Tuesday, February 26, 2008

DOLLAR STORES

If Chinatown didn't have enough great deals, there are also our Dollar Stores. I'm actually not a fan of $1 stores because all it tends to be is junk. The Dollar Stores in Chinatown are way better and you can get a lot of really excellent deals.

Since today was raining, I took a walk to clear my head and did a good deal of shopping in the store that sits on Mulberry street (cross streets Bayard and Canal).

Today I bought a whole stack of really cool earrings from Claire's that were being sold there for 1/6 of the price. The store was also surprisingly well organized. Me and my sister love to venture there to get bargains.

Check it out next time you're in town!

Monday, February 25, 2008

C-Listing

C-Listing is a website that acts as a travel guide. It was formerly part of Focus NY and was founded by Tony Liu and Jenny Kin. Although they have branched out into reviewing other neighborhoods, they started off with just focusing on the Chinatown community.

By either viewing their website or their paper guide edition of their directory, you can navigate Chinatown with ease. Although some businesses do pay for advertising on their site and directory, many are listed free.

I think C-Listing is a great tool to help people inside or outside of our community navigate Chinatown a little easier.

Check out C-Listing at www.c-listing.com/index.asp

Friday, February 22, 2008


KOMBA RESTAURANT

Every now and then I like going to Komba. It's good if you sorta want something a little different than your normal Chinatown food.

You can get things like spaghetti and meat sauce. What's funny is that for some reason, these "American/Italian" dishes still taste a hint Chinese. It's still yummy though.

Komba also offers a variety of HK snacks and drinks. My afternoon favorites are the french toast with condensed milk and HK milk tea.

The colorful atmosphere makes you feel like you're in Hong Kong. The customers too, reflect that. It's cool to sit in there and people watch a bit because their customers tend to dress very HK and hip.


Komba Restaurant is located on 23 Pell Street.

THE NEW MEAT MARKET ON BAYARD

When the shop in the middle of the block became vacant, they gutted it. Of course, we all assumed that it would be another Chinese restaurant. Much to my surprise, it turned into a second meat market on Bayard street.

The new market it beautiful. The stainless steel counters in the shop gleam a brand new shine. They sell a selection of vegetables as well which is very convenient for one stop shoppers.

I love to cook so this is great for me! I buy most of my groceries in Chinatown because they are the freshest and cheapest place in my opinion. I'm a huge fan of buying the marinated short ribs. They're fast and easy to cook.



Friday, February 15, 2008


THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE-SUNDAY

The big Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown has historically been held the following Sunday after the first Sunday of the New Year. It's a little confusing, I know. Nobody really announced this or put this fact out there either. The only reason I know this is because my shop has to get its red envelopes ready for the lion dancers.

At one point, when the Explore Chinatown campaign was launched, they had two New Year's parades. One on the New Year's Day and one the following Sunday. Sorta, like one for the tourists, and one for the locals.

Different associations have their groups of lion dancers and the dance to the beat of the drum up and down the streets. They also usually end the parade by setting up a martial arts stage where they do some praying mantus style martial arts. Very cool to watch. I usually get the best seat because they set up on Bayard street.

So if you missed the festivities this year, hopefully you'll join in and know for next year.

Have a happy year of the rat.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008


EATING VEGETARIAN IN CHINATOWN

I'm not a vegetarian but lots of people nowadays are. A common question that I've been getting is "What's a good vegetarian restaurant in Chinatown?" This question has kinda got me stumped the last few times; especially since Vegetarian Paradise went out of business.

I know that the new popular vegetarian hotspot is on Pell Street (cross streets Bayard & Bowery). I haven't personally tried it but it's called Vegetarian Dim Sum House.

Quite frankly, I think that you can eat excellent vegetarian dishes at any Chinese restaurant. Chinese people actually eat a lot of veggies. Some excellent recommendations for vegetarians out there is the bok choi or the Chinese snow peas. Vegetables dumplings are readily available at most Shanghainese restaurants such as Moonhouse and New Green Bo.

I also know that the owner of Fuleen Seafood Restaurant (11 Division Street) is a Buddhist vegetarian. I'm sure that if you asked him, he would be able to recommend a lot on his menu that is veggie friendly.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

TALK TUESDAYS

Talk Tuesdays are events that go on once every month that help to connect different Asian Organizations. Today's Talk Tuesday will have two groups that have helped and stayed within the Chinatown community: (1) Chinatown Youth Initiatives and (2) Greater Chinatown Community Association.

The Chinatown Youth Initiatives
is in short an organization run by the youth of Chinatown for the youth. It was founded in 1999. They have fun programs like the Summer Leadership Institute and the Chinatown Literacy Project. Part of their mission is to provide places for youths to explore their identities in communities while helping them build on their leadership skills.
.
The Greater Chinatown Community Association (GCCA)
promotes the well-being of the Chinatown community within New York City through unique, individualized program services. Established in 1972, GCCA has long since been a pioneer and innovator in the provision of: Adult Education, Consultation and Aid, Medical and Health Care, and Recreational and Cultural Activities. My good friend Kendra is the Executive Director.

Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 from 6:30PM - 8:00PM or later
Location: Nightingale Lounge
Address: 213 Second Avenue
Cross Streets: Corner of E. 13th Street
Phone: (212) 473 - 9398
Directions by subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, R to 14th St.- Union Square


Talk Tuesdays are organized by CAPA and NAAP. For more information on future Talk Tuesdays, please visit www.capaonline.org

Friday, February 01, 2008

Chinese New Year Events for 2008

The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays for Chinese all over the world. It is a special time in which spend time with families and friends . Here's what's going on in Chinatown the week of:

Event: New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival-
Time: Thursday, Feb, 7th 11:00-3:00pm.
Location: Chatham Square (Intersection of Bowery, Mott, & East Broadway)

Event: 9th Lunar New Year Parade & Festival-
Time: Sunday, Feb. 10th 1:00-5:00
Location: Mott Street (Btw Canal and Bayard)

Event: Flower Market
Times: Saturday Feb. 2nd; 12pm-10pm; Sunday Feb. 3rd 12pm-3pm; Monday Feb 12th 2pm-8pm.
Location: Columbus Park (located on Mulberry street. Cross streets btw Bayard and Worth.