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Election Primaries September 13th

On Tuesday, September 13 many of you will vote for the Manhattan Borough President candidates since the turnout is expected to be high for the mayoral race. You can read the candidates' bios and the Voice on the office and the candidates...

There is, after all, a lot to talk about: For Stringer, it's scrutinizing tax breaks meant to keep businesses in the city. For Ellner, it's a proposal to try congestion pricing—charging vehicles for entering high-traffic areas—on New York City roads. Lopez wants to create housing for city workers who are mandated to live in the five boroughs. Espaillat sees an affordability war replacing the drug war as a threat in his neighborhood. Michels wants to press for protecting the city's watershed, while Manzano emphasizes homeland security. Moskowitz thinks quality-of-life issues—the little things like garbage collection—are as important as big-ticket issues.

Also...

Information on the mayoral race

Where to vote

Register

Champagne Comedy - Review in 44 Words

I caught the comedy duo Champagne at the PIT last weekend. They could be summed up by saying they're very Stella. And like Stella they were best when most dynamic, the subtle jokes told in whispers or outlandish physical moves. I'd go again.

Gourmet Coffee That's Almost in Chelsea -- Joe

I just discovered there's another location of Joe, the Art of Coffee hidden away on 9 E 13th St. The shit is good, real good. And if my visit was any indication, a great place to meet lesbians.

Sculpture of Ted Williams' Head to be Displayed at First Street Gallery

I have nothing to say about this.

Righteous Urban Barbeque -- First Taste

When Righteous Urban Barbeque (RUB) first opened, I was happy Dallas had a little competition (and that good-idea-sad-execution modern health food place in this location went away). As I stood at the window reading the menu I heard a man next to me talking on a cell phone: “They want twice as much as anyone else for barbeque? They’re crazy.” When New Yorkers call you crazy, I thought, you’re really crazy.

But the prices aren't really that bad. The menu configuration mixes big by-the-pound and platter prices with normal servings, which can lead to sticker shock. A sandwich and a side for $13 ain't cheap, but it's good and totally filling.

We tried the Patrami and BBQ Brisket sandwiches along with two sides, the potato salad and greens of the day - collard greens mixed with spinach. It's hard not to feel a little disappointment with the dull presentation of the sandwiches unless you grew up with Kansas City-style BBQ; they're served dry, minus the smoothering sauce you might find in North Carolina or Texas. But there's sauce supplied to customize it. I liked the pastrami better with the signature burnt ends. In fact, it was better with a little mustard and without the so-so rye bread, eaten straight.

The potato salad was alright but a little bland. I would have added pickle vinegar. The collard green/spinach mixture however was delicious, tangy with a little heat and alone worth the trip.

I wasn't blown away, but I liked it enough that I plan to go back to try a proper order of ribs.

Chelsea's Stoops Take a Cue from Harlem

The Times tracks the resurgence of the stoop party downtown.

Dornier Seaplane Makes An Appearance

We're hanging out at the Frying Pan this afternoon when Kevin points at the sky and says, "Look at that." A shiny metal seaplane buzzed just a few hundred feet overhead, turned around and landed on the Hudson. It was just one of those gorgeous random sites even New Yorkers don't take for granted. Turns out it was a historic Dornier on a tour raising money for UNICEF.