Fifteenth International Congress
of the New Chaucer Society
July 27-31, 2006, in New York City

WORLD YACHT CRUISE

The NCS congress banquet is a cruise around the tip of Manhattan on the World Yacht Princess. The entire yacht is ours on Sunday evening, July 30. For the cruise route and information on the Princess, see the World Yacht website. Three-star chef Marcus Samuelsson will cater a buffet dinner with several entree and dessert choices; wine, beer, and soda drinks are also included in the cost of the cruise. Houston Person, the “working class hero” of jazz, will play classic swing tunes with his band. Winner of the Eubie Blake Jazz Award and many other honors, Houston Person has recorded and produced over 75 albums; For an interview with Houston Person, see this website. Co-founder of the New York Swing Dance Society, Harvest Moon Ball champion, and member of the Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Margaret Batiuchok will give instruction in American swing styles including line dances. For those who prefer watching the skyline, the Princess has both enclosed and open upper decks.  Please note: because of catering deadlines, no tickets can be purchased after July 26.

COFFEE BREAKS

Coffee, tea and pastries will be available at mid-morning break on Friday through Monday.  Coffee, tea, and cookies will be available at a mid-afternoon break on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.  

LUNCH

A list of restaurants in the area of Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus will be provided in the Registration folder, and can also be found online here.  On campus, the Lowenstein Café on the Plaza Level serves food cafeteria style, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday and Monday; it is closed Friday through Sunday..  On Monday, participants are urged to register for the buffet lunch ($10) that accompanies the Closing Plenary Session; note that registration for this buffet lunch closes on Wednesday, July 26. 

RECEPTIONS

All registrants are invited to attend the Conference Receptions on Thursday, July 27 (5:30-6:30 p.m.), Friday, July 28 (6:00 – 7:00 p.m.) and Sunday, July 30 (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.) in the Plaza Atrium.  Spouses/partners/family/friends who will be accompanying registrants to the receptions need to register as an Accompanying Person to receive an I.D. badge that allows them admission to campus and to the Receptions. 

GRADUATE STUDENT RECEPTION

The Columbia University Medieval Guild welcomes local and visiting grad students to an informal wine-and-cheese reception in 301 Philosophy Hall, Columbia University Campus, from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday, July 28.  To reach Columbia, take the #1 subway train (the Broadway Local) from Columbus Circle to 116th Street. The campus gates are on the east side of Broadway. A campus map is posted just inside the gates. Philosophy Hall is a short walk from the gates: go up the steps past Alma Mater, then turn right to Rodin's Thinker, who is seated in front of Philosophy Hall. Since drinks will be served, we must ask you to bring along identification in order to satisfy university regulations on building use. 

RESTAURANTS IN NEW YORK CITY

New York City is blessed with a huge variety of excellent restaurants and bars in all price ranges.  The Zagat guide (which can be purchased at any bookstore and most newsstands) offers a complete list of Manhattan restaurants, with ratings based on customer reports. Please note that the Zagat website requires registration. For further information on restaurants (searchable by ethnicity, location, and price range) try the following sites:
Menupages
New York Metro Restaurant Guide
New York Cafes
New York Magazine

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