Last night I got to see NOFX at the Irving Plaza which may well be my favorite venue in NY so far. I mean the Grand Ballroom was just that, quite grand, and there is a time and a place for mosaic tiling and sweeping buttresses. But there’s something gritty and real and wonderful about a standing room only environment where, if you’re feeling really brave you can crowd surf to your hearts content. Not that I did mind you, but watching others is almost just as fun. And involves far fewer bruises. Once I have health insurance again I just might give it another go though…
So the show was great, I got home in time to get a decent nights sleep and today Fall has ushered itself back in with full form. The air is cold and clear and my hair is frizz free (a lovely fall indicator if ever there was one). When I ascended from the subway into the early morning sunshine at Union Square the farmers market greeted me and the smells of fresh apples and cinnamon were in the air. After work the plan is to pick up as many fresh ingredients as I can afford/carry and head home to cook dinner.
One of the great things I’ve found about this city (I know, I know, thing # 4367) is the fact that eating is actually fairly inexpensive. I don’t know if it’s because everyone pays so much in rent, or for clothing (ugggh), but if you know where to shop, or even dine, it can be done for essentially the same cost as I found back in Richmond. Plus, you get the added bonus of eating foods ripe with the season. Wendy has a wonderful blog with tips on whats fresh and available and where. With a bit of creativity a meal of various zucchini, squash, couscous and bok choy can be whipped up for a minimal cost. And my new dessert staple of honey baked apples stuffed with fresh cranberries really sets the tone for the season as well. Tonight I’ll open the windows of the apartment-let wide and let the fresh air and sounds of the city accompany me as I cook.
After dinner a long walk through park slope with a really good friend, and a few fantastic beers from this incredible spot. The weekend seems stretched out in front of me like the pages of a brand new book by a favorite author, just ready to be explored.
