LYSISTRA JONES

In early December, Jill and I went to see Lysistrata Jones.  It has since closed but I still felt the need to write a little blurb.  If you liked High School Musical or any of those types of movies, this was the show for you. I laughed, I smiled and I tapped my foot to some of the songs.  I was happy to see ex One Life to Live alum Jason Tam playing the role of Xander.  Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Robin) was freakin hysterical as was Alex Wyse (Cinesias).  We recognized Ato Blankson-Wood (Tyllis) from Hair so that made us happy.  Overall, this show won't be in my top 30 but I have no regrets seeing it.

Pierre Loti - Midtown East

Pierre Loti (300 E. 52nd Street) is a nice little wine bar that my friend and I discovered one night while walking down 2nd Avenue.  I have been back several times and it keeps getting better.  Each time I go, I like to try something new whether that be a wine or a food.  The staff is super accommodating and will let you try any wine that you like.  This is a great spot for a romantic date or after work drinks with a small group of friends.  It's slightly on the small side so make sure you get there early.

MY SINATRA

Me, Jill & Bob went to see My Sinatra after scoring a fabulous deal on Living Social.  Our tickets were about $30 which is half off the original price.  Cary Hoffman did a fantastic job singing the songs (at least 15) of his idol while telling his own personal story of growing up in NY and idolizing the famous crooner.  The production was underneath a comedy club in a very dark room but I likened it to a jazz club where some of the best talents are hidden...Cary is one of them.  His voice, his humor and his love for Sinatra makes this show a must-see for Sinatra fans.  I believe this production has moved to Sofia's Downstairs Theatre so go check it out.

Chicago at B.B. King - Midtown West

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill (237 W 42nd Street) hosted Musicians on Call's last fundraiser featuring the band Chicago.  What a great night!!!  From ticket sales, an auction for Bruce Springsteen's signed guitar and silent auctions...we raised tons of money for this fantastic charity.

To check out this event, please click on this link: http://www.musiciansoncall.org/site/PageNavigator/Events/Events_Homepage

The Ainsworth - Chelsea

The Ainsworth (122 W 26th Street) in Chelsea was nice enough to let the YPC of Musicians on Call host a happy hour at their restaurant/bar.  Friendly service, a great menu and tons of drinks were just a few highlights of this spot. Looking forward to going back!!

Forty Four Cocktail Lounge - Midtown West

On a Friday night, a large group of us went to Forty Four Cocktail Lounge (44 West 44th Street) inside the Royalton Hotel.  For a hotel lounge, the prices were super reasonable.  The hotel itself was very nice inside, there was a beautiful fireplace, great lighting, lots of fresh flowers and even the couches were nice.  My only complaint was that our waitress was super unfriendly.  I can't wait to go back!!

STIR - Upper East Side


The people at STIR NYC (1363 1st Avenue) were nice enough to let me use my expired Groupon on a Thursday night.  My friend and I took the bus up to this UES lounge and had a really good time.  The music was pumping, the food was really good and the drinks hit the spot.  We shared a large plate of guacamole & hummus and were very pleased.  There were plenty of wines to choose from so we were happy and will be back for sure!!

VENUS IN FUR

Jill and I went to see Venus in Fur starring Hugh Dancy and Nina Arianda.  This play was hot & steamy, sexy, a tease but most of all really really good.  I think the entire room was on the edge of their seats waiting to see what Vanda (Nina's character) was going to do next.  From screaming to slapping to undressing we never knew what her next move was going to be.  I highly recommend this show!!

From Playbill.com - Here's how producers characterize Venus in Fur: "Vanda (Arianda) is a preternaturally talented young actress determined to land the lead in Thomas' (Dancy) new play based on the classic erotic novel, 'Venus in Fur.' Her emotionally-charged audition for the gifted but demanding playwright/director becomes an electrifying game of cat and mouse, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, seduction and power, love and sex."

Uva Wine Bar - Upper East Side

Uva Wine Bar (1486 2nd Ave bw 77th & 78th) has been our restaurant of choice for several girls' nights.  The food is delicious, the restaurant is rustic & romantic and the menu has plenty of options.  In fact, they even offer "Meatball Mondays" which is a big hit with our group.  There is a $32 pre-fixe meatball special which includes an appetizer, an entree, dessert & a glass of house wine.  For some, that may be a lot of meatballs but with a group, it's good for sharing.  I can't wait to go back again!!

To the left is the Gnocchi Di Ricotta.

To the right is the Penna Gratinate.

Marche du Sud - Upper East Side

Marche du Sud is one of my favorite neighborhood gems.  The food is tasty and the ambiance is great!  They offer an outdoor heated patio as well as happy hour cocktails from 4-6PM.  Not only do they serve dinner, but there's a great market & bakery that's open all day serving fresh crossiants, muffins, tarts, meats & cheeses and baskets. Without a doubt, Marche du Sud has the best thin crust French pizza in town.  It's a must have!!  Bon Appetit!!

Lindsey Buckingham - Town Hall

Lindsey Buckingham from my favorite band Fleetwood Mac was at Town Hall in NY on September 27th.  What an unreal show!!  From Fleetwood Mac songs to his own hits, Jill and I loved this show.  He jammed through at least 15 songs and played his heart out.  His guitar playing was top notch!!  Enjoy the attached video titled "Big Love".

Feast of San Gennaro

Through the streets of Little Italy lies the Feast of San Gennaro.  The last time I had attended this festival, I was in my teens.  It's packed with families, teenagers and people who can deal with crowds.  I'm not one of those people so my friend and I opted to get cocktails from two different restaurants which allowed us to get off the streets.  We had some pricy glasses of wine at Umberto's Clam House (132 Mulbery St) then ended the night at ChaCha's (113 Mulberry St).  ChaCha's is where we'd go after high school dances and prom because they never carded us.  All these years, the place still looks the same.  We ate our way through the festival and went home.  Let's just say, I don't need to go back for a few years.