The Citiblog

Photo: Cititour.com

Rock Center is getting into the US Open spirit. In tandem with Racquet House’s return, US Open-themed cocktails can be found at its restaurants. For a limited time, 21 Greenpoint is offering the ‘Drop Shot’ (vodka, fresh melon, mint + lemon); and Pebble Bar features the ‘Ace Paloma’ (Maestro Double, Ancho Reyes, Orange, Fever-Tree Grapefruit, Mole Bitters) and ‘Match Point’ (Grey Goose Vodka, Le Moné, Watermelon, Lemon, Demerara, Peychaud’s, G.H. Mumm Champagne).

On September 9, the second annual iNDIEPLAZA music festival at Rock Center will feature a full slate of family-friendly programming, including live performances by The Rock & Roll Playhouse, face painting, arts and crafts with MerchFriends, and more. For families visiting, stop by Ace’s Pizza in Rockefeller Center’s newly revamped Under 30 Rock on the Rink Level for an exclusive offer ($29.99 specialty pie + two fountain drinks) + sweet treats at Chip City or Ben & Jerry’s.

Photo: Gulaabo

Gulaabo, the stylish Indian restaurant in the heart of NYC's Theater District at 47th St between 8th and Broadway is now offering a pre-theater meal for $37 (from 5-7pm daily). It includes dishes like Tandoori Jhinga (grilled shrimp, tandoori salad, mint chutney); Lamb Seekh Kebab (lamb, brown onion, mint, cashew nut, kebab masala); Murgh Tikka (smokey chicken tikka, red wine, kebab masala, mint, laccha pyaaz); and Lauki Kofta (white pumpkin koftas in homestyle curry).

Baar Baar continues its special pop-up series. Mumbai-based Marina Balakrishnan, a prominent figure of Kerala vegetarian food and the founder of the Oottupura ("the pious eating place"), will bring the dining experience to New York City for one night only on October 2^nd. Balakrishnan believes in the healing energy that food brings to the table, combining Ayurvedic principles with traditional flavors and ancient techniques. Tickets are $95 per person. Reservations via Resy

PhotoL Li-Lac Chocolates

A Sweet Anniversary. Li-Lac Chocolates, New York’s oldest chocolate house since 1923 is celebrating its centennial year. With Rosh Hashanah quickly approaching on Friday, September 15th, it also makes the perfect gift for the High Holidays. The chocolates are handmade daily in Brooklyn and Kosher Certified. Li-Lac offers more than 120 different items making it one of the largest selections of gourmet chocolates in the world.

Photo: Balaboosta

Also for Rosh Hashanah, Balaboosta will be offering a Family style celebration. Parties of 6+ can enjoy a 4 course menu for $85 per person. It includes Challah, and Honey & Apples for the blessing; Hummus with lemon tahini and green s’chug; Chicken Tangine; Chrime Fish and more. For dessert there’s an Apple Crumble topped with Cardamom Whipped Cream. Available Friday, September 15th & Saturday, September 16^th. Reservations can be made on Resy or email events@balaboostanyc.com. An at-home dinner feast is also available

Photo: El Fish Marisqueria

El Fish Marisqueria is also offering a special Rosh Hashanah menu which meshes Chef Medina's Mexican cooking with traditional Jewish cuisine with dishes like Guacamole Con Pescado Ahumado -- chunky avocado, Yucatan-style achiote smoked white fish salad, horseradish, habanero, red onion. September 15th-17^th. Reservation via Resy

Image: Met Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will open its new 81st Street Studio: Adventures in Art and Science on September 9^th. The play space, for children ages 3 to 11 and their families, is located in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education. The renovated 3,500-square-foot area will be an hands-on learning space that reimagines how The Met can inspire exploration of its collection spanning over 5,000 years of art to amplify curiosity and create new experiences for its youngest visitors.

The Angel Band Project Presents: Songs of Survival - A Benefit Concert on 9/21 at Chelsea Table & Stage (152 W 26th St). This year’s benefit concert will feature songs written and performed in music therapy as a way to process trauma. Doors open at 6:15pm with cocktails and bites available for purchase before and during the show. Expect exceptional performances from musicians Julia A, Maya Demri, Ashton Hiatt, Jennifer Hopper, Amber McKynzie, Mireio, Vanessa Milanesi, Paula Taylor and Deb Busch with musical direction by Evan Zavada. Angel Band Project aims to use the power of music to provide healing, raise awareness, and promote positive social change for survivors of sexual violence. Livestream tickets are available if you cannot attend in person. For additional information, visit angelbandproject.org.

Until next time, we'll be seeing you Around Town!