What To Do This Weekend In New York City

The calendar might say it's spring, but in my book it's still winter. This weekend we should be sipping cocktails and eating brunch outside, right? Despite the setback there is still much to do on this weekend's menu.

Thursday Tonight at 8 p.m., the Rebirth Brass Band is playing at Brooklyn Bowl. This soulful band is sure to get your feet tapping and make you wish for New Orleans and a Greyhound. Brooklyn Bowl also serves pitchers of beer and elegant fried food. Bowling, food, and soul — you won't be disappointed.

Friday For early weekenders (aka those with Friday off this week), Tom Colicchio's latest restaurant, Riverpark, is now serving a $28 three-course lunch. It's a great place to wander and overlook the East River. In my opinion, it's a much better lunch spot than dinner as it doesn't leave you in the middle of nowhere after dinner on a Friday or Saturday night.

Sunday Starting today and on every second Sunday each month through October (11 a.m. through 5 p.m.), the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on 39th Street and 9th Avenue will be open and hosting food trucks including Schnitzel & Things, Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, and the Kimchi Taco Truck. According to food buzz in the city, Hell's Kitchen is a new up-and-coming food scene, so it might be worth getting in at the start.

All Weekend For those in Brooklyn, either traveling home from the night before or getting an early start to your day, the Brooklyn Crif Dogs will now be serving breakfast. Breakfast includes Intelligentsia Coffee and a new breakfast sandwich.

Tuesday Are you into poetry and cocktails? While it's not a weekend event, next Tuesday's Poetry and Cocktail Slam (April 12th, 6:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m.) at Back Forty may be something to put on your calendar. There will be mixologists from Marlow & Sons, Savoy, and Vandaag participating. Renditions of poems from e.e. cummings, Gertrude Stein, and others. Call 212-388-1990 for reservations, $55.