Famous contemporary artists, benefit concerts that will rock your socks off, a restaurant at the end of an alley that you should definitely check out, and maybe even a little Shakespeare for good measure. Plus, plan ahead for some cheese tasting classes (yes, cheese) that will satisfy your inner epicurean (and maybe win you a couple creative date points while you're at it). That's our weekend. Have fun!
=ANY TIME=
FOOD & BOOZE: FREEMAN'S (Freeman Alley, off of Rivington b/w Bowery & Chrystie)
Site + Menu + Map
Our Take: This room, at the end of a short alleyway, sports a dark 
wood & taxidermy theme. You might think this is a little strange, but it's worth it. Because the food is fantastic. Expect a wait on almost any day during prime eating hours. Or pull together a party of 6 and avoid the wait with a reservation. But waiting for a table at this oh so happening LES spot might not be such a bad idea. Because the creative cocktails should keep you happily busy at the bar until your table is ready.
Recommendations: Both dinners and brunches have been memorable. We're big fans of Devils on Horseback (read dates wrapped with bacon) and the fennel salad was excellent. The roast chicken was also very good. For brunch, take your pick. Everyone we ate with has referenced it as a great brunch spot weeks after the meal. On the cocktail front, we're big fans of the Blood & Sand, if you can take it.
Complaints: Watch out for the "I'm so cool" attitude from the not so cool hostess. We recommend you deal with her as little as possible and focus on enjoying the quality food that comes out of the kitchen.
Details: Dinner from 6-11:30 every day. Brunch from 11-4pm Sat & Sun.
=FRIDAY=
ART/DISCUSSION: JEFF KOONS @ MOMA (53rd St b/w 5th & 6th)
Artist Site + Event Site + Pictures + Map
Our Take: Last week we told you about MOMAs Conversation with Contemporary Artists series. We think it's a cool program, so here it is again. Come be part of the discussion with one of the most famous contemporary artists in the world tonight at 6:30pm.
Details: 6:30pm tonight. Tickets $10. Tix available at event, if any remaining. Call ahead - 212-708-9400.
PARTY: CONCERT FOR CAMBODIA @ FONTANA'S (Eldridge St. b/w Broome & Grand)
Venue Site + Information about the Cause + Map
Our Take: Who knew a bunch of engineers would set up a kick ass party at this fun lower east side spot that one New York weekly has called "surprisingly relaxed and attitude free"? Proceeds from the event go towards the effort to rebuild a dam that was destroyed by flooding and greatly improve the lives of about 3,000 families in a Cambodian village. But even the heartless amongst us should feel comfortable attending. Check out the band links below for what sounds like a fantastic mix of all out party music.
Bands: Zigmat + Inflowential + Meta and the Cornerstones + DJ Lechuga
Details: Minimum donation $10. Doors open @ 8pm. Even when the event ends, the place will be firing on all cylinders well into the night. Open til 4am, 7 days a week.
=PLAN AHEAD=
FOOD: CHEESE CLASSES
Look, we all grew up on Kraft singles and we know it. But that's no reason to stay in a pre-developed state of cheese appreciation forever. Thankfully, a couple NYC places are fighting hard to bring New Yorkers up to speed. Check out the classes at two NYC's premier cheese spots and ditch the processed cheese food for good. Classes include food & cheese pairings, cheese & beer or wine pairings and straight cheese tasting. No matter which one you pick, it's going to be delicious.
MURRAY'S CHEESE (Bleecker St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves)Site/Info + Map
Our Take: Murray's is the grandfather of fine cheese spots in New York. Classes are at the West Village Location. The March & April schedule has been announced. Pretty much all the classes sound great, but we really like the cheese by region tastings, like New York State of Mind, English Cheese and Rough Guide to Spain. Check out the link above to find your favorites.
Details: Classes run 6:30-8pm @ Murray's Cheese in the West Village. $50-$75 each. Sign up on the website or call 212-243-3289.
ARTISANAL CHEESE CENTER (37th St. & 10th Ave., 2nd Floor)
Site + Link to Course List + Map
Our Take: Artisanal is a cheese center and restaurant built around the owners' love of cheese and they do all things cheese very, very well. The March through May schedule of classes has been announced and details are available on Artisanal's website. Some of our favorites are Craft Beer & Artisanal Cheese, French Cheese & Wine and Great Iberian Penninsula.
Details: Classes run from 6:30-8:30pm @ Artisanal Premium Cheese Center (37th and10th, 2nd floor). $75 each, with discounts for multiple tickets. Sign up on the website or call 877-797 1200. The restaurant is at a different location -- 32nd St. @ Park Ave.
=PLAN AHEAD=
THEATER: HAMLET @ St. Anne's Warehouse (38 Water Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn)
Venue Site + Theater Group Site + Review + Map
UPDATE: SOLD OUT!
Our Take: The NYTimes has called the Wooster Group "American Theater's Most Inspired Company." Positive reviews for this production of Hamlet have led to a nearly complete sell out of the tickets. And only limited tickets are now available for March 20-22, so click here to buy tickets before they're gone.
This true-to-the-text production is also experimental and not at all the traditional production of the play. The Wooster Group incorporates Richard Burton's famous 1964 performance into the production using large video screens placed around the stage. And the costumes are not at all Shakespearean.
Venue: This is one of our favorite arts spaces in NYC. Drinks and some creative food offerings are available at the bar and drinks are allowed in the performance space.
Details: Extremely limited ticket availability. Only March 20-22. Tickets $37.50. Shows begins @ 7pm.
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