The Upper East Side Scene

Tricks and Treats on the UES

2010-10-17T20:23:00.002-04:00

Have you come up with the perfect costume but still haven't found a place to wear it this Halloween? Good thing the UES has a lot of Halloween goings-on over the next few weeks--for you, your family, and even your pets.

Halloween Pub Crawl: Hop into your costume and hop onto the Halloween Pub Crawl, a weekend-long event featuring over 100 bars throughout Manhattan. For $20 on either October 29, 30, or 31 (or all three days if you’re having trouble deciding between costumes), you can enjoy free admission to all participating bars, $2 Bud and Bud Light specials, and two-for-one Halloween cocktails. Register at one of seven bars throughout the city, including the UES’s Stir, or purchase tickets online.

Central Park Pumpkin Festival: On Saturday 10/30, head over to the bandshell area near the 72nd Street entrance to Central Park for a free festival featuring hayrides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and live entertainment. Click here for more details.

Halloween Celebration at the Museum of Natural History: Kids will love the Museum of Natural History’s 15th annual Halloween celebration, featuring trick-or-treating, live performances, pumpkin carving, and surprise visits from characters like The Cat in the Hat, Maisy, Curious George, and Danny’s Dinosaur. The event runs from 2-5 p.m., and admission is $10 for non-members, $9 for members. Click here for more info.

Halloween Howl at Carl Schurz Park: Dress up your dog for the annual Halloween costume competition in Carl Schurz Park. Head over to the hockey and basketball courts near the southern end of the park on the John Finley esplanade from 1-3 p.m. on October 24 for lots of howlin’ Halloween fun. Click here for more information.

74th Street Halloween Townhouse: Check out the Halloween decorations on the townhouse at 4 East 74th Street. Ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, pirates, mummies, and even SpongeBob Squarepants are put up by the same family every year, drawing tons of visitors and trick-or-treaters.

Halloween, Southern-Style: This year, Southern Hospitality on 76th near Second is hosting a ghoulish get-together with a $45 open bar starting at 10 p.m., plus “Liquor Treating” shots and a costume contest. Or, if you’d prefer to pay for your drinks as you go, admission is free.

Happy trick-or-treating!

Back to School at the 92nd Street Y

2010-09-15T21:41:00.002-04:00

The buses are full of bright-eyed, backpacked first-graders; come 3pm, uniformed middle-schoolers are strolling the streets; and the office supply aisle at Duane Reade has been wiped clean. All of this can only mean one thing—it’s back to school time!

If watching your neighbor’s kids go back to school has left you nostalgic for book bags, Trapper Keepers, and your eighth-grade history teacher, you may want to consider going back to school yourself by taking advantage of the new selection of courses available at the 92^nd Street Y. Here, some of the classes that I’m most interested in this fall:

Creative Beadwork: Learn to make your own beaded jewelry in time for the gift-giving season with this seven-session course, beginning September 21.

Public Speaking: A Crash Course: Hone your public speaking skills using methods that don’t involve the unpleasant task of picturing everyone in the room naked. This four-session course begins October 26.

Intro to Pilates: Strengthen, tone, and stretch your way to fitness with this 17-week pilates course for beginners. Classes start September 16, so register soon!

Poetry with Jen Bervin: Starting October 18, explore your inner poet with this eight-week class that focuses on both reading and writing poetry.

Basic Six Ballroom: Grab your favorite partner and learn the basic steps of ballroom dancing. Four-session courses begin on September 21, October 21, November 30, and January 6.

Contemporary Art Gallery Tours: Explore the galleries of Chelsea, Midtown, SoHo, and Uptown. This course features four tours of modern art galleries that meet once each month beginning September 24.

Check out these courses and more here—and then get started on your back to school shopping.

American Woman: One Last Weekend at the Met

2010-08-12T22:10:00.006-04:00

Fashion, history, and high society—can you think of a better combination? If not, be sure to visit the Met this weekend, where the exhibit American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity is on display for just a few more days. Featuring the fashions worn by American women from 1890 to 1940, the exhibit explores the evolution of the modern American woman, the influences on her style, and how that style affected her role in society.

American Woman spans a series of rooms in the Cantor Exhibition Hall: one room per decade, each donned with the clothing and décor that would have been in style among the foremost society women of the era—think the Gwyneth Paltrows and Jennifer Anistons of the last century, as these were the women who set the trends that trickled down to influence the rest of society. Yet each decade is an example not just of the clothing worn by the upper crust, but of the style archetype that defined the time period.

The first room—the 1890s—focuses on the Heiress. These women were American society’s most elite. Their wealth and status were derived from their families, and they strove to imitate European royalty—and in some cases, become royalty themselves. The room is decorated like an upscale parlor and filled with long, lavish gowns adorned with the finest lace, beading, and detailing of the day. The lush fabrics still hold a sheen and seem as though they could come to life at any moment to swish across the room or swirl to a waltz. This was one of my favorite rooms.

Moving on to the 1900s room, however, the ideal clearly changes. The gowns are replaced by long skirts and button-front blouses with a simple, sporty, yet still decidedly feminine look. Set to a seascape, this room marks the era of the Gibson Girl, the more natural, fit woman who swims, cycles, plays tennis, and enjoys the outdoors. Though the outfits are very different from what would be considered sporty today, the ideal they represent is a lot like the strong, athletic ideal that still defines the modern American woman.

Next up is the Bohemian, the artistic woman who, from 1910 to 1920, wore long, silken gowns with Eastern-inspired details. This was the most surprising of the exhibit rooms, as the robe-like gowns—loose, flowing, and uninhibited—are not a style typically associated with the early 20th century—if anything, I would have pegged them for the attire of artsy types in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Yet also featured is the more recognizable style of the Suffragette. While they marched for the right to vote, American women donned knee-length skirts and no-nonsense jackets, showing the world that they were serious about their cause, yet still—and most importantly—female.

The exhibit’s most recognizable style is found in the 1920s room. Empowered with the right to vote, American women tossed off their inhibitions in the 1920s, drinking, smoking, bobbing their hair, and idealizing the slim, boyish figure of the Flapper. Thin, shifty silk dresses with low-slung waists and sparkly beading exchanged the strictures of femininity for a style that left women feeling freer and sexier.

My favorite room was next. In the 1930s, American women idealized the Screen Siren, epitomized by movie stars like Rita Hayworth and Lena Horne. The room devoted to the style of these legendary ladies is filled with long, classically-inspired gowns that reinstate a more mature, feminine ideal after the young, boyish look of the Flapper. High waists, gathered fabric, and slinky skirts exude glamour and grace, and solid blacks, whites, and neutrals evoke the colors of the early cinema. This room spills into another, in which the women themselves are on display via a series of screens looping film clips from the era.

To exit, viewers cross a foyer-like area where modern-day images are projected on white walls to the soundtrack of Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman.” The montage is somewhat mesmerizing, flashing photos of very recognizable women—from icons like Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly to pop stars like Madonna and Lady Gaga—that show the fruits of the style evolution captured in the exhibit.

Though the exhibit could have been a bit heavier on the history side, its short introductions at the entrance to each room make it easy to breeze through quickly—though the stunning styles will most likely entice you to stay longer.

Whatever your style, I highly recommend a visit to American Woman before it closes this Sunday. You’ll be fashionably late.

All photos copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

UES Treats to Beat the Heat

2010-07-11T15:38:00.004-04:00

When your fourth-floor walkup is as steamy as a sauna,
there’s not even a hint of a breeze on the pier at Carl Schurz Park, and the cool corridors of the Met have already been closed for the day, there’s only one sure way to beat the heat on the UES: go get ice cream.

No matter where on the UES you live, there are plenty of spots serving up tasty frozen treats within minutes of your front door. Here, some of my favorites.

Alice’s Tea Cup: Fall down the rabbit hole and into an air-conditioned wonderland at one of Alice’s two UES locations: 64th Street near Lexington Ave. or 81st Street between 2nd and 3rd. Both feature light fare that is perfect for a hot summer day, like a pear and endive salad, cucumber and watercress sandwiches, and assorted pastries and scones, all of which can be nicely topped off with a scoop of seasonal ice cream or sorbet, as well as fancier desserts like mixed berries with vanilla crème anglaise or a slice of banana cake.

Ciao Bella Café: If you typically gravitate right toward those brightly colored containers of Ciao Bella gelato in your grocery store, you’ll be in heaven in the Ciao Bella Café, on 92nd and Madison. Featuring signature flavors like Chocolate Hazelnut, Dulce de Leche, Mocha Chip, and Peaches and Cream, this tiny café could easily become your home away from home this summer.

Emack & Bolio’s: My personal favorite, Emack & Bolio’s 81st and 1st location features a creative assortment of original flavors, like Caramel Moose Prints, Grasshopper Pie, Cookie Monster, and Raspberry Truffle. As if names like that aren’t enough to send you screaming for their ice cream, all their products are freshly made, contain no added dyes, and are made with milk that is free of the hormone bST.

Pinkberry: For a healthier (albeit a bit more expensive) take on frozen goodness, stop by Pinkberry on 2nd between 81st and 82nd for low-calorie frozen yogurt topped with your choice of fresh fruits, nuts, and sweets. In addition to its Original and Green Tea flavors, Pinkberry now features frozen yogurt in Pomegranate, Coconut, Mango, Chocolate, and the seasonal Watermelon flavor. Just be prepared for the line that is usually wrapped around the block on a hot summer night.

Café Sabarsky: If you like art with your ice cream, stop into the Neue Gallerie’s Café Sabarsky, on 86th and 5th. Reminiscent of old-world Vienna, this upscale spot features specialty drinks like the Eisschokolade, chilled chocolate milk with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream; or the Wiener Eiskaffe, chilled coffee with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. There is also a full German/Austrian dinner menu, plus desserts like a seasonal fruit crumble tarte, a strawberry-yogurt mousse cake, and a lemon biscuit with lemon mousse.

Sedutto: On 1st between 78th and 79th, Sedutto serves up rich and creamy ice cream and frozen yogurt in a variety of flavors that will most likely render you very indecisive. Try the Peanut Butter, Pistachio, Mocha Almond Fudge, S’mores, or Chocolate Midnight Cookie flavors.

Summer in the Park

2010-05-26T13:11:00.003-04:00

It’s that time of year again! Time for swimsuits and summer whites. Time for weekend jaunts to the Hamptons or the Jersey shore. And time for two Central Park staples: Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage. Here, a preview of both.

Shakespeare in the Park: This summer, The Public Theatre presents Shakespeare classics A Winter’s Tale and The Merchant of Venice. Unlike in years past, however, when one production would run for several weeks before closing to give way to the next, these two tales from everyone’s favorite bard will be running in repertory, meaning they'll switch off on a nearly nightly basis from June 9 to August 1.

There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason as to which plays are performed on which nights, so I’ll break it down for you.

If you’d like to see A Winter’s Tale, your options are as follows:
June 9, 10, 15, 16, 19, 20, 27, 28, 29, 30
July 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 17, 21, 22, 25, 27, 30, 31

If you’d like to see The Merchant of Venice, you can go on one of the following nights:
June 12, 13, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26
July 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 15, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 28, 29
August 1

All performances begin at 8 p.m., and tickets may be obtained free of charge starting at 1 p.m. on the day of the performance at The Delacorte Theater. There is also a new virtual ticketing option, through which you may request up to two tickets via an online system the day of the performance.

Click here for more information.

Central Park SummerStage: The privately-funded City Parks Foundation celebrates the 25th anniversary of Central Park SummerStage with 33 free concerts and 8 benefit shows featuring a wide variety of artists and performers. Here are some of the highlights.

June 1: The first concert of the season features the New York Pops alongside jazz vocalist Melody Gardot.

June 8: A fundraising benefit featuring the music of Simon & Garfunkel performed by artists such as Shawn Colvin, Aimee Mann, Loudon Wainwright III, Joan Osborne, Dean & Britta, The Holmes Brothers, John Forte, Paula Cole, and more. Proceeds will support City Parks Foundation’s free year-round arts programming. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Jill Rothstein at (212) 360-8170, or by email at JRothstein@CityParksFoundation.org. In addition, bleacher tickets are available for $69 here.

June 14: Popular West African musician Baaba Maal plays a concert to celebrate Senegal’s independence.

June 15: The John Butler Trio and State Radio come together for another benefit concert. To purchase tickets, click here.

June 23: CareFusion’s Jazz Festival New York featuring the Mccoy Tyner Quartet with Ravi Coltrane and Esperanza Spalding, plus the Francisco Mela & Stanley Clarke Band featuring Hiromi.

July 11: Reggae star Dr. Jimmy Cliff performs with South Carolina native Trevor Hall and Burkina Faso musician Victor Deme.

July 17: Award-winning songwriter, producer, and performer Raphael Saadiq, known for his “old school” soul sounds.

July 23: Comedy Central Park presents The Daily Show and Friends, hosted by Lewis Black.

July 25: Bassekou Kouyate + Ngoni Ba, Burkina Electric, Fool’s Gold explore the past, present, and future of West African music.

July 26: Grammy-winning rockers The Flaming Lips' show is already listed as sold out, but one of the best things about a concert in the park is that you don't necessarily have to be inside the venue to hear it. Plus, there's always craigslist.

July 27/28: Indie pop rockers The Black Keys and The Morning Benders. Ditto the above regarding the show's sold-out status.

August 4: Electropop artists Hot Chip, Hercules and Love Affair, and Holy Ghost!

August 15: Infamous rap artists Public Enemy with Blitz The Ambassador and The 7th Octave.

August 21: Contemporary R&B artists Chrisette Michelle and Mario and Tamia.

For more information and the full schedule, click here.

Happy summer!

Picasso at the Met

2010-04-27T12:03:00.003-04:00

Do you prefer the Blue Period or the Rose Period? Cubism or classicism? Or are you uncertain as to what I’m referring? No matter—a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art will help you to answer all of these questions and more.

Starting today, the Met will be featuring an exhibit devoted solely to the works of Pablo Picasso in the museum’s holdings. This means that over 300 of Picasso’s works will be on display, from paintings and drawings to sculptures and ceramic pieces, a collection which has never before been seen in its entirety.

Born in 1881 in Spain, Picasso began painting and drawing at the age of seven. In 1900, he moved to Paris, the art capital of Europe, to work and study in an attempt to further his artistic career, a move that paid off, as, by 1905, he became an established artist moving in prominent artistic and literary circles.

Picasso is best known as the founder of Cubism, a style of painting recognized by its use of one-dimensional shapes. But Picasso’s lengthy career (he lived to the age of 92) consisted of a variety of styles and experimentation. His work prior to 1901 is considered mostly realist, while in 1901 he moved on to his Blue Period, noted for its somber subject matter depicted in shades of blue and green. 1904 began Picasso’s Rose Period, classified by a more upbeat style that featured lively subject matter in warm oranges and pinks.

1907 to 1909 was Picasso’s African-influenced Period, while 1909 to 1912 marked his Cubist years. Following Cubism, Picasso moved on to neoclassicism and surrealism and, in his later years, focused on reinterpreting the works of the great masters.

Works from all stages of Picasso’s productive career will be exhibited at the Met now through August 1. Some of the most notable pieces on display include At the Lapin Agile, Picasso’s portrait of friend Gertrude Stein, Self-Portrait “Yo”, and Seated Harlequin. There are works from all of the artist’s major periods, as well as a selection of his prints.

Whether you’re a tried and true Picasso fan or someone who knows little about his life and works, “Picasso in the Metropolitan Museum of Art” is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this versatile artist and his remarkable career.

“Picasso in the Metropolitan Museum of Art” will be on display in the Special Exhibition Galleries on the 2nd floor today through August 1, 2010. Free with museum admission.

Spring Outdoors on the UES

2010-03-29T19:30:00.003-04:00

April showers bring May flowers . . . right? In this year’s case, it seems to be March that’s bringing the showers, which hopefully means that April and May will be bright, beautiful, and full of springtime blooms. With that in mind, here are a few upcoming events that will get you out to enjoy what we hope will be perfect spring weather.

Let the Games Begin: History of Sports and Recreation in the Park Tour - Put on by the Central Park Conservancy, this one-time-only walking tour of Central Park begins at 65th Street and explores the history of sports in the park, including baseball, horseback riding, ice skating, boating, and the NYC Marathon. The tour takes place on Saturday, April 10th at 10 a.m. Click here for more information.

Concern for Haiti Run/Walk: On Saturday, April 10 at 9:30 a.m., join in for a four-mile run/walk through Central Park to benefit Haiti. Sponsored by Concern Worldwide, all funds raised by the event will go toward emergency response and long-term development efforts in Haiti. Click here for more information and to register now.

Volunteer Gardening at Carl Schurz Park: On Saturday, April 17, get out your gardening gloves and help the Carl Schurz Park Association volunteers tend to the park’s gardens. Meet at the 86th Street Mall by East End Avenue at 10 a.m. And then return on May 8 for the park’s annual plant sale! For more information, click here.

Polar Circle at the Central Park Zoo: While it may not sound very spring-like, the recently renovated Polar Circle is open at the Central Park Zoo this spring, and it features four new King penguins that just arrived last month. Pay them a visit once the weather brightens up, and be sure to check out all the other animals at the zoo.

22nd Annual Broadway Spring Festival: The street fair will span 86th to 96th Streets on Sunday, May 2, providing plenty of food, games, and fun to draw you outdoors for an afternoon.

Enjoy!

The Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa

2010-02-26T14:51:00.011-05:00

Over ten years ago, clinical aesthetician Jillian Wright opened Glow Skin Spa right here on the Upper East Side, much to the delight of UES residents. Just this past September, Glow moved to a townhouse on East 66th Street and was transformed into the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa, where clients now receive a variety of premium spa treatments under the direction of the owner and namesake herself.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jillian Wright, and she gave me the inside scoop on her spa, its specialties, and her own favorite treatments. Read on, then make yourself an appointment.

Located on the second floor of 22 East 66th Street (between 5th and Madison), the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa offers a comprehensive spa experience designed to both pamper and improve the functionality of your skin. Including Jillian, the spa has five clinical aestheticians, all with over ten years experience, as well as five licensed massage therapists, plus a manager and front desk staff to accommodate guests. There are four well-appointed treatment rooms that Jillian describes as “comfortable and relaxing.” All of these elements work together to create a personalized, boutique feel to Jillian’s spa, allowing staff to cater to customers’ individual needs. With the needs of her customers in mind, Jillian has developed a wide variety of spa treatments, explaining that her “role is to play skincare detective in order to achieve your skin’s greatest health.”

Clients can treat themselves to several different types of facials, which include elements like microdermabrasion, aromatherapy facial massage, LED light therapy, customized masks, and homecare recommendations; massages such as the Swedish, relaxation, aromatherapy, hot lava shell, or detoxifying massage; and body treatments for areas like the back, legs, neck, and eyes. Specialty products from Somme Institute, Bioelements, and Environ are used, many of which can be purchased from the spa for home use. And the names of some of Jillian’s treatments are almost as satisfying as the treatments themselves: the Muscle Melting Deep Tissue Massage, Herbology Body Retexturizer, and Wine or Blueberry Extract Crystal Eye Mask are just a few that caught my eye.Though the spa clearly has expertise in a variety of areas, their particular specialties are facial massage and extractions, which are included in all of their facials. The spa has also become known for its Signature Massage, which Jillian describes as “a combination of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Thai, all within a choreographed massage experience.”

All of these treatments have been developed with Jillian’s personal skincare philosophy in mind. Jillian aims “to incorporate a trilogy of the heart, hands, and mind to encompass all aspects of aesthetics.” This means that she focuses on both internal elements, such as emotional and spiritual health, as well as the external goal of maintaining healthy, well-balanced skin. Jillian explains that, “If you feel good about your skin, you will feel more confident and have greater self-esteem. It’s a snowball effect that positively grows with every step accomplished.” So, you may be wondering, which of the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa’s treatments are its founder’s favorites? “I love, love, love the LumiFacial!” Jillian says. “I’m all for getting the most out of your time spent at my spa and this is the way to do it. The results are instantaneous.” Jillian explained that, during the 105-minute LumiFacial, “we choose an exfoliation process suited for your skin type and texture such as enzymes, microdermabrasion or dermaplaning, use steam, do extractions, put you under the light for 30 minutes and then use a polarized current to penetrate active key ingredients into the skin.” The result? “The client leaves with radiant skin.”As for massages, Jillian says she loves the Hot Lava Shell Massage, a 60- or 90-minute treatment in which Swedish and Deep Tissue massage elements are combined with the use of lava shells, each with their own temperature control. Jillian explains that it's like a hot stone massage, but safer for both the client and the massage therapist, and a truly indulgent experience.

Visit Jillian’s spa online at http://www.jillianwrightclinicalskinspa.com/ to learn more about her treatments and to make an appointment for what promises to be a delightful and invigoration spa experience.

Exhibits to Explore This Weekend

2010-02-12T13:32:00.003-05:00

Whether in celebration of President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just a day that you’re no longer snowed in, take time this weekend to visit some of the fantastic exhibits at our local museums.

The Drawings of Bronzino: Now on display at the Met are approximately 60 drawings from Italian painter, draftsman, teacher, and poet Agnolo Bronzino, who lived and worked in sixteenth-century Florence. A warm exploration of human figure and form, this would make an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day. On display until April 18.

Quicktake: Rodarte: New this week at Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum is an exhibit devoted to clothing designer Rodarte. Founded in 2005 by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Rodarte won the 2009 Womenswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The exhibit takes a look at Rodarte’s unique yet dynamic style and stunning creations.

With Love from New York City: Head to the Museum of the City of New York for a special exhibition featuring approximately 45 valentines, all handcrafted or manufactured between 1840 and 1940. Sweet vintage sentiments and classic art styles make this a one-of-a-kind exhibit perfect for sharing with your Valentine. Open through February 26.

Paris and the Avant-Garde: Modern Masters from the Guggenheim Collection: The Guggenheim explores how such artists as Marc Chagall, Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, and more lived and worked in Paris during the early twentieth century, developing their own techniques, customs, and styles. On display until May 12.

Collecting Biennials: As the Whitney gears up for its Biennial celebration, which kicks off February 25, visit the works of Biennials past in this historical survey that features Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Willem de Kooning, Cy Twombly, and more. The exhibit runs until November 28. Added bonus: Admission is only $8 through the month of February.

Tim Burton: Get ready for Tim Burton’s new Alice in Wonderland movie with a trip to the Museum of Modern Art. This Burton-themed exhibit features drawings, storyboards, puppets, photographs, costumes, and more from Burton’s films, including Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beetlejuice. On display through April 26. But be aware: timed tickets are strongly suggested, as admission is limited and has been selling out. Click here to purchase tickets.

Enjoy!

The Wright Choice at the Guggenheim

2010-01-17T16:09:00.005-05:00

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of dining at The Wright, the restaurant that just opened at the Guggenheim and serves as the newest addition to the Upper East Side’s fine-dining scene. The Wright only debuted its dinner menu last Thursday, yet its menu has been finely tuned and its dinner service is already running smoothly, promising patrons a fantastic meal in a chic new space.

Designed by Andre Kikoski (and named after legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright), The Wright is sleek and modern, the perfect complement to the Guggenheim’s contemporary design. Upon entering, the eye is immediately drawn to the bright oranges and yellows of artist Liam Gillick’s sculptural installation, The horizon produced by a factory once it had stopped producing views (2009), which consists of horizontal strips of colored aluminum mounted to the curved walls and illuminated with fiber-optics. The colors of the installation, evocative of a sunrise, are contrasted with the plush blue banquette that runs along the same wall, and all are set off by the smooth white surfaces that cover the rest of the 1,600-square-foot space, which seats 58 and features a communal table with full menu service and a European-style bar that offers small plates, panini, and specialty drinks.

Stepping into The Wright feels somewhat like stepping into a futuristic spaceship, albeit a very hip and trendy one. "Inspired by and created within an institution renowned for its art, architecture, and innovation, The Wright will extend that experience to food and service," explains Aaron Breitman, director of The Wright. That philosophy was clearly conveyed by The Wright’s attentive staff and unique menu, created by chef Rodolfo Contreras, a protégé of David Bouley.

After selecting a lovely pinot noir from The Wright’s extensive wine list, my friend and I explored chef Rodolfo’s menu and were impressed to find a varied and original selection of modern American fare. Appetizers include parsnip soup with Romanesco cauliflower; seared diver scallops with gently cooked shrimp and lump crab meat in a sea urchin sauce; and angus beef tartare with an herb salad topped with shallots and chives and brioche toast.

Meanwhile, entrées such as crispy skin striped bass with fennel, potatoes, and baby calamari in a sweet paprika sauce; Colorado lamb loin with beet and goat cheese gnocchi, eggplant, pine nuts and lamb jus; and 28-day dry aged beef sirloin with a bone marrow port shallot marinade and beef jus caught our eye.

We made our choices and were presented with a selection of warm rolls: cranberry walnut, olive, and French brioche. The cranberry walnut was rich and comforting, the olive extremely tasty, and the brioche perfectly crispy.

Our server then brought over an amuse-bouche consisting of a layer of avocado mousse, a layer of tomato mousse, and diced shrimp, topped with a dollop of cream sauce and beautifully presented in what was the equivalent of a tall shot glass. It was light, refreshing, and very well prepared, and it left us eager for the rest of our meal.

Next up was a selection of appetizers. We each tried an exquisite pair of Kumamoto oysters topped with caviar before moving on to marinated yellowtail with ginger oil, sweet white onions, apple, and cucumber. The yellowtail was tasty and delicate, and the onions served as an especially delightful complement. We also tried roasted red and golden beets topped with sheep’s milk cheese, citrus, and pistachio, a beautifully prepared dish that was full of flavor.

As we received each dish, our knowledgeable server carefully explained to us how each had been prepared. He was especially enthusiastic as he presented us with a sample of Maine lobster served with black trumpets and Marcona almonds in a Clementine sauce, an entrée that turned out to be our favorite dish of the evening. The ample serving of lobster was plump and tender, and the sweet, citrusy sauce provided the perfect contrast to the stronger almond and trumpet flavors. Simply put, it was amazing.

Next, we tried the pan-seared Alaskan halibut topped with Manila clams, scallions, and prosciutto nage, and the butternut squash risotto served with winter black truffles. The halibut was moist and flaky and practically melted in our mouths, and the rich and hearty risotto was well-paired with the sweeter-tasting truffle sauce. Excellent choices, both.

After our entrées were cleared away, we were brought an intermezzo consisting of a Clementine, lemon, orange, and kumquat purée topped with Greek yogurt sorbet. It was light and refreshing, with a slightly sweet, slightly tart taste to cleanse our palates.

We then sampled a selection of three desserts: a dark chocolate soufflé topped with Tahitian vanilla ice cream; a spiced pumpkin and chocolate cake served with pumpkin sauce and pumpkin seed oil ice cream; and a poached apple mille feuille served with nutmeg caramel, apple cider sorbet, and cream chantilly.

The soufflé, similar to a chocolate lava cake, won the award for richest and most flavorful, while the pumpkin cake was lighter, very tasty, and by far the most original dessert we had seen in quite a while. The apple mille feuille, meanwhile, was the lightest and most exquisitely prepared of the three, with thinly-sliced apple wrapped in tiers around the cream chantilly. All three desserts went well with a glass of sweet Muscat dessert wine and served as a satisfying culmination to a brilliant meal.

With such a creative and high-quality menu, a unique and modern atmosphere, and friendly, attentive service, The Wright is a perfect fit at the Guggenheim and a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

All photos courtesy of Philip Greenberg.

"American Stories" at the Met

2010-01-08T13:32:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to check out the Met’s “American Stories” exhibit. If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend visiting before the exhibit closes on January 24. Spanning the years 1765 to 1915, “American Stories: Paintings of Everyday Life” is a collection of paintings that detail the social, political, and home lives of Americans during the exciting and often tumultuous time between the American Revolution and the start of World War I. Stepping into the exhibition galleries is like stepping back in time.

“American Stories” features the work of such talented American artists as William Merritt Chase, Charles Wilson Peale, John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Eakins. All of the works on display illustrate everyday life for Americans during this defining time period, whether on the frontier or in the city, fighting in the Civil War or spending time with family.

The paintings in the collection are organized by theme, with one gallery focusing on portraits, including John Singleton Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere and Charles Wilson Peale’s self-portrait; another gallery deals with the switch from portraiture to pictorial storytelling. There is a gallery that highlights life on the frontier and another that focuses on the Civil War, both at home and on the front; and galleries that feature American home life and the lives of Americans abroad.

And now, the highlights.

I particularly loved the inside look at American home life shown through paintings like William Merritt Chase’s “Ring Toss,” in which the artist’s three daughters play in their parlor, and “The Open Air Breakfast,” which features Chase’s family breakfasting in an idyllic backyard setting. Frances William Edmonds’ “The City and Country Beaux” shows a young woman deciding between two very different suitors; and Henry Mosler’s “Just Moved” highlights a family getting settled in their new home. This segment of the exhibit offers a candid look at the small pleasures and intimacies afforded Americans while their country was going through such transformation.

A recurring theme in the exhibit is American political life, and one of the most memorable works to embody this theme is George Caleb Bingham’s “The County Election,” a skilled portrayal of the energy and mayhem surrounding a small town’s polling place on election day and an insightful look at the nature of American politics in the early 19th-century.

Americans abroad are featured in John Singer Sargent’s “In the Luxembourg Gardens” and “A Street in Venice,” two of my favorite works for their evocative brushstrokes and romantic moods. Meanwhile, I found another favorite in Lilly Martin Spencer’s “Reading the Legend,” a whimsical tribute to American literature that features a young couple falling in love over the novels they share.

The highlight of the exhibit, however, is Samuel F. B. Morse’s “Gallery of the Louvre,” a striking piece that takes up nearly an entire wall in one gallery. Painted between 1831 and 1833, a time during which many fake European works of art were on the market and there was little training for budding artists, the work shows Morse and his friend, the author James Fenimore Cooper, discussing art in a gallery at the Louvre. Yet the gallery does not feature the works that were actually featured there at the time; rather, Morse filled it with the works of the Italian Old Masters in an effort to note what true masterpieces really were. His replication of over 20 such works is masterful.

On a side note, I paid $7 for the audio guide to the exhibit, which offers commentary and interpretations on a selection of paintings from a variety of sources. While this was at times insightful, the most interesting information it provided was also listed on the placard beside each work, and the commentary did not add anything particularly substantial. I would recommend putting your $7 toward a glass of wine in the café afterward.

The exhibit itself was simply delightful, however, and I’m contemplating one more visit before it closes on January 24.

Snowflakes and Sugarplum Fairies

2009-12-13T21:54:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Composed by the great Russian composer Tschaikovsky in 1891, The Nutcracker was based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The ballet first premiered in 1892 but, though a Christmas classic today, it was poorly received and did not have much success until legendary choreographer George Balanchine adapted it in 1954. Balanchine’s Nutcracker was a huge hit, and it is his version that is such a staple of the Christmas season today—and which I was lucky enough to see the New York City Ballet perform.

Seated in Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, a magnificent space that just went through a multi-million dollar renovation, my friend Tracy and I watched the curtain go up with as much excitement and awe as the little girls in adorably frilly dresses who were scattered all around us, eagerly nudging their parents as the show began. Over the next two hours, we were entranced by the stunning display that leapt and swirled and pirouetted before us. Every moment of the show was wonderful and memorable, but I’ll share a few of my favorite highlights.

First off, the set and its mechanics were amazing. From the Christmas tree that rises all the way to the ceiling and the flurry of snow that sparkles around the Snowflake dancers, to the sweetly glittering gingerbread-like backdrop of the Land of Sweets and the sleigh that takes Marie and the Prince up and away at the close of the second act, the scenery is spectacular, as is the complex rigging that keeps it all operating on cue.

I absolutely loved watching the children in the performance, of which there were many more than I had remembered. Some looked as young as six or seven, but all were charming as they flitted across the stage in an assortment of roles, looking both extremely talented and incredibly adorable.

Also amazingly talented was the orchestra, led by conductor Maurice Kaplow. They brought Tchaikovsky’s brilliant yet familiar score to life, capturing all of its whimsical nuance and vibrant force and providing the perfect accompaniment to the dancers’ movements. The dancers, meanwhile, perfectly complemented the music, performing with grace and vitality that brought the show wonderfully to life.

There were the dynamic steps of the soldiers in their battle with the mice, and the graceful twirls of the Snowflakes. Tea’s mid-air splits were exhilarating, as were Candy Cane’s spins and multiple jumps through his hula hoop. And the grand finale performance of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier was a stunning display of grace and strength as the duo executed flawless pirouettes, lifts, and leaps, the Sugarplum Fairy spinning, balancing, and even sliding on her tip-toes (an ability that never ceases to amaze me). And all were synchronized to the orchestra’s music with precision.

When the curtain rose, the audience’s heartfelt applause showed that Tracy and I were not the only ones who had been captivated by the show and impressed by its amazing performers. We left the theater full of holiday excitement, eager for Christmas cookies and candies and stockings and snow, and inspired to attempt a few pirouettes of our own.

The Nutcracker will be running through January 3 at Lincoln Center. Click here for tickets and more information.

Don't Forget to "Break the Mold" Tonight!

2009-11-21T08:37:00.003-05:00

Tonight and tomorrow on the UES, a group of artists come together to Break the Mold. As Jocelyn detailed in her latest Upper East Side Informer post, Break the Mold is a group of young artists who will be putting on two shows this weekend right here on the Upper East Side. Both shows will feature performances by a variety of musicians, dancers, and actors, all of whom have come together in an effort to maintain integrity in the arts and provide young artists with a venue through which to collaborate with one another and perform for a larger audience.

Says Melinda Marie Heitzman, one of the group's coordinators, "We are taking the power of art seriously by promoting dignity, integrity and quality in the arts through many styles, including rock music, opera singers, classical piano, tap hoofers, musical theater ballads and more."

Fantastic performances, all with a such a worthy goal in mind? Count me in. Here are all the details so that you can Break the Mold this weekend, too:

When: Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m.
Where: Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 230 East 90th Street (between 2nd and 3rd).
What: Each show will be an hour long, followed by a reception where you can meet and mingle with the artists.
Who: The shows are open to everyone, including kids and families. There will even be on-site child care provided for the little ones.
How Much: The suggested donation is $8.

The 23rd Annual Goddard Book Fair

2009-11-16T21:02:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, I did something many people are currently dreading. No, I did not visit the dentist; nor did I contract the swine flu. Even though Thanksgiving hasn’t arrived yet, I ventured out to get started on my Christmas shopping.

Now, despite what you may be thinking, I am not a super early shopper determined to beat the crowds by buying my Christmas gifts before I even buy my turkey. While I think Christmas decorations should be safely tucked—and perhaps even locked—away after Halloween at the very earliest, there are benefits to starting your Christmas shopping once November arrives. For one, you avoid the crowds. But most importantly, shopping becomes much more manageable when there are nearly two months before you in which to accomplish it all, rather than just a few days in which to select 25 thoughtful gifts from a pile of picked-over sale items.

And so, in the spirit of making everyone’s holiday shopping a bit more manageable and a lot more enjoyable this year, I’m excited to share with you the information about an annual shopping experience that has continuously proven to be the perfect place to kick off the holiday shopping season: the Goddard Riverside New York Book Fair.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Goddard Book Fair takes place each year the weekend before Thanksgiving, when it sells hugely discounted books—from chick lit to historical fiction, cookbooks to children’s books, and everything in between—as well as cards, CDs, calendars, and other gift items, all of which have been generously donated by publishers. All of the books featured are new, popular titles, and, if that’s not enough motivation for you, all proceeds go to the Goddard Riverside Community Center, an organization on the Upper West Side that provides affordable housing, cultural and recreational opportunities, and community outreach to children, the homeless, and the elderly in the area.

The Goddard Book Fair kicks off this Friday with the Book Bash, a party that features food from local vendors, cocktails, a raffle, and first dibs at the fair’s selection of books. The Book Bash is a major part of the weekend’s fundraising efforts. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.

On Saturday, the fair opens to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and again on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. But get there as early in the weekend as possible, as I’ve learned from experience that the event gets crowded and the best selection of books goes quickly.

Both the Book Bash and the Book Fair take place at the Goddard Riverside Community Center, located at 593 Columbus Avenue at 88^th Street. Click here for more information, and then head over to the UWS this weekend to get started on your shopping—and support a good cause in the process.

Where to Watch the World Series

2009-10-27T22:05:00.003-04:00

It’s been six years since the Yankees have made it to the World Series. And so, when the Yanks step onto their still-new field for Game 1 of the World Series tomorrow night, there will certainly be cause for celebration. If you’re not up for shelling out several hundred dollars for tickets, head over to one of these local sports bars for tasty food, drink specials, and a great spot to cheer on the Yankees.

Jack Russell’s Pub: With eleven high-definition TVs scattered throughout the bar area and ten booths featuring their own programmable screens, Jack Russell’s, on 2^nd between 82^nd and 83^rd, is a prime spot for watching the game. A fireplace and dark mahogany booths create a classy, cozy atmosphere, and menu items like mini burgers, jalapeno poppers, and spicy curly fries make perfect game-time fare. Plus, if you get there a little early, you can catch the $4 happy hour drink specials.

The Bullpen: Located on 1^st between 87^th and 88^th, The Bullpen is a tried and true sports bar, with seven HD flat-screen TVs scattered throughout the bar, plus one giant projection screen. The menu features items like Cuban sliders, a pulled pork sandwich, a chicken finger melt, and hot pastrami on rye. Plus, Wednesday nights feature $10 buckets of Bud and Bud Light and all-you-can-eat mussels for $12.

The Stumble Inn: In addition to a clever name, this bar on the corner of 76^th and 2^nd boasts 14 HDTV plasma screens and three big screen TVs; a menu featuring chili, a variety of wraps, and The Stumble Inn’s famous stuffed burger; and drink specials every day of the week.

Kinsale Tavern: On 3^rd between 93^rd and 94^th, Kinsale Tavern is serious about its sports, its food, and its beer. The Irish-themed menu includes Shepherd’s pie and Irish sausages with mashed potatoes, and there is an extensive list of beer, scotch, whiskey, and bourbon.

Ship of Fools: With 42 TVs and 13 big screens, you won’t miss a second of the game if you watch at Ship of Fools on 2^nd between 82^nd and 83^rd. The bar menu includes standard pub fare like quesadillas, potato skins, and chicken fingers, and the following specials are always available: 32 buffalo wings and a bucket of five Miller Lite bottles for $30; bucket of five Miller Lite or MGD bottles for $16.

Let’s go, Yanks!

Way to Pick 'Em

2009-10-12T21:10:00.002-04:00

Nothing says fall better than a fresh bushel of sweet, crispy, slightly tart, and very juicy apples—especially when you’ve picked them yourself. But you may have noticed that apple trees are a bit difficult to come by here in the city, and it is not advised to eat anything that grows on the trees in Central Park. So does that mean that you have to forego your own freshly-picked apples this season? Not at all. Here are a few places just outside the city where you can pick apples and get into the feel of fall.

If you don’t have a car, try the following:

Outhouse Orchards: Located in North Haven, NY, Outhouse Orchards features Red Delicious, Macintosh, and nearly ten other varieties of apples, plus pumpkin patches, fresh cider and doughnuts, and a farm with goats and chickens. To get there, just take Metro North to the Croton Falls station stop and then cab it to the orchards. For more information, including hours, click here.

Maskers Orchard: If you have little ones in tow, you may want to consider Maskers Orchard in Warwick, NY, where you can visit baby animals, go on wagon and pony rides, and run loose on 200 acres full of ten-plus types of apples just waiting to be picked. If this sounds like your bushel of apples, take the 196 or 197 New Jersey Transit bus from Port Authority to Willowbrook station in Warwick, and then walk the short half-mile to the orchard. For more information, click here.

Fishkill Farms: At Fishkill Farms in Fishkill, NY, you can pick pears, pumpkins, and fifteen types of apples and then return from the orchards for hayrides, live music, barbecues, a hay maze, and an animal farm. Fishkill also features a farm store with fresh produce, eggs, cheese, pies, and doughnuts. On weekends, a café serves breakfast and lunch made fresh from items from the farm. To get there, take Metro North to the Beacon station, then take a cab to the farm. For more information, click here.

If you do have a car:

Applewood Orchards: Just an hour outside the city, Applewood Orchards is located in Warwick, NY and features eight types of apples for picking, plus pumpkin picking, wagon rides, and herb and rose gardens. On weekends, there are puppet shows and live music, and the farm store offers fresh apple cider, jams, pies, honey, flowers, and more. And did I mention that Applewood also has its own winery? For more information, including hours and directions, click here .

Alstede Farms: Located in Chester, NJ, Alstede Farms has plenty of activities for the whole family, with apple picking, pumpkin picking, an ice cream parlor, hay rides, pony rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, a hay pyramid, a train ride, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are Family Fun Days, and there will be a Harvest Moon Hayride and Nighttime Corn Maze on October 16, 17, 23, and 24. Click here for more information.

Sun High Orchards: At Sun High Orchards, located in Randolph, NJ, you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, then experience the warmth of a 200-year-old bee-hive oven, visit a mini-donkey and an alpaca, shop in the General Store, and eat homemade ice cream. For hours and directions, click here.

Happy picking!

Pink Inspiration

2009-09-25T21:01:00.004-04:00

Almost two weeks ago (sorry for the delay, it’s been a busy fall so far!), a flurry of pink took on Central Park. No, there was not a festival featuring gobs of cotton candy, nor did a little girl’s princess party run wild. Sunday, September 13^th was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a 5K run/walk to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.

As you may recall, I took part in this year’s Race for the Cure as part of Team Caroline, a team put together in honor of my friend Caroline, who’s been bravely fighting breast cancer since this past winter. Our team—Caroline included—met in front of the Museum of Natural History on the morning of the race, feeling invigorated by the gorgeous, sunny weather and the huge crowd that had already arrived.

There were over 25,000 people participating in this year’s race, and everyone appeared to be in the best of spirits, bright and energized and excited to be out in support of such a worthy cause. And there was pink everywhere—pink hats, pink shirts, pink spray-painted hair, pink motorcycles, even a pink dog, as everyone did their best to don the color that represents breast cancer awareness.

As for our team, we were thirteen members strong, and we were ready to get started. After introductory remarks from a group of notables that included Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Paterson, Uma Thurman, Cyndi Lauper, Judge Judy, and Stephen Colbert, the runners began, followed by the walkers.

I and several other team members headed out with the runners, while the rest of the team set out with the walkers. As I ran, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it was that so many people had turned out in support of their friends, family members, and the millions of women who have been affected by breast cancer. Particularly inspiring were the breast cancer survivors, shining brightly in pink survivor t-shirts and hats that showed us all that they had fought breast cancer and won. And I found myself getting chills each time I passed a runner or walker wearing a tribute bib in honor of a friend or loved one who was either currently fighting the disease or who had sadly been taken away by it.

But nothing was more moving than crossing the finish line and then cheering Caroline on as she made her way across. Despite the ordeal she’s been through over the past few months, she crossed the finished line looking fit and fabulous and wearing a huge smile on her face—and that was worth more than all the money raised that day.

I’m proud to say that Team Caroline raised over $2,000 toward the fight against breast cancer. But the Race for the Cure isn’t over yet! Donations toward the race are being accepted until October 31, so please click here if you’d like to donate.

Fashion's Night Out

2009-09-11T15:33:00.003-04:00

If you were anywhere in the vicinity of Fifth Avenue last night, you may have noticed that the area was a bit more crowded than usual. Or maybe you noticed that there were glasses of champagne flowing out of nearly every store and live models posing in entryways. What were all the festivities? Last night was Fashion’s Night Out, a global initiative coordinated by Vogue to promote retail and celebrate fashion. And quite a celebration it was, with over 700 retailers and fashion designers in New York taking part—and partying.

From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., participating retailers were open to the public and essentially hosting a party, with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, desserts, DJs, and live models. Some stores offered special discounted prices, while others featured guest appearances by celebrities and designers, encouraging shoppers to come out in droves. And that they did. There were young folks and old folks, super trendy design types and business casual office workers, people in flip-flops and jeans and others in cocktail dresses and suits.

I jumped into the mix right at 6 p.m., when I dropped in on Banana Republic. Upon entering, I was informed that all full-price items would be 25% off until 11 p.m., at which point I bypassed the complimentary wine and appetizers and made a beeline for the new fall collection. There were plenty of beautiful items and great deals to choose from, but I decided to refrain from purchasing anything and instead scooped up a few guacamole-covered hors d’oeuvres before heading to Cartier to meet a friend.

At Cartier, the red carpet was rolled out, and guests were greeted by waiters handing out complimentary Cartier-branded champagne as soon as they entered the front doors. I gladly helped myself to a glass and began to browse the dazzling jewelry collection. In addition to the waiters at the door, more came around offering generous refills, while others carried trays of brightly colored macaroons in flavors like chocolate, passion fruit, caramel, fig, and pistachio. We helped ourselves to several before heading back out to explore what other stores had to offer.

In Fendi, there was more complimentary champagne, as well as a sales associate who encouraged us to try on furs that cost more than my parents’ house. Bottega Veneta was a bit quieter, while Escada felt like a dance club, with bright lights, blaring music, and cocktails.

DeBeers had a wonderful selection of finger sandwiches and miniature desserts, and Prada was packed with shoppers taking pictures of the store’s new wolf-themed display, which I found more frightening than fashionable. Next, we attempted to go to Bergdorf’s but were deterred by a line that wrapped all the way to the park. What kind of desserts were they serving in there? we wondered, before discovering that the line was due not to tasty treats but to Victoria Beckham, who was inside signing autographs.

We skipped that line, opting instead for Tiffany’s, where iced tea, coffee, and lemonade were being served alongside delicious petit fours that looked like the store’s signature blue box. On the third floor was a candy bar, where shoppers could fill their own goodie bags with more robin-egg-blue treats.

Beginning to crash from the sugar high that several glasses of champagne and piles of petite desserts are sure to induce, I decided to call it a night after Tiffany’s. But as I left Fifth Avenue, I could tell that, for many shoppers, the night was just beginning. I have no doubt the celebration continued until 11 p.m.—and possibly long after.

And I hope that the success of this year’s event means that they’ll do it all over again next year.

Courtyards, Period Rooms, and Maelstroms...Oh, My!

2009-08-28T11:11:00.003-04:00

On a recent Friday afternoon, I finally had the opportunity to head over to the Met to see the newly-completed phase two of the American wing renovation: the Charles Engelhard Court and the American Period Rooms.

Two of the Met’s most beloved staples, the Court and Period Rooms have been under construction for nearly two years. They were finally unveiled this May with the promise that the wait was worthwhile, and, after visiting, I wholeheartedly agree.

Upon entering the Engelhard Court, a friend and I were immediately met with the open, light-filled space for which the pavilion has always been so well known. Yet the post-renovation Court looked even brighter and more impressive than ever before. Light streamed into the majestic space via floor-to-ceiling glass paneling, highlighting the Court’s newly-displayed sculptures, stained glass, and sweeping columns.

On the new main level is the beautiful loggia that Louis Comfort Tiffany designed for his Laurelton Hall estate, while a lower level features the front façade of Martin E. Thompson’s Branch Bank of the United States, which was originally located on Wall Street. Surrounding each of these impressive fixtures is a sculpture collection featuring the works of such renowned American sculptors as Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Paul Manship, and Hiram Powers. Daniel Chester French’s famed Milmore and Melvin memorials are now on the main floor, as are two bronze fountains that are part of the pool’s redesign.

Meanwhile, in the balcony galleries, the museum’s collection of American jewelry, glass, ceramics, silver, and more is brilliantly displayed. There is jewelry by Tiffany & Co., including a flowered coral brooch and earring set that I absolutely loved, silver household pieces by Paul Revere, Jr., and over 200 pieces of pottery that have never before been displayed to the public.

As we made our way from the Court to the Period Rooms, I was impressed by how fluid the setup was, with the Court leading into the Period Rooms, which then very naturally led into one another. Twelve rooms have been completely renovated, and a total of nineteen are now on display. Some of my favorites include the Samuel Hart room from 1680 Ipswich, MA, with its low-beamed ceilings and red, canopied bed; the elegant Baltimore Dining Room from 1810 Baltimore, MD; and the Gothic Revival Library from 1859 Newburgh, NY.

Each period room is like a three-dimensional snapshot of a particular time in American history, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives and styles of the people who once frequented them. I enjoyed slipping into each and imagining what it would have been like to live in, say, the quaint New York Dutch Room, or the stately Verplanck Room. I also enjoyed picking out which pieces of art, furniture, and décor I would like for my own, a task that was greatly aided by the new touch-screen computers installed in each room, providing information about all of the room’s contents at the touch of a button.

After wandering through the Court and Period Rooms for well over an hour, we discovered that it was just after 5 p.m.—the perfect time for a happy hour drink in the Met’s roof garden. We made our way upstairs and found that we were not the only ones who had been lured by the idea of sipping martinis while overlooking Central Park. The sun-soaked roof was packed with visitors eager to welcome in the weekend, to the point where I wasn’t sure if the term Maelstrom referred to the web-like stainless-steel sculpture by Roxy Paine that was sprawled across the roof, or the people who were crowded around, under, and within it. We took a quick walk around the sculpture, gleaming impressively in the early evening sunlight, discovered that there was very little empty space and lots of smokers, and decided to take our happy hour celebration elsewhere.

Despite our disappointment with the roof garden, however, the American Wing left us impressed and inspired—and very eager for the unveiling of the new American Paintings and Sculpture Galleries, scheduled to open in 2011.

Happy Hour...With a Splash of Art

2009-08-07T16:38:00.005-04:00

Looking for a new summer happy hour spot? Then you may want to check out several of the museums in our area.

I know, I know—the words “museum” and “happy hour” are not typically used in the same sentence. Museums are serene spots where one can get lost for hours among priceless pieces of absorbing art; happy hour, meanwhile, tends to be a loud and lively event, one where there is also the risk of getting lost if you’ve absorbed too much alcohol.

But happy hour can be classy and cultural, too, as evidenced by the summer events taking place at the following museums.

Museum of the City of New York: The Speakeasy at 1220 Fifth, otherwise known as the Museum of the City of New York’s Fifth Avenue Terrace, is now open on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. For $12 ($10 for members), visitors can enjoy the Terrace-cum-Speakeasy, one free drink, and access to the museum’s first-floor galleries. For more information, click here.

Cooper-Hewitt: The National Design Museum on 91st Street shows that it knows how to design a happy hour event with its Cocktails at Cooper-Hewitt event, taking place on summer Fridays through August 14. From 6 to 9 p.m., listen to the sounds of jazz trio Ed Fuqua Group and enjoy cocktails and light fare at the museum’s Arthur Ross Garden and Terrace. Free with museum admission. For more information, click here.

The Guggenheim: On Friday, August 14, the Guggenheim’s new concert series, kicks off with music from The Walkmen, High Places, and the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band, and readings from author Colson Whitehead, all hosted by comedian Leo Allen. The event will take place in the museum’s rotunda from 8 p.m. to midnight and does require advance ticket purchase ($40 for members, $45 for non-members). For more information, click here.

MoMA: On MoMa Thursday Nights (now through the end of August), the Museum of Modern Art stays open until 8:45 p.m., providing visitors with the opportunity to browse the collection or venture out to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden for live music, cocktails, and light snacks and desserts (including gelato and sorbetto from New York’s Il Laboratorio del Gelato). Thursdays in August will feature music from China, with performances scheduled for 5:30 and 7 p.m. Free with museum admission. For more information, click here.

The Met: And don’t forget the Met’s Iris and Gerald B. Cantor Roof Garden, where visitors can take in spectacular Manhattan views, cocktails and light snacks, and this summer’s featured work, Maelstrom, a stainless steel sculpture by Roxy Paine. The roof garden is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For more information, click here.

So go take in the art, the views, and the drinks—just try not to get lost.

Paul McCartney Rocks Citi Field

2009-07-21T17:03:00.004-04:00

All you need is love, said The Beatles. And, at Citi Field on Friday night, there was plenty of love in the air, all directed at legendary Beatles alum Paul McCartney as he took the stage for the first-ever show at the Mets’ brand-new stadium. The historic performance was fitting, as The Beatles played the first show at the Mets’ former home, Shea Stadium, in 1965.

McCartney, looking dapper in a tailored black suit and a pair of skinny black suspenders, was clearly in awe when he came onstage to a frenzy of cheers and whistles from his eager audience. After opening up with the classic “Drive My Car,” McCartney reminisced about that first show at Shea, telling the audience how bad the acoustics were on account of the shaky sound system and the overwhelming screams of even more overwhelmed female fans, and explaining that the fab foursome couldn’t hear what they were playing.

Luckily for the more than 42,000 fans gathered in the audience for McCartney’s performance on Friday—of which I was one, thanks to an early birthday gift from my parents—the acoustics were much improved this time around. “I think we’re going to have fun tonight,” McCartney said before launching into a two-and-a-half hour set that included Beatles classics, favorites from Wings, and highlights from McCartney’s latest album, Electric Arguments.

There were rousing renditions of “Jet,” “Band on the Run,” and “Dance Tonight” and lively versions of “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” and “Paperback Writer.” The crowd went crazy for classics like “The Long and Winding Road,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “A Day in the Life” and “Let It Be,” and everyone was blown away—quite literally—by a performance of “Live and Let Die” that featured a surprise eruption of fireworks from behind the stage, followed by the always powerful “Hey Jude.”

McCartney got choked up while playing “Here Today,” a sweet and moving song he wrote after John Lennon’s death, to a photo montage of Lennon on the stage’s main screen. There was also a tribute to George Harrison, during which McCartney played the opening chords of Harrison’s “Something (In the Way She Moves)” on a ukulele that Harrison had given him and explained that Harrison was “really quite good” on the instrument. Both tributes made it evident that McCartney viewed Lennon and Harrison as not just band mates and fellow musicians, but as beloved friends. The most touching dedication of the evening, however, was to McCartney’s late wife, Linda, for whom he played the touching “My Love.”

Throughout the show, McCartney took time to share stories and anecdotes with the audience. He talked about that first performance at Shea, his days as a Beatle, and his memories of his former band mates, as well as other notable artists. In one particularly memorable story, McCartney recounted how, just a few days after the release of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album, Jimi Hendrix opened a show at which McCartney and Harrison were in attendance with his own version of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” which he had rehearsed only minutes before the show began. Hendrix then called Eric Clapton, also in attendance, onstage to tune his guitar. The memory was clearly a fond one for McCartney and, as he shared this story and others, the Citi Field audience put its cheers on hold in reverential silence that made it clear we were all hanging on McCartney’s every word.

The cheering always resumed, though, and at no point was it more thunderous than during McCartney’s dynamic encore. After taking a bow alongside his incredibly talented band, McCartney walked offstage only to return a few minutes later and play for at least another half hour. He did “Day Tripper” and “Lady Madonna” before being joined onstage by surprise guest Billy Joel, whom McCartney had joined last year when Joel played the last show at Shea. The pair played “I Saw Her Standing There,” Joel on the piano and McCartney on guitar, before Joel took a bow and McCartney resumed his encore with “Yesterday,” “Helter Skelter,” “Get Back,” and, finally, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” He then graciously thanked his band, his crew, and his audience before exiting the stage one last time to an explosion of red, white, and blue confetti that flurried throughout the stadium.

And his audience left Citi Field amazed, astounded, and honored to have been part of such an historic event and impressed, not only with McCartney’s skill, but with his kind, down-to-earth demeanor and affable stage presence.

Needless to say, we were all glad for the advancements in sound system technology that have been made since that first show at Shea.

Racing for the Cure

2009-07-07T13:08:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, September 13, I’m going for a run in the park. Why have I planned this so far in advance? you may be wondering. Because this won’t be just any run—it will be a race. A Race for the Cure, to be exact.

This September will mark the 26th year that the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has brought thousands of people together to raise funds in support of the fight against breast cancer. A series of 5K run/walks that take place all over the world, the Race for the Cure is the largest event of its kind, with over one million participants since 2005 alone. This year, the Komen NYC Race for the Cure will take place on September 13 in Central Park, raising money to fund national breast cancer research programs and breast health services in New York City, as well as on Long Island and in Westchester and Rockland counties. And I’ll be participating as part of the phenomenal Team Caroline.

This past February, my good friend Caroline was diagnosed with breast cancer. A healthy and vibrant 28-year-old, Caroline was caught completely off-guard by her diagnosis. Yet she has taken it, not just in stride, but in courageous, awe-inspiring leaps, tackling treatment with grace, wit, and an outlook so positive it rivals most healthy persons’. She has even been keeping a blog—Comedy, Class, and Chemo—where she’s been documenting her treatment in hilarious and heartrending detail.

Just last week, she finished her very last chemo treatment (hooray!), and so a group of us have put together Team Caroline and will be taking on the Race for the Cure in her honor—with her right there with us, as she’ll be participating, too.

If you’d like to participate in this year’s Race for the Cure, there is still plenty of time to register. In fact, if you register before July 15, you’ll save $5 on your registration fee ($25 before the 15th, $30 after). There is no minimum fundraising requirement, and you can sign up as a team or as an individual. And, if you’ll be out of town on the 13th or just don’t think you’ll be able to get out of bed in time for the 9:00 am start time, you can even sign up to Sleep in for the Cure. Click here for more information and to register.

In the meantime, if you’d like to support me and Team Caroline as we prepare for race day, you can do so by clicking here to donate or to join our team.

I hope to see you on race day!

Deep in the Heart of Texas

2009-06-23T20:45:00.005-04:00

Last weekend, I took off for a long weekend trip, not to the Hamptons or the Jersey shore or any of the other typical get-out-of-the-city-for-the-weekend jaunts that one is likely to hear about now that we’re well into the post-Memorial Day summer season. Instead of hopping on the Hamptons Jitney or the Garden State Parkway, I hopped on a plane to Texas.

Now, the great state of Texas is not necessarily the first place that comes to mind when considering a long weekend—but, after my visit, I’m convinced that it should be. The destination of this particular long weekend was San Antonio, the city in south Texas known for its Mexican heritage, its restaurant-riddled River Walk, and—who can forget?—the Alamo.

When I landed in San Antonio, I received a warm greeting from the locals and an even warmer greeting from the weather. Though it was only early afternoon, temperatures were already in the mid-80s and were expected to climb to 100 later in the day, a welcome respite from the chilly and rainy weather that has plagued New York this spring. I happily shed the sweater I had been wearing on the plane and headed to San Antonio’s downtown area, where I checked into the historic Gunter Hotel before setting out to explore the area.

As I mentioned, one of San Antonio’s most well-known attractions is the River Walk, and for good reason. The River Walk consists of a series of walkways that run along both sides of the San Antonio River one level below the city’s main streets. Connected by footbridges and open only to pedestrians, the River Walk is a picturesque slice of San Antonio, with lush flowering plants dotting the winding paths and towering trees reaching across the lazy river, giving the area a quaint, almost Mediterranean feel in spots. The River Walk is home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it popular among tourists and locals alike and the perfect place for outdoor dining—especially if you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex and margaritas, which I certainly was.

While some might tire of Mexican food after a few days, that problem does not apply to me. Over the course of the weekend, I had Grand Marnier margaritas and sizzling fajitas on an upstairs balcony at Café Ole, a River Walk staple whose claim to fame is—no surprise here—margaritas and fajitas. I munched on chips and salsa at most every meal. And I had more margaritas and amazing enchiladas at Mi Tierra, a restaurant/bakery/café in downtown San Antonio that is open 24 hours and features a tequila bar and a display case full of tantalizing Mexican treats, including pastries, sweet breads, and heaps of assorted cookies.

In between eating and strolling the River Walk, we managed to squeeze in a road trip to Austin. Only an hour away from San Antonio, the state capital is a lively city with a vibrant music scene and a hip country feel. Austin also boasts a gorgeous capitol building, and last weekend it featured some sort of biker fest, with gleaming, muscled-up motorcycles and their very colorful riders all over the downtown area. Or maybe that was just typical Austin.

Surrounding San Antonio and Austin is the Texas Hill Country, which is full not only of cattle ranches and family farms, but of crops of wineries as well. On the way back to San Antonio, we first stopped at a farm stand to sample some homemade peach cobbler. Heaped on a paper plate and topped with a large dollop of vanilla ice cream, it was rich and gooey and utterly delicious. Our fingers still a bit sticky, we then managed to visit two or three wineries to do some tasting. There were Reislings and Chenin Blancs, Muscats and Merlots, which we sampled to the backdrop of the rolling Texas hills and sun-drenched fields. We spotted plenty of cattle and various other forms of livestock, and even sipped glasses of wine while spying on a nearby family of cows.

Back in San Antonio, the sun-soaked days gave way to warm, breezy nights, and the sounds of live jazz and roaming mariachi bands brought the River Walk to life. Each night we strolled up and down the meandering walkway before stopping for drinks and jazz at the legendary Jim Cullum’s Landing, founded in 1963 by—you guessed it—jazz great Jim Cullum. It was the perfect way to end a day full of sun, sightseeing, and lots and lots of food.

And Texas, from the San Antonio River Walk and the Hill Country wineries to the bustling streets of Austin and the welcoming heat, proved the perfect way to get away for a weekend—or maybe even longer.

Summer in the Park

2009-06-10T14:01:00.005-04:00

Summer is just around the corner, and that means that a slew of fabulous events are right around the corner as well—literally and figuratively—as another season of concerts, comedy shows, orchestra, opera, and, of course, Shakespeare is about to kick off in Central Park. So pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and funnel your favorite bottle of Riesling into a thermos, then head over to the park to check out these fantastic—and, for the most part, free—events.

SummerStage
The 20th anniversary of Central Park’s SummerStage festival kicks off this Friday, June 12 at 8pm with a performance by singer and songwriter Josh Ritter, who will be accompanied by the New York Pops. Here are some more of this season’s highlights:

June 17 at 7:30pm - Readings from bestselling authors Wally Lamb and Zöe Heller
June 19 at 8pm – Comedy night with Gabriel Iglesias and Pablo Francisco
June 25 at 5pm – Reggae with 311, Ziggy Marley, and The Expendables
July 8 at 7pm – Argentinian and Brazilian artists Juana Molina, Curumin, and El G
July 9 at 5:30pm – The unique beatbox sounds of Matisyahu with Umphrey’s McGee
July 13 at 8pm – The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer Recital
July 18 at 3pm – Hip-hop with Q-Tip, Chester French, Little Dragon, and Benji B
August 1 at 7pm – The acoustic sounds of M. Ward and Nels Cline, with Yuka Honda and Dougie Bowne
August 3 at 7:30pm – A music and film screening with Béla Fleck and Toumani Diabaté
August 14 at 8pm – An evening of dance with the Wheeldon Company and musical guest Martha Wainwright
August 16 at 3pm – Alternative rockers Dinosaur Jr., The Walkmen, and Saviours

SummerStage events are held at Rumsey Playfield, accessible by the 69th Street and 5th Avenue entrance to the park. While most events are free, some serve as benefit concerts for the season and do require advance tickets. Click here for more information and the full lineup.

The New York Philharmonic
On Friday, July 17 at 8pm, the renowned New York Philharmonic will perform its annual free summer concert at the Great Lawn bandshell, which is easily accessible by the 5th Avenue entrance to the park between 85th and 86th streets. If you’d like seats near the stage, plan to arrive at least two hours in advance. And be sure to stay until the very end, as a fireworks show will follow the performance.

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Located just south of Bethesda Terrace, the Naumburg Bandshell has hosted such legendary performers as Duke Ellington, The Grateful Dead, Irving Berlin, and John Phillip Sousa. This summer the historic spot will host another season of free classical music concerts, all featuring young composers and conductors in an effort to promote new talent. Here’s the lineup:

June 23: The Knights orchestral group with acclaimed violinist Lara St. John Lodin
July 7: The Naumburg Orchestra featuring clarinet soloist Alexander Fiterstein
July 21: The Jupiter Symphony Chamber players featuring clarinet player Vadim Lando and cellist David Requiro
August 4: Grammy-nominated wind quintet Imani Winds

All performances begin at 7:30pm. For more information, click here.

Shakespeare in the Park
Another season of a favorite Central Park event kicks off tonight with the premiere of the legendary bard’s Twelfth Night, starring Anne Hathaway. Twelfth Night runs through July 12, and then Euripedes’ The Bacchae begins August 11 and runs through August 30. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays at 8pm. Tickets are free and can be obtained starting at 1pm on the day of the performance at the Delacorte Theater, or online via a virtual ticket line. For more information, click here.

Happy summer!

Crumbs Leaves No Crumbs

2009-05-29T11:48:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was charged with bringing dessert to a friend’s dinner party. Though I love to bake, I didn’t have time this particular Saturday afternoon to pull out my mixing bowls and cookie sheets to whip something up. And so I knew exactly where to go: Crumbs.

Crumbs Bakeshop first began serving their Signature cupcakes in 2003, when their Upper West Side location opened. About four years later, I tried my first Crumbs cupcake, and, as I sank my teeth into a soft and spongy chunk of yellow cake topped with a heavenly smear of buttercream frosting, I was hooked.

Now, six years after the original Crumbs opened its doors, I must not be the only one who is hooked, because Crumbs currently has ten locations here in the city—and the franchise is growing like, well, someone who has been chowing down on way too many cupcakes.

At last count, there were three Crumbs Bakeshops on Long Island, two in Connecticut, two in New Jersey, and five on the West Coast, all in and around Los Angeles. Traveling coast to coast like a celebrity who has just hit it big, these are some popular cupcakes—and rightly so.

On this particular Saturday, I made a trip to Crumbs, eager to pick out an assortment of cupcakes to share with friends, some of whom had never tried the rich and creamy deliciousness that is Crumbs before. I walked up to 78th and 3rd—and my jaw dropped in horror when I saw that Crumbs’ Upper East Side location had been boarded up. Utterly disappointed, I was on the verge of shedding tears when I happened to notice a little handmade sign with an arrow pointing to the left. I followed the arrow and, lo and behold, there was a brand new Crumbs just a few doors down.

After shedding tears of joy and relief, I pulled myself together and entered the new Crumbs. The bigger and brighter space lit up the cupcakes, cookies, and other treats, allowing them to be displayed in all their glory. It also afforded room for twice as many tables up front, where patrons can enjoy their treats over Crumbs’ various coffee and tea concoctions. I made my way to the counter and began the arduous task of deciding which of Crumbs’ many cupcakes to choose.

The Crumbs Signature cupcake is a mound of moist cake topped with creamy icing in a variety of lively colors and flavors. At $3.75, it is bigger than my fist (and probably the fists of people who are much larger than me, as well) and the perfect size for sharing—though you’ll surely be tempted to eat it all yourself. My original plan was to purchase three or four of these, to be shared between five people. But when faced with all of Crumbs’ marvelous flavors, I began to second-guess myself.

There was chocolate, vanilla, chocolate-covered strawberry, devil dog, fluffernutter, cappuccino, cookie dough, peanut butter cup, red velvet, vanilla coconut—the possibilities were really endless. My head spinning—and my stomach growling quite loudly—I tore myself away from the oh-so-enticing display counter and instead selected a package of assorted minis.

With twelve pint-sized cupcakes, including a black-and-white, a red velvet, a vanilla coconut, an Oreo cookie, and classic chocolate and vanilla, the pre-assembled pack looked to be the perfect size for our party of five to share—and it was. It was also the hit of the dinner party. After we had all dug in, cutting the tiny cupcakes into quarters so we could each taste a bit of every one, there was not a single crumb left.

But five very happy Crumbs fans remained.