They say the third time’s a charm, and nothing could be truer for the Lower East Side steakhouse Sammy’s Roumanian – the third Roumanian-Jewish restaurant to occupy the same address. Fate dealt New York a lucky hand when Stan Zimmerman won this modern-day institution in a poker game from Sammy himself in 1975.In this bi-level space that never fails to make you feel at home, you’ll be entertained by live music and serenaded by your waiters. Try the chopped liver or the signature Roumanian tenderloin, skirt steak from the diaphragm. Surrounded by the history-adorned walls, you’ll witness how kitsch meets karnatzlack – the latter an elongated sausage patty made of beef and veal, with a generous dose of garlic. Owner David Zimmerman likens the food here to that of Grandmother’s cooking, a major ingredient of which is schmaltz – 100% chicken fat. This is such a staple you’ll find a bottle at each table. You might even be fortunate enough to receive an egg cream made by David himself, who virtually grew up here and is now the self-proclaimed “Doctor of Schmaltzology.” If it’s family-style fun you’re looking for, go to the place where you have an experience, not just a meal. As their t-shirts suggest, “Schmaltz it up at Sammy’s”!

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“It’s the audience that makes you a star.” Well, since 1934 audiences have delighted in the acting talents of Brooklyn-born Fyvush Finkel, who goes Back on the Block with CiNYC Host Hank through Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This artisan of the stage and screen was born Philip Finkel in 1922, adopting the stage name of Fyvush (Yiddish for Philip) when he started his almost 35-year career acting in New York’s Yiddish Theater. Mr. Finkel made the move to Broadway in 1964 in the original production of Fiddler on the Roof, eventually landing the lead role of Tevye the milkman during his 12-year run with the show. He was nominated for 2 Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe in the early ‘90s for his role as lawyer Douglas Wambaugh on the television show Picket Fences, winning the Emmy in 1994. Most recently the former furrier appeared in the television series Boston Public and returned to the stage in David Ives’ Off-Broadway play New Jerusalem with the Classic Stage Company. In this special segment of Back on the Block, Hank and Fyvush visit East Village landmarks John’s and The Orpheum Theater, to talk about a life well lived…and still going strong.

John’s
302 East 12th Street, 10003

Orpheum Theater
126 Second Avenue, 10003

www.orpheum-theater.com

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In a culture where half-naked women are splashed on the covers of magazines and teenage beach bums bare (almost) all on MTV, the suggestive moves and short reveals of burlesque can seem tame on the surface. But, there’s something about the themed, over-the-top and often fetish acts that are still risqué. “It’s not like, ‘wow, [breasts!],’” says burlesque performer Gal Friday when asked about the reaction she gets from audiences. “It’s, ‘wow, look what she did to reveal her [breasts].’” Like most burlesque performers, Gal Friday single-handedly develops choreography and sews costumes for her acts, which have featured her as a 1940’s vixen and Marie Antoinette. Both men and women have gathered to watch her bounce, shake and twist at Lucky Cheng’s and The Slipper Room. Her voluptuous build is a healthy and welcome change from the waify figures that normally grace the limelight. “[Burlesque] is an amazing community of women. There’s so much support, and everybody loves themselves so much that you can’t help but start to feel that,” she says. The love extends beyond the stage, too. “The women get along. There’s not really that threat of competition because each person is special and talented in their own way. If there’s any tension, it’s very mild.” Grab yourself a drink and discover this alternative form of entertainment in any of the zip codes below.

Reoccurring Events:

Third Sunday of the Month
The Court of Lazarus
A “salon noir,” a forum for dark ideas, performances and rituals combined with a classic Goth lounge night and dark cocktail party. Doors open for Citizens at 8pm and for guests at 8:30pm. Court begins at 9:30pm. Gothic formal dress is expected.

First Monday of the Month
Ritalin Reading Series
Bite-sized morsels of high-grade entertainment goodness for the short attention span set.
8pm. $5

Every Tuesday
Sweet
Au courant stand-up comedy, sketch comedy and music hosted by Seth Herzog (VH-1). Join Seth’s email list for weekly show theme/guest performers.
Doors at 8pm, show at 8:30pm, $5 cover.

Every Wednesday
Mel Frye’s Pre Existing Condition
More burlesque and rock-and-roll to chase away the mid-week blues. Doors 8pm, cover, $5.

Every Friday
The Hot Box Burlesque
Rare soul and freaky oldies by DJ Momotaro. Doors at 8, shows and go-go start promptly at 10:30 and last all night! $5 cover.

Every Saturday
Mr. Choade’s Upstairs/Downstairs
NYC’s Longest Running Burlesque Show. Doors at 8, shows and go-go start promptly at 10:30 and last all night!. $5 cover.

To view the complete schedule click the link below.

Head over to 10002 for a Teany treat that will keep you searching the shelves for more. Owned by celebrity musician Moby and partner Kelly Tisdale, the space is small but welcoming with bright green walls, metal tables and a tiled floor boasting a Moby original mosaic. Moby’s influence is subtle but he says it’s a place he enjoys to go “to eat and play scrabble with his friends.” It’s practically in both owners’ backyards, making Teany a contribution to their own neighborhood. They’re also making a contribution to the bottled drink world. “It’s a combination of arrogance, hubris and complete cluelessness,” Moby comments on the decision to create the Teany Iced Tea line. But both are wildly successful and have their own loyal followers. Stop in for a snack next time you’re on Rivington or sip on a sumptuous tea for a true Teany experience.

www.teany.com

90 Rivington Street, 10002

The Lower East Side is full of deliscious treats and and must see streets where the old and the new come together for a cultural experience like none other. One exciting and informative stop is the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. “There was originally no central lighting, no central heat, no indoor plumbing, and no running water inside this building,” said Steve Long, Vice President of Collections and Education at the Tenement Museum. Located inside an actual tenement building from 1863, one step inside and you are instantly transported to a world inhabited by the first immigrants. “It kind of sounds like living in a log cabin here in the middle of New York City, but three-quarters of New York lived in spaces just like this 100 years ago,” Long informs us. The apartments in the museum have been recreated to reflect the living quarters of the many families who lived there. It is estimated that 7,000 people called the museum headquarters home at one point. Who knows? Your roots could lie right on the Lower East Side. Drop by for a guided tour.

www.tenement.org

108 Orchard Street, 10002

Retro chic is in abundance at Village Scandal in 10003. This small shop originally offered 20’s and 30’s vintage clothing before their love of hats blossomed into a full-fledged specialty. Now they make their own 1920’s Cloche hats as well as custom designed pieces to suit individual style. All their merchandise is locally designed and they even stay open late on the weekends for the after hours McSorley’s crowd.

www. villagescandal.com

19 East 7th Street, 10003

Since 1878, The Bowery Mission, in the heart of 10002, has been providing support to men, women, and children caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependency. Last year alone they provided homeless men and women with over 475,000 meals, 46,500 articles of clothing, and hosted 812 children at a summer camp. “We like to take care of people, show love, provide shelter, and have a decent meal for Thanksgiving,” explains James Macklin, Director of Outreach at the Mission. This Thanksgiving’s volunteer roster is already full! The Bowery expects more than 700 volunteers to help serve over 2500 meals. You can help out too; volunteer your time through one of their programs such as the clothing donation room, tutoring, or meal services. Or make a monetary contribution, as little as $50 can help feed 30 people. Say “thank you New York” by supporting one of the cities oldest organizations.

www.bowery.org

227 Bowery, 10002

“I take a lot of pride in the fact that Latinos come to my restaurant,” remarks Aaron Sanchez, chef and owner of the distinctive restaurant Paladar. “They identify with what we’re trying to do, even though it’s a bit away from the traditional.” Paladar fuses old and new Mexican and Latin American flavors with additional international accents, resulting in an exciting global menu. Sanchez is a legendary cook and restraunteur with a long list of accomplishments from writing cook books to TV guest appearances – he even tied Iron Chef’s Masharu Marimoto! He has worked with some of the biggest names in the food world yet his focus is still on delivering the finest, freshest, most palatable foods. Paladar is also known for its lively bar which features a creative and strong drink selection loved by both traditionalists and LES hipsters.

www.paladarrestaurant.com

161 Ludlow Street, 10002

If it’s not this or that, it must be Other Music, the ultimate resource for those looking for what’s happening in today’s music scene. They also offer rare releases from every genre. “It’s one of the best spots to pick-up CDs that are hard to find,” says regular customer Sabriena Stone. When your iPOD needs an update, Other Music is the place to find the obscure, the underground, or whatever else you want to hear.

www.othermusic.com

15 East 4th Street, 10003