Up My Alley

Precious will be at Cinemapolis December 18!

http://www.cinemapolis.org/2009.asp?page=home&thisdate=12/18/2009

My hair is a shaggy mess, and I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a good hairdresser. My hair is pretty short (or I want it to be anyways), and I don't need anything fancy, I just thought I'd try someplace new. Thanks!

Hi there,

My boyfriend and I are buying a new car. However, we live at a place in downtown Ithaca that does not have covered parking. We only need the car for weekly grocery shopping and occasional long-distance trips, so the parking place does not have to be super close to us but accessible. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Hi there,

My boyfriend and I are buying a new car. However, we live at a place in downtown Ithaca that does not have covered parking. We only need the car for weekly grocery shopping and occasional long-distance trips, so the parking place does not have to be super close to us but accessible. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

It's time to update our food-related holiday gift ideas feature, and we'd like your help! Where's a good place to pick up some fresh food that works well as a gift? What's the best local gift certificate deal? What aren't we thinking of?

I think I've just seen the future, and I think I like it.

http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/back-to-the-land/

I see the P&C groceries are closing (http://today.14850.com/1125pcstores.html). One of the things I like best about them (at least at the Hancock St. branch), is the delicious pies (pumpkin and pecan come to mind, particularly). That pecan was especially good, with a topping of crunchy toasted pecans. They would par-bake these at some central location, then finish them at the local store.

Does anyone know of any good, reasonably-priced, pie bakers in the area? Thanks.

A newly formed group I'm involved with is trying to do "meetup" style meetings, where people get together at a restaurant or similar for dinner together. We'd like to be semi-private, so our conversation doesn't bother other patrons (and vice-versa).

We've tried meeting in Smart Monkey, but their tables are small and we've had to pull together 4 or 5 to accommodate everybody (and even then we managed to put a plate too close to a table edge and dumped a salad on someones lap).

In other towns and groups I've been in many restaurants usually have a back room or "party room" or similar which is used for large groups like this. I've not noticed too much like that in Ithaca. Most large groups I've dined with in Ithaca get a cluster of tables in the main dining space, which we'd like to avoid. Main Moon Buffet has a party room that seats dozens, but that's too big for us right now.

Right now, we are a group of about 8-15 people (roughly, it varies depending on who shows up). In this economy, we'd prefer not to have it be too expensive. Does anyone know of a suitable place for us?

Ithaca TNG ("the next generation of kink") is a pansexual social, educational and support group for local individuals aged 18-35 who are interested in BDSM. Some of the events we hold include munches, workshops/demos, discussions, kinky gift exchanges and movie nights.

Our next munch will be on Thursday, December 10th at 7:30pm at Stella's Cafe (403 College Ave) [map]. Look for the black stuffed bear wearing yellow rope. (And the crowd of people taking up several tables in the middle of the room!)

A munch is a social gathering where you can meet other kinky people in a casual, low-pressure environment. Please dress appropriately (i.e. no fetish wear), and do not bring toys. There is no cost to attend, other than any food or drinks you choose to purchase.

The munch is a monthly event. The tentative date for the next one is January 7th.

Contact ithaca.tng@gmail.com or join the mailing list for more information.

This week we're visiting the Coal House Cafe, the new incarnation of coffee shop, pastry shop, and sandwich shop that used to be the Queen of Tarts. This small green building was actually the railroad coal office years ago, and was renovated in 2006 into a beautiful, cozy cafe.

If you remember the chicken matzo ball soup from Oliver's, it's back! Full of chicken and vegetables and matzo balls, this soup is every grandmother's miracle cure, and it'll be even more welcome as cold weather sets in. Along with the soup, try a roasted sweet potato or roasted eggplant and red pepper turnover or a slice of quiche. There are usually a few sandwiches to choose from, like roast beef with horseradish on French peasant bread, or honey BBQ chicken with pepper jack cheese on oatmeal bread.

( More about the Coal House Cafe... )

Does anyone know where I can get tags for Doug's Trash Removal? I usually get them at the P&C on Triphammer Rd. but since they're going out of business I need to find someplace else to snag them.

Cornell's Official Tartan Plaid. [The university has unveiled its official tartan plaid, making Cornell the only Ivy League school to have its own tartan registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority.] :D

We talked a few months ago about the arrival of Xeo's Cafe in Collegetown. This Vietnamese sandwich shop, not so different from the Ca Phe House that was on the same spot last year, makes excellent Bánh Mì sandwiches, and has recently replaced the cold noodle bowls on their menu with hot bowls of Pho. This steaming broth with beef, herbs, and vegetables is a perfect antidote to a wintry day. Go try some.

What's interesting is that this brings Xeo's more into competition with Vietnam Restaurant across the street. I'm not too worried, as he's got a tiny shop and a tiny menu, and the sandwiches really differentiate his eatery from the bigger, older establishment.