Field Trip: A Thursday Adventure

The beauty of New York City is there are so many things to do in such a small area. Also, unlike other so called, "Metropolis" cities, New York never closes or sleeps (literally you can buy a can of paint, a slice of pizza and bottle of wine and remodel your house at say....3am). But more importantly each day in the city there is something new and different.

For Example - Thursday is your day, after work is the time frame, and the Lower East side is the location. You've had a short day of working which means 6-630 pm (in NYC).

Hunger pains start to set it, and not even chips and chocolate can hold you over for much longer. Since you're in the Lower East side, more like Chinatown, what better food to start with than Chinese. Now, everyone has always been enamored with their own discovery and ultimate love of Chinese food, and at Vanessa's Dumpling House, (on Eldridge St), think of this as the Mecca. Chinese food is not fine dining, but just plain good eating, not to mention powerful, and sharp flavors. At Vanessa's you'll find a remodeled, almost fast-food joint, which use to be a meager door, cash register and an oven, with great food at the cost of a cup of coffee. You can literally put yourself into a food coma for $5 (Bowl of soup 1.50, sandwich 1.50, dumplings 1.00 and a soda 1.00). Now the service isn't great, but as long as you get in front of the help and keep shouting your number, you'll get your food in no time. You're done eating and ready for some culture. Be ready!

Around the corner and up a few streets you'll find the New Museum (On Bowery) which offers free admission on Thursdays from 7-9pm. The building is magnificent, and you'll have to see it during the day. Remember, this museum is Modern, so anything goes, and you might see some crazy or creepy things; things you don't call art, but give them a chance because they will explain it to you during their on-site discussions (you can even argue with them about it. Yes, it happens).

After your stomach is full and you're feeling like you've got your fix of culture, turn another corner, walk a few more streets and you'll find the neatest live music place around (in LES that is). Rockwood Music Hall (On Allen st) this NYC fixture is a wonderful place to meet people, to hear good music, and have a decent priced drink. While a beer will run you around 4-5, a Red Label Jonnie Walker isn't much more. Before you enter, be sure to go into the small bar entrance, just so you can go through the small door in the wall to the music area (Makes you feel like you're in a speakeasy). The music is usually good, and all the performers are personal, friendly and fun, because after all your standing just a few feet from them. After you've had you're fix of music, nearly drunk, food coma, and pinch of culture for the day, make you're way home because after all, "ITS FRIDAY!!!"

Here is a map of the area