Virtual Vacations
Welcome to New York City
Via Houston
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.
How lucky are we? While in Brooklyn, take a walk to view the beautiful springtime cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and check out The Brooklyn Museum virtual collection and some special exhibits.
Local Houston Pairings
Golden Bagel & Coffee in the Heights is doing take-out only, and you can order online or call them directly at 346-240-3780.
It’s got New York in the name so it must be good. New York Bagels and Coffee is doing delivery through DoorDash. Such great bagels and schmears, but go ahead and order lunch while you’re at it. You’re gonna want it.
Hot Bagel in Montrose is doing pick-up through their website. Along with the regular bagels, they also have the bagel dog.
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:
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The Met has both online collections and a 360 degree video series.
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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.
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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 Houston Pairings
Romanos Pizza is the closest we’ve found to the thin slices you can grab in NY. They’re doing delivery via UberEats, DoorDash, and Favor. You can also call in at 713-526-1182.
Known as the pizza place next to Axelrad, Luigi’s Pizza is legit and worth visiting on its own. Call for delivery or use UberEats.
A friend recently told us that Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli reminded them of being in their grandmother’s kitchen. If that isn’t recommendation enough, we don’t know what is. The most traditional deli menu in Houston is available for curbside, delivery via Postmates and Favor.
Sometimes you get a hankering for a ruben in the middle of the night. Katz’s Deli is here for you. Curbside pick up available 24/7.
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 Houston 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 hot dog. Thank goodness Houston has all that covered too.
James Coney Island Hot Dogs has 17 locations in Houston and all the methods of pick-up, drive-through, and delivery covered.
B.B. Lemon gives off that East Coast vibe with their rubens and bacon parm. Available for DoorDash delivery and take-out.
Looking to class things up and go old school New York? Both Pappas Bros. Steakhouse locations are opening up for curbside pick up. Grab a steak, a bottle of wine, and don’t forget a slice of as-big-as-your-head cheesecake.
Chow Wok is straightforward Chinese that you crave. They’re delivering to different neighborhoods throughout Houston, one area a day. Order online for take-out.
Some of the best biryanis in Houston at Bawarchi. This authentic South Indian place does take-out and uses all the delivery 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.