
What
you need to eat, do, wear, and check out this month…
ForYourBelly
Tip Top Tapas
www.lasramblasnyc.com

Running in the rain towards this West Village tapas spot was so reminiscent of my time in Spain that it was surreal. Named after the main street in Barcelona, there’s a reason Las Ramblas won Best 2006 tapas in Time Out New York. The restaurant only seats 28, giving it the feel of a studio apartment. But the ambiance is all that is Spain; garlic fills the air, sangria overflows, and eating slowly is the only way. Having tried almost everything on the menu, there is really no plate that disappointed. Standouts included the meatballs-- plump and tender and bursting with garlic, the tortilla Espanola--just as good as the original in Spain, and finally the lamb chops--small enough to get the full affect of the tenderness of the meat, and tasty enough to force you to order another plate. Between the three sangrias-- red pear, white peach and sparkling strawberry, I preferred the red pear. It packed more of the fruity, crisp flavor than the others-- and provided the perfect accompaniment to a table full of delectable treats.
BRAVADO GELATO: Ciao Bella
www.ciaobellagelato.com
Various Locations
 As we are teased with pockets of sun on one day, piles of snow on others, I thought I’d suggest the creamiest dessert I’ve had in the city-- perfect on one of those warmer days. Ciao Bella is a gelato institution in New York City, and its Soho locale, though tiny, is full of flavors ranging from Tahitian Vanilla to Bourbon Butter Pecan. Following the family’s recipe from Turin, Italy, the gelato first produced at a small store in Little Italy is now carried in some of the city’s finest restaurants. My favorite, and perhaps the most well-known, is Pistachio nut, light as air, and sinfully rich. And for those not fortunate enough to live in New York, no fear, the company delivers around the country. Mangia!
ForYourEntertainment
ART HEARTS NYC: I Love New York Exhibition
33 Bond Gallery; 33 Bond St., near Lafayette St. 646-649-3617 FREE!
 More than 100 studios around the city were searched to pick the final nine up and coming New York City artists featured in this exhibit. The exhibit is a collection of some of the most gripping works the gallery owners discovered. Photo by Yong Ho Ji.
SONICVISION: How Do You See Your Music?
Ongoing, at 7:30 and 8:30, American Museum of Natural History Central Park W & 79th St New York, NY 10024 Upper West Side (212) 769-5100 www.amnh.org/ , $12-$15
What would your favorite song look like as an image? The American Museum of Natural History and MTV2 have collaborated to create a digital music show that will give you an idea of what happens when animation and music fuse. The Village Voice describes the exhibit as “Disney’s Fantasia for adults, with animation synchronized to songs by Coldplay, Stereolab, Moby, and U2 instead of Beethoven, Bach, and Stravinsky.” There is never a dull moment with this exhibition.
ForYourCloset
BARGAIN SECRET ALERT: Find Outlet
(Chelsea, Soho) www.findoutlet.com (212) 243-3177
My friend came to visit from Los Angeles and was in a Sex and the City mood. I immediately took her to Find Outlet. A shoe addict’s methadone clinic located in Chelsea and Soho, my favorite store is the Chelsea one, where the in demand size 9 tends to stay in stock a little longer than its popular downtown sister store. Besides the unique selection of designer clothing you’d find at Barney’s, but for half the price, amazing heels decorate the floor and oddest corners of the store; a sort of hide and seek fashion game with major rewards.
NIKE: Hot Picks Of The Month
-guest writer Wellington Phillips
The month of April Nike continues to bring the best of the footwear and apparel to the world. After making history January-March with a new Air Force 1 every week, and bringing sexy back with the Retro Jordan 3, Nike and Jordan Brand spice up spring with a couple offerings that are sure to top off your Easter basket.

Kobe Bryant is the man of the hour right now and he is dropping another legendary performance-- this time in the Zoom Kobe 2. This shoe was designed with quickness and elusiveness in mind, as witnessed in its light weight feel and style. Take these out to the Rucker, King Dome, or out at Basketball City at Chelsea and give them a run. The Zoom Kobe 2 Retails at $130.

Remember Do the Right Thing--arguably one of the greatest movies in NYC history? This Spike Lee Joint showcased the Jordan 3 in all its glory, putting this shoe on the map for the urban culture. Jordan Brand presents the Jordan 3 Retro “Do The Right Thing.”
This shoe is a takeoff of the logo from the movie with the Blue and yellow accents. Ironically, these colors are Jordan’s high school colors also. This shoe is extremely limited and can be found only at select shops in NYC.

Just when you thought you could catch your breath… we take it right back with the Old Love New Love Retro Jordan 1 package. This will include a re-retro of the extremely rare white/black-red black-toe color way. These are also very limited and will retail at $200 .
And we can’t forget about the ladies. For those tired of heels or feeling a little adventurous, Nike came up with something to rock on Easter Sunday with that nice dress…the Nike Court Force Hi.

Hope this helps your April kicks fix. Next month will be even crazier!
All shoes will be available at Niketown NYC - 6 E 57th Street (212) 891-NIKE (6453)
BOLD GOLD: Satya Jewelry
www.satyajewelry.com
Various Locations in NYC
Gold in the sun seems so right. And my favorite jewelry store in the city, Satya, seems to agree with me 365 days a year. Coined as “yoga-inspired jewelry” Satya, located in Soho, has a gorgeous selection of men and women’s jewelry and great sample sales throughout the year. I was ecstatic to find out that they recently added a Warehouse section to their website—even lower prices on their great selections, and another excuse for me to be golden this spring.
BABY DOLL BEACH BUNNY: Dresses For Spring
April is infamous for spring break and mini vacays from the city to somewhere sandy and warm. Here are a few beach ready dresses for the ladies to pack.
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BCBG Swiss Dot Double Mini
BCBG Stores Nationwide |
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SALE! YES! SALE!
HENRI BENDEL: 3/18–4/15 With the official arrival of spring this week, Henri Bendel is unloading silk sweaters from the house label for 25 percent off; a cap sleeve crewneck is now $73.50. 712 Fifth Ave., nr. 56th St. (212-247-1100); Mon.–Sat (10–8); Sun. (noon–7).
LAURA BETH’S BABY COLLECTION: 3/21–4/10 Expectant moms should visit the Laura Beth’s Baby Collection sale for traditional and modern-looking cribs, changing tables, and rocking chairs for 50 to 60 percent off. 321 E. 75th St., nr. First Ave. (212-717-2559); by appointment only.
CRISTINE ARZUAGA COUTURE BRIDAL SAMPLE SALE: 3/29-4/29Bridal gowns are now 50-75% off. Cristina has been featured in every major bridal magazine from Town and Country to Martha Stewart Weddings. You can view the collection at www.Cristinabridalcollecton.com.
Thu-Fri 11am-7pm Sat 11am-5pm *Call Company for address and appointment
ForYourMindAndBody
CREATIVE KIDS: Art Start
59 Franklin St 212-966-7809
Art saves lives. The concept is a simple one that a group of local artists in 1991 committed to by forming Art Start. Bringing art education to homeless children and teenagers, this group’s approach to teaching has been modeled around the country in bringing creativity to children’s lives. To get involved, visit the website: www.art-start.org
LET THEM RUN WILD: Adidas Run For The Parks
On April 22, thousands of NYC children between the ages of 2-12 will run in the annual Run For The Parks Benefit for City Parks Foundation. The run supports free programs in over 700 parks, including free track and field for children and senior citizen fitness programs.
For more information go to: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org
BOOK NOW! SPA WEEK NYC
It’s that glorious time of the year again when your skin can be aglow, your limbs loose, your fingers delicately manicured, for a price that is worth all that pampering and more. Spa week is from April 16-22, a week where you can spend just $50 on some of the city’s finest treatments; including a 45 minute Hit The Spot Massage at the chic Hotel Gansevoort and my absolute favorite—a 45 minute Mango Brown Sugar Scrub with a Vichy Shower at Finesse Day Spa in Chelsea. Your skin will be so smooth and smell so delightful afterwards you won’t believe it…until the compliments start pouring in that is.

G-Spa at Hotel Gansevoort, is a spa by day and a bar by night. (18 Ninth Ave., at 13th St.; 212-660-6733)
ForYourCollection
Insomniac Sounds: iPillow
Good news for music lovers and the sleep deprived. You can keep your smooth grooves right next to you at night, thanks to the iPillow at Brookstone. These pillow speakers provide more comfort than headphones, and it’s huggable too, unlike your stereo.
www.brookstone.com
History Of The Land I Love: New York: A Documentary Film

This PBS 14 hour DVD set features every key element that shaped New York City into the mecca that it is today. From how city artists such as F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote the American classic The Great Gatsby, to the great African-American and Puerto Rican migration of the ‘40s, 50’s and ‘60s, this series will delight history lovers, but even moreso lovers of this great city, such as myself.
Like what you read? Want to know more? Inquire about packaging and advertising opportunities at www.ny4you.com, the key to New York City’s best kept secrets… customized JUST FOR YOU…
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