Day Tripper: Times Square

One of the many perks of living in Philadelphia is its proximity to so many snazzy places. Philadelphians are within a two or three hour drive of the mountains, the ocean, and some of the coolest and most important cities in the world. With that in mind, the What is proud to present Day Tripper, our guide to the numerous fun trips you can take in and around the Philadelphia region.

The Destination
New York City is massive and it would be foolish for us to try and cram it all into one day trip. For that reason, in this edition of Day Tripper we will focus on the world's most famous intersection, Times Square. When people hear the phrase "bright lights, big city" Times Square is what they picture. So many of NYC's most famous attractions are just steps away from where the ball drops every New Year's Eve.

The Ride

Traveling from Philadelphia, one has several options for getting to New York. Bus companies like Bolt and Megabus will take you from 30th Street Station to Penn Station in Manhattan for a low price (and wi-fi!). Another option is to hop on Septa's Trenton Line that will allow you to transfer to a New Jersey Transit train up to Penn Station. If you're feeling a little adventurous, there is the always-exciting option of taking the Chinatown bus, followed by a short ride on the MTA's N line up to Times Square. If you take this option, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get home, or you could end up fighting for a seat on the last bus back.

The Grub

Chances are that you'll arrive in the city right around lunch time. Luckily for you, there's a fantastic little pizza place right around the corner. John's Pizzeria is at 260 W 44th St, between 7th and 8th Avenues. They don't do slices, but you can split a delicious pie with whomever you're traveling with and you'll be good to go. When you need a little snack to munch on while wandering through Central Park, stop by M&M World at 48th and Broadway and pick up a bag of the candy in your favorite color. If you're in the mood for a beer, swing by BXL Belgian Cafe at 43rd and 6th for a tasty beverage. After you've seen the sights in and around Times Square, be sure to head over to Ellen's Stardust Diner at 51st and Broadway. There you'll find your typical diner fare at a higher price than you're used to paying, but it is more than worth it. During your meal you'll be entertained by Ellen's famous singing wait staff, whose song catalog covers a range from Sinatra to Fergie to Wicked to the Beatles, and everything in between.


The Sights
Like the rest of NYC, there are a ton of places to check out during your visit to the Crossroads of the World. For fans of the shows 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live, at the heart of Times Square you're just a handful of blocks away from 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where both shows are taped. If you're there at the right time, you may be able to score some last-minute tickets to be a part of the audience for SNL or Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. A few blocks north from there you will find Central Park, which could be a day trip on its own. There is always plenty to see and do there, and you can check out their calendar ahead of time to see what's happening while you're in town. Finally, with Times Square being the center of the Theater District, you can try and rush (score last-minute tickets to) a Broadway show at any one of the many theaters nearby.

The Wrap-Up
A visit to New York City is always fun. There are many more things to do in Times Square than were listed here, and that's just one small part of one of the five boroughs. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of your proximity to NYC and visit as often as you can.

Tomato Tossed Pasta

As always, the What is dedicated to presenting you with colorful ideas for everyday life. Many of our ideas are food-related, because we love food. Learning how to cook for yourself now that you no longer have your mom or your meal plan to provide your meals can seem like a daunting task. We at the What are here to show you that cooking can be fun, easy, and rewarding by offering up recipes like this from our personal cookbooks. As is the case with most of our recipe-based ideas, this one is simple and delicious, just like us.

Tomato Tossed Pasta

Recently I have been rediscovering the joy in life that is having a Whole Foods nearby. Many a day on my lunch break, I'll pick up a bunch of fresh ingredients and toss together something delicious (like French Bread Margherita Pizza). I must say, it's nice to finally be the guy in the office whose lunch makes everyone else jealous. To make a long story short, my coworker Patti was impressed by my kitchen improvisation skills and gave me a gift: two orange tomatoes and a suggestion. The suggestion was to marinate the tomatoes in olive oil and put it on spaghetti. The following is how I interpreted that suggestion tonight (with irresistibly tasty results).

Chicken Fajita Burritos

This surefire crowd-pleaser was conceived after a visit to Chipotle Mexican Grill. Whoever the genius was that sat down and said "Hmm, what's better than burritos and fajitas? Oh yeah, fajita burritos!" is A-OK in my book. For the record, you should probably wash this down with something that has tequila in it. Tequila is probably the only thing that could make this masterpiece any better, but then again tequila makes everything better. Enough about tequila, on to the cooking!

Ingredients

Chicken Breast Cutlets

Mesquite Seasoning

Paprika

Cilantro

Garlic Powder

Lemon Pepper

Red Bell Pepper

Onion

Tomato

EVOO

Taco Sauce

1 Can of Corn

1 Cup of Rice

Lettuce

Mexican Blend Cheese

TODAY'S SECRET INGREDIENT IS: 3 Limes

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir in the rice. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and sprinkle in some cilantro, paprika and Mesquite seasoning. Stir, cover, reduce heat and let that simmer.

2. Slice the onion and pepper and dice the tomato.

3. Sautee the chicken in the EVOO. Liberally season the chicken with the Mesquite Seasoning, paprika and cilantro. Toss a bit of garlic powder and lemon pepper on there as well. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken while satueeing.

4. Once the chicken is done, set it aside and sautee the onion and pepper in the same pan. Add some more lime juice, seasoning, and cilantro. See the pattern?

5. Somewhere around here you should heat up the corn.

6. Once all of that is done, set the table with tortillas and the food you've prepared.

7. Pile it on a tortilla with taco sauce, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes, and you're good to go!

PRIMER - Tales of a Recession Graduate: The Not-To-Do List

Pickelodeon: Positano Coast

Welcome to Pickelodeon, a little feature where we review all that is reviewable in the world. Pickelodeon is your one stop shop for the inside scoop on the best restaurants, bars, movies, music, events, and anything else you want to hear someone else's opinion on before you try it. Drop us a line in the comment box for any suggestions on what we should review next!

Positano Coast

Positano Coast, located on the second floor of 212 Walnut Street in Old City, is the best restaurant in the city. A lofty statement, yes, but true nonetheless. As a part of Aldo Lamberti's family of restaurants, this restaurant and wine bar has been providing primo Italian cuisine to the area for years.

I first discovered this gem about eight years ago when it was simply known as Lamberti's. At the time I was a poor college freshman stunned by my ability to set foot in such a classy establishment after years of dining at Ruby Tuesday's. Since then, the restaurant somehow managed to notch the class up a bit more and improve on the food that I found flawless. To this day each time I visit this establishment I am impressed by the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, exquisite menu selections, and impeccable service.

Benvenuto
The atmosphere of Positano Coast is aided by the fact it sits on the second floor. Upon entering the restaurant you are instantly on another level, rising above the sights and sounds of being on the street. Everywhere you look in the dining room you see blue, whether it be giant photographs of the actual Positano coast in Italy or the rich, blue colors of the floors and accent walls. The overall tone presented in the room has a relaxing effect and prepares you for your culinary experience before you even take your seat.

Once you are seated, you are presented with a clean, easy to read menu with a tremendous variety of plates to choose from. Before too long, your server arrives with a friendly greeting and the customary "Have you dined with us before?" Though many establishments insist on their staff asking that, it is actually relevant inquiry in this place. Positano's menu was created in "the tradition of the Amalfi coast," which is to say they serve smaller portions and encourage sharing. Feel free to chat with your server about this, and anything else for that matter. The staff at Positano Coast is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to recommending a meal based on your taste or suggesting the proper wine to accompany your dinner.

Alimento e Vino
Your server will leave you with some water and a fresh, fantastic crusty bread complete with dipping oil to dabble in as you choose your plates. Each time I go to Positano Coast, I tend to order a selection from the Let's Go On portion of the menu complimented with something from the On The Side section. Again, feel free to ask your server what side would best compliment your meal. My favorite is the Scottish Salmon Limoncello with the Capellini and Clams, both of which when paired with a white wine will send your taste buds into a frenzy of delight.

On the subject of wine, be prepared to have a bit more than the typical glass. The majority of the wines selected personally by general manager Marianna Coppola are served in a quartino. A quartino is a carafe of sorts, and at nine ounces translates to roughly one and a half glasses of wine. This, like the smaller portions of food, is to encourage sharing and tasting with your table mates.

L'esperienza
Once your meal is in full swing, a dining experience unlike any other is to follow. Whether with a group or on a date, the conversation will flow freely as you sample different plates and glasses. Your fellow diners will be impressed by your selection and very pleased with their meals. This is the ideal restaurant for a serious date, especially with the Ritz theater situated directly across cobblestoned Dock Street. It also would serve well for a business dinner or just a nice way to cap off a day in the city. In the warm weather, Positano Coast has the benefit of outdoor dining without the worry of cars parallel parking next to your table.

On a typical dinner date for two, the bill usually comes to about $130 including dinner, drinks, an appetizer, and a generous tip. I assure you that every penny is worth it, Positano Coast does not disappoint. And don't be afraid to try something new. Even foods I haven't liked elsewhere are delicious when prepared by the phenomenal chefs at Positano Coast.

For more information, you can call Positano Coast at 215-238-0499 or visit their website. Do yourself a favor and swing by for a meal this summer, you can thank me later.

Suggestions:

• Scottish Salmon Limoncello, Capellini and Clams, and a white wine recommended by your server
• Eggplant Napoleon, Homemade Gnocchi Gorgonzola, and a red wine recommended by your server