Essex Street Market butcher Jeffrey Ruhalter tells The Daily News the recession has hit his customers hard. So along with a few other Market businesses he's providing 115 couples dinner for just $10. The meals will be served at the restaurants "Thor" and "Essex." It's first come, first serve to anyone with an unemployment check or documentation showing their home is in foreclosure.

Community Board 3 considers liquor licenses for more than two dozen bars and restaurants tonight. If you want to see the sparks fly, the meeting is being held at 200 East 5th Street (at Bowery), 630pm. See the agenda here.

The New York Times says Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will likely push for higher income taxes on the wealthy to help close New York state's huge budget shortfall.

It's "Laid off Mondays" at "The Delancey (bet. Clinton & Attorney)." A free tequila shot at midnight with proof of unemployment, 2 for 1 drinks all night.

It'll be mostly cloudy today with a high of 50, winds up to 11mph. Maybe some rain after 7pm.

More later.