Urban Daily Report - New York City Bars, Restaurants, Music & Events

THIS WEEKEND -- PICNIC ON THE WATER

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:37:00 +0000

Manhattan is filled with summer oases. But it's easy to pass them by and not realize what you're missing. With a hot, sunny weekend ahead, think about slowing things down with a picnic on the water.

PICNIC ON THE WATER: BLUE RIBBON MARKET & HUDSON RIVER PARK
Site + Map to the Bakery + Map to the Water
Our Take: With 24 hours notice, the Blue Ribbon Market will put together the perfect picnic set up. You can choose a picnic for 2 or 4 and they provide all the plates, cups, utensils and everything else you'll need in a couple canvas bags.

Then head straight west and cross over the Westside Highway. If you've never noticed it, you'll be shocked to find a couple really well maintained grassy piers that jut out into the water filled with people laying out in the sun. Surprisingly, it's not completely overflowing with people, so pick a spot and kick back for the afternoon. If you didn't have a great view of the Statue of Liberty off in the distance, you'd almost forget you're in Manhattan.

Blue Ribbon Tips: The Blue Ribbon picnic for 2 ($100) could actually be good for a group of up to 6. The picnic for 4 ($175) could feed lower Manhattan. So get a group of 4 or 5 and split the $100 pinic to make the price a little more reasonable. But definitely buy extra bread if you go this route.

Picnic Tips: Bring a blanket/sheet/towel to sit on. The grass can be damp. If you bring beer or wine, keep it out of sight. They have a patrol that comes around and we've seen people get tickets. You can get away with it, but you have to be smart about it.

What's in the Picnic? In the picnic for 4, you get everything below. In the picnic for 2, you choose either: pâté or pork rillettes; smoked trout, sturgeon or salmon (cured/smoked in house); anchovy aioli or three-onion cream and fennel slaw; mixed olives or dill pickles; ciabatta, white, rye or olive flat bread; sweet tea, iced tea or lemonade; and oatmeal raisin cookies or banana-honey bread. You also get egg shooters (hard-boiled eggs topped with olive-oil mayonnaise and cuaresmeño peppers), Dijon mustard, red horseradish, aged manchego cheese and unprocessed Mexican honey and fresh berries. Plus, all the utensils you need, including sharp knife and corkscrew. Keep in mind that they give you pretty big servings of everything listed.

Details: Phone: 212- 647-0408. It's best to call a day ahead for the picnic, but they'll try to accomodate you if possible. Blue Ribbon Bakery open 11-8 daily. The pier is generally open throughout the day. There is no admission fee etc.

CAFE ASEAN (W. VILLAGE)

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:06:00 +0000

A little slow on the upkeep? Yes, thanks to everybody for noticing and bugging us about when we'll be posting again! Here's the story: We're starting a big Internet/media venture and all our free time is dedicated to that in the near term. It's very exciting and we'll post details here as they get ironed out. So, UrbanDailyReport will go on. But in the near term we'll post less frequently than before (ahem, sporadically, you might say). So that's that.

Check out this great little South East Asian place in the West Village. You won't be disappointed.

FOOD & BOOZE: CAFE ASEAN (W. 10th St. b/w Greenwich Ave. & 6th Ave.)
Menu + Map
Our Take: This little West Village spot serves up freshly made Thai/Vietnamese classics. The open air garden in the back is perfect for a summer meal. And the laid back vibe of the garden space with its distressed wood-framed mirrors and plenty of trees makes this place an Urban Daily pick.

Recomendations: We like the Ghaw Chee appetizer (steamed shrimp dumplings). The dumplings are made fresh and you can tell. The Xao Xa Ot Ga (chicken with sauteed vegetables, lemon grass and chiles) is loaded with big fresh cut vegetables and lots of white meat chicken. The Kari Kapitan (chicken in a yellow Malaysian style coconut curry with potatoes) was good, but could've used a little more kick. And friends are fans of the Muc Xao Cari (squid curry with vegetables and herbs).

Details: CASH ONLY. Open Sun-Thu, noon to 10:30pm; Fri-Sat, noon to 11pm. Appetizers $5-7. Entrees $10-17.

WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY -- IN THE CITY

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Wed, 09 May 2007 19:30:00 +0000

Some good stuff going on this week...

=TODAY--WEDNESDAY, MAY 9=
BOOK READING: A LONG WAY GONE: MEMOIRS OF A BOY SOLDIER @ STUDIO MUSEUM HARLEM (125th St. b/w 7th & 8th Aves.)
Program Info + Museum Site + Map
Our Take: If you recognize this book, it's because they're selling it everywhere. This is an amazing story of Ishmael Beah's journey through childhood as a child soldier in Africa. Ishmael will be at the museum tonight for a reading and discussion. He'll sign books afterwards. It will fill up fast. Call ahead and/or get there early.

Details: Event is at 7pm, Wednesday, May 9. Free event. But space is limited. Call 212-864-4500 x264 to reserve a spot. Museum open Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm; Closed Mon & Tues.

=THURSDAY, MAY 10=
MUSIC & BOOZE: ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. @ HIRO BALLROOM (16th St. @ 9th Ave.)
MySpace + Venue Site + Review + Map
Our Take: This is a FREE show if you are on the guest list. Click this link to get on the guest list. This is the guy from the Strokes. He released a solo album. Junior Boys will be doing a DJ set after the show. They're good.

Details: Free on guest list. Doors @ 8pm. DJ sets after the show. Party will go late.

MUSIC & BOOZE: CHRISTINA COURTIN @ MO PITKIN'S HOUSE OF SATISFACTION (Avenue A @ 3rd St.)
Band Site + Venue Site + MySpace + Review + Map
Our Take: We're big fans. This is an intimate space. Click this link to see our last post on Ms. Courtin.

Details: Show @ 9pm. Tickets are $10. Upstairs lounge.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY -- MUSIC IN THE CITY

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Wed, 02 May 2007 06:00:00 +0000

We weren't going to post again until the weekend, but we thought you should know...

MUSIC: WHITE STRIPES @ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (JULY 24)
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY @ 9AM
Band Site + MySpace + Map
Our Take: Jack White is a force of nature. New album out June 19.

Details: White Stripes are playing MSG on July 24. Tickets on sale Friday, May 4 @ 9am.

The Link: Click here to buy tickets!!

MUSIC: ROY HARGROVE BIG BAND @ THE JAZZ GALLERY -- THURSDAY, MAY 3 (Hudson St. @ Spring St.)
Site + Bio + Venue Site + Map
Our Take: We told you about Hargrove back in March and the show blew us away. The same lineup is back with 20 of NYC's hottest young jazz musicians led by Roy Hargrove letting loose at this Tribeca arts space. UrbanDailyReport highly recommends this show.

Hargrove: The most highly regarded young trumpet player of our generation, Hargrove has played with everyone from jazz greats to hip-hop artists. On stage, he seems to channel that smokey, dark vibe that brings you back to the heyday of jazz with Miles & Coltrane.

Details: THURSDAY, MAY 3. Two shows. 9pm & 10:30pm. $25 admission. No bar in this space, but wine is available. Call ahead to reserve a spot. Pay when you get there. 212-242-1063.

URBAN DAILY REPORT SPECIAL -- BEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN (EASTSIDE)

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:08:00 +0000

We never have enough time to catch up with friends. Schedules are too busy; work is too hectic. So we came up with this great idea. Take advantage of the time that New Yorkers almost never use. It's that little meal you never eat that's supposed to come before lunch. Yes. It's breakfast! Now that the weather is good, try waking up 45 minutes early and grab breakfast with a friend (or whoever you just rolled out of bed with). Of course, we'll key you in on the best spots. This week we're covering the eastside. Next week we'll look west. The best part is that you'll have the place nearly all to yourselves. And at some of our picks, that's really saying something.
Know the perfect spot? Click here to fill us in.

(OUR FAVORITE) EASTSIDE BREAKFAST JOINTS

CLINTON STREET BAKING COMPANY -- LES (Clinton St. b/w Houston & Stanton)
Site + Breakfast Menu + Map
Our Take: On Saturday or Sunday anything less than a 2 hour wait at this place looks great. But on a weekday morning you might see just one or two other tables with people. Clinton Street is famous for its pancakes (blueberry or banana walnut), but the focus on fresh ingredients really pays off in anything on the menu. Skip the waiting and ease into the day at Clinton Street. It's our top breakfast pick for the eastside.

Recommendations: The farmer's plate with soft scrambled eggs, farmhouse cheddar, roasted tomatoes and sourdough was great. High quality ingredients. Perfect execution. The OJ was as fresh squeezed as it comes. Or try the light option and go for the yogurt with fresh fruit and granola. And there's always the pancakes.

Breakfast Details: Open from 8am Mon-Fri. Breakfast options $7-11. Fresh squeezed OJ $3.50.

ATLAS CAFE -- EAST VILLAGE (2nd Ave. @ 4th St.)
Breakfast Menu + Map
Our Take: Atlas is a tiny Mediterranean/vegan-friendly place with solid breakfast offerings for less than $6. We like it because it has character. And $4 pancakes. A front patio in the warm months doubles its seating capacity to about 8 tiny tables. This place is much loved by the neighborhood crowd. And although they are vegan friendly, they have plenty of non-vegetarian options.

Recommendations: Banana-strawberry pancakes. The "Atlas pancakes" are actually more like crepes. They're good too. But the regular pancakes are better. Fresh squeezed juices are all very good too.

Breakfast Details: Open from 7am Mon-Fri. Breakfast options $4-7. Large Fresh squeezed OJ $3.50. CASH ONLY.

71 IRVING PLACE COFFEE & TEA BAR -- Gramercy (Irving Place b/w 18th & 19th Sts.)
Breakfast Menu + Map
Our Take: This comfortable subterranean cafe is a great spot to grab a light breakfast and coffee. They roast their own beans on their farm about 90 miles north of the city. So count on this spot for the best coffee of our breakfast picks today. But the menu is also the most limited on our list. Choose from thick Belgian waffles, a great selection of granola with different yogurts, bagels and baked goods like muffins and scones etc.

Recommendations: Belgian waffle with fresh berries. The coffee is very good.

Breakfast Details: Open from 7am Mon-Fri. Breakfast options $3-8. Fresh squeezed OJ $2.50.

CAFE SABARSKY -- Upper East (86th St. @ Central Park East)
Site + Breakfast Menu + Map
Our Take: One of our continuing favorites. Grab a classic Viennese breakfast in one of the city's most charming cafes inside the Neue Gallerie. And avoid the 45 minute wait that you'll find on weekends. This is the most picturesque of our breakfast picks.

Details: Open Tues - Fri from 9am. CLOSED Monday. Breakfast options $5-20.

MON-TUES -- IN THE SUN

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:40:00 +0000

Our first four months were wintery cold, so we focused on places that would keep you warm. But it looks like the seasons have finally worked themselves out and we might have a proper Spring after all. So we're starting out with a little Spring cleaning. Here are some places with outdoor seating that we told you about back when it was too cold to take advantage. Now's the time. And here's a little heads up - NYC is filled with little hidden outdoor spots that will make your night. Don't worry, we'll be telling you about them all summer long. Have a favorite outdoor spot? Click here to let us in on your little secret.

FOOD & BOOZE: OUTDOOR SPOTS (again)

CAFECITO -- Click here for original post -- East Village Cuban joint with outdoor bar. Grab a cuban sandwich and a mojito in the sun. (pictured)

INOTECA -- Click here for original post -- Lower East Side Italian wine bar and restaurant. Last time we told you to try the speck. We went back and think the even less well known culatello beats it out. We also loved the 2004 Fausti Syrah. And the helpful service.

MAX -- Click here for original post -- East Village neighborhood Italian joint with an outdoor area in the back. (pictured)

SHAKE SHACK -- Clic k here for original post -- Gramercy Park burger joint. Worth the wait.

SPOON -- SECRET SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED!!

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:43:00 +0000

Secret show just announced for next Monday @ the Bowery Ballroom!! Will sell out immediately.

MUSIC: SPOON @ THE BOWERY BALLROOM (Monday, April 23)

UPDATE: SOLD OUT!
Band + MySpace + Review + Venue + Map
Our Take: Spoon has been churning out some of the country's best rock & roll for years. With their last album, Gimme Fiction, the masses are catching on. This secret show is not yet publicly announced and will likely sell out in the next minutes. Buy tickets now at the link below.

The Link: Click Here!

Details: Spoon @ the Bowery Ballroom. Monday, April 23. Doors @ 8pm. Tickets $20.

WEEKEND EDITION -- APR. 13-15

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:07:00 +0000

There's a party to end an era tonight in Brooklyn. Young up-and-coming artists open their studios to you in Harlem on Sunday. And if you haven't already hung with some Nobel prize winners or billionaires this week, plan ahead to catch up next week.

=FRIDAY=
PARTY: THIS BEAUTIFUL ERA (IS OVER) (Bushwick, Brooklyn)
Site + Map
Our Take: Some people think the NYC nightlife scene has lost its edge. Londoners are going wild, while we New Yorkers hold it all in and idle in the meat packing district. The folks behind tonight's party fought for your right to party. But the end has come. Celebrate the Brooklyn loft space's last all night, all out party tonight in Bushwick. You know you want to.

Details: Friday, April 13. Party starts @ 11:27pm and goes through morning. The Space: 3rd Ward Brooklyn, 195 Morgan Ave. Take the L train to Morgan Ave. and walk 4 blocks north. $10 with RSVP on website. $15 otherwise. Check website for details.

=SUNDAY=
ART: ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE OPEN STUDIO @ STUDIO MUSEUM HARLEM (125th St. b/w 7th & 8th Aves.)
Site + Map
Our Take: The Studio Museum Harlem describes itself as the nexus for black artists and for work that has been inspired and influenced by black culture. For 30 years, it has offered year-long studio residences to top young talent. This weekend will be the first open studio event for this year's promising crop -- Titus Kaphar, Wardell Milan and Demetrius Oliver.

btw: Check out Sylvia's for a soul food lunch you won't forget while you're uptown (one block east of the museum).

Details: Sunday, April 15. 1pm-6pm. Free event. But space is limited. Call 212-864-4500 x264 to reserve a spot. Museum open Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm; Closed Mon & Tues.

=PLAN AHEAD=
CONVERSATION: GEORGE SOROS and JOSEPH STIGLITZ @ 92nd St. Y (Lexington @ 92nd St.)
Site/Info + Map
Our Take: Soros made billions as one of the world's top investors and is heavily involved in international and domestic politics. Stiglitz won a Nobel prize in economics and teaches at Columbia. If you're looking to talk, these guys should provide some decent conversation.

Details: Tue, Apr 17 @ 8pm. Tickets $25. On Sale now at website above.

WED - THURS -- BAR JAMON

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:30:00 +0000

One of the most ingrained memories from any trip to Madrid is the site of cured ham hanging from just about every tapas bar you walk into. Americans typically call this strange. The Spanish call it Jamon Serrano and consider it a gift from God to the Spanish people. There aren't any hams hanging from the ceiling at Bar Jamon, but if you overlook that little detail you might just believe you're sipping Rioja in a tiny Madrid tapas joint. And don't worry, there's a couple pigs legs behind the bar.

FOOD & BOOZE: BAR JAMON (17th St. @ Irving Place)
Site + Menu + Map
Our Take: With only about 10 stools in the whole place, it's standing room only at this hole in the wall Mario Batali joint. The Jamon Serrano (read, Spanish cured ham) is top notch. There's a good Spanish cheese selection and a menu filled with the classic Spanish tapas. There's also a quality Spanish wine & sherry selection. When it's not completely overrun, the place has a great atmosphere with an actual Madrileno preparing your food and no attitude in sight.

Insider Tips: The place is very small and packed on weekend nights and prime dinner hours later in the week. Head over early in the week, late at night or on weekend afternoons for a better chance to grab a spot. Because of the small size, we wouldn't head over with more than 2 or 3 people max.

Recommendations: Nearly everything on the menu is classic Spanish tapas and worth trying. We like the Bocadillo de Jamon & Queso (ham & cheese sandwich), but the slice of torilla espanola added to the sandwich takes away from the sharp cheese & ham tastes. The tortilla on its own was good, but we'd ask for no tortilla on our bocadillo. And anybody who has partied till 5am in Madrid knows that the churros & chocolate from street vendors outside the clubs are essential to the Madrid experience. Apparently Bar Jamon is well aware of this too.

Details: Open Mon-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat & Sun 12pm-2am. Most plates $7-9. No reservations.

WEEKEND EDITION -- APRIL 6-8

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:59:00 +0000

The streets are eerily empty today. Something about religion and the need to suddenly embrace it in warmer climates. Anyway, we had loads of great stuff to tell you this weekend. But the weather doesn't seem to be playing along. So we're holding on to some of our good ideas until next week. Gives you something to look forward to, right? Don't forget to check our Food & Booze archives for great restaurant ideas and our Weekend Edition archives for ongoing events that we've already told you about.

=SATURDAY=
ART & MUSIC: FIRST SATURDAYS @ THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Museum Site + First Saturdays Info + JD Samson MySpace + Map
Our Take: You know the world is changing for the better when art museums start throwing monthly dance parties that don't involve tuxedos & the waltz. Our pick this Saturday is the Brooklyn Museum First Saturdays. Starting at 5pm this Saturday, the museum offers free talks, performances, interactive art projects and a two hour dance party from 9pm-11pm.

This month's DJ? JD Samson of Le Tigre spinning dance tracks in the Beaux-Arts Court. Check out the links above for the full schedule and information.

Details: Sat, April 7. Events begin @ 5pm. Party ends @ 11pm. Admission $8; $4 for students. Includes all the First Saturdays events. Beer & wine sold at museum. Take the 2/3 to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum.

=PLAN AHEAD=
BENEFIT/PARTY/MUSIC: THE WOOSTER GROUP BENEFIT @ THE BOX (Chrystie St. b/w Stanton & Rivington)
Site/Benefit Info + Box Site + Map
Our Take: The Wooster Group is the renowned theater group that staged the recent sold out production of Hamlet over at St. Anne's Warehouse. Ante up some tax deductible dollars to support the arts and check out NYCs hottest new night spot. The Box ranges from being an artsy urban spot to a more typical Lohan-infused nightspot. This benefit will see the place in top form.

Pay to Play:
$150 gets you in at 9pm with an open bar, a music set by Fischerspooner, and dancing with DJs Andrew Andrew & Time Sweeney (DFA/Beats in Space).

For $300 you get in @ 7pm and add a buffett dinner & Theater of Varieties featuring Henry Threadgill's ZOOID, John Waters,Vernon Reid, Paul D. Miler aka DJ Spooky, Moby and The Little Death, Alba Clemente,Kembra from the Voluptous Horror of Karen Black,Mikhail Baryshnikov, and an excerpt from The Wooster Group's new opera: LA DIDONE.

Details: Monday, April 30. 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm, depending on ticket purchased. Ticket prices are tax deductible. More information at links above.

THURSDAY -- PARTY @ THE MARITME HOTEL

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 21:10:00 +0000

There's a party. It's free. And one of our favorite new UK exports will be there. Plus, we always love a chance to walk up to the door at swanky hotels and tell them we're on the list. Just don't tell your date you got on by clicking on this website link!

PARTY: PATRICK WOLF + DJ SETS by ULTRAGRRRL, ALEX ENGLISH & DOES IT OFFEND YOU YEAH? @ THE HIRO BALLROOM (Chelsea)
Band Site + MySpace + Review + Venue Link + Map

Our Take: Patrick Wolf just released one of our favorite albums of the year. You can't get it in the US, but click here to buy it from the Brits. This Thursday, he's the main attraction at an all out party @ the Maritime Hotel. Stir in some of the Maritime's famous beautiful people, add a couple of NYCs favorite DJs and top it off with the fact that it's FREE! and you don't have much excuse to pass this one up.

Click here to RSVP and get yourself on the guest list.

Want to catch Patrick Wolf sans Chelsea party scene? He's playing Studio B in Brooklyn on Friday, April 6. Click here to buy tickets ($10).

Details: Party starts at 10:30pm. 21+ only. Free event. Must RSVP to get in.

WEEKEND EDITION -- MARCH 30 - APRIL 1

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:02:00 +0000

This weekend we're keeping it short and sweet. Get enough culture to hold you over for a while tonight at the Whitney. And check out Manhattan's best hidden market tomorrow afternoon on the Lower East Side. Don't miss the best concert tickets with top shows selling out fast today. Van Gogh at the Neue Galerie is still a top pick for this weekend. And last week's comedy pick is still a top contender for tonight.

=FRIDAY=
MUSIC & ART: THE BOOKS @ THE WHITNEY (Madison Ave. @ 75th St.)
Band Site + Reviews + Museum Site + Map
Our Take: We love live music in museums. It lets us cover lots of cultural bases at once. Head over to the Whitney tonight @ 7pm and check out The Books. In museum lingo, you might say their music incorporates mixed media and found objects to challenge the listeners' conceptions of what one can use to make a song. Or you might just say they rock.

Bonus: The Whitney is running some critically acclaimed shows right now that you can check out after (or during) the show. Both of the mixed media exhibitions - Lorna Simpson and Gordon Matta-Clark - are definitely worth checking out.

Details: The Books play @ 7pm. Museum open tonight until 9pm. Admission on Fridays is "pay what you wish." Normally it's $15 or $10 for students. The concert is included with admission. There are no tickets.

=SATURDAY=
FOOD & SHOPPING: ESSEX STREET MARKET (Essex St. b/w Rivington & Delancey)
Site + Map
Our Take: Hidden in an ugly building on the Lower East Side is this great little market that has been a Lower East Side fixture for about 60 years. Way before the hipsters moved in, Essex Market was feeding the neighborhood. Today, the market has two of the city's best cheese shops (Formaggio Essex and Saxelby Cheesemongers), a speciality meat butcher that goes back four generations on the LES and even a kosher wine maker that goes back 100 years in the city.

Our Plan: Stop by the market in the afternoon and remember what a real neighborhood anchor feels like. Check out our cupcake post for the city's best cupcakes right around the corner. And after you eat dessert first, head over to Alias for lunch or an early dinner.

Details: The market is closed Sunday. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm.

=ANY TIME=
GEAR UP FOR SUMMER MUSIC: The live music scene for the warm months is starting to unfold. Plan ahead or tickets will be gone. Readers who check our Plan Ahead Section on the website had a heads up about Arcade Fire tickets on sale this morning. They sold out in minutes. Some of the Central Park Summerstage shows have gone on sale. These are summer favorites and the shows sell out. Our pick for must-see Summerstage show this summer is the Decemberists on July 16. Check UrbanDailyReport for details. Also on sale this week are Joss Stone (with Common), Bjork @ Radio City and Arctic Monkeys @ the Hammerstein Ballroom.

ELEPHANTS IN MIDTOWN

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:54:00 +0000

We know, we said no more posts until the weekend. But elephants parading through midtown seemed worthy of an email.

ELEPHANTS IN MIDTOWN

Our Take: Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, at approximately 12:20 AM (give or take about 30 minutes), a parade of Ringling Brothers elephants will march out of the Queens Midtown Tunnel and walk down 34th Street to Madison Square Garden. And you are free to show up and watch.

Did you know? Elephants parading around Manhattan apparently goes way back. In 1884, PT Barnum paraded 21 elephants across the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge to prove its strength.

Tonight's parade is happening because the circus train can't unload in Manhattan, so they have to walk from Queens. But whatever the reason, we think it's kind of cool to see elephants roaming around Midtown.

URBAN DAILY REPORT SPECIAL -- BEST CUPCAKES IN TOWN

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:31:00 +0000

Maybe it's a little silly, but New Yorkers love their cupcakes. Did we love them before the Sex in the City girls started heading to Magnolia Bakery? We don't know. Like most of you, we didn't live here back then. But either way, the little bite-size pastel cakes are here to stay. And if you're going to indulge, you might as well go for the good stuff. So next time you're looking for a sugar kick, head to one of our favorites. You won't be disappointed.
Think we missed the best of the best? Click here to let us have it.

(OUR FAVORITE) NEIGHBORHOOD CUPCAKE SPOTS

BILLY'S BAKERY -- CHELSEA (9th Ave. b/w 21st & 22nd Sts.)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: Our favorite cupcakes in NYC. Billy's is going for the nostalgia of the classic American kitchen and we're loving it. The cupcakes are moist with just the right amount of sugary frosting. Billy's is open late, so it's a great post-dinner stop. And they've got a couple small tables inside so you can hang out and take in all the pure sugary goodness of it all.

Beyond cupcakes? The Icebox Cake is light and amazing.

Details: Open Sun to Thurs 9am-11pm; Fri & Sat 9am-midnight. Cupcakes $1.75 each.

SUGAR SWEET SUNSHINE -- LES (Rivington. b/w Essex & Norfolk Sts.)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: A close runner up for our cupcake affections. The sugary sweet smell of the place will put a smile on your face and make you want to stick around. And the mish-mosh of comfy chairs and small tables seals the deal. They go beyond just the standard chocolate & vanilla combos with flavors like red velvet, pistachio, lemon & coconut. Absolutely delicious.

Beyond cupcakes? They've got tons of good stuff, but the cupcakes are so good, we haven't gotten to it yet.

Details: Open Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm; Fri 8-11pm; Sat 10-11pm; Sun 10-7pm. Cupcakes $1.50 each.

OUT OF THE KITCHEN -- TRIBECA (Hudson St. @ Barrow St.)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: The only spot on our list that goes beyond sweet bakery offerings. This place has full menus from breakfast to dinner, but this is the cupcake list so that's all we're going to say about that. The style of the cupcakes here, with a bit firmer cake, is a little different than our other two picks, but just as good. Each freshly baked cupcake is topped off with big scoops of either chocolate or vanilla frosting. There's only one small table, so you won't always be able to stick around.

Beyond cupcakes? The sugar cookies with lemon frosting are perfect.

Details: Open Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm; Fri 8-11pm; Sat 10-11pm; Sun 10-7pm. Cupcakes $1.50 each.

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[Ed. Note: Special Reports cover a lot of ground, so when we do them, they'll be the only weekday report for the week. The next UrbanDailyReport will be the Weekend Edition this Friday.]

WEEKEND EDITION -- MARCH 23-25

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:00:00 +0000

The city's overflowing with art and some Dutch guy just entered the fold. Brooklyn's having an all out food fair. There's a comedy show in Chelsea this weekend that will crack you up. When was the last time you sat down for dinner with some young up-and-coming artists? There's this singer we think you'll love. And Modest Mouse is on the move. Never a dull moment. Gotta love this city.

=ANY TIME=
ART: VAN GOGH @ THE NEUE GALLERIE (5th Ave. @ 86th St.)
Site + Map
Our Take: This small museum focusing on Austrian & German art has consistently put together some of the best exhibits of the last couple years. This Van Gogh show, focusing on his influence on Austrian & German Expressionism, is looking to be a standout. And the Van Gogh star power might just be enough to convince skeptical friends to try out an afternoon of art.

Our Plan: The Neue makes a perfect day trip because it's relatively small and because it's the home of the fantastic Cafe Sabarsky. Grab some brunch at the cafe and then spend an hour or two with Van Gogh for a perfect afternoon in the city. Click here to see our original post about Cafe Sabarsky.

Details: Van Gogh and Expressionism opened March 22. Museum open Sun, Mon & Thurs 11-6pm; Fri & Sat 11-9pm. Closed Tues & Wed.

FOOD & BOOZE: BROOKLYN RESTAURANT WEEK
Official Site
Our Take: Everybody knows Brooklyn's food scene just keeps changing for the better. From Williamsburg to Park Slope, some of NYCs best restaurant spots are over on the other side of the East River. If you've been thinking about heading over there, this is the week to do it. You can't go wrong with three course prix fixe menus at over 100 restaurants for only $21.12.

Details: Restaurant week runs until March 30. Three course meals are $21.12 at participating restaurants. Most restaurants offer the discount at lunch and dinner. Some only at lunch. Click here for the full list of participating restaurants.

=FRIDAY=
COMEDY: DEATH BY ROO ROO: YOUR FUCKED UP FAMILY @ Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (26th St. b/w 8th & 9th Aves.)
Site + Map
Our Take: Hey, we can relate. If family dysfunction can't make you laugh, what will? In this weekly show, the famous improv group asks the audience to throw out family dysfunctions and then uses them to crack you up. Our comedy friends tell us this show should be top notch. Perfect for a post-dinner destination.

Details: Show starts @ 11pm. Tickets $8. Strongly recommended that you call ahead to make a reservation. 212-366-9176.

=SATURDAY=
ART & FOOD: SLIDELUCK POTSHOW IX @ SANDBOX STUDIO (Hudson St. @ Broome St., 11th Floor)
Event Site + Venue Site + Map
Our Take: This non-profit event brings together artists of all sorts for an evening of food, booze, music and art. After the food is gone and wine bottles have been emptied, the lights are dimmed and a slideshow of the participants' art is shown.

Don't Forget: This is a potluck, so if you go, you gotta bring food & booze. If you don't, it's not much of a party.

Details: Dinner @ 7pm; Slideshow @ 9pm. Studio is on the 11th floor. Bring food & booze.

=SUNDAY=
MUSIC: Christina Courtin @ The Living Room (Ludlow b/w Stanton & Rivington)
Band Site + Venue Site + Myspace + Review + Map
Our Take: We told you about her back in January and the show was impressive. Check her out this Sunday.

Repeat: At only $10, this is the best live music deal of the week. Ms. Courtin has something truly special. If we had to place it in a broad category, her voice would generally fall into a realm occupied by Bjork, Joanna Newsom and Regina Spektor. She has a sort of radiant, playful quality that will draw you in. The venue is an intimate lower east side spot that sports a full bar with a couch. Start the night out here and you're smack in the middle of the LES scene when it's over. So grab after show drinks pretty much anywhere. Show @10pm. Drinks til 4am.

=PLAN AHEAD=
MUSIC: MODEST MOUSE @ UNION PALACE THEATER (Broadway @ 175th St.)
-- SHOWS ARE APRIL 29 & 30 --
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY @ NOON!
Site + MySpace + Reviews + Map
Our Take: We loved Good News for People who Love Bad News. New album out this week. Maybe it doesn't top the last one, but we'll let them float on the fumes of Good News for a while.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

WED-THURS -- SHAKE SHACK

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Danny Meyer's Shake Shack opened for business in 2004 and has quickly become a NYC summer institution. Go see what all the fuss is about. Shake Shack opens for the season today.

FOOD & BOOZE: SHAKE SHACK (Madison Sq. Park -- Madison @ 23rd St.)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: Summer goodness in Madison Square Park with burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, plus beer and quality wine. Meyer sticks to the classics with the burgers and dogs, but throws in a creative twist on the summer soft-serve stand of your youth with the rotating daily selection of frozen custard. Chill out on a park bench in the summer sun and remember why you're so happy the winter's over.

Recommendations: Go with the Shack Burger on your first time through and don't miss Meyer's daily custard creation. But on your inevitable second visit, consider the Chicago Dog if you've never tried one. Available on every block in the Windy City, this might be the only place in NYC to sample the real thing. Vienna beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, pickle, onion, tomato, sport pepper and celery salt. Might just make you ditch the 'kraut for good.

Insider Tip: Lines can be brutally long during peak lunch hours as pretty much every worker bee in the area queues up for one of NYCs favorite burgers. So head over a little later in the afternoon to avoid the wait.

Details: Open daily 11am to 6pm. Shack Burger $4.75. Chicago dog $3.25.

MONDAY-TUESDAY -- INOTECA

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:24:00 +0000

Ease into the week with Italian comfort food and a huge selection of Italian wine @ Inoteca.

FOOD & BOOZE: INOTECA (Rivington St. @ Ludlow)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This place is much larger than Ino, its West Village sister restaurant, but it still gets packed at prime eating hours late in the week and on weekends. Take advantage of the Monday/Tuesday calm for the best of Italian comfort food without the wait. In good weather, they have outdoor tables. And the daily 3am closing time makes this one of the best places for post-drinking food in the city.

Recommendations: Grab a little bit of everything and share with friends. Try the cured meats, cheeses and small plates. And don't forget to push your wine boundaries with the extensive list of mostly reasonably priced Italian bottles. Prosciutto is the cured meat you've heard of, but we'll take speck (a similar Austrian product with a bit more spice) over its famous cousin any day. If you're not into pig but you don't want to give up on affetati (cured meats), try some bresaola (Italian cured beef). Don't worry veggies, the menu is loaded with great vegetarian options from antipasti to salads and sandwiches.

Insider Tip: On quieter nights, the kitchen might close a little early, so if you're going to make this your late night spot, call ahead.

Details: Open weekdays from noon to 3am. Weekends from 10am to 3am. Reservations accepted for 6 or more people. Call 212-614-0473.

A WEEK OFF

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 19:18:00 +0000

We're taking a little break this week to gallivant around Paris. We're already half way through the break, so if you're o.k. so far, we think you'll make it.

Check out the new concert announcements in the Plan Ahead section, over on the right.

We'll be back to our good old thrice weekly schedule starting Monday, March 19.

FREEMAN'S

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 22:03:00 +0000

FOOD & BOOZE: FREEMAN'S (Freeman Alley, off of Rivington b/w Bowery & Chrystie)
Site + Menu + Map
Our Take: This room, at the end of a short alleyway, sports a dark wood & taxidermy theme. You might think this is a little strange, but it's worth it. Because the food is fantastic. Expect a wait on almost any day during prime eating hours. Or pull together a party of 6 and avoid the wait with a reservation. But waiting for a table at this oh so happening LES spot might not be such a bad idea. Because the creative cocktails should keep you happily busy at the bar until your table is ready.

Recommendations: Both dinners and brunches have been memorable. We're big fans of Devils on Horseback (read dates wrapped with bacon) and the fennel salad was excellent. The roast chicken was also very good. For brunch, take your pick. Everyone we ate with has referenced it as a great brunch spot weeks after the meal. On the cocktail front, we're big fans of the Blood & Sand, if you can take it.

Complaints: Watch out for the "I'm so cool" attitude from the not so cool hostess. We recommend you deal with her as little as possible and focus on enjoying the quality food that comes out of the kitchen.

Details: Dinner from 6-11:30 every day. Brunch from 11-4pm Sat & Sun.

(This post is from our March 9 Weekend Edition)

WEEKEND EDITION: MARCH 9-11

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:00:00 +0000

Famous contemporary artists, benefit concerts that will rock your socks off, a restaurant at the end of an alley that you should definitely check out, and maybe even a little Shakespeare for good measure. Plus, plan ahead for some cheese tasting classes (yes, cheese) that will satisfy your inner epicurean (and maybe win you a couple creative date points while you're at it). That's our weekend. Have fun!

=ANY TIME=
FOOD & BOOZE: FREEMAN'S (Freeman Alley, off of Rivington b/w Bowery & Chrystie)
Site + Menu + Map
Our Take: This room, at the end of a short alleyway, sports a dark wood & taxidermy theme. You might think this is a little strange, but it's worth it. Because the food is fantastic. Expect a wait on almost any day during prime eating hours. Or pull together a party of 6 and avoid the wait with a reservation. But waiting for a table at this oh so happening LES spot might not be such a bad idea. Because the creative cocktails should keep you happily busy at the bar until your table is ready.

Recommendations: Both dinners and brunches have been memorable. We're big fans of Devils on Horseback (read dates wrapped with bacon) and the fennel salad was excellent. The roast chicken was also very good. For brunch, take your pick. Everyone we ate with has referenced it as a great brunch spot weeks after the meal. On the cocktail front, we're big fans of the Blood & Sand, if you can take it.

Complaints: Watch out for the "I'm so cool" attitude from the not so cool hostess. We recommend you deal with her as little as possible and focus on enjoying the quality food that comes out of the kitchen.

Details: Dinner from 6-11:30 every day. Brunch from 11-4pm Sat & Sun.

=FRIDAY=
ART/DISCUSSION: JEFF KOONS @ MOMA (53rd St b/w 5th & 6th)
Artist Site + Event Site + Pictures + Map
Our Take: Last week we told you about MOMAs Conversation with Contemporary Artists series. We think it's a cool program, so here it is again. Come be part of the discussion with one of the most famous contemporary artists in the world tonight at 6:30pm.

Details: 6:30pm tonight. Tickets $10. Tix available at event, if any remaining. Call ahead - 212-708-9400.

=SATURDAY=
PARTY: CONCERT FOR CAMBODIA @ FONTANA'S (Eldridge St. b/w Broome & Grand)
Venue Site + Information about the Cause + Map
Our Take: Who knew a bunch of engineers would set up a kick ass party at this fun lower east side spot that one New York weekly has called "surprisingly relaxed and attitude free"? Proceeds from the event go towards the effort to rebuild a dam that was destroyed by flooding and greatly improve the lives of about 3,000 families in a Cambodian village. But even the heartless amongst us should feel comfortable attending. Check out the band links below for what sounds like a fantastic mix of all out party music.
Bands: Zigmat + Inflowential + Meta and the Cornerstones + DJ Lechuga

Details: Minimum donation $10. Doors open @ 8pm. Even when the event ends, the place will be firing on all cylinders well into the night. Open til 4am, 7 days a week.

=PLAN AHEAD=
FOOD: CHEESE CLASSES
Look, we all grew up on Kraft singles and we know it. But that's no reason to stay in a pre-developed state of cheese appreciation forever. Thankfully, a couple NYC places are fighting hard to bring New Yorkers up to speed. Check out the classes at two NYC's premier cheese spots and ditch the processed cheese food for good. Classes include food & cheese pairings, cheese & beer or wine pairings and straight cheese tasting. No matter which one you pick, it's going to be delicious.

MURRAY'S CHEESE (Bleecker St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves)
Site/Info + Map
Our Take: Murray's is the grandfather of fine cheese spots in New York. Classes are at the West Village Location. The March & April schedule has been announced. Pretty much all the classes sound great, but we really like the cheese by region tastings, like New York State of Mind, English Cheese and Rough Guide to Spain. Check out the link above to find your favorites.

Details: Classes run 6:30-8pm @ Murray's Cheese in the West Village. $50-$75 each. Sign up on the website or call 212-243-3289.

ARTISANAL CHEESE CENTER (37th St. & 10th Ave., 2nd Floor)
Site + Link to Course List + Map
Our Take: Artisanal is a cheese center and restaurant built around the owners' love of cheese and they do all things cheese very, very well. The March through May schedule of classes has been announced and details are available on Artisanal's website. Some of our favorites are Craft Beer & Artisanal Cheese, French Cheese & Wine and Great Iberian Penninsula.

Details: Classes run from 6:30-8:30pm @ Artisanal Premium Cheese Center (37th and10th, 2nd floor). $75 each, with discounts for multiple tickets. Sign up on the website or call 877-797 1200. The restaurant is at a different location -- 32nd St. @ Park Ave.

=PLAN AHEAD=
THEATER: HAMLET @ St. Anne's Warehouse (38 Water Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn)
Venue Site + Theater Group Site + Review + Map
UPDATE: SOLD OUT!
Our Take: The NYTimes has called the Wooster Group "American Theater's Most Inspired Company." Positive reviews for this production of Hamlet have led to a nearly complete sell out of the tickets. And only limited tickets are now available for March 20-22, so click here to buy tickets before they're gone.

This true-to-the-text production is also experimental and not at all the traditional production of the play. The Wooster Group incorporates Richard Burton's famous 1964 performance into the production using large video screens placed around the stage. And the costumes are not at all Shakespearean.

Venue: This is one of our favorite arts spaces in NYC. Drinks and some creative food offerings are available at the bar and drinks are allowed in the performance space.

Details: Extremely limited ticket availability. Only March 20-22. Tickets $37.50. Shows begins @ 7pm.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY -- THAI HOMECOOKING

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:30:00 +0000

In a tiny shop on E. 9th St., decorated in what can only be described as Thai kitsch, there's a little restaurant that you could easily walk right by without noticing. But that would be a big mistake.

FOOD & BOOZE: FAKE ORCHID
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This small, four table spot is as close to Thai homecooking as you're going to get. It's not fancy, but it sure is real. Kind of like you're in a Thai friend's apartment and she's cooking up a classic from home. On our visit, the food was great and the atmosphere was fun with some groups of friends and a couple dates filling the tables. The waitress was extremely helpful, giving us suggestions based on our vague memories of Thai dishes we'd tried in the past.

Recommendations: The menu covers the typical spread from dumplings and Thai soups and salads to the full range of curries, rice and noodle dishes. We liked the steamed dumplings with chicken & shrimp. And we have a soft spot for Thai yellow curry. Our veggie friends absolutely love this place too.

Insider Tip: This is a BYOB spot, so grab some wine or beer on your way in.
(BEER) Stop by the little bodega around the corner on Avenue A @ 10th St. for a better beer selection (and much lower prices) than you'd find in most restaurants.
(WINE) Stop by Discovery Wines right down Ave A @ 2nd St. for a good selection of wines from around the world and a knowledgable staff that will happily suggest something to pair with a Thai dinner.

Details: Open 5-11pm Wed-Mon. Closed Tues. Hours may vary slightly. CASH ONLY.

MONDAY-TUESDAY -- NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:33:00 +0000

Every once in a while, you just want some classic Italian food at a neighborhood spot. And somebody recently told us that they used to love today's pick and just haven't thought about it for a while. So if you're a regular from the past, take a trip back to Max this week. If you haven't been yet, it's worth checking out - neighborhood Italian, East Village style.

FOOD & BOOZE: MAX (Avenue B between 3rd & 4th Sts.)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This outpost of the original Morningside Heights Italian spot, is very popular with the neighborhood crowd. While the food is heavily anchored in traditional Italian fare, it offers a fresh enough take on things to keep the young, Alphabet City crowd coming back for more. The great prices and casual atmosphere don't hurt either. Max offers a decent selection of reasonably priced Italian wines by the glass. In the summer, there's a great outdoor space in the back. We'll remind you.

Recommendations: The Rigatoni alla Siciliana is always great. And more than one person has told us the lasagna is the best they've ever had.

Details: Open Noon to Midnight seven days a week. Pasta about $10. Meat & fish $13-17. CASH ONLY.

Max recently opened another outpost in Tribeca at 181 Duane St b/w Greenwich and Hudson. We haven't checked it out yet. So if you go, let us know how it is.

ALIAS RESTAURANT

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:30:00 +0000

FOOD & BOOZE: ALIAS RESTAURANT (Clinton @ Rivington) (LES)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This is our new favorite restaurant. Hip, but no attitude. Quality, but no snobbery. The food changes with the seasons, focuses on fresh ingredients and is all around fantastic. On top of that, we unintentionally tested their patience with an incredibly late arrival and they were nothing but great about it, even though the place was packed. These guys nail it on all levels.

Any Time, Any Meal: We checked this place out twice this week. Once for Sunday brunch, once for midweek dinner. A+ all around. And don't even get us started about the $25 three course Sunday Supper. The menu is created on Sunday afternoon based on whatever they've got fresh.

Wow: Two days later, we're still thinking about the grilled Berkshire pork with a maple ginger glaze, roasted root vegetables, broccoli rabe & julienned apples. Fantastic.

Details: Mon-Thur 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 6-11:30. Sunday Supper 6pm-10pm (see above). Brunch Sat & Sun 11-4pm. They take reservations, so call ahead 212-505-5011.

(This is post is from our March 2 Weekend Edition)

WEEKEND EDITION - MARCH 2 - 4

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:20:00 +0000

We woke up to rainy gloom this morning, but the clouds cleared to make way for what's going to be one of the nicest Saturday afternoons we've had in a while. Yeah, we were feeling a little down about missing some great events this week that sold out too fast to make our post, but now we're feeling all sunshiny and happy. And you should too. Happy weekend.

=FRIDAY=
ART: SWOON @ THE MOMA (53rd St b/w 5th & 6th Aves.)
Event Site + Interview + Pictures + Map
Our Take: OK, this is coming at you a little late, but we have a day job, you know? Swoon is a street artist who's been getting a lot of attention for various reasons as of late from the NYTimes, amongst others. She's right in the middle of some of the more exciting art happening in the city at the moment, so come hear it from the artist's mouth tonight as part of MOMAs ongoing Conversations with Contemporary Artists series.

Details: Fri @ 6:30pm. Part of a weekly MOMA series. Tix $10 at the event.

=SATURDAY=
ART: THE CHELSEA GALLERIES (B/w 10 & 11 Aves; from 18th to 26th Sts)
Info + Map
Our Take: A walk through the Chelsea art district is one of the best warm weather afternoon activities in the city. But a lot of New Yorkers don't realize the amazing stuff we have over in Chelsea. Sure, you've heard people mention the "Chelsea Galleries", but have you ever actually walked over there and checked it out? We didn't think so. The fact is, it's probably the best collection of contemporary art anywhere in the country.

The Setup: The galleries fill every street between 10th & 11th Aves, running north from about 18th St. until 26th. So just start down on 18th and walk along each street, zig-zagging between 10th & 11th, and check out anything that looks cool. There are tons of great restaurants all along 10th Ave perfect for an a mid-afternoon lunch.

Insider Tips: It is OK to browse at these places. Don't expect too much attitude and don't think you need to pretend like you're actually going to buy something. It's not a stuffy atmosphere.

Details: Most of the galleries are open 11am-6pm. All are closed on Sunday.

=ANY TIME=
FOOD & BOOZE: ALIAS RESTAURANT (Clinton @ Rivington) (LES)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This is our new favorite restaurant. Hip, but no attitude. Quality, but no snobbery. The food changes with the seasons, focuses on fresh ingredients and is all around fantastic. On top of that, we unintentionally tested their patience with an incredibly late arrival and they were nothing but great about it, even though the place was packed. These guys nail it on all levels.

Any Time, Any Meal: We checked this place out twice this week. Once for Sunday brunch, once for midweek dinner. A+ all around. And don't even get us started about the $25 three course Sunday Supper. The menu is created on Sunday afternoon based on whatever they've got fresh.

Wow: Two days later, we're still thinking about the grilled Berkshire pork with a maple ginger glaze, roasted root vegetables, broccoli rabe & julienned apples. Fantastic.

Details: Mon-Thur 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 6-11:30. Sunday Supper 6pm-10pm (see above). Brunch Sat & Sun 11-4pm. They take reservations, so call ahead 212-505-5011.

=PLAN AHEAD=
MUSIC: ROY HARGROVE @ THE JAZZ GALLERY (Hudson St. @ Spring St.)
Site + Bio + Venue Site + Map
Our Take: Yes, we know. Everybody says they like jazz, but nobody actually goes to see it. We're cool with that. But if you ever thought for a second that seeing a jazz show sounded like it could be cool, Roy Hargrove is your man.

Hargrove: The most highly regarded young trumpet player of our generation, Hargrove has played with everyone from jazz greats to hip-hop artists. On stage, he seems to channel that smokey, dark vibe that brings you back to the heyday of jazz with Miles & Coltrane.

Details: Tues, March 6. Two shows. 9pm & 10:30pm. $25 admission. No bar in this space, but usually wine available. Call ahead to reserve a spot. Pay when you get there. 212-242-1063.

MUSIC: BEN GIBBARD (of Death Cab for Cutie) @ Town Hall (43rd St. @ 6th Ave.)
Site + MySpace + Reviews + Map
Our Take: Gibbard is playing Town Hall on Tues, May 8. He's Death Cab's lead singer and mastermind behind much of their music. Death Cab was an indie giant before breaking out last year with their major studio debut. They inevitably lost some of their cool when they started popping up on those post-90210 fox shows. But we haven't counted 'em out yet. Gibbard is also one of the two guys that make up The Postal Service (that band responsible for the unbelievably catchy pop tune - Such Great Heights). Catch Gibbard on the NYC stop of his first major solo tour.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW. Will sell out soon.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY -- ALMOST CUBA

noreply@blogger.com (UrbanDailyReport) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:45:00 +0000

Without breaking some pretty serious rules, we can't easily go to Cuba. And while that seems a little silly in 2007, there's not much we can do about it. Don't think we're giving up on our Miami Vice visions of speedboats to Havana with mojitos and Cuban music on a terrace overlooking the old city. But for now, here are our two favorite NYC Cuban joints. One on the east side; one on the west. Think we missed the very best? Click here to make yourself known.

FOOD & BOOZE: CAFECITO (Avenue C b/w 11th & 12th Sts.) (E. Village)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This great Cuban spot sits on a block still largely occupied by Spanish speakers, despite the gentrification underway in Alphabet City. The quality food, great prices and fun, laidback atmosphere make it popular with both the old neighborhood types and the new.

Recommendations: Our favorite Cuban sandwich in the city (loaded with pulled pork, prosciutto, ham, cheese, pickles, mayo & mustard on pressed bread) is also one of the city's best food values at $7. On a good day, it's one of the best sandwiches we've ever had. The ceviche (usually grouper) and the shrimp salad are top notch, but a little more pricey. The Cuban style coffee is also excellent. Go for a mojito with that Cuban or maybe a pitcher of Sangria (they offer red or white).

Good in All Seasons: This is a great place to fade away to a little piece of Havana in the cold months, but it's also a great scene in the summer months when there's a real neighborhood feel with local kids playing at the lunch counter and a laidback crowd sipping Sol and Corona at the bar that opens on to the street. We'll be sure to remind you to head back when the weather turns.

Details: 11 to 11pm Sun-Wed. 11 to midnight Thurs-Sat. Entrees from $12 to $14. Sandwiches about $7.

FOOD & BOOZE: CAFE CUBANO (Thompson St. b/w Prince & Spring)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: Descend down a short flight of stairs from the street to enter this colorful upbeat little Cuban hideout in SoHo. The rainbow assortment of Jarritos soda that line the pillar in the middle of the place add an extra splash of color. And there's a small bar where you can grab a quick mojito as you wait for a table. It's just on the outskirts of the tourist filled shopping area of SoHo, so it's not overrun with out-of-towners or attitude. And it's a great place to grab some food after a SoHo shopping session.

Recommendations: We've found the shrimp dishes to be the standouts at this place. The Sopa de Mariscos is a must. The salty broth is perfect with loads of shrimp, mussels and calamari. Any of the shrimp entrees are also fantastic. The pulled pork and chicken entrees are hit or miss, but there are some solid choices.

Details: 11:30 to 10:30pm Sun-Thurs; 11:30 to 11:30pm Fri & Sat. Entrees from $7 to $12. Sandwiches about $7 or $8. Sopa de Mariscos $6.50.