October 12, 2007
I've been mapping out the places I'm interested in visiting while in NYC next week, and they have one thing in common: There's nothing like it in Birmingham, and probably nothing like it in Atlanta, either. (No Applebee's. ha.)
In my business strategy class, so far we've done case studies of four companies that have a focused strategy and have been very successful with that strategy.
The population density and diverse ethnic populations allow NYC to support businesses with an extremely narrow focus. For example: An ice cream shop in Chinatown that serves only Chinese/Asian ice cream flavors, a bagel store that serves nothing but bagels (no cream cheese, drinks, etc), a bike shop that sells only fixed gear bikes and accessories, an Indian restaurant that focuses on one region of Indian cuisine, a cupcake bakery (yum!), and of course, the infamous restaurant owned by the Soup Nazi. If you do one thing and do it insanely, amazingly, incredibly well, then your business can survive.
I've always been fascinated by things that are unusual or that I haven't seen before, so I've enjoyed every trip I've made to NYC. I would have rather gone somewhere I haven't been before, but this is an employer-sponsored trip so I didn't have a choice. I'm glad it's NYC and not a power plant in the middle of nowhere. There are other nat gas and oil conferences in places like Amsterdam and Sydney, but I couldn't convince my manager that we NEED to send some people to those. Heh.
Posted by megabeth at October 12, 2007 10:32 AM
I hope you have a great trip, and perhaps you will have some of your usual great pictures to share with us. You evidently have more experience visiting NYC than I do--the only time I've been (back in the 80's) I made the mistake of driving in MANHATTAN. For a guy from Alabama that was not a good thing. But it was great--I even made it to Coney Island, although things have changed there in twenty years.
Posted by: Stan at October 13, 2007 09:22 PM
Maybe a business strategy class could take a look at Applebee's and explain to me how they manage to stay in business. Seriously, I stopped going there after my third bad meal in as many tries and I haven't heard any one I've ever talked to say something on the order of "you've got to go" there. And the television ads are uber-annoying.
When there are places like Chilis, TGI Fridays (not so much) and even the Olive Garden (least common denominator Italianate food but edible and cheap) how does Applebee's continue to operate?
Sorry to go off on the rant. Have a great, great time in The City.
Posted by: BlogDog at October 14, 2007 01:56 PM
I drove from Newark to Connecticut one time and had to skirt the area. Even that was nervewracking.
Applebee's has value in some places, like where there is nowhere else to dine except for McDonald's and Taco Bell.
Posted by: megabeth at October 15, 2007 12:48 PM
Restaurants to visit while in NYC that won't break the bank:
1. Les Halles
http://www.leshalles.net/ny_park.php
If you have been watching Top Chef or have read Kitchen Confidential, you will know Anthony Bourdaine. Have the Steak Fritte. It is excellent and a bargain price. What's more, they make the best fries in the city.
2. Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station.
Grand Central Station alone is worth a visit. Just ask for a dozen of their best oysters and you won't be disappointed.
3. Margon.
The best Cuban Sandwich in town under $6.00.
http://midtownlunch.com/blog/2006/11/15/margon-3/
Get there before Noon if you don't want to wait. The line is out the door. This is a place only locals know about.
4. Kwik Meal on 45th Street just west of 6th Avenue.
Have the lamb over rice. This is street food at its best!
Have a great time and please avoid the chains!
Best,
Paul
Posted by: Anonymous at October 15, 2007 03:48 PM
Thanks for the tips! I will look them up.
One of our dinners w/banks was at Del Frisco's so I negotiated with my manager so that I can eat at Sparks steakhouse instead. It seems silly to go to NYC and eat at a chain.
Posted by: megabeth at October 15, 2007 04:15 PM
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