WEEKEND GUIDE: GRANDLIFE RECOMMENDS

EAT:

LA ESQUINA – Serge Becker’s neighborhood hub has many identities (exclusive nightspot, taqueria, cafe) but possibly its most charming is the casual sidewalk scene that crops up in summer. Perched as it is at the Soho-Nolita border, the hodgepodge of folding chairs and metal tables is festive and ideal for people-watching. Taqueria grub is high in flavor and low-priced: try the pork tacos with a side of grilled corn.

DRINK:

Fig. 19, which opened earlier this year on Chrystie Street, doesn’t just act like a clubhouse, it is one. Members must know somebody on the inside — owners Kristin Vincent, Nadia Koch, or a bartender — or be referred by someone already initiated. Once accepted, members receive cards. This ensures that the spot becomes packed but usually not too packed on weekend nights, with enough room to navigate among the familiar faces. On Fridays, Matt Hollywood from Brian Jonestown Massacre spins at the D.J. booth, while a member of Holy Ghost D.J.’s Thursdays.

The crowd that turns up for all this chatting, mingling, lounging and dancing skews 20s and 30s, stylish and attractive but not overly polished. Long limbs abound, along with an air of sans souci. This is furthered by Prosecco on tap, wine and beer, and a cocktail menu designed by Samuel Anderson of the popular Williamsburg bar Hotel Delmano.

SHOP:

Yesterday the new ACNE store at 33 Greene Street (& Grand), was revealed to an exclusive crowd of extremely beautiful fashionistas. Opulent and unique, the store is certainly worth a visit.

On sale this weekend is one of GrandLife’s favorite NY based brands, Proenza Schouler. Hop onto their online store to pick up a great price on their highly coveted PS1 handbags.

Also grab 40% off at marcjacobs.com with the check out code: SS12PRIVATE40. The sale code is available for women’s Resort and Spring 2012 ready-to-wear and men’s Spring 2012 collections.

PLAY:

Tonight, come down to the Tribeca Grand Hotel for a new friday weekly party – SUMMER IN TRAINING hosted by HRTY crew. For the month of June, special guests will present Summer in Training. Tonight, a special performance by DJ SLIINK

Also tonight, NZ indie band Unknown Mortal Orchestra plays a headline show at Brooklyn’s Glasslands. Their sound is described as “alien, beatnik pop music that echoes 60s psychedelia and krautrock minimalism with just a hint of gentle weirdness.” Having been on the road all year, UMO are excellent live and will bring about your weekend in perfect form. Doors open at 8.30pm.

On Saturday afternoon, make the trip to WHITE COLUMNS for the opening of DO YOUR THING – CURATED BY RUB N TUG (THOMAS BULLOCK AND ERIC DUNCAN) Starting at 6 – 8 PM, and featuring new and recent work by Eric and Thomas’ friends, peers and (extended) family members, DO YOUR THING is (as quoted on the gallery website) “rooted in the social and cultural networks that took shape in downtown New York at the turn of the 21st Century”. With artists includingL JORDAN L. AIELLO-SCHMIDT, A.R.E. WEAPONS, HARVEY BASSETT / DJ HARVEY, AARON BONDAROFF, DAN COLEN, LEO FITZPATRICK, MISHA HOLLENBACH, NATE LOWMAN, RYAN MCGINLEY, AGATHE SNOW, DASH SNOW, MATT SWEENEY, SPENCER SWEENEY

Saturday evening will be a huge night in the SOHO GRAND CLUB ROOM with DJ Prince Language ready to give your new shoes a workout. Starts at 10pm with hosts Elizabeth Ozarowski & Cici Walerud.

EXPLORE:

For the past 50 years, New Yorker’s have been enjoying Shakespeare In The Park during the month of Summer. This weekend kicks off the start of the season with, AS YOU LIKE IT. Calendar dates / details can be found here.