American Traveler

P1010497, a photo by wjsvt on Flickr.

Our lovely upgrade came with a working fireplace…logs provided. Very romantic!

P1010467, a photo by wjsvt on Flickr.

How do you get to Radio City Music Hall?

Well you can practice, practice, practice. Or you can hop the Metro North to the Botanical Garden station in the Bronx for the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. There you will find more than 100 replicas of iconic New York buildings and landmarks—the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall—all made entirely from plants parts such as twigs, leaves, seeds, bark, and leaves. While vintage model trains run through the displays in the magnificent Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

i’ve been there before and count it as one of the must-see New York holiday attractions. This was the first time for Lauren and she could not get over it. “I feel like a kid!” she kept gushing. We say a lot of people there on the Thursday afternoon we attended, but didn’t see one without a smile.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. you can purchase them online here.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2686014266627&set=at.1194481059229.30472.1144522665.1318136198&type=1&ref=nf

P1010485, a photo by wjsvt on Flickr.

The latest addition to the exhibit. Yes, it’s the TWA Building at JFK.

Complete with a Boeing 747

P1010477, a photo by wjsvt on Flickr.

it’s the Guggenheim at the NYBG. Made from logs, mushrooms, sticks and twigs.

It’s a True New York Extravaganza

If you’re tired of the mannered, understated, ironic performances that are so prevalent on the stage theses days, Teatro Circulo has something  different to offer. This East Village Latino theater presents an energetic and raw performance of one of Frederico Garcia Lorca’s greatest plays. La Casa de Bernarda Alba is Shakespearian in its tragic scope. It’s kind of a female, Spanish King Lear. It is presented in Spanish with English super titles. Yes, the play is great, but the actor’s in this performance are remarkable: energetic, honest, and heart-felt. The Puerto Rican diva Lydia Echevarria is remarkable as Bernarda. And Maria Eugenia Mercado is a good match for her as Poncia. Every member of this all female ensemble cast deserves applause, including Isabel Arraiza as the long-suffering Adela.

Watch LaCasa Trailer

The setup seems dangerously close to cliche: four young writers in a seminar with a crusty, burnt-out writing teacher. But with the first words out of the mouth of Douglas – wonderfully played by Jerry O’Connell-make it clear that there’s nothing ordinary about this script. From word one it’s biting, satiric, and laff-out-loud funny. Yes, it’s true that by the end, Leonard – played perfectly by Alan Rickman – does let down his guard to show his soft side. but that makes it all the more satisfying. Hamish Linklater is perfect as the word-nerdish, idealisitc, superior writer Martin; Hettienne Park couldn’t be sexier as the scheming, seductive Izzie, and Lily Rabe in endearing a Kate, who, though insecure and needy, triumphs in the end.

  Hettienne Park talks about Seminar

Seminar was written by Theresa Rebeck; directed by Sam Gold.

A Traditional Montauk Feast

It was the first time in many years that i hadn’t cooked for Thanksgiving–either with my daughters, or for my mother, or with friends. But since i was going out with my wife, Lauren,  i don’t think we could have made a better choice for where to dine. We joined hundred of others in the restaurant at Gurney’s, a sprawling ocean side resort in Montauk. The service was outstanding, all of the diners seemed to be smiling, and we engaged in friendly conversation with several near us. It felt like being with family. I went for the traditional dinner of the day: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. the turkey was moist and flavorful, the stuffing was light and juicy. The Riesling was perfect. Lauren dug into a huge broiled lobster with gusto and pronounced it he freshest ever. We finished off with a selection of mini pies, chocolate cake and other pastries.

The Dessert Table at Gurney's in Montauk