***Special thanks to Jody of New York Notebook for guest blogging.***
For months, it’s been
difficult to discern whether or not spring is among us. We’ve shivered on the
sidewalk under cloudy skies claiming, “but it’s March April May!”
then coming home with a sore throat. Nevertheless, spring is piercing the city
with bursts of teasing sunshine and the days of T-shirt weather are beginning
to manifest. Here is New York Notebook’s Guide to Spring… on a budget, of
course.
There’s nothing more
Spring-worthy than sipping iced coffee in Washington Square Park. Oren’s Daily
Roast (31 Waverly) has got you covered. Also in the NYU adjacent area is the legendary
IFC Center. This cinema plays consistently mind-expanding
films and serves organic popcorn. This summer they’re playing films such as
acclaimed French Something in the Air,
Studio Ghibli’s gorgeous From Up on Poppy
Hill, satirical documentary How To
Make Money Selling Drugs and more. They’re also hosting a Terry Gilliam
series until July 20th and a Queer/Art/Film series until August 19th.
Did I mention they serve organic popcorn?
There’s nothing quite as
enjoyable as eating out in spring weather. If, like many others, you’re seeking
the best place to get pizza, then look no further. Prince St. Pizza at 27 Prince
Street in Soho is the best I’ve found yet. Their thick crusts of crunchy
pretzel bread, sweet sauce, homemade mozzarella and burnt-around-the-edges
pepperoni make for one unbeatable (and cheap) slice. If you’re looking for something
more scenic, then you’ll love Grimaldi’s (1 Front Street) under the Brooklyn
Bridge.
If you’re hungry for something
more unique, then try Caravan of Dreams (E. 6th Street). All their
food is vegan, which makes for some interesting inventions, such as cold Zucchini
Spaghetti with Brazil Nut and Sesame ‘meat’balls, Wild rice and Cremini Risotto
Croquettes and Seitan Taquitos. For dessert, avoid cupcake franchise Crumbs and
instead go to Prohibition Bakery (9 Clinton Street). Their cupcakes are
miniature bites of flavor, sweetness and real liquor of the highest quality.
Probably my favorite
thrift store is Atlantis Attic (771 Metropolitan Ave) in Williamsburg. Find
designer shirts for as little as three dollars. Beacon’s Closet (92 fifth
avenue) in Park Slope is a little more fashion conscious. From here, you can
walk to the lovely Prospect Park. It’s Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park and is
currently chock full of cherry blossoms, fluffy grass and unemployed hipsters
playing Frisbee.
If you’re looking for
cocktails, there is no shortage of artisanal, well-crafted and daringly unique
drinks. Soho’s Pegu Club (77 West Houston Street) has a cocktail called the
Earl Grey Marteani, for lovers of that bergamot-scented savior. Tooker Alley in
Prospect Heights (793 Washington Ave) is a dimly-lit period piece of a bar that
serves a tongue-burning beauty called the Jala-Piña, made from pineapple white
rum, serrano-infused honey syrup and lemon. I’ve not yet been to Pouring
Ribbons (225 Avenue B) but I hear amazing things.
And finally, live comedy -
the reason I came to live in New York in the first place. I love Sunday nights
at The Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave) which are hosted by Hannibal
Buress and feature upcoming local comedians and cameos from established
worldwide names (did someone say Robin Williams?)
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in
Chelsea (307 West 26th Street) showcase
sharp and witty sketch comedy on Mondays at 9.30pm followed by free stand-up at
11pm. And if you manage to get tickets, you’ll have a blast at their famous improv
show Asssscat 3000 on Sundays.
Now, get out there. After all, it’s spring!
-
Jody is a writer from
London. In November 2012, Jody moved to New York City with no job, no
apartment, no connections – nothing. She writes about the experience on her
blog: www.newyorknotebook.net
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