Capital of the Planet

National pride? No, in New York City, it's international pride!

New York City doesn't have its own special flavor -- it's got millions of them. The most international city on the planet and America's immigration capital, NYC has every species and subspecies of human, and to our delight (for the most part), they've brought their cultures (and recipes and tastes) with them.

So, in Best of NYC 2011, we celebrate NYC's internationalism.

What on earth is going on in this city? Just about everything you could want. But don't think of New York City as a melting pot. The flavors are still distinct. Not everything is a chain store.

If not for the pain that new immigrants often have to endure these days, the political ruckus surrounding them would be almost laughable. This is a country of immigrants, and New York City is the immigrant capital. It always has been--and we're proud of that.

As a result, you can circle the globe without even leaving the five boroughs. Savor with us the best of New York City's eats, treats, shops, services, people, places, sports, recreation, sex, arts, entertainment, bars, clubs, and music.

Enjoy your city!

Best of NYC Essays

Arts & Entertainment
The Music Buzz: Too much and not too soon
by Maura Johnston

Bars & Clubs
New York is the best place to go, go, go
by Michael Musto

Eats & Treats
We are the world
by Robert Sietsema and Lauren Shockey

People & Places
Stoops to Conquer: Ode to a Brooklyn neighborhood
by Harry Siegel

Shops & Services
Globe-trotting on a MetroCard
by Angela Ashman

Sports & Recreation
NYC's Wide World of Sports: Name a national pastime. We've got it.
by Allen Barra