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 Ball New 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 

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

Have a safe and happy New Year!

1 Comment | Posted on December 28, 2011 | Categories: Entertainment, Event-Related, From the Blog

tags: 2012, Costume, Glitter, New Year, NYE

Courtesy of Sofia's of Little Italy

My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to go somewhere “nice” for our six-month anniversary. “Nice” is a dangerous word; it can mean a lot of things. It’s better than the grime of your local fast food joint, but it’s not the sort of place that’s going to drain your wallet, either. “Nice” falls somewhere between “diner comfort” and “napkin-on-your-lap sophistication.” “Nice” implies a niche. It implies charm and decadence. It implies character.

After perusing the Internet for some ideas, we came across Sofia’s of Little Italy, located at 143 Mulberry St.  The pricing is slightly more than what I would usually pay for a meal (e.g., ten bucks at McDonalds) but not totally out of my college-student-cry-poverty range.  Reservations weren’t necessary, but we made one anyway.  In retrospect, I’m glad we did: the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived there around nine, but as the evening wore on, it filled up rather fast. The ambiance, therefore, can go from romantic and intimate to raucous and loud pretty quickly. Nonetheless, Sofia’s maintained its cool, mature feel despite the swelling crowd of diners.  Sofia’s is definitely more of an evening place.  I looked around and noticed that there were no families present; it’s a restaurant for grown-ups, all of whom were smartly dressed in business-casual attire.

Service was excellent.  Every once in a while, the manager of the restaurant sauntered by to check on his guests, greeting them warmly and making sure their experience was comfortable and cozy.  After sampling some chardonnay off of Sofia’s extensive wine list, we ordered an appetizer for two: Mozzarella en Carozza. In essence, we chowed down on some fancy mozzarella sticks.  For dinner I had Chicken Francese – the wine sauce was disappointingly subtle, and the chicken somewhat dry. However, my boyfriend tried the Chicken Carbonara, which was delicious and dressed in a light and balmy cream.  Given that the Francese didn’t live up to my palate’s standards, I cannot help but wonder how many other “easy” and traditional dishes will fall short at Sofia’s.  Nonetheless, I ate my entire dish and was satisfied enough to order a cappuccino and some dessert.  We shared tiramisu, which was fabulous, chocolaty and rich. Sofia’s is the sort of place where one should take advantage of delicious, home-cooked Italian delicacies without counting calories.

All in all, my summation is this: Sofia’s isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it’s absolutely a suitable go-to place if you’re looking for a conventional New York dining experience in the heart of Little Italy.

From the West Side, take a Brooklyn-bound B or D, which stops at Lafayette.  Sofia’s is about three blocks north of the train, situated among a row of Italian eateries on Mulberry St.  You can also take any east-side trains to Canal Street.   

-Brianna Clark

No Comments | Posted on December 27, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog, Little Italy

tags: Anniversaries, Chicken, Couples, Cuteness, Dates, Food, Italian

With 2012 just around the corner, it’s about time to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve done this year. Treat yourself to an amazing meal at Prune. This restaurant is definitely my all time favorite restaurant in New York City. I have yet to find anything that I don’t like about this homey restaurant in East Village.

I originally learned about Prune from an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. I was so intrigued by the casual and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. My mouth watered as Bourdain and his friends sat at the bar, drinking and eating dishes like bone marrow and the Grilled Head-On Shrimp. I decided to make the trip down to East Village.

No Comments | Posted on December 23, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog

tags: Amy Eats, Amy Park, Anthony Bourdain, Prune, Shrimp, Splurge

Unless your children happen to attend Horace Mann school or you are a fanatical devotee of Toscanini there are very few reasons you would ever go to Riverdale. It is a strangely isolated slice of boring American Suburbia in the North-West Bronx. And I happen to live there.

When I say Riverdale I mean the hill of the western edge of the Bronx that overlooks the Hudson, what is rather hopefully referred to as ‘downtown Riverdale’ and is about 10 minutes walk (at the least) from the 1 train and Broadway.

Generally, I can see little reason to make the trip. There is a deli that sells Drake’s Coffee Cakes for 75 cents (that’s a great deal). There is a tolerable Indian restaurant, which does quite a nice Saag Ghost but not much else good. There is an Italian restaurant, which is always very busy but whose food is average. I could go on…

Despite the fact that most of the place is a cultural and culinary wasteland (Toscanini being long dead) there are two places that actually make the subway trip and uphill walk worth it.

The first is Mother’s Bake Shop. This is a Jewish bakery (so unfortunately closed Saturdays) which has been doing sterling work since 1954. They only take cash, which is the sign of a good establishment, and they bake great goods. The one thing that would make it worth the trip for me is their Iced Chelsea Bun, which American’s unimaginatively called an Iced Cinnamon Raison Bun. Its inside has the texture of pure butter (in the good way) and has been known to leave me sated until late into the night after just one at breakfast.

After grabbing a bun, head to the only other place that I would miss if Riverdale were detached from the Bronx and left to float down the Hudson: An Beal Bocht. It is so nice that I am willing to forgive the fact that it calls itself “Riverdale’s best kept secret” at the top of its website. The Irish name translates as “The Hungry Mouth” and is a pub that is gear towards performance, both musical and literary.  I use the word pun advisedly. For unlike places in Manhattan with names like Micky O’Dublin’s Olde Oirish Pubbe or similar this place actually is a pub. It feels like a focal point of the community and puts on excellent nights. If it was in Bushwick it would be crammed with 20 somethings in stupid glasses. Since it is in North Bronx it is full of ordinary people.

After a pint or two there walk down the stairs to catch the 1 at 238^th. You could even drop into the Bronx Ale House if you like good beer in a bad atmosphere.

So come on. People go to Brooklyn for much less.

—Raphael Cormack

Mother’s Bake Shop. 548 West 235th Street (btwn Johnson Ave and Oxford Ave). (718) 796-5676. Sun-Thu 6AM-9PM;  Fri 6AM– one hour before sundown. 1 to 231st St, 1 to 238th St. Kosher certified by Vaad Harabanim of Riverdale.

An Beal Bocht. 445 West 238th St  (btwn Charlotte Ave and Dash Pl). (718) 884-7127. Daily, 10–4am. 1 to 238th St. Entrees: $6-10.

No Comments | Posted on December 18, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog, Native's Pick, The Bronx

tags: An Beal Bocht, Irish pubs, Jewish bakeries, Mother's Bake Shop, Raphael Cormack, Riverdale

Ever wonder where you can find a chocolate penguin? How about an iridescent marzipan apple? Or a milk chocolate “Santa Bear,” complete with bright red coat and hat? The answer lies behind the electric pink façade of Martine’s Chocolate Collection, where a veritable figurine collection constructed from world’s most beloved confection awaits. More of an artisan’s workshop than mere candy store, France native Martine strives to preserve the sort of culinary craftsmanship that threatens to become lost with the proliferation of more commercial purveyors such as Godiva, or even the high end La Maison du Chocolat. Oriented entirely around the customer, the collection encompasses a wide range of flavors, textures and shapes, ranging from the traditional solid milk, dark and white chocolate pieces, to the more experimental “banana mousse” (Martine’s favorite), or chocolate-dipped candied ginger.

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1 Comment | Posted on December 17, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog, Native's Pick

tags: Alice Preminger, Bloomingdales, chocolate, Martine's Chocolate Collection

Celebrate Chanukah on Thursday!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING EDITION!

Thursday, December 15

Brooklyn Night Bazaar- FREE
Enjoy music, food, a beer garden, and local venders as you holiday shop!
5PM-1AM. Through Saturday.  149 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn 11211

Cheryl Does Chanukah
You don’t have to be Jewish to celebrate the miracle of Chanukah at this dance party! The Jewish Museum promises cat menorahs, techno music, jelly doughnuts, and more!  There will be an open bar from 8-9pm.
8pm, The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd St, 4/5/6 to 86th St

Friday, December 16

American Apparel Warehouse Sale- Free
Save up to 90% on your favorite American made clothing!
766 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave) between W. 25th and 26th

Saturday, December 17

Giftacular Holiday Market - FREE
Shop local with 100+ of Yelp’s top NYC picks!  Check out the vendor list and try and bring donations for Housing Works!
Through Sunday. 12PM-6PM,  82 Mercer St, Soho

Shop Local on the LES
Enjoy free gift wrapping, free massages, free coffee, and other special goodies at the Holday Oasis lounge located in the Mark Miller Gallery. Check online for a list of LES establishments offering discounts and promotions!
Through Sunday.  92 Orchard St and throughout the LES

No Comments | Posted on December 15, 2011 | Categories: Editor's Pick, Entertainment, Event-Related, From the Blog

tags: brooklyn, Holiday Fun, local, shopping, Yelp

Need suggestions of what to do over break?

We’re having a 24 hour end of year sale! INY 2011 Books are $10 off ($8.95) until 5:00pm TOMORROW. Email info@insidenewyork.com to place an order!

No Comments | Posted on December 15, 2011 | Categories: From the Blog

The Interchurch Center is festively decorated in holiday spirit. A row of poinsettias and six Christmas trees , decorated with festive red, gold, and green ornaments, adorn the entrance hall. Stepping inside, you can immediately feel the change from the brusque New York streets — the atmosphere at last Thursday’s gallery opening was relaxing, inviting, and friendly.

The Center came about, as a brainchild of JDR Jr and various members of various protestant religions, in order to provide a centralized location for all protestant missions. It opened in 1960 and originally housed 16 tenant organizations, 14 of which are still there. Today, the Interchurch Center has expanded to include over 80 organizations of many faiths, and some with no religious affiliation. Their tenants include the Union for Reform Judaism, the American Society for Muslims in the United States, the New York Presbytery, and various philanthropic and educational organizations. Though the organizations operate independently of the Interchurch Center, collaboration is possible when desired. “A lot of the time we find that there are people who are striving for the same goals, working by themselves, when they could be working with another group or organization in a collaborative mode and be more successful,” says President and Executive Director, Paula Mayo. “All of these different faiths are many times in dialogue with each other.”

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No Comments | Posted on December 15, 2011 | Categories: Attractions, Editor's Pick, From the Blog, Manhattan, Morningside Heights

tags: Alexander Percy, art, art galleries, Claire Heyison, Laura James, The Interchurch Center

Have you found your favorite brunch place in NYC? After this weekend, I think I have found mine. Recipe. Located on Amsterdam Avenue between 81^st and 82^nd, Recipe is a small American restaurant that everyone must try. From the friendly host to the delicious food, I fell in love with this hot brunch spot in Upper West Side.

Recipe is only open for dinner Mondays through Friday but you can spend your Saturday or Sunday brunch at this lovely spot. You will fall in love with this place the moment you step into the restaurant. It’s really small but not claustrophobic. The light is dimmed enough to make you feel comfortable. The ambiance also has the modern yet homely feel to it. The host and the waitress were both extremely friendly but not to the point where he or she would make you uncomfortable.

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No Comments | Posted on December 14, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog, Manhattan, Upper West Side

tags: Amy Eats, Amy Inhee Park, brunch, recipe

David Sedaris, who is often referred to as, “the rock star of writers” visited the Strand Book Store in the East Village on Friday night in order to read his work and sign copies of his latest collection of short stories, dubbed Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary.  Sedaris did have one request of the question and answer session that followed his reading, asking that the audience members weren’t provided with microphones; he’s found that a, “certain kind of person will approach a microphone…and I don’t like that kind of person.”  The audience laughed and settled back in their seats for an hour of snort-inducingly funny stories, essays, and even a few excerpts from his diary.

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1 Comment | Posted on December 14, 2011 | Categories: Entertainment, Event-Related, From the Blog

tags: book signings, David Sedaris, Luna Adler, readings, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, Strand Book Store