It's the Weekend!

YES - new month, another weekend!  Don't let the rain get you down - get out there and play:

• SAT 3/3

• Ends Today: Japan Week!  Celebrate Japanese food and culture @ Grand Central Terminal.  Yum! [website]
• 5-11pm: BK Museum Target Free Saturday, "Fierce, Phenomenal Women".  Enjoy live music, art, dance, FREE! [website].
• DATE IDEA: Watch 5 Oscar-winning movie The Artist at Nitehawk Cinema in W'burg with food and drink in hand [website] : )

• ALL WEEKEND

• Renttherunway.com sample sale = dress heaven!  I love dressing up...so I'm going back for more tomorrow.  Up to 95% off designer dresses.  Seriously. [250 5th Ave bet 28 and 29th; Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-3pm] - stop by Ktown after for a meal: )
• Jim Henson's Fantastic World @ Museum of Moving Image in Queens, $12 - Oh Kermy! [website]
• 10a-5pm: NYC Vegetarian Food Festival - veggies deserve some lovin' too!  And we like free samples! [$5 gen admission tix at the door, Metropolitan Pavilion - 125 W 18th St.  website]

psst. party themes on my mind: sock hop, ice cream social, black tie - yay: )

Have fun!

Winter JazzFest NYC: 1/6-1/7

I've been on the fence about going - not because of the event itself because I love jazz, but just because of scheduling.  In the end I decided to get a 2 day pass - and mostly because I think I'd regret it more if I didn't go!  

Thanks to Melanie C. for the heads up and for organizing a group to go.  In her words: "I went last year, and it was awesome. You pay one fee for the night and then get unlimited entry to multiple jazz venues in the west village area.  It's a lot of fun, and the music is good."

ABOUT: "The 2012 NYC WINTER JAZZFEST will continue to redeem the rich jazz heritage of the Village and again will bring jazz fans back to Bleecker Street.  The 2012 NYC WINTER JAZZFEST includes over 60 of today's most interesting jazz groups from New York, Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Switzerland, Israel, Cuba, Morocco, Turkey, and Italy."

 

Thankfully, I know an insider to the jazz world (an accomplished musician himself!) Victor L. who gave us the following recos for sets to see tonight, most of them his friends:

• 745p @ Sullivan Hall - Julian Lage Group  (I've met and heard him before - seriously amazing).
• 845pm @ Zinc Bar - saxophonist Miguel Zenon 
• 945p @ Le Poisson Rouge - violinist Jenny Scheinman has a great band called Mischief and Mayhem
  
• 1200am @ Kenny's Castaways - saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa
• ...and if you're REALLY up for it, go check out Big Sam's Funky Nation at 200am @ Sullivan Hall.

For the full schedule, click HERE.
To buy a 1 day or 2 day pass, click HERE - and use discount code CAAL to get $10 off (NOTE: consider getting a 2 day, it comes out cheaper than just getting a 1 day!)

Have a great, jazzy weekend!

Happy 12th Day of Christmas!

Interesting fact of the day - it's the 12th Day of Christmas aka Three Kings Day/El Dia de los Tres Reyes!

Contrary to popular belief, or at least what I knew, the 12 days of Christmas are actually after Christmas, from the day after (Dec. 26, 1st day) to Epiphany or Three King's Day (Jan 6, 12th day).

Epiphany is celebrated as the day that the 3 wise men came to Jesus and presented gifts (Matthew 2: 1-12) and is for some the true day that gifts are given (so the bf and I were not too off by giving each other gifts after the holidays: ).  And as with any celebration, the King's Cake is often had on this day as well.

Of course, there are differences on how and when to celebrate, but I think what's most important is that we do - and also to take the time to reflect and be thankful for all of God's blessings in our lives, for that in itself is a gift.

Read more about the history and a breakdown of what "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song means: HERE.

Here are a few events you can go to commemorate this day (see more details here):

1. Three Kings Day Parade – East Harlem
Friday, January 6 at 10:30am
Begins at 106th Street and Madison Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue
FREE

2. Three Kings Day Celebration – Lower East Side
Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets
Friday, January 6 3-5pm
FREE 

3. Three Kings Day Parade in Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Sunday, January 8 at 2pm
Starts at Meeker and Graham Avenues
FREE 

--> 3 Kings and live camels...and as the parade "godfather" - Tito Nieves , who sang an old fave cha-cha "I Like it Like That" - cool: )

4. Three Kings Day Festival – Williamsburg
El Puente Center for Arts & Culture, 211 S 4th Street between Roebling and Havemeyer Streets
Sunday, January 15 at 1 and 5pm
FREE

Eddie on Cooking Channel!

So cool - Eddie Huang from my Tugboat trip (i.e. the other Love Boat - aka the summer camp in Taiwan for American Born Chinese - yeh yeh!) just kicked off his new show CHEAP BITES, which I randomly came across and am watching now on Cooking Channel.  Super entertaining, and he takes you to check out some good cheap eats around the country.  My kind of show!

Here's an interview he did with Food Republic: "Eddie Huang Got A TV Show.  Earned It" and see the promo vid on his blog The Pop Chef.

You should also check out his NYC spot Baohaus, which the bf and I frequent quite often: ).  I like the Chairman Bao the best - made with pork belly (pictured @ right) - or the Haus Bao with braised beef cheek. Very yummy!

Congrats, Eddie! 

Kick Off 2012 on Broadway!

2012 is already proving itself to be a fun year, especially with these 2 awesome show deals that I just found out about today and couldn't wait to share with you all.  Thanks to newyorkology.com for the post - btw love this site for all things NYC!

SHOWS IN PREVIEW - Only $10!

SHOW 1: Don't Dress for Dinner
IN PREVIEW: Mar 30-Apr 1 shows
DISCOUNT CODE: Access10
TIX: Purchase HERE, $10 total (reg. $67-$117)!  Choose Mezzanine seats for the deal.
WHY I'M EXCITED TO SEE IT: This is the sequel to one of my absolute fave b'way plays, Boeing-Boeing, which won the 2008 Tony for Best Revival.  I saw it at least twice when it was still on broadway.

ABOUT: From Roundabout, it's "about “a husband, a wife, a lover, a mistress and a cook thrown together in the same house for one riotous weekend - and it’s going to be an affair—or three!—to remember."

SHOW 2: Harvey
IN PREVIEW: May 18th -20th shows
DISCOUNT CODE: Access10
TIX: Purchase HERE, $10 total (reg. $37-$122)!  Choose Mezzanine for the deal. 
WHY I'M EXCITED TO SEE IT:  Stars Golden Globe and Emmy Award® winner Jim Parson (of "Big Bang Theory"!) as the invisible 6-foot-tall rabbit friend.  Love: )

ABOUT: Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase, first showed on broadway in 1944.  Parsons stars as one of modern theatre’s most lovable characters, Elwood P. Dowd. Charming and kind, Elwood has only one character flaw:  an unwavering friendship with a six-foot-tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey. In order to save the family’s social reputation, Elwood’s sister Veta (Jessica Hecht) takes Elwood to the local sanatorium. But when Dr. William Chumley (Charles Kimbrough) mistakenly commits the anxiety-ridden Veta, Elwood—and Harvey—slip out of the hospital unbothered, setting off a hilarious whirlwind of confusion and chaos as everyone in town tries to catch a man and his invisible rabbit. 

OTHER THEATER DEALS in Jan+Feb
And there's more! 

• Broadway Week - 2-for-1 tix go on sale JAN 4 to see more than 20 shows from JAN 17 - FEB 4, including “Wicked,” “Lion King,” “Jersey Boys” and “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”
• Off-Broadway Week - same deal, tix also on sale JAN 4, different timeframe - JAN 30 - FEB 12, including “Avenue Q,” “Blue Man Group,” “Rent” and “Stomp.”
• 20at20 - JAN 18 - FEB 16, get $20 tix to over 30 off-broadway shows, 20 min before the show!

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
I have seen some great shows with many of you while they've been in preview (The Importance of Being Earnest (one of my fave), Death Takes a Holiday, Present Laughter), all with the Roundabout Theatre Company, and there isn't a much better deal (except free, which happens occasionally too: ) to experience Broadway.  Seats are in the back, but you see the show all the same!  And if you really like it, you can pay full price and see it again : ).

No thinking involved - just get the tix, take a friend or two (or make it a nice dinner + show date), and enjoy an afternoon/night out in NY! 

Email me (nycolorislife@gmail.com) or check the NYColor Facebook page to find out exact dates I'm going, if you want to meet up with us: )

Holiday Cheers!

Yes, it gets cold in New York, and days like today (on and off drizzle of rain) doesn’t make living here much better, but we are blessed to be able to celebrate the holidays in such a great city, which I think makes it all worth it.  There’s just something magical about this time of year, and we should celebrate each day this season, as much as possible.  And there are lots of things to help us do just that (most of them are FREE too!) – here are a few.

HOLIDAY

Tues 11/29

• 1230p + 6p: NY Theatre Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Performance and Tree Lighting (evening only) – 100,000 lights!  No tix needed [World Financial Center (200 Vesey St), Winter Garden - directions]. 

• 7p: Bryant Park Tree Lighting - Check out this 53 foot tree with 3,000 ornaments, topped off with a night of free performances (on ice, b’way, and music - headliner: Sarah Maclachlan). [42^nd bet 5^th and 6^th Ave] 

Wed 11/30

• 7p: Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting – A whole line up of musical guests including Justin Bieber, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey and more light up Rockefeller Center and one of NY’s most iconic Christmas trees filled with 30,000 LED lights – and a Swarovski crystal on top! [W48 & 51 Bet 5^th and 6^th Ave]  
• Unless you can get there really early (5p?), or have an office you can watch the show from (if you do, let me know haha), I would recommend watching on TV (NBC is airing it live at 8p) and checking out the tree on another night.  Even with this weather, it will be packed out in true NY style. 

Other Christmas trees to check out, while you’re at it:

• Now thru 12/24 - South Street Seaport 40 ft tree + light show, M-F from 5-10p, every hour on the hour 
• Lincoln Center – 63^rd and B’way
• About.com’s top 7 NYC Christmas trees 

Thru 12/31

• Free Admission to the Bronx Zoo OR NY Aquarium in 2012, with donation of new, unwrapped toy OR 10 nonperishable food items
• Also upcoming at the Bronx Zoo – ice sculpture competition, presents to the animals (details TBC), see here. http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/ice-sculpting-weekends.aspx

MORE FUN

·         DANCE

• This Wknd 12/3-12/4: Big Apple Dancesport Challenge – Amateur ballroom competition at Columbia Univ, Free to watch day session, with professional showcase at night, more details on the website. 
• You can see me dance if you come at the right time: )

·         ICE SKATE

• Now Open: Ice skating rink @ The Highline (under Standard Hotel) - $12 admission + $3 skates.
• An even better deal: City Pavilion ice skating in LIC - $5 M-F, $8 Sat and Sun + $5 skate rental [Indoor, 1 stop after Queensboro Plaza on the 7]

·         SHOP

• Today 11/29 – Sat 12/3: J. Crew Sample Sale - 60% (to 90%, some reports say?) off! [Opens at 10a + T-F until 8p, Sat until 6p | 260 5^th Ave bet 28^th and 29^th st] 
• Now Thru 4/1: Brooklyn Flea Market/Fort Greene has moved inside to 1 Hanson Place.  Great place to find some unique gifts!
• New fave market: Artist and Fleas in Williamsburg – we like Helena's jewelry (bouh)!
• Preview on 12/15, open 12/16 – 12/31: Chelsea Market Holiday Pop-Up Shop 

·         EAT

• Now - Thru 11/30
• $5 Café Metro Sandwiches, Wraps, and Pitas if you order online HERE. 
• 50% Off Burritos at Blockheads, 91^st and Amsterdam location 
• BOGO 6in Subway sandwiches, Daily before 9am

·         WATCH

• Now - Thru 12/23: She Kills Monsters @ 7p – fantasy role-playing show based on Dungeons & Dragons, Pay-What-You-Can on Tues, $10 Matinee on Sat (reg $25) [The Flea - 41 White Street between Church and B’way]
• New movies on my list: The Muppets, Hugo, Tin Tin, Arthur Christmas, Puss in Boots (why not: )

More fun is on its way! I wish you a merry holiday season: )

Upcoming Fun!

It's one month before my half birthday, yay!  I know you're excited as well.

Here are some other things I'm excited about today:

1. Raining Cats and Dogs - I just bought tix (under $10!) to go to Meet the Breeds, the World's Largest Showcase of Cats and Dogs (over 200 breeds!) - this weekend 11/19 - 11/20 from 10a-5p @ Jacob Javits Center.  And even better that I found a promo code for 30% off: "friend"! 

Tix prices go up tomorrow 11/18, so get it today!  Email me to meet up: nycolorislife@gmail.com.

2. BOGO Starbucks - Buy 1 holiday drink Nov. 17 (today!) - 20th between 2-5p, and get one FREE! (website)

Options - Peppermint Mocha, new Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte.

We're going today @ 315p, Spring St location.  Looking for a 4th - anyone?: ) I want to try Caramel Brulee and Gingerbread! 

3. Edible Exhibition @ MoMA - Food as art, FREE (with MoMA entry)!

Enjoy Rirkrit Tiravanija's curry exhibition on the 2nd floor, Nov 17 2011 - Feb 8 2012 - AKA free veggie curry lunch noon-3p (except Fridays, where it's served from 4-7p - perfect: get FREE admission Fridays after 4p) -see NYTimes Article.

Also on exhibit that I like: Diego Rivera!

 
 

4. Burrrrrrito - Get 50% off Blockhead Burritos at their newest location, 91st and Amsterdam all month - Nov. 15-30th!

5. Gobble Gobble - Don't have plans for Thanksgiving yet?  Even if you do, make plans to go to Bubby's Tribeca for a pay-as-you-wish Thanksgiving buffet with all your favorites, and a "generous portion" of the proceeds go to a local homeless shelter!  We went last year, and it was delicious.

Sample Thanksgiving Day Thurs 11/24:

• 11AM Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
• 1PM Shopping + Lunch
• 330PM Dinner #1 @ Bubby's
• 7PM Dinner #2, as planned: )

More fun to come!  Stay dry, NYC!

-NYChar