Matthew Wagman (matthew-wagman)

mwagman20 [ at ] stuy [ dot ] edu

Matthew Wagman ('22) is an Arts and Entertainment writer. Matthew started with album reviews and then began the "Cheap *ss Lunch" column, writing about affordable options available near Stuyvesant. During the pandemic he has been covering music, starting the new "Band Beat" column, showcasing lesser-known Alternative and Rock groups.

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap ss Lunch #13: Cheap ss… Breakfast?!

There are plenty of well-spiced, egg-centric choices near Stuy for the most important meal of the day, almost all at prices that won’t wipe out your wallet.

Issue 16, Volume 112

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #12: Buttery Buns and Sushi Sandwiches

Matthew Wagman, Zifei Zhao

A review of Takahachi Bakery.

Issue 14, Volume 112

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #11: The Best Thing You'll Eat (for $10) All Year

Dario Cecchini, “the world’s best butcher,” comes to Brookfield Place armed with a plethora of delicious Italian sandwiches and a variety of interesting sides.

Issue 11, Volume 112

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Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #10: Halal, in a Burger. Why Not?

Placing the full contents of a Gyro on a Burger bun with a side of fries is perhaps a stroke of genius.

Issue 9, Volume 112

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Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #9: Falling for Falafel (For a Price)

You may have forgotten what falafel even is, but after one stop at Nish Nush, your love for the dish will be renewed.

Issue 7, Volume 112

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Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #8: The Best Deal Near Stuy is… Chinese Food?!

It won't win any prizes for authenticity, but Taste Chinese Restaurant is a surprisingly strong contender for best lunch deal in the neighborhood.

Issue 5, Volume 112

Arts and Entertainment

Yes, You Can Still Get Cheap *ss Lunch Near Stuy

Cheap *ss Lunch is still out there if you're willing to find it—look no further than the generous portions and smoldering spices of the yellow halal cart.

Issue 3, Volume 112

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Arts and Entertainment

Kings of Leon: The Best Contemporary Rock Band?

Kings of Leon has come a long way from their Southern roots, but even after global smash hits, they're still the same thing they always were—an excellent rock & roll band.

Issue 13, Volume 111

Arts and Entertainment

Bands To Watch: Sir Sly—Third Time’s The Charm?

Sir Sly isn’t just another “alternative” band from California that promises ample self-awareness and synthesizers—it’s one that’s managed to turn up two great albums and has almost broken into the antechamber of the mainstream. However, their upcoming album doesn’t seem like it will live up to the standards they need to meet if they really want to make it in today’s Drake and TikTok world.

Issue 10, Volume 111

Arts and Entertainment

Band Beat: “Trouble's Coming” From Royal Blood

The best Non-Metal Metal Band is back with a slick and danceable tune keeping guitar-driven music relevant in a world where the game's much different.

Issue 7, Volume 111

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Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #6: The Best Pizza Place Near Stuyvesant (Yes, For Pizza)

Pizza, the New York staple, isn’t in high supply near Stuyvesant, and it’s a race to the bottom for high price and low quality among the only choices.

Issue 11, Volume 110

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #5: The Best Pizza Place Near Stuy (But Not For Pizza)

Beyond its large quantity of chairs and Manhattan-priced pizza, Cafe Amore actually has a few tasty and affordable options.

Issue 9, Volume 110

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Arts and Entertainment

Cheap A$$ Lunch #4: Dough Around Stuff. It’s Great.

Move aside, boring street meat—Indian Biryani House will trounce any of your silly gyros with amazing Kati Rolls at better prices.

Issue 6, Volume 110

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #3: Big Shack: Burgers’ Definitely Hot

The student discount somewhat lessens Shake Shack’s prices, making their amazing burgers accessible to all who want them.

Issue 4, Volume 110

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap Ass Lunch #2: Tasty Chicken and Variety at Cuisine K

Choosing a food cart is a no-brainer for most people—they know what they want...

Issue 3, Volume 110

Arts and Entertainment

Cheap *ss Lunch #1: Amish Market Deals on Deli Classics

Amish Market offers two cheaper, filling classics that bring variety to any day of the week.

Issue 2, Volume 110

Arts and Entertainment

The 1975 Figure Out the Internet

The 1975 are back with another massive concept album, merging multiple genres in to a gigantic hour-long, danceable thinkpiece on the virtual world.

Issue 8, Volume 109

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Matthew Wagman's art, photos, and other media:

Matthew Wagman's work