Eveningness nyc

Navigating New York City after dark

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To a brighter tomorrow (hopefully?)

Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel (by now I'm sure we all know this is not actually a hotel, but home to the interactive theater phenomenon Sleep No More) is one of last summer’s newest rooftop.  It feels new again – as new as the sun will feel after today’s torrential rain – since it no longer requires a $20 minimum with your reservation (I promise, it’s not a comedy club).  But it is still a playground for young/alternative actors (I’m guessing the SNM understudies) looking to spend the evening entertaining elevators full of captive guests.

 View from inside the old train car

Indeed, the elevator ride up to the roof lasts longer than it should for a 8th level roof and feels more than just a bit like the Tower of Terror ride at Disney’s MGM Studios.  The McKittrick crew certainly does not seem to give up on their old-timey theme, decorating the roof with a Guimardian-style roof (your fair 1920s skin mustn’t be tainted by the sun’s rays), an abandoned train car and tracks and ripped lace dangling from various lamp posts and trees and such.

Empire State Building through ripped lace

Speaking of trees, the other theme of the roof is that of a garden so it is very beautiful, very airy and very green, as the name may suggest. 

The bathrooms even take on a garden shed feel with tools hung up on the walls (I hung my bag on a shovel, although I’m sure you weren’t really supposed to do that).

There are a lot of tables for smaller groups, but fewer areas for larger groups.  The crowd was older than I had expected for a Wednesday evening happy hour, and unfortunately the mingling between groups was slim to none.  The menu is mostly haut appetizer fare, so I don’t suggest coming here if you’re hungry.  I will suggest wearing wedges if you are girl since the footing is pretty unstable (ahem, train tracks) and I would definitely recommend trying the new Stella Cider!  It was delish.

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Armory Show Favorites: Contemporary

Before I chose my top two favorites from this weekend's Contemporary collection at the Armory Show (the Julian Opie and the Shinichi Maruyama) I didn't realize what they had in common; both are depictions of dancers.  While obvious in Eric and Sarah 5, it is hard to tell the precise subject of the two "Nudes" by Maruyama without the photographer's description (from his website, italics added by me): "[The figure] is created by combining 10,000 individual photographs of a dancer.  By putting together uninterrupted individual moments, the resulting image as a whole will appear to be something different from what actually exists."  Dance is very personal to me so I am not at all surprised that I was drawn to something that, even just abstractly, represents dance.

My next set of favorites were the Ryan McGinness acrylics.  I love color so automatically my eye went straight to these, but as I came closer, there appeared to be an almost Near East spirituality to the artistry with images of what seem to be temples on hill, ornate calligraphy and, of course, plenty of color.  I was happy, then, when looking at the names of the pieces (which often in contemporary art do not help you dissect the piece at all) confirmed that the artist did have some kind of spiritual agenda.  The one I liked most happened to be called Finding Infinity (featured) which happens to be appropriate given my upcoming trip to practice yoga in India.

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Artist Appreciation

Today marks the opening of the annual Armory Show, an international modern and contemporary art fair in its fifteenth year in New York City.  In just four days, you could discover the biggest, brightest star making waves in the art world today – check out contemporary artists at Pier 94 – or you might uncover a rare Picasso, Matisse or Pollack – check out modern artists at Pier 92.  Just have an open mind, some of the works are, to put it lightly, interesting.

Check out my favorite pieces from last year’s fair.  These below didn’t quite make the cut of favorites, but they certainly are interesting.

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Japanese-themed TriBeCa

The scene: Tribeca in the evening

What you’re looking for: Something delicious to eat followed by something delicious to drink

More specifically: Iron Chef-quality eats and a hidden speakeasy

Any plusses?: Celeb spotting, museum-quality decor, jazz and foreign drink ingredients you’ve never heard of

Enter Tribeca Canvas and B-Flat. 

Photo: NYMag, Tribeca Street Scene

Tribeca Canvas is the latest culinary adventure from Masaharu Morimoto – that’s Iron Chef Morimoto to you, his first non-self-titled restaurant.  Aptly not named Morimoto (read: there is no sushi on the menu), TriCan offers Mo’s take on comfort food with a Japanese twist.  From lotus root chips to fried ball-shaped snail (a dish called the Canvas Takoyaki, typically featuring balls of fried octopus in traditional Japanese cuisine), the menu is filled with unique eats.  The best dishes were the Shrimp Nachos – definitely not your pub grub nachos, the Lamb Ragu Bun – a steamed bun with pickled daikon and melt-in-your-mouth lamb ragu, and, although I cannot personally contribute to the praise, the Fish & Chips which are getting quite the good reviews as well.

Photo: Top Center: Jeremy Piven, bottom l-r: Lamb Ragu Bun, Canvas Takoyaki & Shrimp Nachos

Top your meal off with a Morimoto-designed cocktail (the man makes his own Shochu – a Japanese alcohol made from barley, rice or sweet potato that’s more potent than sake, but less pungent than vodka), and enjoy the designer Thomas Schoos’s homage to Tribeca’s former days of greenery with tree-themed wall designs and light fixtures.  The darkened interior lends itself to privacy (or intimacy if you’re looking for an impressive date spot) which is why you might be able to catch a celeb or two dining next to you.  In my case it was Jeremy Piven who, it just so happens, I had pissed off the week before by calling him Ari in the lobby of a New Orleans hotel.  It’s ok, he didn’t recognize me.

Photo: NYTimes, the Chef & the Designer

After your Japanese-inspired meal, head two block south on Church Street for Japanese-inspired cocktails at underground jazz bar B-Flat.  On the scene since 2007, this barely marked speakeasy has remained relatively hush hush, perhaps due to the popularity of Macao Trading Company and its underground cocktail den just a block away.  B-flat not only offers a serious speakeasy pedigree (from the same owners as the now-closed Angel's Share) and a less fussy crowd than Macao, but more importantly, more inventive cocktailing.  Ever tried wasabi or shiso-infused vodka?  Heard of iichiko or zuicho?  But more importantly, aren’t you dying to know what an Old Devil Moon or a Lady in Satin tastes like?  Venture out on a Monday or Wednesday night for live jazz or just impress a date (or friends) with your knowledge of Tribeca’s underground and any helpful tidbits you may have picked up to help him/her/them pick out the perfect evening brew.

Photo: from l-r, The Misty, The Quiet Light and the delicate A Moment's Notice

Tribeca Canvas; 313 Church Street @ Lispenard

B-Flat; 277 Church Street @ White

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Recognize this bespoke cocktail haven in the daylight?

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Bon Appetit’s Most Important Restaurants in America

Given that I’ve only been to two of the restaurants on this list (does Shake Shack really count?), I definitely need to step up my culinary game, especially with the revolutionary Asian cuisine of Mission Chinese and Pok Pok which have recently taken New York by storm.

Luckily, I have had the pleasure of dining at Cochon, #14, in New Orleans this past year.  A heavily pork-focused menu spotlights their namesake dish of a moist and juicy pulled pork patty, lightly fried and served in its delicious, natural juices.  Also fantastic choices were the fried alligator with chili garlic aioli and the cane syrup glazed pork cheek with roasted corn grits (seen below).  This isn’t your mother’s Cajun cuisine.

We sat at the “chef’s table” – which, even at 6:30pm on a Tuesday, were the only seats open – where we could feast our eyes on every dish being served that night.  This vantage point, for better or worse, led us to order probably a bit more than our stomachs could handle, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a doggie – piggy? – bag home.

Cochon; 930 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans

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A Year in Food (from the professionals)

Here are some great, reputable lists of best/new/best of the new restaurants from 2012.  Enjoy and happy new year!

New York Times: 12 Restaurant Triumphs of 2012

Zagat: New York’s 18 Hottest New Restaurants of 2012

New York Magazine/Grub Street: Where to Eat 2013 – The Ten Best New Restaurants

Thrillist: 2012: Best New Spots

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A Year in Food

Clockwise from top left: cocktails at Apotheke, chorizo sandwich at Smorgasburg, Foie-lafel at WD-50, Halver Hahn (aged gouda with German rye bread) at Loreley, cocktails at Dutch Kills, Wild Halibut Gefilte Fish at Kutsher's Tribeca, horseradish guacamole and matzah at Yerba Buena Perry, Truffled Egg Toast at 'ino, cafe latte at Joe on Waverly.

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More on the amazing Chobani store in SoHo... (that’s not just a holiday a pop-up)

(Photo courtesy of Ximena Levander)

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The foreign (but local) farmer

“Farm-to-table,” “sustainable,” “fair trade.”  These restaurant buzzwords du jour certainly draw in crowds as scenesters are spotted at rustic eateries featuring locally grown veggies, locally produced cheeses and other locally sourced ingredients (and no, I am not talking about this Summer’s new Chobani store – although their yogurt does come from farms in Upstate NY and does happen to be on a very hip street corner in SoHo).  While you might expect the traditional American farm fare at most of these joints, let’s sink our teeth into some farm-to-table foreign cuisine.

Top right: Fermented Tea Leaf Salad at Forager's

Forager’s City Grocer – a staple in Brooklyn’s “ethical” food culture – opened a new Chelsea location this past spring.  A few weeks later, an Asian-inspired restaurant (Forager’s City Table) and a wine shop opened next door; the goal of all three new establishments (from their website) being to “find foods that are healthy for human, animal, and land.”  That land is actually in Columbia County, NY (bordering western Massachusetts) where the owners have a 28-acre farm, quite a different scene from my 500 sq-ft apartment.  The spirit of the restaurant is almost playful; drawing you in with an open kitchen, but letting your eye drift to the passersby outside with floor-to-ceiling windows; décor that is part stark industrial, part stark rustic farm; and finally, food that is multifaceted, but simply delicious.  I highly recommend the Fermented Tea Leaf Salad and the Lettuce-Herb Noodles, both suggested by our extremely friendly waiter.  Don’t ask, just order.

Rosemary's

While I don’t think Rosemary’s in the West Village needs any more hype than it’s already gotten (no reservations, and up until recently – perhaps with the onset of the cold weather – they wouldn’t even take your phone number forcing the glamorous masses to stand outside the restaurant’s very prominent Greenwich Ave corner), it is a beautiful space with a charmingly appealing concept: light Italian fare made with ingredients grown in their very own rooftop garden.  With veggies and herbs in such close proximity (Michelle Obama would be proud), it’s no wonder most dishes are so affordable.  The setting is also particularly quaint – communal tables foster warmth and friendliness – and farmhouse-like – beautifully designed wooden floors, sculpted wooden chairs, wood ceiling beams draped with little white lights and greenery wherever possible.  Great for a cozy date or catching up with friends.

Fat Radish 

And last, but not least, delicious and fresh British fare has arrived.  With a seasonal, “well-sourced” menu, The Fat Radish can be a place you return to again and again.  With staple garden ingredients like kale, beets, squash and, of course, radishes, this isn’t your typical fish & chips joint.  The produce-heavy menu lends itself to sharing (don’t worry, there is a big, juicy burger with duck fat fries for all you carnivores) as the layout of the tables lends itself to larger groups.  White-washed brick walls and a strategically-placed mirror along the back bring some light into the space while the friendly (and extremely accommodating) staff makes you feel right at home.  This restaurant is a unique find on the LES (a slightly more mature and less showy crowd than elsewhere), as is the oyster and cocktail bar across the street, The Leadbelly, from the same owners.  Hit up both for a start to finish evening with friends or a date.

  Forager’s City Table; 300 West 22nd St @ Eighth Ave

Rosemary’s; 18 Greenwich Ave @ W10th St

The Fat Radish; 17 Orchard St @ Canal

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West Village Wino

There’s nothing like a bold glass of red to warm you up on a chilly late-fall evening.  It’s easy enough to pick up your favorite wine – my new go-to is Layer Cake Malbec – from the store between the subway and your apartment and crack it open, but since I live alone, I don’t typically indulge by myself.  While home-imbibing definitely has its appeal – no further exposure to the cold need apply – there are plenty of local wine bars that can provide just as much warmth, comfort and intimacy as your own home.  These are three in the West Village that I went to this week.

  Open since 2008, 8th Street Wine Cellar has been a staple for first dates (I’ve been on two here) and cheap happy hours (select bottles are $18 before 7pm).  It’s perfect for first dates because of its central location, dark-ish, subterranean vibe, great soundtrack and extensive wine list.  It’s also great on a Tuesday for two gals in somewhat sweaty gym clothes.  Seemed tough to think of a place in the West Village that offered a nice, relaxing atmosphere with good drinks and a low-key vibe that either A) wouldn’t scoff at our attire or B) wasn’t a frat dive bar.  I had remembered, though, that 8th Street was a chill, unpretentious place and they did not prove me wrong.  The bartenders/servers were extremely nice, had great recommendations and even helped me identify a song that was playing (Heartbeats by The Knife now playing on repeat on my iPhone).  The only downside?  We had just missed the happy hour prices.

Photo: Biting the Big Apple blog

Unlike 8th Street Wine Cellar, I’d probably never show up to Anfora in a pair of flats let alone a pair of sneakers.  The wine sister of Italian food deliciousness dell’anima just a few doors up Eighth Ave, Anfora keeps it classy: leather banquets, minimalist design, exposed brick.  The crowd on weekend nights has been lively – more group celebrations than dates, friendly – you kind of have no choice but to make friends in line when there’s only one bathroom, and definitely older than your average Fiddlesticks-goer.  Drinks aren’t cheap, but again, it’s a classy establishment.  Even sitting at the bar between 10:30pm and midnight, barely anyone reached over or through us to grab their drinks or the bartender’s attention.  Hey, you gotta be paying for something.

Photo: Anfora

Vin Sur Vingt, the last stop on this West Village Wine tour, is also the least sceney and the most authentic.  With maybe seating for 20 at tiny wooden tables, this no-frills French spot on a quiet corner of 11th Street will take you outside of New York into a quieter Parisian quartier.  The wine list is overwhelming, but the French bartender was delightful in his recommendations even though we rolled in around closing time.  We didn’t get to try the food, just a sample of their toasted baguette bites – which were delicious, but the smells still wafting from the closed kitchen definitely made me want to take a trip back there soon.

  Photo: Poggled

8th Street Wine Cellar; 28 West 8th Street at MacDougal

Anfora; 34 Eight Avenue at Jane

Vin Sur Vingt; 201 West 11th Street at Seventh Avenue

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Indian Summer (featuring a Hipster Disco, Burlesque Brunch, Broadway, the Hudson River & Tennis)

How to make the most of what’s left of Summer with events, places to go, things to see, etc:

  Hipster Disco:

While the Warm Up Party at MoMa PS1 in Long Island City might be a once-a-summer occasion for me, I know several people who go almost every weekend.  Regardless of your taste in music, art or fellow party-goers, there’s something for everyone at these weekly Saturday festivals.  Whether you like discovering new music, drinking good beer, contemplating contemporary art, dancing till you sweat or just being outside, you’re in for a treat at the Warm up. 

Photo: Warm Up Party

There are only 2 events left (Sat, Sept 1 & Sat, Sept 8) so plan accordingly!  The party opens at 2pm, and I’d say it’s not so fashionable to be late since the line can get pretty long.  Extend the day even further once the party’s over by taking a trip to Dutch Kills (a highlight of LIC) for amazingly well-crafted bespoke cocktails from some of the same bartenders as Little Branch.

Photo: Custom Cocktails at Dutch Kills

Take the East River Ferry if you’re feeling fancy (hey, it’s ever-so-slightly more glamorous than the subway) and bring cash!  Admission/beers are cash only (and you’re going to want a lot of beer to get in tune with the “experimental live music, sound, performance, and DJs” and the contemporary art exhibitions – included in the price of admission to the party).

  MoMa PS1; 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City

Dutch Kills; 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City

Broadway Baby:

Several critically acclaimed Broadway shows are set to close in the coming week or two, namely One Man, Two Guvnors (closes Sept 2), Clybourne Park (closes Sept 2) and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man (closes Sept 9).  I recently had the pleasure of seeing One Man, Two Guvnor’s with the extremely talented and hysterical, British actor James Corden (previously of the History Boys – movie and play).  Corden’s character, Francis Henshall, is a roly-poly, loveable nit-wit who finds himself taking orders from two employers who can’t know the other exists.  Of course keeping their requests straight proves to be quite a challenge, but add in a case of mistaken identity, physical humor, audience participation and actor improv and you’ve got yourself a comedy that will make you cry faster than Beaches.

Photo: One Man, Two Guvnors by The Guardian

One Man, Two Guvnors; Music Box Theatre, 239 West 45th St between Broadway and Eighth Avenue

Clybourne Park; Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 West 48th St between Broadway and Eighth Avenue

The Best Man; Gerald Shoenfeld Theatre, 236 West 45th St between Broadway and Eighth Avenue

Burlesque Brunch:

Brand spankin’ new Chateau Cherubliez touts the largest outdoor garden & patio (wait, didn’t Yotel just say they have the largest outdoor terrace?  Is a patio different from a terrace?) in the city.  Located in the fairly central area of Chelsea/Flatiron, the Chateau is working with promoters of the Dual Group to get the party poppin’ in the shadows of the Limelight Gallery (side note: first club I ever went to in NYC when I wasn’t yet 21 was Avalon which existed pre-Limelight Gallery, post-Limelight club.  No tears were shed when that closed down). 

Photo: Burlesque

I went to their first brunch party two weekends ago and was surprised that by 2:30, when we had our reservation, the party hadn’t really started yet.  I realized, about an hour later, that it was because they were waiting for the burlesque dancers and Z-list celebrities (Ryan from Million Dollar Listing New York) before letting anything get too crazy.  The breakfasty options were minimal (only 1 or 2 egg-based dishes) so come prepared for lunch instead and be ready to chug down some rosé and watch becorseted girls with colored hair and tattoos dance in the out of doors with feathered fans and oversized pearls.

Photo: Burlesque

Chateau Cherubliez; 47 West 20th Street at 6th Avenue

Hudson Sunset:

Ever wonder why the Frying Pan or the Boat Basin are packed on any given summer evening?  It’s because of the undeniable beauty of boats, sunsets and glistening water all combined into one fabulous Instagram opportunity.  If those two watering holes don’t suit your fancy (either because you’re not 23 anymore or you’d just like to try something different) check out Pier I Café, just about 10 blocks south of the Boat Basin.  At Pier I, there’s not much separating you and the water.  There are even a number of docks you can walk out on to catch a better view. 

Photo: View of the Hudson from Pier I

 Set below the hubbub of the West Side Highway, it’s easy to feel a sense of calm and serenity and out-of-city-ness.  Get a bucket of Corona’s or bring your own Champagne bottle (I was there on Tuesday, but apparently on weekend evenings they’ll give you a bucket of ice for your byochampagne party) and soak in the last rays of summer sunsets.

Photo: Pier I

Pier I Café; 68th and the West Side Highway

  Tennis Pro:

This one is fairly obvious, but grab the 7 train and head out to Flushing Meadows to watch US Open grand slam tennis tournament.  Even though Nadal is out, Federer, Djokovic, Andy Murray and Any Roddick (it’s his last tournament!!) are still in!  Day and night sessions are everyday between now and September 9th.

Photo: Andy Roddick's first-round match

US Open; Flushing Meadows, Queens

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Cat on a Hot City Rooftop (aka One More Week of Summer)

I travel at least once a month for work, but nowhere all that glamorous – unless you count Ohio, Pennsylvania and various Southern outposts as glamorous.  Nothing makes me feel better than catching a view of our little island from the plane window on the way home.  It reminds me every time how amazing this city is and how many people would love to live here.  Yet, at the same time, it helps me forget about my small problems and woes when I think about the 1.6 million other people confined to those streets on a daily basis who must be having the same, or even worse, problems as I do.

Photo: IgoUgo user Dutchnatasja

So what’s the next best thing to a flight over Manhattan?  Well, a roof deck of course!  Every summer there are a few new roof decks that pop up for our viewing (and drinking) pleasure.  These three Midtown options – great for happy hours with coworkers – offer a taste of the high life; let’s just hope they stay open past Labor Day!

Photo: Haven by ZagatNY

Smack dab in the center of it all is Haven, the newest roof to top midtown.  Like the other two, it’s atop a hotel, this one called Sanctuary (I hope they’ve spruced it up since its life as the Portland Square Hotel).  No reservations needed during the early week, but I would suggest making one for a Thursday or Friday since at happy hour last Friday, all of the comfortable-looking couches/tables were reserved (and eventually filled).  If possible, I’d also suggest getting a section to the right of the elevators as they’ll provide the best view.  There’s a bit of a disconnect, though, between the surroundings (attempting to be a club with a DJ, well-manicured, well-heeled wait staff) and the patrons (a lot of hotel guests, i.e. tourists), but it’s outdoors, had a reasonable wine selection and it’s right next to my office.  Plus Haven’s a better option than Random Irish Pub #387 across the street for grabbing a drink with a coworker, and a better name at that.

Photo: View from Press Lounge

For spectacular views, keep walking all the way west to Press Lounge at the Ink48 hotel.  This is a cool hotel located in an old printing warehouse over on 11th avenue and certainly is the best-looking roof deck of these three.  Complete with a decorative pool, plenty of comfy seats and a private dining space, it offers the luxury of an exclusive bar with no harsh door policy.  The 360 degree views of the skyline to the East and the Hudson to the West are positively unmatched, and to see the sky go from day to night around the city’s buildings gives an opportunity to ooh and ahh not once, but twice, at our magnificent Gotham.  The drinks will run up your tab pretty quickly so make sure your paycheck’s coming the next day.

Photo: Press Lounge

For a little bit of everything, try Terrace (also known as Four) at Yotel.  Yotel is kind of quirky hotel chain, trying to make a name for itself in the nightlife biz – at least here in New York.  What I really love most (read: what I think is hilarious) about this place is how it took one space and created three “different” destinations.  Dohyo is the flamboyant Latin-Asian restaurant with communal seating and a weekend brunch party (attempting to be the Bagatelle of Hell’s Kitchen, I suppose), Club Lounge Bar and Cabins is pretty much just the inside version of Terrace and then Terrace is the outdoor area.  I’d suggest staying away from the happy hour “pitchers” since they are more like half-carafes and not very economical for the amount of booze you actually get.  I’ll give Yotel the award for whimsy and great use of color and design, though, so check it out the next time you buy an outfit you think might be a little too crazy and you’re nervous to wear it.  You won’t stick out at all.

Photo: Terrace by Daily News

Haven (Sanctuary Hotel); 132 West 47th Street, between 6th & 7th

Press Lounge (Ink48 Hotel); 653 11th Ave at 48th Street

Terrace (Yotel); 570 10th Ave at 42nd Street

And one more gratuitous skyline shot from Press Lounge:

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The Next Generation's West 4th Street

While many young’ins might flock to the fine establishments of Wilfie & Nell, Riviera, Diablo Royale & the Windsor, I’d suggest just a bit further north on West 4th Street for 3 great new or new-ish bars perfectly tailored for the slightly more mature, yet still interested in imbibing alcohol, crowd. 

Fedora opened at the beginning of last summer to much fanfare after the two other West Village operations run by Gabriel Stulman (Joseph Leonard and Jeffrey’s Grocery) completely blew up – in the sense that you could never get a table and locals (i.e. me) were treated to fewer and fewer drinks on the house.  Fedora is the most sceney of the three bars on this list; definitely a lot of people who know the manager or the chef and have dressed in upscale-hipster fashion for the occasion.  While it’s hard to get a table – no reservations and only about 10 tables – it’s still undeniably cool to walk down the stairs into the entrance and see such a true, diverse crowd of New Yorkers.  Wines by the glass aren’t cheap here, so I’d suggest getting’ it done with one of their signature cocktails instead.

Photo: NYTimes

Walk further north to Bank Street and you’ll come across Tremont.  Touted as a Hamptons-style restaurant and bar when it first opened last summer, Tremont delivers its chic summery feel via the continuous wall of windows, crisp white paint on almost all surfaces and the use of beautiful wood wherever possible.  The cocktails are strong, the beers diverse and wine bottles range anywhere from $36 to $435, so really, your possibilities are endless as to who you could take here (a pauper friend or even a client!).  Tremont closes at midnight, though, so make sure this is the first stop on your night out and not the last.

Photo: NYMag

Right next door to Tremont is Café Minerva.  This bar has saved many a night out for me and serves so many purposes.  Purpose 1) on the way from crazy expensive cocktails and crazy shoving at Employees Only, stop in to Café Minerva, take a break from the crowds and the prices, have a seat at the square-shaped bar – which just seems to foster friendliness – and order a $20 bottle of wine.  Yup, most bottles are just $20.  Purpose 2) use Café Minerva as a place to get together with friends you haven’t seen in a while or just as a meet-up spot in preparation for a night out.  The easy-going vibe seems to always attract groups of friends who are coming and going, no pressure from the wait staff to order drinks, no annoyed patrons waiting for your table.  And the bottles are only $20.  Lastly, purpose 3) it’s actually a very chill coffee shop during the daytime as well.  And oh yeah, did I mention the bottles of wine are only $20?

Photo: Of Stranger Sensibilities

Fedora; 239 West 4th Street at Charles

Tremont; 51 Bank Street at West 4th

Café Minerva; 302 West 4th Street at Bank

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The Next Generation's... Something Street; a new column otherwise known as, "I'm getting too old for this sh*t."

With each year that I live in this city more and more bars become off-limits.  The limits are self-inflicted, of course, as swimming in a sea of spilled beer and ‘90s babies doesn’t exactly appeal to me in my late-20s (although it could very much appeal to others, I’m thinking mostly of the male variety).  So how do we continue to go out on a Saturday night with friends, dates, plan birthday parties etc and coexist with the newly minted workforce of 22-year olds?

In an effort to answer this question, I’ll take a look at a few streets and areas that have great options for those of us who prefer not to be at a frat party.  First post, West 4th Street, to come later this afternoon.

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A Fine Garden Romance

Just one year shy of a common-law marriage, my roommate of nine years and I parted ways at the end of June, both to pursue the seemingly strange concept in New York of living alone.  We met up recently to re-kindle our roommate love at Cacio e Pepe in the East Village.  We sat in the beautiful garden behind the restaurant – yes, they have outdoor seating on the sidewalk as well, but ask about the garden – and had much to catch up on. 

  Although it was hot and humid and about to rain throughout our entire meal, the garden provided a spacious, yet cozy backdrop, surrounded by greenery of all sorts and high walls to take us out of New York and into someplace a bit more removed.  We sat in the back corner facing into the garden and toward the other diners - a la most Parisian cafes – so it became quite a great spot for people watching as well.

  We ordered the Arugula, Pear & Pecorino salad to start and both ordered the Penne with Tomato, Melted Mozzarella & Basil Pesto.  Perhaps it was all of the German food I’d been eating recently, or perhaps it was just incredibly delicious, but the entire plate-full was gone by the end of the meal (as was my large glass of pinot grigio).  They also have a few home-made pasta dishes that came highly recommended.

  Rewind a few months, to April.  A warm spring night, my roommate and I meet for dinner to review our living situation.  This also just happens to take place in the garden of August in the West Village.  I’m not honestly sure if I’ve been to a more romantic restaurant – she has a long-distance boyfriend and I am single; we need someone to be romantic with – so it was sad that we were discussing our pending split.  Nevertheless, the lights, the candles, the foliage over our heads and the set-up of tables just around the perimeter of the space provided an atmosphere of closeness and intimacy.  The fresh, market-driven ingredients (I had the Scallops, she had the Baked Skate) and the delicious wine didn’t hurt the romantic mood, either.  Someday I’ll be back with a lover, but that might just be romance overflow.

  Cacio e Pepe; 182 2nd Avenue at 12th Street

August; 359 Bleecker at Charles

Photo: Cacio e Pepe right before the rain set in

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Catalpa Music Festival weekend wrap-up:

Highlights included Matt & Kim's ridiculously high-energy performance, the Black Keys sounding exactly as they do on their albums, but live, Snoop Dogg and his cracked-out video montages, Matisyahu lacking his Ortho look and the craziest Girl Talk dance-party, mosh pit, whatever you want to call it.

The next apartment party I go to better feature a silent disco.