Top Chef: Just Desserts contestant opens pop-up donut shop in New York

by Jessica Festa on

From now through December 30, 2011, those who find themselves passing through Grand Central Station in New York can visit Flex Donuts. The pop-up donut restaurant is the creation of Top Chef: Just Desserts contestant Zac Young, who is now the executive pastry chef at Flex Mussel’s in New York.

After a successful run of Flex Donuts in the beginning the year, the pop-up is back in full swing, serving up specialties like:

  • Pumpkin and Marshmallow
  • Cranberry
  • Maple Bourbon
  • Concord Grape PB&J
  • Mulled Cider
  • Rum Raisin

These are just some of the flavors you can expect, which will be served by Chef Young himself. Donuts are $3 and under, and you can get them from the takeout area of Zocalo in the Grand Central Dining Concourse from 11:30 AM to 7 PM daily.

Location is at 109 E. 42nd Street.

The New York Comedy Festival comes to town this month

by Jessica Festa on

The 8th annual New York Comedy Festival will be coming to town from November 9-13, 2011. Comedians like Kathy Griffin, Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K., Tracy Morgan, Wanda Sykes, and more will be putting on hilarious shows for the public during this five day event. There will also be a collaborative tribute in honor of the late comedian, Mike DeStefano, on Wednesday, November 9th, with the proceeds going towards the Mike DeStefano Foundation.

Some other acts to watch for include:

These are just a few of the many acts the New York Comedy Festival has to offer. To see a full schedule and to purchase tickets, click here.

4 free street fairs to check out this weekend in New York

by Jessica Festa on

As the day turns to night earlier and earlier, we only have a little longer to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather. For those in the New York City area this weekend, enjoy fun in the outdoors by attending some of these street fairs.

Saturday, November 5, 2011:

American Diabetes Association’s World’s Largest Block Party

Explore over 400 exhibitors of art, crafts, collectibles, antiques, fashion, and more, from 10AM-6PM. This free event runs down Madison Avenue from 42nd-57th street, and will also feature free entertainment and over 50 cultural and corporate displays giving information and free samples.

West 4th Street Festival

From 11AM-6PM, stroll down West 4th in between Sixth Avenue and University Place to experience a great outdoor festival in Greenwich Village. Enjoy free music and entertainment while you browse stalls selling arts and crafts, food, housewares, and unique gifts.

Sunday, November 6, 2011:

Bleeker Street Festival

This free street fair will take place from 11AM-4PM along Bleeker Street in between Lafayette Street and Laguardia Place. Explore Soho by perusing the many market stalls and sampling delicious food from local vendors.

Sixth Avenue Autumn Fair

Sixth Avenue will be full of festivity from 10AM-4PM. The free fair will take place in between 34th and 42nd Streets and will feature plenty of great food and vendors as well as fall-inspired music and entertainment.

Video: A year in New York

by Jessica Festa on

Andrew Clancy, a freelance photographer, cameraman, and editor who graduated from the National Film School in I.A.D.T. in Ireland and is currently based in New York, has spent the last year wandering the streets of the Big Apple with his Canon 7D, or S95, shooting footage of what was going on around him. He manages to capture not only the major sights of the city, but also rare moments and events that give you insight into the feelings and emotions of its people. And, with the background song “We Don’t Eat” by James Vincent McMorrow turned on loud, it is easy to feel a bit emotional while watching.

A Year in New York from Andrew Clancy on Vimeo.

RxArt hosts pop-up shop in New York

by Jessica Festa on

Art lovers will be happy to hear about a new pop-up shop opening up for four days in New York. From November 3-6, 2011, RxArt, the non-profit that places art in hospitals, will have art for sale at Half Gallery. Between the Lines Volumes II and III, coloring books with pictures from contemporary artists, will be 50% off along with Dan Colen, Yayoi Kusama, and Terry Richardson puzzles. RxArt PARTY t-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Schedule:

  • Thursday, November 3: 6-8PM kick-off party
  • Friday, November 4: 10AM-6PM
  • Saturday, November 5: 10AM-6PM
  • Sunday, November 6: 12PM-6PM

208 Forsyth Street, New York