Ny Scene

It's a pretty safe bet that most travel guides to New York won't direct you to Condomania--which sells condoms in various colors and flavors--but then NY Scene isn't exactly like other video travel guides. Hosted by Julie Karlin and NYC cabbie Clinton Herrington, NY Scene takes the roads less traveled to point out the best places to get cheap eats, the best clubs to hang at, and the best bargain basement shopping stores--such as Screaming Mimi's. Using MTV-style slick camerawork, the program is divided into five segments: day activities, day eating, night eating, night activities, and "tips around the town." While the standard tourist attractions are mentioned (along with address and phone information), the lion's share of stops are in the Village, Soho, and the Lower East Side, where viewers will get the inside story on everything from the best bagel shop to where the really choice flea markets are located. Recommended. (R. Pitman)