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Dining Out
www.theconnectionsnj.comPAGE 86
4 '4*'- 0$& "$22'/ 2%* -$:$ +/ 4*' '/4'2 0( 07/ 7 77 52(/ 52( 52)'2 %0. '7 81'2+'/%' +/ $34 $35$- +/+/) 0.' *'%, 54 52 '$-4*9 *0+%'3 (02 5/%* $/& +//'2 29 052 '7 '/5 0/%'14 ; '-'%4 9052 52( 02 52( 0/ $ 5/ 0/ $ $-$& 02 6'2 +%' # # ! ! Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-7pm -- $452$- 2'3* /)2'&+'/43 Readers’ Pick Best Bang for the Buck. The High Line is Complete By: Linda Seigelman Since the opening of the first section of the High Line in the summer of 2009, I have period- ically written about this incredible “park in the sky.” The third and final section of the High Line opened last fall, and it is a fitting capstone to one of the best additions to Manhattan in recent times. If you haven’t been to the High Line, go now. If you have – go again. Visit during differ- ent times of day and during different seasons. I love it in the quiet of winter as much as in the heat of the summer. The High Line is the 1.45 mile-long elevated track running between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through the West Chelsea gallery neighborhood to the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It originally carried freight traffic 30 feet above the streets of Manhattan but has been dormant since 1980. Phase 3 takes the park to 34th Street, its final destination. Though the entire High Line is a shining example of eco-aware design elements, natural plantings, subtle lighting, and user-friendly seat- ing and access, there are distinctive differences among the three sections. The southern end which was Phase 1 is very meadow-like, with lots of grasses and low-lying plants and flowers that allow the visitor to focus on the amazing Hudson River views and interesting vantage points that pop up at every bend. There are food vendors, lounge chairs, views of the Statue of Liberty and numerous areas for people to congregate and share in the experience. The second Phase, which opened in June 2011 and ran to 30th Street, is all about the city- scape and the buildings. In one area there is a huge curved wooden bench along the railing and it, like many of the other smaller and more intimate seating areas, faces the city. Here too are fields of low grasses and colorful plants, but there are also many spots that feature taller shrubs and trees creating more of a forest-like feeling. As you pass between some of the new high rises that have sprouted alongside the High Line in this section, it feels a bit surreal to be enveloped in greenery while being able to reach out and touch a steel and glass tower. The third and final Phase is the High Line at the Rail Yards, and it is breathtaking. Just north of 30th Street, the walkway hangs a left toward the water and the whole orientation shifts. All of a sudden, one is presented with a huge swath of open sky, open river, and a jumble of railroad tracks below. There are benches and picnic tables, planks and plantings, and even a play area for children, but the feeling is so different from that which has come before. It is more barebones and rustic, more natural and a bit wild. The river is front and center. The tone of this section is likely to change somewhat as The Hudson Yards are slated for a huge development project with very tall office and apartment tow- ers, at least one of which will be higher than the Empire State Building, but for now it is all air, water and light - and just fantastic. The High Line is also home to a wide range of seasonal events and activities (art installations, music and dance performances) as well as year- round tours, lectures, gardening programs and family days. Check ou t www.thehighline.org fo r details. While a stroll on the High Line is a refreshing experience in and of itself, it is also a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious snack or a delightful meal (weather permitting). Pick up coffee and a muffin or a frosty Mexican ice pop, find a table or better yet, grab a bench or one of the built-in lounge chairs, sit back, relax and watch the world go by. The High Line is city life at its best. SOME SPOTS ALONG THE WAY Blue Bottle Coffee, On the High Line at West 15th Street – Brooklyn-based coffee roast- er offers drip coffee, an espresso bar, hot choco- late and home-made goodies Delaney Barbecue’s Smokeline, On the High Line at West 15th Street – barbecued brisket, pulled pork and ribs beckon, sandwiches or platters, hard to resist La Newyorkina, On the High Line at West 17th Street – Mexican inspired ice pops - paletas, made with fresh local ingredients and tropical extras, daily flavors include coconut, lime/chili, and mango, so refreshing L’Arte del Gelato, On the High Line at West 15th Street – artisanal gelati and sorbetti made fresh daily, traditional and seasonal flavors, a lit- tle bit of Italy to savor Melt Bakery, On the High Line at Little West 12th Street – Lower East Side ice cream sandwich maker hits it right, try the red velvet cake with cream cheese ice cream People’s Pops, On the High Line at West 15th Street – hand made ice pops and shave ice, watch them shave the block of ice to order, tasty seasonal fruits and flavors such as strawberry/ rhubarb and lemon/basil The Taco Truck, On the High Line at West 15th Street – authentic Mexican street food, delicious tacos, tortas and chilaquiles, a local favorite, don’t forget the napkins terroir at THE porch, On the High Line at West 15th Street – open air café, down one level, farm-style picnic tables, perfect selection of snacks, salads, sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese, local NY draft beers, wines by the glass or bottle, all product sources are local and noted on the menu, wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset