Shameless Self-Promotion

My group, the Westchester Symphonic Winds, will be performing on Saturday, May 13 at 8pm at Fordham's Marymount College Spellman Auditorium in Tarrytown, NY. We are a concert band of around 70 musicians from the NY tri-state area, currently "ensemble-in-residence" at Concordia College in Bronxville, NY, and play several concerts each year, often at SUNY Purchase and The Tarrytown Music Hall.

Our concert on May 13th will feature classics such as Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Copland's Lincoln Portrait and El Salon Mexico. Marymount is easily accessible from Manhattan via the Metro North railroad's Hudson Line, convenient to the Tarrytown station. Come join us for an evening of great music in the 'burbs!

Oh, and listen to our podcast of a selection from one of our recent performances: Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. Click here to listen.

Springtime and Outdoor Seating. Livin' the Hi-Life!

Now that Spring has sprung and the ice salt seems to have vanished, grab a friend and enjoy the outdoors in NYC. So much to do and so much to eat. Start the day off with a jaunt through Central Park. This park is huge and there is so many fun hiking trails and areas to explore. Plus, there is a zoo and canoes to rent. After a busy day, you have to be hungry? I'm hungry just writing this blog. I found a great place, for drinks, food and wonderful outdoor seating. The menu, which features steaks, burgers and pasta in addition to sushi. Starters include potato skins, slathered in cheese and bacon bits and a warm goat cheese salad. Salads and pasta are listed under "Big Bowls"; sushi is half-price on Mondays and Tuesdays. Let me know what you think.


Hi-Life Bar & Grill
477 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10024
(212) 787-7199
Cross Street: 83rd Street
Directions: 1, 9, at 86th St
http://www.hi-life.com/

A Good Find!

Discounts on designer handbags, shoes, and women's clothing. The Find Outlet is really more like a boutique, with discounted finds from designers like Chloe and Paul& Joe.

The Find Outlet is a bargain hunter's favorite place for new spring arrivals. With monthly samples sales, you'll "find" tunics and dresses from Vivienne Tam, cropped pants from Chaiken, and sweet styles from Myth & Ritual, Alice & Olivia, and others.

Maya cashmere sweaters start at $12... yes, one two.. twelve dollars. And the shoes... mostly samples sizes, though you can find the strappy friends for $75-150... originally $250-$550.

You'll find trendy tops adorned with quartz, jade and crystals for just $69... a deal compared to the others shops where they start at $169.

No more excuses... it's time to go shopping and Find your spring wardrobe. And even better, New York City has two locations...

Find Outlet Chelsea
361 W. 17th St.
New York, NY 10011
PH: 212-243-3177
Hours: Thurs - Sun, 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Find Outlet Nolita
229 Mott St.
New York, NY 10012
PH: 212-226-5167
Hours: 7 days, 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Find Outlet Los Angeles at HD Buttercup
3225 Helms Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034
PH: 310-945-5052
Hours: Mon - Sat, 10:00am - 7:00pm / Sun, 11:00pm - 6:00pm

Free Ice Cream in NYC - Yipppeeee!

The weather is warmer, Central Park is blooming, sidewalk cafes are popping up. It's Springtime in NYC. What makes it better? Free Ice Cream. Ben & Jerry's is having their annual free cone day on April 25th, so stop by and have some Chunky Monkey, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, or my favorite Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz. It's all delicious and on this one special day...it is free. So grab a friend and go get a free cone at the following participating Ben& Jerry's stores.

Ben & Jerry's 104th & Broadway
2722 BroadwayNew York, NY 10025
212-866-6237



Ben & Jerry's Atlantic Ave
191 Atlantic AveBrooklyn, NY 11201
718-488-5529

Ben & Jerry's Bleecker Street
154 Bleecker StreetNew York, NY 10022
212-475-2000

Ben & Jerry's Chelsea
263 W. 23rd StreetNew York, NY 10011
212-206-7651

Ben & Jerry's
Rockefeller PlazaConcourse Level
New York, NY 10020
212-218-7843

Ben & Jerry's Third Ave
41 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10003
212-995-0109

Ben & Jerry's Times Square
680 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
212-221-1001




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Theater Thursday - Sort of

Yes, once again I was bitten by the "let's play tourist" bug so I headed down the Life Cafe.
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Yes, THE Life Cafe featured in the Broadway musical and recent movie RENT. This is the infamous spot where Jonathan Larson sat in a corner and worked away.
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It is a bit of a hike from the subway but it is amazing to see the clashing cultures as you walk by - but isn't that one of the things that we love about New York?! movin out theater
Skater kids, chalk graffiti, expensive bistros, a real legitimate Turkish bath house, housing projects, community gardens.
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There on the corner by Tompkins Square Park (which looks soo nice now if you can remember the days of the riots) is the Life Cafe. The staff was very friendly but brought me my dinner without a fork. I'll forgive them though because my dinner was about $10 and that includes my hot soy almond beverage, small salad and grilled chicken with a smoky chipolte sauce.
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There are some small tables on the street for people watching (I wonder if Jonathan Larson did that to create the characters in RENT), seating inside is comfy but I really wished that I had sat in the back in the garden. The garden seating is hidden so you can get some privacy and quiet. There is a canopy of greens and best of all -- it is heated!! They sell hats, mugs, etc. to commemorate your visit but they also have free postcards. After all this is CheapAndChicNYC that you came to!
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www.lifecafenyc.com
Sun - Thu 10am-1am
Fri & Sat 10am-2am
MC, V, DC, Discover
10th St & Ave B
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So what was your favorite part of RENT? Do you prefer the Broadway or movie version?
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It’s not Breakfast or Lunch. It’s Brunch in NYC and it's Good.

I had a great Sunday brunch in New York City at the Eatery. Let me tell you about it! The music playing was funky-got me in a hip and happening mood. Then, I started with a Bellini, which is champagne with peach puree. Refreshing and the great way to get started with a good brunch. For my meal, I had Stuffed French Toast. OMG-this was heaven on a plate! French Toast perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and soft in the center. Then, filled with pure magnificence, which is a combination of chocolate and banana, drizzled with syrup and a side of vanilla ice cream. Delicious and enough sugar to give you endless energy for a day of NYC sightseeing. If you love good cooking that can fill your belly then the Eatery is a great place where you can Eat your heart out with fine food and libation. This place serves lots of delicious meals for brunch, lunch and dinner. They do not take reservations for brunch, so be prepared to wait awhile-but the food is worth the wait.

Check out their web site at http://www.eaterynyc.com/


This hopping place is located at 798 9th Avenue and 53rd Street. Phone is 212 765 7080.

Our friends at CitySearch also have some fun and frugal suggestions of great places to get brunch in NYC. Check it out at
http://newyork.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/brunch


Have a suggestion of a fun place to dine, shop, or see a show. Let us know, we would love to hear from you at Cheap and Chic NYC

Theater Thursday - Sort of

I decided to be a tourist the other day and check out Serendipity 3. The restaurant is in one of my favorite movies and I always wanted to go but never made it there. It became famous when Andy Warhol announced it was his favorite sweet shop.
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Reservations are highly recommended because this is the kind of place where you need to keep an extra $20 handy. Two women in front of me left in a huff because they were told it would be a two hour wait. They frequently tell groups of three or more to check back every 45 minutes because they have so few tables. Welcome to NYC! When I smiled and asked how long the wait was for one, "shh ... don't tell anyone but I can seat you right now."
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It is a sweet enough place with the white octagon tile floor and a zillion stained glass light fixtures over each table. The downstairs is pretty cramped and busy so see if you can sit upstairs. I ordered a small banana split which could easily satisfy two. Unfortunately, it was $12 and wasn't that amazing. I could have made the same thing at home. Better yet, I could have gone to this little gelato place in Connecticut and had some amazing dessert! The frozen hot chocolate is the signature dish and the service was so good that maybe I'll go back one last time.
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Serendipity 3
225 East 60th
btwn 3rd and 2nd avenues
212-838-3531 - reservations
http://www.serendipity3.com/
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The People's Market of SoHo

Love this place! It was quite a surprise to stumble upon the Pearl River as it certainly doesn't fit the typical profile of a SoHo boutique. Located at 477 Broadway between Grand and Broom, this Asian market is filled to the brim with inexpensive treasures ranging from Chinese green teas to herbal products to beautifully crafted chopsticks to colorful paper lanterns.

The aroma of Sandalwood fills the air as you browse through the brocade satin slippers and sleeveless Mandarin dresses. Shoppers can't resist the tempation of trying their talents with the handmade brass gong as notes from bamboo flutes and violin concertos play overhead.

Mahagony and jade buddhas line the shelves along with lucky bamboo and feng shui windchimes that promote peace, harmony and imagination.

The vast assortment of kitchenware can't be passed by... woks, steamers, Chinese cleavers, placements, rice cookers... you name it! Personally, I couldn't leave without a blue ceramic sake set and a matching set of rice bowls.

On your way out, don't forget to pick up some Ginseng Pain-Relief Bath Salt... you'll need it after carrying home all the treasures you couldn't resist from the Pearl River!

Pearl River
477 Broadway, NYC
PH: 212-431-4770
Store Hours: 10 AM to 7:20 PM, including weekends and Holidays
www.pearlriver.com

Cupcakes and Sweet Treats-just in time for the Spring Holidays!

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the West Village holiday trail, eating lots of cupcakes along the way. After a great dinner in the city this week, I came across The Magnolia Bakery. This tiny establishment is filled with delicious cupcakes and famous banana pudding. The lines are long, but the sweet treats you find in this place are fun to surprise a family member or loved one with and are just so darn tasty-you need to buy two for yourself for the road. Grab a box of cupcakes or one of their other pastry delights and you will be a hit at the Easter table. Now for my Jewish friends, this is the place to break the "Passover, unleavened bread, no flour" holiday. Or asI did, had a few before the holiday begins! I purchased a few fun cupcakes with pastel frostings, and two chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Yumilicious!!!! The staff was friendly and although this tiny place can get crowded, the lines are quick and the service efficient. My 6 cupcakes ran about $11.00, but for a special treat for you or someone else...it is well worth it. This is coming from a sweet tooth, just remember that.

Check them out and go treat yourself…aren’t you worth it??? I think you are:)

401 Bleecker St
New York, NY 10014-2452
(212) 462-2572
Cross Street: 11th Street
Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave

cheap,fun,new york city, NYC, restaraunts, broadway, theatre, eat cheap in New York, travel,hotel,museums, everything new york.

Theater Update - review

Hey, hey - this is Cait with a review of this amazing show that I saw last weekend in previews.
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This great little show is called Seven.11 Convenience Theater and is running at the Kraine theater. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't get the closing number out of my head and that was all within 90 minutes or so.
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This show is a series of 11 plays that run for 7 minutes and are set in various 7-11 stores. Get it? Isn't that clever! 7-11 in 7-11s. They even had a 7-11 on Broadway help with publicity.
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Now the best part - that I didn't realize before I decided to go - each show deals with race relations from an Asian point of view. These six actors were so wonderful taking on different believeable roles and ethnicities at such a quick speed. The roles included a kung-fu hustler, run-away teenagers, a hilarious futuristic free-for-all for Manhattan, and not one but TWO original pop musicals.
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As an added bonus, there is a bar upstairs and chats after the matinees.
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I can't wait for their 5th season of Seven.11 convience theater! For more info - check out www.desipina.org
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Seven.11
Thursday-Saturday at 8pm; Sunday Matinee at 2pm
The Kraine on 85 E. 4th street
$17 Adults, $11 Student rush tickets (at the door only) Use the box office on the left.

If you see the show, leave me a comment to let me know what you think!

Playball! Yankees and Mets Ticket Discounts

Ahhh, you know spring is really here once the baseball season begins. Even those of us who may be big fans of the Yankees and Mets, however, can be turned off by how ridiculously expensive the tickets have become. Sure, you can watch them on cable TV, but it's just not the same as spending a few hours with friends at the ballpark, enjoying a few dogs and a Bud, and feeling the electricity of the crowd at a live game. The good news is, as expensive as the regular price tickets may be, there are still lots of special deals to take advantage of that'll put less of a dent in your wallet.

Check the team websites for more details, purchase information, and transportation options.

YANKEES (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com)

Con Edison Tuesday Nights at the Stadium
All $20.00 Tier-Reserved tickets will be discounted to $16 for all Tuesday games (excluding all premium games). The $20 Tier-Reserved tickets will also be discounted to $16 on selected Monday-Thursday night games in April, May and September.

Verizon Wireless Family Nights
For designated Tuesday - Thursday night games in April, May, and September all Tier Reserved seats are $16.00. This offer excludes all premium games and half-price group dates.

Student Games: Half-Price Tickets
Present your high school or college ID card at the Advance Ticket Windows when purchasing tickets for any Wednesday game and receive a Tier Reserved ticket for half-price. Tickets pursuant to this offer may be purchased ONLY on the day of game, subject to availability.

Poland Spring Youth Games
All fans 14 and under, when accompanied by an adult, can purchase half-price tickets in the Main Reserved, Tier Box, Tier Reserved and Bleachers for all Saturday games. (excluding all premium games) Ticket pursuant to this offer may be purchased ONLY on the day of game, subject to availability.

Fujifilm $5 Dates
On selected games, all Tier Box, Tier Reserved and Bleacher seats will be $5.00.

Coca-Cola VALUE PACK GAMES
For 16 selected weeknight games, you can get a special value pack that includes four (4) Tier Reserved tickets, four (4) food vouchers, (valid for one (1) hot dog and one (1) Coca-Cola product) and one (1) voucher good for one (1) New York Yankees Yearbook for only $80.00.

METS (www.nymets.com)

MasterCard Grand Slam Ticket Pack
Purchase (4) discounted Mezzanine Reserved/Upper Level Box tickets at $12.50/seat or (4) discounted Upper Level Reserved tickets at $6.00/seat - plus $20 in Mets Money - with your MasterCard card on any of the (18) designated ticket package dates.
• 4 Mezzanine Res./Upper Level Box + $20 Mets Money = $70 (A Savings of 42%)
• 4 Upper Level Res. + $20 Mets Money = $44 (A Savings of 21%)

All Aboard to Shea Stadium
Even if you don't ride the Long Island Railroad, just say you do and get the discount!
Mets fans who ride the Long Island Railroad will enjoy the "All Aboard to Shea Stadium" Program. LIRR customers who mention "LIRR" when purchasing their Mets tickets for 20 select games this season will receive a $10 dollar discount per ticket on Mezzanine Reserved and Upper Box tickets.

Mets Hot Hometown Night Package
$19 TICKET WITH A COUPON FOR A FREE HOT DOG & SODA!
Purchase Mezzanine Reserved seats for select Mets home games in April or May,
and you will receive a voucher for a free Nathan's hot dog and a Pepsi.

Value Dates
For 15 selected weeknight games, Upper Reserved tickets are available for $5.

Eat, Drink, and be Merry!

Dinners in NYC can get very pricey, especially with large groups. So, if you have a family or a large group of friends and are fearful of where to go or what the cost might be, let me tell me tell you about a few family style restaurants where the food is tasty and the price is just right. I had a great experience at Carmine’s in NYC. They have several locations-but I went to the one in the theatre district. If you like Italian food and you have a large group-this place delivers robust and plentiful food with a price tag that will not pinch your pocket. We were with a group of about eight people, so we ordered four dishes and a few appetizers to share amongst the group. Then the feast began: from salad with calamari, to tomato and mozzarella, then on to meatballs, ziti and chicken dishes galore, we gobbled up every last bite and were satisfied with our bellies full. Each of the dishes at Carmine’s is enough to feed 3-4 people, so be careful not to over order or you will be bringing a big ol’ doggy bag home. I love leftovers-but be forewarned. Oh, and do not forget to leave room for their desserts….well that’s if you have room. But, there is always room for dessert! Don’t forget to make reservations-all these places get busy!

Carmine’s
200 W 44th StNew York, NY 10036-3906 (212) 221-3800Cross Street: Between 8th Avenue and BroadwayDirections: A, C, E at 42nd St

Miss Williamsburg Porta Via
228 E 10th StNew York, NY 10003 (212) 228-53551 212 228 5064 (Fax)Cross Street: Between 1st Avenue and 2nd AvenueDirections: 6 at Astor Pl; L at 14th St
Cash Only.

Tony’s Di Napoli
1606 Second AveNew York, NY 10028-4175 (212) 861-8686Cross Street: Between 83rd Street and 84th StreetDirections: 4, 5, 6 at 86th St

Celeste
502 Amsterdam AveNew York, NY 10024-3943 (212) 874-4559Cross Street: Between 84th Street and 85th StreetDirections: 1, 2; B, C at 86th St