Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Shakespeare in the Park Update!



Last Tuesday, I was lucky enough to win tickets from the virtual line to see the Twelfth Night at Shakespeare in the Park. I was soo happy I got to see the production. I highly recommend bookmarking the virtual line sign-in and checking in first thing everyday. That's been my strategy the past two summers and it got me into Hamlet and now, Twelfth Night. I loved the costumes, the set, the music, the acting....it really was a splendid evening. Plus it didn't rain! Anne Hathaway was great as Viola/Cesario. I thought she nailed her performance. Hamish Linklater as Andrew was a cartoon come to life, and I mean that in the best way possible! His delivery, gestures, posture - it all seemed so effortless! For me, a measure of whether I'm enjoying sometime like a show/movie/concert is how frequently I check my watch. I was so absorbed in enjoying the performance that time flew by (show started around 8:15pm, ended by 11:20pm, with maybe a 20 minute intermission). Also, I think I smiled the whole way home. Big thanks to the Public for creating such an fantastic show and offering tickets to New Yorkers for FREE! Is this city great or what?

You only have until July 12 to see this amazing show, so either go stand in line, or click here to sign up for the virtual line:
http://www.publictheater.org/content/view/126/219/

Here's what the NYT thought of the production, published last week:
I Love You, You're Perfect. You're A Girl?

FYI: There is absolutely no photography/use of cell phones/mobile devices. The ushers are very serious about this, so don't plan on taking pictures of the actors!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

NY Restaurant Week

Ok folks, mark your calendars because in less than a month it will be NY Restaurant Week!
Here's an NYT article with more information.

Here's a cute little clip featuring many of the chefs participating in Restaurant Week discussing their favorite meal:


arghhh.....anyone else hungry now?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Shakespeare in the Park

One of the great traditions of summers in New York is attending Shakespeare in the Park. The productions take place at Delacourt Theater in Central Park. The shows are organized by the Public Theater, and they usually manage to land some major talent. This summer's productions include Twelfth Night and The Bacchae. Anne Hathaway is taking a stab at Viola in Twelfth Night. I saw Hamlet last summer and I really enjoyed the experience. Watching great actors perform Shakespeare outdoors in a lush, green surrounding? Sounds good to me, especially since it's closer to my apartment than the Theater District. Tickets are FREE and you can find out more here.

Here's a little clip highlighting some things to do in Central Park:



Get inspired and get outside this summer! There are tons of free events happening this summer in New York. Don't get left out!

Monday, June 1, 2009

One-Upping Your Brunch


With the fluctuating temperatures that May presented us with, New Yorkers are collectively anticipating the summer sunshine and sweater-less freedom that June brings us. On weekends, higher temperatures bring the masses to the streets, primarily to restaurant patios where brunch becomes the event to plan all else around.

With a plethora of mimosa and bloody mary-infused brunch spots throughout the city, choosing where this weekend's festivities will ensue can be monotonous. Apart from the oh-so-cheap all you can drink brunches, some restaurants have recognized the need for diversity and have introduced unique ways to set their brunchtime spot apart from the rest. From variations on old cocktail classics to surroundings that make it hard to concentrate on the food, here are a couple of New York favorites that may just end up in this weekend's plans:

1. Boozy Bluegrass Brunch: With exceptional comfort food and your trusty bloody mary, this brunch at Nolita House is complete as your meal is accompanied by a four-person bluegrass band nestled in the corner of this small, often-packed spot. It kind of feels like a continuation of the previous night or as if you're in a house party with 50 of your closest friends.

2. Afternoon Tea...For Adults: Tea parties with your grandmother or like you had when you were a kid with your stuff animals don't compare to this...the rules have now changed. Double Crown introduces their Afternoon Tea--a few dozen oysters, finger sandwiches and your tea, over ice with cucumber, mint, and gin. Yes, gin.

3. The Manmosa: If you just so happen to venture outside of Manhattan for brunch (I know, it's a tough sell to leave the island), Gaslight Bar & Restaurant in Hoboken, NJ offers the "macho" version of the mimosa. A pint glass filled mixture of Blue Moon, orange juice and a shot of mandarin vodka. Men, raise your glasses.

4. Brunch...at Church: As long as you don't feel bad about imbibing at church, the Inside Park Terrace at St. Bart's Church is a pleasant escape in the middle of the city. With an outdoor terrace with umbrella-covered seating, this little gem feels like you're on vacation and is only open a few months of the year.

5. Passion Fruit Mimosa: Hell's Kitchen's own South African retreat, Braai lets the orange juice take a break and opts instead for passion fruit, champagne and orange puree. It may be hard to switch back to the standard once you've tried this one.

6. Strawberry Fields Forever: If you don't mind shelling out around forty bucks for a brunch buffet, the Beatles Brunch at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill features Strawberry Fields, a Beatles tribute band that look and sound just like the originals. Every Saturday you can get your fill of not only eggs, bacon and fried chicken, but also all of your favorite Beatles classics.