MONDAY, DECEMBER 3: Underground Eats presents The Greatest Meal Ever Cooked. With a chef line-up that includes the outstanding talents of Tom Colicchio, Michael Symon, Linton Hopkins, Jonathan Benno, Michael White, Christina Tosi, Rich Torrisi, and Mario Carbone, it would be difficult to argue that this may in fact be among the greatest meals ever cooked. As part of Esquire Magazine‘s three-day event series, these celebrity chefs will combine their powers to offer lucky guests an elegant six-course meal. 6:30-10:30pm at the Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery. $150. All proceeds will benefit the Mayor’s Fund’s efforts in providing relief for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Buy tickets here.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4: The Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive will benefit local children affected by Hurricane Sandy and feature open bar, finger food buffet, live DJ and raffle drawing. The event is open to the public and the cover charge is either $20 or an unwrapped toy or game valued at $20. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive, which is working with the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation to distribute the donations collected to children in need. 7-10pm at Red Star Bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Also on Tuesday: The 89th annual New York Stock Exchange Tree Lighting. The annual NYSE tradition will extend throughout Broad Street between Wall Street and Exchange Place beginning at 12pm and will include hot cocoa, cookies and live musical entertainment. Santa will make an appearance at 5pm followed by the illumination of the NYSE Christmas Tree at 5:15pm. FREE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5: Chosen Capital: The Jewish Encounter with American Capitalism book talk with Rebecca Kobrin and Andrew Dolkart. Edited by Prof. Rebecca Kobrin of Columbia University, the collection of essays in Chosen Capital examines the impact of Jewish immigrants and residents on American capitalism as both its architects””through their participation in specific industries””and as its most vocal critics through their support of unionism and radical political movements. Two chapters address New York’s garment industry, including one by Andrew Dolkart. Professors Kobrin and Dolkart will discuss the extraordinary dominance of Jews in the creation and culture of “Seventh Avenue.” 6:30-8pm at The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Park. FREE, but reservation required: programs@skyscraper.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6: ABA Gallery is proud to present “The Art I’ve Lived With: Works from the Collection of Mikhail Baryshnikov.” This is the first time that Baryshnikov’s collection has been publicly presented. It follows a recent exhibition of his own photographic work showcased at ABA Gallery in October, 2012. Featuring 106 artworks by Russian, French and American artists, acquired over almost four decades through purchases and gifts, “The Art I’ve Lived With” provides a rare insight into the personal tastes and broader inspirations of the legendary dancer and choreographer. Open to the public Dec. 4-15 Tues-Sat. 12-5pm at ABA Gallery, 7 East 17th Street. FREE.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7: Restoration Comedy. Wicked wit, irresistible intrigue and fabulous fashion combine through a dizzying kaleidoscope of Restoration characters, all chasing the joys of love. Director Ed Sylvanus Iskandar is creating a modern-day Restoration experience. The play will begin with a baroque musicale while guests sip on unique holiday cocktails created by Macao Trading Company. Intermission will feature a variety show with hors d’oeuvres, also from our friends at Macao. To end the evening guests will be able to join in a post show dance party and enjoy more libations to aid in the merrymaking. This Flea experience is poised to be all play and all party. Of course every ticket includes bottomless cocktails. 6:30pm at The Flea, 41 White Street (between Broadway & Church Street). $40. Buy tickets here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8: Grand Central Family Tour with MAS. Grand Central is getting ready to celebrate its 100th birthday and it has not lost one bit of its original beauty and magic! There also is a branch of the NY Transit Museum as well as the annual holiday market in the original waiting rooms, which renders the train station especially festive during this season and is a great opportunity for some gift hunting! Join art historian Sylvia Laudien-Meo on this fun and interactive tour with activities geared to children 8 14 and all who like to sketch and explore whispering ceiling and all! 11am. Meeting location provided with purchase. $20 / $15 Members. Buy tickets here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9: Last chance to see Abraham Lincoln: War Veteran Projection by Krysztof Wodiczko, in Union Square Park. The voices and images of recent veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as Vietnam veterans, animate the historic bronze commemorative statue of Abraham Lincoln that has stood silently in Union Square since 1870. For thirty-one days, the memories and feelings of ordinary Americans will speak through Lincoln as part of an outdoor public art installation by Krzysztof Wodiczko, an artist renowned for his large-scale light projections on architectural facades and monuments. Nov. 8 – Dec. 9. 6-10pm at Union Square Park. FREE.
