After nearly a decade of selling her fashionable draped silk and cotton pieces in San Francisco, designer and shop owner, Susan Hengst, recently moved her label to the East Village. ‘San Francisco’s loss is our gain!’ Her exquisite and chic line of clothing all don expertly crafted French seams. As a business traveler, I appreciate that many of her pieces are washable. The palette of her clothing is delicate in color, but Hengst also caters to those shoppers preferring classic black. There is a timelessness underlying every one of her pieces. The clothes have “personalities” says Hengst, and I especially liked a flowing dress that could transform from day to night… and was intrigued that the name on that garment was ‘night to day.’

The store’s goal is to combine old and new to create something timeless. Loopy Mango is owned and operated by jewelry designer Waejong Kim, and artist, Anna Pulvermakher. Hard-to-find designers are featured, and I was happy to see a sampling of one of my top designers, Shelly Steffee. The clothing, accessories (great leather bags), and home goods in this hip boutique bring a whimsical aesthetic feel to the neighborhood of SoHo. Loopy Mango has filled its space with antique furniture and home accessories that are beautifully aged and fun additions to any home. And, if you still need to be tempted, the back of the store is stocked with handpicked antiques, New York street signs, and colorful bicycles!

You can imagine my excitement when I first learned that Turin’s (Torino) gastronomic market was opening its second store in NYC! Torino was the birthplace of my maternal grandmother. Eataly, known as a ‘temple’ by its founders Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich, is a place where food is more sacred than commerce! I’ve long awaited the opening. This culinary extravaganza in the Flatiron district will house 20 retail departments… each major retail area showcasing its own dedicated restaurant. Steak lovers and Vegans will feel right at home. Shoppers will delight in the array of Italian products, both imported and domestic. Eataly’s Italian grocery store will feature gelato, a coffee bar, paninis, a wine store, housewares, and a bookstore. As an added bonus, a cooking school will be conducted by master chef Lidia Bastianich. Plans are in the works for a rooftop beer garden! You’ll feel like an Italian as you uncover the bi-lingual signage everywhere… ‘its not just a market, but a food experience.’ My favorite signage is ‘it’s difficult to be simple.’

Whenever I’m looking for that one-of-a kind contemporary gift, or a unique accent for my apartment, I head on over to Moss… a SoHo store that excels in product selection and presentation. Much of their furniture, lighting, watches, jewelry, books and tabletop are primarily from Italian manufacturers. Moss’s intention is to create a ‘view of each piece based on the context of its presentation, rather than its function.’ The contrast of the white walls and the dark monochrome clothing of the staff portrays a gallery-like feel. When I purchased my hanging crystal and light bulb chandelier, the staff was skilled to discuss all aspects of the design and care of this beautiful fixture. As you browse throughout the rooms of the store you’ll feel like you’re in a museum – but a museum that allows you to touch and feel the exquisite products.

Gregorie Ludivine, the ex-pat owner, carries a collection of prized designers for women who favor a refined, romantic Euro-centric style. For years I’ve shopped in their downtown location and was happy to learn that they opened a second location uptown. The shop is a bit larger than downtown… also offering a larger selection of handbags. Ludivine is filled with French labels and a featured designer is Vanessa Bruno, whose gauzy dresses are a must for a wardrobe! Whenever shopping in the store I feel as though each piece displayed has been handpicked by the owner. So, if Paris is not in your immediate future, visit Ludivine… the store has captured the essence of a true French boutique.

With a name that means happiness, you know that you’re bound to find something special. Saada features one-of-a-kind items with comfortable price points. In contrast to Ludivine, the shop carries many bright-colored dresses and accessories. Clothes that are both trendy and traditional make it easy to find that last minute outfit! Besides clothing lines from local New York designers, Saada carries international designers as well… favorites of mine are from Brazil. Many of their pieces transition from work to after work. And… something that I look forward to is their exceptionally helpful staff.

As with Therapie, Clo is one-stop shopping for discerning wine aficionados. A ‘clo’ in winespeak is an enclosed vineyard and one that has received notoriety for its wines produced. Clo, the wine bar and shop in the Time Warner Center, is also enclosed and acclaimed for its wines and products. The space continually changes its selections of 100 pours… all available by the glass. The shop is a wine-gadget paradise… every type of home or gift item for the wine connoisseur can be found at Clo. I recently purchased a set of black wine glasses that I used for a wine tasting party. New Yorkers will enjoy the compactness of their products which complement the small spaces that most of us live in.

It’s all in a name!! Therapie New York is a luxury lifestyle emporium which stocks the needed necessities (both small and grand) all under one roof for the busy New Yorker. One stop shopping that I can attest to! Whether you’re looking for cosmetics, fragrances, hair accessories, home essentials, gift cards, or pet needs (to name a sampling)… Therapie has it all. You’ll feel relaxed, eliminating the stress of shopping in many stores after a day’s work. Take time while in Therapie (no pun intended)… especially in the accessories and beauty department!

A newcomer to the northern edge of Little Italy (known as Nolita), Balaboostais a charming and casual Middle Eastern trattoria.  It  is the perfect restaurant to take a date, friend, co-worker or a place that you can bring  your entire family.  The food at this trattoria also has Israeli roots.  Its name implies the ‘perfect housewife’ in Yiddish. We dined there the other night and started the evening by tasting their authentic hummus and falafel,  crispy fried artichokes and roasted cauliflower.   We then shared their signature dish of Chicken under a brick.  Ambiance is also important to me… and sitting amidst the white brick walls lined with family photos and cookbooks, I felt right at home.   Welcome to the neighborhood, Balaboosta!

What better place to dine at than a restaurant whose name means ‘of the soul.’  This intimate West Village restaurant changes its menu daily and consistently features local and seasonal ingredients.  Favorites of mine are their bruschetta and risotto.  Besides sampling their phenomenal Italian cuisine, Dell’Anima offers 100 Italian wines served in hand-blown, hand-crafted Bormioli glassware.  They even have the best selection of house-made Limoncello… now that’s my choice for an after dinner dessert! 

The dark, mysterious and captivating décor complement the name.  Located in the industrial neighborhood of Tribeca… the lighting, relics and ironwork of Macao create a setting of a 1940s portside warehouse feel. Macao Trading Co. covers two floors… offering a spacious dining room upstairs, and an intimate lounge downstairs.  History reminds us of old Macao as a Portuguese Colony in China for centuries which confirms the presence of the restaurant’s food from both cultures.  Diners can select either Portuguese or Chinese cuisine – or do what I did – try a sampling of both!   My guests and I tasted a selection of small dishes and we especially enjoyed the Portuguese-style lamb meatballs, mushroom croquettes, and Chinese prawns.   For those more adventuresome… I  suggest trying an exotic cocktail like the Drunken Dragon… a bit of milk, green tea, vodka, and other secret ingredients.

With my family roots on MacDougal Street, I was personally delighted when Keith McNally worked his magic and produced the revival… a first class production of the Minetta Tavern.  The speakeasy feel as you walk in the door is reminiscent of an era that established  the “Village.”  The original framed pictures of the figures from the city’s past are hung on the walls. The Minetta Tavern, which was once a pub filled with village pub crawlers and poets in the 1930s, is now transformed into a celebrity haunt… an establishment that still has the original faded fresco as the focal point of the dining room. The French bistro fare has brasserie favorites, mine being their signature Black Label Hamburger.  Since the Village is a late night hood, a “late supper” menu is offered on the weekends for those hipsters feeling hungry after listening to jazz at many nearby clubs.

I’ve been searching for that special Mexican restaurant… and I’ve finally found it! Maya uses authentic Mexican ingredients and combines those with innovative culinary techniques. Chef-owner Richard Sandoval prepares classic Mexican dishes – favorites of mine are the Tacos de Puntas de Filete and the Pescado a la Veracruzana (red snapper). Equally enticing are the hand-crafted margaritas… and Maya offers a selection of 100! The only dilemma you’ll face is deciding between the variety of margaritas and their famous Mango Mojitos! This Upper East Side (UES) establishment also offers an extensive bar and lounge menu nightly. The ambiance is warm and inviting… reflecting handmade Mexican artwork.

After a day of shopping at Bloomingdales on the Upper East Side (UES), dinner at nearby Scalinatella is the perfect way to end your day! It is truly a food/wine haven. The restaurant is cozy and intimate and conducive for quiet conversation. Make sure you say ‘yes’ to starting your meal with prosciutto and cheese… it is the tangiest parmigiano found in the city! Listening to Italians at the next table ordering their food (I’ve just started my Italian lessons) I knew that the restaurant was also a favorite of visitors from the homeland! I followed their lead by asking our water to duplicate their order. The Ravioli ‘Scalinatella’ and the Dover Sole were ‘delicioso!’

A Carnegie Hill establishment since 1978, (and also one of my favorite selections from my May Upper East Side edition), this tiny French bistro is a true undiscovered gem. It’s lovely, quaint, charming and authentic. The wood tables, vintage carafes, floral prints and antique armoires make guests feel as though they’re eating in the French countryside! It’s a small place that makes up in size for excellent food. Try the Salad Nicoise, Seared Tuna and finish with the restaurant’s assorted cheese plate. Nearly all of the main dishes and salads can be ordered in smaller tasting portions. I left with that comfortable feeling you get when you are totally relaxed and have had a perfect meal.

A casual, yet elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen. Flickering candles and a tiled open kitchen set the tone for the amazing tastes that are in store for patrons. Taboon translates to the word ‘oven’… and the oven is the heart of the restaurant. The wood-fired Taboon delivers freshly prepared specialties that are exotic, healthful and robust in flavor. Their blended cuisine uses French techniques to enhance their dishes. I nearly opted to have their flatbreads with sage, rosemary and olive oil as my main course!

Need a Pain Killer or a Stimulant? No, Apotheke isn’t an underground spot to get a prescription pick-me-up. Apotheke is inspired by the European apothecary (an old-fashioned drug store), and these theme-related names are the cocktails! You will love stepping into this Chinatown lounge, decorated like an up-to-date royal Austrian apothecary… and ordering one of their House Remedies served by a bartender in a white lab coat. This hip venue calls itself “…a stage. A chemistry lab. A theater” and their drinks “culinary cocktails… the liquid equivalent to gourmet cuisine.” Not just a bar… it’s an experience.

I love walking around Tribeca… and I can’t tell you how many times I walked right by the obscure entrance to B Flat. When I finally did venture down the staircase leading to this underground hot spot, what a treat! This intimate, laid back lounge offers live jazz Monday and Wednesday nights, and a casual hangout for a group of friends. I’ve spent many a night here with my girlfriends and dates enjoying the atmosphere, the music… and of course the drinks! My favorite is the Misty, mixing Champagne with Blueberry… among other things!

The legendary Count Basie may have passed away… but his musical genius and ‘Big Band’ lives on. The 17-piece ensemble (each performing a solo during the performance) combines blues and swings with their own signature sound making for an evening of foot-tapping fun. If you treasure musicians of the past and appreciate the art they create, don’t miss this limited engagement. Check the schedule for specific September performances.

It may be September, but it’s not quite fall yet! There’s still enough comfortable weather to enjoy the rooftop bars throughout the city. Hotels have been surprising me with all of the unique venues for after work, after dinner, or just during a sunny weekend day… and this one was no exception! I recently was invited to an event at this bar 16 floors up and savored the atmosphere. They have a retractable roof so you can still go there when it starts to get chilly… lounge on one of their comfy couches, enjoy the beautiful garden, or just bask in the NYC views. Call ahead as they may have private parties.

Enoteca is intimate and charming and on top of that, you can experience a wonderful glass of wine from many regions in Italy. The staff is expertly versed on the varietals and can help you choose your selection. Most wine bars are full of wines from all over the world, however this spot specializes in Italian picks. For a change of pace, try a nice Grappa or dessert wine. There’s plenty of food choices to accompany your wine as well – try a nice Sottocenere Cheese selection or a delicate crostini with gorgonzola and honey. Grab a nice cozy spot to chat and end your evening.

September brings a brand new act to the Oak Room that is highly anticipated – Our Sinatra – with the 10th anniversary cast. This is a must-see for all the Sinatra lovers out there (which are in abundance, so reserve now)! The show runs until September 11. ‘Start spreading the news!’ This show makes you think of a best-of album, only heard live from Sinatra’s early days… and his most popular hits – a classic evening of snappy music!

September is the month that these spectacular outdoor spots in NYC are starting the final countdown for the season. Pier i Café closes in October, which means that your after-dinner sangria awaits sooner than later! The café has a nice sized terraced area, so you won’t feel crowed. Everything seems slower and perfectly in tune with the boats that pass by quietly on the Hudson. Take a nice stroll on the pier directly in front of the café – proof positive that this is a romantic spot to cap off your date night! Pier i Café is perfect all day long and into the evening hours, so relax and enjoy the final days of the warm NY weather! From 68th Street, take the stairs down towards the Hudson.

From Jazz brunch over the weekend to big band sounds on Monday nights, every night at Smoke you’ll find amazing soulful tunes and incredible talent. Small and intimate, the setting gets you right in front of the music. Check out Sunday Latin Nights with Chris Washburne & SYOTOS – inspiring to say the least. Book your calendars for September 24th & 25th for John Coltrane’s birthday celebration series – I definitely won’t miss this as I’m a huge fan! Smoke is a supper club and they feature a ‘dinner show’ nightly until 9pm. After 9pm it’s just music and the menu is a la carte.

Heartbroken over the sudden death of her sister Kate, Abby delves in the world of her sister’s novel to deal with her grief and the difficult ability to move on with her life. As the fine line between the fictional world and her own reality cross, Abby attempts to make sense of life and death in this poignant, yet surprisingly light-hearted play. Bottom of the World was commissioned by the Women’s Expressive Theater. Original live bluegrass music is played throughout as an added feature for the audience. This world premier is directed by Caitriona McLaughlin. September 3 – October 3, 2010

Out with the old, and in with the new is the premise of the play Office Hours. Across college campuses in the 1970s, teachers and students engaged in a battle of their own… making education relevant. Written specifically for the talented cast of The Bats, the in-house theater company of the Flea Theater, playwright A.R. Gurney states that the play is designed to “display the talents, energy and versatility of these young actors.” The show features 2 rotating casts of the talented Bat Company. As a fan of the Flea Theater, I am sure that this production will be top notch!
September 18 – October 24

Meet writer Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, your typical Elizabethan man, a favorite of the Queen, madly in love with a Russian Princess, and waking up one day in Constantinople to find that he has become a woman! Orlando survives the 18th and 19th Centuries… understanding what it means to live fully in the moment, in our own skin, in our own garden, in our own time. The play grips its viewers as we watch Orlando become a wife, mother and finally a witness to the suffrage for women. Don’t miss the longest love letter in the history of the English language! September 8 – October 17, 2010

Voted in the top 10 Saturday-only events, The Ryan Case is like watching Law and Order… only in the 1870s! It’s an experience where you and your guests, as well as the rest of the audience, get to the bottom of a murder mystery. This 2-hour adventure through the streets of New York City’s Chinatown will immerse you into the plot as you discover clues that help you down the path of solving the case. Do you think you can you solve this crime? I did… and I thoroughly enjoyed this production! The play is suitable for children 13 and older. Each Saturday until September 25, 2010

Tickets go on sale online starting September 12th, so get ready for another terrific year of American and international cinema. Screenings will include an impressive line-up – opening night features The Social Network, a film written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Ficher. This movie depicts the founders of Facebook from their beginnings in the dorm room at Harvard and is guaranteed to be loaded with intrigue and sorted details… you will be left wondering which part is truth, which is Sorkin fiction, and whether you can get any of the cast to be your ‘friend.’ The closing film will be the new super secret Clint Eastwood flick – Hereafter – called a supernatural thriller… what superstar will be in this Eastwood film? Matt Damon! Through October 10, 2010

This will go by quickly so plan ahead and mark your calendars! 2009 was the first festival and it had a huge response, so 2010 will be evern more popular! Free screenings of the Metropolitan Opera are available to you and 2,799 of your closest fellow New Yorkers – so get there early or you will miss out! See classic Puccini with La Boheme on Sept 2, and Franco Zefferelli’s lavish production of Turandot. Opera… outdoors at Lincoln Center Plaza – what could be better! September 1 – 6, 2010

September 2 – DUMBO continues it’s 1st Thursdays Gallery Walk – September 2nd…

September 24 – 26 - DUMBO Arts Festival
Mark your Calendars as this festival will feature art, music, dance and much more! Check out the website for daily events, the galleries and featured exhibitions!

Greater New York 2010 (through October 18, 2010)
Modern art in real time! MoMA PS1 is less of a museum than an exhibition space. The rotating exhibits focus on new talent and this group of 68 new artists from the greater NY area has some new ideas to share. Much of the work has been created just for this exhibition and you will see all mediums represented. This space is for those who love art that pushes boundaries. More importantly, it’s for those who want to know art beyond a picture on the wall – come check it out from Thursdays to Mondays weekly.

Eco-Fashion: Going Green (Through November 13, 2010)
If you love the fashion world, you will definitely enjoy these two exhibits at the FIT in September. Try to go during the last part of the month so you can see both exhibits. Going Green is brilliant and an eye-opener! One would think Going Green must be a reaction to today’s perceptions about the environment, but actually, this is a historical view that shows how the industry had to deal with the pressures of making textiles clean, chemical-free and environmentally aware… which began years ago, and the industry is still walking that fine line today.

Japan Fashion Now (Through January 8, 2010)
Opening September 17th – this exhibit will be fun! Pop culture, video games, comics and the high-tech influences on Japanese designers… their unique style and cutting edge textiles.

September 30 – Oct 3, 2010
As I wrote about in May, the AAFNYC is back for its fall showing. If you missed the May show, I decided to talk about this one early in September to give you plenty notice to put this on your calendar. It is really worth a visit as it brings together over 75 top international and US galleries. And the name, Affordable, is truly what this fair is – 75% of the pieces are below $5,000, and that includes many pieces under $1,000 – the focus is to promote up-and-coming artists that are new on the scene. The pieces are contemporary and eclectic, the galleries are welcoming, and there are deals to be had! If you went in May, there are many new galleries participating. If you did not go, don’t miss this opportunity for treasure hunting!

Heat Waves in a Swamp: The Paintings of Charles Burchfield (Through October 17, 2010)
Charles Burchfield is an American artist (1893-1967) whose paintings are simple and complex at the same time… impressionist in style, he is a nature artist to the core. You will see over 100 watercolor paintings with some other mediums, yet all showing ‘nature and light’ in many facets from calm and soothing, to scary views of a twisted reality… a la Vincent Van Gogh. I always enjoy his work, but be sure to take your time as you would when walking in a forest – watch the detail as you go! And if you have not seen Collecting Biennials (through November 26), try to visit this as well for a nice contrast to Burchfield!

Robert Moses State Park is located on the western tip of Fire Island, which means you have endless beach in which to walk… so pack light, bring a hat and lather up with sunscreen. And with very little by the way of a boardwalk, the beach is it, so plan footwear accordingly and enjoy the sand. You can stay at Robert Moses Beach and walk west from Field 5 to the 18-hole ‘pitch & putt’ course on Field 2. Or, head east as we did on a gloriously beautiful day from Field 5 right before the Lighthouse to Fair Harbor for lunch – it was easily a mile and half one way! Heading east to the villages of Fire Island, you will pass Lighthouse beach where bathing suits are ‘optional,’ so be advised and not surprised on hot days.

September means that you have one month left to enjoy tranquility and spectacular views of Manhattan from Governors Island, as the island closes to the public in mid-October. So, grab your bike or rent one there, and ride! There are over 5 miles of biking trails and the island is a blast to explore leisurely! My favorite thing to do is to ride for a bit, then check out the historic artifacts, art exhibits, and sculptures scattered around… ride a bit more… then take a rest on the hammocks or Adirondack chairs!
Need to know: Open Friday to Sunday; ferries from Manhattan and Brooklyn. On Friday, ‘Bike & Roll’ bikes are free for 1 hour (more of an incentive to go). If you bring a picnic, remember no alcohol on the island.

A friend was going on about this studio, so I had to try it. Needless to say, there is a ‘spin class,’ then there is a ‘Fly 45′ workout… and this workout rocks. I read the description of the ride before I went, and it is everything they write about – mentally inspiring and physically challenging – and they are not kidding. I was a bit intimidated at first, but the instructor made it fun and you absolutely wanted to push on! Best thing about FlyWheel is that you can buy a ride, or a ride series if you cannot commit to a membership… whatever you do, just try it and feel the burn!

I am always on the hunt for good yoga studios but I must say that YogaWorks is consistent and highly disciplined with the way they teach. You can go from the Eastside to the Westside locations, and get the same quality experience – I just wish they had more studios in the city. If its yoga you want, this has it all! Any discipline you seek and any level of practice. I am not advanced, although I keep working on it, so it is a wonderful thing to get instructors that are patient and as concerned about my practice as I am. That makes me work just a bit harder and with more focus!

As adults, we all can relate to being unhappy with a certain physical characteristics… whatever it was, we all could’ve benefited from Freckleface Strawberry, a little girl with bright red hair and the dreaded freckles (which she tries to hide, scrub off, and cover with makeup)! This musical, based on the book by famous red-headed actress Julianne Moore, will help your child (and maybe the child within you) understand the importance of his/her own individuality and the values of self-acceptance. Live music, dancing, and an audience full of families there for the same reason – it will be great fun!

The Jazz Standard has always been great for adults, but now it’s great for kids too! Every Sunday, they present the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra. They request just a $5 donation per person and you and your family can enjoy great jazz performed by NYC resident children. Live in NYC? Check out their public school program to see if your child’s school can participate in this program – children attend the performances with their school and learn about jazz throughout the school year. This is a great way to get kids to appreciate jazz!

Any place with a motto “Face It. Your Kids are Cool” is cool in my book. Add that to this new shop’s sleek boutique feel in the funky East Village ‘hood, and you’ve got a winning combination. The store was inspired by the owner’s 2 daughters – this dad wanted to offer a ‘schoolyard cool’ look for kids ages 5-12. The store stresses the importance of individuality in children… have them pick their own clothes out here and they won’t look like everyone else! Great graphic tees and hoodies. I’ll definitely buy some of their clothes for my nieces and nephews!

School may be coming back into session, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end for kids… or outdoor activities! We still should have a few more warm weather weekends to enjoy the summer – but if not, fall is MY favorite time of year! Head to Brooklyn for 2 days of fun in the park. Hula-hoops, jump-ropes, bubbles – oh my! Don’t forget lawn tick-tack-toe (always go for the middle square first if you can)! What’s the best part? It’s free! September 18 & 19 12-2pm and 4-6pm. And if you miss that, there’s Interactive Storytelling the following weekend.

I’m always looking for a great new dog run in the city. There are SO many of them, but I wanted to highlight one for the warm weather. Summer’s not quite over and there’s still some hot sun left for you and Fido! Head west to this super clean dog run (cleaned twice per day), step inside, take off his leash, and let him run free! He’ll snag a sip of water from the running hose, play with other dogs… but the best part is the little plastic swimming pools available for him to roll around and cool off (also clean since the water flows through continuously)! Take him there in the evening and watch the sunset over the Hudson River after a long day. He’ll thank you. Note: it is closed twice per day for cleaning, so check the website.

Yes, your pup needs exercise too! Running Paws offers Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and more, but what really intrigued me was the Fitness Sessions! Each session is tailored to your dog’s needs… outdoor jogging along the East River, indoor jogging on a treadmill for older or less athletic dogs, All Day Play at the club, and even at-home fitness sessions! They are the first dog jogging company in the world, all of their founders are dog owners, and they are planning to open more locations in NYC and beyond. Happy jogging to Rufus!

Ready… Set… Strut! Head to Pier 84 for an event put on by the Best Friends Animal Society – a leisurely scenic morning walk to raise money for homeless pets. After the under-2-mile walk (starting at 8:30am), there is a dog-themed festival for pets and their owners. Free massages, training demonstrations, doggie yoga, pet products and accessories, music, food, and much more for you and your dog… it will be a barking great time!

Do you thank dog? Or does dog thank you? When you take your pet to this full service k-9 retreat, he’ll thank you! They offer doggie daycare, grooming, cageless boarding, dog training classes and, of course, a great pet shop for all of your dog needs. Their play area has a bamboo forest for your dog to play in and there are 2 floors of fun. Not only that, they have a PET TAXI (yes, you read right) offering transportation for your pet (with or without you) to anywhere – ‘Full Service Pet Relocation’… now that’s service!

Al Pacino coming to Broadway!
If you missed him during Shakespeare in the Park, just wait… Merchant of Venice comes to Broadway on October 19th and guess who’s starring! I can’t wait to see this very special Shylock!

Iron Chef comes to Tribeca in December
I’ve been scoping out the Tribeca location that was once Dennis Foy for months now and finally got confirmation! Morimoto is opening his newest restaurant, Tribeca Canvas… Church Street is now one of the hippest blocks in the city, with new great spots opening all the time! And if you can believe it… his version of ‘comfort foods’ will be on the menu.

In the Arts
Canal Park Playhouse
508 Canal Street (at Washington St)
This tiny new theater (two theaters seat 90 people all together) presents one or two character plays, subway performers, silent movies, and even children’s entertainment! Check the schedule for upcoming shows… I can’t wait to see what pops up on Canal Street!

In Fashion
Saturdays and Sundays – Hester Street Fair
Back by popular demand, this fair features vintage clothing, jewelry, bikes, furniture, crafts, art, flowers… you can even grab some food to sustain you as you continue shopping! This Lower East Side (LES) happening is one of my favorite NYC street fairs… glad it’s back!

Eat & Drink
Theater Bar
114 Franklin Street (at West Broadway)
(212) 334-3733
It’s a theater… it’s a bar… no it’s both! Step back in time in this hip new venue. Think vaudeville circus, Moulin Rouge, acrobat bartenders, and more… the perfect spot for a variety of age groups.

From Earth to Kitchen
(718) 986-2948
Ever head to the Union Square Green Market to do some shopping and leave with less than what you wanted because you just couldn’t carry it? Happens all the time to me… I was there last weekend and saw a little bike with a bright green ‘trunk’ and just had to know… these tricycles are for just that… give your bags to them and head home bag free! They’ll deliver it right to you… and you can even order a ‘recipe basket’ with treats from local popular restaurants!

Peels
325 Bowery (at 2nd Ave)
As you can see from this month’s neighborhood section, I love Freemans… well the masterminds have done it again with a new country-style diner… without having to search down an obscure alley! Peels features big picture windows, brights walls, and my favorite… a long communal table right in the middle!

Sundays in September – ‘Mad Men’ Screenings
Tribeca Grand Hotel
2 Avenue of the Americas (Walker & White St)
(212) 519-6600
Go mad in Tribeca! This show has gotten so much hype… especially after winning an Emmy for Best Drama (among others). Head to the Church Lounge at 6pm on Sundays to watch the show with fellow New Yorkers… better than watching alone! And the best part… a fabulous Prix fixe dinner for just $22 and cocktail hour starts at 9pm!

September 4 – Katharine Hepburn Garden Festival
2nd Avenue from 43rd to 53rd Streets
(212) 809-4900
Taste foods, shop for arts, crafts, antiques, and jewelry throughout the day…. all in the spirit of the late and great Katharine Hepburn.

September 16 through 26 – Feast of San Gennaro
Join 1 million of your closest friends for this annual festival… taste food from local Little Italy vendors, enjoy live music and parades, as well as various ethnic food carts.

September 1 through 12 – US Open
If you’re a big tennis fan like I am, you won’t want to miss seeing at least one match of the US Open! Themed ‘It Must Be Love,’ the Open started on August 30 and continues through half of September… plenty of time to fall in ‘Love!’

September 10 – Fashion’s Night Out
My favorite fashion event, that’s both uptown and downtown… Fashion’s Night Out features designers, celebrities, models, and fashion editors… check the website for special in-store events! Plan your evening carefully – there’s almost so much you can do in one night.

September 10 through 12 – Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival
Though it’s 3+ hours from the city, it’s worth it if you can make your way up there – it’s one of THE best food & wine festivals I’ve been to (and I’ve been to quite a few!). I’m going to miss it this year, but it’s been amazing in year’s past. Great food, wine tastings… and this year’s being chaired by celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich!

September 19 – Back to Basis
Gansevoort Plaza (9th Avenue & Hudson St)
From 11am-4pm, this Good Food Festival will feature food from 30 family farmers and local top chefs… in the evening, you could be chosen to enjoy a seasonal farm-to-table dinner! All of the food is 100% traceable and is literally ‘good food!’

September 24 – Tribeca Retail Club: Fashionable Night Out, Fashion for Fall
394 Broadway (at Walker St)
From 6pm-11pm, independent designers showcase their fashion… it’s multiple trunk shows in one! Goody bags, drinks, and a DJ make the night even more fun!

September 24 through October 3 – NY Craft Beer Week
If you like beer (and not the kind in a can), get a Passport and head to any of the featured NYC bars or restaurants, choose a beer from their featured brewery, and just pay $3! The venues vary from casual corner bars to upscale hotel lounges and famous chef dining establishments… so you can try some in jeans and some in fancier duds – the choice is yours!

September 26 – New York City Apple Day – Apples on Orchard
Orchard Street between Broome & Grand Streets
Head to our featured neighborhood, the Lower East Side, and take a bite out of the Big Apple… literally. From 11am-5pm, sample many varieties of apples from farms all over New York State, try apple-themed dishes at neighborhood eateries, or shop throughout this neighborhood.