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Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Info Post
Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. This week we introduce you to Patrice Callender of New York. 

To find out more about our community activities in New York, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Patrice is the hilarious lady behind the popular blog Hell & Heartaches.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Patrice made her way back to Brooklyn as an adult. Somewhere in there she spent a year in Miami, but NYC is home, so, she says, she had to come back. A resident of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Patrice spends her spare time brunching, admonishing the Atlantic Terminal Target for being out of toilet paper, and eating food from flea markets and food trucks. While she’s definitely Brooklyn-based, she’s also a big fan of Jackson Heights, Flushing and Jamaica (all in Queens) and Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

Do you have any secret talents?
The ability to befriend bartenders without even trying? Does that count?

Share an ultimate insider tip for your city.
Slow down just a bit. Rushing from activity to activity, you miss the best part of NYC: the hijinks you can accidentally fall into.


If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Former Mayor Ed Koch. I bet he knows the ins and outs of all the best old school NYC places.

What would your superpower be?
The ability to make people follow the "stand to the right if you aren't walking it" escalator rule.

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Reality TV — from the U.K.

What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
I really loved cocktails at Lani Kai. It was a perfect summer evening, and it's a great place to have drinks, with the Sonic-style crushed ice, little plates and relaxing atmosphere.

Mmm, Lani Kai — those pork belly sliders are delicious. Care to share some of your other local favorites with us?

Jackson Diner - I've been going to Jackson Diner for just about as long as I've had a mouth. Love the Sunday buffet. It's a way to try it all and find a favorite if you've never really tested Indian food beyond a random curry or two. The trays come out fast and furious, so no old Paneer here. As for the service, they honestly get such a high turnover/have become a bit of a destination to try Indian food that on the weekends and high-traffic times, you can feel neglected. I've been here on the odd Monday or Wednesday and given the time to spend with you they are quite attentive and willing to explain anything on the menu. They can also adjust the heat levels in the curries from polite to exceptionally ignorant at your request. The dining room has a great amount of space and the restaurant is best with a group if you are ordering off the regular menu. They have a selection of wine, beer and faux Indian-inspired cocktails. I'm not being snippy because they wouldn't just put rum in my lassi — I swear.

James - Burger happy hour, $5 draft beer happy hour, “Sunday Suppers” and a great brunch. James makes it easy to find a reason to have a meal here. Cozy corner banquette seating as well as two top tables. There’s seating at the bar too. Everything on the menu is delicious. Good selection of wine by the glass or bottle at a reasonable price. Generous portions (especially on the quiche) and perfectly done bacon. They also do a Huntsmen's Feast (various types of game in a tasting menu) once a year.

American Museum of Natural History - My favorite museum in the city. From the recent brain and big-boned dinosaurs exhibits, they have well thought out interactive exhibits. An easy way to keep a child or yourself occupied for an entire afternoon without effort.

Ali's T&T Roti - You want good, no frills roti and other Caribbean specialties? Then you go to Ali's. A few tables, but no wait service and the to-go line runs through the room. Meat and vegetarian roti options, as well as with rice and peas. Daily soup special and Caribbean sodas, sweets, juices and canned goods. I recommend that you ask for the housemade peanut punch instead of the bottle version. Completely affordable and portions that can last you for two meals or be shared.

Posted by Esther Brown, Manhattan community manager

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