Fleet Week was cancelled this year, so sadly New Yorkers can’t experience one of their favorite annual rituals…watching brave sailors on leave having a blast while exploring our fair city.
But we can look back, can’t we?
New York, New York, it’s a helluva town.
Have a great weekend, everyone. Take some time to relax and enjoy the ones that you love!
Time to kick off summer with freebies, people! Check out fun stuff to do without spending any cash:
Memorial Day Concert at St. John the Divine. Celebrate with the New York Philharmonic in this beautiful cathedral on Amsterdam and 112th on Monday at 8:00 pm. Tickets are first-come, first-served and available the day of the performance at 6:00 p.m. If you don’t get in, music will be piped out onto the adjacent Pulpit Green, weather permitting. (And as of now, it’s looking like the weather will permit: forecast for the day is high of 68 and sunny.)
The Intrepid Museum plans to celebrate the weekend the right way, by honoring our service women and men. Aside from a screening of Top Gun for it’s freebie movies on Friday night series, Pier 86 will be filled live performances (the USO Show Troupe!), hands-on activities and displays.
Memorial Day Parade(s): There’s a bunch of them–just pick your borough. Probably the largest is the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Parade. It stars at 2 p.m. at the corner of Northern Blvd. and Jayson Ave. in Queens. This year’s parade is dedicated to those who served in Vietnam, as it’s the 40th anniversary of the end of the war.
And what holiday is complete without sparkly explosions? None, I say. To see fireworks, though, you have to head downtown on Thursday night (23rd) so that Lady Liberty is in view. Fireworks will be set off in the harbor near Liberty Island at around 9:15 p.m. (Not sure why they only have them on Thursday night-I searched and searched–but hey, if I’m mistaken and there’s more, please let me know!)
Have fun!
What’s better than viewing a great film? Watching it outdoors on a beautiful, balmy evening, of course. Summer in the city is filled with crazy outdoor viewing opportunities. Here are a few:
Rooftop Films: This is a non-profit whose “mission is to engage diverse communities by showing independent movies in outdoor locations, producing new films, coordinating youth media education, and renting equipment at low cost to artists.” Admission is around $13 for most films–but some are free. Included in the lineup this year? The Central Park Five doc, and Noah Baumbach’s latest, Frances Ha. Screenings are scheduled now through August.
Bryant Park Summer Film Festival: Totally gratis, every Monday evening from 5 to 11:30 p.m. The full schedule doesn’t come out for a few days, as the screenings begin mid-June, but usually it’s a mix of classics, cult films, musicals, with a kid-friendly movie thrown in here and there. And if you don’t have time to pick up snacks, there’s a ‘wichcraft kiosk on the premises. (Yummy sandwiches by Tom Colicchio, Top Chef guy!)
Hudson River Park’s Riverflicks for Grownups: Movies begin at dusk, around 8:30 p.m. at Pier 63 in Chelsea. Screenings are gratis and will run in July and August. They’ve got some heavy hitters planned this year: Silver Linings Playbook (7/10), Argo (7/24) and The Avengers (8/7). And get this–free popcorn!
The Intrepid Museum has some free family-friendly screenings planned in their “Friday Nights on the Flight Deck” series. This Friday, they’ll show Top Gun, featuring a young (and presumably less creepy) Tom Cruise. Jaws will run on 6/28 and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be screened on 8/2.
Happy viewing!
Not sure if all this is absolutely true–read it on the Internets, after all–but here we go:
Those chess players that inhabit the southwest corner of Washington Square have been there a very long time. Apparently, enthusiasts of the game have been capturing rooks and pawns in city parks since the 1940s. World-champion Bobby Fischer played here in WS in the 70s, as did Heath Ledger and Stanley Kubrick (though presumably not against each other.)
Speaking of famous folks, it’s said that in1887, while Robert Louis Stevenson was visiting the U.S. for medical treatment for tuberculosis, he met Mark Twain in the park for a visit. The two had a nice, five-hour sit-down before Stevenson headed upstate to a sanitorium. (Oh, to be a fly on the bench…)
Beware of zombies! In 1797, Washington Square was converted from farmland to a Potter’s Field–a place to bury the homeless, convicts and unclaimed John Does. An early 19th century epidemic of yellow fever increased the number of non-living inhabitants drastically; patients who succumbed to the deadly disease were buried downtown as a hygienic measure to keep them segregated as much as possible from the general population. (In fact, during the recent park renovations, archaeologists discovered the skeletal remains of four people.) If it ever feels a little crowded around here, remember that an estimated 20,000 people are buried beneath the stones and fountains of Washington Square.
Have a great weekend, everyone. And remember–watch out for the zombies and hold onto that Queen!
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It’s Wildflower Week in New York City. (Who knew?) Apparently, it runs through the 19th and there are over 30 events highlighting the beauties throughout all five boroughs.
To celebrate, here’s a lovely poem, “The Wild Flower’s Song,” penned by William Blake (1757-1827):
As I wander’d the forest,
The green leaves among,
I heard a wild flower Singing a song.
I slept in the Earth In the silent night,
I murmur’d my fears
And I felt delight.
In the morning I went
As rosy as morn,
To seek for new joy;
But O! met with scorn.
So to celebrate this week, be sure to bring some flowers to someone you love.
What: The World Science Festival, in which dozens of events are scheduled throughout the city celebrating science in its many forms.
When: May 29th to June 2nd
Where: At various venues throughout the city, like the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Botanical Garden. But many of the events are taking place in NYU buildings right here in the Village.
Why: Science, people, science! Don’t we all need to learn more about climate change, technology, astronomy and biology? Of course we do.
Who: Produced by people way smarter than we are (if only in scientific matters).
Apparently I’ve been living under a rock, since this festival has been going on for six years and I had no idea. Everyone from Brian Greene (physicist) to Wylie Dufresne (futuristic gastronomy dude) to Alan Alda (Hawkeye!) is participating in the 2013 event.
A few highlights:
The Dance of the Planets: An Evening Under the Stars: In which you can join professional and amateur astronomers for a free evening of urban stargazing. Saturday the 1st from 8 – 10 pm. at Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The Taste of Science: This is right up my alley. It’s described as “part science lab, part cocktail dinatoire.” I’m not exactly sure what “dinatoire” means but the “cocktail” part of the phrase sold me. Read on: “This multi-course tasting program will showcase the potential for scientific discovery via gastronomic experimentation. It will be an extraordinary exploration of biology, chemistry, neuroscience, physics and more, illuminated by experimental cocktails and cutting-edge cuisine. Expect scintillating science, stimulating company, and a few surprises.” Sounds fun/scary. This will take place in the Astor Center on Thursday the 30th from 7 – 10 pm. Oh–but beware–it ain’t cheap. $200 a head.
The Joy of Six Legged Sex: An Evening of Insect Courtship and Cocktails. In which scientists answer that age-old question: How do both insects and humans attract their mates? If the title alone doesn’t grab you, remember that included is a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to the Staten Island Museum. Once there you can tour the museum’s cicada collection (every 17 years!) and sip insect-inspired cocktails. Oh–and a DJ will be spinning tunes around Brandon Ballengee’s new light sculpture and insect observatory, “Love Motel For Insects.” All this for only 25 bucks. Friday the 31st from 7:25 (hey–they’re scientists) to 10 pm.
And on Saturday the 2nd from 10 am – 6 pm, our own Washington Square Park will host the Ultimate Science Street Fair! Interactive exhibits, games, shows and performances for kids and adults. Nobel laureates will rub shoulders with sports and entertainment stars all in the name of science!
If you’re interested, now is the time to get tickets, as a few events are already sold out and everything looks like fun.
As my pal said, “It looks kinda cool and not just for propeller heads.”
It’s 5:30 p.m., 74 degrees outside and the weekend is upon us. The late George Jones wrote a song about an evening like this: “It’s Finally Friday.”
I’ve got a hundred dollars smoking in my billfold
I know I ought to save it but it’s burning a whole
Right through my pocket and into my skin
Come Monday morning I’ll be broke again
It’s finally Friday
I’m free again
I got my motor running for a wild weekend
It’s finally Friday I’m out of control
Forget the working blues and let the good times roll
I got a little sugar baby down the road
She is sitting on ready and rocking on go
We’ll dance up a storm and later on tonight
We’ll be working on doing all the wrong things right
It’s finally Friday
I’m free again I got my motor running for a wild weekend
It’s finally Friday
I’m out of control
Forget the working blues and let the good times roll
Monday I’ll be hurting with my head in a vise
Tuesday I’ll be wandering if I’ll ever survive
Wednesday and Thursday I’ll be slowly tuning in
Friday I’ll be reving up my motor again
It’s finally Friday
I’m free again
I got my motor running for a wild weekend
It’s finally Friday
I’m out of control
Forget the working blues and let the good times roll
Finally Friday
I got my motor running for a wild weekend
It’s finally Friday
Forget the working blues and let the good times roll
Get your country on with George Jones (RIP)….and enjoy the weekend everyone!
If your mom is more Clair Huxtable than Joan Crawford, you’ll probably want to toast her kindness with a giant bottle of champagne this weekend. Throw in a gut-busting meal on top of those cocktails and the woman who raised you will truly feel the love. (Honestly, if you feed me, I’ll pick up after you and do your laundry for the next year. Scouts honor.)
Chef Yoel has created a special brunch and a three course $42 prix-fixe dinner menu specially designed for mamas this Sunday.
Click on the links above to see all the offerings. I have to say that I’m intrigued by the evening selection of pan roasted elk with crispy shallot mashed potatoes, asparagus, with an aged balsamic and bacon reduction. (There’s nothing like a little game meat to show mom just how much you love her.)
Click here to reserve a table for you and the main woman in your life.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there!!!
Summer is almost here and New York music lovers just can’t wait for Central Park Summerstage concerts to begin!
Here are a few quick facts:
Concerts are generally free (except for a few benefit ones), so seating is on a first-come, first serve basis. Which we all know means: get there early! Gates open 90 minutes before showtime on weekends and an hour on weekdays. If it’s a popular show, I’d arrive at least an hour before the gates open. Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, water, a good book–and good company. (But no glasses, cans or coolers.) Beer, wine and food can be purchased inside.
Concerts go on rain or shine. (Unless there’s lightening because, you know, there’s lightening and we’re not that crazy.)
Highlights this year include a benefit on June 11th for New York city parks: a Sinatra tribute with John Pizzarelli, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joan Osborne, Andrew Bird, Marc Cohn, Bettye LaVette, Allen Toussaint, Suzanne Vega and Loudon Wainwright III. (Tickets start at $65.)
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Rehearsal Series, a weekly event in which favorite opera arias and duets are performed by rising Metropolitan Opera stars such as Erin Morley (soprano), Isabel Leonard (mezzo-soprano), and Stephen Costello (tenor), accompanied by pianist Bradley Moore.
The Martha Graham Dance Company performs on July 23rd.
Hip-hop artists Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth are featured on July 28th.
Gospel is also represented with Shirley Caesar on 8/3.
And remember Bobby McFerrin? He’ll be there on 8/20.
You get the picture…just like the city, a little something for every one. And–hey–if by chance the line’s too long and you don’t get in, hang outside on the grass–you can still hear the music.
Cinco de Mayo…a day for Mexican folks to display their ethnic pride and for people of all cultures to indulge in mariachi music, mouth-watering Mexican food and strong, tasty margaritas.
As legend would have it, the margarita was invented in 1941 in Ensenada, Mexico by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco. Orozco was experimenting with mixing new drinks when a prestigious visitor arrived: Margarita Henkel, the daughter of a German ambassador. Don Carlos offered the drink to Margarita and named it after her for being the first person to taste it. So if you can believe Wikipedia (I know…I know…), the margarita was named after a German.
In any event, here are a few recipes for you to try out at home!
First, a classic margarita from the Epicurious website:
Combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Moisten rim of Margarita or other cocktail glass with lime juice or water. Holding glass upside down, dip rim into salt. Shake and strain drink into glass and serve.
Here’s a frozen margarita courtesy of drinksmixer.com:
Bobby Flay has a cool frozen watermelon margarita that serves eight:
Place watermelon in a food processor and process until smooth. Pour the pureed watermelon into two empty ice cube trays and freeze until firm, at least four hours. Place martini glasses in the freezer to chill.
Place two cups of the watermelon ice cubes and the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into four glasses and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Garnish each glass with a watermelon wedge.
A low-cal version comes from Cooking Light magazine. (To be honest, it looks like it’s just a really small drink, but you can always have two and still feel good about yourself.)
Combine ingredients. Shake with 3/4 cup ice; garnish with lime.
And for folks who don’t drink alcohol, here’s a Virgin Margarita recipe for four from lovetoknow.com.
Moisten the rim of the serving glasses with a little lime juice. Put the salt in a huge saucer or shallow pie pan. Invert each glass in the salt, and gently twist to coat the rim with salt. Invert each glass in the salt, and gently twist to coat the rim. Place the limeade concentrate, orange juice and ice cubes in a blender. Pour into glasses and be careful not to disturb the salt on the rims. Garnish the drinks with lime wedges and serve.
And finally, if you love both mojitos and margaritas and are waffling over which one to have, try a Mojarita for four, courtesy of iVillage:
In a cocktail shaker, add torn mint leaves, lime wedges, lime juice, and muddle together allowing the flavors to marry and the aromas to release. Add two cups crushed ice and tequila. Shake well. Pour evenly into four glasses, adding additional crushed ice on top and mixing well. Top with soda water. Garnish with mint sprigs.
But if you’re lazy, like me, come to the North Square lounge and have the bartender mix you up a strawberry basil margarita with jimador tequila, lime juice, strawberries and basil. Estaba delicioso!
Cheers! And enjoy the weekend, everyone!