The zoo was not part of the original design for Central Park but spontaneously evolved in 1859 from gifts of exotic pets and other animals informally given to the Park.
If you tire of ordering the fish ’n’ chips, for another taste of Britain give the traditional curry a try.
This is a great place to people watch and be seen. The music is hot and the girls are hotter. Hands down one of my top spots to finish my night at in NYC. - Mike (The Situation), Jersey Shore
Starting in July 2010, the park's Pier 1 will have vendors serving tacos, crab rolls, wine, beer, and ice cream. (The city will make about $120,000 a year from the deal.) Read more.
Booze and browse at this bohemian chic watering hole where all the meticulously selected furnishings are for sale. Read more.
Husband-and-wife team Doug and Marty French have been creating and selling jewelry for more than 38 years. They design the kind of timeless shapes you can wear every day. Read more.
This New American offers an $18 half-pound fish fry on Fridays, which includes a side and salad.
Very hard to get into, but if you dress like a hobo and say you work in fashion, you might get in.
For the latest designer wear that doesn't break the bank, Harmonie in Venice is a hidden jewel off Abbott Kinney's beaten path. -Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker
In addition to a collection of fantastically fitting jeans and slouchy tees, you can pick up pretty throw pillows and photography by local artists here. Read more.
A string of curbside ATM heists hit at least 11 spots in Manhattan, breaking open the cash machines with a Caddilac and chain. The thieves made away with $13,000 outside this location. Read more.
Kaya Sushi is the best kept sushi secret in Los Angeles. It's right by the ocean in Marina Del Rey. -Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker
Top New York real-estate executives and the City Council speaker are pushing hard for federal funding to add a subway stop along the 7 line's Manhattan extension at 10th Ave. and 41st St. Read more.
This zoo was originally named the "Maytag Zoo" after Robert Maytag, who formed the Arizona Zoological Society. Maytag died a few months before its opening in November 1962.
Fine jewelry from emerging names is the focus at this expertly edited spot. Everything is first organized by designer, then sorted according to price. Read more.
Sports bars attract hotties. That’s why I love the wings at ESPN Zone across from the Staples Center. -Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker
Eclectique is great for finding Roberto Cavalli and many high-end designers. The owner, Laura Stern also designs her own one-of-a-kind pieces. -Jeana Keough, Real Housewives of Orange County
The Griffin knows how to do it right - Great drinks and hospitality by Chris and Stevie D. to start my nights off - can't go wrong here. Mike (The Situation), Jersey Shore
The Pfister is rumored to be visited often by the spirit of Charles Pfister, who founded the hotel in 1893.
Owner Nilou Ghodsi’s dedication to customer service has garnered her a stalwart clientele. She sends thank-you notes after every purchase and won’t let you buy something if it doesn’t fit just right. Read more.
This store’s stocked with equally compelling selections of both work separates and party attire, from brands like Tracy Reese and Cynthia Steffe. Read more.
There are a number of companies that recycle discarded sails into totes, but Re-Sails was one of the first—and it’s still one of our favorites. The duffels are hyper-durable, affordable, and chic. Read more.
The distinctively French brunches here feature croques madames and monsieurs and steak frites. After dining, check out the Manhattan skyline in Gantry State Park. Read more.
Longtime stylist Claudia Fowler transformed a 200-year-old downtown grocery store into this rustic outpost of bohemian clothing and jewelry (look for pieces by Foley + Corinna and Rozae Nichols). Read more.
Clean-lined and sleek with a decidedly ’60s feel, this location is packed with designers like Boy Band of Outsiders, Alexander Wang, and Elizabeth and James. Read more.
This airy, modern shop is stocked with home furnishings and accessories. The owner, Josh Tusher, likes to support local designers and has an incredible knack for sussing out trends. Read more.
