10/08/12 - 0 Comments
This Week: Things To Do
There are a lot of things we love about October in New York. For starters, the weather is just right; the perfect temperature, where it’s warm enough where we can still navigate the pavement in stilettos, but cool enough where we don’t look silly wearing a scarf. With weather like this, it really is a shame to stay indoors—seriously, it’s going to get cold in a couple of weeks, so let’s live it up!
To help, we’ve come up with a list of good eats, great reads and trendy tidbits of culture—you know the drill. Trust us, there’s plenty going on in the city this season to keep you busy.
What to Read: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
There is something incredibly exciting about visiting a bookstore. Even if you’re just perusing the latest titles to see what you want to buy on your e-reader, there’s nothing like losing yourself in the stacks. That’s why we love Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, an author who, IndieBound writes, “splits his time between San Francisco and the Internet.” It’s a story about Clay Jannon, a web-designer who’s lost his job and finds himself working for Mr. Penumbra in his bookstore—a shop that, surprisingly, doesn’t ever seem to sell any books. Clearly, there’s something deeper going on, and you’re going to have to read the book to discover the secret. We’ll give you a hint though: it involves the latest technology, an enticing conspiracy, lots of books and a bit of love.
Where to Eat: Silk Rd Tavern
We don’t need to tell you that NYC is the melting pot of global cuisine, but Silk Rd Tavern is one of our new favorite places for some old school fusion cooking. At first glance, their dinner and “blunch” menus (yes, they’ve spelled that incorrectly, but we love it!) show some heavily Asian influences. Egg rolls, curry, seafood and noodles are all on the list. But, upon closer inspection, this is definitely Asian with a twist. Take the Everything Duck Egg Rolls made with foie gras and apricot mustard, or the BBQ Braised Short Ribs with kimchee brussels sprouts and a sunny-side-up egg. Skate and Chips and a Korean BBQ burger are also on the menu. And, to wash it all down, why not have a beer?
On October 17 (6pm to 10pm), Silk Rd Tavern is teaming up with Smuttynose Brewing Co. to present their own version of Oktoberfest. Depending on who you ask, this may or may not be the biggest holiday in October—for most of the men in our lives, Oktoberfest kind of beats out Halloween. So Silk Rd Tavern is throwing a beer-themed party; and at $55 a ticket, the tasting menu to accompany the drinks looks divine. The only catch: reservations are 100% necessary, and time is ticking so book now.
A Taste of Summer: The Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History
The Butterfly Conservatory is back at the American Museum of Natural History! Ladies, this exhibit easily made our top ten list of museum greats last year. Seriously, who doesn’t love butterflies? Already, we’re planning our return visit to the indoor butterfly garden at the Natural History Museum where, among learning some pretty cool facts about the more than 18,000 species of butterflies, you actually get to spend some time hanging out with these delicate creatures. From October 6 to May 28, the museum has created an indoor butterfly garden where visitors can walk amongst the butterflies. Really, it will be just like being in your favorite Disney cartoon because, trust us, there’s nothing like spending an afternoon surrounded by fluttering butterflies to make you feel like a princess.
Where to Stay: Pod39
We are, of course, big fans of fashionable deals. That’s why we love Pod39, the latest Pod hotel to open in the city. The concept is similar to Pod51, Pod39’s sister hotel. In both locations, you’ll find rooms of all sizes—from singles to queens to double bunk beds—all for an affordable price. While Pod39 isn’t quite your luxury haven, we love the sleek, utilitarian elegance that focuses entirely on function and comfort.
Pod39 also has an incredible communal feel. It’s almost like staying in a hostel, only, at Pod39, private rooms complete with private bathrooms come guaranteed. If you’re in the mood to socialize, Pod39 has a great rooftop bar complete with terra cotta columns and brick arches, giving you one of the most romantic views of the city from 17 stories up. The great room, featuring a fireplace and board games, is also a chill spot to hang out at the end of the day. And with rooms starting as low as $155 per night, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal.
A Bit of Culture: Picasso Black and White at the Guggenheim
This October, the Guggenheim is doing something strikingly different: they’re hosting an exhibit on Picasso that focuses entirely on the Spanish artist’s black and white works. Forget those friends of friends (we know you’ve bumped into them at parties) who think they know artwork because they can discuss Picasso’s Blue Period with some dexterity. By pulling color out of the equation, you really get to focus on the shapes Picasso creates. These shapes, the Guggenheim explains, are the element of the paintings that Picasso felt were most essential. Color, he is reported to have said, “weakens” the artwork.
As huge fans of the little black jacket, white jeans and a gray clutch, we can definitely appreciate the elegance of grayscale, whether it’s in our wardrobe or in our art. And, even if you don’t want to give up that deliciously patterned floral dress, there is definitely something to be said for learning to work with shapes. Clothing aside, how often do you get to see an exhibit on Picasso?
Where to Shop: Su’Juk
Su Beyazit is definitely a lady who knows her clothing. Before opening her Brooklyn-based store, Su’Juk, she worked as a stylist for Brooklyn Magazine and The L Magazine. Beyazit also graduated from Parsons—clearly, she is more than qualified to give expert wardrobe advice. All of the vintage clothes and up-and-coming designs in her shop can’t help but be stylish. And, equally important, the clothes are all incredibly affordable. Really, what more could you look for when going on a shopping spree?
Su’Juk has a little bit of stylish everything, from crop tops and vintage apparel to gifts and home décor. Trust us, this is not another run-of-the-mill vintage shop. Everything inside the store has a hint of Turkish flavor to accent the Brooklyn undertones, a tasteful homage to Beyazit’s home country and her newfound neighborhood. Personally, we love the selection of Rachel Weisberg tops and Closet Case Vintage skirts.
Photo credit: IndieBound, Guggenheim, We Know Stuff, The Pod Hotel, Time Out New York, Su’Juk
