The world famous Zagat guide is releasing it's 2011 book of New York's best restaurants.
And there's a big change this year, according to founder and CEO Tim Zagat.

"The recession is still affecting the restaurant business. people are eating our lests often and are much more price sensitive than they used to be. Brooklyn is the
hot spot for new restaurants and the best restaurants. Because rents are lower and they can charge less and because the labor costs are much less, Brooklyn is a more attractive
venue for business owners and for hungry New Yorkers."

The #1 New York City Deli and the #3 Newcomer is Brooklyn's, "Mile End."

New Yorks #1 Pizza joint is Midwood's stape, DiFaros, where Italian native Dominick Di Faro has been making his delicious pizza for over 45 years.

Astoria, Queens has the honor of being home to the #2 Best Burger Place in NY.
Newcomer "Bare Burger" is a fan favorite, thanks to their variety of organic meats like bison, elk and ostrich.

This year Zagat's added a Best Food Truck category. Among the best is the "Van Leewan Ice Cream truck," "Rickshaw Dumplings," "The Cupcake Stop," and "Wafels and Dinghes."

Today is a big day in toyland.
The Toy Insider today, announced the best new toys for the 2010 Holiday season.
And the good news is that 99% of the toys are under $50 bucks.

The coolest toy I saw is the new Nerf ECS Blaster. It's a huge handheld that fires nerf darts.

There's also a new guitar game called Paper Jamz where kids can create their own music.

And a new technology is taking dance video games to the next level.
"Dance Central" uses a new connect for X Box systems where you don't need a remote or a controller. The motion technology allows you to use your body as the controller.

for a complete list go to www.thetoyinsider.com

Tonight Jews all over the world are celebrating the joyous holiday of Sukkot.
And I know for a fact that NY has the best bagels in the world. Trust me I've tried them in many different states and countries.
They say NY bagels are the best because it's all about the WATER.

So in honor of the Jewish High Holidays, I went in search of the best bagels in Manhattan.

"Ess-A-Bagel" has been open since 1976. They pride themselves on their secret family recipe. They're located in Park and Midtown East.
The boil the bagel dough for the right amount of time before putting it in the oven, making their bagels shiney and crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
I've never been here before and when I tasted my bagel with creamcheese and white fish, I was speechless. Seriously, this is the best bagel I've ever tasted.

"Daniel's Bagels" in Midtown East is old school. You feel like you are stepping back in time. Customers have remained loyal for years, and they can even order fresh bagels
with all the schmeers to be delivered. An elderly woman we spoke to says "They are the best because there is no sugar, and they're not blown up. They're more like a bagels of my early childhood in the Lower East Side. Personally, I thought they were pretty average and bland.

"Murray's Bagels" in the West Village is a trendy, modern spot with plenty of tables to sit down and enjoy your meal. Customers here are loyal to the variety. They even offer organic bagels with tofu cream cheese. But this place was more like a restaurant and didn't have the cool, bagel shop vibe of the other places I went to.

I'm and "H & H Bagels" loyalist. I've been eating these bagels for years and love them.
Even they claim they are "Like No Other Bagel in the World." They have locations on West 46th Street at the West Side Highway and on the Upper West Side. They make up to 1 million bagels a year and even deliver worldwide. They are the only spot, however, that does not sell the schmeers, which is an issue, in my opinion.

I had so much fun at the West 46th location learning how to make bagels from Eddie Velez. He's been a baker at "H & H" for over 20 years. He says "I love my job. What sets our bagels apart is that we boil the dough and then dump the bagels in cold water before putting them in the oven for 10 minutes."

Anyway you slice it, you can't go wrong as NY bagels are the best.

However, I hate to admit it, as loyal as I am, and as much as i love "H & H," I have to say I'm converting to "Ess-A-Bagel." I like them more. They are truly unique and delish.

Check out my story that aired on the PIX News at 10.
http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-best-bagels,0,4187132.story

Union Square is the gold standard when it comes to locals taking pride in making their community a better place.

And I'm proud to say that over 60 well-known local restaurants got together to feed 12,000 people last night at the 15th annual "Harvest in the Square" food fest.

Ya, tickets were $125 bucks, but that's what it would cost for one person at some of these restaurants. Instead, everyone had all you could eat cuisine and wine all night.

I got to taste food from favorities like Blue Water Grill, Prime Grill, Tamarind, Rosa Mexicana, among others.

The event is put on by the Union Square Partnershp, which raised $300,000 this year alone, all to be spend to make improvements to Union Squre Park by next spring.

check out my story on wpix
http://www.wpix.com/news/local/wpix-union-square-food-fest,0,2012430.story

I've been craving some good ole fashioned Italian gelato on these last few days before Autumn begins.
And I didn't realize til I was driving around the Village that in a 6 block radius of Bleeker Street, there at 6 different gelato joints. I'm calling the area "Gelato Alley."

I didn't realize that even though gelato is richer and creamier than ice cream, it's actually less fattening.

Upper West Side favorite "Grom" recently opened a second franchise on Bleeker Street. The Italian gelato is made with organic milk from Italian free roaming cows.

A few doors away, "Pop Bar" offers gelato popsicle-style.

Also on Bleeker Street, "Cones" has been in the neighborhood the longest. The Argentinian style gelato has more of a toffee texture. But they offer unique flavors, like Corn.

Like "Grom," "L'Arte del Gelato" is also an authentic Northern Italian concept. This gelato tastes like it comes straight from Italy and is super flavorful.

It was a close call but I feel "L'Arte del Gelato" is the best of the places I tried. It's the most authentic and it's not commercial. A real gem.

to watch my story that aired last Sunday on the PIX News at 10, go to
http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-best-gelato,0,774673.story

Why is it that New York has the best bagels? The myth is that it's all about the "water."
But if all the New York water is the same, why are some bagel places better than others.
I figured since we are in the middle of the Jewish High Holidays, I'd go on the hunt for the best bagels.

And I found out that already, people are putting in orders for bagels, lox and cream cheese
to break the Yom Kippur fast on Saturday night.

I went to H and H on the West Side Highway where they make thousands of bagels every day. And they will always be my favorite bagel.

I also went to Daniels in Murray Hill, where regulars were putting in their orders for the end of the holiday.

Tomorrow I'll visit more locations and will give you a full report on the PIX News at 10.

In the meantime check out:
http://nymag.com/bestofny/food/2007/28972/

Hi everyone. I'm back from a few days off.
I was craving some good Italian Gelato, so I check out what is now being dubbed
"Gelato Alley" in the Village. There are literally 6 gelato places along Bleeker street.
Check out the article in "New York Magazine"

Tomorrow night my segment will air on the PIX news at 10.

http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/47821/

I don't know about you all but I am a kid at heart, nostalgic for the days of plyaing on local playgrounds. I couldn't help but notice how many state-of-the-art playgrounds are popping up over the 5 boroughs.

So, I decided to pay a visit to a few of them.

The newly opened Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which has a view of Manhattan.
This is a 6000 square foot wonderland, in my opinion. There is a state-of-the-art climbing tower, a slide as long as what you can get at a water park, 21 swing sets, and a tarzan style rope swing, not to mention the whole park floor is made of a rubbery, squishy material.

Nearby in Dumbo is another playground with a beautiful view of the city and the Manhattan Bridge. It's not as new and is much smaller, but the ship themed play activities are perfect on a warm summer's day.

Long Island City has one of the best playgrounds around. Gantry Plaza State park
is also new, large and equipped with a 2 story climbing helix. Even better, parents can lounge on hammocks and chaise lounges along the river while the kids play.

for a complete list of playgrounds in the city, go to:

http://nymag.com/guides/summer/2010/66789/

Hope you all are having a great Labor Day. Last week when I was checking out the best Cuban Sandwiches in Queens, I happened to drive down 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.
Believe it or not, in all the years I've covered NYC for WPIX, I have never been here.

I couldnt help but notice the liveliness and the energy of this small neighborhood that is known as "Little India." I later found out 200,000 Indian Americans shop and eat here regulary.

I am an Indian food lover, especially Naan and Chicken Tiki Masala. So I grabbed my cameraman and went on the hunt for the best authentic Indian Food.

Our first stop is "Delhi Palace." The restaurant has been here for 35 years and locals can't get enough. We watched them make Naan bread by sticking the dough on the side wall of a mud oven.

Down the block you can find "Jackson Diner," which is the most well known among critics and foodies.. The Singh family has owned the restaurant since 1983, and what makes the food consistant is that they have never changed their recipes.

Newcomer "Delhi Heights" is a more hip, sit down dining experience, which has live music on weekends. It is a nicer dining experience for those seeking an intimate or a romantic meal.

Bottom line, this was the best food experience I've ever had, so much so, that I couldn't pick a favorite as they are all delish.

My advice, even if you don't live in Queens, take a trip to Jackson Heights and grab a meal.
You will leave very satisfied and most likely will want to come back again.
My mouth is watering just by writing this blog.

Check out my story that aired tonite on the PIX News at 10.
http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-best-indian-food,0,1809680.story

So you've made it through labor and have a beautiful baby. but chances are you're still in pain, are overwhelmed and need help.
Prenatal and Post Pardum Doula Julia Mannes is herself a new mom who knows how hard it is to make the adjustment to your new life.
She says " There are so many opportunties for families in New York to get free and low cost support and education."

Julia took us to meet Lactation Consultant Andrea Syms Brown who is working with new mom, Amy Chow.
Andrea says "Breast feeding is a learned process not an instinct. Lactation consultants provide this help. What's most rewarding is that
I walk in to moms in tears, in pain, and scared. And by the time we are done, they are all laughs, and the babies are all smiles."

Isa Herrera is a postpardum physical therapist who works in Park Slope. She says "1 out of every 3 new moms experience sexual pain, back
pain and women suffer in silence."

Isa works with women to help strengthen and re-align their pelvic floor muslces and their abdominal muscles.

Julia also took us to her favorite baby store, Park Avenues "Metro Minis."Despite the ritzy address, this store is reasonable and eco friendly.
They carry the biggest selection of baby carriers in the city, 40 different varieties. They also carry cloth diapers, which will ultimately save a new mom $2000 during their child's diaper wearing years. They also offer free classes to customers.

Check out my story on Saturday's PIX 11 News.
http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-best-baby,0,246797.story

For more on the folks we interviewed go to their websites.

www.juliamannes.com

www.renew-pt.com

www.metrominis.com

I don't make a habit of eating Cuban Sandwiches, as it's hard to find Cuban restaurants.
But I heard Queens is filled with authenic, family owned Cuban restaurants.
When I interviewed singer Gloria Estefan the other night at the US Open she make my mouth
water when she told me about how much she loves a good Cuban
"To make a great Cuban Sandwich, you gotta keep it simple. Grill eat, melt the cheese, and you must have great Cuban bread."

So we went on a search for the best Cuban Sandwiches in Queens.

Rincon Criollo in Corona feels like Cuba. The jukebox plays Cuban music and the walls are adorned with photos of Rude Acosta's family at the orignial locaion in Cuba.
Rude's grandfather and great uncles got kicked out of Cuba when Castro took over, so they moved to New York and opened this authenic restaurant in 1976.
Their recipe for their Cuban Sandwich goes back generations. The pork, ham, mustard, pickle and cheese sandwich has a unique flavlor.

Havana Express Bakery Café iis the only Cuban restaurant in Astoria.. Owner Carlos Lopes makees his sandwiches fresh every day and says his recipe goes back generations as well.
He considers his sandwich an artform. Plus he entertains customers with live music every weekend.

El Sitio has been in Woodside for nearly 50 years. You also feel like you are in Cuba when you are inside. Cuban American Gary Miret's friends took him to El Sitio for his birthday.

However, I picked Rincon Criollo as my favorite because they truly are an authenic restaurant and even though the the owner is no spring chicken, he is still working his butt off.
Plus they threw me a little birthday party, by getting the restaurant to sing for me and they made me a delish flan with a candle.

I made a good wish!!

check out my story that aired on WPIX tonight.
http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-best-cuban-sandwich,0,4325503.story

Yes, I know fried chicken is not exactly a healthy way to eat, but it is tasty.
I think it's pretty funny that Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was taking on Colonel Sanders in a taste test that pitted Louisiana cookin' against Kentucky' Fried Chicken.

This past Monday, Popeyes said that it beat KFC Original Recipe in a national taste test. So AOL did their own taste test.

Aol execs had their own employees taste over 60 pieces of chicken breasts in the AOL kitchen.
Based on appearances, it looked like Popeyes had a shot at winning the title -- the skin was noticeably more crispy and crunchy and the pieces of chicken were meatier. However, their testers felt differently when it came to the taste. While a crunchy crust is important, it's all about the flavor of the meat and spices used in flavoring the crust.

Personally I think KFC is "finger lickin good." check out the linnk below to the study.

http://www.slashfood.com/2010/08/31/kfc-vs-popeyes-our-own-blind-taste-test/?ncid=webmail

I'm so excited about my story tonight. You don't have to pay for a flight to Italy when you can
transport yourself to Italy just by heading to the Flatiron district.

Today, I went to the grand opening of Chef Mario Batali's "Eataly."
It's a 50,000 square foot italian food destination that can accomodate over 1000 people a day.

Shoppers are treated to fresh meat, fresh bread, fresh pasta , 7 restaurants, a wine bar, home made cheese that melts in your mouth, home made gelato and 2 expresso bars.

It's an experience that will make you smile and tickle your pallet.

Check out my segment that aired Tuesday night on the PIX News at 10.

http://www.wpix.com/news/local/wpix-eataly-opens,0,2628439.story

Hi all,
I'm back from vacation and following more of the Best PIX of New York.
I know we are nearing the end of summer, but NY playgrounds never go out of style.

I've noticed on recent stories that there are some pretty cool playgrounds in New York with alot more to do than when I was a kid.

Check out a link of the most unique playgrounds in the 5 boroughs.

http://nymag.com/bestofny/kids/2010/playground/

If you are thinking of getting pregnant, are pregnant already, or are close to giving birth, I may have some suggestions for you to ease your pain.
Tonight, I did a story with Doula Julia Mannes who took me to some of the best places for
education, support, and comfort to help make your pregnancy the most joyous experience
possible.

Did you know there is a non profit in NY called "Choices in Childbirth," which gives out 20,000 free guides called "The New York Guide to a Healthy Birth." Go to www.choicesinchildbirth.com to get a guide, which gives lists of providers, doulas, midwives, acupuncture etc.

Their advice:
"There are many things a woman can do to create a joyous and empowering birth experience. . .choose an appropriate birth setting in which she feels supported and respected, choose a philosophically compatible medical caregiver that shares her expectations for her birth experience, utilize a Birth Doula to provide additional comfort and nurturing during labor, breastfeed her newborn, and utilize a Postpartum Doula's assistance during the first few weeks after the baby is born to rest and recover from childbirth as smoothly as possible."

We also went to Park Slopes "Birth Day Presence" which offers classes to women and their partners during the early stage of pregnancy, teaching you what to expect during the process.

link to my story on the news http://www.wpix.com/news/local/wpix-best-pix-birth,0,7168874.story

Hey there. As long as I'm on the book theme. Fashion Week is around the corner.
So for your fashionistas, I've found some of the best style books on shelves.

Manolo Blahnik wrote new a book called "Manolo's New Shoes." It will be on shelves September 13. He even features 130 of his personal fashion drawings. Carrie would be all over this if "Sex and the City" were still on the air.

Former journalist Luella Bartley returns to her roots with "Luella's Guide to English Fashion."
It explores the great fashion moments from cords to kate Moss. It comes out in October.

"Blow by Blow" comes out on September 2. Its a biography of tragic fashion icon, Isabella Blow. The book features moments from her legendary career, including stints as Anna Wintour's assistant at Vogue.

Already on sheves but a good read "Valentino: A Grand Italian Epic," "Chanel," and "The Beautiful Fall."

Check out link to my story on Best Used Bookstores
http://www.wpix.com/news/local/wpix-best-books,0,3204356.story

Tell me what you think

I don't know about you guys, but finding time in NY to read a good book is no easy task.
So I found an inexpensive way to enjoy searching for the best finds.
I went to 3 used bookstores in Manhattan, where it is worth every penny just for the experience
of looking through the stacks for good bargains.

Mysterious Bookshop in Lower Manhattan specializes in mystery fiction. In fact, Mysterious has the largest Sherlock Holmes collection in the world..

Wayne Conti has owned Mercer Street Books for over 20 years, and his customers are as loyal as they come. This store has no frills. Simply go through the stacks and you can buy used hardcovers for $7.95. You can also find poetry and even used vinyl records.

Argosy Book Store has been on East 59th St. for 70 years. Judith Lowry and her sisters have kept the 6 story bookstore in tact since their father Louis passed away.
They sell more than 80,000 used books and other vintage and rare items that sell for as much as tens of thousands of dollars and as little as $1 on the outside patio.

My favorite store is the Mysterious Bookshop, as it's unique and quite frankly, shopping at this store is an eye opening experience. Now I need to find time to sit down and read a book;(

Check out my story that aired on PIX 11 News on wpix.com.
For a complete list of stores go to:
http://home.earthlink.net/~remanski/books.index.english.html

Happy Monday everyone.
I know it's a rainy day but fall is around the corner. I am going to do a story on the best place to get free guided walks in Queens. But in the meantime check out some of the places to visit..

Astoria ParkMeet at Track (Astoria Boulevard South and 18th Street)

Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Cunningham ParkMeet in front of Field House across from tennis courts and to the
right of bocce court

Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Alley Pond ParkMeet in front of Field House on Winchester Boulevard and Union
Turnpike

Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Linden ParkMeet at the running track

Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Roy Wilkins Recreation CenterTuesdays 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Flushing Meadows Corona ParkMeet at Al Oerter Recreation Center

Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

I don't know about all of you, but I LOVE NY pizza. You really can't go wrong anywhere in New York. But I heard some of the best pizzerias are in Brooklyn and have been around for generations.
I went in search of the Best spots and there wasn't a pie I didn't love.
I tried Totonno's in Coney Island which has been around since 1924.
I went to Bensonhurst's Spumoni Gardens, also around for decades.
Dominick De Marco has been making his own pies at Di Faro's in Midwood for 45 years.
I am very impressed with the 73 year old, who doesn't let another human being touch his dough.
Dominick puts on 4 kinds of cheese and literally cuts fresh basil right onto the pizza, with a splash of olive oil. I felt like I was in Italy.

Franny's in Park Slope is a new restaurant but also delicious. They cook their pies with natural ingredients. And they have a custom built brick oven which heats to 1000 degreese and cooks the pizza in less than 2 minutes.

However, in my opinion Totonno's was the Best. You can feel and taste the love of the Pero family, which has run the restaurant for 4 generations.

Check out my story that aired on WPIX on August 20
http://www.wpix.com/news/local/wpix-best-pix-pizza,0,5656966.story