Today’s “Fab 5”/ Selected NYCity Events – SUNDAY, JAN. 05, 2014
For other useful and curated NYCity event info for Manhattan’s WestSide check out:
♦ “Notable NYC Events-Jan”, and also “on Broadway”, and “Top10 Free” in the header above.
♦ For NYCity trip planning see links in “Resources” and “Smart Stuff” in the header above.
New York Boat Show (last day)
“They say that the two happiest days in a boat owner’s life are the day the craft is bought and the day it’s sold. This annual gathering at the Javits Center gives would-be buyers a chance to extend that initial pleasure, as it presents hundreds of fibreglass wonders, from motor yachts to sailboats. A number of activities are planned, too, including appearances by Captain Dave Carraro, from National Geographic’s series “Wicked Tuna,” and by Jeff Quattrocchi, who calls himself the Swampmaster, who will handle an eight-foot, two-hundred-pound alligator armed with nothing more than his hands and a clip-on microphone.
There will also be an interactive boating simulator, hands-on workshops about engine repair, rope-tying tutorials, fishing seminars, and presentations about financing and insurance.” (NewYorker mag)
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th St.
from noon to 9 p.m./ $15; 15 and younger, free with an adult.
(212) 216-2000, javitscenter.com
Holiday Market / Train Show
(last day)
The Holiday Shops are just part of the seasonal events in Bryant Park, at Avenue of the Americas and 40th Street. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (through Jan. 5). While in Bryant Park, strap on a pair of ice skates and give it a whirl on one of Manhattan’s most scenic ice rinks.
In Grand Central Terminal check out the Holiday Train Show (through Feb. 23) which features a 34-foot-long Lionel model train layout. It’s on display at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store near the Station Master’s Office. To be honest, this year’s setup is not as good as previous years, but it is FREE and can be viewed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. see mta.info/mta/museum. Make the trip worthwhile by stopping at the Grand Central Oyster Bar downstairs for their iconic oyster pan roast.
Professional Bull Riders Monster Energy Buck off
“Big bulls and cocksure cowboys return to the Garden this month for three days of “snot-spewing, bone-crushing, adrenaline-soaked performances.” Riders mount their steeds and try to keep their free hand from touching the animal for a hair-raising eight seconds. Your biggest feat will be ponying up the cash for another $9 Miller Light. For a peek at what to expect, check out our coverage of previous events.” (Gothamist)
January 3rd, 4th and 5th // Madison Square Garden // Tickets $25 – $205
ASLAN-SOLLA TANGO QUARTET
“The spirit of Astor Piazzolla, the towering figure of modern Argentine tango, informs but doesn’t overwhelm the originality and jazz-tinged excursions of the bassist Pablo Aslan and the pianist Emilio Solla’s own contemporary tango quartet. Some things never change, though: dancing is encouraged, and pre-performance tango lessons are offered.” (NewYorker mag)
Zinc Bar, 82 W. 3rd St.
212-477-9462
Chris Botti
“Mr. Botti, whose adult-pop savvy and controlled but brooding trumpet sound have made him a high-gloss global superstar, descends on the Blue Note each year around this time for an extended run. As usual he has a slick but substantial band, and the clout to call on the occasional unbilled celebrity guest. $75 cover at tables, $40 at the bar, with a $5 minimum.” (Chinen-NYT)
Blue Note, 131 West Third St., Greenwich Village
At 8 and 10:30 p.m., $75 cover at tables (sold out),
$40 at the bar, with a $5 minimum. (sound is fine at these bar seats, vision decent)
212-475-8592, bluenote.net
Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change ==============================================================================
A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating places – Tribeca
B-Flat / 277 Church st (Btw Franklin/White)
There are some places that are tough to find, then add a layer of mystery when you do find them. B-Flat has a nondescript, almost unmarked door at street level – today’s speakeasy vibe. Open this door and you face a dimly lit stairway down to their basement location. It almost takes a leap of faith to follow the stairs down to their interior door. But open that door and a pleasant surprise awaits you.
It’s a basement jazz spot all right, but not like any traditional jazz joint you may have been to before. This place looks as fresh as today, probably because it’s only been open for 6 years. Even though it hasn’t had a chance to age gracefully, the cherry wood accents and low lighting make this small space very inviting.
There is always jazz, often progressive jazz, playing over their very discrete, stylish bose speakers, setting just the right tone as you find a seat at the bar, or one of the small tables. There is wine and beer available, but this place has some expert mixologists making some very creative cocktails, which I’m told change seasonally, a nice touch.
Come at happy hour and tasty cocktails like the el Diablo or the lychee martini are $8 – not bad. I am a sucker for any drink made with lychee and how can you not try a tequila drink named el Diablo. There is also nice selection of small bites available at happy hour and a food menu that is as innovative as the cocktail menu, so this does not have to be a happy hour only stop.
It wasn’t surprising to find a tasty prosciutto and arugula salad with yuzu dressing, but I did not expect to find such a good version of fried chicken breast on the apps menu. Here it’s called “Tatsuta.” Best bet is to sample happy hour, then dinner on a Monday or Wednesday night, when you can finish with no cover live jazz that starts around 8.
This place is tough to find (look for a small slate sandwich board on the sidewalk out front advertising happy hour) and on some nights when there is no live music it may be a little too quiet for some. But I think it’s worth searching out if you want a place with good music, food, and especially drinks, away from the maddening crowd.
Website: http://http://www.bflat.info/index.html
Phone #: 212-219-2970
Hours: Mo-Wed 5pm-2am; Th-Sat 5pm-3am; no Sun
Happy Hour: 5-7pm every day; $8 cocktails + special prices on apps
Music: Mon/Wed 8pm
Subway: #1 to Franklin; walk 1 blk E to Church; 1 blk N to bFlat
NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 