Happy Hour Museum

Looking for something different to do in the city on a Friday night? I'm sure you want the best of both worlds; culture and cocktails. Look no further go to the Rubin Museum of Art: Art of the Himalayas! They offer two for one cocktails and free admission into the museum on Friday night. I was there recently for happy hour. We had tapas and cocktails, caught up on gossip, then took the elevator to the top floor and descended our way through the extensive collection of religious art down the six story spiral staircase.

Also, do not miss the museum shop. They have a great collection of jewelry, buddha's, books, scarves, and soaps - just to name some of the items.

Rubin Museum of Art is open free of charge from 6 - 10 pm
Happy Hour is 6 - 7 pm
150 W 17th St
Between 6th and 7th avenues

Pizza; Little Italy

View Pizza; Little Italy in a larger map

One of my favorite things in the world is Pizza! I could eat it three times a day although that has only rarely happened.  Living in Little Italy people always ask me to recommend a pizzeria when visiting and for a long time my only recommendation was Lomardi's. About two years ago Rubirosa opened and has been giving Lomardi's a run for their money. Prince St Pizza took over the space of the Original Rays Pizza after being in the same location for 50 years this January. If you think that is a long time Lomardi's has been in the same location for over 100 years - since 1905. I like all three pizzerias equally as they each appeal to different people for different reasons.

If an out of towner asks me for a pizza recommendation I direct them to Lombardi's as it is a New York City institution and claims to be the first pizzeria in the USA (some dispute this). The pizza crust is thin and crisp, covered in a heavenly sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella. It is absolutely delicious and guaranteed to please. The only draw back is that it is often crowded and most of the time there is a wait. A recent expansion has remedied long lines around the block but has taken away from the authenticity of the New York institution.

If a New Yorker asks for a pizza recommendation I direct them to Rubirosa. The ambiance is cool and it has a full bar and menu. It is better suited for those than have been there and done that when it comes to Lomardi's.  The pizza here is comprised of a scrumptious thin crust and a perfect sauce to cheese ratio.  A family recipe dating back 51 years - originating at Joe and Pat's pizzeria in Staten Island. I'm glad not many know about this place as there is usually a table available.

If a Little Italy/Nolita/Soho/Chinatown local asks me where to get a good slice I will recommend Prince St Pizza. This new comer had me hooked at first bite. I was surprised to find it in the place of Original Ray's Pizza as I had been a regular there for many years. My first time there I was warmly welcomed by the owner Frank Morano. He was so eager to introduce me his signature Soho Square he gave me a Prince Perfection on the house. And pure perfection it was! The crust was soft and crispy, covered in home made mozzarella cheese (yes they make it fresh, in house, every day) and topped with yummy sauce. As good as the square is I like the Original Prince Slice the best. Not only is the pizza here delectable it is also prepared fast and you can order it by the slice. Best of all they are open late till 4am! A great place to go if you are out late one night.

Lombardi's
32 Spring St

Rubirosa
235 Mulberry St

Prince St. Pizza
27 Prince St

6 Train to Spring St
N, R Train to Prince St

The Feast of San Gennaro now through Sunday September 25

For the past 9 years I have publicly dreaded the arrival of the Feast of San Gennaro but privately I also look forward to it. How can I not? The festival brings zeppoles, gelato, cannolies, and sausage and peppers to the streets of Little Italy for 11 days! What I don't like is that thousands of people feel the same way and crowd the streets.

This year there was a dispute between the feasters and the fashionistas. The feasters wanted to have their feast just like they have been for the past 85 years and the fashionistas wanted to reduce the feast dramatically because the food smells were stinking up their fancy shops. To the fashionistas dismay and to the feasters delight Bloomberg permitted the feast to go on as usual.

If you can't beat them join them was the idea of Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi of Torrisi Italian Specialties. They got some of their chef and restaurant buddies to bring gourmet foods to the feast! This was very exciting to me. The sausage and peppers are good but you can get that anywhere. This year we have been given some interesting new food options from: Parm (offspring of Torrisi Italian Specialties opening soon, next door), April Bloomfield (of The Breslin, Spotted Pig, and John Dory Oyster Bar), L'Artusi, Rubirosa, Frankies Spuntino, Byggyz (Dewey Dufrense father of WD-50's Wylie Dufrense) and Stellina. All of these booths are in front of Torrisi Italian Specialties 250 Mulberry.

A block away is the not to be missed The San Gennaro North Gate "Xtra Moenia" floating above Mulberry between Houston and Prince. It is a large colorful installation that looks like a giant spider web or wormhole. The best part is there are tables and chairs in the area where you can eat your festival food. Also, there are men and women's facilities in the school gym at 268 Mulberry.

Yoga to the People

I took my first Power Vinyasa Flow class at  Yoga to the People in St. Marks.  I've known of the place for over a year but had not found my way there.  Luckily I found a new friend that suggested we meet up for yoga instead of the usual drinks.

We met at 7pm for the 7:30 class.  At first I thought it might be too early but it worked out really well because we got a good spot and we were able to relax and talk before class started.

The studio is large, clean, and has good vibe.  Classes are 60 minutes and offered seven days a week.  The fee is a suggested donation of $10 (pay what you can). Mat rental is $2 and a bottle of water is $1.  I rented a mat but next time I will definitely bring my own ( I will feel a lot more comfortable on my own personal mat).  The studio has changing rooms, bathrooms, and cubbies for your stuff but it does not have showers or lockers.  Also, there is only one bathroom per class (long lines).

The actual class was vigorous but not strenuous and the poses flowed from one to the other.  The instructor encouraged you to move to your limit but no further.  "Feel where you are; enjoy the moment."

After class we went around the corner to Tahini for dinner.  I ordered a Falafel sandwich and a lemonade for a grand total of $5.40 including tax!  Very good after yoga dinner.  After that we went across the street to the DessertTruck.  A very unexpected surprise!  It turns out the people who run it are a bunch of pastry chefs who met at Le Cirque.  The result is a gourmet desert from a truck.  I ordered the Vanilla Creme Brulee and it was perfection.  The custard was not to sweet or too thick and a cool temperature.  The caramel was just perfect and very satisfying to break through.  I also had a taste of Goat Cheese Cheesecake and that was heavenly.  $6 each.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato

If you are ever in the Lower East Side you must stop into this "laboratorio" and try the gelato or my favorite the sorbet. I was there last night and ordered a scoop of watermelon and another of honeydew sorbet. It was like eating the actual fruit. The flavors tasted so natural and refreshing; I almost got another two scoops (but a girl can't go too crazy with calories in this city).

While on my way out I got a glimpse of how the mango sorbet is made. I didnt see much because it was hot out and it was going to rain but they use actual fruit! Amazing!

95 Orchard St - Original location
Between Delancy and Broome Sts

188 Ludlow St - home of the Laboratorio
Corner of East Houston St
http://www.laboratoriodelgelato.com/