Union Square

There are so many great neighborhoods in New York City filled with wonderful restaurants, unique shops and innovative theater companies. One of the most interesting neighborhoods is Union Square (14th & Broadway). Union Square has always been known by New Yorkers and visitors alike as the perfect place to find just about anything. The shops, restaurants and entertainment venues make Union Square ideal for an exciting evening out or a leisurely day shopping for that perfect pair of shoes.

In the heart of Union Square is a newly restored park featuring an outdoor Farmer's Market with the freshest produce, exquisite plants and flowers and, of course, fabulous home-made baked goods. The park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great people watching. The market takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Here are a few ways to enjoy this unique neighborhood:

Walking Tour

To really get to know Union Square and all it has to offer you may want to take the FREE walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Every Saturday at 2:00 pm the tour group meets at the Lincoln Statue in Union Square Park to explore this great neighborhood. For more information on Union Square, please go to their web site, www.unionsquarenyc.org.

Theater:
Century Center for the Arts, 111 East 15th Street, is currently showing "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", an ambitious and witty production that captures the brilliance of Shakespeare's complete works in a laugh-out-loud performance.

Daryl Roth Theater, 20 Union Square East (at 15th Street) is currently showing "De La Guarda", featuring Argentine acrobats, trapeze artists and dancers in a theatrical celebration. The show's unique and exciting interactive format requires guests to stand during the seventy-minute performance, which has no intermission. It is in its third smash year. For more information, please go to their web site www.dlgsite.com

Union Square Theater, 100 East 17th Street, is currently showing "Surviving Grace", a new play which tells the story of a mother and daughter confronting loss and risking a second chance. This touching and witty tale of two women who learn to accept, love, and ultimately, let go, stars Illeana Douglas and Doris Belack.

Classic Stage Company, 136 East 13th Street, is currently showing "The Underpants", a newly adapted version of the Carl Stenheims comedy. The new version has been written by stage and screen actor, Steve Martin and tells the story of Theo Maske and his unusual problem. His wife's underpants won't stay on and one Sunday morning they fall to her ankles right in the middle of town - a public scandal! Mortified, Theo swears to keep her at home until she can find some less unruly undies. At the same time he's trying to rent a room in their flat. But when the prospective lodgers arrive, they have some underlying surprises of their own.

The Vineyard Theater, 108 East 15th Street, is currently showing "Swimming With Watermelons", a play with music which is inspired by the real-life story of an American G.I. and a young Japanese woman who meet during the post-WWII American occupation of Japan.

Hot Restaurants!

Blue Water Grill, 31 Union Square West - great seafood with live jazz. For reservations, please call (212) 675-9500.

Chicama, 35 East 18th Street - contemporary South American cuisine in a trendy atmosphere. For reservations, please call (212) 505-2233.

Mesa Grill, 102 Fifth Avenue - American regional/Southwestern cuisine. Owned by renowned chef, Bobby Flay. For reservations, please call (212) 807-7400.

Park Avalon, 225 Park Avenue South - American-Mediterranean with live Jazz at Sunday brunch. For reservations, please call (212) 533-2500.

Zen Palate, 34 Union Square East - vegetarian in a warm and inviting atmosphere. For reservations, please call (212) 614-9291.

Don't Miss!
One of New York City's Most Popular Wine Shops
Union Square Wine Shop, 33 Union Square West, offers New Yorkers and visitors a unique wine experience. The store features more than 4,000 selections including timeless classics as well as hard-to-find hand-crafted wines. Lots of weekly tastings, plus recommendations by sommeliers from NYC's top restaurants, a temperature-controlled wine room and a new salon are why people describe The Union Square Wine Shop as the "Wine Merchant for Wine Lovers." For information, please call them at (212) 675-8100. Also, visit their web site, www.unionsquarewines.com