Here starts the obvious love for The Band

I completely admit this was not my find but I am sharing at the risk of getting scorned by the actual excavator.  Run, don't walk, to Momofuku Noodle Bar - http://www.momofuku.com/noodle/default.asp - in the East Village between 10th and 11th on 1st avenue. You could go because it is more approachable than it's foodie haven sister Momofuku Ko, or for the great noodle soups and appetizers. I would REALLY go because of the mere two pieces of artwork in the restaurant. Walk in, look immediately to your right and gaze upon the wall-sized photo of The Band; just standing in a field in their early days. Simple and awesome. If you are lucky you will get a seat that faces that poster so you can give it enough face time. The added bonus is the second piece of artwork that you only get to see when you need to go to the bathroom. I will keep you in suspense but it involves a tennis star in his heyday, before I was born.