Ever wonder who serves the best slice of pizza in New York City? Actor Kevin Spacey says it’s Joe’s in Greenwich Village. When actor Will Ferrell needs the perfect cup of joe, he heads to Ninth Street Espresso in Chelsea Market, while Mayor Mike Bloomberg swears by the fried chicken at his favorite Greek diner, Viand, on Madison Avenue.
These are just a few of the insider tips on when, where, and how to enjoy the Big Apple in My City, My New York: Famous People Share Their Favorite Places by Jeryl Brunner (Globe Pequot Press, 2011). Packed with hundreds of suggestions on restaurants, museums, parks, hideaways, shopping, and nocturnal haunts, My City is a celebration of what makes New York fun for residents and visitors. The second book in the series, My City, My Los Angeles: Famous People Share Their Favorite Places, has just been released from Globe.
“The My City books offer a unique look into beloved personal rituals of notable people including actors, directors, chefs, writers, politicians, designers, and business titans,” Brunner tells Show Daily. “When somebody tells you about the things they love most, it’s revealing about the person, and it’s also revealing about the city.”
A seasoned journalist who has covered the celebrity beat for years, Brunner says that many listings in her books are “simple pleasures, many of which are free or inexpensive.” Actors Edie Falco, Matthew Broderick, and Kathleen Turner enjoy biking or walking along Hudson River Park, while singer Bette Midler loves the Conservatory Garden in Central Park.
Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award–winning writer John Patrick Shanley enjoys people-watching in Grand Central Station and chef/author/restaurateur Lidia Bastianich has been going to open rehearsals at the Metropolitan Opera for years. “Tickets are much less expensive and sometimes they are free. Anybody can go, and you can even bring your lunch inside,” says Bastianich.
Amy Lyons, Globe travel editorial director, calls the My City books “pure fun with a personal perspective. The remarkable thing is that these books aren’t about celebrity hangouts. Everyone shares a favorite place or an experience that truly anyone can enjoy. It’s like getting a recommendation from a friend—and that friend just happens to be Hugh Jackman.” Today, Jeryl Brunner signs copies of both My City books in the Globe Pequot booth (1514), 10–11 a.m.
