Get ready, Topshop’s first U.S. store is opening on Thursday, April 2nd right on Broadway and Broome Street!  There would be no better place than right in Downtown Manhattan to open up this store that every London girl loves.  The new store is three floors, 25,000 square feet of everything you need in your wardrobe.  New Yorkers have been looking forward to the opening, as the store is sure to be a hit.  If you happen to be in the area from April 2nd to 5th, you have to stop by Topshop and check out all the opening events.  Sign up for a hair-do by Woodley & Bunny, get a makeover by MAKE UP FOR EVER, or get a manicure from Valley NYC.  They’ll be a bunch of different DJs spinning while you shop, including Mark Ronson, Justine D, The Whip, and even some surprise performers!  Topshop has some special deals coming up, if you spend over $100 this weekend, you’ll get a free, limited edition, Cool Britannia t-shirt.  Kate Moss has a special collection that is featured at Topshop (which sold out in three minutes in London!), and as a style icon, you have to see her amazing line filled with sequins and jewels.

If you were lucky enough to spot the Topshop truck roaming the city, you would have received a goodie tote bag illustrated with doodles, filled with a Topshop magazine and a gift card that could have anywhere between $5 to $500!  This card can only be used on opening day, April 2nd, so be sure to get down there!  Book a style advisor if you think you’ll need some help picking out your favorite pieces.

Topshop

Google Map Topshop

The Apollo Theater has greatly contributed to the history of New York City.  As a historical landmark, watching a performance at this theater is something that you will remember.  Located on 125th Street in Manhattan, the Apollo has been giving audiences something to watch since 1914 when the theater was constructed.  It was in 1934 that Ralph Cooper, Sr. began Amateur Night.  Great names such as Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday have all performed here.  In the beginning of their careers, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Brown and Lauryn Hill can all pay tribute to the Apollo for their start-up.  When you walk into the theater and sit down on the old, creaky chairs, you can almost feel the energy of the place and what has happened in the space.

I recommend going for Amateur Night (get tickets at the box office).  The audience becomes a part of the show, cheering and rooting on their favorite performers.  You can even audition for a spot if you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, or musician!  If you’re more interested in the history of the Apollo, take a tour in the afternoon.  Just call them up to reserve a spot!

Apollo Theater

Google Map Apollo Theater

The trend in Thai cuisine keeps on growing with Talent Thai Kitchen, a new addition to the collection of NYC Thai restaurants.  Located on 34th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, Talent is everything you expect it to be and more.  Their Pad Thai noodles are extra peanuty, and their chicken satay is super juicy.  Talent has a great $7.95 lunch special from Monday to Friday that is pretty extensive, including their noodles, stir fry, fried rice, and curry dishes.  For dinner if you want something more than noodles, go for the Duck Rad Prig (spicy, crispy duck) or Talent’s Yellow Fish (an interesting combination of avocado, zucchini, cashews, and potatoes in a yellow curry sauce).  Talent is BYOB, so before you go make sure you stop by the wine store down the block to get your favorite bottle.  The environment is dim with cool lights, plus everything is brand new and super shiny.  If you don’t BYOB, it’s a great area to be in once you’re done eating as you can go to one of the dozens of bars in the surrounding blocks.

Talent Thai Kitchen

Google Map Talent Thai Kitchen

Heartland Brewery in Union Square is where it all started in 1995, and now there are 6 of them all over the city, including a special burger joint in Times Square.  You can even see the big brewers doing their work in the back of the restaurant at Union Square.  Heartland was the first to open an American-style brewpub in New York.  Beer lovers will have a ball at Heartland with their never ending list of beers.  Try their award winning beer, Red Rooster Ale that has a caramel, nut flavor.  Others include their Smiling Pumpkin Ale that’s made with honey-roasted pumpkins, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, and also try their Summer Apricot Ale!  What I like about Heartland is that whatever American dish you want, you’ll find it here.  For appetizers, go crazy and get the fried pickle spears or get the buffalo chicken spring rolls.  For an entree, there’s crab cakes, burgers, chili, BBQ chicken, Caesar salads, beer battered fish and chips, pulled pork sandwiches, turkey pot pie and much more.  The restaurant is surprising big with two floors, it’s a great place to have a get together with a bunch of friends!

If you’re not by Union Square, go to one of their other locations in Times Square, the Empire State Building, 51st Street, or South Street Seaport.

Heartland Brewery

Google Map Heartland Brewery

When shopping online, use promo code “theupset” to save 10%. Most products also available in the store.

ALIFE NYC
158 Rivington Street, New York,
NY 10002 – TEL: (212) 375 8116
Monday – Saturday: 11AM – 7PM
Sunday: 12 NOON – 7PM