Thursday Night Out at the Magnet Theater
Come enjoy four comedy shows, free pizza, and $2 beers! Featuring amix of improv veterans and new talent. 7 pm, The Magnet Theater 254 W 29th St at 8th Ave,1 to 28th St. Tickets $5 FREE Meat Pie
Thursday is Australia day, and to celebrate Pie Face an Australian bakery which just opened in midtown is giving out free pie all day — the full 24 hours. You can spend a whole day eating only pie. 1691 Broadway (btw 53rd and 54th) Subway: 1.2 to 50th st
Friday
Organic and Sustainable Wine Tasting (FREE)
Try goji liqueur made from goji berries farmed in the Himalayas and coffee liqueur made from coffee beans harvested from mountains in Mexico and quinoa vodka made from quinoa harvested by small producers in Boliva. Dry Dock Wine and Spirits 424 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, 718-852-3625, 5:30-8:30, B61 bus
The Hundred in the Hands at Glasslands Gallery
Funky, disco-infused pop band The Hundred in the Hands plays at Glasslands Gallery, a venue famous for featuring up-and-coming artists. Glasslands Gallery, 289 Kent Ave, Doors: 8:30 pm, L to Bedfore Ave, Advance: $10, At the door: $12
Aimee Mann at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Jump into INY’s office soundtrack and check out this awesome acoustic poetess of recent Portlandia fame. A guaranteed chill night out, throw on your hipster week end clothes, and relax in Williamsburg with fantastic music alongside a guaranteed enthusiastic crowd. The event may be sold out but tickets are almost always available outside the Music Hall. 66 N. 6th St, L to Bedford Ave, 8pm
Saturday
Seal Exploration –FREE!
Yeah you read that right. You can go see seals this weekend. The New York City Department of Park and Recreation rangers lead wildlife tours year round, also offering birding tours and programs. Orchard Beach Nature Center, Pelham Bay Park, Orchard Beach, Section 2 of the beach, 718-319-7258, 10 am, Bx12 and Bx5 buses
Wig Out
Wear a wig and get free drinks! Not only will you not spend money, you could even make money since there’s a $100 dollar prize for best hair. Irish Exit 978 2nd Ave (btw 51st and 52 st) 9-11 pm, Subway: E.M to Lexington Ave/53 st, 4.6 to 51st, 4.5.6 to 59 st, 21+
RAC (Remix Artist Collective) DJ Set at Brooklyn Bowl
Fans of electronica? Hip hop? Remixes? RAC is an international group whose original and playful re-vamps of popular songs have garnered much following. Advance tickets have already sold out, but go at 11:30 p.m. to try to snag a ticket at the door for the much-demanded show. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn. $10, 11:30 p.m.
Sunday
Fashion Center Walking Tour -FREE!
Michael Kaback, a licensed tour guide and a “garmento” himself, leads the tour which offers a brief history of the apparel industry in New York starting with Henry Hudson all the way up to the present. The tour will stop at iconic sites, including the fashion walk of fame and may include visits to showrooms depending on scheduling and group size. Northeast corner of Seventh Avenue at 39th Street between the Fashion Center Information Kiosk and the bronze statue of the garment worker, 2pm, 1/2/3 to 34th st Penn Station. You must reserve your spot. Call 212.764.9600 or email MikesNYCTours@yahoo.com http://www.openhousegallery.org/
Mac and Cheese Takedown
It’s no secret that the INY staff is a bit noodle and cheese obsessed, but here’s your chance to unite with other mac and cheese lovers in an epic carb-heavy competition! $15 to eat 25 dishes of Mac and Cheese made by 25 local experts. Eat your heart out and vote for your fave! The Bell House, 7th St (between Second and Third Aves in Gowanus), F, G, R to Fourth Ave–9th St, 2pm
13th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
Missed out on celebrating the Lunar New Year? Think again! Manhattan Chinatown’s main New Year event is this Sunday. An outdoor cultural festival will take place at 11:30 a.m. with food, activities, and booths, followed by a parade of dancers, acrobats, marching bands, and many more traveling from Little Italy to the Lower East Side. Sara Roosevelt Park (Canal & Forsyth St), 1:00pm
Burnside Brooklyn, right off the Lorimer stop in Williamsburg, is a warm and cozy bar with a Midwestern aesthetic. The bar is lined with candles flickering softly in mason jars, providing the venue with a romantic sepia tone. The booth seating, counter with artfully peeling paint, and wooden ceilings and floor contribute to the woodsy, homey vibe. The bartenders wore plaid, bedazzled jean vest, as did many of the bar’s patrons. Though New Yorkers pride themselves on their high style, Burnside offers the perfect place to relax in your comfiest flannel and spend a low key night out with friends.
Welcome back from winter holidays everyone! Let’s get the year started off right with a visit to another fabulous speakeasy.
As you are walking back and forth on this block of Mulberry in the heart of Little Italy thinking “Where the hell is number 149!?” Mulberry Project bartenders are serving up delicious bespoke cocktails with a sizable list of ingredients to choose from. When you do finally find the entrance (the staircase underneath the sign for discounted purses; on weekends look for a bouncer or two, too) you’ll enter a small space with faux candlelight, a photographic story, mirrored, cement, and red walls, black leather seating and a gorgeous crowd to boot. Read the complete post »
13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony
Kick off the first day of the Lunar New Year with an explosive celebration. More than 600,000 rounds of colorful firecrackers will be set off to mark the Year of the Dragon. Complete with lion dances, cultural performances, and food vendors, the Firecracker Ceremony is sure to go off with a bang. Sara Roosevelt Park at the Intersection of Grand St. and Chrystie St. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Puppet Playlist No. 12: The Beach Boys
Puppet Playlist takes brilliant puppeteers and talented musicians and slams them together into an evening of live theater to stir the senses. This Playlist will feature original works of puppetry inspired by the songs of The Beach Boys, mixed with live musical interpretations by some of New York’s most exciting young singer-songwriters. The Kraine Theater, 85 East 4th Street, between 2nd and 3rd avenues, Manhattan, 8 p.m. $8 advance, $10 door
When Harry Met Sally Screening at Bryant Park (FREE) The screening is part of the the Winter Film Fest (now in its second year). The movie is played in front of Citi Pond Ice Rink (New York’s only free admission ice rink) so you can skate as you watch the movie, or just snuggle on the deck with hot cocoa and enjoy the outdoor heating provided by Celsius restaurant. Citi Pond Ice Rink at Bryant Park, 7:00 pm-9:00pm, Subway: B.D.F.M to 42nd st, Bryant Park, Skate rentals: $14
Tuesday, January 24
Discount Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center It’s the beginning of the 75th anniversary of the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center and they are offering “Turn Back the Clock” rates meaning that a skating session is only $7.50 per person, skates included (as opposed to the usual weekday rate of $12 for adults +$9 skate rental.) Maybe that’s how much Holden Caulfield payed. If you can’t go this week, the deal continues every Tuesday till February 7th. Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue (bw 49th and 50th st) Hours vary, call 212-332-7654 for updates on hours and availability, Subway: B.D.F.V at Rockefeller Center 47-50th st.
Wednesday, January 25
John and Molly Get Along -FREE
Brighten up the middle of your week by going to see two of New York’s funniest siblings. Past guest performers on their show have included Janeane Garofalo and Ted Alexandro. Le Poisson Rouge – 158 Bleecker Street. (212) 505-3474. 7 PM. 1 to Houston Street.
Drinking Skeptically Monthly Meet-up If you want to go out, but feel guilty about leaving your homework behind come out to Swift’s, an Irish tavern, and discuss Rousseau or whatever your reading is for the night. You don’t even have to drink. Many influential skeptics were teetotalers. Swift Hibernian Lounge 34 E 4th st (btw Bowery and Lafayette st) Subway: F.V.B.D to Broadway-Lafayette st
The 13th Annual Mr. Lower East Side Pageant
“The 13th annual Pageant will prove to be an extra-glamorous extravaganza, similar to the Ms. Universe Pageant, if all the contestants were hairy and liked Budweiser.” Come judge a parade of contestants (show up at 9:30 to sign up) in a talent competition, a swimsuit competition, evening wear, and question and answer. Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery). 10pm – 1 am. F to 2nd Ave. or the 6 to Bleecker, $7
International Motorcycle Show Stunt show! Ultimate custom bike show! Free motorcycle seminars! Even a special information session for women! Jacok K. Kavitz Convention Center, 655 W 34th st, Friday 12-9, Saturday 9-9, Sunday 9-5, Subway: 1.2.3 to 34th St- Penn Station. Tickets: $18 (online)
J.P Morgan Squash Tournament - FREE!
Apparently there’s a state of the art squash court in Grand Central underneath Vanderbilt Hall and this weekend is the J.P Morgan Tournament of Champions. You can watch financial analystsby day squash enthusiasts by night duke it out for free, or for $8 if you want prime seating. Grand Central Terminal, E 42nd st & Lexington Avenue, Friday – Thursday, January 26th. Subway: S to Grand Central
Vodka Tasting at Dylan’s Candy Bar
Kanon, a Swedish Vodka company, will be pouring special $4 candy infused vodkas in this Upper East Side candy shop which actually looks like candyland.
Dylan’s Candy Shop 1011 3rd Avenue (at 60th st) 8:30-11 pm, Subway: N.Q. R to Lexington Ave/59th st. RSVP here.
Saturday, January 21
Come play Freeze-Tag on Wall Street! - FREE
Returning for the 6th year in a row, Freeze-Tag on Wall Street makes a triumphant return, NYPD Occupy Barricades or not. Celebrate your favorite schoolyard games in the heart of the Financial District. Freeze-Tag, Blob-Tag, Wolf Sheep Rock, Red Rover and more will be taught to those who forgot their childhood. See 100% of you on Wall Street! 12noon-3pm. Corner of Wall and Broad St.
Xanadude This party is described as “dance dance dance” and features hundreds and hundreds of pictures of beautiful men. Public Assembly Loft, 70 North 6th st (btw Berry and Wythe) Williamsburg, No cover before 10:30, Subway: L to Bedford Avenue.
Akron/Family plays 285 Kent Avenue
Akron/Family, known for its folk-inspiredhippie jams, is a favorite among hip Brooklynites. 285 Kent Avenue. 285 Kent Avenue. Doors: 8PM. G to Metropolitan Ave, L to Bedford Ave. Tickets: $12.
Crazy Wisdom
Screening of a documentary about Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the so-called “bad boy of Buddhism,” who was responsible for spreading Buddhism to the West. Stay after for a discussion panel with Elena Brower, famed Yoga instructor. Rubin Museum of Art – 150 W 17th St. (212) 620-5000. 1:30PM and 4 PM. 1 to 14th Street. Tickets: $12.
Sunday, January 22
Sunday Double Feature at Brooklyn Winery - FREE Brooklyn Winery is showing Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure followed by Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on their 92’’ screen.. The advantage of watching a movie at a winery is you can also try the new wine, beer and food on their winter menu. Brooklyn Winery 213 North 8th st (btw Driggs and Roebling sts), 6:00-11:00, Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Better than ever, our newest book features 600+ brand new reviews of restaurants, nightlife venues, attractions, and more! This year’s edition has an expanded “Outside New York” section for day or weekend trips outside the city and has also grown to include a “Self” guide in every neighborhood, which reviews local spas, gyms, classes, and more. And, for the first time ever, Inside New York is printed on recycled paper!
We want 2012 to be the best year for every New York, new or old to the city, and we hope our guide can help!
Click here to order your copy today and feel free to email info@insidenewyork.com with any questions.
Like every other New Yorker, I have been to my fair share of local cafes in order to escape coffeehouse-chain mediocrity. Fortunately, I recently found the complete antithesis of the corporation coffeehouse. The Grounded Cafe, located in the West Village, is a cafe that lives up to its name – it prides itself in its modesty, support of local farms, and pledge to use only fresh and organic ingredients. That, combined with its friendly service and relaxed ambiance, makes the perfect cozy New York cafe.
At first, I almost passed by the cafe without noticing it because of its unassuming exterior. But when I walked in, I felt a complete change in atmosphere – even though there was a good amount of people inside, the café was quiet, calm, and peaceful.
When I snagged a seat in the back of the cafe, the first thing I noticed was the large variety of plants that were meticulously placed around the cafe. To my left was a huge bookcase that was filled with beautiful vintage-looking novels. When I looked closely, I noticed there were even subtle oriental touches – such as a Chinese farmer figurine that sat on a lamp, and traditional Chinese dolls lined up on the top of the bookshelf. The plants, hanging lights, skylight, and exposed brick completed the low-key and comfortable setting.
After I took a seat, I walked towards the register and was greeted by a small selection of pastries and a decent-sized menu of organic coffees, drinks, and food. I was pleasantly surprised by the food menu –it had everything from breakfast wraps and bagels, to hearty salads and sandwiches.
I started off ordering the Chai Tea Latte ($3.75) and the organic fruit and yogurt parfait with granola ($6.00). The Chai Tea Latte was perfectly balanced – it wasn’t too spicy, and had just the right amount of chai and milk. The yogurt parfait was delicately put together and composed of fresh cut fruits, honey granola, and vanilla yogurt. The regular-sized Chai Tea Latte is quite small, so I ordered another drink. I got the Café Bonbon ($3.00), because it was impossible for me to pass over espresso layered with condensed milk. The condensed milk gave the espresso just the right amount of sweetness and depth. My friend ordered the Nutella Latte ($4.25), which had the perfect balance of espresso and hazelnut flavors.
Unfortunately, I do have one complaint. They offer free Wi-Fi, but for some reason I could not connect to it on my laptop. I saw many other people on their laptops in the café, so it might have just been my laptop.
Besides that, I will definitely return to the Grounded Café in the near future. If you ever want a quiet space to do work or meet with friends while drinking quality coffee and eating decent food, Grounded Cafe is the place to be.
Ballet is not a form of dance that generally invites the audience to see the glow of perspiration on a dancer’s body or hear the creak of their pointe shoes as they spin. Yet “Highlights from the Nutcracker Ballet,” performed by the Rebecca Kelly Ballet purposefully showed, as Kelly herself said, “the effort behind the effortless.” The SoHo studio where Rebecca Kelly runs her company allows the audience to sit close enough to the dancers to witness the work that goes into making a ballerina’s performance appear perfect. Kelly, the sole choreographer, teacher and owner of the RKB usually prefers to focus on abstract pieces that blend classical ballet with contemporary, yet “Highlights” featured four dancers, each performing classical solos from the original Nutcracker. As Sarah Silverblatt-Buser, who performed an impressive “Arabian” solo said, “It was an insightful experience getting to know that even the smallest of performances can be of the highest quality.” If you’re looking for an intimate, engaging show performed by accomplished dancers consider attending one of the Rebecca Kelly Ballet’s performances.
Rebecca Kelly Ballet: 579 Broadway 4b (btw Prince and Houston). Subway: R.W to Prince st, F.D.V to Broadway/Lafayette, 6 to Bleecker st.
Though we’re sad to say goodbye to 2011, check out our suggestions for a few awesome parties to help you ring in 2012!
The Glitter BallNew Year’s Eve 1979. The end of a decade. Four tons of glitter. Decadence and overindulgence. Everyone who was anyone was at Studio 54′s Glitter Ball. It was not merely a party, it was a legend in the making. This New Years Eve, experience the the grandest, shiniest, sparkliest moment of New York City underground party culture. Expect the surreal and the sublime, disco dazzle & shimmer all around, rich sounds of funk and brass whisking your body into a fervor, dancers swirling like liquid gold, aerialists dropping like diamonds from the ceiling, feats of fantastic physical strength, mysterious gypsies to divine your future, booty-shaking funk/disco/afrobeat DJs, and one magical shimmering hostesses. 8pm-5am, 21+ with ID (25+ suggested), $40 presale, $50 at door if avail, $20 after 2am Irondale Center, 85 S Oxford, Fort Greene, BK https://www.facebook.com/events/287969091241956
Webster Hall New Year’s Eve Ball
For 126 years, people of the WORLD have lost themselves inside the massive, multi-level PARTY superstructure known as Webster Hall. With 4 heartpounding dancefloors, 6 beautiful, unique rooms and four massive floors of madness, Webster Hall is an adventure no witness will ever forget. New Years Eve at Webster Hall is the biggest night of the year, the mother of all parties; the stuff that dreams are made of. Thousands of people gather to celebrate the beginning of a new year, to express their love of life and release their wildest fantasies at what truly is The Greatest Party on Earth! Come for: The Largest Balloon Drop in the Free World! Over 100,000 balloons shall fall from the sky at the stroke of Midnight!, open bar 8pm-2am, Live Broadcast of the Ball Drop in Times Square on 40 LCD screens around the club and largest HD LCD Video Wall in NYC, mind-blowing Aerial performances, dazzling fire displays, a continental breakfast and more! 8pm, 125 E 11th St, $99+, 19+ w/ valid ID
New Years Eve at the Nuyo, with Bobby Sanabria and La Bruja Ring in the new year at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, with a New Years Eve concert by celebrated Latin Jazz percussionist Bobby Sanabria and Quarteto Ache, featuring a special performance by poet/songstress/comedienne La Bruja. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (students and Nuyo members pay only $20 at the door, with valid ID). Tickets include a champagne toast at midnight. 236 East 3rd Street, doors at 9pm, F to 2nd Ave
Verboten and The Dog&Pony Show team up to ring in 2012 in old Hollywood style with a massive New Years Eve blowout. Check out the multi-room Brooklyn spot The Morgan for a 12 hour party on two massive soundsystems. Featuring a jam-packed lineup with LEE BURRIDGE (All Day I Dream), Hot Creations rising star DANNY DAZE, and a special closing set by DJ THREE. The Dog & Pony Show Gallery showcases a wealth of art and nudisco talent, including Wolf+Lamb’s PILLOWTALK performing live, and SOHO808 (Wurst Music) and Beg To Differ (Wurst Music). Rounding out the roster are MIKE KHOURY (Listed), Verboten & Robot Heart regular JOHN DILL, and The Dog & Pony Show residents PAUL RAFFAELE and KEVIN OSHA. Dress code is black tie, Burning Man style, so dig out your weirdest, craziest, and sexiest take on tuxes and evening wear for the 2012 NYE marathon. We’re going all out too, adding B&W decor, custom art and video installations, massive sound in both rooms by D3 Audio, a heated smoking terrace, and lots of extra bathrooms. Grab your tickets now! The Morgan, 25 Bogart St (at Varet St), Brooklyn, 10pm – 10am , 21+
Z Hotel’s Annual Best New Years Eve
Enjoy a Gourmet Buffet, Champagne Toast, Noise Makers, Party Hats, and Continental Breakfast! Only $25! 11-01 43rd Ave, Long Island City, Queens. 8pm-6am Cash Bar. Purchase advance tickets by emailing MG@QueensPromotionGroup.com
Though we’re sad to say goodbye to 2011, check out our suggestions for a few awesome parties to help you ring in 2012! 
