Manhattan iPhone Party: July 8

There was a time in the Dark Ages when NFT only sold products printed on paper. Those days are now officially over with the release of the NFT Manhattan iPhone App. To celebrate we're throwing a big shindig with complimentary Belgian beer, free books, music, and a chance to mingle with other loyal NFT fans on Wednesday July 8 at 6 pm. Anyone who buys the iPhone App can drink free Palm, Belgium's best-selling ale. We'll also be handing out piles of free NFTs (while supplies last), bustin' a move to a DJ, and announcing the winner of the video contest. So join us at Fontana's for a true New York party that's for you, not them.

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Nightlife • City Hall / Chinatown

Jeffrey Right

Finding a good wine shop is harder than it looks in Manhattan. Luckily, I had the NFT iPhone app with me the other day when I needed to find some booze in East Midtown (yeah, not my usual hangout, but the mom-in-law is in town). After checking out some random places I saw on the street that we're ridiculously overpriced, I pulled out the iPhone and searched the Shopping category.  One liquor store stood out from the crowd with the blurb, "Jeffrey will treat you right. No Midtown attitude." You know it's a good sign when there's a friendly guy hanging out playing Michael Jackson (RIP). Then I start looking at the prices--at least 25% cheaper than the surrounding places. Finally, I chat with Jeffrey who has been running the store for 33 years. He shares some stories about the old days when ladies with white gloves from Beekman Place would come in to shop. Those old timers from the neighborhood may be long gone, but thankfully Jeffrey is still going strong.

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Liquor Stores • East Midtown

Chill Out Man

As my friend and I were sitting out on the patio drinking last Saturday night, I witnessed something at Sweet Revenge that I've never seen before and will probably never see again: a full-on hipster fight, complete with knockdowns, spilled beers, broken glass, and, of course, ejections. The bar staff was mortified, to say the least, as the vibe here is laid-back, with great tunes grooving via a DJ most nights, a grill for use by patrons, some of my favorite wallpaper ever, and, of course, that super back patio. So let's chalk the fight up to post-economic crash tensions and not sweat it. But why can't we all just get along?

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Nightlife • Fort Greene / Clinton Hill

El Paso 2.0

Big news in East Harlem: El Paso on Lexington has finally moved across the street to their new location. Although it's only about 40 feet from the old place, it's a totally different vibe from the tiny, always crowded corner joint they used to have. Now they have lots of space, a faux-Southwestern aesthetic, a detailed wine list, an army of staff, even a maître d'. They've upgraded the menu as well with oysters, ceviches, and several new entrees (including a lamb dish). It took a few minutes and few Negro Modelos to adjust to the fancy pants atmosphere, but once the food arrived all was right in the universe. The ceviche with mango and striped bass was tangy and refreshing and the roast chicken with sesame seeds, baby cactus, and guajillo was melt-in-your-mouth perfect. And don't worry if you loved the food at the old place. All your favorites are still here--spicy guacamole, fabulous chilaquiles, homemade huaraches, carne enchilada cemitas, and mushroom quesadillas. Plus, once you get a glimpse of the gorgeous back patio complete with an outdoor bar, you'll be back for sure.

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Restaurants • Upper East Side / East Harlem

Swedish Welfare Lunch

Okay, so Craig just reviewed Aquavit in March, but he did the brunch, so I'll do lunch, and we'll let Trump do the dinner radar (he's a big NFT fan, really). And lest you think we're all making bank here at NFT, I was taken there by some supercool folks at an ad agency; we're reciprocating with street cart Chinatown food today. But seriously, the restaurant itself is a little "greatest hits" of Scandinavian furniture design, the service is what a real restaurant reviewer would call "impeccable," and the breads, amuses, appetizers and main courses are all "flawless." I would go for the power lunch version of the "smorgasbord" (pictured), which is 9 little goody bits of herring and salmon arranged perfectly on a plate. I'd also recommend that someone else pays. Food ALWAYS tastes better that way.

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Restaurants • Midtown