Tag: books

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Art Culture Featured News

David Byrne’s ‘How I Learned About Non-Rational Logic’ Exhibit Opens at Pace Gallery

David Byrne's How I Learned About Non-Rational Logic exhibition runs at Pace Gallery Feb. 2-March 19.

David Byrne’s How I Learned About Non-Rational Logic exhibition runs at Pace Gallery Feb. 2-March 19.On the wall, Human Content.

David Byrne, lead singer/songwriter for The Talking Heads, and currently starring on Broadway in the smash musical American Utopia, continues to keep busy, exploring different art mediums. During the pandemic, Byrne created a series of drawings, that are featured in a new book out Feb. 16, A History of the World (in Dingbats): Drawings and Words (co-authored with Alex Kalman) . In conjunction with the book release, Pace Gallery presents a collection of Byrne’s work in a new exhibit, How I Learned About Non-Rational Logic, open Feb. 2-March 19.

David Byrne, Hot Bread Delivery, 2020.

The exhibit incorporates Byrne’s pandemic doodles, along with a collection of playful, thematic tree drawings from the early 2000s, and a selection of chair drawings from 2004-2007. The ‘dingbat’ doodles made during quarantine, were a means for Byrne to cope with boredom, anxiety, and isolation, offering a way to express hope, desire for connection, a bit of wicked sense of humor, and the power of community.

Of his tree drawings, Byrne has described them as ” faux science, automatic writing, self-analysis, satire, and maybe even a serious attempt at finding connections where none were to exist. And an excuse to draw plant-like forms and diagrams.”

David Byrne’s Girl Head Chair drawing.

Of his surreal chair drawings, Byrne has said, “Maybe they are portraits, maybe self-portraits, maybe portraits of my interior state. Maybe they are also possible practical furniture design. Maybe all of the above at once.”

On Monday, Feb. 7, at 7pm, Byrne with speak with documentary filmmaker John Wilson at Pace Gallery. The conversation will later be shown on HBO. Tickets to the event are sold out, but it will be live streamed.  See more details about the program here: https://www.pacegallery.com/events/how-we-learned-about-non-rational-logic/.

Pace Gallery is located at 540 W. 25th Street. For more information, visit pacegallery.com.

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Business Featured Finance Living NYC

58 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOWER MANHATTAN BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

58 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOWER MANHATTAN BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
https://www.instagram.com/marzenka_/

Maybe this year is the year to accept that the 2020 Holiday season will be different.

It’s not that long ago that we made it through the toughest two seasons to spend quarantined, spring, and summer. Is this not the time of the year, that most of us long for? Shedding our heavy winter clothes, and shaking off those dreary blues, not to mention those few extra pounds we put on over the long winter months, snuggled up with cookies, hot cocoa, and scrumptious Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding?

Wait… that was me I was talking about.

Personally, I think we need to be a little less worried about jumping on a plane to see Grandma and Grandpa, or jetting off to that island paradise just so you can jump in the beautiful piercing blue ocean in that new bikini, or parasail your way over the long white sandy beaches. It’s so overrated!

What’s not overrated is staying the course, thinking about others, do your part, from populating your travel miles with or picking up on your travels the worst virus in our lifetime.

Downtown Alliance compiled 58 Ways to Not Leave Lower Manhattan.

Shopping

Holidays are a little different this year, with many people forgoing big family celebrations in favor of smaller, home-based events. All the more reason, then, to make your homebound holiday even more special.

If you’re sticking around Lower Manhattan, we’ve rounded up some great spots in the neighborhood for seasonal cheer. Here, we’ve included some tasty eateries, eclectic shops, and other local highlights. Note that most of these establishments have been hit hard during the pandemic and could use some extra help these days, so you’ll be giving back as much as you’re getting. Happy holidays!

1. Thai Farm Kitchen

This South Street Seaport staple serves contemporary Thai cuisine from thom kha kai to Panang curry. A tall glass of Sapporo makes for a great addition to the meal. (21 Peck Slip)

2. Adrienne’s Pizza Bar

Pizza maker Nick Angelis’s menu features gourmet Italian cuisine — make sure to try their house specialty, the grandma-style pizza. (54 Stone St.)

3. Babesta

Babesta is an excellent resource for new and seasoned parents alike for the best clothing, learning toys and equipment to raise your bundle of joy. (56 Warren St., Brookfield Place)

4. Black Fox

Kick back with a great cuppa caffeine and an afternoon cookie (trust us) from 70 Pine’s resident coffeeshop. (70 Pine St.)

5. Blue Park Kitchen

This delicious walk-up establishment offers the rare combination of fast-casual convenience and locally-sourced produce, grains and proteins. (70 Pine St.)

6. Luke’s Lobster

Classic lobster rolls, crab rolls, shrimp rolls, and cole slaw are all on offer at the Financial District location of Luke’s Lobster (26 South William Street). The seafood shack is also dishing up lobster bisque and New England clam chowder for colder days, as well as DIY lobster roll kits for those who’d prefer to cook (or look like they’ve cooked, via Instagram) at home.

7. Taim

Taim offers satisfying servings of falafel sandwiches, cauliflower shawarma, sabich, tasty fries and more. (75 Maiden Lane)

8. Wattle Cafe

A lovely independent cafe boasting excellent superfood waffles, organic bites and excellent coffee blends for all flavor profiles. (19 Rector St.)

9. Bowne & Co.

Learn about the origins of letterpress printing in Lower manhattan, take a workshop or purchase unique gift items. (211 Water St.)

10. Brookfield

Brookfield Place covers all of your shopping needs with more than 40 shops ranging from Gucci to Rite Aid. (230 Vesey St.)

11. The Rink at Brookfield Place

The Rink at Brookfield Place is available for corporate outings, private lessons, birthday parties and special events. (230 Vesey St.)

12. Pearl Diner

Paging omelet lovers: Pearl Diner, the 48-year-old Downtown institution at 212 Pearl Street, is now available for in-person service as well as delivery via apps like GrubHub and Seamless.

13. City Acres

City Acres Market is an all-in-one grocery store, caterer and restaurant specializing in the highest quality products, and its beer selection is first-rate. (70 Pine St.)

14. City Blossoms

Whether purchase to-go bouquets or designing an exquisite floral centerpiece, this mother/daughter-run operation will ensure a beautiful arrangement. (62 Trinity Pl.)

15. Crown Shy

The former chef of 11 Madison Park and the Nomad features a menu of plates like Red Snapper Crudo, Grilled Quail and Roasted Short Ribs. (70 Pine St.)

16. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Residents and visitors alike fancy this chic, award-winning steakhouse with a killer martini bar. Specialties include the popular Japanese Wagyu beef. (99 Church St.)

17. Da Claudio

This longtime neighborhood standby is perfect for a relaxing weeknight meal (p.s. the Bucatini Arrabbiata is awesome). (21 Ann Street)

18. Sant Ambroeus

Beloved Italian restaurant and coffee shop Sant Ambroeus has expanded its New York City presence with a new location in Brookfield Place (200 Vesey Street) — offering up the usual cappuccinos, gelato and homemade pastries, but will also feature some of Sant Ambroeus’ more robust restaurant options including salads, pasta and even a few elegantly prepared seafood and steak options.

19. Eataly NYC Downtown

Eataly’s Italian specialty grocery has you covered with handmade cheeses, fresh pasta, espresso beans, and the finest quality seafood. (101 Liberty St.)

20. fellow barber

fellow barber is not only the ideal spot for a stylish, affordable haircut; it’s also where you’ll find expertly crafted, US-made grooming products. (18 Fulton St.)

21. Fields Good Chicken

Winner, winner chicken dinner (or lunch!) at this fast-casual restaurant dedicated to amazing poultry dishes. (101 Maiden Lane)

22. Fresh Salt

This neighborhood watering hole has been serving up seasonal cocktails and top-notch grub since 2004, back when the Fulton Fish Market was still swinging in the Seaport District. (146 Beekman St.)

23. Gnoccheria

Come hungry, leave extremely satisfied by the pillowy Italian potato classic as well as Neapolitan pizza offerings. (100 Broad Street)

24. Greenwich St. Jewelers

Give yourself extra time to peruse the gorgeous, carefully curated collections of precious metals and gemstones at this family-owned jewelry store. (64 Trinity Pl.)

25. Bombay’s

Though Bombay’s Indian Cuisine has a small menu, owner Sonal Vyas and staff work hard to ensure that all its offerings are delicious and made with lots of love — from crispy samosas to tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices — and it’s also reasonably priced for the neighborhood.

26. Suited

When business partners Andrew Fazio and Wilson Johnson teamed up to create Suited, Lower Manhattan’s newest cafe, it was with the understanding that you can find good sandwiches or a good cup of coffee all over New York City, but not always at the same place. That dilemma has now been solved. (45 John Street)

27. La Parisienne

A lovely French cafe tucked away on Maiden Lane offers excellent dishes for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and weekend brunch. (9 Maiden Lane)

28. Le District

Le District has all of your grocery needs, from daily essentials to French-inspired fare. (225 Liberty St.)

29. Leo’s Bagels

“Leo’s” stands for the classic bagel breakfast “Lox, eggs & onions” — recommend trying their specialty as well as other bagel, cream cheese spreads and smoked fish offerings. (3 Hanover Square)

30. Mad Dog & Beans

Located in a landmark building, Mad Dog serves up traditional Mexican cooking that includes fresh guacamole and potent margaritas. (83 Pearl St.)

31. Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese

Ironically, Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese isn’t in Brooklyn, but what it sells is a classic Brooklyn roast beef sandwich, the likes of which you’d generally have to go all the way to Coney Island to get. (upstairs at City Acres Market, 70 Pine Street)

32. magic mix juicery

Nutritious breakfast bowls, filling lunches, snacks and — yes — fresh-to-order juices to keep your body happy and healthy. (102 Fulton St.)

33. Salon DeLouie

Salon DeLouie has been operating in the neighborhood for seven years, offering up cuts and colors to the busy workers of Lower Manhattan through good times and bad. And even through the COVID era, the salon is sticking to its most popular classics like coloring, highlights and cuts for all genders.

34. Martin Busch Jewelers

Longtime independent jewelry shop offers excellent options for all price ranges, original designs and watch repairs. (85 John St.)

35. McNally Jackson

Get lost in the vast selection of McNally’s beloved Seaport location. (4 Fulton St.)

36. Mysterious Bookshop

Explore the thrilling titles at this longtime niche bookstore dedicated to noir and the art of mysterious happenings. (58 Warren St.)

37. Neapolitan Express

Neapolitan Express is the perfect spot for organic, authentic pizza that’s good for you and the environment. (40 Wall St.)

38. The Greens at Pier 17

A reservation for The Greens’ seasonal rooftop dining concept nets you your own 10-person-max rooftop cabin, replete with banquette seating, a virtual fireplace, electric heating and delicious seasonally-themed dishes like mushroom risotto, hot smoked toddies, mulled cider and chipotle beef stew.

39. Casa Taqueria

When you need some flavorful takeout, this spicy standby at 40 Gold Street will never let you down.

40. Only Nails

Only Nails offers a selection of 300+ colors for their special dipping powder gel manicure and more than 400 colors for a gel manicure/pedicure. (86 Nassau St.)

41. One World Observatory

Gain a new perspective of our beautiful city from the top of One World Trade Center. (285 Fulton St.)

42. Petropolis

Spoil your four-legged BFF with organic snacks, adorable toys and grooming services at this doge palace. (91 Washington St.)

43. Poster Museum

Philip Williams’s gargantuan in-store collection boasts colorful prints, vintage posters and unique typographical art. You could spend days in here. (122 Chambers St.)

44. primp

Glow up each day with blowouts, makeup, massages and curated products at this Seaport District salon. (142 Beekman St.)

45. Proof

PROOF Coffee Roasters not only makes their coffee from ethically-sourced, locally-roasted beans. They also deliver! (65 Nassau St.)

46. Pure Liquid Wine & Spirits

A knowledgeable staff will help you pair the perfect spirit to any event at this inviting wine shop located in Westfield World Trade Center. (Westfield, South Concourse, Balcony Level)

47. Sauce & Barrel

Sauce & Barrel takes its name from the bar’s barrel aged cocktail program and has a menu that offers more than 15 pizzas. (97 Washington St.)

48. Schilling

Schilling’s menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Austrian dishes that features wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, braised lamb and more. For dessert, the strudel can’t be beat. (109 Washington St.)

49. Spa services at The Four Seasons New York Downtown

New Yorkers in need of rest and relaxation after months of lockdown can unwind at the Four Seasons New York Downtown, as the hotel’s menu of services from manicures to immune-boosting treatments are all be available.

50. Springbone Kitchen

Stay healthy all year with Springbone’s nutrient-rich bone broth, as well as other organic dishes. (74 Pearl St.)

51. Stone Street Tavern

Stone Street Tavern attracts diners looking for hearty American fare and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. (52 Stone St.)

52. Temple Court

Tom Colicchio’s excellent farm-to-table, American-style restaurant is set within the beautiful atrium and cozy corners of The Beekman Hotel. (5 Beekman St.)

53. Caravan Uyghur Cuisine

Caravan serves Chinese homestyle dishes in a cozy space, and believe us when we tell you that the Laghman noodles are so satisfying. (200 Pearl St.)

54. Stout NYC

If this 90 John Street staple isn’t tempting enough to frequent for their generous pours, consider their signature Stout Steak Sandwich to soak up all that sud.

55. The Tuck Room

The Tuck Room serves up exceptional contemporary plates for lunch and dinner, as well as early bird and late-night specials. (11 Fulton St.)

56. Cowgirl Seahorse

Don’t forget cocktails to-go when you order delivery from Cowgirl SeaHorse: In addition to its reliably reliable bloody marys during brunch, the Seaport District darling offers frozen margaritas in a sanitized mason jar inside a frozen food bag — so they’ll be delivered just as icy old as they come if you’d get ‘em straight from the bar. (259 Front Street)

57. Westfield World Trade Center

Westfield World Trade Center is home to all the stores and art installations you could ever imagine. (185 Greenwich St.)

58. Yoga carE

YogaCare was created to facilitate this transformation in becoming the best version of yourself – permanently — with several online programs that complement the mind, body, and soul in our journey towards each other.

Downtown Alliance 

Lead photo of Stone Street by Marzena Manganaro 

Categories
Book Club Entertainment News

The Strand’s Struggle Against Landmark Labeling

Copy-of-Strand-Main-Floor-04-by-Colleen-Callery

For nearly 100 years, Strand has been the most beloved independent bookstore in NYC. Boasting “18 miles of books,” it has weathered economic shifts, the rise of e-books, and competition from Amazon. It has also hosted celebrity events and made cameos in several movies. Strand’s pedigree made it a cultural hot spot. Now, the city’s Landmark Preservation Commission wants to make it official by declaring the building, located at 826-828 Broadway, a city landmark.

There’s one problem — Strand doesn’t want to be landmarked. The bookstore claims this designation would provide big trouble in the long run. At worst, they believe this could destroy their longstanding business. Could a simple act of appointment spell doom for this downtown literary mecca?

Strand Fisheye Exterior

 

Future Perils For Strand

Strand’s biggest concern is that increased regulations and restrictions will limit flexibility and increase costs for maintenance or renovations. “While well-intended, landmarking the building would make it more difficult to update and repair the building–that includes things like a fire or flood,” says Strand’s Communications Director, Leigh Altshuler. The Strand also plans on reconfiguring the store and adding a coffee shop in the future. However, they fear the extra bureaucracy will be too slow and costly.

 

According to data provided by Strand, the number of bookstores in NYC has dropped 79.5% since 1950. The rise of online shopping and e-books created a harsh environment for bookstores. In fact, as of 2018 Strand is one of 79 bookstores left in NYC.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s existence is a major threat to Strand’s sales. The planned Amazon HQ in Astoria already spells trouble for local retailers. Unlike Amazon, Strand doesn’t ask for tax breaks or taxpayer funded subsidies. Instead, they simply want to operate as usual without extra oversight.

“…Strand knows this is a well-intended effort. However, this scenario, much like this business, is unique. There are certainly businesses that would benefit from this kind of status — just not Strand,” says Altshuler.

The Ongoing Debate

While Strand frets over this potential death sentence, the LPC urges them to see it differently. “The Landmarks Preservation Commission will continue to work with the owner of 826 Broadway and the Strand bookstore to address her concerns and ensure that this cultural institution endures,” says Zodet Negrón, Director of Communications at the LPC. “LPC successfully regulates thousands of commercial buildings across the city, and we are sympathetic and responsive to their needs.”

The choice to designate Strand is the result of a survey of the area south of Union Square. Aside from being home to the bookstore, the LPC has deemed 826 Broadway as culturally significant for ties to the garment district, labor movements, and women’s rights.

A public hearing was held on December 4th to debate the designation. Because no conclusion was reached, the LPC will hold a second public hearing at the request for more time. “We were lucky to be joined by Strand friends, staff and employees on December 4th,” says Altshuler. “Now it is just a waiting game.”

If you want to lend your voice to this debate, keep an eye out for the next meeting date to be announced!

 

 

Categories
Book Club Culture

10 Spring Reading Recommendations From Downtown

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Photo courtesy of Pexels

During the fall and winter seasons, you are most likely doing all of your reading indoors, commute included. When the weather gets warmer in New York, reading is something that many people choose to do outdoors, whether at the beach, at a park or on a rooftop. In turn, Downtown has some books to recommend to its readers:

1) Beachside Bohemian: Easy Living By the Sea – A Designer Couple’s Refuge for Family and Friends by Robert Novogratz, Cortney Novogratz & Michelle Billodeau

Well-known to reality TV watchers of HGTV, Robert and Cortney Novogratz known how to redesign living spaces of all kinds. This hardcover book offers up plenty of design tips, no matter the size, locale and/or climate of your home.

2) Salad For President by Julia Sherman

A unique cookbook, Salad For President is a wonderful collection of inventive recipes and conversations with architects, musicians and all sorts of artists. Artist spaces all over the world are visited by Julia, as Laurie Anderson, photographer Willie Wegman, The Boredoms’ Shinji Masuko, and ceramicist Yui Tsujimura all participated.

3) Hal David: His Magic Moments: There Is Always Something There to Remind Me by Eunice David

Hal David co-wrote some of the biggest love songs of all time, including “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” “There Is Always Something There To Remind Me,” and “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before.” Hal’s wife Eunice has written a book in tribute to her late husband, offering insight into how some of his biggest hits were written and what it was like being married to the legendary lyricist.

4) Lonely Boy: Tales From A Sex Pistol by Steve Jones

It is often said that without The Sex Pistols, there would be no punk rock, and as the founding guitarist of The Sex Pistols, a lot of rock music’s roots go back to Steve Jones. In this memoir, the host of Jonesy’s Jukebox covers all facets of his life — he has done plenty as a musician, producer, actor and host since the Pistols disbanded for the first time in the late 1970s — and fortunately, for our entertainment, he writes just like he speaks.

5) Meat On The Side: Delicious Vegetable-Focused Recipes For Every Day by Nikki Dinki

Chef Nikki Dinki has a major fanbase as a result of her many appearances on television. But unlike many chefs, she has a wonderful story about learning how to eat well. Meat On The Side isn’t preaching for anyone to become a vegetarian — quite the opposite — but it does show how anyone can easily start eating more vegetables and wind up loving it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SodcS-WDroY

6) Toys “4” Cheap: The Magic Of Toys Will Shut Up Your Child by Asterios Kokkinos & Jimmy Hasse

Asterios Kokkinos is a prolific podcaster and writer, and this faux-catalog has hundreds of jokes within its 56 pages. Anyone who read toy catalogs — or even classified ads — during their formative years will love the attention to detail shown in Toys “4” Cheap. As an aside, Asterios’ followers on Patreon can get a podcast made exclusively for them.

7) From Cradle To Stage: Stories From The Mothers Who Rocked And Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Hanlon Grohl

As the mother of Foo Fighters founder (and Nirvana drummer) Dave Grohl, Virginia Hanlon Grohl helped raise one of rock’s biggest names. For this book, Virginia speaks to the mothers of Dr. Dre, Amy Winehouse, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, The Beastie Boys’ Mike D, and the Haim sisters, sharing a lot of heart-warming tales in the process. And of course Dave wrote the book’s foreword.

8) Total Excess: Photographs By Michael Zagaris edited by Dagon James

California native and photographer Michael Zagaris photographed nearly every big name in rock that came through San Francisco in the 1970s and 1980s, including The Clash, The Grateful Dead, Blondie, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. This collection — which awesomely-features Lou Reed on the cover — contains a lot of previously-unseen work and is said to be the first in a series of collaborations between Michael and Reel Art Press.

9) The Complete History Of Black Sabbath: What Evil Lurks by Joel Mciver

Black Sabbath may have recently wrapped its farewell tour, but the British quartet remains popular as ever in 2017. This coffee table book looks beautiful, containing over 150 photos within its glossy pages. The whole pre-farewell history of Black Sabbath is tracked in What Evil Lurks, which contains a foreword from Machine Head’s Robb Flynn.

10) Slayer: Repentless #1 by Jon Schnepp & Guiu Vilanova

If Black Sabbath isn’t as heavy as your metal goes, then check out the debut comic from the band Slayer. The story was based on Slayer music videos. Available in print, Kindle and comiXology formats; beyond this comic series, the band will be on tour with Lamb Of God and Behemoth this summer.

Categories
Book Club Culture Events

Designers and Books Fair 2015

old book clipart

Starting this weeked and ending Sunday, the Designers & Books Fair will be showcasing the world of design literature.

Designers & Books, a group that advocates for books as a source of creative inspiration, is partnering with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to present more than 70 of the top book publishers on fashion design, product design, architecture and more for free to the public.

The Designers and Books Fair is the world’s only book fair dedicated to design. Not only will it be showcasing new titles, but there will also be rare and out-of-print book dealers and indie magazines.

This year, a purchase of a book at the fair by any of the participating authors will result in an automatic entry in over 20 drawings for Experiences with Authors TM. The program allows winners to get the chance to meet with the author for an experienced designed by them. Participating authors include André Leon Talley, the former editor-at-large for Vogue, Chip Kidd, book cover designer, and Louise Fili, noted graphic designer.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gladys Marcus Library at FIT where some of the fair’s events will be held.

For more information about exhibitions and speakers, click here.

-by Kari Sonde

Categories
Featured Living Sports

World Cup 2014: Your Guide To Celebrating From Home

brazilcup

We have 1 day to go. The Countdown is almost over. Players are warming up, doing push-ups, jump-and-jacks and all of the above while their wives apply their 5th layer of foundation. Meanwhile you’re boarding the plane to the biggest sporting event of the world. Wait; what’s that now? You’re not? Well that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the festivities anyway! If you’re planning on going crazy at home this year for the World Cup 2014, we’ve compiled a list of all the essentials you’ll need so you’ll not need to envy the lucky guys in Rio. Who needs the sun anyway? And the electric atmosphere and the succulent spiced chicken and…Alright, maybe it won’t quite rival the real deal, but we don’t see why you can’t have a great time in your humble abode!

1. Mouth-Watering Takeout. Seamless has to be #1 on your bookmarked site list for this World Cup season. There’s no time for that cooking malarkey, your country needs you on the sidelines! In a sense…

2. A Great Watch. Time keeping is integral whilst watching the big games, and in the immortal words of Aerosmith you ‘Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing’. You’ll be sure to never miss a moment of the World Cup with this hunk of a Super Powered Watch by Hublot.

3. A Rule Book. You’re on the edge of your seat. The game is reaching stoppage time and the score is 0-0. The goal-keeper has the ball and he’s…going for goal?! He’s jolting through the whole rival team, and he’s about to enter the penalty area, this is a first ever! And suddenly your sister stands in front of you and asks “What is an off-side?” Once you brush her away, it is all said and done. The goalkeeper made history and you missed everything. Don’t let it happen again. Keep one of these on your coffee table in case of misinformed relatives.

4. A Ball. If you’re anything like us here at DOWNTOWN, you may have found yourself immersed in a game thinking “gee, this looks so easy, I’m sure I could do better.” Well, stop your wondering, get outside and see if you can be the next Maradona.  You never know, that could be you on the pitch in the next tournament. It’s doubtful, but you’ll never know if you don’t try. Plus, the World Cup ball by adidas is a sporting stunner.

5. An Alcoholic Beverage. Let’s be honest, what’s an event like this without a fabulous cocktail?  Brazil is hosting this year, so bring a taste of South America home with this mouth watering cachaça and rustle up a caipirinha. Whether you find yourself tipsy, elated with a win, or on the floor drowning your sorrows because your team missed that open goal, you won’t regret purchasing this punchy alcoholic beverage.

Just in case these finds don’t entice you to stay home for the World Cup, why not check out our top 5 places to see the games downtown right here?

-Rachael Sprague