Neurotic New York

New York tourists who want to get off the beaten track can ride the subway and eat ethnic food during a new tour being offered by a former taxi and limousine driver. “Queens is the most ethnical diverse piece of real estate on planet earth. And it’s completely undiscovered by the travel industry,” said Marc Preven. Mr Preven believes his unique tour is the start of a trend. He said: “It’s a template. It’s a wonderful template for others in other cities. I think you’ll start to find it outside of New York City.” Mr. Preven is the owner-founder of NEWrotic New York City Tours. There are various tours available in the largest city in the US, but Mr Preven says he now offers the only “guided urban adventure” available. “This is the tour that goes where those big red buses don’t. You see the undiscovered and the unseen New York City,” he said. His tour often includes a ride on subway#7, a visit to the location of the MCDowells fast food restaurant famous as the site of the Eddie Murphy movie “Coming to America,” and various neglected museums. There are also walks through various neighborhoods and stopovers to taste ethnic foods at some of the city’s best restaurants. Along the way, Mr Preven dispenses such local wisdom as the suggestion that garbage collectors are the best guides to good local restaurants. “Who else knows where the best places to eat can be found? They know the neighborhood,” he said. The price of a four hour tour is $200 for a couple. Mr Preven offers an unusual “no risk” warranty that promises refunds if satisfaction is not complete. Report by David Wilkening