In these volatile times, a lot of us are feeling the pinch. But read about the Flatiron district in the news and you’d never know it.
So many new luxury condominiums are coming up in the area that even Dubai, a city where new buildings pop up more often than pictures of Paris Hilton in Us Weekly, is taking notice. Real estate prices continue to skyrocket, a trend we’ve seen for the last couple of years.
“Meltdown? What meltdown?” the New York Observer asks about the crowd at the new French restaurant Allegretti on West 22nd Street. New Yorkers may be losing money, but they haven’t lost their appetites as they chow down on gnocchi and other Provençal dishes at the Flatiron’s newest dining spot.
The party is still hopping in the Flatiron clubs. The area’s hot new restaurants, shops, and clubs have helped bolster the district's prosperity. But unfortunately, wealth isn’t the only thing that the new establishments have brought to the neighborhood. Clubs have contributed not only to a rise in rents, but also in disorder and occasionally, violent crime.
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Seeing as most of us are now a little bit poorer than we were yesterday, here is a list of free events coming up in the Flatiron district. Hey, Alan Greenspan, it turns out that sometimes, there is such a thing as a free lunch.
Enjoy!
ART
From October 2: “Tadashi Kawamata: Tree Huts”
Look upward if you're in Madison Square Park: an art installation of small “tree huts” will be set up until the end of the year.
MUSIC
October 4: Sally Spring + Amy Speace and the Tearjerks
Part of a weekly Saturday concert series, these folk singers will be serenading the Flatiron crowd this weekend at 3 p.m.
FOOD
Fridays: Factory Fridays at Vere Chocolate Factory
You don’t need a Golden Ticket to get into Manhattan’s version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Visit Vere every Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. for a free tour and chocolate samples.
PLAY
October 18: Fall Kids Fest 2008 at Madison Square Park
This day of family fun promises live music, snacks from Whole Foods, a pumpkin patch, and a kids’ Halloween Parade. If you are afraid of clowns, though, stay far, far away.
Saturdays: Rebel Waltz at Aspen
For a night of clubbing without ridiculous cover charges, head to Aspen at 30 W. 22nd St. for a dance party featuring a heady mix of everything from hip-hop to techno.
LEARN
October 15: Meet Councilwoman Rosie Mendez
Councilwoman Mendez of the 2nd Council District addresses key issues facing the Flatiron neighborhood. There will also be a complimentary breakfast!
4 comments:
it's really cool that a lot of restaurants in Flatiron haven't felt the economic meltdown. At least some people are still willing to spend money eating out!
The dessert menu at Allegretti looks amazing. That's where I'll be this weekend...
I can't believe there are tree houses in the park. I haven't seen them yet I'll have to look for them! Also, I now plan to go eat free chocolate on Fridays. Thank you!
I love free events! I especially love that Vere Chocolate Factory pairs their free tours with free chocolate.
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