Murray Street and its surrounding blocks have been getting a ton of press lately as Manhattanites continue to populate every inch of every neighborhood, especially those in the most sought-after neighborhood – TriBeCa. I just listed a high-end rental at 6 Murray Street, a boutique rental building consisting of five full floor lofts plus a duplex penthouse. The building is keeping up with the changing trends of the neighborhood and I have just worked with the landlord to complete the first of many renovations in the building. The 4^th floor loft has been entirely turned over and is now a shiny, new residence ready for its first tenant. Next up – the lobby, elevator and entrance to the building. If you are in the area, stop by and take a peek at the progress! 

MURRAY STREET NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS (just to get you started!)

EAT + DRINK
> Bouley (home to the famous Bouley Test Kitchen)
> Benares (Indian)
> Ecco! (Mamma’s Italian)
> Gran Morsi (local, reliable Italian)
> Gunbae (Korean BBQ and karaoke)
> Little Park @ The Smyth Hotel (veggie-friendly)
> Marc Forgione (eponymous restaurant from the famous Iron Chef)
> Rosa Mexicana (Mexican)
> Sole di Capri (hidden Italian gem)
> Tutto il Giorno (just like the one in Sag Harbor, Italian)
> Tribeca Treats (THE best spot for birthday cakes)
> Zucker’s (bagels and more)

JUST DRINK
> Juice Press
> Kaffee 1668
> Starbucks
> Smyth Night Bar (trendy)
> Ward III (great, local bar)
> Walkers (another local watering hole)

SHOP: Kids
> babesta (for the hipsta’ kids)
> Livly (recently opened)
> Balloon Saloon (local party store)
> Color Me Mine (painting)

SHOP: Adults
> Brookfield Place (all of the high-fashion 5th Avenue stores + dining, movie theater, food shopping, etc.)

SHOP: Pets
> The Spot Experience

SHOP: Food
> Amish Market
> Whole Foods

MOVE
> Equinox
> Hudson River Park
> Kula Yoga Project
> Real Pilates
> Soul Cycle

GETTING AROUND
> World Trade Center PATH station (designed by Santiago Calatrava)
> Subways (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, C, E, R, J and Z stops all within blocks)

LOOK
> Brooklyn Bridge
> City Hall (enjoy the beautiful surrounding park)
> New York by Gehry @ 8 Spruce Street (brand new PS 397 Spruce Street school is housed there and offers Pre-K!)
> One World Trade
> ONE Art Space @ 23 Warren (bringing amazing art exhibitions to the neighborhood)
> 9/11 Memorial
> The Woolworth Building

COMING SOON
> Target!
> Serafina (local outpost of the reliable Italian restaurant)

I have gathered data from a few different sources on holiday tipping from 2013 as the 2014 information has not been published yet. Links are enclosed below, but the general consensus is that cash is king and early disbursement of tips is very much appreciated – as early as right before Thanksgiving. The staff need resources and time to shop for their own holiday gifts! Other factors that come into play are building size, family size and length of residency in the building.

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2013/12/09/how_much_to_give_your_building_staff_the_annual_guide.php

http://www.brickunderground.com/blog/2013/11/doormen_speak_whats_a_fair_tip_how_the_tipping_system_should_change_who_gets_the_best

http://www.brickunderground.com/blog/2013/11/brickundergrounds_2013_holiday_tipping_guide