Paper and String

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The most hardcore workout of 2013

Leave it to Brooklyn to take a YouTube sensation and turn it into a fitness craze. If you haven't seen the daring stunts known as Parkour, or free running, you should check them out, and then go to Bklyn Beast to learn how to do them yourself. Bklyn Beast offers fitness classes incorporating Parkour, Capoeira, and Dance at their new facility, which includes a trampoline, foam pit, and juice bar. So even if you're not out to impress your friends by jumping off buildings, you can still have what is probably one of the most fun workouts ever. Prices vary by class, drop-in Parkour class is $18.

Posted at:: 11:00AM on 01/15/2013

Happy Restaurant Week from La Fonda Del Sol

You could be eating this $25, 3-course meal during your lunch break:

Salpicon, shrimp ceviche, peppers, avocado, cilantro, Valencia orange
Braised beef short ribs, roasted pears, Rioja wine, pimenton potato chips
Crema catalana, caramel, fresh cream, mint

Posted at:: 10:00AM on 01/14/2013

Shoes Are A Girl's Best Friend

You can never have enough shoes. Especially comfortable, stylish, Italian handmade shoes like the ones at Galo Shoes. And if you're still not convinced, check out their New Years Sale for up to 50% off!

Posted at:: 02:00PM on 01/11/2013

Yep, the sign really does say Mexican Sushi & Japanese Tacos.

Is one of your New Years Resolutions to try something new? How about a Spicty Tuna and Guacamole Roll or Mexican Miso Soup? Try both at one of the best new restaurants of 2012: Taka Taka in Soho!

Posted at:: 01:05PM on 01/09/2013

Sad News: MXYPLYZYK CLOSES SHOP!

Owner Kevin Brynan told Racked that running an independent store in the city became "impossible." He adds, "With the closing of St. Vincent's two years ago (the largest employer in the West Village), this incredible recession, and tenants being responsible for real estate taxes, I was just forced out. It is quite clear the current city administration prefers chain stores over the 'mom and pops' with their tax abatements." The only good news on this front is that Mxy's Jersey City store will remain open

Posted at:: 04:30PM on 01/08/2013

Rice is Nice in Midtown West

Rethink the rice-and-meat street cart combo—this time with rice as the star.

Rice pilaf at Rice the Great is made with rice, garbanzo beans, carrots, onions, raisins, craisins, and spices. You can choose a small pilaf platter ($3) or a large ($6), which comes with rice and your choice of flavorful dark meat chicken or brisket-style beef plus salad and sauces—a tomato-y red sauce and yogurt-and-herb-y white sauce.

Posted at:: 02:36PM on 01/08/2013

Vegan's Won't Like This...

...But we think it sounds pretty damn good: Maine lobsta plus velvety melted gruyere cheese on two toasted slices of organic white bread. Top it off with a squash soup and wash it down with Shipwreck Ale and you'll have a fine, fine lunch.

Posted at:: 02:16PM on 01/08/2013

How to tackle NYC Restaurant Week: Start on the UES

Parlor Steak House is serving up a three-course dinner menu ($35/person) featuring the best they have to offer, like a raw bar appetizer, including East Coast and West Coast oysters and a shrimp cocktail. The entrée options include Slow Roasted Organic Salmon, Herb Roasted Chicken, and of course, steak—Marinated Hanger Steak, 7oz Filet Mignon, or 12oz Prime New York Strip Loin, to be exact. For dessert, New York Cheesecake with graham cracker crust and blueberry compote or Bitter Chocolate Pudding with chocolate cookie sandwich and whipped cream. My suggestion: get one of each and share.

Posted at:: 04:00PM on 01/14/2013

The New Fitness Trend of 2013

Bari may very well be the next fitness craze. A sort of Pilates-cum-aerobics involving trampolines and a barre, and 32 push-ups in every class. The Bari Studio guarantees toning, slimming, and feeling awesome, which is a pretty sweet package for $35 per class.

Posted at:: 11:00AM on 01/12/2013

Finally, decent programming on Taxi TV

Here's a reason to keep the volume turned up next time you're in the back of a cab: from now through February 5th, catch a 30-second clip of artist Ryan McGinley's film for the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. It'll block out the honking and remind you of the magic of New York City.

Posted at:: 04:57PM on 01/10/2013

Great Industrial Vintage in Brooklyn!

We are loving these industrial benches, especially for people who like to stand up while working (great for the back, kids!). The size is significant but the prices are beyond fair, ususally between $400-$500.

Posted at:: 12:09PM on 01/09/2013

Floored By These Rugs!

It's easy to walk by this inauspicious storefront, but DON'T! This shop, which is curated by two women who've traveled the world for years and know their stuff, has some excellent, well-priced and unusual pieces from Morocco and Turkey. Bonus: If you like a piece but can't decide, KEA allows you to take it home to live with it for a few days.

Posted at:: 04:00PM on 01/08/2013

Not Your Mama's Matzoh

They call it matzoh, but it's more like a flatbread sprinkled with salt, pepper and some shaved cheese. A beautiful way to start the day, a lovely snack, or a great base for a spread. $2 per disc. Baked fresh every day.

Posted at:: 02:20PM on 01/08/2013

Great Frames for Less!

Warby Parker has a Meatpacking Pop Up through Feb 28. Stop by to try on frames or get a pair of winter sunglasses for $95 (!) -- essential to cutting glare and cutting a fine figure. Bauble Bar will be showing some of its wares on Jan 14-20 and Winter Session will follow, Jan 21-27.

819 Washington St., betweeen Gansvoort and Little West 12th

Mon-Sat, 11-7; Sun 12-6.

Posted at:: 02:05PM on 01/08/2013

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Making Mountains Out Of Brownstones

Contrary to popular belief, rock climbing doesn't require superhuman upper body strength. In fact, it's more about figuring out how to haul yourself up and across the wall. At Brooklyn Boulders in Park Slope, you can challenge yourself to rock climbing even in the city. Sign up now and pay only $20.12 for your first month with a $0 registration fee!

Posted at:: 03:00PM on 01/14/2013

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Calling All Sweet Tooths

Chocolate lovers rejoice...Taste Buds Kitchen is offering a free cooking class next week, and they're making Brownie Bites! Sign up now and check out the schedule of classes for kids as well as adults.

Posted at:: 03:00PM on 01/11/2013

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If you haven't gone yet...

While we're keeping our fingers crossed that this warm weather holds, let's also take the opportunity to appreciate some outdoor activities, like ice skating! If you haven't gone yet this season, now might be the perfect time, before it gets miserably cold. And you are still allowed to have hot choclate afterward.

Posted at:: 11:00AM on 01/10/2013

This Winter's Best Jacket

This Heavy Cruiser waxed cotton jacket has four flannel pockets, studly detailing (a great tag on the back) and tight, fleece lined wrist cuffs. Paired with a gray wool sweater underneath, it’s a real weather beater. Jacket $590; Sweater (not shown) $395.

Posted at:: 06:46PM on 01/08/2013

The Favorite Diner of Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, and Paul McCartney

Anything Brooklyn is on fire, right? The Brooklyn Diner is no exception—a Midtown favorite for all meals, all day long. It’s bustling with tourists, locals, and celebrities—including regulars Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, and Paul McCartney—and everyone’s treated like family. Another local celebrity at this diner: their famous fifteen-inch hot dog, served with juniper sauerkraut, frizzled onion rings, and a brioche bun.

Posted at:: 02:40PM on 01/08/2013

Your New Favorite Midtown Haunt

The cupcakes at Cupcake Cafe are so pretty, it's reason enough to get one to go with your coffee. They also sell cupcakes by the dozen for your party needs. The best part about the Cupcake Café though is the atmosphere: it’s like someone uprooted the café from Brooklyn and stuck it in Midtown. A communal table made from what looks like a misplaced slab of marble sits near the window under colorful paper lanterns, and next to it is what looks like your grandma’s antique credenza. Yep, new favorite spot in Midtown.