New York

Midtown Lunch 5th B-Day Party

This Saturday is an amazing event that you will not want to miss. Especially if you love food. The awesome website Midtown Lunch is turning a ripe old age of five wonderful years. To celebrate this grand achievement, they're throwing a big old party at City Winery. From Noon-3 pm you can mingle with Midtown Lunch's editors, writers, photographers, and fans while munching on some of the best street food in New York including Kelvin Slush, Biryani Cart, Wafels & Dinges, Eddie's Pizza...we better stop, because now we're starving. Quench your thirst with all you can drink beverages from Brooklyn Brewery and Gus Soda. To top it off, all the profits go to the Street Vendor Project, a respected organization that lends a hand to food trucks throughout the city. So let's recap: a great cause, a great space, great food, and great company. Don't wait, get your tix right now!

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Nightlife • West Village

Flavors of Brazil: May 16

Who doesn't love Brazil? Beautiful people, gorgeous beaches, incredible music--it's a country that has the total package. But how often can us hard working New Yorkers jet down there on a moment's notice? Yeah, didn't think you've done that lately. Here's a solution: head out to SOB's on Monday night for the Time Out Dining and Libation Society's Flavors of Brazil, part of the annual Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Join Time Out Food & Drink editor Jordana Rothman to sip Leblon Cachaça caipirinhas, along with original cocktails such as the Terra de Sol, all conjured by Leblon’s mixologist and "Professor de Cachaça," Jacob Briars. Pair the quaffs with unlimited meats from a churrasco station and additional beverages by Chartreuse. To top it there will be a live samba band playing so you can really feel like you're in Rio. It all goes down this Monday May 16 from 7-9 pm. Get your tickets right now!

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Nightlife • West Village

One Of A Kind

Is it the piles of antiquarian cookbooks in the window, the ancient looking wooden door, or just simply curiosity that lures book lovers off Greenwich Street and into Joanne Hendricks Bookstore? No matter what tempts you through the door, you will be greeted by knowledgable and friendly Joanne herself, who can help you find the perfect gift for the food-lover in your life. She opened this store in the front room of her 1850's townhouse in 1995, and has been stocking the shelves ever since. Her selection of unique, out of print, and antiquarian books already attracts big names on the New York culinary scene--she has chefs such as Andrew Carmellini stopping by for unusual books about food and wine. Shelves are organized by type of cuisine, so it's a great place to learn about your culinary heritage as well. There aren't many places in New York that can be called truly one of a kind, but this antiquarian cookbook store is one of them.

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Shopping • West Village

House Of Wonder

It almost seems a right of passages for a Londoner to spend a night in the Soho House. The hotel has 4 types of rooms that vary in style and size. It is also famously known for the swimming pool on the roof, something I didn't experience due to the colder weather. However, I stayed in the magnificent 750 sq ft Playhouse. The room was incredible with a bath at the foot of the bed, this being a 7ft hand carved bed covered in pillows and lavish throws. There were games, drinks, and a shower that I am sure was also a part time steam room. One of the highlights was the 40" LCD TV as I settled down to a few episodes of Sex and City, which seemed very fitting considering the circumstances, as I fell asleep (on the camp bed). This is luxury living, and like everything else like it in New York, it comes at a price.

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Hotels • West Village

Bells Of Contemplation

It's the calm in the storm of the busy city. The perfect place to go for a crisp Autumn afternoon stroll with friends and family or just alone to reflect on the hectic week. You can lounge on the large deck chairs  whilst gazing out on to the Hudson. You can still see the old wooden tracks that have now been over taken by lush greenery and other beautiful plantings. You can also pick up a bit of culture--The High Line is home to various art installations. Stephen Vitiello's multi-channel sound instillation (opened in June 2010) is a collection of recording bells from all around New York that ring every minute. On the hour a chorus of bells play; all the clanging reminds me of the sound of frantic New York. The listener can geographically follow the recording of the sounds engaging passer-byers in the connection between The High Line and the city.

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Landmarks • West Village

Number 10

It seemed all too much of a clique that two English people in New York would stumble across 10 Downing Street. My urge for the toilet had simply gone too far, and I could no longer peruse Bleecker Street trying to assess which was the best option. Luckily, the 10 Downing bar has a nice European feel, with smartly dressed waiters and an extensive wine list. It is also a restaurant which serves American Bistro food (although we didn't eat.) The walls are filled with modern art work by contemporary artists that all adds up to a very chic feel. It's the ideal place to share a bottle of wine and put the world to rights. And use the bathroom.

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Restaurants • West Village

Loo With A View

Situated at the top of The Standard Hotel the view from the Boom Boom Room is just breathtaking. That is if you can manage to talk your way onto the guest list. Once past the door man, you are ushered in to a lift. Upon arrival you are greeted with ceiling to floor windows that really do the New York skyline justice. The windows are not only in the bar but also in the toilets, so you can pee and watch the world go by. It's also the ideal place to get your camera out, away from the classy cliental. The layout of the bar is reminiscent of an Austin Powers love shack with dim lighting, a fire burning in a secluded section of the room, and a grand piano by the bar. It's expensive but you're paying for an experience--the staff are attentive and the drinks taste good.

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Nightlife • West Village

Queue Up

There's a reason tourists line up down the block for John's. It's the perfect introduction to the world of NY Pizza... It was like a scene straight out of  a sitcom--a table full of NYPD cops, couples on dates, and big groups of friends sharing pitchers of beer. The decor is simple and homey with wooden booths that have been engraved with various declarations of love. When it comes to the pizza there is a simple selection of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, and olives. These are available in every which way and combination. And the taste? The tomato base was full of flavor and the size was spectacular. That's why you'll find a few locals in the line as well.

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Restaurants • West Village

2011 Launch Party: 9/28 @ 6 pm

It's that time of the year again when the weather gets cooler, the kids go back to school, and NFT releases a brand new New York guide. This year is super special because we've completely redesigned it from front to back--new neighborhood descriptions, curated lists of our favorite picks, a new page on the High Line...we're not messing around for 2011. Check out an online preview. Help us celebrate by stopping by Brass Monkey on September 28 at 6 pm for a complimentary 2011 guide and drink. We love Brass Monkey because it's one of the few spots in the Meatpacking District that you don't need to be a supermodel or i-banker to get in the door. (Note: If you happen to be a supermodel or i-banker, you're still invited and we hope you come. We don't judge.) Remember, the free stuff runs out fast, so don't be late! Download the PDF invite to bring with you.

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Nightlife • West Village

Phatty Flavors

While we at NFT remember earlier, Fatty Crab-less iterations of the Meatpacking District (Florent? The Cooler? Gay Prostitutes?), and while we also tend to remember the old Meatpacking District with more fondness than the Eurotrash-infested new Meatpacking District, we nonetheless give a special shout-out to Fatty Crab, especially (though not limited to) its exquisite Pork Belly and Pickled Watermelon (pictured). The crispy Fatty Duck was also just about perfect, though the highly-anticipated Short Rib Rendang was disappointingly bland. But the Pork Belly more than made up for it--truly an inspirational dish. My friend Donna loved it so much she went to the UWS Fatty Crab 4 days later; her analysis? Stick with the Meatpacking District. Well, we kinda knew that anyway...

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Restaurants • West Village

On Our Gaydar

Wow, it's that time of year again. As they say, in spring, a young man's fancy turns to weekends on Fire Island, outdoor brunching in Chelsea and meeting a fabulous Fag Hag to share it all. And here to get us in the mood is the 2nd Annual Miss Fag Hag Pageant, held on May 2nd at Comix. Contestants will compete in evening wear and talent competitions, as well as presenting their sponsoring gay men in a swimsuit and testing the sharpness of their tongues in the sassy question and answer showdown. This year, NFT says the smart money is on Elyse Beyer, a young cabaret singer and actress whose Off-Broadway credits include featured roles in "Judy and Me" and "The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever." Growing up on Stephen Sondheim instead of Sesame Street in a home where Tony Award night was a bigger event than Christmas morning (okay, they were Jewish), Elyse seemed destined for Fag Hagdom ever since the day she asked her mom, "If men are supposed to be with men, why is daddy married to you?" Click here to check out Elyse's hilariously fabulous music video, which will give you a glimpse into her glittery world.

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Nightlife • West Village

Pizza Perfecto

It seems that for every top pizzeria that closes in New York (and we've lost three in the last 18 months--Una Pizzeria Napoletana, Anselmo's, and Isabella's), at least another two top quality pizzerias open up. And Keste is indeed worthy of the "top quality" moniker, as the four of us ordered five separate pies, all of which were completely devoured by the end of the evening (perhaps whetted by pre-dinner drinks at Marie's Crisis beforehand? Could be...). Basic margarita pizza? Perfect. Keste pizza with prosciutto and arugola? Perfect. Quattro Formaggi pizza? Perfect. Special pizza that night that I no longer remember the name of? Perfect. You get the idea. The fifth pie was another margarita, which i ordered halfway through the first round, since i knew that it would all be devoured. Only concern: go early, or bring a Russian novel to alleviate the wait. Food this good is just too popular for it's own good...

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Restaurants • West Village

Terrific Teas

The next time you end up at a café paying $3.50 for leaves and warm water, think about going to McNulty's and having that tea at home instead. This West Village institution has been around since 1895, providing the good tea-drinking citizens of this city with affordable loose teas from all over the planet, many for only $4 per quarter pound. Just to provide a few examples, they have deliciously strong Russian and Kenyan black teas, an aromatic China Rose black tea, jasmine pearl and rosebud teas, an array of refreshing green and red teas, all your old favorites like English Breakfast and Orange Pekoe, excellent pre-packaged brands like Kusmi, and even bricks of tea. The employees know their subject well and can help with recommendations, plus it's just pleasant to browse, exploring the world by scent. If you're purely a coffee drinker who associates tea with stale chamomile and having the flu, perhaps this place will change your mind, and if it doesn't, they also sell coffee.

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Coffee • West Village

Hidden in Plain View

As we were walking down Dominick Street at 10:30 on a Monday night and turning the corner onto Hudson Street, my wife said to me "where is this gig again?" Then we saw four hepcats standing outside a narrow 6-story structure on an otherwise completely deserted Hudson Street. Bingo! The Jazz Gallery, a not-for-profit performance space that's been around since 1995. About thirty seats and an informal setting for such cats at Taylor Ho Bynum (one of our favorite NY trumpet players), the Roy Hargrove Big Band, and, the night we were there, for Myron Walden's trio Apex. Catching Myron, and especially his cohorts Dwayne Burno on bass and Eric McPherson on drums, at 11 pm on a sleepy Monday night in New York made me smile...only here, little pilgrims, only here...

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Nightlife • West Village

See or Be Seen

Supposedly The Standard is getting a bit of a rap (good or bad; you decide) for people having visible sex through its windows, which all face out to the quiet, unpretentious, brilliant High Line Park, as well as the loud, super-pretentious, ass-reaming Meatpacking District. As I have never been nor will ever be cool enough to witness or participate in such a pastime as voyeur-based sex, I'm reduced, as any other nerd would be, to talking about the architecture, by Todd Schliemann of Polshek Partnership Architects. Essentially: it's a wonderful post-modern homage to modernism, straddling the High Line and providing amazing views of the Hudson River, the West Village, Chelsea, and the rest of Manhattan (if you're high enough). Several restaurants you can't afford have either opened up or are about to open up, but the best way to experience The Standard is by far the cheapest: by walking under it while strolling the High Line. And hey; maybe you'll happen to glance up at just the right time...SOMEBODY eventually wins Lotto, right?

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Hotels • West Village

Beautiful Food...and People

You know that chef dude, Jean-Georges Vongeraddflvldeirfsn? He's pretty good. And so is Spice Market, as long as you go at, like, 2 pm on a Saturday. The restaurant will only be .25 full of disgustingly rich and fashionable people, as opposed to 1.25 full every other time. At such a time, you can then enjoy the Spring Rolls, Chicken Samosas, Mussels, Crab Dumplings, Squid Salad, Soup, Crispy Salt and Pepper Skate, Pork Vindaloo, Snap Peas, Sticky Rice, etc. etc. etc. Clearly, you should go with a minimum of four people, as all this goodness is served as soon as it comes out of the kitchen, and you'll want to eat at least a dozen things on the menu. Trust me.

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Restaurants • West Village

Cool Perseverance

In the 1980s, we walked under the High Line and said, "I wonder what that was? Is it an old El train?" In the 1990s, we walked under the High Line and said, "Someone should make this a park--wouldn't that be cool?" In the early 2000s, we walked under the High Line and said, "You know, I think some people are trying to make this into a park. It'll probably never happen." Now we walk ON the High Line, in NYC's newest, coolest park. We don't walk there to ESCAPE NYC (as the NYT suggests), but to REVEL in it, to be able to see a slice of the city at an elevation one usually can't be at, to stare at the great architecture (i.e. The Standard and Gehry's IAC building), to have a picnic from Chelsea Market, or to just stroll around and understand what the definition of "great landscape architecture," means. Or--as I do--to be amazed at human perseverance, since it took the folks at the High Line 10 years to make this experience happen; it is, indeed, a testament to human creativity. Better yet, it's a testament to human creativity in the middle of two of NYC's hippest 'nabes, the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, and it's surrounded by great places to eat. So check out our "Eating the High Line" map for your gustatory pleasure!

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Landmarks • West Village

Garden Party 26, Pier 54, Tonight!

What do you know about garden parties, friend? Croquet and tennis whites? Cocktails that rhyme with "tulip"? Well rid thyself of preconceptions, because The Center is throwing their annual Garden Party and it's breaking some rules. Think: smorgasbord elevated to classy heights, with an open bar to boot. Chaired by the mighty Ruth Reichl, attendees will feast on offerings from the likes of Alto, Esca, Gotham, Rosa Mexicano and (personal fave) Pearl Oyster Bar. Mingle with chefs! Flex those "summer pantaloons"! And help a worthy cause! Because, friend, on top of everything this is a fundraiser. All proceeds go to help The Center, an agency that has helped to meet the changing needs of New York's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities since 1984. Think of it as a far less annoying WNYC pledge with a much higher return: boozing + gorging = supporting others. If only life were always this simple!

Hudson River Trust, Pier 54 (West 14th Street and the Westside Highway)
$125 admission
Click here for more info.

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Landmarks • West Village

Techno-Coffee Deluxe

Computerized coffee? Not my cup of tea. Well that's what I thought before I literally drank my words. And I do it nearly every day, with a blend of Ethiopian and Papua New Guinean beans (that's my pick). Roasting Plant is a modern coffee bar where 'freshness' is their key, you can choose your beans from the more traditional growing regions areas the amateur would not think of, such as from Southeast Asia. The baristas roast, grind, and brew for you on the spot all through the touch of a computer screen. I don't how the coffee connoisseurs of Italy would feel about this technological turn coffee has taken to the West Village, but with the cult following they formed, does it really matter?

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Coffee • West Village

Al Gore-Approved Caffeine

After stumbling across what I now refer to as coffee and breakfast heaven, it makes getting lost around the West Village streets much less frustrating. Mojo is the local cafe of choice with families, young couples, and not a Lonely Planet book in sight (or an NFT unfortunately). Consider yourself lucky if you are able to nab a table, there aren't many and with free Wi-Fi people tend to settle in for the long haul. The interior reminds me of the giant redwood trees in California you can drive through. Chunky wood furniture, exposed brick walls, and eco-friendly packaging create a cosy retreat from the strip shops on Bleecker Street. Carrying over with their eco-trend, the menu employs fresh local produce, seasonal fruits, and winter soups. It's well worth the trip. Just bring your NFT so you don't get lost!

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Coffee • West Village