Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes. First of all, some very important information:

“There are multiple websites, disappearing slots and even attempts to game the system. Here’s our guide to what you have to do to get a dose in your arm.”

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For January we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day. We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s Top 11 NYC Corona Culture. NEW STUFF!

“This week, celebrate Australia Day, make masala chai and listen to Natalie Portman discuss her new children’s book.”

“This redesigned exhibit is going to rock!

The American Museum of Natural History just announced that The Allison and Roberto Mignone Hall of Gems and Minerals will finally be reopening on February 17, 2021. The hall has been part of the museum since the ’70s, and closed in 2017 to be redesigned as one of the New York icon’s 150th anniversary projects. It was originally supposed to open this fall, but because of the pandemic, it got moved to winter of 2021.”

“Goya, Caravaggio, Rubens, Velázquez and more are in skylit splendor in the European galleries. And the museum is acknowledging the shaping force on art of colonialism, slavery, the disenfranchisement of women.”

4. -38 Standout Dining Destinations in New York City, Winter 2020 – EaterNY

“From quirky Chinese hot pot in Flushing to splurge-worthy sushi, here’s where to eat in NYC right now”

5. The Metropolitan Opera is streaming free productions every night – TONY

The Met continues to share a different lineup of complete operas from its archives every week

“The Metropolitan Opera has closed its doors though at least September 2021, but the great New York opera house continues to lift the spirits of opera lovers around the world with free nightly streams of complete productions from its archives. Most of the offerings were originally recorded with multiple cameras in high definition to be shown in movie theaters as part of the company’s popular Live in HD series.

Each opera goes live on the Met’s website at 7:30pm EST (12:30am GMT) and remains there until 6:30pm EST the next evening. The operas can also be viewed with the Met Opera on Demand app on various devices.”

Nightly Opera Streams, January 25–31

“Sanford Biggers, Félix Fénéon and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s history of itself are some of the exhibitions that remain open to the public.”

8. This Google doc shows all NYC restaurants and bars with heaters – TONY

“We’re started a running list of more than 100 places to stay warm while eating and drinking outdoors across the five boroughs.”

9. A Dazzling Prism Art Installation Is Coming To Midtown – secretnyc.co

“Last year, the Garment District organized the most fun light-up seesaws to take over Broadway, and it completely brightened up New Yorkers’ dark winter. This year, their public art exhibit is a bit less interactive, but even more stunning!

Opening Monday, January 11, the brand new illuminated “Prismatica” installation will light up Broadway between 39th and 40th Streets.”

What’s in store for restaurants next year?

“Welcome to Year in Eater 2020, Eater’s annual ritual of eulogizing the past 12 months. In 2020’s final days, Eater NY will be posting questions about New York City’s restaurant scene in the past year, with answers from food writers, photographers, chefs, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and even a few local legislators who helped to support the industry through this enormously difficult year. Now, we ask: What are your headline predictions for 2021?”

bonus#1:  Carnegie Hall and the Jewels of Midtown: Stroll the History – NYT

“Our critic chats about the beloved stretch from the music hall to Lincoln Center around Central Park with the architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.”

bonus#2: A Walk Through Harlem, New York’s Most Storied Neighborhood – The New York Times

“Our critic chats with the architect David Adjaye about Hotel Theresa, Marcus Garvey Park, the home of Langston Hughes, the Y.M.C.A. and other landmarks.”

We hope you enjoy this change of pace, then please return here February 1, and every day for our daily, hot off the presses event guide with “Only the Best” NYCity event info.

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Stay home a bit longer – Mask up, stay smart and stay safe