About.com Manhattan, NY

Thanksgiving Week in New York City -- To-Dos and To-Don'ts

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:10:19 +0000

Tuesday

Make last-minute Thanksgiving dinner plans. Stock up on cranberry sauce and baby marshmallows or impress your guests with a fully prepared turkey and/or catered side dishes to go.
Or finally realize that stuffing a bird is too much work and make restaurant reservations for Thanksgiving dinner.

Wednesday

If you're heading out of town for the holiday, check NYC-area traffic advisories before you leave to avoid the worst of the gridlock.
If you're staying in NYC, make a trip to the Upper West Side to see the inflation of the giant Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.
Later, it's time to hit the bars for Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest party nights of the year in New York City. Nobody has to get up in the morning for work, so it's probably going to be an all-nighter. Just don't forget to put the bird in the oven before you stumble into bed just after sunrise.

Thursday

Those who went to bed at a decent hour will want to get up bright and early for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. There's nothing like seeing it live. We've got tips on how to enjoy the parade despite the crowds and the November chill.� We've also got information on street closures and where to park.
Have a happy Thanksgiving! Make nice with the relatives for as long as necessary. Then stuff yourself at Thanksgiving dinner, unbuckle your belt, and fall asleep in front of the game.

Friday

Put on your comfy shoes for a marathon Black Friday shopping spree. Retailers want you to spend, spend, spend today and they're bribing you with plenty of deals and discounts.
If you're stuck at work, feel free to slack off and curse your boss for not giving you the day off. Update your resume.
Nibble on leftover turkey and stuffing. Avoid the scale. Vow to get back on your diet tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Week in New York City -- To-Dos and To-Don'ts originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 08:10:19.

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Weekend Picks -- Films, Flu Shots, Shopping, and Cupcakes

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:43:33 +0000

It's the weekend before Thanksgiving. That means holiday decorations are popping up all over the city and some of our favorite holiday attractions are opening for business.

Gotham Independent Film Awards Series -- See the year's best independent films at MOMA as part of the "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You" series sponsored by the Gotham Independent Film Awards.

Free Flu Shots -- New York City is offering free flu shots at clinics in all five boroughs this weekend. Find out if you qualify for a free vaccination and learn how to get free medical advice if you experience flu-like symptoms.

Thanksgiving Planning -- Time is running out to order your turkey and trimmings, finalize your Thanksgiving restaurant reservations, organize your Macy's parade outing, and otherwise wrap up plans for Turkey Day in New York City.

Shop and Skate in Bryant Park --The marvelous Holiday Shops and free ice skating rink are open in Bryant Park.� Enjoy a day of shopping and skating.

Harlem Holiday Trunk Show -- Head to Harlem on Saturday for this day of shopping at Casa Frela, an art gallery in a renovated brownstone in�Harlem's Mount Morris Park�Historic Landmark District. �The event will feature unique gifts from 10 designers, music by DJ Vega Benetton, and complementary beverages.

Cupcake Crawl --This month's Free NYC Dessert Fest is a Cupcake Crawl. Sample the sweetest cupcakes in Manhattan on a tour through the East Village and Lower East Side. Stops will include Baby Cakes, Sugar Sweet Sunshine, and Crumbs. You'll pay for your cupcakes as you go and the suggested $5 donation benefits the Food Bank for New York City.� Meet the tour guide with the red ball cap on Sunday� at 11 am at Baby Cakes at 248 Broome Street, between Orchard and Ludlow.

Weekend Picks -- Films, Flu Shots, Shopping, and Cupcakes originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 10:43:33.

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NYC FluLine and Free H1N1 Vaccinations

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:44:40 +0000

New York City has just launched NYC FluLine, a free service� to provide New Yorkers with medical advice regarding flu-like symptoms through 311. Callers with symptoms of influenza will be connected to registered nurses, who� will advise them regarding� whether to see a doctor or stay home. When necessary, on-call nurses will refer people to clinics.

If you are concerned about seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus, New York City can also� help you find vaccines, treatment and information. If you are a member of one of the priority groups for H1N1 vaccination, you can receive a free vaccine at weekend clinics in New York City.

New Yorkers in the following groups can receive free vaccine at weekend clinics:

Pregnant women
Anyone 4 through 24 years old
People 25 through 64 with health conditions that make flu more dangerous. These include asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung conditions, kidney failure, or a weakened immune system.
Anyone who lives with or cares for children less than 6 months old
Health care workers who have direct contact with patients and cannot receive vaccine through their employers.

Learn more about H1N1 in New York City and how to get vaccinated and prevent influenza.

Find the NYC� weekend clinics offering free flu vaccinations this weekend

NYC FluLine and Free H1N1 Vaccinations originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 09:44:40.

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Beaujolais Nouveau

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:18:38 +0000

Beaujolais Nouveau is the young French red wine that is released with much fanfare on the third Thursday of November each year.

Be among the first to sample the 2009 vintage at the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF) tonight. Drink wine, eat cheese, listen to live music, and enter to win prizes including a round-trip getaway to Paris. Tickets are $55 per person ($40 for FIAF members).

Get tickets to Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 at the FIAF.

Learn more about Beaujolais Nouveau from About.com wine expert Stacy Slinkard.

Learn more about the annual French ritual of celebrating the release of Beaujolais Nouveau in November.

Beaujolais Nouveau originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 09:18:38.

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Free Godiva Truffles on November 19

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:17:23 +0000

Did you know that approximately 47,254 Godiva Truffles are consumed each day?

If you haven't been doing your part lately, stop by a Godiva boutique on Thursday, November 19 for a FREE truffle and discounts on purchases of $25 or more.

The freebies will be offered between 5 pm and 7 pm at all NYC Godiva locations. You can score the $5 discount all day.

The gift of Godiva will work for just about anybody -- boss, Secret Santa, casual pal, party host, whatever. You can spend a little or a lot and show off your good taste.

Free Godiva Truffles on November 19 originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 14:17:23.

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Barney's New York Holiday Windows

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:46:07 +0000

It's� beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Barney's New York. The recently unveiled holiday window displays celebrate 35 years of Saturday Night Live and wish you a very witty holiday.

Check out Rudy Pospisil's photos of the holiday windows at Barney's and at Bergdorf Goodman (and stay tuned for more photos as the other New York City department store window displays are unveiled).

Barney's New York Holiday Windows originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 08:46:07.

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New York Samosa Crawl

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:19:04 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Sample the best samosas in New York City tonight with NYC Food Crawl. There's nothing quite like a hot, savory samosa on a brisk fall evening.

A samosa scorecard and map will be provided to help you keep track of your favorites. It's free to join the crawl, but you'll pay for your samosas as you go.

To join, meet at 6:30 at the northeast corner of Madison Square Park near the Chester Alan Arthur monument.

Get more information about the November Samosa Crawl in New� York.

Learn how to make your own samosas with About.com's Petrina Verma Sarkar

New York Samosa Crawl originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 09:19:04.

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The Algonquin Round Table Revisited

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:34:27 +0000

It has been ninety years since Dorothy Parker and her Vicious Circle met daily at the Algonquin Hotel to trade witticisms over lunch. To honor the anniversary of the Algonquin Round Table, the famous hotel is hosting a panel discussion moderated by Nat Benchley, author and grandson of founding Algonquin Round Table member Robert Benchley, and featuring a group of modern New York writers and wits.

The original Algonquin Round Table most famously included the highly quotable Ms. Parker and other noted critics, writers, and actors of 1920's New York. Those with regular seats at the table included journalist Alexander Woolcott, playwright and director George S. Kaufman, and The New Yorker editor Harold Ross.

90th Anniversary of the Algonquin Round Table

When: Monday, November 16th, 2009. 7pm-9pm.

Where: The Algonquin Hotel, 59 West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

What: Monday evening's panel will discuss the legacy and impact of the Algonquin Round Table. Witty banter and cocktails will be provided. Tickets are $100 (a portion of the proceeds benefit First Book).

Panelists:

Albert Maysles, the famed documentary filmmaker whose long list of credits includes the classics Gimme Shelter and Grey Gardens

Michael Musto, legendary Village Voice columnist and man about town

Paula Froelich, author and former Page Six columnist

Jane Green, bestselling� chick lit superstar

Joel Stein, TIME humor columnist

The Algonquin Round Table Revisited originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 09:34:27.

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Weekend Picks -- Vampires, Wine, Apple, Ailey, and Nice Cans

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:17:47 +0000

Dark Shadows at Twilight: A Paley Center Vampire Weekend -- Revel in your vampire obsession at The Paley Center this weekend. Attend screenings of True Blood, Angel, Dark Shadows, and Robsessed (a new documentary about Robert Pattinson's crazed fan following). A vampire panel discussion on Saturday will feature will feature a debate about the merits of pop culture's most compelling blood suckers.

Canstruction --See the infinite possibilities of the humble can of corn at the World Financial Center. Canstruction is an annual display of inspired sculptures created from cans of food. Best of all, this art is 100% recyclable. All cans will be donated to area food banks after the exhibit ends onNovember 23rd. Admission is free, but donations of canned food are encouraged.

Grand Opening of New Upper West Side Apple Store -- Be among the first to visit the sleek new Apple Store on the Upper West Side and check out the entire floor devoted to free training, support, and hands-on activities. The first 2,500 visitors get free commemorative t-shirts.

Thanksgiving Food and Wine Workshop -- Figure out the perfect Thanksgiving menu by sampling delicious wines from Bottlerocket paired with turkey and trimmings courtesy of City Bakery. Tickets for this Saturday event are just $2 and proceeds go to City Harvest, but you'll want to book ahead. Last year's line stretched for blocks.

Ailey Dance Day for Kids -- This Saturday, the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is hosting the "Ailey Day of Dance," which will feature dance workshops led by Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and special performances of Isba, choreographed by Alvin Ailey.

Weekend Picks -- Vampires, Wine, Apple, Ailey, and Nice Cans originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 14:17:47.

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Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows -- The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:03:14 +0000

Bergdorf Goodman has unveiled their 2009 holiday window displays featuring The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Check out our photos by the talented Rudy Pospisil.

And check back soon for photos of more of the New York City department store Christmas windows. Let's see if the designers can top last year's holiday window displays.

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows -- The Fantastic Mr. Fox originally appeared on About.com Manhattan, NY on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 15:03:14.

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