WEEKEND EDITION - MARCH 2 - 4

We woke up to rainy gloom this morning, but the clouds cleared to make way for what's going to be one of the nicest Saturday afternoons we've had in a while. Yeah, we were feeling a little down about missing some great events this week that sold out too fast to make our post, but now we're feeling all sunshiny and happy. And you should too. Happy weekend.

=FRIDAY=
ART: SWOON @ THE MOMA (53rd St b/w 5th & 6th Aves.)
Event Site + Interview + Pictures + Map
Our Take: OK, this is coming at you a little late, but we have a day job, you know? Swoon is a street artist who's been getting a lot of attention for various reasons as of late from the NYTimes, amongst others. She's right in the middle of some of the more exciting art happening in the city at the moment, so come hear it from the artist's mouth tonight as part of MOMAs ongoing Conversations with Contemporary Artists series.

Details: Fri @ 6:30pm. Part of a weekly MOMA series. Tix $10 at the event.

=SATURDAY=
ART: THE CHELSEA GALLERIES (B/w 10 & 11 Aves; from 18th to 26th Sts)
Info + Map
Our Take: A walk through the Chelsea art district is one of the best warm weather afternoon activities in the city. But a lot of New Yorkers don't realize the amazing stuff we have over in Chelsea. Sure, you've heard people mention the "Chelsea Galleries", but have you ever actually walked over there and checked it out? We didn't think so. The fact is, it's probably the best collection of contemporary art anywhere in the country.

The Setup: The galleries fill every street between 10th & 11th Aves, running north from about 18th St. until 26th. So just start down on 18th and walk along each street, zig-zagging between 10th & 11th, and check out anything that looks cool. There are tons of great restaurants all along 10th Ave perfect for an a mid-afternoon lunch.

Insider Tips: It is OK to browse at these places. Don't expect too much attitude and don't think you need to pretend like you're actually going to buy something. It's not a stuffy atmosphere.

Details: Most of the galleries are open 11am-6pm. All are closed on Sunday.

=ANY TIME=
FOOD & BOOZE: ALIAS RESTAURANT (Clinton @ Rivington) (LES)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This is our new favorite restaurant. Hip, but no attitude. Quality, but no snobbery. The food changes with the seasons, focuses on fresh ingredients and is all around fantastic. On top of that, we unintentionally tested their patience with an incredibly late arrival and they were nothing but great about it, even though the place was packed. These guys nail it on all levels.

Any Time, Any Meal: We checked this place out twice this week. Once for Sunday brunch, once for midweek dinner. A+ all around. And don't even get us started about the $25 three course Sunday Supper. The menu is created on Sunday afternoon based on whatever they've got fresh.

Wow: Two days later, we're still thinking about the grilled Berkshire pork with a maple ginger glaze, roasted root vegetables, broccoli rabe & julienned apples. Fantastic.

Details: Mon-Thur 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 6-11:30. Sunday Supper 6pm-10pm (see above). Brunch Sat & Sun 11-4pm. They take reservations, so call ahead 212-505-5011.

=PLAN AHEAD=
MUSIC: ROY HARGROVE @ THE JAZZ GALLERY (Hudson St. @ Spring St.)
Site + Bio + Venue Site + Map
Our Take: Yes, we know. Everybody says they like jazz, but nobody actually goes to see it. We're cool with that. But if you ever thought for a second that seeing a jazz show sounded like it could be cool, Roy Hargrove is your man.

Hargrove: The most highly regarded young trumpet player of our generation, Hargrove has played with everyone from jazz greats to hip-hop artists. On stage, he seems to channel that smokey, dark vibe that brings you back to the heyday of jazz with Miles & Coltrane.

Details: Tues, March 6. Two shows. 9pm & 10:30pm. $25 admission. No bar in this space, but usually wine available. Call ahead to reserve a spot. Pay when you get there. 212-242-1063.

MUSIC: BEN GIBBARD (of Death Cab for Cutie) @ Town Hall (43rd St. @ 6th Ave.)
Site + MySpace + Reviews + Map
Our Take: Gibbard is playing Town Hall on Tues, May 8. He's Death Cab's lead singer and mastermind behind much of their music. Death Cab was an indie giant before breaking out last year with their major studio debut. They inevitably lost some of their cool when they started popping up on those post-90210 fox shows. But we haven't counted 'em out yet. Gibbard is also one of the two guys that make up The Postal Service (that band responsible for the unbelievably catchy pop tune - Such Great Heights). Catch Gibbard on the NYC stop of his first major solo tour.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW. Will sell out soon.