ARCHIVES

Grunge may be long gone, but alt country -- the DIY genre influenced by Bob Dylan and Gram Parsons, with a dash of Patsy Cline -- is flourishing.

The usual suspects (tom kha gai at Vong, matzo-ball at the 2nd Avenue Deli) are certainly wonderful. But soup season runs a long time—why not branch out? Fight off seasonal affective disorder at these five bright spots.

It’s happened a thousand times: You hear a song, you buy the album, and the other eleven tracks are duds. At these accommodating CD shops, however, you can try before you buy. Listen up.

Karaoke is like a one-night stand: You know youÂ’ll be mortified the next day, but after a few drinks, you just say What the hell.

What better way to warm up the Christmas season -- or take the edge off the shopping scene -- than with a spicy holiday drink?

Forget what your mother said: Staring is required when belly dancers are present. Season bites of baba ghannouj with a little shimmy.

Of course, you can find them at Zabar's and the 2nd Avenue Deli. But miraculous-tasting versions of Hanukkah's traditional potato pancakes appear all over town. Atkins devotees, avert your eyes.

Turkey tastes better when you're helping someone less fortunate. So tie on an apron, break out the baster, and hit the streets.

Pilgrims and Indians. Lions and Cowboys. Celebrating the harvest and watching the Underdog balloon spiral out of control on Broadway. Yes, Thanksgiving is all that. But what it really comes down to is saving room for pie. Our choices for your table.

There's Internet in the air: Hot spots all around the city let you log on without a phone line. Grab a laptop with a wireless network card, and stop by these locales for a high-quality signal. (Visit www.nycwireless.net for further technical support.)