Janice Guy photograph

TONY RECOMMENDS

Museum Openings at Chelsea’s slew of galleries are always free, and occasionally provide complimentary booze in addition to the cultural boost. On Friday 22, White Columns (320 W 13th St, entrance on Horatio St between Eighth Ave and Hudson St; 212-924-4212. 6–8pm) opens four separate shows, including vintage photographs by Janice Guy and a guest-curated exhibition by local light Bob Nickas. The Grolsch beer on offer (doled out in return for donations—he could drop a dollar in the pot) will surely help anyone hold their own in any aesthetic discussion that the art might inspire.

Dinner Carlos can fuel up for the rest of the night at the counter of bright and homey Cuban luncheonette Casa Havana (190 Eighth Ave between 19th and 20th Sts, 212-243-9421), where the Cubano sandwich is just $5.75 and loaded with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo and mustard. Add chorizo for just 75¢ more.

Show After dinner, Carlos, who loves live jazz, can easily hop the A train (what else?) to catch a show at The Bar Next Door (downstairs at La Lanterna di Vittorio, 131 MacDougal St between 3rd and 4th Sts; 212-529-5945, lalanternacaffe.com. $8 cover per set). Jazz-guitar heavy hitter Paul Bollenback plays two sets on Friday 22 at 8 and 11:30pm; Carlos could hear some tunes, kick back with a Corona, tip the barkeep a dollar and still come home under budget.

TOTAL SPENT: $23

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