NYC, The Place to Be
by Shayne Carter
posted August 8, 2006

I recently took a trip to the big apple, and it didn't let me down.

I actually stayed about a 20 min. drive (1 hr. by train) away from Manhattan with my friends in Nyack, NY. If you enjoy quaint, historic, romantic settings, then Nyack is the perfect place to visit. You'll fall in love with its Victorian buildings and riverside charm. It was an absolute treat to visit the small antique shops and unique jewelry stores, then stroll down the red-brick pathways to the Hudson River after lunch. The view of the George Washington Bridge and the sight of the boats from the pier were breathtaking. Read more about Nyack at www.nyackny.com.

My trip started when I arrived Thursday, 7-6-06. After settling in, I took a train to Manhattan, then the subway to a place that was simply called "Cuba". I found it on the net, and thought it was a night club. It turned out to be a restaurant. I thought "Oh great, no dancing. Well, mine as well get something to eat while I'm here." A few moments later, a live Son band began to play. The guys in the band were great musicians and cool people. I danced with the lead singer, and they sang to me a little. There weren't too many people in the main dining area, which turned out to be a good thing when we started dancing. I ordered the FILETE DE PARGO EN GUAYABERA DE PLATANO (Filet of Red Snapper with a crunchy green plantain crust in a sofrito sauce) for dinner, and CASCOS DE GUAYABA (guava skin in syrup and cream cheese) for dessert. Although the black bean soup was a little too salty for my taste, the entrée was delicious, and the dessert tasted like heaven. The staff was fun and earthy, but very professional. The older gentleman rolling cigars at a table in the corner gave this restaurant that little extra authentic feel. I can think of nothing negative to say about this cozy, beautifully decorated piece of Cuba. Get more info at www.cubanyc.com.

Friday, 7-7-06 I missed the 10:12 pm train, and had to take the 11:12 pm train to Manhattan. I finally made it to a studio party thrown by Mambo Fateegz about 1:00 am. Dance studio = people who'll dance with everybody right? Wrong! Since it was so late, I tried to mingle and strike up conversations right away. The girls were ok, but the guys didn't want to hear it. I asked four men to dance, and they shot me down so fast, I felt like Harry Whittington. One guy came over to ask a young lady next to me for a dance, but she respectfully declined. So, I offered my hand. He smugly shook his head no, and reached again for the girl who told him no. She later asked a man to dance with me. Then, I started a conversation with another lady, and she got some guy to dance with me. Both men acted as if they couldn't wait for the song to be over. At least the gentleman at the door was cool. Since the party was ending in an hour, he only charged me $5.00.

This place is a wonderful venue for dancers. The DJ was good, and you couldn't ask for a better floor. The space was enormous (I think the ad said it was 4,000 sq. ft.). The only downside is: You will probably need to bring a partner (especially if you're an on 1 dancer and/or new to their scene). Info: www.mambofateegz.com

Saturday, 7-8-06 was unbelievable. I went to a party thrown by an instructor named Oscar (A really good dancer and down to earth person.) at the Westgate Lounge inside a Best Western in Nyack. The ballroom was absolutely beautiful, and the crowd was classy but welcoming. The main dance floor was a little bigger than the Red Room and perfect for dancing. There was also a smaller dance floor by the bar. An awesome band called Son de Aqui was the entertainment that evening. They looked as good as they played. With their sharp, black suits and polished sound, they kept the guests moving all night long. The DJ kept it going with a nice musical selection during the band's breaks. Between the band and the DJ, the music was at least 90% salsa/mambo, bachata and merengue for the rest. I met a great group of people, and so many men asked me to dance it seemed unreal. After dancing for five hours, my feet were pulsating so badly, I cried and couldn't sleep. My toes looked like sausage links the next morning, but it was well worth it. I am so glad my friends, April and Jose told me about this place. I don't recall having a better time in all my years of dancing. Check out the site for more info: www.salsaunlimited.com.

Finally, go see the musical "The Color Purple". The tickets were expensive (You may be able to find better deals if you don't procrastinate like I did.), but the show was amazing. Also, I've heard so many rumors about New Yorkers being rude, and that's not true. Outside of those snobby guys at the dance studio, I found most people to be pleasant and very helpful.

One last tip: AirTran Airways is the cheapest major airline for a reason.