Virtual Vacations

Welcome to New York City

Via Austin

Living up to the moniker, The City that Never Sleeps, New York City is now open 24/7…from your couch. Take a day-trip to NYC while supporting local businesses in our Perfect Pairings. Let’s go.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, FOUND is producing free Virtual Vacations to encourage everyone to learn more about global culture while social distancing.

The local businesses, restaurants, and bars in our own hometowns of Houston and Austin need our support too, so we encourage you to order take-out and delivery as often as you can via our Perfect Pairings.

New York City has been hit hard. Our thoughts are with them, and hope that our love letter to one of the greatest cities in the world is worthy.

The Early Bird

Up and at ’em, we have a lot to see today. First off, panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise. Sip your cup of joe and enjoy your delicious bagel while breathing in the day.

While in Brooklyn, take a walk to view the beautiful springtime cherry blossoms that are now in bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and check out The Brooklyn Museum virtual collection and some special exhibits.

Local Austin Pairings

Although it’s changed ownership, the authenticity is still there at Wholey Bagel. Call to order and pick up their bagels, which will transport you.

Jo’s Coffee: Both locations are operating with limited menus, and delivery is available. The downtown location is doing frose, and the South Congress location is doing frozen peach mimosas. (There are no rules during quarantine. You do you.)

North Lamar bagel shop Nervous Charlie’s is offering curbside to-go. Call ahead or order online.

Let’s Get Cultured

NYC is home to some of the best art museums in the world, so why not hit them all? Let’s start with the heavy hitters:

The Met has both online collections and a 360 degree video series.
MoMa is always a favorite, with some pieces you’ll recognize and some that might be from your own grandparents. They even have activities for kids that’s bound to keep them intellectually stimulated.
Next stop, the Guggenheim. Their collection of over 1,700 pieces of art is just a start, you can even meet some of the artists and hear them explain their work. While you’re there, don’t forget about the building itself: designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the impressive and imposing circular facade is worthy of a few hours of dedication. (By the way, we have time. Shall we hop up to Buffalo and see another one of Frank’s masterpieces, the Martin House? Ok, done.)

History Buff

Balance out all that culture with some unique NYC history. One of our favorite places to visit and learn is the Tenement Museum, which chronicles the history of immigration in the US in innovative ways.

To dive even deeper, NY Landmarks Conservatory created a “Tourist in Your Own Town” visual guide that takes you through some hidden gems.

Then, head over to Queens to see the Louis Armstrong Museum in his forever home. Check out this playlist to see why he was so well-known for his voice and trumpet playing, and then learn about his favorite room in the house. You’ll be surprised.

Heading into Manhattan, let’s take the subway and then go grab some lunch. Feeling more like a slice or a traditional deli?

Local Austin Pairings

Home Slice Pizza: Both locations (South Congress and North Loop) are open for take-out. Call in, order online, walk-up to the takeout windows. There are affordable sandwiches and salads, and a basic medium pie is $16. You can save the boxes and build a fort (but you should really just compost them).

Little Deli: Old school pizza and deli offerings now providing curbside service. Order online via ChowNow.

Otherside Deli: When you’re in the mood for a classic deli sandwich, Otherside Deli is offering online ordering with curbside pickup.

Biderman’s Deli: Both Westlake and Far West locations of Biderman’s Deli are open for curbside pickup with the full menu of sandwiches, bagels, and coffee available. The downtown location is currently closed.

Playing the Tourist

Walking is always the best way to explore a new city (and burn off that lunch!) so lace up your shoes, put on our New York Spotify playlist (curated by FOUND cofounder and resident music expert Vicci Kwan), and check out these “walking” tours. First off is a virtual architecture tour of New York’s Museum Mile, hosted by the New York Times. Next, take some time for yourself in the gem of Manhattan, Central Park, on a self-guided tour.

Let’s throw this day into high gear by hitting all the top tourist attractions in Manhattan: Absorb all the hustle and bustle at Grand Central Station. After, pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial. Admire the bright lights and energy at Times Square and enjoy the city views at Top of the Rock (much better view than the Empire State Building in our opinion). Climb to new heights in a helicopter ride circling the Statue of Liberty.

The Lights of Broadway…

No trip to NYC would be complete without a Broadway show. Good news though, as ticket prices have now been set to “free” and you don’t even have to dress up (unless you want to).

If you’ve never been here before, you need to see a classic. Stream some of the most famous, including The King and I, Macbeth, and Carousel on BroadwayHD. (Please keep in mind there’s a 7 day free trial period. If you’d rather not renew, set yourself a reminder to cancel before the trial ends!).

Andrew Lloyd Webber fans can now rejoice, having access to full feature musicals every Friday as part of The Shows Must Go On series on YouTube. See Cats in the original format, before the movie version took it to a whole other level.

Want even more Broadway in your life (who doesn’t?!), Broadway Direct has shared some Broadway themed activities to do at home.

Anyone else hungry for dinner and maybe a drink before our next stop? Keep reading…

Local Austin Pairings

Dinner in New York can be anything you want: a celebration of the melting pot, a classic steak dinner with a martini, or a slice of pizza. Thank goodness Austin has all that covered too.

Ramen Tatsu-ya: For the first time ever, all three locations of Ramen Tatsu-Ya are accepting to-go orders that can be placed online.

SeoulJu Korean Kitchen & Bar launched curbside takeout and pick-up orders by phone. Call (512) 382-1858. There’s free delivery (with a $15 minimum) within a 3-mile radius of the restaurant and up to 5-mile radius for a $5 delivery fee. You can also add beer and soju to your order.

Tsuke Hoten: Over in Hopsquad Brewing Co.’s parking lot, the Japanese-style food truck Tsuke Honten is serving a modified to-go menu.

The noodle and dim sum restaurant Xian Noodle at the Domain has online ordering with delivery, or you can call (512) 6140-4028 and pickup

At Salt & Time, you can still grab your favorite steaks from the butcher counter, along with prepared menu items. And if your local grocery store still has a line around the corner, Salt & Time has plenty of locally sourced eggs, milk, and produce. The butcher shop will remain open from 10am-8pm, with an extra hour starting at 9am for the elderly and immunocompromised to safely shop. Curbside pickup is also available.

Jeffrey’s of Austin: In the mood for some fancy takeout? Jeffrey’s is offering to-go curbside and delivery. Grab a martini cocktail kit with your order, too!

Order online from Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine for curbside pickup or delivery via different services.

High brow and low brow and in between...

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? In 2020, it’s just one click. For those interested in something a bit more on the classical side, live stream virtual concerts at Carnegie Hall here. Pack it in and impress your friends with your fanciness: The Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and Lincoln Center are all doing shows too. (NPR has a wonderfully updated list of all the virtual concerts all over the US that’s worth checking out.)

One of our favorite things about NYC is the standup scene, where you can catch new acts and huge names all on one night. No two drink minimums here - if you're in the mood for something a bit lighthearted, Stand up NY ($5 for all day), The Magnet Theater ($12) and Caveat (pay what you’d like) are also live streaming some good comedy and improv acts right to your home!

Crafting the perfect joke takes trial and error, and that process is sometimes cringeworthy, sometimes a joy to watch. Comedian Mike Birbiglia is hosting Tip Your Waitstaff, where he interviews great comics about their process and they test out jokes. It’s free, and he’s taking donations for various comedy clubs around the nation.

Warehouse parties with DJ’s more your idea of NYC? No problem. Ramp up your evening and turn your living room into a late night club featuring live stream DJ sets from D-Nice, Questlove and more.

Nightcap

Close out your evening at one of our favorite cocktail bars in London, Cahoot’s. They are posting a cocktail masterclasses on their Instagram. Drinks while taking the Tube that don't come in a can...yes please!

Learn to make an East Gin & Tonic from Bombay Sapphire Cocktail’s website. We had the honor of visiting Bombay Sapphire's amazing distillery last year and was wowed by the hospitality and their focus on conservancy (oh, and the gin).

Since you're upping your cocktail skills at home, join the blokes from Here Nor There (HNT) on their Instagram IGTV for some serious lessons. They learned their trade at one of our favorite bars in London, Trailer Happiness, and now we get to enjoy their drinks locally. While some are not traditionally British cocktails, learning how to make a proper Margarita is always welcome.

For a very British summer-y cocktail to ease the days indoors, opt for a refreshing Pimm’s cup or a bubbly-blackberry Bramble.