ARDESIA - Hell's Kitchen

Another fabulous night at Ardesia!!!  Despite the slow AC on this super hot Friday, we still had a great time.  As you can see from previous posts, I'm a huge fan of this wine bar.  We had our usual food (the burrata and the slate of crostinis) and  found out that they have a new chicken liver mousse served with Amy's bread (1st picture above). Previously it was one of the spreads on the slate of crostinis but that has been changed to a tomato puree which was delicious.  We met Mandy (one of the owners) who was super nice and of course Tyler was our fabulous waiter.  He's the best and one of the reasons we keep coming back.  Thank God Ardesia is not in my neighborhood!!  I'd spend my life savings!! 

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY

I'm not really sure that a picture or video of Sir Paul McCartney could do any justice.  "Something" told me this was going to be the best concert ever!!  By far this was the best "one man show" that I've EVER been to and I've been to over a hundred concerts.  As for multiple artists, I'd have to say The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame gets my vote and in close second Live Earth.  My heart belongs to old school music so naturally I had to go with a show featuring artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, Crosby Stills & Nash, Smokey Robinson and so on.  Back to Paul, AMAZING!!!  Jill and I loved every second of it.  From "Blackbird", "Something", "Jet", "Eleanor Rigby", "Band On The Run", "Get Back", "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be"...the night just got better and better.  Paul was energetic, funny and so respectful of his Beatles.  "Maybe I'm Amazed" at the fact that he's still performing like it was "Yesterday"???  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm Beatles obsessed.  If I could decorate my apartment in all Beatles merchandise I would but I'd be single forever.  If I didn't have plans Saturday night, I would've gone to show number two which had Billy Joel as a guest.  If he comes back to town, you bet I'll be there.  By the way, I scored our tickets off of Craigslist.  I was able to find ground seats in comfortable chairs for less than $140 which was way less than the guy bought them for.  You must be savvy when buying from a stranger.  These weren't what you'd call cheap tickets but they were worth every single penny!!!

Keith Urban

I never would've thought I'd become a country fan but as I get older, my taste in music is slightly changing.  With artists like Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, The Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Blake Shelton, and Lady Antebellum...I'm having a hard time staying away.  Jill and I went to see Keith Urban at Prudential Center.  What a show!!!  He's got a great voice and I just love his songs (the 8 that I knew).  I made sure to listen to plenty of his music leading up to the show so that I wasn't just sitting there.  He's got some crazy fans!!  If they could've undressed him, they would've.  I love concerts that have die hard fans that dress the part and sing along the entire time.  Check out two of my favorites "Put You In A Song" and "Somebody Like You".  

CHARITY - Susan G. Komen YPC

My friend Jill is part of the Young Professionals Committee of the Susan G. Komen Foundation of NY.  So far, all of their fundraisers have been fantastic!!  They really know how to put on a good event and everyone is so dedicated to this cause.  On this rainy evening at Rockefeller Center, the crowd hugged tight under umbrellas and kept the party going once the rain subsided.  There was a silent auction, fabulous food and lots of spirits for all.  I'd recommend getting involved or checking out one of their events!!!  If you'd like information, feel free to email me and I'll put you in touch with Jill. 

Broadway's HAIR - DISCOUNT OFFER

Gilt City New York is offering a great deal for HAIR.  Having seen it last night for the fourth time, I can't recommend this show anymore than I already do.  Just go see it!!!  This offer is good for a single ticket or a ticket & talkback session.  I'm a HUGE Will Swenson & Gavin Creel fan and I don't believe two people were more suited for the roles of Berger & Claude, however last night's performance by Steel Burkhardt & Paris Remillard was very good.  In addition to seeing the show Tuesday night, Jill and I went to see the cast perform at Rockwood Music Hall to benefit Broadway Impact and celebrate the victory for marriage equality.  This was our second HAIR Be-In and I'm sure not our last :-) 

If you'd like to see a performance from a while back click here: Let the Sunshine In!!!

The Mother****** With The Hat

A group of us went to see The Mother****** With The Hat before it closed.  Bobby Cannavale was excellent in his role as Jackie who was recently paroled from prison.  Veronica, played by Elizabeth Rodriguez rightfully earned her Tony nomination as the fierce childhood sweetheart of Jackie.  The two of them lit that stage on fire.  Chris Rock was funny in parts but overall did a good job portraying Jackie's sponsor Ralph.  Annabella Sciorra wrapped up this ensemble cast as Ralph's wife.  I am so happy to have seen such great productions this year!! 

Alexander McQueen - SAVAGE BEAUTY

If you have a couple extra hours while you're in NYC, go see the Alexander McQueen Exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art!!!  Every bit of it is spectacular!!  You don't have to be into clothing or design to appreciate this man's gift.  While the exhibit may be a bit crowded, I recommend going during the workday or super early in the morning.  The museum suggests that you make a donation so this is as cheap an adventure as they come.  We paid a total of $5 for our entry but $8 for a beverage in their cafe.  The entire museum is a delight but if you're on a time crunch go straight to his exhibit.  It's only open till August 7th so you better hurry.  Happy viewing!!

GHETTO KLOWN

Me, Jill, Laura & Donny went to see Ghetto Klown on a Tuesday night.  I knew John Leguizamo would be funny but I didn't know he'd be "wet your pants" funny.  We had a blast!!!  John gives you an inside look into his personal life as well as his professional career in Hollywood.  John is the four R's....raunchy, real, raw and a riot.  The show ended its run in New York but it will be performed from September 30th thru October 16th in LA.  Please go see it!!!  Check out this link if you want more information.  I'll tell you this much, I'll never look at a subway map the same way :-)