The Weekend Shortlist November 4 to 6
Friday November 4
Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Event: Wasabassco Burlesque 7th Anniversary Extravaganza
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Bell House
Food: Press 195
Drink: Union Hall
Miscellaneous: O’Connor’s
Since it’s inception in 2004, Brooklyn-based Wasabassco Burlesque has set a new standard for glamorous glitz, stupefying showmanship, and staggering sexiness. At Wasabassco Burlesque 7th Anniversary Extravaganza they celebrate The Greatest Burlesque Show in the World with over 40 of Wasabassco’s favorite performers, during more than six hours of risqué entertainment! The theme at Press 195 is pressed comfort food. A sandwich shop with quite the menu, they offer 30 types of delicious sandwiches like the turkey and fontina cheese sandwich with a cranberry and roasted pear chutney on ciabatta ($7.75). While Union Hall looks like a cabin at a ski resort with a fireplace, stone walls, comfy couches, and inexpensive drinks, you may want to stick around rather than barhop. A low-key bar in this hood, O’Connor’s is a hole in the wall where you can grab a cheap drink and watch the game on their TV, just like your grandpa sitting next to you!
Friday November 4
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Music: Rachael Yamagata
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Knitting factory
Food: Fette Sau
Drink: Spuyten Duyvil
Accessory: Union Pool
Singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata makes some pop oriented music with a bluesy swagger and has collaborated with the likes of Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne and more. She writes well-crafted songs and seeing her live is worth seeing how she puts it all together. If your feeling German BBQ, you can head over to Fette Sau (fat pig in German), where the owners of nearby bar Spuyten Duyvil have opened up this meat only restaurant serving up some of the best pork and beef in NYC. For drinks, Spuyten Duyvil is a beer lovers dream, with a selection from all over the world, friendly and knowledgeable bartenders and a neighborhood feel, it’s no wonder this place has been so successful. If you’re still ready for more, you must hit Union Pool, where there’s always a band playing, great DJs, and plenty of action.
Saturday November 5
Location: Midtown West, NYC
Music: Chromeo Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park
Electrofunk duo Chromeo have been making big waves ever since their second album Fancy Footwork and have recently released a third album Business Casual which is already a fan favorite. Joining them is Mayor Hawthorne and Breakbot. Nearby and delicious, Eatery offers a new American menu that’s asian influenced. Try the Red Curry Chicken Breast over roti pancake, with baby carrots and red curry coconut sauce ($16.95). Valhalla’s minimalist space is chill, letting the 24 brands of beer from all over the world on tap be the main attraction at this bar. While its warm out, waste a little time walking through Central Park, relax, and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just watch your step. The working horses tend to leave surprises behind them!
Saturday November 5
Location: Astoria, Queens
Event: Jim Henson’s Fantastic World
Show time: See website for schedule; Through January 16, 2012
Venue: Trinity Church
Food: Sanford Restaurant
Drink: Café Bar
Miscellaneous: Cavo Café Lounge
Jim Henson’s Fantastic World celebrates the internationally known creative genius Jim Henson, whose work encompassed film, television, and puppetry. The exhibition features over 120 artifacts, including drawings, storyboards, and props, all of which illustrate Henson’s boundless creativity and innumerable accomplishments. While Sanford Restaurant has been around for 75 years, you’d never know it with it’s modern décor and its very forward thinking diner fare. Try the Organic Asian Noodle Salad ($14.95) or the Pork Osso Bucco ($17.95) for just a taste of the delicious dishes that this place offers. For a drink, try Café Bar for something surprisingly different. On the outside it looks upscale but inside it’s a funky mix of couches, art, coffee shop, and Ikea-like design making for a super relaxing place for a drink or meal. At Cavo Café Lounge grab some traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes off the menu and sit inside or outdoors in their Mediterranean themed backyard that is simply amazing.
Sunday November 6
Location: West Village, NYC
Theater: Asuncion
Show time: See website for schedule; Through November 27
Venue: Cherry Lane Studio Theatre
Food: Tortilla Flats
Drink: White Horse Tavern
Miscellaneous: Magnolia Bakery
In Asuncion, a new comedy written by and starring Academy Award-nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Edgar and Vinny are not racist. In fact, Edgar maintains a blog condemning American imperialism and Vinny is three-quarters into a PhD in Black Studies. When a young Filipina woman named Asuncion becomes their new roommate, the pair have a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how open minded they truly are. This hilarious and heartbreaking new play explores the complicated ways we exploit culture and politics for our own needs. In addition to Mr. Eisenberg, the cast includes Remy Auberjonois, Justin Bartha and Camille Mana and is directed by Kip Fagan. Check out Tortilla Flats. The food is Mexican and delicious, but it’s the insanity within (bingo and hula-hoop nights) that is the real calling for this place. For drinks afterwards, hit the White Horse Tavern, a great bar and the old haunting grounds for Dylan Thomas. If you somehow have time before all of this, stop by Magnolia Bakery for some of the best tasting cupcakes in the city.