New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [292]
Noguchi Museum.
In 1985 the Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904–88) transformed this former photo-engraving plant into a place to display his modernist and earlier works. A peaceful central garden is surrounded by gallery buildings, providing room to show more than 250 pieces done in stone, metal, clay, and other materials. Temporary exhibits have featured his collaborations with others, such as industrial designer Isamu Kenmochi. The museum is about a mile from subway stops; check the Web site for complete directions. On Sunday a shuttle bus leaves from the northeast corner of Park Avenue and 70th Street in Manhattan (in front of the Asia Society) hourly, beginning at 12:30; the round-trip costs $10. | 9–01 33rd Rd., at Vernon Blvd., | Long Island City | 11106 | 718/204–7088 | www.noguchi.org | $10; 1st Fri. of month, pay what you wish | Wed.–Fri. 10–5, weekends 11–6 | Subway: N or Q to Broadway.
Worth Noting
SculptureCenter.
Founded by artists in 1928 to exhibit innovative contemporary work, SculptureCenter now occupies a former trolley repair shop renovated by artist Maya Lin and architect David Hotson, not far from MoMA PS1. Their indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces sometimes close between shows; call ahead before visiting. | 44–19 Purves St., at Jackson Ave., | Long Island City | 11101 | 718/361–1750 | www.sculpture-center.org | $5 suggested donation | Thurs.–Mon. 11–6 | Subway: 7 to 45th Rd.—Courthouse Sq.; E, M to 23rd St.–Ely Ave.; G to Court Sq.
Socrates Sculpture Park.
In 1986 local artist Mark di Suvero and other residents rallied to transform what had been an abandoned landfill and illegal dump site into this 4.5-acre waterfront park devoted to public art. Today a superb view of the river and Manhattan frames changing exhibitions of contemporary sculptures and multimedia installations. Free public programs include art workshops and an annual outdoor film series (July and August, Wednesday evenings). | 32–01 Vernon Blvd., at Broadway, | Long Island City | 11106 | 718/956–1819 | www.socratessculpturepark.org | Free | Daily 10–sunset | Subway: N to Broadway, then walk 8 blocks west or take Q104 bus along Broadway to Vernon Blvd.
WHERE TO EAT IN LONG ISLAND CITY AND ASTORIA
After you’re finished with the sights, why head back to Manhattan? End your day with dinner at one of Astoria’s legendary Greek restaurants (on or near Broadway), or venture to the Middle Eastern restaurants farther out on Steinway Street.
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden.
$ | EASTERN EUROPEAN | If your favorite outdoor activities include drinking beer and eating kielbasa, you’ll love this place. The last survivor of the more than 800 beer gardens that once graced New York, this popular spot offers imported Czech beers and Central-European eats like pierogi and schnitzel. Get there early to avoid long lines. Just drinking? Bring cash, as credit cards are reserved for orders from the kitchen. Bad weather? Don’t worry: indoor seating is available. | 29–19 24th Ave., between 29th and 31st Sts., | Astoria | 11102 | 718/728–9278 | MC, V | Subway: N to Astoria Blvd.
Kabab Café.
$ | MIDDLE EASTERN | Middle-Eastern restaurants are a dime a dozen in N.Y.C., but Egyptian-Mediterranean spots are a rarer find, attracting foodies like celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. This charming yet eccentric 16-seat café, which excels at interesting home-style dishes, is a true hidden treasure. The menu changes nightly, but exceedingly tender lamb stuffed with pomegranate is always great. | 25–12 Steinway St., Astoria | 11103 | 718/728–9858 | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed Mon. | Subway: N to Astoria–Ditmars Blvd.
Taverna Kyclades.
$ | GREEK | The current powerhouse of Hellenic eats in the neighborhood, Taverna Kyclades offers Greek classics at a higher level than you’d expect, given the simple decor and unassuming location. Fried calamari and grilled octopus make appearances at rock-bottom prices, despite their obvious quality, as do more out-of-the-ordinary