STARS IN THE CITY

Photo:nypost.com

New York's film industry is not quite as large as Hollywood’s, but its billions of dollars in revenue makes it an important part of the city's economy. This makes it the second largest center for the film industry in the US. Between the years 2010-2011 there were 18 TV series produced in NYC and in 2013-2014 the number jumped to 27. The amount of films shot in NYC was 188 in 2011 and in 2012 it got as high as 267. No wonder that so many of our guests report star sightings almost daily while they’re exploring the city. That is exactly what happened to one of our guest from Paris, France.

Mrs. Gombeau and her family had ordered a large pizza earlier in the day and offered the leftovers to a homeless man. She had no idea that it was Richard Gere. Gere was filming his next movie “Time Out of Mind” in which he plays  homeless dressed in grimy clothes eating a burger from a trashcan.

Mrs. Gombeau saw him near Grand Central and felt the urge to help by offering him food also apologizing that it had gotten cold. Gere gladly accepted her offering and replied, "Thank you so much. God bless you”.

Two days later, Mrs. Gombeau saw her picture on the TV with news of her offering Richard Gere pizza and came down to our front desk to tell us all about her exciting encounter. She had felt sad that people waste so much food and at the same time many have nothing.

Photo: nypost.com

In a city of 8.4 million people, more than 36,000 homeless men, women and children sleep in homeless shelters and at least 3,200 more sleep on the streets and subways in the dead of winter.  If you are in NYC this June 11^th and want to help the homeless, join the Carnival Night for Kids in Central Park’s Victorian Gardens to help raise funds to fight homelessness. This is a family event with arts, crafts, and amusement park rides, arcade games, magicians, BBQ and authors signing and giving away complimentary children’s books to participants. More info on this fun packed event here:  http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/events/entry/2014-carnival-night-for-kids/

MEET THE STAFF : PAUL FROM THE BRONX

Paul has worked at the Salisbury Hotel as a bellman for five years. He hails from the Bronx and besides providing his friendly service to the hotel customers he also has deep passion for real estate development and construction. He has worked on renovating real estate mainly in the Queens and the Bronx, familiar neighborhoods for him. 

Paul takes great pride on the quality of work done in his properties just as he takes pride in working at the Salisbury Hotel and providing guests with the most courteous service. He really enjoys meeting people from all over the world.

If you're planning on taking the trip to the Bronx during your visit in NYC, here are few of its most popular attractions:

THE BRONX ZOO

The Bronx Zoo is one of New York's most popular attractions, with more than 4,000 animals housed on its 265 acres. There's an extensive daily schedule of feedings and demonstrations, world class exhibits like the Jungle World, Tiger Mountain, the Sea Lion Pool and latest attraction Madagascar!. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx.

THE YANKEE STADIUM

The Yankees are one of the most famous sports teams in the world. On a guided tour you'll be able to admire the enormity of the most expensive baseball stadium ever built, and admire the ballpark from Monument Park - an open-air museum where the retired numbers and plaques honoring Yankee greats like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig are displayed.  Yankee Stadium, 161st St. and River Avenue, Bronx.

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

It's one of the most famous attractions in the Bronx, and there's hardly a better time to visit the New York Botanical Garden than right now in spring. Azaleas, crabapples, lilacs and flowering dogwoods are all in full bloom, the seasonal three-acre Rock Garden has just re-opened and is bursting with alpine flowers and woodland plants, and the 250-acre old-growth Native Forest is teeming with a broad range of resident and migratory birds, including nesting great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. NYBG, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx.

ARTHUR AVENUE

Arthur Avenue - The Bronx's own Little Italy Just south of the Botanical Gardens, Arthur Avenue runs north to south through the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. The area is known for the high quality and great value of its fantastic assortment of Italian-American restaurants, delis, grocers, pasta-makers, butchers, fish markets, bakeries, gourmet coffeehouses and other shops and services. Visit BronxLittleItaly.com for more information or watch this informative video about Arthur Avenue.

VISIT NYC GREENMARKETS

Believe it or not, there are year-round farmer's markets throughout New York City. These open-air markets offer a variety of products directly from suppliers. 

New York City boasts one of America’s top markets: the sprawling Union Square Greenmarket which is also the largest one in the city. It operates year-round and is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

In the 1970's, Union Square was a seedy, crime-ridden area of Manhattan until a small farmers' market took root and revitalized the area. The market has grown into one of the world's best, catering to more than 60,000 shoppers on peak days. The greenmarket showcases more than just fresh-picked produce. Celebrity chefs often use the space for cooking demonstrations, there are school tours that teach local kids about seasonality and healthy eating and education programs, including one that helps New Yorkers learn about composting. To get to this market from the Salisbury Hotel just hop on the N, R or Q subway train on 57th St. & 7th Avenue and get off at 14th St. Union Square.

There is a greenmarket open every day of the week, in one of their many locations. To find the market most convenient to you see the market listing and schedule. The closest one to the Salisbury Hotel is the Tucker Square Greenmarket at 66th St. and Columbus Avenue. Open Thursdays and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

MEET THE SALISBURY PROFESSOR

The Salisbury prides itself on a multicultural staff. Diversity extends to educational achievements and hobbies. Many Salisbury employees have furthered their education while working at the Hotel. Our Group Reservations Manager Ilona has earned a Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration (MSEd) and a Master Certificate from eCornell in Revenue Management.  This year Ilona was appointed an adjunct professor of hotel management at a local university. When she is not helping our guests, she now has the opportunity to instruct her students on maintaining high standards as they embark on their hospitality careers. If  you're looking for a great stay in NYC and a 5-star staff, then the Salisbury provides all of the above.

OUR PICKS FOR BEST PIZZA

The first pizzeria in America was founded in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi in Little Italy, Manhattan.The price for a pizza was five cents, but, since many people could not afford the cost of a whole pie, they would instead say how much they could pay, and they were given a slice corresponding to the amount offered. Pizza is a very popular food in New York City. In the year 2010, over 400 pizza restaurants were listed as existent in the city. Here's our picks for best pizza in NYC.

Angelo's Pizza

Our neighbor since 1998, Angelo's Pizza serves delicious, thin-crust, coal-oven pizza pies, excellent pasta dishes and salads. Many of our staff members would unanimously agree that this is the best pizza in town. You can also order room service from Angelo's and charge it to your room account at the Salisbury. 

117 W 57th St. Phone: 212-333-4333

Bella Vita

We love Bella Vita for their tasty yet affordable dishes and the fact that they are located right behind us at 58th St. between 6th and 7th Avenues. Besides the vast selection of mouthwatering pizzas by slice or pie, try their pastas, salads, paninis and parmigianas. Seating is limited, but you can order delivery or take-out and eat in your room. 

158 W 58th St. Tel: 212-664-7670

PizzArte 

PizzArte captures the spirit of Naples with a restaurant that is truly Neapolitan in spirit—from the ingredients to the traditional preparations, to the presentation and the service, from the flavors to the feeling of the dining room—it is all Neapolitan. Everyone from the waitstaff to the general manager to the pizzaiolo and the executive chef is from Naples. What makes their pizza special? First of all, allowing the dough to rise for at least twelve hours, using no additives, eggs or sugar. It is then topped with fine, fresh ingredients and cooked at temperatures exceeding 900° Fahrenheit in a wood burning pizza oven.

69 W. 55th St. Tel: 212-247-3936

John's Pizzeria in Times Square

John's Pizzeria originally opened its doors in the late Twenties. Since then, it has become world-renowned and a legendary institution in New York City. In their Times Square location patrons dine under a five-story stained glass cupola that was once the Gospel Tabernacle Church.  With over 400 seats, four pizza ovens, and two kitchens, this is the largest pizzeria in the country and can accommodate both small and large parties. John's Pizza is a New York classic with thin, crisp and chewy crust, complimented by the slightly sweet sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh toppings. The pies are baked on the bricks of their famously coal-fired oven, which char the crust, and add to it's mouth watering flavor.

260 W. 44th St. Tel: 212-391-7560

Grimaldi's at Limelight Shops

Grimaldi's history of coal-fired brick oven pizza cooking can be traced to the first pizzeria in America back in 1905. Just a few years ago you still had to wait in a long line in Brooklyn to get the taste of this famous pizza, but luckily Grimaldi's opened another location in Manhattan's Flatiron District in an old church turned into fine shopping center. 

656 6th Avenue Tel: 646-484-5665

MEET THE TEAM : MICHAEL G.

 Michael G. not only works at the Salisbury Hotel as a Guest Service Representative, but you can also catch him on his skates swirling away at the Rink at Rockefeller Center. This is Michael’s 19^th season at The Rink. He enjoys the international atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, central location and the hundreds marriage proposals he has witnessed throughout the years. You can even book an "Engagement-on-ice" package if you are planning on proposing someone!

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is the most famous ice-skating rink in the world and has been featured in many movies. With room for only 150 skaters at a time, it is an intimate experience. If you want to skip the long lines, book VIP Skate experience. It gives you an access to a heated igloo and directly to the ice, skate concierge who'll assist you with skates and give you skating tips, hot beverages and fresh cookies as well as complimentary ice-skate rental.

Rockefeller Center has over 40 restaurants for after-skating eats. Try Bill's Bar and Burger, Rock Center Cafe, Bouchon Bakery, Harry's Italian Pizza Parlor,  Manchu Wok, Potbelly Sandwich Shop or Sushiden. There's something for every taste.

The Rink is located just 10 minute walk from the Salisbury Hotel and is open through April 20, 2014. See the session hours here. Skate lessons are available daily from 9am-6pm. 

600 Fifth Avenue (50th St.). Tel: 212 332 7654

OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST BROADWAY SHOWS

New York City is known for it's many theaters and wonderful Broadway and off-Broadway shows. The Theater District sits between the 41st and 53rd Street and between the Sixth and Ninth Avenues, within walking distance from the Salisbury Hotel. The district comprises more than 40 theaters and numerous other venues beyond the actual street of Broadway. To buy tickets to any of the shows you can head out to TKTS Discount Booth, go online (Telecharge, Broadway.com, Ticketmaster, etc.), directly to the theater box office or ask one of our front desk agents to contact a ticket broker.

AVENUE Q

Picture a grown-up episode of Sesame Street, with satirical songs and jokes replacing preschool-style banter. The actors remain visible at all times and mimic the action of their puppets, adding yet another level of humor. Avenue Q is fast-moving and laugh-packed, particularly for audiences willing to embrace its rebellious, politically incorrect spirit.

In spite of the presence of puppets, Avenue Q is not a children’s musical. Older teenagers will enjoy the show because it tackles issues of growing up and leaving home, but parents should use discretion in deciding whether their kids are mature enough for Avenue Q.

New World Stages - Stage Three 340 West 50th Street New York, NY

CINDERELLA

Cinderella is surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more. 

Cinderella is perfect for kids: Colorful costumes, on-stage magic and comic performances make this musical a great early Broadway outing for young theatergoers.

Broadway Theatre 1681 Broadway New York, NY

LION KING

The Serengeti comes to life as never before through the extraordinary vision that is The Lion King. It tells the classic journey of young royal heir Simba. Giraffes strut, birds swoop and gazelles leap in a dazzling panorama that overwhelms the sense and inspires you with the wonder of life.

Lion King is a great show for kids. Just bare in mind that Simba’s creepy journey into an elephant graveyard and the death of his father can be unsettling to young viewers.

Minskoff Theatre 200 West 45th Street New York, NY

AFTER MIDNIGHT

After Midnight comes highly recommended by our Head Concierge Pedro who recently saw the show and couldn't stop talking about it. This new Broadway phenomenon catapults the music of Duke Ellington and Harlem’s Golden Age into the 21st century.

Appropriate for ages six and up. If your school-age child enjoys performances with no story but plenty of singing and dancing, After Midnight is a good choice for the family.

Brooks Atkinson Theatre 256 West 47th Street New York, NY

ROCK OF AGES

We've heard so many good things about Rock of Ages from our guests that it needed to get on this list. Set in L.A.'s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. 

Rock of Ages celebrates the 80's music and style, but might not be appropriate for kids under the age of 14. Teenagers will love it.

Helen Hayes Theatre 240 West 44th Street New York, NY

NEWSIES

Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this new Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.”

Newsies is definitely a musical for the whole family.

Nederlander Theatre 208 W. 41st Street New York, NY

THE BOOK OF MORMON

The Book of Mormon follows two young missionaries who are sent to Uganda to try to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. One missionary, Elder Price, is an enthusiastic go-getter with a strong dedication to his faith, while his partner, Elder Cunningham, is a socially awkward but well meaning nerd whose tendency to embroider the truth soon lands him in trouble.

The Book of Mormon is suitable for audiences aged 18 and upwards. Contains explicit language and sensitive themes throughout.

Eugene O'Neill Theatre 230 West 49th Street New York, NY