It’s getting down to the wire now!
As the amNewYork x What is New York’s MOST NY bracket enters its final days of competition, voters have whittled down the competition to bring out the final four contenders to crown the quintessential New York icon.
In a stunning display of support, Rats have continued to have a runaway in the Animals category, taking out Bodega Cats, which have had a great showing of support throughout the competition. However, the beloved felines couldn’t keep up with the ever-present rodents.
In the Food category, Pizza continued to dominate its competition, this time taking out the classic bodega breakfast option, the Bacon Egg and Cheese (or BaconEggCheese). Perhaps lacking in some saltpepperketchup, the sandwich just couldn’t compete with NYC’s favorite food.
“I already lost a bunch of money because I had Bodega Cats and Bagels going the distance but I think in the end it comes down to Rats vs. Pizza. Nobody likes a rat but let’s face it, rats are resilient industrious survivors – just like New Yorkers,” said NYC Councilman Justin Brannan. “But I’ve got Pizza winning the whole damn thing because nothing is more powerful than a slice of New York City pizza.”
In a stunning turn of Events (pun intended), the Times Square Ball Drop triumphed over the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Despite comments that the New Year’s Eve tradition is for tourists, the ball drop clinched a spot in the final four.
Lastly, a standout in the New York City skyline, the Empire State Building, took out the Statue of Liberty in the Landmarks category. Though she presented a valiant effort, Lady Liberty couldn’t hold a torch to this famous skyscraper.
Here’s what we know about our final four contenders:
Rats
Whether you see them as a furry nuisance or just another critter, rats have an undeniable presence in New York City. They pop up on the streets, in the subways, and sometimes in the city’s green spaces looking for some discarded food to snack on. New York City rats have also become the topic of a handful of viral videos, including the iconic Pizza Rat and the more-recent Donut Rat. Despite the city taking serious measures to eradicate the Big Apple of rats (including appointing Kathleen Corradi as the city’s “Rat Czar”), these tenacious rodents are pulverizing their competitors in this bracket.
Pizza
What can we say about the classic slice of pizza? Regardless of whether you enjoy it plain or cover it in toppings, New Yorkers agree that a slice of pizza is the quintessential New York food. Even though the presence of stores selling the dollar slice seems to be dwindling, there is no shortage of great pizza spots throughout the Five Boroughs. This pile of cheesy goodness makes for a quick lunch, a shareable dinner, or a late night drunken snack, you generally can’t go wrong — but you can stir up more debate about where to find the best slice.
Times Square Ball Drop
This contender has a lot of people scratching their heads; it’s for tourists, they say! No New Yorker goes to the ball drop! Well, regardless, the votes have spoken and there’s no denying that the Times Square Ball Drop has become a staple on New Year’s Eve. Most (if not all) New Yorkers will tune in right before midnight to watch the ball drop right and ring in the new year, so even if you aren’t braving Times Square (where you can’t even leave to use the bathroom once you’re in) to celebrate, you get the gist of what’s going on from home.
Empire State Building
A main Manhattan focal point, the Empire State Building has been a staple in Midtown since it first opened in 1931. Standing 102 stories tall, it’s not the tallest skyscraper that the city has to offer but it is one that has maintained its popularity over the years and in this competition. Another tourist hot spot, the Empire State Building has some killer views of the rest of the city from its observatory as well as art exhibits that you can check out in between all the business that takes place on its many floors.
Choose the winner of each matchup on the @amnewyork and the @whatisnewyork Instagram accounts this week to determine the final two and ultimately, the most NY icon!