Knitting Rocks

Learning to knit has been a line item on my to-do list for many years. I still have knitting supplies and failed projects that I purchased in Boston when I lived there more than three years ago. I learned to knit from my grandma when I was very young, but the intricacies of casting on and off have left my memory banks and I would love to move beyond the basic stitch.

I finally decided it was time to learn how to knit properly so that I could actually finish a project and cross that item off my list. So yesterday I took a "Knitting 101" class at a fantastic place called Knit New York on 14th street right off Second Avenue.

The class is small (4 people, 2 teachers) so you get 1:1 instruction and the fee includes everything you need -- supplies and instruction -- to knit a hat. It's the kind of place you want to hang out at after work and on lazy rainy days (well at least I do!). Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly and nice -- all-in-all a great vibe.

They have an expresso bar and a nice selection of beverages and penny candy for sale, with several seating areas. The walls are lined with yarn in all colors and textures, while impressive finished projects sit folded on shelves and hanging on racks -- all very inspirational.

I would love a place like this in DUMBO (and I think it would do really well), but I found that there are some great places in Brooklyn that offer knitting supplies, some with classes. But I would highly recommend Knit New York as it's a casual environment so there's no pressure!

Here's a link to a Web site that offers a round-up of NYC Knitting shops and resources.

Sinkhole in Manhattan: If Only it Was a Few Blocks Closer

I saw the helicopters after lunch today but couldn't pinpoint what was happening. I work in Union Square and the helicopters are usually a good indication of something gone wrong -- something good enough for broadcast news.

I had forgotten about it this afternoon while I worked away in my little cube, but my friend just sent me a link to the news on Gawker about a sink hole that emerged on 17th between Fifth and Sixth Avenue.

Why couldn't my work building be sinking instead?! That would have been much more interesting and possibly could have led to an early closing.

More on the news from Gothamist.

Outside of Brooklyn: Try Prune in Manhattan

As fans of Anthony Bourdain's show No Reservations on Travel Channel, we had to try one of his latest recommendations: Prune.

Located on 1st Street between First and Second, the restaurant is small and open, consistent with the "east village" vibe. We sat at a small table in the front and the wall was open to the street, so you felt like you were eating outside, which was really nice given the weather last weekend. The menu is small and not exactly cheap, but the food is simple and tasty (the important thing IMHO).

Instead of bread, they start you off with some fried chickpeas, which were a delightful alternative. We then shared an appetizer of braised escarole and salt cod, which wasn't salty at all. Both of us got the soupy rice as a main course, which was the perfect serving of risotto style rice cooked in lobster stock, with lobster meat and squid on top. For once in NY, the lobster was ample with a claw and a half tail.

We ended with mini home made ice cream sandwiches all marvelous flavors: mint ice cream with chocolate cookie outside, sweet cream with coconut cookie outside, and finally rhubarb ice cream with oatmeal cookie outside.

Mmmm... can't wait to go back and I hear brunch is also fantastic (i.e. hamburgers and bloody mary's).

Reservations a must. Ask to sit in the front.

Prune: Tony and well-known chefs Eric Ripert and Scott Bryan retreat to one of their favorite dining spots, Prune. They indulge in radishes and butter, along with roasted bone marrow and prawns in anchovy butter.
Address: 54 East 1st Street, New York, NY
Phone: 1-212-677-6221
Web site: www.prunerestaurant.com