karateboogaloo:

Veselka, East Village (Taken with instagram)

alisonbackman:

Rooftop Sightseeing, East Village

City living!

dpstyles:

Tasting menu here is one of the best deals in East Village ($50) (Taken with Instagram at Degustation)

239 East 5th Street

crushnewyork:

Where is the Best Italian in Downtown Manhattan?

I’ll admit it, I love carbs and cheese. I know those are both against the rules for what girls are “allowed” to eat, but rules are meant to be broken. I’ve sampled many a restaurant in NYC, and here’s what I learned about going to Italian spots: ALWAYS order the pasta. One night while at Locanda Verde, my friend (Italian friend) ordered fish and said, “My Grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew I was ordering fish at an Italian restaurant,” and he is right, whenever I order a more “sensible” dish, I always regret it (and that night, he did too). Below are my top ten favorite Italian spots in the city. All serve elegant, simple and fabulous food, but each is a “best” for a different reason. Disclaimer: This is my list for 2011. Although I have sampled around 75 Italian spots since I have moved to NYC, the 2012 list is subject to change. That being said, even if new places are added, you can’t go wrong with any place on my top ten.

East Village mentions:

Best Overall Food: Hearth (403 East 12th, East Village)

Owned by Next Iron Chef’s runner up, Marco Canora and Paul Greco.  Hearth’s menu changes every season, but always include certain staples, including my favorite menu item: veal and ricotta meatballs over homemade spaghetti. In addition, this is a great place to eat at the bar, as it overlooks the kitchen (Zagat rated this highly as well). Side note: check out Terroir, the fabulous wine bar next door. Hearth is also featured in Crush New York article Best Date Spots.

Biggest Portions: Max’s Italian (51 Avenue B, East Village)

At Max, they certainly give you “American Portions” and at recession friendly pricing (average is about $13 per Pasta entrée). In 2009, I was going through a period of “funemployment,” I earned my keep at Max’s. As a result, I sampled everything on the menu. You can’t go wrong with anything, but my favorite is Spaghetti Alla Chitarra (homemade spaghetti with lamb ragu). You simply must pair this with lambrusco (sparkling red wine). FYI – This place doesn’t take reservations and is cash only, so if you don’t want to wait, come early or late on weekends.

Photo Credit.

MAX is one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood.

dontcookbilly:

The notable East Village Holiday Cocktail Lounge has closed.

jayfingers:

Yesterday, I visited one of my favorite places in New York City, The Strand Bookstore. Located a stone’s throw away from Union Square, The Strand houses over 18 miles of books—new, used, rare, and even out-of-print. As its website states, it is a book lovers’ treasure trove.

One of the unexpected treasures I came across yesterday were a series of garments boasting artwork from classic novels. They included Capote’s In Cold Blood and Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (as seen above) as well as Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, among others. Featured items included men’s and women’s T-shirts and sweatshirts. Very cool.

I’m definitely going back to cop a couple shirts. Oh, and I’ll probably pick up a few books while I’m there as well. If you live in NYC, or you’re visiting our fair city, I encourage you to stop by and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

The Strand
828 Broadway
(between 12th St & 13th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, East Village
(212) 473-1452
www.strandbooks.com

Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)

Original Article

Some people still enjoy reading books, right?

From Cara Brininstool:

Our dear friend and cherished East Village dweller Mike Hamm passed away January 7, 2012. To pay tribute to him, we will do exactly what he would want us to do…dance. Mike Hamm touched many people’s lives, if you knew Mike please join us for a private celebration of his life.

via esquared:

At Ray’s Candy Store

Top pic — 1995 during the easy living and easy drinking warmer season

Bottom pic — 00:28 hrs , 2 March 2008

Photos by the late, great Bob Arihood (Neither More Nor Less)