Songbook Series at Lincoln Center - "Sweet Girl"

In late September I went to see a very good friend of mine sing his song "Sweet Girl" at Lincoln Center's Bruno Walter Theatre.  Robert Manganaro can sing to me anytime he wants.  He's super talented, incredibly sweet and a close friend of mine.  Performing with him was Jon Barbieri (piano), AJ Tessorero (bass guitar) and Anthony Ramos Martinez (background vocals).  Such a great song!!  Hope you enjoy the video :-)

FOLLIES

Jill and I went to see FOLLIES back in September.  What an amazing show!!  It's the epitome of true Broadway!  I have to send a shout out to Jill for hooking us up with great seats.  We were literally rows from the stage.  I've been lucky enough to see Bernadette Peters perform a few years ago but our seats this time made it like our own private performance.  I've never seen an audience react like they did for FOLLIES.  Literally after every number the crowd was on it's feet.  There were at least 15 standing ovations for the various cast members which included: Jan Maxwell, Danny Burstein, Ron Raines, Terri White, Elaine Paige and Jayne Houdyshell. From the quality of the voices, the music, the costumes and the dancers...I loved every second of it!! It ends January 22nd so go see it soon!!  Discount tickets are available here!

To watch Jill's Word of Mouth Review, click on this link: http://www.broadway.com/shows/follies/reviews/

THE HURRICANE CLUB - Flatiron

My boss/friend took me to the Hurricane Club (360 Park Ave South) for helping her with her move.  What a great place!!  The food was amazing!  We shared the pupu platter for two which had Peking duck tea sandwiches, coconut shrimp, croque monsieur spring rolls, tuna tartare cones, Samoan deviled eggs and PB&J with prosciutto.  We ate everything!!  We shared the ribs for dinner and an order of asparagus (the best I've ever had).  The drink menu was a bit complicated but very original.  The patrons were mainly in suits with the woman dressed to impress.  I stand at 5'1 and I'd say most of the women were 5'10 and above...all models!!  This is a great spot for a group dinner or drinks with friends. 

Ray LaMontagne - The Artists Den

Great news my Ray LaMontagne fans!!  Live from The Artists Den sent me an email today saying that they've teamed up with HULU to show you some of their favorite performance from the past three seasons.  They have started off with my favorite so enjoy!!    http://artistsden.com/raylamontagne/

PHEBE'S TAVERN & GRILL - East Village

For good bar food & tunes to sing-a-long to, check out Phebe's Tavern & Grill (359 Bowery).  Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE bacon.  I gave their battered & deep fried bacon a chance and was not disappointed.  It was as artery clogging as I thought it would be but you only live once.  My friend has the blue cheese burges and two of us ordered the steak blt.  Overall, good food & good prices!! 

AMSTERDAM ALE HOUSE - Upper West Side

I am a BIG fan of the Amsterdam Ale House (76th Street & Amsterdam Ave).  Whenever we have shows at the Beacon Theatre, we usually go here for some pre-show cocktails.  The Crosby, Stills & Nash show bought us back here for the second time in two weeks.  I'd also have to say that AAH has one of my top 10 burgers in NYC.  They're delicious!!!  In the summer you can sit outside which is what a group of us girls did for happy hour & food two weeks ago.  I can't say that there were any deals but the prices were reasonable and they have a rather extensive beer menu.  P.S. Wilson Cruz from "My So-Called Life" walked right by me so I was a happy camper :-)

PS 450 - Midtown East

If you're looking for a great spot for brunch, you've got to check out PS 450 (450 Park Ave South). I've been here at least a dozen times and I keep going back.  This is one of those great restaurants that give you endless mimosas, bellini's & bloody mary's for a fantastic price.  The food is really good, they've got a variety of food on the menu and the restaurant itself is very nice and spacious.  Another great thing about PS 450 is it can accommodate large groups and sports fans with their many TVs.  Go have yourself a Sunday Funday!!  

RUBIROSA - Nolita

My friend and I went to Rubirosa (235 Mulberry Street) for dinner last night.  As you can see from the pictures above we had two individual brushetta appetizers (mushroom & tomato) and shared the vodka pizza plus their chicken parmigiana entree.  DELICIOUS!!!  From the sauce (some say gravy), to the breading on the chicken and the thinness of the pizza...everything was terrific.  The restaurant has a very rustic & romantic feel to it.  Lots of wood, small but not too tiny that it's uncomfortable and lots of charm.  I highly recommend visiting Rubirosa if you're in the neighborhood.

BRYANT PARK GRILL - Midtown West

Had a lovely lunch at Bryant Park Grill on Friday afternoon outside in the garden.  I wouldn't call this restaurant "budget friendly" but the food is worth the prices!!  I had the lobster roll, my friend had the lobster salad and her mother had the Cobb salad.  Two of us skipped dessert but my friend's mom had the Belgian chocolate cake with a scoop of dulce de leche.  We loved everything!!!  If you're looking to do some people watching and enjoy a tasty meal on no budget, go check out this restaurant!!

LUCY'S CANTINA - Midtown West

If you're looking for a great spot before a concert at MSG or while you're waiting for your train, try Lucy's Cantina (1 Penn Plaza at 8th Ave & 33rd Street).  They've got indoor & outdoor space which is perfect for the summer & early fall.  This was my second time there and I really enjoyed myself.  There's a nice business crowd, some tourists, happy hour (ends before 7) and the food & drinks are reasonably priced plus delicious.  They offer over 80 different types of tequila and the food is a mix of Baja California/TexMex.  Go check it out!!

Freddy Cole - JAZZ STANDARD

Sunday night (7/31) a group of us went to see Freddy Cole at the Jazz Standard.  My friend Bob takes guitar lessons from Randy Napoleon so he asked us to come check out Randy and Freddy.  Such a great night of music with such talented musicians!!  Just an FYI for my fellow music lovers, Freddy was Nat King Cole's brother.  He's a very accomplished musician in his own right and has proven he should not be in the shadow of his brother.  While growing up, he had such greats as Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton & Count Basie pass through his house...amazing!!  And, Randy toured with Michael Buble!!  

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 :-)

CO-OP - Lower East Side

Last week, myself and two co-workers went to CO-OP (107 Rivington Street) which is inside of The Hotel on Rivington and what an experience it was!!  We met one of the owners (Jason Apfelbaum) and he was nothing but gracious to us.  This spot serves modern American dishes as well as sushi (the chef is from Sushi of Gari which is the best sushi I've had in NYC).  The drink menu is insane!!  You can go for cocktails with friends after work or reserve a table for drinks in the evening.  The decor is amazing!!!  From the bathrooms, to the bar and the back dining room...just perfect!!  I highly recommend this venue for anyone looking to have their birthday party, a nice dinner or drinks.  They even have truffle oil popcorn on every table.  I've gone to several events at The Hotel on Rivington and would recommend their space for any type of event.  They've got a gorgeous rooftop penthouse with amazing views and a top notch staff.  Email me if you'd like more information and a contact.

This link says it all:   http://co-oprestaurant.com/

RUE 57 - Midtown West

We had a delicious dinner at Rue 57 (60 W 57th Street) the other evening.  This was my first time eating at the restaurant but I've had cocktails at the bar several times.  We sat in a nice corner which was practically outside but since it was such a lovely evening, it was perfect.  Our waiter was super nice and answered all 20 of our questions.  I had the beef bourguignon which was top notch!!!  My only complaint might've been the olives in my dirty martini.  They tasted funny but the vodka was on point :-)  Everyone enjoyed their meals which included a shrimp special, steak frites and the skirt steak.  I wouldn't consider this restaurant budget friendly but it's worth it if you feel like splurging.  Bon Appetit!

My New Favorite Singing Competition - The Voice

NBC has my new favorite singing competition, The Voice.  In my opinion, the talent on this show blows a majority of American Idol contestants out of the water.  The only disappointing part is that the viewers don't have too long to enjoy the talent.  There are few episodes for The Voice where Idol lasts months.  My top picks (Nakia & Frenchie Davis) were voted off but I still love most of the contestants that remain.  Check out some of the videos I've attached.

CONTEST - Gramercy Tavern Dinner for 2

 

 

Gramercy Tavern Giveaway - Courtesy of BloomSpot, enter to win a $400 dinner for two at Gramercy Tavern.  If you know anything about restaurants in NY, this is one you want to get into!!  Good luck!!!

Musicians On Call - YPC Summer Fundraiser

Come join the YPC at Dominion on July 7th for a summer fundraiser to support Musician's On Call.  Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.  I have been involved with this organization for almost two years and it's the best thing that has happened to me aside from moving to this great city.  This non-profit believes in the healing power of music.  Volunteer guides bring volunteer musicians to the bedsides of patients in treatment or unable to physically get out of bed.  We bring smiles to patients & residents but we also bring hope, comfort and inspiration through song.  

Please join us or if you have any questions, would like to volunteer or donate, please feel free to email me at angelic439@gmail.com.

BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO

My Broadway buddy and I went to see Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo with the incomparable Robin Williams (Tiger) and Tony nominee Arian Moayed (Musa).  I rather enjoyed the show especially the performances of the two leading men.  The show was funny but it also was a bit disturbing.  There was focus on redemption, tortured souls, greed and the war.  Closing on July 3rd, I'm super happy that we were able to get $15 tickets through Audience Rewards!!!

A Beginner's Guide to Endings - GenArt Film Festival

My friend Kat and I went to my second film in a festival last week...A Beginner's Guide to Endings.  This film was part of the Gen Arts Film Festival.  This film starred Harvey Keitel, Scott Caan, Jason Jones, Paulo Costanzo, J.K. Simmons and several other funny characters.  This was my first time at the Ziegfeld Theatre which is a legendary venue in NYC.  I must say, I just adore Scott Caan.  Every character he plays is witty, sarcastic and just such a wise ass.  I love him in Hawaii Five-O and he was great in Entourage, Ocean's Eleven, Gone in Sixty Seconds and Boiler Room!!!  We got to see Harvey Keitel that night and he even spoke to the audience.  He's known for such films as Reservoir Dogs, From Dusk Till Dawn and The Piano.  Go see it if you get a chance!!

The League Of Broadway Super Friends

My Broadway buddy (Jill) and I went to a performance by The League of Broadway Super Friends at Le Poisson Rouge last week.  This group performed the show in support of pancreatic cancer research.  The "League" consists of such Broadway talents as our love Gavin Creel (HAIR & Thoroughly Modern Millie), Sherie Rene Scott (Everyday Rapture), Lindsay Mendez (Everyday Rapture & the Songbook Series), Kelli O'Hara (South Pacific) and her husband Greg Naughton. Such a fun show!!  They performed songs by such artists as James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Led Zeppelin. Great night, front row seats, a worthy cause and even a subway ride next to one of the talents.  Please read my friend's blog for this story: http://www.jillness.com/2011/06/lights-are-bright-on-broadway.html.

JERUSALEM

I went into the play Jerusalem knowing nothing behind the story nor the characters.  I came out of the play really liking it!!  While it's not in my top 5, Mark Rylance is most certainly in my top 3.  The subject matter is very different from my favorite play Next To Normal, both shows are tragic and depict suffering men.  If Joe Montello wasn't going to win the Tony Award, Mark Rylance was my next choice and he did win.  What a stellar performance playing the character Johnny "Rooster" Byron.  I mean, he killed it!!  My other favorites were supporting cast members Mackenzie Crook (Ginger), John Gallagher Jr. (Lee) and Allan David (The Professor).  Having seen John Gallagher Jr. in Spring Awakening, American Idiot and even three episodes of Law & Order, I must say he picks really good roles.  This is a limited engagement show, so hurry and go see it!!

STANDARD BIERGARTEN - Meatpacking District

Visited the Standard Biergarten (848 Washington Street bw Little W 12th & 13th) for the first time for a friend's birthday and I'm sure this will not be my last time.  For the Meatpacking District, this place was laid back, not super stuffy and situated away from "the scene".  Although they only offer 3 beers on tap, there's a full service bar in the middle of the space.  High ceilings and an open floor plan make you feel less like you're in a stuffy bar.  Get there early if you want a seat at one of the many picnic tables or get your hands on one of the paddles to play a little ping pong.  My favorite part of this place were the bathrooms.  They're clean & air conditioned.  The Biergarten offers food as well.  Expect to pay $8 for your drink ticket which will also get you an $8 pretzel, various types of German sausage (bratwurst & such) as well as dipping sauces.  The crowd had some older businessmen, a few stick figure models, some rocker dudes but mainly your average single New Yorker in their late 20's to mid 30's.  Go check it out!!

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND - BREWERS' PICNYC

 



Saturday a group of us went to Governor's Island for Brewers' PicNyc.  The ride to Governor's Island was free and it literally took 5 minutes to get there.  For a $15 entrance fee and tons of food & beer, who can complain?  The long beer lines were annoying but that was expected.  By far my favorite food truck was Gorilla Cheese followed by the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck.  Both were amazing but I'm a cheese head!!  The grilled cheese was probably the best I've ever had.  I ordered the Gruyere with caramelized onions & bacon on French bread.  The menu offered all different kinds of cheeses, breads, additions, sides and dipping sauces.  From Rickshaw Dumpling, I got the pork & Chinese chive dumplings which were delicious.  We all loved our food from both trucks!!!  Plus, the girls working both window were dolls.  Friendly service always makes for a better experience.  I can't wait to find these trucks in NYC again!!! 

SISTER ACT

Jill and I went to see Sister Act on Broadway last week.  What a fun show!!  From the cast, the set design, the music and of course the story itself...the show had my attention from start to finish.  The lead Patina Miller is gorgeous, funny and super talented.  What a fabulous voice!!  The ensemble was terrific!!  I loved Victoria Clark, Fred Applegate, Sarah Bolt, Chester Gregory, Kingsley Leggs and the rest of the cast.  I used point from my Audience Rewards account to score us $29 orchestra seats.  If you're interested in checking out this great show, here's a link for cheap tickets (35% off).  Up for 5 Tony Nominations....my bet is on Patina Miller!

The Normal Heart

A group of us went to see The Normal Heart last Sunday night.  Best show of 2011!!!  The story deals with the AIDS epidemic in NYC at a time when the mayor turned his back, politicians swept the epidemic under the rug and a group of gay men fought to have their voices be heard.  There wasn't a dry eye in the theatre by the end of the performance.  The show was truly amazing!!!  It is well deserving of every single Tony Nomination and I expect them to win a few.  The cast was top notch.  The lead, Joe Mantello (Ned Weeks), blew me away as I have never seen him perform live before.  Ellen Barkin (Dr. Emma Brookner), John Benjamin Hickey (Felix Turner), Patrick Breen (Mickey Marcus), Jim Parsons (Tommy Boatright) and so many more made up a fantastic ensemble cast.  I highly recommend this show!!  It has officially made it into my top 5 of all-time!  Click here for discount tickets and read this NY Times review.

Watch the testimonials from celebrities such as Elton John, Judith Light, Cheyenne Jackson, David Hyde Pierce and Michael Urie (click on the various video clips): http://bit.ly/lu4PO7

The House of Blue Leaves

A group of us went to see the revival of The House of Blue Leaves with leading cast members Ben Stiller, Edie Falco and Jennifer Jason Leigh.  Edie did an amazing job as Bananas.  Ben Stiller played Artie and Jennifer played his girlfriend Bunny.  Ben Stiller was in the 1986 revival at Lincoln Center and played Ronnie.  I recommend this play as it was crazy funny, witty, dramatic and tragic all in one.  Click here for a 40% discount off this show.

WONDERLAND CLOSES

Unfortunately, Wonderland closed on May 15th.  Audience Rewards was on top of refunding their customers and my points & money were back in my accounts in no time. On the bright side, we still have The Normal Heart and Sister Act to look forward to this month.  Stayed tuned for my reviews.