Just as the Center for an Urban Future released its report on how NYC street fairs could benefit from a makeover, Mayor Bloomberg said, yes, the fairs aren't really adding anything—"It's all the same stuff"—and wants to limit them further, since it costs the city a lot in police overtime. In spite of street fairs being at a six-year low of 321 in 2009, Bloomberg still wants that number to go down, "I think the answer is to limit them and have them only in certain places." more ›

Well, fall is now officially in full swing—Shacktoberfest is on.The two week Oktoberfest celebration at the Shake Shack brings a taste of the old country to Madison Square Park. Feast on Usinger’s Sheboygan-Style Beer-Soaked Bratwurst, Andouille, or Polish Sausage for ($6 each), topped with Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Shackmeister-braised Red Cabbage, or Celery Root Slaw. Then pad your belly further with Oktoberfest-influenced Concretes in rotating flavors like Cran-Apple Strudel and German Chocolate Cake, and wash that down with Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale, Bluepoint Oktoberfest, and Stoudts Oktoberfest. The Kraut-inspired festivities start today and last until October 17th, and you can justify all the Autumnal indulgence with the knowledge that a portion of the sales benefits the Madison Square Park Conservancy. more ›