Christine Knight, Author at Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Madame Tussauds Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

January 1, 2019 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Madame Tussauds Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

Get up-close and personal with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds! Take a selfie with Hollywood stars, sporting legends and historical figures without leaving Sydney.

Madame Tussauds was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in London in 1835 and has delighted visitors around the world ever since with its host of A-list celebrities.

A visit to Madame Tussauds is quite the unnerving experience. The wax sculptures of well-known people are so lifelike that it feels as though they might reach out and touch you when you’re posing for a photo.

It’s as close as most of us will get to people such as the British royal family and Barak Obama, so it’s a unique opportunity to take a look at what the person behind the photographs really looks like up close. Some are surprisingly petite, some taller than you’d think! All are incredibly lifelike!

Madame Tussauds is broken up into nine themed zones: Australian History, World Leaders and Politicians, Sports Legends, Fashion, Marvel Super Heroes, Music, Movie and TV Stars, Justice League: A Call For Heroes and Party.

Figures included feature modern and historical A-listers, ranging from Captain Cook and Albert Einstein to modern sporting stars like Cathy Freedman and movie characters like Wonder Woman and the brand new Aquaman.

Madame Tussauds has done a great job of making the scenes educational, with plaques on the wall giving information on each sculpture, as well as entertaining. Many of the sculptures have hands-on elements such as costumes to try on.

The Fashion section features a catwalk and makeup counters where visitors can give themselves a digital makeover, while in the Music section visitors can try the recording booths and accept an MTV music award.

Justice League: A Call For Heroes is the newest section, transporting visitors into the streets of Metropolis and Gotham City. Summon Batman into battle with the bat sign, race the Flash, wield the power of the sea with Aquaman and lift a helicopter with Superman.

Take home your own wax souvenir with a wax hand mounding of your own hand.

Madame Tussauds
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
madametussauds.com.au

Star Wars Identities The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

January 1, 2019 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Star Wars™ Identities The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

Feel the force and discover the psychology behind how our identities are formed at the interactive and absorbing Star Wars™ Identities exhibition now open at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney.

The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages, from kids to adults, and for newcomers to the movies as well as for die-hard fans.

Browse the 200 original Star Wars objects on display that include costumes, props, models and artwork while exploring your identity and creating your own unique Star Wars character.

At the start of the exhibition visitors are given radio transmitter with an ear piece and a smart technology bracelet to wear on their wrist which is used to engage with a series of interactive stations. Over the course of 10 stations visitors are given a series of choices to form their new persona, while also learning about the forces that shape us into the people that we are today.

Rare treasures from the Lucasfilm archives are dotted throughout the exhibition, including BB-8, R2-D2, the Millennium Falcon, Yoda, Darth Vader’s suit from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™, Hans frozen in carbonite and Leia’s famous metal bikini!

The exhibition also lets visitors learn more about the depths to the familiar characters they know and love. A fascinating look into the history and personality of characters such as Luke, Han, Leia, Yoda and Anakin will teach even diehard fans like us a new thing or two.

While the focus of the exhibition is forming a new character and discovering the Star Wars universe in more detail, visitors will walk away mulling over the question, “What the forces are that have shaped you?”.

We found the scientific component of the exhibition fascinating. Who are we? How did we become the people that we are? Star Wars Identities explores the theme of identity using ten components that help make us who we are: species, genes, parents, culture, mentors, friends, events, occupation, personality, and values.

These components are displayed in three groups in the progression from childhood to adulthood: Origins, Influences and Choices. One video per component, containing clips from Star Wars films as well as animated graphics explains how each component plays its part in shaping the person who we are, with references to Star Wars characters as well as to the visitors watching.

At the end of the exhibit get ready to meet your character. Don’t forget to email your character’s full profile to yourself before exiting.

This is the character I created, an Ewok named Quip!

Must Know Facts

The exhibition takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.

Costumes are allowed but no helmets or masks covering the face are permitted.

Lightsabers and replica weapons must be left at cloak check.

There are film clips including lightsaber duels that young children might find frightening.

Entry is timed. You can book tickets on the website to secure the time of your choosing, which I do suggest doing.

Star Wars Identities The exhibition
Nov 16 2018 – June 10 2019
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris St, Ultimo
http://www.starwarsidentities.com

We were guests of the Powerhouse Museum for the purpose of reviewing the exhibition. We are life-long Star Wars fans and all opinions, costumes and hair buns are our own.

Bigge Park Water Play Liverpool, Sydney, Australia

December 30, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Bigge Park in Liverpool, a south-west suburb of Sydney, received a $5 million upgrade a few years back. The upgrade included a fantastic free water play area.

The water play area has three zones, two of which are under cover. The water play feature include a tipping bucket, overhead showers and water guns pumping filtered recycled water.

There is an outdoor shower for rinsing off afterwards and bathrooms located a few steps away next to the tennis court.

While there is plenty of seating for adults around the water play area, very little of it is in the shade. The deck chairs cannot be moved.

Bigge Park also features two children’s playgrounds, one of which has accessible features, and an outdoor exercise park.

There are also wide paths for scooting, picnic tables and climbing structures near The Shed kiosk.

Paid parking is available at the north end of the park near the water play area.

Bigge Park
124 Bigge St, Liverpool

Why a Kenya beach and safari holiday should be on your bucket list

December 20, 2018 / Africa, Kenya, Travel / 0 comment

A visit to Kenya has been on my bucket list for years. The East African nation is not only an awesome place for a safari, it’s also steeped in history – some of the earliest fossilized hominid remains have been discovered there, which dates human civilization in the area back millions of years.

Kenya basically has it all. Fascinating cultural history, incredible wildlife, Indian Ocean beaches and mountain trekking. There’s a very good reason why Kenya is the number one most visited travel destination in East Africa right now, and so many good reasons to book your next holiday there!

Why a Kenya beach and safari holiday should be on your bucket list

I’m yet to visit Kenya but it’s on my “someday soon” list. There are so many things I want to do but I don’t know where to start. Good thing there are experts like Bench Africa who craft personalised itineraries fit for your preferences and requirements. When I finally get there, I can’t wait to try one of these incredible Kenyan Safaris from Bench Africa, as well as this top ten list of things to do in Kenya.

Top Ten Things To Do In Kenya

Watch the Great Migration in Masai Mara

Every year, millions of wildebeest, antelope, gazelle and zebra journey through Masai Mara National Reserve from The Serengeti, arriving between July and October. The animals are followed by predators, making for some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing imaginable.

Beach it up at Diani

Soaking up the sun at the stunning Diani Beach along the south Kenyan coast is a must-do to balance all the adventurous action the rest of the holiday will bring. The white powder sand and clear water is the perfect place for water sports, such as snorkeling, and just your basic lounging and relaxing.

Foster a baby elephant

The incredible David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust takes care of orphaned baby elephants (plus a blind rhino called Maxwell) before reintegrating them back into the wild where possible. Founded in 1977 by David and Dame Daphne Sheldrick, the foundation has saved hundreds of elephants. At the sanctuary visitors have a chance to meet and foster the babies.

Catch the Madaraka Express

Who doesn’t love the idea of a train ride across Africa? The Nairobi-Mombasa railway, called the “Lunatic Express” in 1901 when it opened, has been modernized and the Madaraka Express makes the incredible journey from Nairobi to Mombasa in just 4.5 hours with 9am daily departures from both destinations.

Visit Meru National Park

Once home to the famous orphaned lioness Elsa who was featured in the 1960s book by Joy Adamson “Born Free” and the following movie, the park and neighbouring Kora National Park are rugged and unspoilt, offering the chance to see a wide range of terrains such as jungle, rivers and termite cathedrals, and wildlife including Grevy’s zebras, elephants, Bohor reedbucks, hartebeests, pythons, puff adders, cobras and buffalos. The park is also a haven for bird waters, with more than 427 recorded species of birds calling it home.

Smile at a crocodile

Central Island National Park, located in Lake Turkana, is home to the world’s largest colony of Nile crocodiles. There’s an estimated number of 12,000 crocodiles living in the lake, which is the world’s largest permanent desert lake as well as the world’s largest alkaline lake.

Rendezvous with rhinos

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is working to lower rhino poaching in Kenya through using armed patrols, fences, technology and working closely with the local community. The conservancy has grown its population of black and white rhinos to more than 150 from a humble beginning of just 15 in 1984. A visit to the park will get you up close to the rhinos, who make up 14% of Kenya’s entire rhino population, as well as herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, the world’s single largest population of Grevy’s zebra and over 400 species of birds.

Limbo with a flamingo

Up to two million flamingoes descend upon Lake Nakuru, attracted by the lake’s abundance of algae. You’ll see quite a show of pink here, as well as lions, warthogs, baboons and other large mammals who live in the surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park. The park also provides sanctuary to black rhinos, southern white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes.

Feed a giraffe

A stay at the Giraffe Manor Hotel is the number one thing I have long wanted to do in Kenya. The hotel is located on the grounds of the AFEW Giraffe Center, which is a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Every morning and evening giraffes visit the hotel, poking their heads through the windows in hope of a snack. Bucket list indeed!

Glamp it out

The Loisaba Conservancy is home to whopping 50 kinds of mammals, including elephants, buffalo, Grevy zebra and a variety of big cats. What really sets the conservatory apart is their Starbeds – handmade four-poster beds on wheels, which are rolled out onto raised wooden platforms so that guests can sleep under the starry night sky. This is how I like to “camp”!

Kenya Tours by Bench Africa

I think tours are the way to go when visiting Kenya and these excellent tours by Bench Africa look incredible.

Great Kenya Safari

This award-winning safari combines all the best aspects of a Kenyan safari. The Great Kenya Safari offers you the opportunity to experience the world-famous Masai Mara, the colourful birds of Lake Nakuru, the majestic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the clear water springs at Mzima Springs in Tsavo West and witness herds of ochre-red elephants in Tsavo East National Park. Immerse yourself in eight days of wildlife on a scheduled small group safari through Kenya, with a maximum of seven passengers per vehicle.

The Safari Collection

This vibrant tour is both a wonderful introduction to safari and to the diversity of Kenya itself. Enjoy 7 nights on a wildly luxurious safari filled with luxury and adventure, experiencing exhilarating wildlife encounters and some unique and personal touches that will be remembered for an entire lifetime.

Your first stop needs no introduction! The elegant Giraffe Manor is home to a “tower” of resident Rothschild giraffe who may visit morning and evening, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Stay one night here before your journey takes you on an unforgettable bush experience. Sip on a sundowner whilst watching the glorious Masai Mara sunset at Sala’s Camp. Snuggle up in front of a roaring fire, with outstanding views of Mount Kenya at Solio Lodge. A wonderful exploration of wild Kenya!

AfroChic

Located on the white sands of gorgeous Diani Beach, AfroChic offers an intimate experience for those seeking rest, relaxation and the personal touch. The hotel has just 10 rooms each with en-suite, balcony and sun-lounger. The property has a unique and eclectic style of interiors and design and friendly staff are on hand to provide those little but special details. Enjoy a massage or beauty treatment, or simply relax on the beach enjoying views of ancient dhows in full sail.

Endangered Species Flying Safari

An incredible and unique flying safari, capturing the sights of endangered wild African animals whose existence is not only threatened but in many cases endangered according to the venerable IUCN Red List of threatened species: Lion and Cheetah in the world famous Masai Mara, African Elephant in Samburu, Wild Dog (also known as painted Dogs), the Black Rhino and the critically endangered Northern White Rhino in Laikipa. Experience the excitement and stunning scenery of magical Kenya from the air, aboard an executively configured luxury Cessna Caravan. Truly a trip of a lifetime!

Written in collaboration with Bench Africa.

New York Guide: Walking Across The Brooklyn Bridge

November 26, 2018 / New York, New York Life, Outdoor Play, Travel, USA / 0 comment

The Brooklyn Bridge joins Manhattan to Brooklyn, spanning the East River. Since its completion in 1883, the bridge has become one of the city’s most famous icons. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best ways to explore the city’s neighbourhoods and experience breathtaking views along the way.

Walking Across The Brooklyn Bridge

When to cross the Brooklyn Bridge
The bridge is open 24 hours a day and is safe to cross even late at night. It is however a major tourist attraction and by midday can be jam-packed with people. I suggest crossing the bridge early in the morning to avoid large crowds. It can get breezy on the bridge so bring an extra layer.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan

The pedestrian promenade begins as indicated by the arrow on the map. if arriving by subway, catch the 4, 5, or 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall or the J or Z trains to Chambers St. Other options are the 2 or 3 train to Park Place, the N or R train to City Hall, or the A or C train to Fulton Street

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway and Bicycle Lane start at the intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street. The road is busy so keep a hold of small children when crossing. The closet subway stops are A, C or F to Jay Street/MetroTech Station, N, R to Court Street Station, 2/3 or 4/5 to Borough Hall Station. This entrance is completely accessible and suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and bikes.

There is another entrance closer to the foreshore which includes several stairs. To reach this entrance, catch the A or C to High Street. Walk across the large when exiting the station to reach the underpass. On the left side of the street are a set of stairs built into the bridge. They can be tricky to spot.

Safety on the Brooklyn Bridge

Keep in the pedestrian lane and watch for bikes. The pedestrian lane is narrow and if there are people who have stopped you will have to walk around them by walking across the bike lane. Be careful as you do as cyclists go extremely fast.

Time and distance over the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is slightly over 1.1miles or 1.8 km long. It takes an average of 30 minutes to cross. 45-60 if you stop to admire the view or take lots of photos.

Enjoy seeing the sights in Brooklyn!

When you reach Brooklyn, enjoy our favourite neighbourhood with this guide of our fave places in DUMBO.

Visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) New York With Kids

November 23, 2018 / Indoor Play, Museums & Galleries, New York, New York Life / 0 comment

Visiting the Museum of Modern Art (Moma) New York With Kids

One of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world is also one of the most welcoming to children. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a place to take kids to encourage their creativity, let them explore and, most importantly, have fun.

Kids, especially younger ones, can be a tricky mix with an art gallery, as kids love to move and art loves to basically stand still on a wall. However, art galleries and kids can work and even be fun. Here are my tips for ensuring everyone enjoys the incredible MoMA.

Talk about what you’re going to see
Have a quick chat before you go in about what modern art is, and what they are going to see and do at the museum. Paintings! Photographs! Sculptures! A helicopter! I find it helpful to tell kids what is on offer for them to do, and then what you’re going to do that you want to do (ie look at the art!).

Discuss the rules
Also important to discuss in advance. Explain especially to younger kids why they can’t touch the art because the natural oils on our fingers can leave harmful prints. Tell them to ask before touching anything as a general rule.

Research what exhibitions are on
A quick look at the website will tell you what special exhibitions or permanent works are on display. I choose the Impressionist gallery for our visit because Cheese has read books on this art period and I knew she would be excited to see the paintings in real life.

Attend a family program
While none of these were on the day we visited, I highly recommend scheduling a visit around a family-friendly tour, art workshop, film, or activity station are offered offered seasonally on the weekends for families with kids ages 4–14. There is also the “Create Ability” program for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. See moma.org/family for more info.

Get real about how much art kids can take
The MoMA is huge and while it’s tempting to see everything, particularly if you are visiting the city and won’t have a chance to come back, aim to spend about 30-90 mins including breaks. Longer if your kid gets obsessed with ArtLab like mine did.

Pick up free Activity Cards
The activity cards contain activities, questions and ideas for looking at pieces of art throughout the MoMA. They are available at information desks on each floor of the museum.

We loved these activity cards and they led us on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum to located the art works and then find out more about them.

Visit Art Lab
ArtLab is an interactive space that is free with museum admission. To reach it, walk across the Sculpture Garden or down the corridor on the second floor of the Museum (past Cafe 2), then downstairs to the first floor of The Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building.

ArtLab lets kids and adults engage with art through hands-on activities. They can play and experiment with different materials and concepts, create masterpieces and contribute to group projects. There are activities to engage toddlers through to grade schoolers and even their parents.

Stroll through the sculpture garden
We loved the sculpture garden! as well as being visually impressive, the sculptures can be walked around or through, and several can be touched. The sculpture garden is free to access even without a ticket to the museum.

Feed the kids
Cafe 2 is the most kid-friendly dining area in the MoMA, with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Cheese ordered the pasta which came with a side of fruit, and I ordered a tomato soup.
The Sculpture Garden café also offers snacks.

Take a bathroom break
There are diaper-changing stations available in most of the bathrooms, and the dedicated family bathrooms are on Floors 1, 5, T1, and on the mezzanine
level of the Education and Research Building.

Take an audio tour
Pick up a free audio tour for kids or download the MoMA app, which has kid-friendly information.

Museum of Modern Art
Hours: Daily, 10:30am–5:30pm. Open till 8pm Fridays.
11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Kids 16 and under receive free admission to the Museum.
moma.org

American Girl Place New York

November 23, 2018 / New York, New York Life, Travel, USA / 0 comment

American Girl Place New York

American Girl Place is the flagship store for the iconic doll brand. The store stocks the full range of American Girl dolls, clothes and accessories, a cafe and salon where girls and their dolls can get their ears pierced and receive spa treatments.

The American Girl dolls were released in 1986 by Pleasant Company. Made to portray eight- to eleven-year-old girls of a variety of ethnicities, the dolls are wildly popular and one step inside American Girl Place will show you why.

Located in the heart of the Rockefeller Center, the American Girl Place is all things pink and girly. Dolls and their accessories line the walls and fill the floors.

Girls (and boys!) can wander around the multi-floor store and play with the dolls that are on display, or enjoy one of the hands-on stations set up around the store, designed to engage kids.

A really fun experience for kids at the store is the American Girl Salon. Girls and their dolls can get matching hairstyles, mini manicures and get their ears pierced.

We’ve previously been to the salon at the LA store for a hairstyle and ear piercing (above) and it’s the sweetest experience – expensive, but really fun for a special occasion.

The cafe inside the store is open for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Bring your own doll or borrow a doll from the cafe to dine with.

Each doll is given their own special chair that attaches to the table and a special dining set with placemat, plate and cup. On the back of the placemat are conversation starters, such a cute idea. Diners are welcome to take home the doll dining set.

The napkins are tied with American Girl hair ties that are also a take-home gift.

When dining at the cafe, their lunch and dinner menu has the best selection for kids, with their “Truly Me” menu for kids aged 9 and under. The menu includes a choice of refillable beverage, entrée, and dessert plus a special souvenir, for $21 per child, plus tax. The entrees offer plenty of choice for fussy little eaters, with options such as chicken tenders with fruit, a cheese burger and mini hot dog, pasta (plain or marinara), mac and cheese and pizza.

When we dined, Cheese chose the Fancy Bow-Tie Pasta with butter and
grated Parmesan, plus a breadstick. The portion size was absolutely massive – big enough for us to share it.

American Girl Place New York
75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019
Phone: +1 877-247-5223
americangirl.com

One World Observatory, New York

November 22, 2018 / New York, New York Life, Travel, USA / 0 comment

One World Observatory, New York

Climb to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Center, in New York City. The One World Observatory is located on the 100-102 floors with breathtaking views, restaurants and exhibits on offer.

The One World Trade Center is located in Downtown Manhattan, near where the original Twin Towers in the World Trade Center complex used to stand. After the Twin Towers collapsed during the 2001 terrorist attack, the new One World Trade Center was build near to where the old towers used to stand. The footprints of the old Twin Towers have been turned into 9/11 Memorial Pool outside the new building.

I did visit New York a few months prior to the attack and went up the old Twin Towers to admire the view, so it was an emotional visit for me to return to the scene and head up the new building.

Entrance to the Observatory is on the West Plaza located alongside West Street at the Northwest corner of the World Trade Center complex.

There is usually a long queue to visit the One World Observatory so I highly suggest buying tickets online in advance. Tickets are timed, which can make it tricky to book ahead, but you can book tickets on your phone just before you’re thinking of heading up and chance that the time slot won’t be sold out. This is what we did and had no issues. We stood at the entrance, noticed the huge queue and then booked the tickets on my phone and walked straight in, past the queue, and through security.

After security, visitors walk through a really cool “bedrock” exhibition that consists of the rocks that form the base of the city.

The elevators are called “Skypods” and transport visitors 102 floors in 47 seconds. The elevator ride itself is incredible, with a video display on the walls and roof that shows the transformation of New York City from unsettled lands to today’s skyscrapers.

At the Observatory level, you’ll find special exhibits, the See Forever Theater, the obligatory green screen photo op, restaurants, bathrooms and shops.

Also at the Observatory level is the Sky Portal, which was hugely popular with Cheese. The Sky Portal is a 14-foot wide circular disco that shows high definition footage of the streets that lie 100 floor below. Not for those who are scared of heights, perhaps!

There is no outside area at the Observatory, however the floor to ceiling glass windows are absolutely massive (no other way to describe it!) and so large that they could almost not be there. Standing by the edge of the windows is quite the experience, peering 100 floors down.

We spent about 45mins-1 hour at the Observatory, which I’m told is the average visiting time.

If you’d like to purchase your souvenir photo, you can do so at the exit on the ground floor.

There are no binoculars at the Observatory which was a bit of a shame, as they are always a highlight particularly for kids.

Tips for visiting with kids

Kids under 6 are free

Strollers are allowed but you will be asked to remove your child and fold your stroller up for access to the elevators as well as the escalators within the Observatory.

Buy tickets in advance to avoid lining up.

One World Observatory, New York
Hours: Daily, 9am-9pm
Phone: +1 844-696-1776
285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10006
oneworldobservatory.com

Dylan’s Candy Bar, New York

November 22, 2018 / Manhattan Munchies, New York, New York Food, Upper East Side / 0 comment

Dylan’s Candy Bar, New York

The world’s largest confectionary emporium and lifestyle brand, Dylan’s Candy Bar is a real-life candytopia. The original flagship location on New York City’s Upper East Side features three floors of delicious treats, including a cafe on the top floor.

Dylan’s Candy Bar was opened in 2001 by Dylan Lauren, of the Ralph Lauren family. The flagship store is a crazy colourful chaos reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, with an oversized lollypop tree, candy cane columns, oversized chocolate rabbit, candy-embedded stairs and kaleidoscopic candy wallpaper that you kind of want to lick (but don’t! Don’t lick the wallpaper!).

If candy is your thing then put Dylan’s on your New York bucket list. The store houses over 7,000 confections from all over the world.

The bright colours are mesmerising and the smell of sugar is dizzying. I dare any adult who enters not to embrace their inner child and make like a kid in a candy store themselves.

You can find plenty of unique gifts in the store too, from Dylan’s Candy Bar (private label) products to candy-inspired stationary, plushies, jewellery and lotions. Even fridge magnets!

I highly suggest visiting the upstairs cafe and sitting in an oversized cupcake booth. We did just that for lunch and enjoyed some very non-sweet things after our sugar binge on the floor below: Dylan’s House Salad ($9, arugula, goat cheese, breakfast radishes, grape tomatoes & a balsamic glaze) and The Kid’s Pie ($8, kid’s pizza with mozzarella & tomato sauce). The food was excellent and well priced.

The salad was huge and fresh, bursting with flavour thanks to the liberal lashing of balsamic glaze, and the kid’s pie was so massive I ended up eating half. Excellent value for lunch in New York city!

We have previously ordered the candy-inspired cocktails and they are excellent as well as pretty. The cafe makes loads of beautiful desserts and shakes if you are feeling like something sweet.

Dylan’s Candy Bar
Hours: Mon-Thur: 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-11pm, Sunday: 10am-9pm
1011 Third Ave (at 60th St.)
New York, NY 10065
Phone: (646) 735-0078
Subway: N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6
dylanscandybar.com

Ellen’s Stardust Diner, New York

November 22, 2018 / Eat & Explore, Manhattan Munchies, Midtown, New York, New York Food, New York Life, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is an iconic 1950s-themed diner with singing servers and a massive menu filled with American classics. Located in the heart of Times Square, your server at Ellen’s may be the next star on Broadway!

While Ellen’s may be considered a bit of a tourist trap, it’s incredibly fun and we have been several times. The food is overpriced but adequate – it’s really the great singing and lively atmosphere that are the draw card here.

Our server, after introducing herself, hopped up on the tables to belt out a Broadway classic that left us speechless. The staff here truly have extraordinary talent.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner serves up plenty of options with an absolutely massive menu. It’s an extremely popular spot, especially with tourists and tour groups, and there is usually a queue to get in that runs around the block. My advice is to come for breakfast since they open at 7am.

Not only is this a great time to visit and get a table immediately, it will also save you a few dollars on your meal. While there is an all-day breakfast menu, their dedicated breakfast menu is a different menu entirely and is served between served from 7am to 11am. It features cheaper food choices, making this a great time to go for both crowds and cost saving.

We ordered the plain Jane classic three egg omelette with tater tots ($13.50) and Joseph & The Technicolor Bagel (Yes! It’s a Rainbow Bagel, served w/ rainbow sprinkle cream cheese and tater tots, $10.50). The omelette was really flat whereas we prefer fluffy omelettes and the tater tots packed a bit of spice, which meant while I liked them, Cheese didn’t. She did however love her rainbow bagel.

I do have to mention how excellent the service is from the singing waitstaff. Not only are they amazingly talented, they are also really great at their jobs. About 30 seconds after being given a massive glass of OJ, Cheese accidentally knocked it over. Our server dashed over, cleaned it up and replaced it with another in a spill proof cup, without being asked. Really great service.

You can read about our previous experience at Ellen’s Starburst Diner here.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Hours: Daily, 7am-12am
(212) 956-5151
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
ellensstardustdiner.com