BEST ASIAN IN MIDTOWN

Chinatown is known as the place where you can buy almost anything under the stars as well as get your belly full of authentic Chinese delicacies. Another, lesser-known ethnic enclave is the tiny Koreatown (West 32nd Street between 5th & 6th Ave), but you really do not have to walk too far from the Salisbury Hotel in order to get some great Asian food. Most of the places below also deliver so if you don't feel like going out, just order in!

Benihana  (Japanese)

47 West 56th Street (between 5th & 6th Ave)

At Benihana you get to experience the teppanyaki table, around which guests gather and enjoy a meal expertly prepared and cooked to perfection on a steel grill, right before your eyes — by a chef who is as much entertainer as culinary master. The chef will have all utensils and ingredients lined on the borders of the grill and will cook several dishes in front of diners with stunning flair and speed. You may also enjoy sushi and appetizers in their downstairs lounge. Great place for lunch, dinner or happy hour!

  Chom Chom (Korean)

40 West 56th Street (between 5th & 6th Ave)

Chom Chom is a casual fine dining restaurant, offering authentic Korean cuisine in a unique and modern atmosphere. Inspired by the traditional culinary techniques of Korean cuisine, they craft all of their dishes using only the freshest ingredients, including homemade tofu and dumplings. 

Try their signature crispy Korean style pancakes or Bibimbap. Chom Chom's specialty is the one-of-a-kind kapas menu, similar to the wildly popular tapas style dining experience featuring small share plates.

 Sushiya  (Japanese)

28 West 56th Street (Between 5th & 6th Ave)

Sushiya is a simple sushi restaurant for those who want to enjoy fresh food in a nice, modern atmosphere without breaking the bank. Try also their tempura and teriyaki dishes. Serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and just dinner on Sundays.

  Joe's Shanghai (Chinese)

24 West 56th St. (between 5th & 6th Ave)

Joe's Shanghai is famous for their magnificent soup dumplings and if you've never had soup dumplings before, this is the place to have your first experience. Their dumplings have tender skin and the juicy pork filling is highlighted with a touch of sweetness from little bit of crab meat mixed in. Dumplings are freshly made to order, so don't forget to order yours immediately upon arrival at your table. Otherwise it might be a long wait. Other noteworthy dishes are Shredded Turnip Shortcake and Twin Prawns in Chili.

Tang Pavillion (Chinese)

65 W 55th St. (between 5th & 6th Ave)

Traditional Shanghai cooking has made this sophisticated Midtown Chinese a top choice near Carnegie Hall. Classy decor, polished service, impressively large menu and reasonable prices are what keeps bringing people back. 

Lili's 57 (Asian Fusion & Sushi)

200 West 57th (on 7th Ave)

Lili's offers tasty Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes in a simple setting. They also have a sushi bar so this really is your one-stop-shop for a variety of Asian cuisines. Service is quick and everything is reasonably priced. Specialty here is their rather large gluten-free menu.

Other great places in the area:

Thai: Topaz Thai 127 W 56th St. (between 6th & 7th Ave)

Vietnamese: Le Colonial 149 E 57th St. (between Lexington & 3rd Ave)

Japanese: Nobu57 40 West 57th Street (between 5th & 6th Ave)

MEET THE TEAM : NICK'S PICKS

Nick is a very dedicated and knowledgeable member of the front service staff. He is passionate about architecture, real estate and city planning. Nick spends his time off browsing around the city and staying up to date on any new real estate developments. He knows pretty much every tower and park there is. Here are Nick's four current favorite places to visit.

1. Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn)

Brooklyn Bridge Park spans 85 acres of the East River waterfront in the Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The park is divided into eleven sections: Piers 1 through 6, Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, Empire Fulton Ferry, Main Street, and John Street. Each of these sections features unique topographies, plantings, amenities, and cultural artifacts and installations. 

Pedestrian bridge called the Squibb Bridge connects the park to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The Promenade is said to be one of the most romantic spots in New York City, and has been the destination for thousands of first dates, wedding proposals and anniversary celebrations. 

Both of these places have magnificent views of the downtown Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. If traveling with kids stop by Jane's Carousel (open year-round) and nautically-themed playground on Main Street. Take a look at all the playgrounds in the park by clicking here. Main Street is also great for picnic in the lawn and it also offers free-wifi.  If you get hungry Nick recommends to try MontyQ Brick Oven Pizza on Montague St. If you prefer something fancier head out to River Cafe (make sure to call ahead to check the status of the renovations due to the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy) and save room for dessert at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. 

Take a look at the Brooklyn Bridge Park's interactive map of the area by clicking here. 

How to get there: New York Waterway ferry from Pier 11/Wall St. to Dumbo or walk cross the Brooklyn Bridge or take the F subway to York Street, or the A or C to High Street. 

2. Meatpacking District

Meatpacking District is  another area that has gone through a major transformation. It's biggest highlights are the Chelsea Market, High line Park and plethora of high end shopping, restaurants and night clubs. 

Chelsea Market is an enclosed urban food court, shopping mall, office building and television production facility. Built in the former National Biscuit Company factory complex where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced, the 22-building complex fills two entire blocks bounded by Ninth and Eleventh Avenues and 15th and 16th Streets. Here you'll find an exciting array of restaurants and little stores.

When it's time to take a little break from all the shopping and sightseeing make your way to the High Line Park. The High Line is a 1-mile (1.6 km) linear park built on a 1.45-mile (2.33 km) section of the former elevated New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line. The High Line Park currently runs from Gansevoort Street, three blocks below West 14th Street, in the Meatpacking District, up to 30th Street, through the neighborhood of Chelsea. 

The High Line is operating on its summer schedule, with the park open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. If you didn't bring your own food, not to worry, there's plenty of vendors around. Take a look at the list of this year's vendors by clicking here.

Nick's favorite restaurant in the area is SEA which serves affordable and delicious Thai food and delicious cocktails in a trendy atmosphere. SEA is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner at 835 Washington St.

How to get there: subway A or C to 14th St.

3. South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport is comprised of historic buildings and a pavilion shopping mall located at Pier 17 on the East River in Lower Manhattan. Cobblestone streets, gas lamps, sailing ships and a museum make the South Street Seaport one of the most memorable experiences in New York City. Pier 17 at The Seaport is open for business; many others shops still remain closed in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. 

But not to worry, To make up for that, Fulton street now hosts summer series that include pop-up retail containers that houses up-and coming retailers, a smorgasbar that showcases a rotating collection of a dozen local food and beverage purveyors, a front row cinema, a weekly outdoor film series int he evenings, dozens of new, seasonal retailers with their mix of artisanal fare along with businesses displaced by Hurricane Sandy will be showcased inside Pier 17 and and at kiosks along the cobblestoned streets. 

For a nice beer and a burger with beautiful views of Brooklyn-, Manhattan-, and Williamsburg bridges Nick would recommend the Watermark Bar and Lounge at Pier 15.

How to get there: subway A or C to Fulton St.-Broadway Nassau

4. Brookfield Place in Battery Park

Brookfield Place, located in lower Manhattan's Battery Park City, offers year-round cultural showcases featuring both emerging and well-known artists, as well as a great variety of shopping and dining. The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place remains one of the City’s best-kept secrets. The spectacular glass atrium with tall palm trees overlooking the Hudson River makes a picture-perfect venue to have a break and enjoy a delicious meal bought from the food truck court (see food truck schedule by clicking here) or from one of Nick's favorites, Shake Shack which is located within a short walk in Battery Park (215 Murray Street). As a new addition to Brookfield Place is their upscale food court "Hudson Eats" as well as French alternative to Mario Batali's Eataly called "Le District", an authentic French shopping district.

 While here visit the North Cove Marina that has great views of Jersey City across the river. 

How to get there: subway N or R to Cortlandt St.

JULY EVENTS IN NYC

 The Statue of Liberty reopens

July 4

Poor Lady Liberty has been shut since October 2011, thanks to a $30 million, one-year renovation and damage sustained during Hurricane Sandy. The symbol of freedom made its triumphant return on Fourth of July, with upgrades like shallower steps inside the statue, a new air-conditioning system and more wheelchair accessibility. Ferry ticket $12, children 4–12 $5, children under 4 free; crown access additional $3.

New York Philharmonic: Concerts in the Parks

July 10 - 16 FREE

The Philharmonic goes green, kicking off the free summer outdoor concert series with a performance in Brooklyn's Prospect Park followed by four other concerts around NYC parks. See full schedule here. (Photo: Chris Lee)

Bastille Day
July 14 FREE

This celebration of France’s independence is held on three avenue blocks closed to traffic and boasts tasty treats like crêpes and cheeses, Macaron Café macarons ($2) and baked goods from patisserie Financier, as well as sets by accordion players and other musicians, cultural dances like the cancan, and kiddie-friendly activities such as face painting. 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues.

City of Water Day
July 20 FREE

The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance celebrates NYC’s best accessory at Governors Island and Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, offering activities that remind us just how good we have it. Get gratis access to a plethora of watergoing vessels, including canoes, kayaks and rowboats; or fish, bike or kick back with food and music on dry land. Sign up early to nab a spot on a narrated boat tour of the harbor. See full list of activities here.

Summer Restaurant Week

July 22 - August 16

Twice a year, for two weeks or more at a stretch, some of the city’s finest restaurants dish out three-course prix-fixe lunches for around $24; some places also offer dinner for $35. For the full list of participating restaurants, visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek. Not surprisingly, the event is immensely popular, so make your reservations as soon as possible.

STAFF PICKS: HEALTHY EATS AROUND MIDTOWN WEST

Many of our employees here at the Salisbury Hotel are making an effort to lead a healthy life and big part of that are the choices we make during lunch hour. Luckily there are many great options for health conscious eaters around Midtown West. This week Katariina introduces her four favorites that are just within couple of blocks from the hotel.

The Great American Health Bar 

35 W 57th St. (between 5th-6th Aves.)

Weekdays 11:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm

This old diner is tight and the decor is not dressed to impress, but they've got a terrific menu with options to any picky eater, including lots of great vegetarian items. All foods are prepared in the most calorie conscious manner using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Everything on the menu is available for take-out, plus you can place your order online. They serve everything from baked salmon and eggplant parmesan to veggie burgers and lentil soup.

Juice Generation
979 Eighth Avenue (between 57th & 58th Streets)

Mon - Sat: 7:00am - 9:00pm, Sun: 8:00am - 9:00pm

If you just need something quick to grab and go, this is the place for you. Juice Generation offers fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, soups, sandwiches, raw foods, salads, wheatgrass shots, fresh young coconuts, raw cookies and granola bars. I visit this place almost daily during spring and summer because I don't know any better lunch on a hot day than fresh green juice or smoothie. Extra points they get for using mostly organic ingredients!

Le Pain Quotidien

922 Seventh Avenue at 58th St.

7am-9pm, 7 days a week

This environmentally conscious cafe/restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with mainly organic ingredients and their menu offers impressive options for vegetarians and vegans as well: breakfast items, soups, salads, tartines, quiches, desserts and great selection of specialty beverages (including beer and wine). My go-to place for wine and dessert.

Westerly Natural Market

913 8th Ave. at 54th Street

Mon-Fri 7am-12am, Sat 8am-12am, Sun 7am-12am

Westerly offers a huge selection of nutritional supplements, organic produce, all natural groceries, environmentally friendly body care products and they also have very nice deli area in the back where you can get fresh made juices, smoothies, soups, salads, sandwiches and packed lunches to go. My absolute favorite grocery store in the area.

- Katariina