WEEKEND EDITION

This is why we love NYC. This weekend's picks are a typical spread. Quality food, quality drinks and an amazing up-and-coming singer for $10 on the LES. We're keeping in mind that it's cold as hell. So we'll try to keep it indoors this weekend. Happy weekend.

FRIDAY NIGHT
FOOD & BOOZE: Belgian Beer Bar (4th St. @ 6th Ave.)
Site + Review + Map
Our Take: The red lighting gives this spot a warm comfortable glow perfect for a freezing Friday night. Oh, and did we mention the beer? Sent down by the beer gods, this place has authentic Belgian beer on tap, including Leffe and Delerium, plus a long list by the bottle. While we favor Duvel, you can't go wrong with anything. But steer clear of common place choices like Hoegaarden, which is a fine beer, but also one you can find anywhere. You must try the fries. Possibly the best in NYC, really. Cheers. Beer til 2am.

SATURDAY NIGHT
MUSIC & BOOZE: Christina Courtin @ The Living Room (Ludlow b/w Stanton & Rivington)
Band Site + Venue Site + Myspace + Review + Map
Our Take: At only $10, this is the best live music deal of the week. Ms. Courtin has something truly special. If we had to place it in a broad category, her voice would generally fall into a realm occupied by Bjork, Joanna Newsom and Regina Spektor. She has a sort of radiant, playful quality that will draw you in. The venue is an intimate lower east side spot that sports a full bar with a couch. Start the night out here and you're smack in the middle of the LES scene when it's over. So grab after show drinks pretty much anywhere. Show @10pm. Drinks til 4am.

SUNDAY
FOOD & SHOPPING: 202 & Chelsea Market (9th Ave. @ 15th St.)
Menu + Review + Chelsea Market Site + Map
Our Take: 202 has been called one of the best brunch spots in NYC. We'd say it's at least up there somewhere. We're fans of the pancakes, but we've heard dissenting views. The Full English Breakfast is another favorite. But more importantly, 202 is connected to the Chelsea Market. Which means you can start out your day at 202 and then wander the market for an afternoon activity without having to step out into the deep chill of NYC's newfound frosty weather. The Chelsea Market is one of those places we know is there, but that we just don't get around to checking out. Buy some flowers from the superb florist, fresh-from-the-farm milk from Ronnybrook Farms, or some sweet treats from any of the bakeries along the way.