Mostly Mozart at the Lincoln Center

The classical summer series “Mostly Mozart” orchestrated yearly by the Lincoln Center and conducted by a variety of world masters and virtuosic soloists is happening at full swing. The summertime festival offers the most delightful pieces by Mozart and his contemporaries such as Beethoven, Bach, Chopin and Schumann.

For full calendar and tickets at 30% off go here.

The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English – take a break from the boiling heat

Below the massive legendary The Plaza Hotel on the corner of 5th and 59^th, lies a cool secret. Literally: if you want to escape the scorching summer heat, take the escalator down to the hotel’s concourse level. You will not only be greeted by a powerful burst of air conditioning, but also discover a pleasant surprise, a glamorized basement if you ever saw one. Inaugurated a couple of months ago, the Food Court at the Plaza by Todd English is nothing but a respite from the bustle and hustle upstairs. Imagine a gourmet shop, a pizzeria, a friendly sushi bar, a snack deli, and more, all in a glorified food court. The chef has created a cozy atmosphere and a very inviting break to retreat from the outdoor world and focus on eating well, anything you desire.

Also in the Grand Concourse level (the official name of The Plaza's basement floor), beside this impressive 5,400 square feet emporium of delicacies, you'll find clothing boutiques, make up counters, a spa and jewelry retailers in case you are still craving for another type of satisfaction after a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Let’s face it, it's much more agreeable to shop with a full belly and whilst your brain is not melting from the burning august sun.

TOP FIVE: Spanish restaurants in New York City

Viva Espana!!! ¡¡¡por fin Campeones!!!

Eat like the 2010 world cup champions. Below are our favorite Spanish restaurants in Manhattan. Enjoy deliciosos tapas and… at least for a while: a very upbeat and cheerful staff!!

Tia Pol

This little gem tucked in the bustling Chelsea neighborhood has the best patatas bravas in town. Authentic and tiny, once you get a little table (as confortable as the bar really), you will be delighted by the small plate delicatessen brought to you. Surprising taste bursts such as the combo of chorizo and bittersweet chocolate and the croqueta del dia, always a delightful surprise.

Boqueria

Focusing more on the Basque palate, the two locations are both casual, lively and tasty. Among the highlights are the croquetas cremosas (crunchy on the outside and perfectly creamy on the inside), pimientos de padron and paella de mariscos. Don’t forget the churros for dessert!

Casa Mono and Bar Jamon

This charming little bistro/bar and adjacent restaurant serves dishes from all corners of Spain. Mario Batalli is the entrepreneur behind this successful Catalan specialty purveyor. Try the dishes a la plancha (grilled) at the bar, or (try) to get a little table and experience nutty tastes such as the steak with romesco sauce.

Mercat

On trendy bond Street, this established 2 year-old Catalonian offers the best wines from Spain and a terrific cocina, filled with cold cuts from their open ham and cheese station and other mall plates such as the tortilla español. Try the rose cava in the glass decanter looking bottle called "porro" - which you poor straight to your mouth and pass around the table. Refreshing ice breaker!

N 33 Crosby

This cave-like and intimate classic Spanish has been around forever and never disappoints. Very narrow restaurant along the bar, flamenco on Wednesdays and always a lively crowd in the heart of SoHo.

N 33 Crosby Bar & Tapas. (212) 219-8856

Tried and Tested: ABC KITCHEN

I had already pointed you towards the all-organic new restaurant co-owned by super chef Jean Georges Vongerichten at ABC Carpet & Home. I had lunch there a couple of weeks ago and again yesterday and can attest to its promise: the leaves are as fresh as can be, the menu original and full of seasonal veggies presented in an original way, like the sugar snap pea salad, where the snap peas are thinly shaved. The pretzel dusted calamari, with a spicy marinara and basil aioli sauces was divine, and the akaushi cheeseburger (a type of kobe beef from Texas, according to our waitress) was just so much more intense with its herbed mayo and pickled jalapeno sauce.

I tried two whole wheat pizzas, and they were superb, considering how hard it is to have a thin and crispy crust using healthy whole wheat flour. Next time I would ask if the farm the egg they throw on the mushroom pizza can stay a little bit longer in the oven; it was raw. The decor feels like a cozy barn house filled with ABC’s rococo chandeliers; wood objects adorn every corner, black and white nature photographs nag on the white washed brick walls and antique hand painted porcelain embellish the tables.

And in those crazy summer heat days, it’s a great place to be and wander around the store’s original knick knacks. For modern design, head downstairs to the new Conran Shop and take advantage of the sale going on right now!!