New York Feasting

bACK TO BASICS

What: Enamel and steel two layer lunch box, Urban Outfitters, 628 Broadway, Soho, $28.

Why: Remember the steel, multi-tiered dabba your mum packed your lunch in? This pop-colored (it comes in blue and green or pink and orange) version carries all that nostalgia, along with a huge dollop of style.

When: You want to be the coolest kid in class.

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What: Kulfi Pistachio Cardamom by the Adirondack Creamery, LifeThyme Natural Market, 410 Sixth Avenue, $5.35 for a pint.

Why: Because even after surviving the long, hard winter, this is one cold you want to catch. Despite its firangi appearance, Kulfi Pistachio Cardamom is the real thing – creamy, sweet, and just like home.

When: You’re looking for cheap chills.

pHEROMONES

What: Francine Sagan’s Aphrodisiacs Tasting: History, Myth and Fact, 92 Y, 92^nd Street and Lexington Avenue, click here to buy tickets, $40.

Why: Along with usual suspects —chocolate, oysters, and truffles — you get to sample racy recipes involving legendary aphrodisiacs including ginseng and Spanish fly, the libidinous effects of which cannot be explained on this R Rated blog. Need we say more?

When: A new dish is the order of the day (or night). The event isn’t until May 13, at 7 pm, but seats are extremely coveted, so sign up soon!

bROKE

What: Hane Sushi, 346 First Avenue at 20^th Street, call (212)598.9889, $4 for two beers, or $7 for two glasses of sake.

Why: Because the two-for-one drinks special makes this the perfect place to ride out the recession. Get the Asahi Super Dry beer and Chikurin Sake, along with side of edamame and fried dumplings, and you’ll still have enough left over to pay the rent (almost). The sushi’s not bad either.

When: It’s pouring buckets, and you haven’t saved up for a rainy day.

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What: Baked By Melissa miniature cupcakes, 529 Broadway (Spring Street, b/t Mercer and Broadway), call (212)842.0220, $10 for a dozen.

Why: Who could have thought that such a big taste could come from something so tiny? Owner Melissa Bushell combines moist cake, flavorful centers and pretty toppings to create her super scrumptious cupcakes.

When: Right now, when you need to remember that the best things – apartments, salaries, and especially cupcakes – come in small packages.

This weekend in Mumbai: A Movable Feast, Mangii Cafe, Nutrition Workshop, Fresh Paneer and Monkey's Pick Green Tea.