American Traveler

Lexington Avenue in the ’20s and ’30s is know as ‘Curry Hill’ for the plethora of Indian restaurants there. So i was surprised to find the new American-style bistro The Three Hens nesting right smack in the middle of the ‘hood at 115 Lexington Ave.

The small room sports a casual bistro decor. We were seated promptly and welcomed by Bob, our server, who doubled as bartender. Service was friendly and prompt. Lauren started with the warm lentil salad, which she thoroughly enjoyed. I had one of their specialties—the french onion soup. It was very tasty, though i thought it could have used a bit more cheese. We don’t eat a lot of red meat, but Lauren had a hankering, so she ordered the steak frites.The steak au poirve came out cooked perfectly, tender and juicy. She’s normally not a big fries fan wither, but she loved the ones accompanying the steak.For my entree, I went a bit lighter, choosing the skillet-roasted chicken with potatoes, leeks, and mushrooms. It turned out just as i had hoped—moist and flavorful.

The Three Hens is a delightful, inexpensive alternative to other restaurants in the area.

P1010493, a photo by wjsvt on Flickr.

Very nice bed and breakfast

We spent a couple of nights, post Christmas, in Newport, where we stayed at the Clarkeston Inn on Clarke Street. originally, we were booked at the Melville, just down the street, but were upgraded to a room in the Clarkeston. They are both, along with several others on Clarke St., part of the Inns of Newport. Most are on the register of Historic Places. Clapboard, cape cod style buildings. Even though it was an upgrade, our room was a bit small, though it did have a working fireplace which made for romantic evenings. problem was, it was on the first floor, right sandwiched between the front door and the kitchen, and right across from the dining room so it was a bit noisy in the mornings. Breakfast there was good—pancakes, eggs, french toast, coffee, juice—though not outstanding. The location couldn’t have been better.

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