Date: April 9, 2008 3:43:33 PM EDT
To: inyc@timeoutny.com
Subject: Murray Hill

I’ve written letters in the past about your magazine’s bias toward certain parts of NYC (Chelsea, Soho and Williamsburg, just to name a few). At the same time, I’ve noticed minimal coverage of other areas, including the UWS, Turtle Bay and Pelham. And my area, Murray Hill, gets absolutely no love. What I propose is this: Assign a beat writer to cover Murray Hill. They’ll find a budding nightlife with a nice mix of bars, restaurants and shops. I challenge TONY to seek it out!

Curtis Lanton III
Subscriber since 1999

It’s spicy!
Curry in a Hurry
When asked why it is the most popular curry place in da Hill (Russell Simmons eats here!), manager Mohammed Rattan says, “We use the freshest ingredients and all-natural spices!” Having stuffed our faces with way-tasty aloo paratha, we believe him. 119 Lexington Ave at 28th St (212-683-0900)

It’s drunk!
Ginger Man
Named after the book by J.P. Donleavy, this watering hole does booze right: It stocks 66 drafts, 140 bottles and 20 single malts. 11 E 36th St at Fifth Ave (212-532-3740)

It’s well read!
Complete Traveller Antiquarian Bookstore
“People come in here looking for rare books that their father used to read to them and other random reasons,” says owner Arnold Greenberg. Though it specializes in vintage travel books (some with price tags upwards of $2,000!), the store also stocks rare maps, children’s classics and a first-edition autographed copy of Gone with the Wind for $20,000. 199 Madison Ave at 35th St (212-685-9007)

It’s cultured!
The Morgan Library & Museum
Though it’s not categorically hip, the ML&M is still home to major must-sees, including three newly unveiled Gutenberg Bibles. 225 Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th Sts (212-685-0008)

It’s work friendly!
Subtle Tea
Despite the city’s Starbucksification, Long Island bros Tim and Todd Cella saw room for newbies in the hot-drink market. Subtle Tea offers 65 different flavors, plus smoothies, tea-based beauty products and free Wi-Fi. 121 Madison Ave between 30th and 31st Sts (212-481-4713)

It’s singsongy!
Tinga Tinga Karaoke
The song selection is limited if you don’t speak Korean, but Tinga’s BYOB and it’s the only place east of Fifth Avenue where you can damage your friends’ eardrums five nights a week. 162 Madison Ave between 32nd and 33rd Sts (212-213-0875)

It’s classy!
Vig 27
With its high ceilings and candlelit banquettes, this is the best cocktail lounge for twentysomethings hoping to avoid the frat-tastic bars along Third Avenue. Instead of Bud Light, mozz sticks and a bad juke, Vig 27 boasts CosmoPomitans, baked-Brie poppers and DJs spinning hot ’80s. 119 E 27th St between Park Ave South and Lexington Ave (212-686-5500)

It’s cozy!
Penelope
There’s no place like home, but with its country feel and knockout Nutella French toast, this café comes close. It even has coffee mugs emblazoned with cutesy proclamations like I HEART GRANDMA! and WORLD’S BEST TEACHER. 159 Lexington Ave at 30th St (212-481-3800)

Got a problem? Email inyc@timeoutny.com and we might look into it.

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