
What
you need to eat, do, wear, and check out this month…
ForYourEntertainment
VIVA MEXICO: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
The fifth of May is not Mexican Independence day, although many people who throw back margaritas on Cinco de Mayo celebrate for this reason. Mexico declared it’s independence from Spain on September 15, 1862, but Mexican soldiers defeated the French on May 5th at the Battle of Puebla, after which the holiday Cinco de Mayo was born. Here are a few things to partake in around the city to celebrate:
Cinco de Mayo Festival
E. 116th Street from Lexington to Second Aves.
• Saturday, May 5th
Salsa Fiesta Cinco De Mayo Party http://salsa.meetup.com/
Sunday, May 6, 3:00 PM
Ripley Grier Studio
520 8th Avenue 16th Floor
NYC Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl
The crawl starts at Prof. Bar & Lounge at noon and will continue up and down Third Avenue. $1 Bud Light Drafts, $2 Coronas, $2 Dos Equis and $2 Margaritas, Mexican Appetizer Specials at over ten bars.
May 5 (Sat)
12:00pm-7:00pm, $25 in advance, $30 day of
Go here to learn more about the History of Cinco de Mayo: www.mexonline.com/cinco-de-mayo.htm
SPRING INTO SPRING (OR WALK): Unique City Tours
Spring is here! Whether you are a native New Yorker or just visiting, it never hurts to learn a little more about the history of your surroundings, especially as the weather becomes more agreeable. Here are some unique tours to consider:
8th St. Walking Tour
www.villagealliance.org
And what exactly will you discover? How about the site of Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady recording studio, Jack Kerouac's local haunts, and Edward Hopper's home?
• Tours meet at the northwest corner of St. Marks Pl. and Second Ave. on Saturdays only 212-777-2173
The Chocolate Walking Tour
www.sweetwalks.com
Yes chocoholics, you read correctly. For two hours and a half hours, this walking tour will take you to the city’s most cherished chocolate boutiques to learn about making high-end chocolates, from Grand Marnier truffles to pecan encrusted white chocolate.
- Tour takes place on Fridays and Saturdays at 12 PM and lasts about 2.5 hours.

Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl
http://www.bakerloo.org/pubcrawl/index.htm
During this tour, you will visit four local village bars, which provided the inspiration for many of America’s greatest writers like Dylan Thomas and John Steinbeck.
- Tours take place every Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. at the White Horse Tavern, 567 Hudson St. 212-613-5796
CITY PROJECTIONS: Tribeca Film Festival
April 25-May 6; For Film Listings and Info: www.tribecafilmfestival.org,
This annual film festival, which began in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal and Robert DeNiro, is one of New York’s biggest art weekends. Over 200 movies will be shown ($14-18), as well as the Family Festival Fair and Panel Discussions ($25). Make sure to check out the super trendy Church Lounge in the Tribeca Grand Hotel for a drink and schmoozing with film festival after-partiers. (2 Sixth Ave., New York, NY 10013 at Church and White Sts.). 212-519-6677
Here are some of the movies I plan to see:
THE AIR I BREATHE

A businessman (Forest Whitaker) bets his life on a horse race, a gangster (Brendan Fraser) sees the future, a pop star (Sarah Michelle Gellar) falls prey to a crime boss (Andy Garcia) and a doctor (Kevin Bacon) must save the love of his life. Based on a Chinese proverb, these four overlapping stories dramatize the four emotional cornerstones of life: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love.
BEYOND BELIEF
Inspired by compassion for others whose loss they recognize as mirroring their own, two courageous women whose husbands died on September 11 turn their grief into a catalyst for action. They travel to Kabul to help other widows, soon recognizing that the plight of the Afghan women leaves them feeling almost blessed. In English and Dari.
BOMB IT
Bomb It tells the story of contemporary graffiti, tracing its roots in ancient rock paintings through Picasso to its place in hip-hop culture in 1970's New York City. This kinetic documentary looks at graffiti on five continents, using guerilla footage of graffiti artists in action. You'll never look at public space the same way again. In English, German, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. 
ForYourEntertainment
GOING SOUTH: Mexican Restaurants In NYC
Trying to find authentic Mexican food in New York City is not an easy task; especially the soft bite of a flour tortilla, the sharp twist of cheddar cheese mixed with a hint of fresh guacamole… for a decent price at that. As a California native, I have searched high and low to find something comparable to the spectrum of south of the border dishes that I grew up on throughout the years. Out of the plethora of Mexican restaurants in New York City, here are the three I think come closest:
EL MAGUEY Y LA TUNA 
321 E Houston St.
(212) 473-3744
The saying that the hole in the wall restaurants are always the most authentic hold true in the case of this tiny Lower Eastside Mexican eatery. The waiters are locals of the area and more than happy to give recommendations on their favorite dishes. I was told to order the chicken enchiladas and they did not disappoint. You don’t come here for ambiance, but rather to eat in a slightly crammed, very festive and budget friendly environment.
LUPE’S EAST LA KITCHEN
110 Avenue of the Americas (Cross Street: Broome Street)
(212) 966-1326
A taste of East L.A. touches down at this Mexicali diner on this low key street in Soho. Burritos that take up an entire plate for under ten bucks, refried beans that are unafraid to slide all over the plate, and brunch selections like huevos rancheros are all offered at Lupe’s and are excellent. My favorite dish is the cazuelitas, small corn flour cakes topped with cheese, beans, and shredded beef. As spring approaches, I’d be remiss if I did not mention Lupe’s delicious pineapple mojitos, twice the size and half the price than you’d find anywhere else in the city.
ROSA MEXICANA
This restaurant is a favorite among New Yorkers for its famous David Rockwell water wall designs and colorful ambiance as well as its deliciously original meals. The guacamole is made fresh at the table and provides a great accompaniment to their popular seviche; a combination of tender bay scallops, baby shrimp and calamari served in a martini glass.
ForYourMindAndBody
MOTHER’S DAY LOVE: Soothe Her Soul
www.carolsdaughter.com
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
May 13th is a day to celebrate God’s greatest gift to humanity: a mother. Carol’s Daughter, a nurturing ground for the body, is offering great gift baskets that are sure to pamper and soothe your mother on her special day. Happy Mother’s Day mommy!
Pamper Me Pretty Gift Basket Contents:
Body Aches Bath Salts, 8 oz.
Eucalyptus & Peppermint Body Oil, 16 fl. oz.
Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar, 2 oz.
Peppermint Foot Lotion, 4 fl. oz.
Lavender Bar Soap |
(Picture) Three Generations, Two Angels, One Heart Full of Gratitude: My mother Paula, pregnant with me, and my grandmother Gwendolyn
GET YOUR SHINE ON: Creamy Elixirs
Anxious for that summer glow before the season officially arrives? Here are a few products that help produce a subtle, natural glow. All available at www.drugstore.com
ForYourCollection
AMY WINEHOUSE: Her Tears Dry On Their Own
She sells out everytime she comes to town, and there’s a reason. The soulful, slick-tongued British R&B singer Amy Winehouse holds her mouth for no one and this straight-on approach has become infectious. An almost seamlessly blended fuse of Sarah Vaughan and a more soulful Macy Gray, Winehouse harnesses the best of 70s soul, R&B and jazz, in her most recent album Back To Black. Although this cd is all the buzz right now, her debut album Frank, should not be missed. In songs like What Is It About Men and Stronger Than Me, you are bound to find the essence of a modern day blues woman, the kind that may throw hot grits at her man just as quickly as she heals the wounds she has created.
iNEED THIS: Apple iPhone
Trying to hold your cell, iPod, and check your email all at the same time will soon be unnecessary with the June arrival of Apple’s highly anticipated and latest creation: the iPhone. The device combines a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communications device in one lightweight, handheld device. The iPhone will be available in June but add yourself to the waitlist now.
www.apple.com
ForYourCloset
SHORTER DAYS, LONGER NIGHTS: Spring Friendly Bottoms
All available at www.shopbop.com
If you’ve spent the winter getting yours legs short-friendly for warmer weather, you’re in luck. Shorts are still very much in style like last season, with some fabulous stripe patterns and big pockets to take them up a notch. Here are a few of my favorites:

L.A.M.B. Safari Shorts $145.00 |
Marc Jacobs Kansas Stripe Shorts $178.00 |

Ella Moss Waldo Shorts $62.00 |
HE’S GOTTA HAVE IT: Three Accessories Every Man Needs This Spring
You can elevate any outfit with the right accessories. Here are three for the men to consider:
STEALS AND DEALS:
GALLERY OF WEARABLE ART: Through 6/30 After 25 years of business, this store is shutting down and liquidating its stock of over-the-top gowns, suits, and coats for up to 70 percent off. 34 E. 67th St., nr. Madison Ave. (212-570-2252); Tues.–Sat.(10–6).
HELMUT LANG: 6/3 Clothing Line is having a one day sale for men and women on the fashion king of luxurious minimalism. 261 W. 36th Street – 2nd Floor (between 7th & 8th Ave)
FREE BEAUTY LESSONS: 5/4 Carmindy from TLC’s What Not to Wear, along with Benefit Cosmetic beauty experts, will be giving free beauty lessons. Sephora, 1500 Broadway, at 43rd St. (212-944-6789); (noon–7).
GF FERRE, JUST CAVALLI & MALLO: 4/30/2007- 5/6/2007
Save up to 80% off retail on all women's and men's ready-to-wear, accessories, cashmere, knitwear, home, baby and more.
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm Sun 11am-5pm 85 5th Ave. (at 16th St.) 6th floor (212) 413-4421 VISA/AMEX/MC -No CASH, No CHECKS
DENIM BLITZ PRESENTS BETSEY JOHNSON: 5/3-5/13 A thorough Betsey collection in addition to Nicole Miller and BCBG dresses at 30-90% off!
Thu-Sat 11am-7pm Sun 12pm-6pm 72 Greene St. (btwn Spring & Broome) www.denimblitznyc.com Cash/VISA/MC - No AMEX

DESIGNER SHOE SALE: 5/4-5/10 Butter, Something Bleu, Cynthia Rowley, and Nancy Geist footwear annual spring sample and stock sale. Thousands of pairs of sandals and shoes will be available for below wholesale prices.
Fri & Mon-Thu 10am-6:30pm Closed Sat & Sun 307 7th Ave. (btwn. 27th & 28th St.) Suite 230 (212) 366-1822 Cash ONLY
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… |