New York City is dirty - you shouldn't be.

New York City is dirty - you shouldn't be.

Lunch, and then dinner? Or, a cheap lunch date? Or, you're just really freakin hungry/a competitive eater/a fatty?
Your choice.
Expires July 11!
Or click here to download the Quiznos coupon.The weather actually cooperated this weekend, but the L train did not. My particular stop was shut down, so to get into Manhattan I had to walk down Metropolitan Avenue. On my way to the train, I saw a lot of stoop parties, and it made me want a stoop. And yes, this is my segway into telling you about this cool free lecture Gothamist brought to my attention this morning, about none other than stoop-drinking:
EVENT: Last year Kimber Vanry was fined for cracking open a nice, cold beer on his stoop in Prospect Heights. He received much attention after refusing to pay the fine, starting a dialogue about stoop-drinking, and now he's going to tell his tale at Open City Dialogue (OCD) a bi-monthly lecture series that takes place alternating Mondays in the backroom of Pete's. "Short (35-40 minute) lectures are woven together from the common thread of people's obsessions, with guests coming from all over Greater New York."
7:30 p.m. // Pete's Candy Store [709 Lorimer St, Williamsburg] // Free
Instead of blowing your coin on an average dinner and drinks night out (yawn), I challenge you to put your cash into the hands of a good cause instead.
This would also be a nice DATE, for you non-creative men out there (hint hint).
Aysha
Saeed,
an
up
and
coming
New
York
City
designer,
has
joined
forces
with
Bpeace
for the
Summer
’09
Fashion
for
Charity
event
being
held
on
Wednesday,
June
24,
2009
at
Nikki
Beach
Manhattan.
Tonight's event, At
Fashion
for
Charity, will help
women
entrepreneurs
in
post‐conflict
countries.
Guests
will
enjoy
an
evening
of
cocktails
followed
by
a
sit
down
dinner. Then gawk at Aysha
Saeed’s
Summer
2009
collection
runway
show
with
America’s
Next
Top
Model
stars strutting
down
the
catwalk!
Throughout
the
evening,
guests
will
have
a
chance
to
purchase
various
products
and
services
donated
by
local
vendors
for
the
Bpeace
Beauty
Bar.
Join over 200
fashionistas
and
charity
goers
tonight!
Dinner
ticket
$70
per
person
http://ayshasaeedjune24dinner.eventbrite.com/
After
party
ticket
$25
per
person http://ayshasaeedjune24.eventbrite.com/

Here's another NYC Recession Diary Music Special!
Buy a ticket to Phil common's show, get a free CD! First 20 will, that is.
A little about Phil Common:
Phil Common has shared stages with Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors and Sony Record's David Poe. His songs have taken numerous mentions and awards in national and international songwriting contests. This growing talent is one to see.
"I was born and raised in Manhattan, NYC. What time i wasn't playing ball in the streets I spent mostly on stage. My first stage appearance was at the ripe age of 8 and since then no one has been able to keep me away for long.
I've always done a lot of thinking. If I am not a philosopher at least I am thoughtful. For the longest time I have tried to understand why I see so much of the life around me, the things and physics around me, as being so similar. A long time ago I put together some of my thoughts and came up with the name commonhaus to embody the ideas I was crafting, forming a band by that name, first in NY then in Chicago. The idea that all living things share much more in common with each other than show difference. We can most of us agree that there is a clear similarity between life in all of its forms, but the point I kept coming back to was that this sameness, this commonality binds us and gives us all a closer sense of belonging and a more crystal view into our place in this universe.
It's all to easy to forget the piece you are of all of us. We all walk different paths in life, but we all hold hands in the void."
Print this coupon, take it with you, and get a free CD! Think of it like a 2-for-1 drink at an open bar.
Website: http://www.philcommon.com/
Looking for something to do, but don't got a lot of cash?
...well, that's why you read this blog in the first place, so that's a really dumb introduction. I've been at work since 7:30 a.m. this morning. Give me a break.
But that's OK, because when I'm too tired to be useful, Go Frugal blog has got your back. Check this: http://www.freeshipping.org/blog/go-frugal-in-new-york-city/
If you're a tourist, check out their tips on hotels and other hot spots (but here's a teaser I really love): "Visit http://www.lastminute.com/ for hotel deals and discounts in New York..."
For residents, they've got a nice list of how to get into some museums for free, public theatre listings, and cheap eating locations that don't always come straight to mind...
But this nifty guide isn't all Go Frugal has to offer! Check them out daily for new tips all the time.
Let them know I sent you.
It's great what Twitter "open bar" searches will find you. Like this gem below.
KATRA and Ed Hardy Vodka (vodka for douches? Ha. I crack myself up) are teaming up to bring you an open bar party dedicated to the 2009 NBA drafts on June 25. total Red Carpet alert. So if that's your crowd, be there or, um, don't.
Website: http://www.checkmatenewyork.com/
I'm going to email to find out the times. 
Red Stripe and the Fader want us to celebrate Jamaician music Tuesday, June 30, by providiing us with free Red Stripe from 8 -11 pm.
Gee, twist my arm, Red Stripe and The Fader.
Click here to RSVP to It Was Written.
And uh, RSVP sooner than later - you know this good stuff (three hour open bar! My head spins!) fills up fast.
OH WAIT - THERE'S MORE!
Click here to download free It Was Written music - 5 Jamacian style songs!
Couldn't say it better myself. From Nightlife Preservation Community:
Come meet the owners, operators, employees, entertainers, and businesses who are all directly responsible for making New York City's nightlife the best in the country.
Join us as we raise awareness about the challenges that not only affect the nightlife industry, but also the restaurant and bar industry, and the many individuals and small businesses that rely on a vibrant nightime economy in the City That Never Sleeps.
Help us save New York City nightlife as we know it with this FREE EVENT.
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009
Complimentary Open Bar: 9PM - 1AM
ALL-STAR DJ LINE-UP:Q-Tip, Paul Sevigny, Junior Vasquez, Louie Vega, Funkmaster FlexThe Misshapes, Marky Ramone, The Martinez BrothersMel DeBarge, Jus Ske, DJ Berrie, Alex English, Sky NellorEve Salvail, Danny Krivit and Peter RauhoferHosted by Chloe Sevigny
M2 Ultra Lounge
530 West 30th Street, New York City
PRODUCED BY:
New York Nightlife Association
Nightlife Preservation Community
New York State Restaurant Association
Click here to register for your FREE tickets. If you need a group code, please email us at info@nightlifepreservation.com or call 646-202-9468
LET'S MAKE A DEAL, Ebay!
...what?
June 22-24, EBAY is coming live, in your face, in Times Square. Here's the full dish: http://www.letsmakeadailydeal.com/
But basically, comedian Mario Cantone will choose contestants on site to compete with other eBay fans from around the country for prizes and eBay gift cards.
In case you need a refresher, Mario Cantone was Charlotte's sassy gay wedding planner on Sex and the City!
And yes, I found this via Thrillist.
Buy one get one free entrees at TGI Fridays now through June 22!
Not just for you New Yorkers - this deal is NATIONWIDE. And can be used anytime, as much as you want. Hell to the YEAH.
For us New Yorkers and New York Tourists, there's a nicely overpriced TGI Friday's located in Times Square. The people watching is worth it. So many weirdos.
Download your coupon: http://www.tgifridays.com/promos/JuneBogo.aspx?source=home
Useless branded "swag" hanging around your house? Collect your shiz, RSVP, show up at ASSME.ORG's Swag-a-thon and enjoy their one hour open bar featuring VEEV cocktails from 7-8, then "recession friendly" $3 beers for the rest of the night! All proceeds go to a good cause.
Can you really call branded hand sanitizer bottles, pens and backscratchers swag? Maybe we should all just pay the $5 and spare ourselves the embarressment of actually admitting to owning/keeping around this kind of stuff.
Click image for more details.
RSVP: RSVP@assme.org
Where: Fontana's NYC
From today's Gothamist:
Crema restaurant is offering up "Bar Bites" all day long—you can get anything from Yuca Fritas to Sweet Plantains for under 5 bucks! They're even more perfectly paired with the 2 for 1 happy hour (M-F, 5 to 7 p.m.).
MUSIC: Pete Yorn has a new album coming out on the 24th, has just ended a tour with Coldplay, and will now be performing a special, intimate live show tonight at the Apple Store in SoHo. Get there early! 7 p.m. // Apple Store [103 Prince St] // Free
I really like this artist, and he’s having an Art Exhibition and Book Release. Dots connected, I thought you might be interested in attending:
NICOLAI FROEHLICH Art Exhibition and Book Release
"Love and Everything It's Not 1998 - 2005"
Preview and purchase the book.
Reception: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009, 6 - 9pm
R.S.V.P. - nicolai@happynick.com
136 East 55th Street, #2F, New York, NY 10022 MAP
212 980 1860
In case your recession really does mean you're jobless, there's a networking event tomorrow (Tuesday) that might help you out. It's doned itself a night of "skill sharpening, social networking, and drinks" but if you have too many of option "c," option "a" might suffer a bit. Whatever. We all know you're going for the cheap drinks anyway.
Remember to RSVP in case there's some wench with a clipboard and your strategic interview shirt isn't convincing enough.
Pink Slip Party
Date: Tuesday, June 16th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Galapagos Art Space (16 Main Street, Dumbo)
Cost: Free with RSVP
"Looking for work in New York City? We can help! You're invited to an evening of skill sharpening, social networking, and drinks! Put on your power smile and connect with hiring managers, entrepreneurs, and career coaches. Learn what industries are hiring now and how your skills translate to creative, digital, and green economy jobs. Enjoy drink specials, live performances, and the company of neighbors in the same boat. Leave with new friends & a free hair cut by our resident hair stylist. The first 100 people to RSVP will have the opportunity to receive a resume evaluation. These will be completed by career professionals before the event and participants will receive the evaluations upon check-in."
Love those Department Store parties! This one comes complete with Ed Westwick. Thanks, K Swiss, Nylon Magazine and Bloomingdales.
Liliana Rose is a hot, upcoming artist with a hot, upcoming show. This Friday, in fact. And guess what? The first 20 people who go to her show, bring this flier with them and mention NYC Recession Diary get her CD for FREE.
The show costs $10, but for live music and a free CD, that's pennies! I heard a rumor there's drink specials, too.
Artist: Liliana Rose
Show Date: June 19 (this Friday)
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $10
Where: National Underground
Perk: Be 1 of first 20 to mention NYC Recession Diary, bring a print out of the flier, and you get a free CD! ($8 value)
Her websites:
http://listentoliliana.com/
http://www.myspace.com/acousticlil
She's got a folksie twang you just can't resist. Come get lost on Friday with us.
This made my day! A free 2 year subscription to TIME OUT, somehow tied to/courtesy of the Tribeca Film Festival. Don't ask questions (so unecessary!), just click the link and fill out the form. If all is well, your subscription will start in 4 weeks.
If you already have a personal subscription, get one sent to your office. You need something to read at lunch besides NYC Recession Diary! **flirtatous wink**
LINK: http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/static_content/surveys/index.php?surveyid=2012
Do this STAT, because who knows how long this link will last.
Thank you to David for emailing this to me! If you have a cool NYC freebie tip, please email it to nycrecessiondiary AT gmail.com. Good life karma will likely follow.
Would you like free fries with that?
In case you weren't you aware (because I definitely wasn't until 10 minutes ago) there's something called "Burger of the Month Club." And this month, six of their restaurants are giving New Yorkers something to smile about: coupons!
Click this link to find restaurants with printable coupons to some fabulous burger restaurants: http://www.burgerrankings.com/exclusive-botm-burger-discounts
How would you like...

Katherine also happen to be one of my best friends, which can get interesting since we share the same first name. Because of this, we like to call ourselves K2. Yes, we get confused looks when we introduce ourselves to new people (especially if they're drunk.) But that's a-ok. They usually go away. We remain.
Now check out this weekly open bar she's sharing with us:
Crash Mansion offers an open mic night with a complementary open bar. This is music to my ears. As a frequent open mic junkie in New York City, I often find myself with the same predicament: I like drinking lots and lots of pinot, I like listening to good local music that New York City open mic nights provide, but I hate paying bar tabs. My favorite open mic night spot Cafe Vivaldi in the West Village offers some of the best local music, a kick ass open mic host, but a pricey two drink minimum that after two glasses of wine and some of their amazing ravioli can sink me 30 bucks in the hole.
With summer in full swing, I am back on the open mic prowl. The Tuesday night free open vodka bar might just make Crash Mansion my new favorite place. The schedule is as follows:
6 pm Open Mic
8-9 pm Free Vodka Open Bar
9 pm Acoustic Showcase
Will I check this out and report back to you? Most definitely. You can follow my open mic and other shenanigans on Twitter at KMEpstein and check out some of my music reviews at http://www.smellslikemusic.net/author/katherine-epstein/
Also, be sure to stay tuned for NYC Recession Diary's partnership with Phil Common's show on June 24th at 9 pm at Crash Mansion. The first 20 people with the provided coupon will receive a free CD.
Rock on.
Just got this in my inbox - looks like PORKY's NYC is starting a ton of new promotions! This is the only one cool enough/I cared enough about to post. Sorry guys (but trust me, the others were pretty lame).
Complementary Bar from 9pm-11pm for all Females
Call 212-675-8007 for details, mention Joonbug when you call

More Nikki Midtown freeness!
Free drinks for an hour, and some fashion blah blah thing too; whatever.
Click the picture for more info.
RSVP at newyorkgirlstyle.com/rsvp
Hey Hey Hey! Something to do next Friday? How about an open vodka bar for two hours? I thought you'd like that.
Nikki Beach NYC and Café Opera
Stockholm Midsummer party at Nikki Midtown
Friday, June 19
151 E 50th st.8.30pm-10.30pm
open vodka bar (RSVP)
10.30pm-4am party
Dj Jean Michel
live performance on electric guitarr and violin
to rsvp to jon@nikkibeach.com
THERE WILL BE GIFT BAGS!
Danzis has bestowed upon us a second recession guest blog, this time on his favorite activitiy when he's not watching TIVO or steaming salmon - DATING! What say ye, Danzis? Can we still date in a recession and save a few Ben Franklins?
Dating During a Recession
by Alan Danzis
In a recession, only a few industries seem to thrive. Video games for one—as long as you already own the game console. Dating sites too, according to The New York Times and others.
There could be many potential explanations for this rise. Recessions tend to bring depression, and if you’re single, you may already be depressed. So you might feel like working twice as hard about ending your single life during these tough economic times. The only problem? You were probably already watching your wallet and that’s not something you want to do when “wining and dining” a potential love.
That’s what I’m here for. As someone who’s been perennially single for the last six years or so (give or take about six random months in between), I’ve come up with some of the following tips:
- Stop trying to impress. Your potential date will probably be more impressed that you found a small, romantic little pizzeria that deals only in cash and fresh, non-frozen fish that she AND her friends have never heard of, as opposed to you waiting an extra hour and a half to get seated at a table you had to make a reservation for when you were born.
- Cook for your date. This is not recommended for first or second dates obviously, but cooking for your dates is not only impressive, but also a lot cheaper—this also works as it relates to making your own lunch during the week. If you think you’re not ready for candle-light dinners at your apartment, try something simpler—a bottle of wine and some handmade sandwiches in Central Park. Just make sure you casually found out their allergies and what foods they absolutely hate early on in the dating process—if someone baked me banana bread, or made me a banana split for instance, I would know it was never meant to be.
- Go out for some exercise. That doesn’t mean hanging out with your potential love at the rowing machine—it means taking a walk through a park, or even a neighborhood. If you’re both from say, Hoboken, why not grab a coffee at Starbucks and walk up and down Washington Street, our main drag. Even better: time it to when a local Festival is in town giving you some places to stop at while you’re walking. I mean, what girl doesn’t always say she loves “long, romantic walks [insert place like beach here]”? Time to call her out and see if it’s true. Bikes work too—just make sure you plan a place or two to stop in the middle to chat. Just like going to the movies on a first or second date, you want to make sure there’s ample time to, I don’t know, talk to your date.
- Drink more slowly. When beers cost $7 a piece plus tip, your date’s cost can skyrocket pretty quickly. Unless you and your date can make two beers last quickly, think about going somewhere where martinis or margaritas are the norm. They’ll cost more on the upfront, but it’ll take way longer to drink. Two of those can easily last you over two hours. Just don’t get wasted—not a good way to make a first impression. (Unless your date is too.)
- Rent a movie. My parents didn’t get their first VCR until they were married, so watching movies at home on a date was pretty difficult—I don’t think even my tech-savvy Dad had a projector. But luckily, watching movies at home on a date is easier than ever thanks to Amazon On Demand, iTunes, Netflix, etc. You don’t even have to go to the store! Even more importantly, there’s WAY more options, meaning odds are you’ll find something you AND your date like—though make sure their opinion counts first. To help yourself out though, maybe leave out two or three movies that you’ve seen before next to the TV as “thought starters.” Especially since you’ll mind less if you guys wind up talking during the movie—which is the whole point, dummy. Just make sure it’s a comedy and not Apocalypse Now. Because otherwise, you might wind up ordering some Kate Hudson or Brittany Murphy movie on iTunes…
So those are the good things to do in a recession. Next time, if Katharine lets me write again, I’ll tell you what NOT to do on dates during a recession. Until then, check me out on Twitter at www.twitter.com/adanzis for all my thoughts on TV, dating, politics and more.
I think Danzis may have broken some of his own rules, but who am I to judge?

There's always that annoying weekend guest who wants to drag you to NYC cultural activities. Blah.
But sometimes, SOMETIMES, you actually want to do these cultural activities. Well, click your heels, you're in luck: nine museums are open for free from 6PM - 9PM tomorrow.
I dare you to go by yourself.
Participating Venues:
* El Museo del Barrio
* Museum of the City of New York
* The Jewish Museum
* Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
* National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts
* Guggenheim Museum
* Neue Galerie New York
* Goethe-Institut/German Cultural Center
* The Metropolitan Museum of Art
For Details: museummilefestival.org

I found mine in a "hip" movie store in Williamsburg, but I'm sure you can grab them in any "hip" looking place. The deals you can get range from 15% off dinner (kinda lame) to a free drink at certain venues (kinda cool). Other specials include free gifts with purchases over certain values.
I'd name drop specifics, but I uh, left the mag in my gym bag at home.
Yeah, I work out (when I'm not drinking.)
A week of free parties? Can this be a true!?!
Yes, yes it is.
In case you missed it in your inbox last week, this week Thrillist has gone buck wild with ABSOLUT as their sidekick to bring you a 5-day party showcasing some of the coolest stuff they’ve found, held at the Thrillist Loft.
LOFT DESCRIPTION: The place will be stocked with the likes of Ferrari seats-turned-office furniture, functional clocks made from Yankees helmets, throwing-star magnets, and Zontik board games so luxe, when you see one you’ll fall right off your Chute and Ladder. Beyond the uber-swag, ABSOLUT Vodka will be providing flair bartenders to teach you a few new tricks and flips, making you as talented as a Cocktail-era Tom Cruise, and twice as handsome.
CATCH? If this really is a catch, you have to be selected to attend. No, you don’t have to send in your internet dating profile. Just click on the links below to RSVP, and if you’ve been chosen, they’ll email and let you know.
Monday June 8: Best Week Ever
Tuesday June 9: Cool Hunting
Wednesday June 10: Flavorpill
Thursday June 11: The Onion
Friday June 12: Just Thrillist

Trust me – if they select you, cancel that cliché happy hour with your coworkers, and invite your bestest friend (or at least someone hot) to tag along.

I had an insane night last night, but let's not talk about me. Let's talk about you - and this Beer Bus business, which is truly insane:

Donut? No thanks.
From today's Gothamist:
"Free Iced Coffee: Au Bon Pain has your afternoon caffeine fix taken care of; participating locations will be giving away one free medium size iced coffee today, starting at 2 p.m."
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Zlata is a gem of a personal blogger. Her most recent post, in which she admits to hating voicemails and asking people not to leave them, couldn't ring more true with me. (I went as far as intentionally leaving my voicemail clogged, so if you want to reach me, you must keep calling [which I will further ignore] or leave me text [ding ding ding!])
But our dual hatred for VM aside, Z has a lotta thoughts, yo', and here's hers on how to manage bills bills bills in this recession recession recession:
With the economy being as shitteous as it is, my need for monetary organization has grown tenfold. Not only that, but all the messages of being a more "green" planet has given me a guilty conscience. I completely am aware of how much junk mail I receive and how it is such a waste of paper. Given that, along with pressure from my roommate(s), I decided to attempt my monetary (dis)organization on line. Over the internet. Where money is just a number on a screen. I went from getting monthly credit card statements (which I then filed accordingly) to "opting out of paper statements" from all the companies I have credit cards with.
With the advice of my extremely organized-with-money roommate, I decided to then call all the companies to change the date of due payments to the 17th of each month, conveniently after payday. Perhaps you're reading this and scoffing at me, thinking "Um, duh -- everyone does that." But, I just never had an issue paying my statements as they came in, since I'd always be covered with the money in the bank.
Well, if we go back to the economy factor of this post - the money you have in checking should be just enough to get by -- any and all else should be in your savings. I'm a huge fan of ING, though after the interest rate dropped so low, I switched to an affiliate of Emigrant: First Dollar Direct. My point is, I have tried to be more organized now that I'm doing everything online - given that I'm more of a visual person. So in trying to do my part for the economy and the green Earth - I've sacrificed the convenience of tangible bills and would like to introduce you to the tool that helps me stay on-time with my payments.
IsDueOn is a simple bill tracker that lets you stay on top of your bills.
*Twitter and SMS support coming soon
So visit and setup an account today!
Thanks Z! Read more about her "Zlata Thoughts" (which range from commentary on weird you-tube videos, open letters to everyone that's annoying and her infamous collective Facebook status updates) by logging on and bookmarking: www.ihavezlatathoughts.comI got free tickets to see TENNESSEE!
At first I was like, cool, but then I realized, dammit, it's Internet Week, and um, this has Mariah Carey in it. Bleh. But maybe you don't care about Internet Week, and you're a closet (or open) Mariah Carey Fan.
DO YOU WANT THE TICKETS? In that case, read on.
ABOUT THE MOVIE: A moving and gripping drama of sacrifice and self-discovery; TENNESSEE is the story of three people who strive to realize their dreams. Brothers Carter (Adam Rothenberg) and Ellis (Ethan Peck) set out on a road trip to their childhood home in a desperate search for their estranged father, who may hold the key to their future.Along the way, they are joined by Krystal (Mariah Carey), who is trying to escape a troubled life. These unlikely traveling companions are guided in their mutual journey by the conviction that the only way to a new life is by overcoming their past.
Opens in NYC on June 6th
http://www.tennesseethefilm.com/
Email me at nycrecessiondiary AT gmail.com if you're interested, and I'll forward you the pass. First come, first serve!
Lifebooker Internet Week party details you need to know:
Lifebooker & The Luxury Spot host a night of cocktails & dancing to celebrate women who are writing & working on the web in NYC & beyond!
There will be glamorous giveaways & an open bar from 10 to 11.
Forum
127 4th Ave between 12th & 13th
New York, NY
RSVP to ashley@intencityglobal.com to guarantee admission
And full disclosure: I love Lifebooker! I've used a good handful of times for deeply discounted waxes, massages and hair treatments. You can save up to 60%!
If you want an additional $5 off, email me and I'll send you my invite! nycrecessiondiary AT gmail.com with LIFEBOOKER in the headline. xo love you all
