Madrid is full of cyber cafés nowadays, but this one is amongst the best in town and possibly in Europe. It claims to be the first wide band establishment of its kind on the continent and offers really fast downloads and surfing, a Mac area, software specially designed for the sightless, scanning and printing facilities plus those cool flat screens. Conveniently situated close to the Malasaña neighbourhood, Ono.com gives you access for 500pts an hour and provides snacks, sandwiches and coffee at good prices.
Jun
10
The newly-formed, non-profit organisation Hong Kong Puppet Centre display some of the most colourful and interesting string people. Traditional and modern marionettes feature, some with amazingly intricate embroidered silk clothes and others from Chinese legends. The exhibits appear rather staid as they’re kept behind glass to preserve them, but the centre’s staff will pull them into life if you ask nicely enough. Full marks to the curators for keeping an almost-lost tradition alive.
Jun
05
Markt
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401 W 14th St at Ninth Ave (212-727-3314)
Subway: L to Eighth Ave; A, C, E to 14th St. Mon-Fri 5pm-1am; Sat Sun 10-1am. Average main course: $16. AmEx, Disc, DC, MC, V.
If you can squeeze by the packed bar scene at this 4,500-square-foot Belgian brasserie in the heart of the meatpacking District, enjoy a meal in the rollicking wood-paneled dining room. Sample a hit parade of Belgian staples, including decent pommes frites, fancified waterzooi (a creamy seafood stew), steamed mussels and plenty of Belgian beer.
Jun
03
Children at their Finest
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Some of the world’s greatest artists used their talents to portray young children in the 16th and 17th-centuries. The Low Countries saw more of this activity than anywhere else in Europe and the results can be seen in this unique exhibition, housed in Antwerp’s Fine Arts Museum in collaboration with Haarlem’s Frans Hals Museum. Portraits on view include works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Ter Bosch and Van Dyck.
Jun
02
Salvation
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This club offers a weekly party of sleek men and hard-pumping music. On Saturdays nights the dance floor is packed with young guys eager to have a good time. The DJs are top-notch and among the most talented in South Florida. With their busy schedule, the bartenders are surprisingly friendly. One other advantage to Salvation is that it’s located away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, which makes parking a little easier.
May
26
Acropolis
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After much delay, Shanghai finally has a Greek restaurant. As far as the authenticity of the décor and food go, it appears as if the wait was well worth it. Featuring Mediterranean-inspired paintings on the walls, soft lighting and a menu replete with all the Greek delicacies, souvlaki, tzatziki and dolmadis, Acropolis is such a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable restaurant, you’ll find yourself thanking the gods. The food is reasonably priced, too. Greek salads, for instance, run at Y38 and the delicious baked codfish patty appetizers are only Y 28.
May
23
Webster Hall
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125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-353-1600)
Subway: L, N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq. Thu-Sat 10pm-4am.
Webster Hall is an out-and-out commercial nightclub worth visiting in a fun-night-out-with-your-friends sort of way. There are four or five different mainstream musical zones, and though the crowd is essentially a suburban influx, there are a few New York freaks, special attractions (like the trapeze artists) and rampant hetero hormones to amuse newcomers. As is often the case with mainstream spots, its not-on-the-map status among downtown hipsters makes it novel, and thus ripe for a comeback: DJ Young Richard, who made his name with his Makeup Room party when the club opened, has just started a new party here.
May
17
From Caspar David Friedrich to Picasso – Masterpieces on Paper from the Von der Heydt Museum, Wuppertal
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The Fundación Juan March rarely disappoints and presents a short but sweet encounter with many of European art’s leading figures from the last two centuries. The show concentrates on work done on paper, starting with visually strong pieces from Fridrich and Constable, continuing with Sisley, Degas, Cézanne and Van Gogh. Each are represented by several works. From the 20th-century come pieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, Mücher, Kirchner, Chagall and Klee, in watercolours, charcoal and crayon. The show underlines the importance of paper as a medium to all these masters.
May
14
Cinco de Mayo at Don’s Fishmarket
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Popular North Shore seafood house celebrates Mexico’s independence and 1862 victory over France. For 12 days, it serves authentic Mexican foods and drinks and on Cinco de Mayo itself features live Mexican music. Potables include margaritas, specialty cocktails such as ‘Mad Iguana’ and Mexican beer. Appetisers feature chorizo sausage topped with cheese and ranchero sauce and shrimp poached in citrus and pickled broth and served chilled over shredded lettuce with Veracruz sauce. Main courses include tostadas, carne asada (grilled steak), and chicken, pork and steak burritos.
May
11
Wigmore Hall
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36 Wigmore Street, W1 (box office 020 7935 2141)
Bond Street tube. Box office personal callers Apr-Oct
10am-8.30pm Mon-Sat; 10.30am-8pm Sun; Nov-Mar 10am-8.30pm Mon-Sat;
10.30am-5pm Sun; telephone bookings Apr-Oct 10am-7pm Mon-Sat; 1-6.30pm
Sun; Nov-Mar 10am-7pm Mon-Sat; 1-4pm Sun. Tickets ?5-?35. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, ?TC, V.
Built in 1901 for German piano manufacturer Friedrich Bechstein and
seized as enemy property during World War I, the building at 36 Wigmore
Street finally opened as the Wigmore Hall in 1917. The intimate
auditorium is attractively decorated – the cupola over the stage,
depicting the Soul of Music, is a wonder – and maintains a delightfully
old-fashioned atmosphere. Long may it continue to do so, if it means
the concerts and recitals – including the bargain-priced Monday
lunchtime series that is recorded for transmission on BBC Radio 3 -
continue to set such a superlative standard. The staff are friendly,
the ticket prices are manageable and the acoustics are impeccable,
while the occasional themed series adds a touch of spice. In short,
it’s a must-visit.
