The Basics, NYC

Actress, producer, director, editor, and everythinger, Sayle Milne introduces us to her Upper West Side turf. This Tennessee native navigates us through what could potentially be an expensive neighborhood to spend the day in. Listen closely for Jen's subtle change in accent. Southern is contagious. Listen to the Podcast to get the skinny on all of the fantastic treats in this hood,  or subscribe via iTunes to have The Basics, NYC maaaagically transported onto your computer every week! CoFi: Cosi. Great people watching along Broadway, and noone is going to shuttle you out. Public Bathroom: Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Come in for the toilet, come out smelling like cinnamon potpourri. Bobo Tapas: Gray's Papaya.  Tasty, cheap dogs and reference #1 to Salma Hayek. See if you can figure it out. Sanctuary: The Promenade and Pier at 72nd Street and The Hudson River. Boat watching, and people shaking their bon bons in public spaces. Meetup Spot: Riposo 72: Friendly, romantic, great wine and tapas. Sayle says to ask for Steve. I'm not sure what you should say to him after that, but just ask for Steve. Sayle's Bonus Tracks: La Vela Ristoraunte.  If you asked them to make you a block of parmesan cheese from scratch, they might just do it for you. Levain Bakery. Chocolate chip goodness the size of hubcaps. Jen's Bonus Track: Cafe Frida.  Latin Fusion with a Mexican base. Two words: Fish tacos. BAM.

For the full story on all of this week's picks, lisen to the Podcast or subscribe via iTunes! Comedian Ariel Carson takes us on a delightful romp through her favorite zip. CoFi: Naidres: Where Ariel Tips Big 502 Henry Street at Sackett Street. Public Bathroom: Brooklyn Public Library: Catch up on your classics! 396 Clinton Street between Union and Sackett Sanctuary: Red Hook Fairway and surrounding area: Judy Garland preserved. Clang, Clang, Clang. 500 Van Brunt St right at the water Meetup Spot: An Old Fashioned joint. Brooklyn Social 335 Smith Street Between Carol and President Bobo Tapas: NO LES MIS MOMENTS, PLEASE! Mazzola Bakery 192 Union Street @ Henry Ariel’s Bonus Track: Half price flicks! Cobble Hill Cinema 265 Court Street At Butler St. Jen’s Bonus Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie: Sweet God, yes. 204 Van Dyke St(between Conover St & Van Brunt St) Go support Ariel this Friday night and become her fan on facebook. Ariel’s Guide to Successful Living Presents “Pillow Talk” A Live Talk Show @ The Creek & Cave Friday, January 21 10pm 10-93 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 7 Train to Vernon/Jackson

Our lovely guest host, Sarah, takes us through the neighborhood she fell in love with in the borough she fell in love with. For the full review, LISTEN to the podcast or SUBSCRIBE via iTunes. CoFi: Tea Lounge She's a little smaller than her Park Slope sister, but you can crack open your laptop and split the tea for one just as easily. Bobo Tapas: Waterfalls Cafe Get full on four bucks? Please DO go chasin' these waterfalls. Sanctuary: Cobble Hill Park. Strollers, benches, and a little bit of Buddha. No turf wars here. Public Bathroom: Trader Joe's. Conveniently located by the coffee and samples counter. Meetup Spot: Tazza on Henry Street. Warm, inviting, yum on the go and delish for a cozy night out. Jen's Bonus Track: Sahadi Importing Co. The best fresh hummus in Brooklyn. Hands-down. Sarah's Bonus Track: Bookcourt. Roomy indy bookstore with a knowledgeable, highly- literate staff.

For full reviews on all of our recommendations, Listen to the podcast Or subscribe via iTunes Do you feel rad? I mean, like really rad? Even on the Lower East Side? Chances are, unless you're Jim Jarmusch, you probably don't. Well, enter The Basics. We'll show you how to pass for rad or, at the very least, help you to avoid a frenzied panic looking for a public toilet. ***Educate Yourself*** The term "hookers" comes from The Lower East Side. It's true! Way back when this area was known as Corlear's Hook. The "hook" was a naturally occuring landmark in the shoreline for navigators along the east river but has now been obscured by landfill. The street walkers here were known as hookers. Knowledge is power. Co-Fi: Roasting Plant Coffee lets you blend your own cup of awesomeness. Beautiful atmosphere. Individually-roasted cups of coffee.  Closer to radness then ever before. MAP Bobo Tapas: The Dumpling House (aka Vanessa's Dumpling House). Not quite white tablecloth but we don't mind. One of Meghan's all time favorites. The sesame pancake is almost perfect, pile on some Sriracha and you'll understand why millions of our ancestors fled their home country to live in cramped tenements a few short steps from this very location. Sanctuary: Clinton Street If the economy keeps at it, we may all be living here some day soon! Public Bathroom: A virtually deserted and placid Whole Foods. This means no competition for samples. Meetup Spot: Clandestino great wine selection amongst other things at this perfect first date bar. MAP Bonus Tracks: Jen finally feels securely-rad enough to suggest Economy Candy! Try the Mozart Kugeln! Meghan suggests The Lower East Side Tenement Museum Fun interactive tours. Learn a little something, why don't you?! MAP Remember, if you have a recommendation for us--Whether it's a great neighborhood to cover on the podcast, or even a little bookstore that nobody knows about, you can email us, tweet at us, leave us a comment below, or you can leave us a voicemail using the "Call Me" button at the top of the page. Next week, a special guest host takes us through one of Brooklyn's most historic neighborhoods.

When Meghan's friends come into town, they only have one thing on their minds: Shopping! While everyone loves the deals that can be found in Chinatown 10013 on bags, clothing and lots and lots of stuff, Meghan's out to find some deals of her own: basics style. If you think it'd be super easy to find everything on her list without breaking the bank or losing her mind, you'd better think again!  Listen to the Podcast Subscribe via iTunes Print your Chinatown Adventure! Co(ffee): When in Rome...you know. And when in Chinatown try the bubble tea at tai pan bakery. Located at 194 Canal between Mott and Mulberry. Meghan is one up on her friends in the deals deptartment already. Wi(reless internet): Oh, we tried and oh we failed, sort of. Please let us know if you have any luck at the Barnes and Noble at 40 Worth St. Technically the New York Law School Bookstore. The Basics does not condone nor can be held responsible for any disguises or decievement of the book store staff. Especially attractive future lawyers. Bobo Tapas: Meghan's friends are still shopping! This little thriftster needs something to tide her over so she heads to Hong Kong Station located at 45 Bayard St.For $3, you get a generous portion of soup complete with ingredients of your choice. It's a steal even for chinatown! Sanctuary: All this exploring of new tastes can make a girl need some quiet space but we'll settle for the somewhat bustling Colombus Park located at 67 Mulberry St. Fortune tellers, cobblers and a basketball court make this a truly unique experience. Public Toilet: Believe us when we say: we tried. Oh! How we tried...but you'll have to settle for the Chinatown Starbucks. The less we say, the better. Though, the authentic chinese decor does make it feel like no other starbucks in the world. Atleast on the outside. Meet up Spot: What we lack in public toilets, we make up for AWESOME BARS. Winnie's is located at 104 Bayard St.$1 Karoke, strong drinks and no nonsense bartenders make this well worth the long line at starbucks. It's a total eclipse of the heart.... Meghan's Bonus Track: Totally Jealous of her friends' new clothes, Meghan suggests Built by Wendy. A bit out of her price range, but a girl can dream, or at least enjoy this amazing local designer, can't she? Jen's Bonus Track: Jen suggests something more practical, but just as luxurious. Fishon Herb Center at 107 Mott between Canal and Hester is much more than meets the eye with $40/hr massages.  Tell us what places in New York City YOU are most thankful for! Record YOUR Bonus Track and be featured in our very special Thanksgiving episode by using the "Voicemail" button at the top right part of this page. Please leave the name, address, and any details about your pick that you find exciting or unique. Don't forget to leave us your name and where you're from!

This Thanksgiving week, we've asked you to host the podcast. For the full reviews, you can listen to the podcast here, or subscribe to us on iTunes here. Here are the top-notch recommendations you called in with: Joe The Art of Coffee 9 E 13th St‬ ‪New York, NY 10003‬ http://www.joetheartofcoffee.com Blue Smoke 116 E 27th St # A‬ ‪New York, NY 10016 http://www.bluesmoke.com Fez Cafe 240 Prospect Park W‬ ‪Brooklyn, NY 11215-5842 Pita Joe's 2 West 14th St‬ ‪New York, NY 10011‬   Rainbow Falafel 26 E 17th St # A‬ ‪New York, NY 10003 SheBeen  202 Mott St # C New York, NY 10012 Famous Ben's Pizza 177 Spring St‬ ‪New York, NY 10012 Japanese Hill and Pond Garden @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden ‪1000 Washington Ave‬ ‪Brooklyn, NY 11225 http://www.bbg.org Callen Lorde Community Clinic 356 W 18th St New York, NY 10011 http://www.callen-lorde.org   Signature Theatre Co ‪555 W 42nd St‬ ‪New York, NY 10036‬ http://www.signaturetheatre.org Alice's Teacup 102 W 73rd St New York, NY 10023 http://www.alicesteacup.com Stella Maris 213 Front St New York, NY 10038 http://www.stellanyc.com   Winter's Eve @ Lincoln Square Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone, and thanks so much for coming back to us each and every week. A HUGE thanks must go out to Joe at The Forum for the Google Voice invite, without which, this podcast would not have been possible.

Grand Central. The place where all roads meet. In a perfect world, every weary traveler would have all their needs within arms reach. But this is not a perfect world: this is one of the busiest thoroughfares in New York City: 10017. Lucky for all you weary travelers, Jen used to temp around here and can help us navigate this complex area like the pro she is. Listen to the podcast! (and one of the best real life stories of all time!) Printable List and Maps! Subcribe Via iTunes or Recommend us to a friend! (Leave us some love in the reviews section!) Co-fi: Cosi. Also known as “not starbucks”. Cosi has a reliable and everflowing wi-fi policy. The s’mores platter alone raises it above the average chain. MAP Bobo Tapas: Grand Central Market Look at this stuff! Isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think...oh, wait. I've just been informed we can't use the appropriate song that expresses our emotions about expressing our emotions about this awesome land of food. Located within Grand Central, it's a whole new world. Sanctuary: Fittingly, this atrium is located at 420 Lexington. A restful place with little known  side effects. Public Bathroom: The toilets at Grand Central are really, really lovely. All roads and streams meet here. Meet up Spot: Campbell Apt. located inside the terminal is a classy, classic joint any one would be lucky to drink in. Make sure you've got the proper attire. It's dressy-casual! MAP Bonus Tracks: Meghan suggests some art deco architecture at the Chrysler Building. Jen is a huge Superman fan (see pictures from comicon)and suggests the Giant Globe at the Daily News Building. It was the model for the Daily Planet building in the first two Superman movies. MAP Alright, friends---Enjoy your reverse commute! Most likely it's Westchester.

11238, Prospect Heights is a wealth of secret treasures. For instance,  did you know that the hit film Notorious based on the life of rap superstar Biggie Smalls was, in part, filmed on these very tree lined streets? Well it's true! Jen's here to walk the swag and talk the rhymes, but can she afford to do it without having to hustle? Let's find out! Listen to the podcast! or Subscribe via iTunes and leave us a review! Co-fi: Jen's out here a little early for a player, so she needs a bit of a pick me up. Outpost Lounge is a great coffee shop with an backyard, local art, and in the evenings, beer and wine. Whether you need a cup of joe or something stronger, make sure you find your way to 1014 Fulton St. MAP Bobo Tapas: All this coast to coast feuding can sure make a girl hungry! Jen decides to head to another place made notorious by music, Tom's Diner. As heard in this Suzanne Vega song. It is always nice to see you and the miles upon miles of kitsch on the wall. We suggest the sweet potato pancakes. MAP Sanctuary: Jen needs to figure out a way to use the "doo doo doo doo" of Tom's diner as the back beat to her next chart smashing hit, and to do that she needs a place to gather her creative thoughts. She heads to the fountain near Grand Army Plaza. Who knows, maybe in her next video she'll use mermaids like the ones in the fountain! MAP Public Bathroom: The sound of rushing water is starting to have an effect on Jen. For our most high culture public bathroom to date, Jen heads to the Brooklyn Museum. Located at the corner of Eastern Parkway and Washington Ave, the museum has rotating exhibits focusing on modern and feminist art...and really, really nice bathrooms. MAP Meet-up spot: Jen wants to try a drink called "thug passion" she heard about in a song by SOME OTHER RAPPER so she heads to Soda Bar located just down the street from the fountain at Grand Army Plaza at 629 Vanderbilt. The Soda Bar has movie showings, a backyard and a full menu. A great place to bring your entire entourage. MAP At the end of the day, Jen may not have any gold records to show from following in Biggie's footsteps, but she does have a new found love and respect for the streets where he was raised....or at least where they filmed the movie about the streets where he was raised. Jen's Bonus Track: Jen recommends Brooklyn Flea  every Saturday in the summer and into the late fall. Make sure to say hi to Shawn the bike guy. MAP Meghan's Bonus Track: Big surprise.  It's a bar. Weather Up is a great place for old timey cocktails and third dates. YOWZA!!! MAP

Jen. Meghan. Caught in void.  Caged bird. Trapped between Midtown and Chelsea in a nebulous neighborhood with no name. Need help. Please respond. Not to fear, lonely listener. The Budget Conscious New Yorkers are on the case. Listen to the Podcast! Subscribe Via ITunes! (It's like magic!) Printable List and Maps! Co-Fi: The Antique Café 234 West 27th ST. MAP      clean, calm, laid back, great coffee Bobo Tapas: Pizza Suprema (AKA Il Mare Pizza) 413 8th Ave MAP           good slices, 1970’s roller rink-inspired Sanctuary 1: Fashion Institute of Technology: 7th Ave at 27th Street MAP quiet and indoors Sanctuary 2: Various 10001 Plant Shops around 27th and 28th Streets MAP tranquil and green     Public Toilet: Macy’s 151 W. 34th Street MAP Try the 7th floor bathroom, and chase your thrills on the wooden escalators. Meetup Spot: Witchcraft 555 5th Avenue MAP Simple ingredients yield yummy results. Jen’s Bonus Track: 32nd Street Between 5th and 6th Aves in Koreatown MAP private karaoke rooms and  an international experience Meghan’s Bonus Track: The Magnet Theatre 254 W 29th St MAP $5 for 2 improv shows, $1 PBRs, Free Pizza on Thursdays! NAME THIS NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEST: Get creative, dear listener! If you can name this No Man's Land, there will be a prize in it for you. Honestly, we don't know what it is, but there will be something, AND, you will acheive world fame when we announce your name  in an upcoming podcast! Leave us a comment or shoot us an email! Thanks so much for continuing to spread the word about The Basics, NYC! Please keep it up!

Meghan and Jen have just spent a beautiful fall day lounging in the Sheep's Meadow at Central Park. They are going to see a fantastic Broadway musical tonight, but there's still some time to explore lands south of the park. The choices seem to appease the many tourists in this neighborhood, but don't appeal to us locals. Good thing we've got a link to The Basics, NYC saved in our smart phones. How meta are we? Listen to the podcast! Subscribe via iTunes (Maps and locations are embedded!) Printable Maps and List! CoFi: Bis.Co.Latte Hand Made Biscotti  667 10th Ave between 46th and 47th Streets  MAP Who knew there were so many different kinds of biscotti in the world? Bobo Tapas: Bouchon Bakery  10 Columbus Circle  MAP This ain't your momma's bag lunch. Sanctuary: The Atrium at 1 WorldWide Plaza  MAP A wide open space with tons of tables and chairs Public Toilet: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel  80 Columbus Circle 35th Floor  MAP You just might want to move in. Meetup Spot: West Side Sushi (AKA Sumee Sushi)  717 9th Avenue at 49th Street  MAP Super fresh rolls, not super costly. Meghan’s Bonus Track: Ars Nova  511 W. 54th Street between 10th and 11th Ave  MAP Let them entertain you: cabarets, theatre,  and music with a friendly vibe Jen’s Bonus Track: Paley Center for Media  25 W. 52nd Street between 5th and 6th Ave  MAP Geek out on some television and radio history. Thanks for visiting, guys! If you want to show your love, please give us a review on iTunes, and as always, leave your comments  and suggestions below!   Follow us on Twitter for amazing ziptips throughout the week.  You, my fellow traveller, are amazing. Yes, you.

It’s a late summer Friday and Jen has a temp job at a non-profit on Broadway and Bond.  It's the last summer Friday of the year, and she is super-excited. Of course, with half day Fridays come half day paychecks so she needs to be smart with her coins in this schmancy neighborhood. Can she kill time for the afternoon before meeting up with her date without spending a bajillion dollars?  Click here to listen to the Podcast  or  HERE to subscribe to us on iTunes.  Printable Lists and Maps! Co-Fi: Housing Works Book Store 126 Crosby St. MAP Good coffee, great staff, awesome cause. Bobo Tapas: La Hore 132 Crosby St. MAP Food so good, it doesn't need a website. Taxi driver endorsed. Sanctuary: Desalvio Playground  Mulberry St. and Spring St. MAP Relaxing, plenty of seating, and close to Rice to Riches.  Public Toilet: The Apple Store 103 Prince St.  MAP The great lighting and big mirrors may inspire you to take a podcasting workshop when you’re done. Meetup Spot: Lure Fish Bar 142 Mercer St. MAP  You can live like the jet set at half the price during happy hour.  Jen’s Bonus Track: Balthazar Bakery 80 Spring St. MAP If your date doesn’t want to kiss you after this dessert, move on. Meghan’s Bonus Track: Pomodoro Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 51 Spring St. MAP  Two words: vodka slice. Have some more suggestions? Have a burning question you want answered? Please leave us a comment or email us HERE. Also, for more Zip Tips throughout the week, subscribe to our Twitter. Thanks for visiting!

Meghan is the consummate good friend and she’s cat sitting again in beautiful Park Slope, Brooklyn. She’s taken the F Train to 7th Avenue for the key exchange, but her friend is running two hours behind. Nannies and Mommies are pushing double wide strollers into her shins and she hasn’t even had her first cup of joe. Clearly, she needs a hand.  Click here to listen to the Podcast  or  HERE to subscribe to us on iTunes.  Printable Lists and Maps! Co-Fi: Gorilla Coffee 95 5th Avenue@Park Place MAP Strong, fair trade coffee, tasty snacks, multiple places to plug in, good people watching Bobo Tapas: Joe’s Pizza 137 7th Ave at Carroll Street MAP A very tasty plain slice runs you $2.50, and served up by the last guy that broke Meghan’s heart. Sanctuary: Green Space President Street at 5th Avenue MAP “Community-kempt” garden with a few benches for eating reading, and relaxing. Public Toilet: Barnes and Noble 7th Avenue at 6th Street MAP A covert, sanitary bungalow, nestled downstairs. Hang a left after the Lit Section Meetup Spot: Great Lakes Bar 284 5th Avenue at 1st Street MAP Great jukebox, relaxed atmosphere, 3rd beer is usually free because the bartenders are awesome Jen’s Bonus Track: Alta Voce 318B 5th Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets MAP Italian, gorgeous atmosphere, garden dining, average meal (enough to split) is $9, bottle wine specials, killer desserts Meghan’s Bonus Track: Kinara 473 5th Avenue at 11th Street MAP Indian, Lunch Special: appetizer, entree and naan for $11, fantastic chiken tikka masala