New York City Entertainment
With Cathy Cunningham

Things to do & see in the big apple.


 

EDITORIAL OF THE WEEK

We’ll always have Paris…in New York City 

Meandering my way around the cobbled streets of Soho, salivating over window displays housing items I could not afford, I stumbled across Café Noir (Grand St and Thompson St). The café’s red window shutters encircling the bar area draw one in, so inviting is the opportunity to sit in this Parisian bar and restaurant. Café Noir has a true neighborhood ambience; we sat at the bar and I was delighted by the fact that the barman seemed to know all of his clientele by name. The bistro area is small and dark yet cozy, while the bar area is the ensconced in sunshine filtering in from the open shutters looking onto the cross streets. The setting is equally perfect for a rendezvous with a group of friends or, bien sur, for a romantic tryst. If you experience some deja-vu, the restaurant was the onset location for the bathroom scene in Unfaithful. On that particular Sunday afternoon, there was enough room to swing a cat (if that had been desired) although I hear that this may not be the case as day turns to night. The restaurant serving averagely-priced tapas, Moroccan and French cuisine apparently fills up very quickly, while a DJ spins chilled tracks to add to the vibe. Speaking of Europe..have you ever heard a Brit rap? Saturday is your chance. Try not to think Hugh Grant free-styling whilst dripping with bling, but instead Lady Sovereign, a pint-sized 20 year old capable of holding her own in the world of Brit-hop. What she lacks in stature she makes up for in attitude and confidence. Lady Sov has recently signed to Jay-Z’s Island/Def Jam label and performs a free concert at Central Park’s Summerstage (72nd and 5th Ave) from 3-7pm on Saturday 29th. If looking fabulous on a budget this summer is a necessity due to lack of funds, I feel your pain and recommend Cheap Jacks, (32nd St and 5th Avenue), a vintage treasure-trove for guys and gals. The clothing is in great condition and organized according to the item’s era. I fell in love with the array of dresses; they range from $35 up to $400, although 9 out of 10 are roughly $80. Ladies, for one-off items you can be guaranteed nobody else will be wearing at your next event (the horror!), the price is very reasonable. Fascinating pieces line the store’s elongated space, from sequinned show-stoppers to kitsch and kooky to everyday prêt-a-porter. The store actually asks that its customers haggle to lower the prices..be bold and give it a go! ~*~Cathy~*~

[Archived Articles]

Please fill out this form if you have a special request for advice from Cathy.

Your Name

(**If you wish to remain anonymous please indicate**)

Please give us your e-mail.

(**Email will remain confidential**)

Click in the box below, then type in your question or questions.