Seeking a refreshing respite from the late summer heat? Get thee some ice cream! Mitchell's is a favorite for frozen delicacies and recently celebrated its 50th birthday. In addition to standard ice cream flavors that you could find anywhere else in the city, Mitchell's offers some creative and exotic delights like French custard vanilla, Mexican chocolate, avocado, buko (baby coconut), lychee, mango and ube (purple yam). The cantelope ice cream is only available for a few more weeks as a seasonal refreshment, so it's on our short list. And all their flavors are homemade, premium, rich and tasty. No wonder Mitchell's has been winning so many awards and hearts for all these years.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
688 San Jose Ave., San Francisco | 415-648-2300
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.