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Though the arrival of autumn may have you breaking out your cords and sweaters, temps aren't cooling down any time soon — or at least not this week. Make the most of Indian Summer with Big Onion Walking Tours, and more specifically, their Original Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour. On September 30th, sample the best traditional eats from the Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, China, Italy and more while learning a little something about how our precious Lower East Side all came together. Group meets at 1pm on the southeast corner of Delancey and Essex Streets, in front of the Olympic Diner (look for the dude holding the "Big Onion Walking Tours" sign and you'll know you're in the right place). Tour price, $15, $5 extra for noshes along the way.
Original Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour, Sept. 30
Big Onion Walking Tours
Various locations, New York | 212-439-1090
For even the healthiest person on the planet, something is always a little out of wack; you're too full after you eat, your back is knotted and tight, or maybe your sleep patterns are all off. There's a spa in the village called Ayurveda's Beauty Care that will take care of what ails you, physically and spiritually. Through the science of the holistic ayurvedic tradition, this spa offers everything from Ayurvedic Analysis ($100 for 55 minutes), which will help you understand your unique makeup and bring you into balance, to customized massages (try the de-stressing Shirodhara, $85 for 30 min.), chakra energizing bodywork, detoxifying facials, meditation, yoga and more. A real treat in a land of same old spa, different day.
Ayurveda's Beauty Care
99 University Place, between 11th and 12th Streets, New York | 212-529-3300
Whether he's been kicked out of a band, or kicked off the airwaves, if there's one thing that history has taught us, it's that David Lee Roth, or Diamond Dave to those in the know, can't be held down for long. That's why when tickets go on sale Monday, September 24th, for the Van Halen reunion tour with Mr. Split Kick himself, you'd better log on, get on the phone, stand in line — whatever it takes to get your tickets for their show at the Garden on November 13th. Though original bassist Michael Anthony has been replaced with Eddie Van Halen's son, Wolfgang, it's still worth seeing these Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Famers bring down the house.
Van Halen, Nov. 13
Madison Square Garden
Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, New York
If all the candy corn, faux blood and silly string in stores now have you craving Halloween, or if you're just one of those people that looks forward to it all year long, celebrate its ghoulish glory early on the Ghostly Greenwich Village walking tour led by Street Smarts NY. While this tour won't scare the bejeezus out of you, it will remind you of the rich history and scandal that occurred in this now ritzy part of town, which honestly, in all its macabre-ness, is quite a comfort. Tours are weekends only, on Saturday at 2pm and 6pm, and again on Sunday at 6pm. $10 per person; reservations are not required, but call ahead for meeting places and/or a full tour schedule (they have quite a few on their roster).
Ghostly Greenwich Village walking tour
Street Smarts NY
Various locations, New York | 212-969-8262
You're not an artist. You don't claim to be artistically inclined, nor do you know your gouache from your watercolors. Lucky for you that all are welcome at Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. Illustrator Molly Crabapple's ingenious event takes your standard, snoozer art class and kicks it up a notch; so instead of staring at a bowl of fruit atop a table dressed in a hideous print, you might be tasked with capturing the beauty of a burlesque dancer or circus freak. Classes take place on Saturday afternoons, run for 3 hours, and include drawing contests where you can win unexpected prizes. Next class takes place on September 29th from 3-6 pm at the Lucky Cat Lounge in Williamsburg, for the nominal price of $15. Book your place now, these classes fill up fast!
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
Lucky Cat Lounge
245 Grand St., between Driggs and Roebling, Brooklyn | 718-782-0437
Everything old is new again; case in point, Sweetwater. Once a no-holds-barred bar for all things punk rock in the good ole, golden days of counter-culture Williamsburg, Sweetwater has transformed itself into a gastronomic destination. While the stained tin ceilings (from too many cigarettes, no doubt) and long wood bar still remain, the varied wine list and nouveau American menu with nods to the French, Italians and Spanish add a freshness to the Williamsburg dining scene that was sorely needed (as tasty as it is, do we really need another Thai restaurant on Bedford?). Recommended: Spinach, sweet potato and ricotta stuffed cannelloni in a light butter, almond & lemon sage sauce. Cash only.
Sweetwater
105 North 6th St., between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn | 718-963-0608
NYC: Best of Neighborhood Gems
If you think you've got to hoof it to other nabes to get a taste of true city life, stop and look around — some of New York's best are located in right outside your door.
• Through all the changes, Williamsburg's Greenpoint Tavern (188 Bedford Ave.) has maintained its little-dive-that-could vibe.
• Unwind at the small-yet-celebrated Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in Chelsea.
• For late night bites and the best mushroom barley soup this side of Minsk, there's Veselka in the East Village.
• For a little southern soul food up north, there's Miss Maude's Spoonbread Too in Harlem.
For one night only in Central Park on Saturday, September 29th, Joe's Pub at The Delacorte Theater will feature the works of glam rock's finest with 20th Century Boy: Marc Bolan & T. Rex 30th Anniversary Celebration. Marking the 30th year anniversary of Marc Bolan's untimely death, the night will showcase classic T. Rex songs from albums Electric Warrior and The Slider, like "Jeepster," "Telegram Sam," and the tune which is most acquainted with the artist, "Get It On." The superstar tribute band, comprised of musicians who have played with the likes of Blondie, Lou Reed and Patti Smith, will surely keep Bolan's counter-culture spirit alive and kicking. T.Rex part of the show begins at 9pm sharp. Tickets, $40.
20th Century Boy: Marc Bolan & T. Rex 30th Anniversary Celebration, Sept. 29
The Delacorte Theater in Central Park
Enter at 81st Street at Central Park West or 79th Street at 5th Avenue, New York | 212-967-7555
Your parents are in town. And so are your future in-laws — which mean dinner plans should be fun and festive, but, hey, it's New York, so you want to keep it sleek and chic. Consider Falai located on the Lower East Side's Clinton Street. Iacopo Falai, owner and chef whose resume includes several years at Le Cirque 2000, has created a traditional Italian spot with a varied menu, bright, open space and bread oven which emits fragrances that send endorphins sky-high. Stand out dishes like the spinach and ricotta gnudi in brown butter and pan-seared, pancetta-wrapped tuna will satisfy, but leave a little room for the freshly-baked bread — it's too good to pass up. Reservations recommended.
Falai
68 Clinton Street, between Stanton and Rivington Streets, New York | 212-253-1960
Not the rags-to-riches Philadelphian prize-fighter, but the beloved Irish bar. Much to the dismay of Murray Hill-ers, Rocky Sullivan's, largely voted the best authentic Irish pub in New York City year after year, has moved to a Brooklyn space that gives off that quintessential good-time Gaelic vibe. Regulars will be happy to know Rocky's famous Quiz Night is still in full effect every Thursday at 9pm and there's a new roof deck where you can sit outside and catch a spectacular view of downtown NYC. The status of the Irish language classes is still a bit unclear as of this posting, but that's no reason not to pop in for a pint and welcome and old friend to its new 'hood.
Rocky Sullivan's of Red Hook
34 Van Dyke Street, Brooklyn | 718-246-8050
Surefire harbingers of Fall — September Fashion Week, the disappearance of the ice cream truck, and Harvest in the Square. Now in its 12th year, this fundraising event to keep Union Square spiffy lets you sup on the best food and drink from over 45 of New York City's most outstanding venues located in the Union Square district. The $125 ticket price ($115 if you purchase in advance) buys you a spot under the tents, unlimited eats and drinks from venues like Blue Water Grill, Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Wines & Spirits, Pure Food and Wine, and SushiSamba, plus music and more. $65 of the face value of the ticket is tax-deductible, so go ahead, eat, drink and be charitable.
Harvest in the Square
North End of Union Square Park, New York | 212-460-1208
Cheap and fun. Who doesn't love that combo? Dim Sum Go Go is one of those places that's so cheap, and so fun, you'll want to go back time and time again—that is, if you can score a table. As stark in design as a simple red and white candy cane, this popular Chinatown eatery is definitely more function over form, with over 24 dumpling varieties and row after row of inventive bite-sized eats from which to choose. Those overwhelmed by the menu options should go for the dim sum sampler platter (10.95) or a standard-sized plate like the Abbot's Treasure, a delicate potato basket filled with spicy vegetables ($13.95) or the Go Go Hamburgers ($9.95), steamed buns in a tangy garlic sauce.
Dim Sum Go Go
5 East Broadway at Chatham Square, New York | 212-732-0797
Calling all wanna-be illustrators in the New York area. Chelsea's Dusk Lounge plays host to a fun little contest called Napkin Idol every Tuesday night at 9pm and again at 11:30 pm. Just what is it? Napkin Idol is a talent search for the two best bar napkin doodles of the evening — with one catch; napkins must be submitted dry. The lucky first-place winner gets a free drink and extended happy hour for themselves and two friends, while the 2nd place winner gets to reap the same prize the following week. Bring your sharpie, your creativity and your thirst. Daily happy hour runs from 5:30pm to 9pm.
Dusk Lounge
147 West 24th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, New York | 212-924-4490
Break out the earplugs, New York. This week in music there's a little something for everyone.
• Lesley Gore and Jill Sobule put a new spin on some old standards at Joe's Pub in the Park on the 19th.
• Alt-rock darlings Kings of Leon trade Tennessee for NYC when they hit Radio City Music Hall on the 19th.
• Get your trance on with the Chemical Brothers at the Hammerstein Ballroom on the 21st.
• Former child actress Jenny Lewis will rock Webster Hall with her band Rilo Kiley on the 23rd.
You might remember the good old days of Luna Lounge down on Ludlow Street, a place where you could pop in for a drink, then possibly watch a comedy or indie rock show in the backroom, followed by a game of cheap foosball as you make your departure. While the glory days seemingly were over when it closed its doors in 2005, Luna Lounge is back and better than ever (though the foosball table is nowhere to be found). Its newest location, over on Williamsburg's south side, can now compete with some of the best mid-sized music venues out there, with a killer sound system, large stage and wide open sightlines. Recommended upcoming show: Jon Spencer on September 21st. Tickets are $14 day of show or $12 when purchased in advance here.
Luna Lounge
361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer, Brooklyn
There are some places that almost look too chic to walk into — the décor is too hip, as are the patrons, dressed in that perfect downtown casual "messiness" that somehow always looks pulled together. That's Brown, a gem of a café on the Lower East Side café, except you won't be able to hold yourself back from entering. Its menu focuses on all things organic, from the greens to the wine, and even its tree stump chairs and wood board plates are eco-friendly. Open for lunch and dinner, but Brown is a place where brunch reigns supreme; try the baked eggs with smoked salmon and herbed ricotta. Yum.
Brown Café
61 Hester at Ludlow Street, New York | 212-477-2427
Usually the thought of a circus conjures up the standard three-ring images; elephants in ornate headdress, cars packed with too many clowns, and occasional tightrope hijinks — an extravaganza perfect for the young ones. Those seeking a more adult version should check out Absinthe, a hybrid of Cirque du Soleil, the NYC Halloween Parade and a sultry burlesque show. This carnival takes place in a traveling venue that's tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge, down by the South Street Seaport, and has breathtaking views from its garden lounge, where you can grab a drink and relax... you know, if clowns of any kind aren't your thing. Tickets are $69, and the show runs through September 30th.
Absinthe, through Sept. 30
Located under the Spiegel tent at South Street Seaport
Pier 17, Fulton Street at the East River, New York | 212-245-1009
For those of us not schooled in wines, choosing between even just two bottles can prove to be a daunting task—so could you imagine choosing from a list of 100,000? Before you have a nervous breakdown, know about Veritas, a Flatiron wine bar that, yes, lets you choose your poison from a large and impressive collection. Of course you're not expected to go it alone; the sommelier is schooled on all the wines and can help you pick a perfect Burgundy or otherwise, even if you don't really know what you're looking for. Peckish drinkers will enjoy their $76 prix-fixe menu, not surprisingly selected with a range of palates in mind, and which all have a perfect wine complement. A special place to go on a night where you want to mix things up a bit. Reservations recommended.
Veritas
43 E. 20th St., near Park Avenue South, New York | 212-353-3700
You want culture? We got culture. Block after block of it. But these venues and exhibits should move to the top of your list.
• P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center. Haven't been there yet? Don't tell anyone. Quietly go and discover what all the hype is about for yourself.
• Drop in and catch the psychedelic multimedia of the Whitney's Summer of Love exhibit.
• From improv to pirate burlesque, Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum always has a little something for everyone.
Picky, picky, picky. That's how a lot of chefs describe restaurant-goers in New York. No cilantro. No oil. No fat. And everything, everything, on the side. One chef in particular has listened to the choosy palates of Manhattanites and opened Saucy, a space on the Upper East Side where you choose exactly what you want, and what you want it covered in. Choose from their selection of 47 (at last count) sauces to put over organic chicken paillard, pasta or beef; especially tasty ones are the Ocean, a garlicky mixed seafood blend, over fettuccine, and the French Lemon, a wine and butter concoction, over chicken.
1409 York Ave. at 75th Street, New York | 212-249-3700
With so many haute Asian restaurants opening over the past few years, it's easy to overlook the tried and true cornerstones that have been going strong for decades. If you've fallen prey to all the noodle bar hype, take a few steps back, or rather, downtown, to Congee Village, for some fresh, tasty Cantonese. Known for its namesake congee, the restaurant serves 27 varieties of the thick rice porridge, with everything from chicken to fish to mushrooms, in addition to traditional Chinese fare. Service is fast and friendly, and the décor, with its fake wooden huts and leafy canopies, well, it just can't be beat. Absolutely great for groups, but be sure to reserve a spot. Recommended: Singapore Style Mei Fun and the chicken with black mushroom porridge.
Congee Village
100 Allen St., near Delancey Street, New York | 212-941-1818
There are so many things to love about wd-50 on the Lower East Side. First, the name, a moniker that sounds like the next generation of the blue-canned wonder lubricant, but in actuality is the name of the Chef in charge of it all, Wylie Dufresne. The second, third, fourth — well, everything else, — is the menu, cutting edge but completely approachable. So, while you might be puzzled at appetizers such as the fried quail with banana tartare, main dishes like scallops with zucchini in a smoked grape broth, or the fried butterscotch pudding with mango, taro and smoked macadamia dessert, please do yourself a favor and don't ask questions. Just pick up your fork and enjoy.
wd-50
50 Clinton St., between Rivington and Stanton Streets, New York | 212-477-2900
There are some bars that give off a feel-good homey vibe despite its less-than-cozy décor, and others, well, that just feel like you're hanging out in your living room. Floyd, NY is grouped in the latter — if in addition to your sofa you had an indoor 40-foot bocce court. Head on down and take part in their tournaments or just stop on by and kick back on their Midwestern thrift store inspired couches and chairs. Soccer — ahem, I mean, English Football fans will be happy to note that the bar subscribes to a cable channel that shows games and at times opens early in the morning to accommodate fans. Other folks that want to tantalize their palates should order the Kentucky beercheese, a naughty blend of cheddar cheese, spices and, well, beer, to spread on crackers. From 5-7pm on weekdays save $1 on your drinks. Enjoy.
Floyd, NY
131 Atlantic Ave., between Henry and Clinton Streets, Brooklyn | 718-858-5810
Riddle me this: what do you get when you mix black eyeliner, red lipstick, some hair gel, and a few angular guitar riffs? No, not a scene from the heyday of the Pyramid Club, but our favorite post-punk gloom rockers, The Cure. Robert Smith and band will grace New York City with their pasty-white presence this fall at Madison Square Garden, playing from seminal records like Pornography and Disintegration, plus hopefully laying on us some new tracks from an anticipated spring 2008 album launch. Though the date of the show just got announced as TBD (it was originally set for September 23rd), if you want tickets, best to get them while you can, as Cure shows sell out faster than a goth going through bottle of black nail polish.
The Cure
Madison Square Garden
Sixth Ave. between 31st and 33rd Streets, New York | 212-465-6741
For most of us, this week marks the end of vacations and the beginning of a long stretch with no breaks through Thanksgiving. So by the time the end of October rolls around, you'll be in great need of a good laugh or two. That's why you should know about the New York Comedy Festival. Running from November 6th through November 11th, this year's lineup is one of the strongest we've seen yet, featuring everyone's favorite lovable loser Artie Lange of Howard Stern Show fame, Louie CK, Dennis Leary, Bill Maher, Seth McFarlane and the princess of modern comedy, Sarah Silverman. Ticket prices vary by show and can be purchased here.
New York Comedy Festival, Nov. 6-11
Various venues throughout New York City
Undeniably, one of the best times over the weekend is a killer brunch and great company. Here's where that not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch time of day reigns supreme; you supply the rest.
• Have the quintessential New York brunch and bagel plate at Barney Greengrass.
• Down a fluffy stack of heavenly pancakes at Clinton Street Baking Co.
• Wash down some huevos with the specialty margaritas at Lobo on Court Street.
• Bask in the Indian Summer sun in the back garden of Relish in Williamsburg.
Where should we go? Whether you're looking for a first date destination or just a romantic evening with your longtime flame, you can't help but scour local mags and websites for the perfect answer. Well, here it is — B Flat in TriBeCa. Owned and operated by ex-Angel's Share bartenders, this subterranean Tokyo-style lounge is at once both elegant and friendly, with an astonishing array of liquors and drinks that are not just poured, they're crafted — and strong. Their small plate menu will stave off your hunger pangs and buzz though, and shouldn't be passed up. Recommended: the succulent deep-fried spring rolls, tasty grilled pork in garlic sauce and the Scenes in the City specialty cocktail, a blend of citron, lychee and grapefruit.
B Flat
277 Church St. at Sixth Avenue, New York | 212-219-2970
Unwrap. Microwave on high. Eat. While it's easy to fall into the trap of convenience, especially if you're not a whiz around the kitchen, there's no denying that it leaves your morale a little low. So it's no surprise that when someone takes the time to prepare a meal with the utmost care and attention, you can almost taste the love. That's what the Pink Tea Cup has been doing for over 50 years, serving homemade southern-style soul food from a cozy little setting in the West Village. Menu stand-outs include tangy barbecue pork ribs, creamy macaroni and cheese, chicken and dumplings, and a sweet potato pie you'll dream about later on. Cash only.
Pink Tea Cup
42 Grove St., between Bleecker and Bedford Streets, New York | 212-807-6755
Sunburns. Three-day weekends. Long evenings — ah, summer, how we'll miss thee. Give the season the grand sendoff it deserves with a celebratory ride around New York Isle: The Circle Line Downtown's "Cruise-along-New-York-Harbor-aboard-our-most-luxurious-yacht, the-ZEPHYR, and-enjoy-a-Happy-Hour-like-never-before, straight-up-or-on-the-rocks,-every-drink-is-on-the-water." Happy Hour on the Harbor lets you cruise along lower Manhattan's dearly beloved waterways to experience our town in all its glory, while kicking back and enjoying cocktails in the lap of luxury. Departing from the South Street Seaport's Pier 16 every Thursday at 6:30pm, the $18 price of admission includes live music, tasty snacks and a free drink at the cash bars. Must be 21 or over to board. Total cruise time, 90 minutes.
Circle Line Downtown's Happy Hour on the Harbor, Thursdays through Sept. 27
South Street Seaport, Pier 16
Fulton at Water Street, New York | 866-925-4631
In a town that revels in orders of "on the side" and "without (insert food phobia here)," dining at a restaurant where the only menu item is a "trust us" sign could incite panic. The reality is much more tame; case in point, Sushi Sasabune. Once only available to La-La Landers, this strictly omakase restaurant on the Upper East Side leaves the day's menu up to the chef, who travels to the fish markets at 5am each morning to pick the freshest cuts possible. Service is just as exquisite; dishes come and go depending on the pace at which you're eating, and the waitstaff will guide you on how each plate is best enjoyed. Dinner per person from $60 (price is dependent on fish being served). Reservations recommended.
Sasabune
401 E. 73rd St., between York and First Avenues, New York | 212-249-8583
Like the name suggests, Pete's Candy Store has a little something for everyone, no matter what the preference. Tuesday nights at 7:30 they play host to one of the hippest bingo nights this side of Boca; on Wednesday evenings you can go on down to flex your mental chops and win some free drinks with their jeopardy-inspired quiz game; and every other Monday, Pete's plays host to the Williamsburg Spelling Bee, a surprisingly competitive contest where people duke it out to make it to the annual championship. Mix that with nightly live music, kitschy cool décor and specialty cocktails, and you've got a recipe for fun.
Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer St., between Richardson and Frost Streets, Brooklyn, New York | 718-302-3770
There's a certain je ne sais quoi about Neil Diamond that's undeniable. Pop some Neil on the jukebox at your neighborhood bar and watch how the mood around you changes (you might even get that elusive buy-back). Flip through the radio stations as you're driving, and if Neil comes on, bumper-to-bumper traffic will be a welcome reprieve. But whereas the real Neil doesn't play out as often as we'd like, Super Diamond picks up the slack, consistently touring and performing songs of this beloved singer/songwriter for all the world to enjoy. You can find them at Irving Plaza this September 21st and 22nd. Get your tickets now — their shows sell out, and sell out quickly. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show.
Super Diamond, Sept. 21-22
Irving Plaza
17 Irving Place at East 15th Street, New York | 212-777-6800
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