemon

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 fresh peaches, sliced

8 to 12 fresh figs, sliced

confectioner's sugar for dusting (optional)

To make the crust in a medium bowl combine flours, sugar and salt into a mixing bowl. Add chilled butter and lard. Working quickly and using your fingertips, rub or cut fat into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles course meal.

Sprinkle on ice water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, and toss with a fork. Turn dough out onto your work surface and, using the heel of your hand, smear dough away from you, about 1/4 cup at a time. Scrape it up into a ball and wrap in wax paper. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours. Crust can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

When ready to roll out, unwrap the dough onto a lightly floured work surface.  Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to an 11-inch circle.  If the dough starts to break up or tear as you’re rolling it, don’t panic.  Simply place the dough into the tart pan and use your fingers to press it along the bottom, sides and edges.  If your rolling was successful, carefully place the dough in the tart pan and press it against the sides and edges so no gaps are present.  Cut any excess dough flush with the tart pan.  Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes while the oven preheats.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the tart pan from the refrigerator.  Line the unbaked crust with a sheet of foil or parchment paper covering all sides.  Fill the pan with dried beans or pie weights.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Rotate the pan and bake for another 10 minutes.  Remove the foil and beans from the pan and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the bottom crust looks dry and the shell is a very pale golden color.  Remove the pie from the oven and let the shell cool completely.

To make the filling in a medium bowl combine mascarpone, lemon zezt, honey and vanilla extract and stir to combine.  Mixture will be smooth and glossy.

When the crust is completely cool, score the bottom and smear the filling evenly across the bottom of the tart.  Arrange sliced figs and peaches in a circular pattern on top of the filling.  

Place back in oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the pastry edges are golden brown. Dust with confectioner's sugar and serve.

This tart will keep, well wrapped in the refrigerator, for up to two days.  It’s most lovely served the day it’s made.  

Printable recipe.

One year ago: Sausage, Egg & Fontina Cheese Pizza

Two years ago: Chicken Breasts with Anchovy-Basil Pan Sauce

Three years ago: Summer Squash Gratin with Salsa Verde

Hungarian Red Paprika - Our National Treasure

The History of Red Paprika

Although paprika is the symbol of many Hungarian dishes, and our national spice, the plant was virtually unknown to Hungarians prior to the 16th century. The Ottoman Empire (the Turks) have invaded Hungary in 1526 and the occupation lasted for 150 years.

The Turks brought with them more exotic spices and the still loved coffee that made Budapest Cafe Houses flourish in later centuries. The paprika plant was mostly used as decoration after the Turks brought the plant to Hungary during the occupation. Shepherds and herdsmen, called "goulash" in Hungarian, who had more contact with the invader Turks, learn the secret of drying and grounding the bright red fruits and started to spice their meals with the fiery red powder. For decades, this wonderful spice slowly made its way around the southern part of Hungary. Eventually it made its painstaking journey across the country as Hungarians found more and more ways to use the delicate, but sometimes fiery powder. The culinary face of Hungary started changing with every step this wonderful new spice took. Our Hungarian Goulash became what it is today by the magic touch of the mysterious red paprika powder.

From the herdsmen's cauldrons, the paprika gradually spiced up the dishes of peasants and eventually showed up at the tables of the reluctant aristocracy. Up until the late 18th century, the Hungarian aristocracy maintained a French style menu. However, the tantalizing scent from the white peasant houses attracted more and more of them. After they tried the dishes spiced with the bright red spice, they ordered their chefs to learn the secret and apply it to many of their dishes. Budapest restaurants also started to use Hungarian Red Paprika Powder regularly during the late 18th century. During the nationwide popularity this fiery red powder spread like wildfire outside the borders of Hungary. Today, there is no country in the world that couldn't find a use of our National Treasure. The best known Hungarian red paprika around the world is from the city of "Szeged", however if you ask Hungarians they will all tell you that the best quality red paprika powder comes from the City of Kalocsa. Their paprika museum is a treasure in itself.

There are many varieties to this brilliant red powder in Hungary and of course outside of our borders. Hungarian red paprika ranges from the delicate, surprisingly sweet to the fiery hot that mirrors the fiery temperament of the Hungarian nation.

New York City Off -The- Record: Part 1

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• CRUSH WINE CO. -153 E. 57th St. offers a quick wine tasting album for $50.

GREAT PUBLIC SPACES

• PALEY PARK @ 53rd Artery amid Madison and Fifth Avenues. Amid aural Midtown's cultural commune and amidst by high-rises, this acclaimed "vest-pocket" esplanade is a acceptable acquittal from the architect and sounds of burghal living.
• NY PUBLIC LIBRARY @ 42nd artery and Madison boasts a attractive account allowance that would accomplish anyone feel like ability - indeed, it rivals the ballrooms of European palaces. But out in front, forth the street, is breadth this illustrious academy absolutely connects with the city-limits about it. A alternation of well-linked spaces - steps, plazas, little nooks and pathways - accommodate innumerable places for sitting, meeting, bistro and chatting.
• BRYANT PARK a blooming and animal burghal haven including "Seventh on Sixth" appearance shows; the JVC Jazz Festival; the "New York Times Young Performers Series"; lunchtime concerts by Juilliard students; Monday night movies in the summer; the Kaleidoscope Circus; boules and chess games.
• HUA MEI BIRD GARDEN Association garden that hosts daily, early-morning gatherings of Chinese men who accompany admirable songbirds in adorned bamboo cages. Sara Delano Roosevelt Park. Lower East Side, New York, NY
• GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL-- One of the a lot of able-bodied accepted and absorbing calm accessible spaces in the country, Admirable Central Terminal provides an unparalleled acquaintance to over bisected a actor humans every day. Esplanade Avenue and 42nd Street, New York City, NY
• METROPOLITIAN MUSEUM STEPS - The grand, granite accomplish arch to The Metropolitan Museum of Art are a destination themselves: a abode to meet, eat, talk, and watch both humans and Fifth Avenue traffic. Fifth Avenue from 80th - 84th Streets, New York, NY

IN PRAISE OF THE LOCAL BOOKSTORE

-- Owning a bookstore is a activity of love, and the banking rewards are slender. Independently endemic businesses, like bookstores or drugstores or accouterments stores, advice ascertain a community.

• " Oh joy! Oh Rapture!" COLISEUM BOOKS-- WELCOME BACK!! 11 W. 42nd Artery New York, NY Phone: (212) 803-5890. Beyond the artery from BRYANT PARK
• LABYRINTH BOOKS - 536 West 112th Street, for university presses.
• ST. MARKS BOOKS - 31 Third Avenue, for a advanced alternative of all books.
• THREE LIVES AND CO 154 West 10th Street, for fiction.
• THE DRAMA BOOK SHOP--Drama Books is one of the better book food specializing in theatre accompanying material. 250 W. 40th St Phone: (212) 944-0595

SMALL BUSINESSES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

• A beautifully fabricated hat is a headturner. BARBAR FEINMAN MILLINERY- 66 East 7th Artery NY, NY 212-358-7092.
• Wahoo! Elisa Miller knows how to bandy a chic act Swank! SOMEDAY PRODUCTIONS handles all aspects of affair and accident planning-- 347-432-8949 [http://www.somedayproductions.com]
• GO YOGA Amid in the affection of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A small, affable Yoga Center alms a array of classes all day - every day. Go Yoga is amid aural the Girdle branch at: 218 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn NY. 718.486.5602 [http://www.goyoga.com]

TO MARKET WE GO

• GREENMARKET FARMERS MARKET a affairs of the Council on the Ambiance of NYC, announcement bounded agronomics and ensures a continuing accumulation of fresh, bounded aftermath for New Yorkers. Comprehensive regulations administer what may be awash at a Greenmarket. With few exceptions, all items have to be grown, raised, foraged, caught, or contrarily produced by the seller. http://www.cenyc.org
• CHELSEA MARKET includes The Juice Factory, Amy's Bread, Chelsea Wholesale Flower Market, Fat Witch, Chelsea Wine Vault, Hale and Hearty Soups and lots more.... Eat, browse and comfortable stroll. 75 9th Avenue New York, NY 10011
• UNION SQUARE PARK AND GREEN MARKET- Three-square-block burghal esplanade that hosts a year-round, amphitheater farmers bazaar four times a week. 14th Artery and Broadway, New York, NY

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