For the time being I am only allowing comments three days past the posting date.
I’ve been getting a ridiculous amount of spam and I haven’t been able to keep up.
If you wish to have something posted about one of the older articles you may shoot me an email. Please keep it relevant!
tarbeaches [at] gmail [dot] com
Look under Giveaways. We will be having a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to Green Holiday Gifts at the end of January – just in time to get something special for the sweetheart in your life. Follow the directions on the Giveaways page. : )
~ CM
Back in June, Leah Goldman, of businessinsider.com, did a ‘walkthrough’ of Birreria, the new Beer Garden on top of Eataly. The line to wait is downstairs, before you even get to the elevator, maintaining the air of exclusivity and giving patrons a quieter experience up on the roof.
For their photos and more about their experience read here: http://www.businessinsider.com/eataly-beer-garden-2011-6?op=1#ixzz1hfVG84z4
Birreria
From the Birreria website:
Eataly’s BIRRERIA is a rooftop restaurant and brewery that offers the highest quality beer and food under the stars and skyline. In collaboration with Dogfish Head, Baladin and Del Borgo, we are brewing unfiltered,unpasteurized and naturally carbonated Cask Ales just 30 feet from where you sit, eat and drink. Each is served through traditional hand pumps, at the perfect temperature, so you can enjoy our beers in the most natural and traditional way. The menu conjures the family style feasts of an Italy influenced by Austria and Germany. Its dishes are unlike anything served at Eataly’s five restaurants with a focus on hearty fare that feels convivial and comforting: deeply flavorful mushroom entrees, pork shoulder paired with housemade pickled vegetables and sauerkraut, housemade sausages and grilled meats.
There is something quite appealing about a rooftop microbrewery and beer garden. Bottoms up! ~ CM
I found this great article in the Gothamist on Mark Elijah Rosenberg, Founder of Rooftop Films. I am going to pull some favorite parts of the article, but you can click here to read the entire article.
In twelve years, Mark Elijah Rosenberg has transformed Rooftop Films from a party he threw on his East Village roof with a sheet and a projector to a summer long short film festival with screenings at unique locations all over the five boroughs. The organization has forged collaborations with more than 30 film festivals, schools, and social service organizations throughout New York’s five boroughs and across the country.
Can you tell the story of the first Rooftop screening? I was a young filmmaker in 1997 who had made some short films which had screened at a couple of festivals, and I’d seen some great films by my friends and others, but I wanted more people to see this work. At the same time, I was always hanging out on my rooftop on 14th St. and 1st Ave., and it seemed like a great place to have a film festival. I bought a used 16mm film projector, stapled a sheet to the wall, borrowed some chairs from a furniture company, invited my friends, tied the building’s door open, and magically some 300 people showed up to see films they’d never heard of. The chairs put little dents in the tar paper roof, and even though the super patched them in 10 minutes with a $12 bucket of tar, my landlord used that as an excuse to give me the boot. But the event had worked so well, I decided to do it again next year, out in Brooklyn, where my friends Dan Nuxoll and Joshua Breitbart had set up a loft.
And this has to be my favorite since the ‘romance’ of rooftops has always been what has attracted me…
I imagine you use a lot of locations that generally remain untouched most of the time. What’s been the strangest thing you’ve found while doing a screening? I think the most amazing thing that’s been found at Rooftop Films screenings is love. At our events, you watch a movie with hundreds of strangers, but it’s not like a typical movie-going experience, where you sit in a black room with strangers for an hour and a half, then get up and leave; nor is it like going to a bar, where mostly you hang out with your friends and talk about stuff external to the bar. There’s entertainment, and socializing, and a surprising number of people I know have met at Rooftop and eventually fallen in love. It’s also an amazing place to take a date, because even with all those people around, up on the roof or in some secret space, you do feel secluded, and special. Our upcoming screening of Romantic Short Films, “Looking for Love,” on Saturday, August 30 at The Yard will take that romance to a new level, as we’ll be accepting Personal Ads, Missed Connections, and general Romantic Notes on our website, playing them on screen before the show and at intermission, giving away free wine, showing romantic films in a romantic setting, and helping people to find love!
We both grew up in New York City. Rooftops here have always been more of a haven. Growing up on my block of buildings, the roof was the easiest way to escape the eyes of our parents and the other adults hanging around. Did you spend a lot of time on roofs as a kid? Do you think as adults they provide us the same sort of escape? I did spend a lot of time on New York City rooftops as a kid, and was basically still a kid when I started Rooftop Films (just a month out of college, in 1997). I think there’s something more significant than just escaping and doing illicit acts which plays into the thrill of visiting NYC rooftops, though that is part of the allure, whether you’re a teenager messing around or an adult visiting one of our (fully legal) events. I think the most crucial aspect of it is that you gain a new perspective, one that is both secret and exposed. To follow the metaphor of sneaking around your parents’ gaze, at Rooftop Films, we’re not necessarily showing you things you shouldn’t see, but rather finding a unique and new way to show you things you should see, but wouldn’t unless you came to Rooftop. You can come to Rooftop Films and enjoy amazing, original movies in a whole new way.
If you could change one thing about New York, what would it be? … I think we should open up more rooftops, parks and streets for events of all kinds.
enjoy … CM
Everyone has their own opinion. I ran across this post in a blog about NYC’s Climate Week from earlier this Fall.
BLOG > THE AIR IS CLEARER AT THE TOP: CHIC CITY ROOF GARDENS
07.15.2011
by: Editor | EnvironmentBlake Van Velden, Researcher for The Climate Group, hand-picks his favorite green roofs and innovative urban roof gardens from across the world – some of which would be perfect for exploring during Climate Week NYC.
Blake writes:
I often daydream about soaring far above the world’s biggest cities and gazing down to see a green paradise, covered in a wonderful array of life; vines creeping over buildings ready to envelop all inhabitants, butterflies fluttering wherever they desire and birds singing about the beauties of urban living.
It’ll come as no surprise then, that I’m excited about the trend towards promoting green roofs and roof gardens in urban centers.
On top of their handsome green aesthetics, one of the greatest things about roof gardens is their flexibility of uses. Here’s a look at some very different approaches to roof gardens across the globe.
Kensington Roof Gardens, London.
This exclusive roof garden was established in the late 1930s and covers 6,000 square meters on top of the former Derry and Toms building on Kensington High Street, London. There are three themed gardens: Spanish, Tudor and English woodland. All of these are perfectly maintained and transport you into another world. These Roof Gardens are a must visit for those in London. The strangest thing is, is that they aren’t very well known – despite being over 70 years old. The fact that the Duchess of Cambridge (or Kate Middleton as we know her best) was seen dancing in these gorgeous gardens recently will probably change all that though.
Images: http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com
Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden, Manhattan.
The stunning view from this Roof Garden is easily one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Although this Roof Garden is less impressive than the Kensington Roof Gardens in regards to its actual ‘gardens’ (i.e. plant variety, sheer size etc), it offers simply amazing views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
What’s more is that each summer the garden hosts a single-artist exhibition. The fantastic cafe and bar are always are popular retreat for those wishing to escape the rush of life down below. On a side note, be aware that New York magazine rates the Roof Garden as one of the finest pick-up spots in Manhattan!
Remember that this garden is only open in warmer months – which is perfect timing for Climate Week NYC.
Images: http://www.centralpark.com/photos/show/11038/treetops-from-the-roof-garden
230 Fifth Rooftop Garden, Manhattan.
This funky Roof Garden isn’t so much a roof garden as it is a rooftop bar and restaurant – and New York’s largest at that. The views on offer differ from those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden, in that 230 Fifth is surrounded on all sides by Midtown’s best architecture. It even offers unobstructed views of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings. It’s open all year and from 4:00pm-4:00am so there’s plenty of time to visit; they even supply crimson Snuggies for those cold late night/early morning visits too. This roof garden is a definite visit for those wanting to wind down after working hard at Climate Week NYC and really sit back and appreciate one of the most stunning cities in the world – from way up above.
Images: www.230-fifth.com
Looks like someone else has jumped on the bandwagon. It appears that a new rooftop book by Alex Maclean will be released this spring (16 May) through the Princeton Architectural Press. Amazon is not showing photos or a cover yet.
Alex MacLean (Author)
Standing high on a rooftop, cocooned in your own little world … the noise and hustle of the streets falls away while time is suspended. Night falls and the glow of a city that never sleeps is all that lights your secret garden oasis. Life is magical, anything seems possible and fairy tales do come true… ~CM
I had to begin this series with this most classic of landmark Fifth Avenue gardens.
If you haven’t heard of Rockefeller Center … you probably haven’t heard of New York. And yet how many people who flock to the center have no idea that two of the first landscaped rooftop gardens in New York are hidden up above the Channel Gardens. Perched across from Saks Fifth Ave, these iconic twin gardens are the original ‘green roofs’ of New York.
Created over 75 years ago by developer John R. Todd and architect Raymond Hood, the ‘hanging gardens’ atop the British Empire building and the Maison Française were created as a ‘visual treat’ for the thousands of workers in the Rockefeller Center and surrounding offices.
Today this is a fantastic location for a romantic New York City rooftop wedding. Both the garden and loft at 620 Fifth Avenue (the British Empire Building) are available for special events.
© CM Glover 2009
“There is nothing like the landmark garden in Rockefeller Center. There are views of Fifth Avenue and St. Patrick’s Cathedral from the garden. The interior loft space looks directly over Rockefeller Center. Every event looks different in the clean, white loft space. Every wedding is special here.”
~ Brook Harkavy Hernandez, Director of Special Events
Available year round, the garden and loft can accommodate both the ceremony and up to 100 for a seated dinner with dancing in the same room. While they automatically tent the patio space in the garden; during inclement or cold weather, the ceremony, reception and dinner may all be held inside. Brides are welcome to bring outside caterers to work in the space, however the company offers special packages in conjunction with their recommended vendors.
To hold your dream wedding in this one of a kind location, expect to pay on the high end of venue fees.
© CM Glover 2009
Call 212.593.9499 or email events@topoftherocknyc.com if you are interested in booking your Fifth Avenue rooftop wedding.
© CM Glover 2009
For more images go to topoftherocknyc.com.
From TopOfTheRockNYC.com
Ok – I know this isn’t a rooftop in NYC. But I love this band. They are a local (to where I live) group making a name for themselves. And – I just want to do this myself!!! How fun would this be!
Just a thought – if you could get them to do a wedding on a rooftop in NYC you’d have a great reception!!
When the farm is just a few floors up, farm to table dining takes on a whole new meaning.
I happen to love the old movie Bell, Book & Candle, so imagine my delight when I ran across the site of the ‘green’ restaurant, Bell, Book & Candle at 141 W. 10th St in New York. ’Dedicated to responsible procurement’, 60% of their organically grown produce comes from their own rooftop aeroponic system.
Menus at BBC are seasonally created around the concept of local, organic, sustainable and overall responsible procurement, and are heavily influenced by what’s flourishing on the aeroponic roof-top tower garden. Multiple menu items reference their ‘rooftop herbs’ and the BBC Burger lists one of the ingredients as a “rooftop pickle”. That one made me smile.
Check out the bottom of any menu page for a partial list of vegetables and herbs grown on the rooftop.
SOME ITEMS WE PRODUCE FROM OUR AEROPONIC ROOF TOP GARDEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR LISTED BELOW:
Sage, Chive, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Genovese Basil, Opal Basil, Italian and Flat Leaf Parsley, Spearmint, Rosemary, 4 varieties of Nasturtium, Cheddar Cauliflower, Purple Tomatillo, Tomatillo, Japanese and Kermit Eggplant,
2 varieties of Arugula, 4 varieties of Cherry Tomato, Great White Tomato, Bibb Lettuce, Red Oak Leaf, Red Romaine, Green Romaine, Lola Rosa, Frisee, Green Crisp, Poblano Pepper, Fennel
I’ve been researching the best spots for rooftop weddings and ran across this at blog.oyster.com.
by Angie on July 9, 2010
The Empire Hotel’s rooftop features a bar, a pool and an old-fashioned neon sign.
So you’re ready to take the plunge and tie the knot. If you’re planning a wedding, we’re willing to bet that you’ve visited your fair share of conventional wedding venues. BOR-ING.
But why not spice things up a bit? Below we’ll tell you about seven unique weddings spots around New York City that will make your celebration the absolute talk of the town. Even better? Every one of them is on a rooftop — prime real estate in this vertical city.
So whether you’re planning your own wedding or you’re just bored of all the normal weddings you’ve attended lately, check out our top picks for rooftop weddings in New York City.
The terrace of a Triplex Suite at The New York Palace
When we think of romance in the Big Apple, The New York Palace comes to mind – probably thanks to the steamy affairs on Gossip Girl filmed here. But the Palace offers plenty more than fictional lusty teenagers, including three lavish triplex penthouses with terraces that provide beautiful views of the New York skyline – a perfect backdrop for your ceremony. (For your reception afterward, you can move downstairs to the gorgeous Gilt restaurant, or one of the hotel’s other event spaces, some of which can hold up to 300 guests). While the Palace may be rich in tradition – it was built in 1882 as a private mansion – a skyscraper-filled ceremony on a terrace would give your wedding a unique, modern twist.
The view from the rooftop of the Empire Hotel
With sweeping views of the Upper West Side, The Empire Hotel’s rooftop – which features one of New York’s best rooftop bars – is a rare gem. This space can host a reception of 400 to 500 guests for standing cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, or 50 to 60 guests for a seated dinner. In a separate area, the hotel also houses a guests-only rooftop pool, a great location for weddings guests to catch some sun before the big day. Inside the hotel, the decor is warm and plush, with leopard- and zebra-print seating in the lobby and a balcony on the second floor. Built in the mid-1890s, the Empire is one of the city’s oldest hotels and still sports an old-fashioned neon sign on top, giving the innovative rooftop a hint of nostalgia.
The Maritime Hotel’s nautical theme makes it a fun wedding location.
The Maritime – a hip, nautical-themed hotel in New York’s trendy Meatpacking District – has two cabanas that sit one floor above its restaurant, La Bottega. Combined, they offer a total of 6,320 square feet and can accommodate 550 guests for a standing reception. The northern cabana is slightly larger and is permanently enclosed, which means the outside area is heated during the cold months. The southern cabana can also be enclosed in the winter, giving you the option of having a sunny outdoor reception all year round. And if you’re looking to hold your fete higher up in the air, we think the hotel’s penthouse roof has great potential for something intimate.
The Library Hotel’s rooftop lounge is a cozy spot for a shower or small reception.
Although it may not be an ideal spot for a wedding reception, the Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel is perfect for a luncheon, afternoon tea, or bridal shower. This cozy rooftop space seats 30 guests for a sit-down luncheon and can hold up to 60 for a buffet-style meal. Realistically, the space is too small to fit a DJ or a band, but the sound system has an iPod hook-up and XM radio. The hotel offers discounted rates to wedding parties, and there’s a love-themed room that is popular among newlyweds (there’s an erotic literature-themed room, too, if you’re into that).
The Hotel on Rivington’s penthouse suite (shown here) has floor-to-ceiling windows.
Hotel on Rivington’s penthouse suite sits 21 stories above New York and comes with a fabulous terrace (complete with hot tub) overlooking the city’s Lower East Side – an edgy, gentrified area that has a hip reputation. Perfect for a couple who share a rebellious streak, this glass-enclosed space can house a cocktail reception for 250 guests or a seated reception for 50.
Press Lounge at Ink48 opened in April 2010.
Press Lounge – Ink48′s rooftop bar and lounge – opened in April 2010 and can host 300 guests for a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres. When we visited the lounge, the hotel pointed out that this indoor-outdoor rooftop space – which overlooks the city on one side and the Hudson River on the other – would be prime real estate for a wedding (especially if you’re willing to share your nuptials with a hot tub and a reflecting pool). The hotel’s penthouse suite has a balcony that overlooks the rooftop, a great spot for the newlyweds to relax and gaze upon their party.
The view from the rooftop of The Standard
The Standard houses a coveted lounge called the Boom Boom Room (formally called the Top of the Standard), which connects to the hotel’s Black Room bar and its retro-looking, AstroTurf-lined rooftop space. Although the Standard does not regularly accommodate weddings, they will agree to consider proposals on a case-by-case basis (read: if you’re famous like Lady Gaga, or perhaps have as much money as she does). It’s worth a try!
