NYC’s Latest Pop-Up: The Balloon Museum
Catch this crowd pleasing attraction before it’s gone.
Despite the many attractions New York City has to offer, it can be difficult to find something everyone will enjoy. Blame it on decision paralysis or differing opinions. But you’re often hard pressed to appease both your cultured friends and your fun friends — lest they never meet.
Enter the Balloon Museum’s limited time exhibit: Let’s Fly New York.
Recently opened on the Lower East Side, this interactive art show is a true crowd pleaser. Take out-of-towners who have seen the Met and the MoMA one too many times. Or friends who are always on the hunt for a good photo opp.
Whoever you’re bringing, this week’s Guide NYC has you covered for nearby restaurant recommendations, travel logistics and more.
A Visit to the Balloon Museum
In my book, anything more than a ten minute walk from the train is a hard sell during New York winters. And yet my boyfriend and I found ourselves making the trek from the East Broadway Station to Pier 36.
In addition to pop-ups in London and Naples, the Balloon Museum’s sprawling location on the LES is open until January 14th, with discounted tickets available on weekdays. We entered with high hopes and a stylish pair of the provided shoe covers.
Featuring installations from thirteen artists, the show brings you through a variety of interactive displays. Start with bizarre inflatable creatures and end with a dose of virtual reality. We also found plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment and great photos along the way.
On our way out, we browsed the gift shop and the outdoor exhibitions. This was a great way to kill a little time while waiting for our Uber. Our next stop…
Thai Food at Sticky Rice
From the many restaurants I had bookmarked in the Lower East Side, we decided on Sticky Rice — a vibey spot on Orchard Street. It’s about a twenty minute walk or a five minute car ride from the Balloon Museum.
Once inside, we were immediately greeted with attentive service and the mouthwatering aroma of lemongrass, coconut and fish sauce. I started with a Thai espresso martini, their uniquely sweet take on a classic cocktail. My boyfriend opted for a nonalcoholic option, a lychee & passion housemade soda.
We then put in an order for spicy curry fries and stir-fry Singapore egg noodles, both from their specials menu. For a more standard option, we also tried the pad Thai with chicken. Everything was fresh and flavorful, but the spicy curry fries were a clear winner. Crispy fries arrived promptly with a side of tender tofu and red curry gravy. Our server mixed everything together at the table in front of us, in what I can only describe as the best possible version of poutine you will ever experience.
Turning out to be yet another crowd pleaser, Sticky Rice offered something for everyone. In addition to their rotating specials for the adventurous eater, they also offered fan favorites like curries and noodle dishes. Pad see hew, pineapple cashew fried rice and Massaman curry were a few of their popular dishes. They even had a low carb pad Thai on the menu.
Our plates were cleared in record time and we got the check shortly thereafter. The total came in around $85. This included two drinks, an appetizer and two entrees.
Bar Hopping or Browsing Essex Market
Now there are a few ways the rest of the night could go. For those looking to keep the party going, you can easily grab a drink nearby. The LES has no shortage of bars to choose from. Orchard Street alone is home to a variety of dives and cocktail bars.
Venture a block up and put your name down at Double Chicken Please. Named the best bar in North America, the experimental spot offers everything from drafts to deconstructed cocktails. Top sellers include the French toast, the key lime pie and the mango sticky rice. Are you sensing a theme here? True to their name, they also have a limited menu of fried chicken sandwiches if you’re somehow still hungry.
If you’re participating in dry January or entertaining family, the nearby Essex Market is another great way to end the night. One of the city’s best public markets, the space is open until 8 PM.
Sample desserts from one of their vendors like the L.E.S. Ice Cream Factory or Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery. Send your family and friends home with some specialty items you can only find in New York. Or even just shop for groceries for the week.
The best part? When you’re ready to head home, the Delancey Essex Station is right outside.
Next up on Guide NYC, we’re exploring the vibrant art scene in Long Island City.
