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 has required some changes.
“Want to see new art this weekend? Start with Reynaldo Rivera’s moody photographs of drag bars from the ’70s. Then view Genieve Figgis’s delightfully mordant paintings of gentry. Below are plenty more suggestions from our critics.“
Reynaldo Rivera
Through Nov. 21. Reena Spaulings Fine Art, 165 East Broadway, Manhattan. 212- 477-5006; reenaspaulings.com.
Genieve Figgis
Through Dec. 11. Almine Rech, 39 East 78th Street, Manhattan. 212-804-8496; alminerech.com.
Betsy Damon
Through Nov. 21. La MaMa Galleria, 47 Great Jones Street, Manhattan. 212-505-2476; lamama.org.
Ron Gorchov
Through Dec. 18. Cheim & Read, 547 West 25th Street, Manhattan. 212-242-7727; cheimread.com.
Roy Ferdinand
Through Dec. 4. Andrew Edlin Gallery, 212 Bowery, Manhattan. 212-206-9723; edlingallery.com.
Gauri Gill
Through Nov. 13. James Cohan, 52 Walker Street, Manhattan. 212-714-9500; jamescohan.com.
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
Last summer, as restaurateurs hastily built makeshift patios, Silver Apricot partners Emmeline Zhao and Simone Tong created a space that truly translated the dining experience to the street without sacrificing a bit of elegance or refinement. (Being situated on one of the West Village’s quieter blocks didn’t hurt.) Purse hooks on the plastic dividers, lavender planted along the perimeter, and quality glass and plateware made for a setting worthy of Tong’s inventive Chinese American dishes like chile-crab rangoon dip and burnished scallion puffs. Now they are renovating the dining room in preparation for indoor service and plan to reopen June 17 with a new seasonal menu.—A.K.
Veteran chefs John Nguyen and Nhu Ton began peddling their Vietnamese sandwiches and crispy pork-belly salad rolls from an empty pop-up space on the upper reaches of Amsterdam Avenue last summer, and the operation was such a hit that by January they’d put down permanent roots in the neighborhood. There are five varieties of toasty bánh mìs to choose from (when in doubt, order the charcoal-grilled pork), numerous sturdy classics from Ton’s native central Vietnam (try the Frisbee-size rice-noodle delicacy called bánh dap), and a deeply flavorful beef pho. —A.P.
Last summer, the outdoor-dining setup at downtown Portuguese-Spanish restaurant Cervo’s was a destination almost in spite of itself. Simple wooden folding tables and chairs sprawled across an unadorned and fluorescent-lit expanse of Canal Street. Counter-service orders were called out brusquely over a loudspeaker mounted on the building’s exterior. Serviceware was disposable. You found and bussed your own table. But the Dimes Square denizens flocked nonetheless, pushing together tables laden with dark-pink Spritzes, fried-fish sandwiches, and glistening head-on prawns. It was casual, cool, and as COVID-safe as one could hope for. Now, after a winter hiatus operating as a shop, the scene returns to Cervo’s, but this time the restaurant has full-service outdoor dining on a newly built yellow-tiled patio with proper glassware, plateware, and a menu of old favorites like piri-piri chicken, mussels escabeche, and crispy shrimp heads.—A.K.
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 has required some changes.
“November is here, and there are so many fun new things to do!
With the holidays just around the corner and fall in full swing, the city is bustling with things to do: from cozy winter-themed outdoor dining, to outdoor art installations, to peak fall foliage (in the beginning of the month), to the holiday markets about to open up shop.”
Hop on your bikes, mouthbreathers! The mysterious world of Hawkins is coming to life this winter. Netflix is revealing its first official Stranger Things pop-up store ever—and it just so happens to be in NYC! A limited-time interactive experience inspired by the cult TV sensation is waiting to be discovered; and who better to explore it than you? Opening Nov. 6, you can reserve your visit now here.
The weather is getting cool, but with outdoor dining open all year round in NYC, you can expect the coziest set-ups from restaurants across the city! Check out these 25 heated outdoor dining spots in NYC for staying cozy in even November’s chilliest temps. Here are some of our favorite spots:
After undergoing a major downsize last year due to COVID-19, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is back and better than ever this year. For its 95th anniversary, Macy’s announced it will welcome back public viewing along its parade route (for which specific details will be announced later this month), with its signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, marching bands, performance groups, celebrities, clowns and of course, Santa Claus. Also check out:
Fever’s popular Candlelight concerts are hosting tons of events this fall and winter, ranging from more modern songs on strings to traditional classical compositions — all surrounded by twinkling candlelight in NYC’s most beautiful spaces from historic churches to romantic restaurants. Check them out here:
See exclusive work by one of the most famous & enigmatic street artists of today at this new, one-of-a-kind Banksy exhibit in NYC! Visitors will be able to explore videos, sculptures, photos, limited edition screen prints, and over 80 original works from the artist. The mind-blowing exhibition also offers an interactive VR experience that brings Banksy’s work to life from a convincingly real street view all across the world. Get tickets today!
Fill up your calendar and check out our top 55 things to do in NYC this November HERE:
“Yes, it’s basic — but fall truly is the best season of all!
There’s nothing like feeling a crisp fall breeze, while cuddled in a cozy sweater and sipping on a pumpkin spice beverage to warm even a cold New Yorker’s heart.
Just like we did for summer, we’re rounding up the must-dos of the season — from the obvious (yes, pumpkin and apple picking) to the more unique (weekend away in a medieval castle, anyone?).
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
It’s one thing to offer a $335 meat-free menu for the one percent (see Eleven Madison Park 2.0). It’s another to charge $10 and under for veggie-centric Chinese food for everyone: the curious carnivores, the certified vegans, and the dedicated superfans like Deborah from the Upper West Side, who loves the food and the vibe so much she literally hiked down the West Side Highway from 88th Street to Broome and Orchard one recent Saturday afternoon just to tuck in to paper-boatloads of chewy rice rolls topped with gai lan and juicy bok choy showered with crispy fried garlic. We know she did this because Fat Choy is the kind of place where diners who have navigated the scrum of Lower East Side streeteries — bars, vegan-cupcake shops, more bars — start conversations with strangers to recommend dishes, offer bites, and generally share communal moments of vibrantly flavored, inventively conceived culinary bliss. —Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
This elegant Greenwich Village establishment has flown so far under the radar that many regulars (ourselves included) were afraid it would close forever when disaster struck. Miraculously, unlike with the still-shuttered Gotham Bar & Grill across the street, the opposite has happened. Owner Catherine Manning fitted the space out back with tables and little enclosed “garden rooms” that have become a hit during the outdoor-dining craze. The Sazeracs we enjoyed on a recent summery evening were exceptional, and you can also addle yourself with $9 cocktails during the new happy hour. The talented young chef Tyler Heckman (Ferris, Le Turtle) took over the kitchen last fall, and he’s slowly added the kind of variety and style to the aggressively seasonal menu (braised spring lamb on our visit, white-asparagus velouté, gnocchi with escargot) that threatens to turn this sleepy local favorite into a proper big-city dining destination. —Adam Platt
Sample the Latest Fusion Cuisine on New York’s Original Open Street
Long before 2020 brought alfresco eating to every corner of our city, Stone Street was a pedestrian paradise, and it still is, a cobblestoned car-free wonderland for outdoor pints, pizza, and mozzarella sticks. The Migrant Kitchen, which opened last fall, brings Middle Eastern–Latin fusion to this Fidi pub-grub zone. Owner Nasser Jaber, who operates out of the Dubliner bar’s kitchen, sends out sumac-butter-slicked fried-chicken-and-falafel waffles, mariquitas (fried plantain chips) nachos, and pastelon mahshi, a Dominican-style maduros-and-beef riff on the traditional Palestinian stuffed gourd. And since many office workers are still Zooming in from home, Stone Street feels distinctly chiller and less suits-y these days. —Ryan P. Sutton
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 has required some changes.
“The quality and quantity of free events, free things to do that take place in New York City every day of the year is truly amazing. So don’t miss the opportunities that only New York provides: stop wondering what to do; start taking advantage of free things to do, free events to go to in NYC today!”
Join Club Free Time – I did, and it’s one of the best things I ever did. Here is a sample of FREE events this week. Get more information by going to the Club Free Time website.
Friday, November 12, 2021 Fri, Nov 12 12:00 am free; registration required Film | FOMO: Hungarian Drama on the Harm of Social Media (online, streaming all day) The title of the movie refers to the phenomenon, often exacerbated by social media platforms, called … moreFri, Nov 12 10:00 am Pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents, reservation required Museums | Dutch Masterpieces: Paintings by Rembrandt, Hals, and Vermeer Dutch paintings of the 17th century: the Golden Age of Rembrandt, Hals, and Vermeer. Through sixty-s … moreFri, Nov 12 6:00 pm free; ticket required Festival | Borimix Puerto Rico Fest 2021 This year’s festival will address the 500-year anniversary of the founding of the capital city of Pu … more
Saturday, November 13, 2021 Sat, Nov 13 2:00 pm free, tip-supported, booking required Tour | Norway: The Legends, Ghosts and Witches of Bergen (online, livestream) While Bergen today is a modern, progressive and safe city, in the 1500s and 1600s it was regarded as … moreSat, Nov 13 8:00 pm $5 or pay-what-you-can; ticket required Play | The Ding Dongs: A New Dark Comedy When a sweet-faced couple shows up on a suburban doorstep, an unsuspecting homeowner finds himself t … more
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” – Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld,
Last fall, the abandoned Arcade Bakery space came back to life as Frenchette Bakery, ready to fulfill the carb-craving needs of Tribeca moms, the doctors in the medical practices upstairs, and passersby lured in by the sweet, yeasty promise of croissants and baguettes. Happily, the new owners have retained a big part of what made Arcade so special. Its unique design, using drop-down table ledges and inset benches, transforms a generic hallway into a gathering place for impromptu meetings, shared pizza lunches, and the kind of coffee breaks office workers never knew they’d miss. The bakers line the display case with their own enticements, too: exceptional loaves of sourdough and rye; savory breakfast pastries like the mortadella, egg, and Comté; and rich and flaky pain au chocolat. —Adam Moussa
Follow Your Nose to Great Bronx BBQ
Hudson Smokehouse / 37 Bruckner Blvd., Mott Haven
This recently opened barbecue joint is located at the southern tip of the Bronx on a street once populated by antiques shops, and you can smell the ’cue as you walk by. The corral seating in front catches the sun during the daytime, and inside there’s a high-ceilinged room where social distancing isn’t a problem. The meats include great fatty brisket, pork ribs worth gnawing, and pork-belly burnt ends that make deliriously good bacon. Even the beer list, with many mugs originating in the Bronx, draws you in.—R.C.S.
The Oropeza brothers have pulled off a rare pandemic feat: They closed their tiny takeout outpost in midtown, which focused on soupy salteñas (Bolivia’s take on the empanada), and rebooted in Sunnyside with a sit-down location serving creative South American fare. On any given Saturday, a young crowd may show up to eat (and ’gram) craggy fried-chicken chicharrón sandwiches with spicy Llajua-spiked mayo, stark white bowls of sopa de maní (peanut soup), vegan “chola” sandwiches crammed full of charred jackfruit instead of the usual pork, and cherimoya birthday-cake ice cream. The best time to swing by is just before dusk, when you can grab a seat on the streetside terrace and take in the Empire State Building framed against a pink sky while Andean music plays from the storefront.—R.P.S.
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 has required some changes.
“It’s official: this week, New Yorkers elected Eric Adams as NYC’s next mayor. This Saturday night also marks the end of daylight saving time where we gain back an hour, so celebrate your extra long weekend by planting some flower bulbs in Long Island City, checking out epic new nightlife spaces, or dining at an elegant new uptown spot for dinner.
Read on for eight actually fun things to do in NYC this weekend.”
Weekend-long Upper East Side Good evening Upper East Siders, do you know where you’re having dinner tonight? If you’re looking for that perfect combination of uptown sophistication, food that’s actually good, and maybe a celebrity spotting or two, head to the newly opened Dowling’s at The Carlyle. The menu is a mix of American and European dishes, like salt-baked branzino, or tuna tartare served with whipped crème fraiche and sauce gribiche. Save room for their signature dessert, too: a sundae for two prepared table-side that includes caramel-pretzel ice cream, chantilly, chocolate sauce, and strawberries flambé. Cost: Entrees from $33
Weekend-long Time Square While we take issue with people asking if NYC is “back” (it never went anywhere, baby), the opening of a new, giant nightclub is still a great sign for the city. And Nebula is one of the most innovative spaces to open in Manhattan in years: it’s 11,00 square-feet with multiple levels and a 5,500 square-foot dance floor with moveable video screens on the ceiling. There are also three private clubs for those looking to throw smaller events like a dinner party or karaoke night. The grand opening party is this Friday; expect surprise musical guests and a lot of happy clubgoers. Cost: Ticket price varies
Weekend-long Gramercy Park Authentic Hospitality is a new business from the minds behind iconic spaces like The Jane Hotel Ballroom, The Westway, and The Smile. So, it should be no surprise that its latest ventures inside the Freehand New York are already causing quite the buzz. Sister bar spaces Georgia Room and Bar Calico are both influenced by famed painter Georgia O’Keeffe—think a breezy, Southwest vibe—and will also host events like comedy shows, line dancing, and live music. As for the cocktails? They’re innovative takes on classics. We recommend the Calico Manhattan, made with Great Jones bourbon, Amaro Averna, and chocolate. Cost: Drinks from $16
Saturday, November 6, 9:30 am-12:30 pm Long Island City Spring may seem interminably far away now that we’re in November, but this late fall period is an ideal time to plan for all those 2022 blooms. Head to Long Island City this Saturday, when Hunters Point Parks Conservancy hosts the 7th Annual LIC Bulbfest. Volunteers will sign up in shifts and plant a whopping 16,000 bulbs before the day is over. And then, make a note in the calendar to swing by Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park when your flowers burst into bloom this spring. Cost: Free with sign up
Weekend-long Noho The Public Theater has long been an incubator for some of the country’s most talented playwrights. And their newest production, Cullud Wattah, is certainly on track to be one of the fall’s most lauded and discussed performances. Written by Erika Dickerson-Despenza, the play centers around the lives of three generations of Black women dealing with the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Cullud Wattah is genre-bending, deeply thought-provoking, and, simply put, an important piece of theater. Cost: Tickets from $60
Weekend-long Greenpoint When you think of NYC art fairs, it’s legitimate if your understanding is that they’re affairs only for people dropping serious coin. But luckily, our city also has a fair share of more democratic art world events, like this weekend’s The Other Art Fair. Held at the Brooklyn Expo Center and presented by Saatchi Art in partnership with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, the fair brings together over 130 independent and emerging artists, with prices starting as low as $150. And, if you’re looking to support local talent, there are plenty of New York-based artists to check out. Cost: Tickets from $18
Sunday, November 7, 4 pm-7 pm Williamsburg We are lucky to have many excellent comedy venues in our city and even more talented comedians. This Sunday, you can see some of NYC’s best indigenous talent at Women to the Front’s event, At Your Cervix. The performance, being held at Union Pool, will not only showcase these rising star comedians, but also will raise money for Indigenous Women Rising, a reproductive justice organization that centers Native and Indigenous folks. Cost: Tickets from $23
Weekend-long Bryant Park A sure sign the holidays are approaching: the opening of Bank of America’s Winter Village at Bryant Park, this year in its 20th season. The complex not only houses NYC’s only free-admission ice skating rink, but also cold-weather treats and drinks, and one of the best holiday markets in the city, curated by Urbanspace. If you’re really feeling the winter spirit, you can also rent an igloo; the experience comes with a carafe of mulled wine or bucket of beer; a charcuterie board or cheese; and french fries with dipping sauce. Cost: Free to enter
Thrillist, a site with tons of food, drink, travel & entertainment info, introduces folks to the coolest things to do in NYC (and other places when you are traveling). I like to check them out regularly. You should, too.
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” – Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld,
Zero Otto Nove has been a mainstay of the Bronx’s Little Italy since it opened in 2008. But Open Streets’ weekend transformation of Arthur Avenue into the car-free Piazza di Belmont has brought a fresh and breezy feel to this first-rate southern Italian trattoria. Previously, restaurants along the strip rarely set up for outdoor dining, confining the festivities to the often-curtained dining rooms. Now and hopefully forever, the celebratory and communal open-air atmosphere brings the action (and all the neighborhood characters) outdoors, where diners partake in lively people-watching while enjoying dishes like citrusy seafood salad, butternut-squash pizza, and mafalde cooked in tinfoil.—Terri Ciccone
There are many good reasons to revisit Manhattan’s Chinatown these days. But if you’re in the mood for a quick Peking-duck banquet or a taste of Shorty Tang’s famous dry-sautéed crispy beef in a crowded, near-celebratory post-pandemic atmosphere, this East Broadway destination is the place to be. When we dropped in on a Friday evening not long ago, the streets outside were still eerily empty, and so were the dining booths set up on the sidewalk. But inside the brightly lit two-floor restaurant, parties of revelers from uptown, across the river, and around the neighborhood filled the round tables. For those acclimated to dining in the great indoors, we guarantee a bite of Peking duck (or crispy beef) never tasted so good.—A.P.41
At Mark’s, which opened in November, the Queens-born chef Mark Strausman (Freds at Barneys, Coco Pazzo, Campagna) delves into the Jewish and Italian dishes that have come to define his 30-year career: lush eggplant parm, rich pappardelle with brisket ragù, and a killer chicken soup named after his grandmother Estelle. In nice weather, the outdoor terrace, with its view of Madison Square Park, gets fairly packed with a tony mix of locals and Strausman groupies from his Freds days. On weekends, starting at 9 a.m., the place doubles as a Jewish bakery whose bagels and bialys and black-and-white cookies put most of the competition to shame. —R.C.S.
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 has required some changes.
Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today, or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this fall weekend. Cheer from the sidelines during the NYC Marathon, see a new showing of Hilma af Klint watercolors at David Zwirner, finally rent an igloo at 230 Fifth and more. There’s much to do—all you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend!”
The 2021 TCS New York City Marathon is back in person this year to the relief and excitement of the world’s runners. The world-famous race was virtual last year due to the pandemic, so it’s fair to assume that runners will be even more excited to run this year.
Since 2003, this festival has gathered new and well-known names from within the community for some epic acts, and this year, their voices couldn’t be more appreciated. Head to Arab Comedy Buffet on November 4 to see 10 of the fest’s performers in under 2 hours, including comedians like Ali Sultan, Sammy Obeid, Reem Edan, Mohanad Elshieky, Atheer Yacoub and others; head to the Arab Comedy Bonanza to hear from the top comedians from across the world and Arab Comedy All Stars to hear uncensored comedy on November 5; and catch World’s Funniest Arabs who’ve appeared on TV and radio as well as Legends of Arab Comedy that’ll feature experienced and seasoned comedians on November 6.
Get some holiday shopping done at FAD Market (at City Point this weekend) with New York City’s up-and-coming brands, designers, and small businesses — offering a curated selection of handcrafted jewelry, apparel, stationery, skincare, tableware, home goods, and artisanal food. Highlights include Underdog Candles, natural soy-wax scents blended and hand-poured in Brooklyn; Ggrgeous hand-designed stationery and accessories for book lovers by Xoxo Sierra; high-design home objects created by dedicated makers in Japan from Ombrato; handmade magic wallets crafted from vintage books and prints from MagicIndustrie, high-end stationery, postcards, and prints from Benji’s of Brooklyn, and teched-out performance socks from WRRKNIT.
The recent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland inspired interdisciplinary artist and musician Jónsi (of Sigur Rós) to create two new sound installations and sculptural works that infuse the senses, including ambient sounds, mechanically generated frequencies, samples from nature, his own voice as well as earthy, atmospheric fragrances that help to transport viewers. On the ground floor, visitors enter a darkened room that has a central plinth surrounded by about two hundred speakers that’ll play a choral hymn in four parts added to soundscapes of gritty rocks and searing lava. It’ll be layered over with smoky, tar-like aromas of fossilized amber to further transport his audience into the belly of a volcano…
This annual cans-for-a-cause competition pits architecture teams against each other to create larger-than-life Pop Art–installations using more than 120,000 cans of nonperishable food, all in the name of ending hunger (every can is donated to City Harvest). Head down to Brookfield Place to see the unveiling of these engineering spectacles, all built overnight after months of planning, and check back to see if your favorite takes home any titles in judges’ categories like Best Use of Labels, Best Meal and Structural Ingenuity. Admission is free, but do your part by bringing the suggested donation of one canned good per person.
Although most of Hilma af Klint’s work is held by the artist’s official foundation and isn’t currently on view anywhere, New Yorkers will get to browse through a rare set of her watercolors through December 18 at the David Zwirner gallery on 69th Street. Dubbed “Tree of Knowledge,” the exhibit focuses on the artist’s 1913-1915 series of works, which were recently discovered by the art world. If the success of the Guggenheim’s 2018 exhibition “Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future” is of any indication, we expect many people to flock to the Upper East Side gallery in the next few months. Fair warning: appointments are required to see the work in person, so make sure to schedule a visit right here.
The annual festival dedicated to shorts and features from Latin America brings over twenty new films to NYC for its eighteenth showcase. This year the festival will premiere award-winning films that celebrate the diversity of voices and cultural expressions of Ibero America and its diaspora through inspiring stories on the big screen, including Nudo Mixteco, Desarraigo Y Esperanza (Displacement and Hope) and El Olvido Que Seremos (Memories of My Father).
Inside Chelsea Market’s old boiler room, there’s an art show opening today that explores New York City’s past and potential future with trippy digital art that unfolds all around you. “Machine Hallucination: NYC” by Refik Anadol was originally on view at ARTECHOUSE two years ago when the venue first opened, but for the first time, NFTs will be available to visitors who want to purchase pieces of Anadol’s art. “Machine Hallucination: NYC” is NYC’s latest immersive experience that uses artificial intelligence and the latest technology to map a massive dataset (more than 100 million publicly available photographs of New York’s iconic architecture and urban landscapes without people) and shows AI re-imaginings of NYC set to “awe-inspiring” sound design by Berlin-based composer Kerim Karaoglu who used New York’s sound archives with machine intelligence.
We’ll be honest: we’re not always the biggest fans of 230 Fifth. Don’t get us wrong: the views from up there are beautiful and the drinks are delicious, but the rooftop gets pretty crowded during the year. Yet, once winter rolls around, we can’t help but feel the pull of the midtown destination, when the staff sets up the famous heated igloos that we could spend all season in. The glowing cocoons, which opened to the public yesterday, will stay in place through April 15 and, as usual, will be able to accommodate up to ten guests at once. Yes, you’ll still find warm red snuggies for use inside each one. Although reservations are suggested—especially if heading there with a group of six or more—the igloos are also accessible by walk-ins pending availability. You can plan your visit right here.
Poetry Slam: Do you have something to say through spoken word? Check out this poetry slam in Brooklyn on Friday! All poets are welcome to express your feelings on this truly unique night. 255 McKibbin St, Brooklyn. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $5.
Covered Courtyard Speakeasy Comedy Show: With the weather changing, you don’t have to miss out on outdoor events. The Covered Courtyard Speakeasy Comedy Show has you covered, literally! Come for the comedy, stay for the menu including burgers, nachos, salads, quinoa bowls, wings and so much more! The Three Monkeys, 236 West 54th Street. 8:30 p.m. $10.
Saturday, Nov. 6
Pumpkin Smash: Halloween is over and the city’s pumpkins have likely seen better days. Head over to the Pumpkin Smash to do just what the name suggests and destroy your pumpkin! Admission also includes a free pumpkin to smash, a hayride, bulldozers to operate, farm fun and so much more! Aviator Sports Center, Brooklyn. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $12.
Lantern Comedy Presents: The Comedy Shop: Live comedy is back! If you’re looking for a few laughs, head over to the Comedy Shop (formerly Lantern Comedy) for a night of fun with friends. Masks must be worn to the venue. 167 Bleecker Street, Manhattan. First show starts at 7:45 p.m. Tickets; $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Sunday, Nov. 7
Paint in Central Park: Whether you’re looking to sharpen your art skills or are just wanting a nice fun time, painting in Central Park is a great option. All participants get a pre-sketched canvas, unlimited painting materials (brushes, acrylic paints etc.) and a take-home bag. Central Park. 1:30 p.m. $39.95.
How To Write a Business Plan Free Workshop: If you’re looking to start a business and aren’t sure where to start, this free workshop is here to help! Take an hour and learn how to make the most of your business plan. Virtual, 7 p.m. Free.
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
Last summer, as restaurateurs hastily built makeshift patios, Silver Apricot partners Emmeline Zhao and Simone Tong created a space that truly translated the dining experience to the street without sacrificing a bit of elegance or refinement. (Being situated on one of the West Village’s quieter blocks didn’t hurt.) Purse hooks on the plastic dividers, lavender planted along the perimeter, and quality glass and plateware made for a setting worthy of Tong’s inventive Chinese American dishes like chile-crab rangoon dip and burnished scallion puffs. Now they are renovating the dining room in preparation for indoor service and plan to reopen June 17 with a new seasonal menu.—A.K.
Veteran chefs John Nguyen and Nhu Ton began peddling their Vietnamese sandwiches and crispy pork-belly salad rolls from an empty pop-up space on the upper reaches of Amsterdam Avenue last summer, and the operation was such a hit that by January they’d put down permanent roots in the neighborhood. There are five varieties of toasty bánh mìs to choose from (when in doubt, order the charcoal-grilled pork), numerous sturdy classics from Ton’s native central Vietnam (try the Frisbee-size rice-noodle delicacy called bánh dap), and a deeply flavorful beef pho. —A.P.
Last summer, the outdoor-dining setup at downtown Portuguese-Spanish restaurant Cervo’s was a destination almost in spite of itself. Simple wooden folding tables and chairs sprawled across an unadorned and fluorescent-lit expanse of Canal Street. Counter-service orders were called out brusquely over a loudspeaker mounted on the building’s exterior. Serviceware was disposable. You found and bussed your own table. But the Dimes Square denizens flocked nonetheless, pushing together tables laden with dark-pink Spritzes, fried-fish sandwiches, and glistening head-on prawns. It was casual, cool, and as COVID-safe as one could hope for. Now, after a winter hiatus operating as a shop, the scene returns to Cervo’s, but this time the restaurant has full-service outdoor dining on a newly built yellow-tiled patio with proper glassware, plateware, and a menu of old favorites like piri-piri chicken, mussels escabeche, and crispy shrimp heads.—A.K.
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 has required some changes.
“We have the ultimate list of things to do in the fall—NYC’s Halloween events and autumn activities that can’t be beat – Will Gleason & Shaye Weaver
Just being in NYC in the fall is an experience in itself—for a few brief months, we all channel Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail and breathe in the crisp air filled with the smell of leaves and pretend we’re in the middle of a love story for the ages (maybe we are). It’s true that NYC is one of the most sought out places to experience the best that fall offers, from delightfully spooky Halloween events and festivals to gorgeous leaf-peeping opportunities and some of the best festivals.
Autumn in NYC is tough to match!”
Be a shutterbug at Photoville
Gawk at the Dior exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
Get lit at the Illumination Light Art Festival
See incredible art at the Armory Show
Attend the Feast of San Gennaro
Return to Refinery29’s 29Rooms
Laugh it up at the New York Comedy Festival
Go to Brooklyn Made’s opening
Celebrate Halloween
Ascend Summit One Vanderbilt
Marvel at this realistic Sistine Chapel exhibit
Get a glow up at Lightscape
Geek out at New York Comic Con
Head to these great spots for leaf-peeping
Watch the Tony Awards
Bump and grind with the New York Burlesque Festival
Dig into apple cider donuts from NYC’s farmers market
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
You see traces of far-west Spring Street’s past at the still-swinging Ear Inn and symbols of its future in the luxury apartment towers that have sprouted along Renwick and Greenwich Streets. Coco Pazzeria, with its raw bar and sparkling-wine list (liquor license pending), is the perfect pizzeria for this newly ritzy part of town, if the steady flow of neighbors stopping in for takeout orders is any indication. But thanks to the reputation of owner Pino Luongo and the presence of homegrown pizzaiolo Ciro Verdi, who can be seen slinging thin-crust pies and his trademark focaccia robiola at his oven in back, the restaurant also attracts couples on dates, travelers from other Zip Codes arriving on fancy folding bikes, and young families taking full advantage of the BYO policy (a must when your dining companions are an infant, a toddler, and a juvenile-delinquent tween). The menu extends to pastas and salads, but dough is the thing, fried into mini-calzones or formed into loaves for sandwiches, including a recent lobster-roll special. —R.P. & R.R.
This airy greek restaurant opened in 2018 on a rather unfavorable Upper West Side side street, facing a soon-to-be construction site, at a remove from the buzzier stretches of Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues. But when COVID hit, Eléa was one of the first places in the neighborhood to build a beautiful, greenery-draped outdoor seating area, complete with inviting flowers, twinkly lights, and copious heat lamps. The kitchen didn’t miss a beat, turning out zesty shareable small plates like fried-zucchini “chips” and sesame-crusted feta. Now, Eléa has blossomed into a local go-to for date nights and other special occasions — the kinds of dining excursions that feel more celebratory than ever. —Ellie Krupnick
This Vietnamese restaurant smack in the middle of prime Bedford Avenue opened just before the pandemic and managed to soldier on throughout thanks to its backyard — small and slightly suburban-feeling with its wooden fence and strings of tiny lights. Pots of herbs grown on the restaurant’s farm in Pennsylvania line that yard; sometimes a cook will wander out and clip a fragrant betel leaf or a sprig of rice-paddy herb. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy chef Matt Le-Khac’s neo-traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as an unusual pho topped with coarsely ground beef and a vegetarian bun bo Hue chay made with mushrooms as opposed to the customary pig’s blood. —R.C.S.
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 has required some changes.
NYC-Arts Top Five Picks: October 29 – November 4
“Interesting. Unusual. Uniquely NYC. Highlights of this week’s top events include the Hudson River Museum’s exhibition “African American Art in the 20th Century,” Hideaway Circus’ “BEYOND BABEL,” the Gibney Company at the Joyce Theater, and more. Get the NYC-ARTS Top Five in your inbox every Friday and follow @NYC_ARTS on Instagram or @NYCARTS on Twitter to stay abreast of events as they happen.”
In these concerts, the Chelsea Symphony honor the loved ones we have lost. Tim Kiah’s new work remembers Kurt Behnke, a longtime cellist with TCS. The series also features the World Premiere of Kamala Sankaram’s viola concerto 91919 with viola soloist Brian Thompson (10/30), a moving meditation on grief. Franz Schubert’s lyrical “Unfinished” Symphony, a work some scholars believe was inspired by personal trauma, demonstrates the power of music to provide solace. Camille Saint-Saëns’s Suite …
Westchester / Fri, Oct 15, 2021 – Sun, Jan 16, 2022
Hudson River Museum is proud to present “African American Art in the 20th Century,” an exhibition of exemplary paintings and sculptures by thirty-four African American artists who came to prominence during the period bracketed by the Harlem Renaissance starting in the 1920s and the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. Drawn from the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the exhibition includes masterworks by iconic artists such as Romare Bearden, Beauford Delaney, Jacob Lawrence, and Loïs Mailou …
The reimagined Gibney Company expands the definition of what a contemporary repertory company can be. The new collective of 12 powerhouse performers takes the stage with three moving, technically stunning world premieres. Tony award-winning choreographer Sonya Tayeh (“Moulin Rouge”) shares a powerful and timely new work celebrating change, truth, and resilience, featuring a commissioned score and live music by The Bengsons. Norwegian choreographer Alan Lucien Øyen, renowned in Europe for his theatrical and visceral style, makes his …
Created by Keone & Mari Madrid and Hideaway Circus, the critically acclaimed dance theatre hit “BEYOND BABEL” will return to New York this fall to complete the final eight weeks of its original Off-Broadway run. Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet,” “BEYOND BABEL” is about the division of families, friends, and a community of people as authorities decide to build a wall between them. We follow two divinely linked lovers as they reconcile with the rising tensions of a …
The iconic FRIGID New York in collaboration with Something from Abroad a theatre company founded and run by Latinx women and proud immigrants presents “Cabaret: A Night with the Dead,” a tribute to our loved ones. The performances will take place at the Kraine Theater on Oct 30th, 31st, and Nov 1st at 7 pm and will also be available for live streaming. This production is a celebration of the Mexican Holiday Day of the Dead and would bring together traditions, poetry, stories, and music in a variety …
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
It’s one thing to offer a $335 meat-free menu for the one percent (see Eleven Madison Park 2.0). It’s another to charge $10 and under for veggie-centric Chinese food for everyone: the curious carnivores, the certified vegans, and the dedicated superfans like Deborah from the Upper West Side, who loves the food and the vibe so much she literally hiked down the West Side Highway from 88th Street to Broome and Orchard one recent Saturday afternoon just to tuck in to paper-boatloads of chewy rice rolls topped with gai lan and juicy bok choy showered with crispy fried garlic. We know she did this because Fat Choy is the kind of place where diners who have navigated the scrum of Lower East Side streeteries — bars, vegan-cupcake shops, more bars — start conversations with strangers to recommend dishes, offer bites, and generally share communal moments of vibrantly flavored, inventively conceived culinary bliss. —Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
This elegant Greenwich Village establishment has flown so far under the radar that many regulars (ourselves included) were afraid it would close forever when disaster struck. Miraculously, unlike with the still-shuttered Gotham Bar & Grill across the street, the opposite has happened. Owner Catherine Manning fitted the space out back with tables and little enclosed “garden rooms” that have become a hit during the outdoor-dining craze. The Sazeracs we enjoyed on a recent summery evening were exceptional, and you can also addle yourself with $9 cocktails during the new happy hour. The talented young chef Tyler Heckman (Ferris, Le Turtle) took over the kitchen last fall, and he’s slowly added the kind of variety and style to the aggressively seasonal menu (braised spring lamb on our visit, white-asparagus velouté, gnocchi with escargot) that threatens to turn this sleepy local favorite into a proper big-city dining destination. —Adam Platt
Sample the Latest Fusion Cuisine on New York’s Original Open Street
Long before 2020 brought alfresco eating to every corner of our city, Stone Street was a pedestrian paradise, and it still is, a cobblestoned car-free wonderland for outdoor pints, pizza, and mozzarella sticks. The Migrant Kitchen, which opened last fall, brings Middle Eastern–Latin fusion to this Fidi pub-grub zone. Owner Nasser Jaber, who operates out of the Dubliner bar’s kitchen, sends out sumac-butter-slicked fried-chicken-and-falafel waffles, mariquitas (fried plantain chips) nachos, and pastelon mahshi, a Dominican-style maduros-and-beef riff on the traditional Palestinian stuffed gourd. And since many office workers are still Zooming in from home, Stone Street feels distinctly chiller and less suits-y these days. —Ryan P. Sutton
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 has required some changes.
That’s right, New York, it’s October. The time for all of the pumpkins, apples, hot ciders, and Halloween costumes you can get your hands on.
Plus it’s still not too cold yet, so there are tons of outdoor activities you can still enjoy, along with foods to try and NYC locales to visit.
From magical pumpkin extravaganzas to spooky spectacles to munching on the yummiest fall treats, check out these 101 tips for awesome activities to enjoy all October long:”
Prepare yourself for a night full of mystery and magic, paired perfectly with cocktails at a stylishly eerie mansion! House of Spirits is a two-hour immersive cocktail experience that weaves a disquieting and interactive storyline certain to leave guests delightfully chilled. You’ll have the chance to explore the eerie mansion, invoke a giant ouija board, and meet mystical tarot readers, and more. Don’t miss this awe-inspiring, curiosity-filled occasion, get your tickets here
Join the Dormouse, March Hare, and your delightful host the Mad Hatter on an immersive, 90-minute-long cocktail crafting experience. Prepare to be welcomed by helpful wonderland assistants, who will encourage tea-party goers to assume a unique personality by choosing an outlandish hat and taking a sip of Drink Me potion (which is spiked with a bit of gin!). Don’t miss your chance to join in on the fun, get your tickets now!
If you haven’t explored The Shops at the Oculus, then you need to get down there right now. Seriously – run, don’t walk. Grab all your fall essentials at the amazing transit hub with all the incredible restaurants, entertainment and events you can explore whilst you’re there. From a colorful beer garden, greenmarkets, and spots for every foodie, who could resist a trip to The Shops at the Oculus? Find out more here!
It’s spooky season! Which means it’s time to get ready for your favorite scary holiday: Halloween! And as NYC’s never one to hold back, there are plenty of exciting, spine-chilling ways to celebrate. Here are some of the best Halloween events across NYC:
Combining dance, acrobatics, theatre, music and visual arts, this immersive experience will take you on an astrological journey that immerses all five senses. From the gasp-inducing nouveau circus acts to the herbaceous cocktails and essential oil blends, it’s perfect for astrology fans, New Agers, or anyone who wants a unique and ~ethereal~ night out! Get tickets to this spellbinding experience here.
After New York’s most iconic Halloween event was canceled last year due to COVID-19 concerns, the parade organizers have announced that it will officially be back for 2021 — and we can all thank a very gracious donor! After New Yorker, Jason Feldman heard that the annual Halloween Parade was in danger of not happening this year, he made a bountiful donation of $150,000 that practically saved the spooktacular event! Read more details about the parade here.
Enter a cutting-edge, adrenaline-fueled world where the Westfield Garden State Plaza becomes a dystopian quarantine zone, riddled with flesh-eating zombies. Your mission: Battle the dead. Save the living. Zack Snyder’s zombie-heist hit “Army of The Dead” was one of the most anticipated releases of the year and Netflix partnered with Pure Imagination Studios and Fever to bring it all to “life” in an explosive way. Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s 30 minutes of action that will not disappoint—and it’s all only 35 minutes outside of NYC. Book your tickets here!
You can now see iconic frescoes that have decorated the walls in Vatican City for over 500 years, come to life in your own city! The spectacular exhibition of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel will briefly transform SoHo’s 100 Sixth Ave. building into the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. The industrial space will serve as a stunning, modern backdrop for the exhibition of ancient artworks through high-quality, licensed photographs and a special printing technique that reproduces the original paintings’ look and feel. Grab your tickets now!
Of course NYC is the city that has everything, and there are unlimited restaurants, activities, arts, museums, theater, parks, etc. to enjoy. But if you need to liven up your weekend plans, or are visiting the city and want a not-too-touristy itinerary while still seeing the sights, OR have friends coming into town, these 15 itineraries provide the perfect ideas!
We asked our followers what they would tell someone who asked them the best way to spend 24 hours in NYC, and they delivered. Check them out below, and you can read the original post here for even more ideas.”
Here are just three Itineraries. For ALL the others go HERE
Itinerary 1
Walk along Broadway starting from Battery Park going uptown, but before you do that, take a round trip ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see the harbor and the skyline
Then along the way, you can divert from Broadway to see some major spots like the One World Trade Center and the Brooklyn Bridge
But after diverting, go back to Broadway and keep walking uptown. Don’t sit to take a break for too long, just to grab a bite.
Then finish at Central Park. Best in spring or fall!
Itinerary 2
Head to Queens and take the Long Island City Ferry station, enjoying the city views and the bridges
Get off in Brooklyn and walk the Brooklyn Bridge, heading towards the 9/11 memorial and the new development in the area
Catch lunch at Brookfield Place by the water and walk your way down to the Staten Island Ferry
Get on board and enjoy the view of the Statue of Liberty for free
Then get on a return ferry and back to downtown Manhattan and then back home to relax
If you don’t fall asleep (like we did), a night at a rooftop would be perfect
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
We’re happy to report that whatever strange alchemy it was (the warming onion soup, the cheeseburger “à la Americaine,” the spacious sidewalk operation sturdy enough for any blizzard) that elevated this fashionable Stephen Starr–Keith McNally Meatpacking District brasserie into one of the go-to destinations during the dark pandemic months is still very much intact. Like everywhere else around town, the dining room is beginning to fill up again, but the best seat in the house is still outdoors, where the sidewalk between the tables along Gansevoort Street has turned into a kind of promenade for the vibrantly reopened city. There was a jazz trio spinning out New Orleans sounds when we dropped by the other day, and couples walking arm in arm on their way to the High Line or an evening picnic in the park. Any picnic here should include some oysters and the bubbly, shell-less escargot, but be sure to save a little room for the baba au rhum, the nougat glacé, and the rest of the underrated brasserie desserts.—A.P.
Cymande’s “bra” piped through the outdoor jukebox on a recent Friday at the Vietnamese restaurant Di An Di while patrons slurped up brothy vermicelli noodles underneath strings of white lights. Those who arrived after 8:45 p.m. were out of luck, as every table was filled with fashionable young folks in T-shirts and hosts had stopped taking names. Bowls of mi xao bo do bien, firm egg noodles studded with fat slices of squid and shrimp, scented the air with its garlicky perfume. The Before Times menu still hasn’t returned, which means no more rice-paper pizzas for now, but there are newish bánh mì lunch sandwiches stuffed with fried chicken, tofu, or pork belly. And the aromatic shaking beef (bo luc lac), with its wok-seared cubes of medium-rare sirloin and crisp tomato-watercress salad, remains.—R.P.S.
The pandemic was a disaster for everyone, but few felt the old “defeat snatched from the jaws of victory” moment more keenly than chef-owner Ryan Bartlow, who had to close this elegant little Basque-themed bar operation just as the buzz for its special brand of convivial tapas-style cooking was building. The bare-bones staff managed to survive on PPP checks and a pickup menu until early summer, before throwing open the floor-to-ceiling windows and filling the sidewalk with rows of tables, which, on a warm night, as the evening light filters through the leafy trees across the street, can feel a little like an outdoor café in San Sebastián. These days, the long, dinner-friendly bar is humming again, and with the first-rate drinks program (try the vermut and tonic), a roster of expertly rendered Spanish classics (the croquettes, the morcilla, the tortilla española), and a peaceful, unhurried vibe, there are, for our money, few more-enjoyable indoor-outdoor-dining options in town.—A.P.
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 has required some changes.
Best Free Things To Do in NYC This Week
“The quality and quantity of free events, free things to do that take place in New York City every day of the year is truly amazing. So don’t miss the opportunities that only New York provides: stop wondering what to do; start taking advantage of free things to do, free events to go to in NYC today!”
Join Club Free Time – I did, and it’s one of the best things I ever did. Here is a sample of FREE events this week. Get more information by going to the Club Free Time website.
Saturday, October 30, 2021 Sat, Oct 30 12:00 pm free; no reservation required Festival | Halloween Harvest Festival The annual Halloween Harvest Festival, featuring a doggie costume contest; pumpkin carving and catap … moreSat, Oct 30 5:00 pm free, registration required Classical Music | Orchestra and Mezzo-Soprano: Buoyant Melodies, Enchanting Dance Rhythms and More Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra, led by Chris Whittaker, and by mezzo-soprano Linda Collazo per … moreSat, Oct 30 5:00 pm free; RSVP required Dance Performance | Vividly Colored Dance Performance This the result of a multi-year collaboration between a choreographer and a composer as wells an exa … moreSat, Oct 30 7:30 pm free, reservations required Classical Music | Mozart and Haydn: Symphonic Works ProgramWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Sinfonia No. 1 in B-Flat, K. 1 … moreSat, Oct 30 9:00 pm free; ticket required Movie in a Park | The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) with a Live Score Hypnotist Dr. Caligari uses somnambulist Cesare to commit murders in this silent horror classic. … more
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” – Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld,
When this terrific Hunan restaurant opened last year just down the street from Trump Tower, the owners had trouble attracting customers because security arrangements limited access to the block. But true fans of Hunan cuisine — which can be just as spicy as Sichuan, with a broader array of sharp flavors — have a way of sniffing out talent and overcoming obstacles in their path, and Blue Willow gradually became a word-of-mouth hit, especially among Chinese Americans. Now, with the barriers gone, the restaurant draws diners looking for dishes like house-smoked Hunan bacon (thick swatches of pork belly stir-fried with cloves of garlic) and “snow red greens” (minced mustard greens riddled with pickled red chiles). —R.C.S.
It’s clear while sitting at Thai Diner’s packed outdoor setup on Mott and Kenmare that Nolita, a reliably bustling corner of the city that felt eerily quiet throughout the past year, is very much alive these days. At this, Ann Redding and Matt Danzer’s latest spot, they’re serving Uncle Boons (RIP) favorites, such as khao soi and crab fried rice, alongside cheeseburgers, fried-chicken sandwiches, and Thai disco fries smothered in curry sauce, which we recommend pairing with a notably strong martini while ogling the ecstatic-to-finally-be-out-and-about passersby. —R.P.S.
The Russian bathhouse isn’t just about cleansing; it’s about restoring and nourishing, which is why the indoor-dining ban hit the banya so hard. You were permitted to sweat it out on Fulton Street, but you couldn’t seek rejuvenation through hot borscht and cold beer. Now, after a few rounds in a sauna set to a screaming 220 degrees, you can once again bring your body back to life in a cafeteria with other dripping-wet patrons wearing very few clothes. Consider filling up on slippery Siberian pelmeni drenched in butter, fried potatoes slicked with enough garlic to qualify as a medicinal supplement, and Georgian lamb soup that will scorch your tongue for days, which means it’s precisely the right temperature.—R.P.S.
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 has required some changes.
Dare we say it? It’s finally sweater weather. And with it comes all sorts of fall-centric happenings in NYC, whether it’s a soup-themed festival or a new restaurant specializing in live-fire cooking. This weekend also marks the first day of early voting for the November 2 election (you know, the one that decides our new mayor), so if you’ll be unable to vote then, make sure to get that ballot in early.
Read on for nine actually fun things to eat, see, and do this weekend in New York City.
Weekend-long Meatpacking District Compère Lapin, run by star chef Nina Compton, has long been one of the most beloved restaurants in The Big Easy. And now, you don’t have to catch a flight to try Compton’s Caribbean-infused, Gulf Coast-sourced menu. This week, the chef and her team begin a residency at Intersect by Lexus, featuring both dishes from the New Orleans restaurant as well as a specially curated tasting menu made for this pop-up. Look out for entrees like pork belly served with tamarind, pickled mango, and herbs, and desserts like a Doberge cake topped with lemon curd and a lemon buttermilk sorbet. Cost: $225 per diner
Weekend-long NoMad Chef Bryce Shuman made his mark on the NYC dining scene with stints at Eleven Madison Park and Betony. His eagerly anticipated new spot, Sweetbriar, finally opens this week, with a menu focused on upscale, American comfort food. Many of the vegetable dishes will be cooked using charcoal, wood, and smoke, like the fire-roasted caraflex cabbage, while fish and meats will be prepared over a live fire. We can’t wait to dig into the smoked black pepper-maple Duroc pork ribs, served with a side of cornbread. Cost: Entrees from $31
Weekend-long Midtown East We know we’re spoiled for choices when it comes to sky-high observation decks, but the newest entry to the field is a total gamechanger. After years of construction, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt finally opens this week, allowing visitors a chance to soar as high as 1,200 feet in the air. But the experience is more than just the views: there are mirrored rooms to explore, a sky box that allows you to stand on transparent glass 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue, and even a lounge and cafe, Après, with food and drinks from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events. While we don’t want to spoil all the surprises, we will give you one piece of advice: don’t wear a skirt. Cost: Tickets from $39https://f5bd536f16df69846b8d50f338e2f3d7.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Saturday, October 23, 1 pm Williamsburg Do you know what’s great about October? Eating soup. Do you know what’s one of the best soups to eat? Pozole. If you’re already a fan, or if you want to learn more about this brothy, porky, hominy-filled soup, head to Williamsburg this Saturday for Bowl of ‘Zole. Nine chefs, including famed Claudette Zepeda from San Diego, will be offering their unique renditions of the stew. There will also be over 50 different versions of mezcal available to try, you know, in case you really need to warm up. Cost: Tickets from $65
Courtesy of Starbucks
Sip on coffee and cocktails at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery
You can’t kick off a New York weekend without a good cup of coffee in hand, and because Starbucks is turning 50 this year, exploring their unique offerings is the best way to celebrate. Head to the Meatpacking District to check out the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery: a sleek, working roastery where you can discover exclusive coffee beverages, fresh-baked food, and artfully-crafted cocktails. While you’re there, you can even catch Starbucks Master Roasters roasting rare, single-origin coffees and blends daily, and toast to the big 5-0.
Weekend-long Boerum Hill It’s hard to think of a bar that does better seasonal drink specials than Grand Army in Brooklyn. Past iterations have included the films of Nicholas Cage, Gilmore Girls, and the state parks of Oklahoma. For this fall, they’re celebrating our favorite furry pals: cats! The libations will include cold-weather versions of spritzes, pisco punches, and even a fall-inspired colada. To really get into the autumnal spirit, grab a Mr Bigglesworth: a frozen, pumpkin-spice latte flavored with cachaça, rum, and vodka. Cost: Cocktails from $16
Saturday, October 23 Bushwick After so many virtual festivals last year, we’re still pretty excited for in-person events. This weekend brings one of our favorites: the 14th edition of the Bushwick Film Festival. For 2021, the event will be a hybrid, with a full day of live screenings and networking events on Saturday, plus digital screenings all weekend. With more films showing than ever before, there is a movie for every type of cinema lover, from documentary features to narrative shorts. Cost: Tickets from $15
Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 Bushwick If you’re looking to scoop up some local, unique, and creative gifts for the upcoming season, head to Bushwick this weekend for Open Wide. The event is a collaboration between BK Queer Flea and Rice Studios, a new queer and POC art studio space. Highlights of the weekend-long market will include live music performances, DJ sets, art exhibitions, and many vendors selling everything from candles to pins and patches. Cost: Free to enterhttps://f5bd536f16df69846b8d50f338e2f3d7.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Sunday, October 24, 12 pm Long Island City The South may get all the attention for its barbecue, but it would be a mistake to think that New York doesn’t have some destination-worthy spots of our own. Helmed by pitmasters Matt Abdoo and Shane McBride, one of our favorites is Pig Beach BBQ, which opens a new location in Long Island City this Sunday. Favorites from the Brooklyn flagship will all be on offer here, including peach and honey-glazed ribs, and smoked pork shoulder with hatch vinegar sauce. There will also be new items that draw inspiration from the Queens neighborhood, like a Greek-style, smoked lamb shoulder and Cuban mojo ribs. Cost: Entrees from $8
Come hungry for the tastiest block party of the fall
Sunday, October 24, 12 pm-5 pm Lower East Side If you’ve been meaning to hit up some of the buzziest restaurants downtown and just haven’t had the time, we have just the thing. This Sunday, pasta emporium Forsythia is spearheading a block party at 9 Stanton Street with many tasty restaurants, including English seafood spot Dame, ice cream paradise Caffe Panna, and cocktail den Dante. Proceeds from food and drink sales will benefit God’s Love We Deliver, a non-profit organization that helps improve the health of people with serious illness by alleviating hunger. Cost: Food prices vary by restaurant
Thrillist, a site with tons of food, drink, travel & entertainment info, introduces folks to the coolest things to do in NYC (and other places when you are traveling). I like to check them out regularly. You should, too.
If you are looking for some of the best info on food and drink, restaurants and eating in New York City, then you want to head to New York magazine’s Grub Street.
“Make up for lost meals. No takeout, no pasta kits, just 66 of the best new (or newly relevant) places to eat.” Edited by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld, Photographs by Dina Litovsky
The trapezoidal windows at Teranga have long afforded patrons panoramic vistas of Central Park North, but the city’s embrace of outdoor dining has made Pierre Thiam’s West African–leaning venue even more appealing than before. Now you can snack on kelewele (spicy roast plantains) right at the edge of the park, overlooking the verdant trees while enjoying a warm summer breeze. On a recent Friday, I sat near a pair of diners, one of them relaxing in a jujitsu T-shirt, as I made quick work of a yassa bowl: tender chicken thighs slathered in saucy golden onions. If indoor dining is still quiet here, you’ll never feel alone in the alfresco area. Folks zoom by on hoverboards and messenger bikes, shaved-ice vendors pour polychromatic syrups into snowy cups, and people flood in and out of the park.—R.P.S.
The conga drums are back. Their steady beats spill out onto Eighth Avenue, where outdoor patrons sip minty mojitos on white tablecloths. Although this Hell’s Kitchen Cuban canteen served porky lechon asado and garlicky cassava throughout the pandemic, what was missing for months was the music — the prickly guitars and folksy Caribbean tunes that have made the restaurant an accessible spot for everyday salsa dancing. Ceiling fans spin overhead near the open-air frontage as waiters ferry crisp Cubano sandwiches and some of the city’s finest vaca frita: shredded skirt steak that’s seared until it achieves the texture of soft jerky. —R.P.S.
Airy and sun-drenched, the dining room pulsates with Israeli pop and a steady conversational hum. If you didn’t know better, you would think you’d wandered into some beachside hot spot in Tel Aviv, not a post-pandemic restaurant in the sleepy West 90s. Chef Ari Bokovza’s Levantine-leaning menu looks similar to others across the city. But the familiar mezze and salads take a fun turn with delectable things like shishbarak (Lebanese mushroom-filled dumplings) and kubaneh, the fluffy Yemenite Jewish bread that you pull apart like Parker House rolls. —B.O.
Mon, Nov 8
Mon, Nov 8
Mon, Nov 8
Tue, Nov 9
Tue, Nov 9
Tue, Nov 9
Tue, Nov 9
Wed, Nov 10
Wed, Nov 10
Wed, Nov 10
Thu, Nov 11
Thu, Nov 11
Thu, Nov 11
Fri, Nov 12
Fri, Nov 12
Sat, Nov 13
Sun, Nov 14
Sun, Nov 14
Sun, Nov 14
Mon, Oct 25
Mon, Oct 25
Mon, Oct 25
Tue, Oct 26
Tue, Oct 26
Tue, Oct 26
Tue, Oct 26
Wed, Oct 27
Wed, Oct 27
Thu, Oct 28
Fri, Oct 29
Fri, Oct 29
Sat, Oct 30
Sat, Oct 30
Sat, Oct 30
Sat, Oct 30
Sun, Oct 31
Sun, Oct 31
NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 