For our (unconscionably high) rent money, the best thing about living in New York City is its endless supply of fun, odd, and inspired cultural events. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to even begin planning your week. To help you make sense of it all, Flavorpill has launched a new social discovery engine where users can create and share events with friends, as well as follow Flavorpill editors’ and plugged-in local curators’ picks. Below, you’ll find the very best of what’s on offer this week, recommended by Flavorpill NYC’s very own Managing Editor, Leah Taylor. It’s just a taste of what you can find on the new Flavorpill, so if you like what you see, be sure to sign up. Monday, February 4
COMEDY: Eddie Izzard, Work in Progress
Tuesday, February 5
FILM: When Boy Meets Girl: The Cinema of Leos Carax: If you’re like us and fell deeply in love with Holy Motors, then this series devoted to French director Leos Carax should most definitely be on your radar. A critic-turned-filmmaker, Carax has been in business of cinema since 1984, but only has five features to his credit. Often found making l’amour fou romances, Carax was dubbed the “bad boy of French cinema” out of the gate. His first three films, referred to as the Alex trilogy, starred his cinematic alter ego Denis Lavant having delirious love affairs with beautiful leading ladies such as Juliette Binoche and Julie Delpy. In addition to revisiting his work, this retrospective, organized by the French Institute Alliance Française, includes a Q&A between Carax and Richard Brody, film critic for The New Yorker. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, February 6
FOOD: Tibetan New Year Momo-Making Party with Himalayan Pantry founder Tashi Chodron
Thursday, February 7
BOOKS: PUSSY RIOT! Book Launch: It’s been almost a year since the Russian feminist punk collective Pussy Riot staged their notorious “Punk Prayer” in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. Their performance, which asked the Virgin Mary to drive Russian president Putin from the church, lasted under a minute, but resulted in a highly publicized trial, an international outcry and the imprisonment of three members. Following the initial guilty verdict, the Feminist Press published an e-book consisting of letters from prison, courtroom statements, poems and tributes from the Pussy Riot’s celebrity followers. Now available in a print edition, the book is being fêted tonight with readings by notable contributors including Justin Vivian Bond, Karen Finley, Johanna Fateman and more. — Mindy Bond
Friday, February 8
FILM: A Pryor Engagement
Saturday, February 9
SHOPPING: Valentine’s Day Market Made in USA/NYC
ART: Prince Rama presents Dead or Alive
Sunday, February 10
FOOD: Cochon 555: This culinary competition celebrates the whole pig and nothing but the pig. Now in its fifth year, Cochon 555 is a touring ten-city pork down where five chefs compete using five breeds of heritage pigs. A cut above the standard supermarket fare, heritage breeds are generally fattier, better marbled, and tastier. Tonight’s hog whisperers are an all-female crew consisting of Alex “Iron Chef” Guarnaschelli, A Voce ‘s Missy Robbins, Back Forty West’s Shanna Pacifico, Citizen Cake’s Elizabeth Falkner and Leah Cohen of Top Chef Season 5 fame. On the adult beverage menu, you’ll find wine from five family-owned wineries, mezcal and five different bourbons. Other features include a butchery demonstration, a Craft Cheese Bar and pork-spiked desserts. So come out, indulge your inner piglet, and help the panel of judges crown the next “Prince — or Princess — of Porc.” — Mindy Bond
Ongoing
ART: Doug Aitken
THEATER: The House of von Macrame