2012 Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala at the New York Public Library

This past Friday I attended the second annual Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala at the New York Public Library. I had a blast with my boyfriend at last year’s MCC gala, so we had been anticipating the next one and pounced on ordering tickets as soon as they became available. And good thing we did, because tickets to the opening night gala sold out in a matter of three days I heard.

I was looking forward to attending the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala because not only are thousands of bespoke cocktails crafted, but it’s also a chance for me to get all dressed up. In fact, I was anticipating this year’s Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala many months in advance. At last year’s Gala I saw a gentleman wearing a really cool tie–a cravat–so I bought Kevin one for Christmas to wear to this year’s Gala. And for my outfit, I actually wore the dress I wore eight years earlier for my high school Winterfest dance. I was surprised I still fit in it and I was glad to get another wear out of it. I topped it off with bright red lipstick and a little black fascinator top hat. We were a dashing couple if I do say so myself.

Kevin looking dapper in his cravat tie at the MCC

As for the rest of the night, it was ehh. Perhaps because I had so much fun last year I was expecting it to be even more fun this year, but I was a little disappointed. The event was from 10pm-1am and Kevin and I got there about 10:30. Luckily this year there wasn’t a long line outside to get in, but there were many lines inside to get drinks. I remember it being as crowded last year but I don’t remember waiting as long to get drinks. There were some rooms I didn’t even get to check out because there were too many people and I was especially bummed that I couldn’t find the photo booth.

Apparently I’m not the only one who felt that way.  Daniel Edward Rosen at Velvet Roper wrote,

“Our pictures from the photo booth were gone, as was our complimentary CD from Mr. Arenella. The rooms were now filled with a swell of partygoers (the headcount jumped from 1,000 people to 3,500 people in just under an hour, we were later told).

There were lines for drinks, even for popsicles. The Gala was no longer a party of abundant drinks and endless whimsy. It was like any other event in New York: it was packed and impossible to get a beverage.”

He even had early entrance into the Gala as a journalist, so he was lucky to have at least an hour before the real madness began.

One thing MCC did do right this year was stepping up its game on the digital side by offering NFC bracelets that digitally recorded the cocktails that were tried and connects the user to his/her social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) for instant upload, and it even had a partnership going with the mobile app, OnTheBar. Although OnTheBar had a map laying out where the bartenders were stationed throughout the library, it unfortunately did not show where the photo booth or any other goodies were located.

Despite being somewhat disappointed with the actual Gala this year, it still was a fun experience. Half of my excitement was getting ready for the Gala anyway. Additionally, to make the night extra special, Kevin got us a room at The Strand Hotel which is conveniently only a few streets away from the New York Public Library. After standing on my feet wearing heels all night, I was very thankful for the short walk, but even more-so for the amazing view from our 20th floor suite at The Strand Hotel. I had my “I kind of feel like a princess moment” getting dressed in a gown to go to a gala and spending the night in a nice hotel.

This year’s upset won’t deter me from attending next year’s Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala at the New York Public Library, but I will try to be more strategic about getting to all the cocktails I want to try, and I definitely want to make sure Kevin and I attend with another couple.

On the balcony at The Strand Hotel

View of the Empire State Building from The Strand Hotel

For my birthday the end of April, I went to the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show in the Bronx. It’s the nation’s largest exhibition of orchids.

The vertical gardens of French botanist and artist Patrick Blanc–featuring structures covered in orchids, ferns, exotic plants, and epiphytes freed from the constraints of gravity–transform the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into an exotic spectacle to dazzle the senses in The Orchid Show: Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Gardens. (http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2012/orchid-show/).

I attended “Orchid Evenings” which featured a DJ and a Vanilla Ginger Moon cocktail to sip on while strolling through the path of flowers. It was a trek to get there, but once we were finally in the New York Botanical Garden, it was very enjoyable. I liked feeling temporarily removed from the city in a garden oasis. I am a big fan of ivy, so naturally I enjoyed Blanc’s vertical garden. The arrangement was intricate, and the orchids provided a gorgeous pop of color. It was like organic art. You can see some of my favorite pictures from The Orchid Show below.

Opening ceremony of the EIF Revlon Run/Walk in Times Square

This past Saturday I completed the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women’s Cancer. The event started in Times Square and finished in Central Park. When I first heard about the walk, I was hesitant to participate because I knew there was going to be a ton of people and I didn’t want to feel overwhelmed and claustrophobic, but I decided I wanted to have that experience at least once, so I registered. And I am very happy I did. There were thousands of people and you could feel the energy in the air. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits despite it being crowded. I am also thankful that my boyfriend, Kevin, joined me as well. His grandmother had breast cancer, so it was important for him to run in her honor.

Since the inception of the EIF Revlon Run/Walks in 1994, It’s committed fundraising participants have made it possible for the EIF Revlon Run/Walks to distribute over $65 million to support pioneering research, deliver diagnostic treatment services for medically under-served women, and provide psycho-social & financial support to women facing cancer and their loved ones.

The event kicked off with some opening words from Revlon Brand Ambassadors Emma Stone and Olivia Wilde. Jimmy Fallon was the MC. Then, a long blast of confetti at the start line marked the beginning of the walk/run. There were so many people it took a while to get going, but once we were a half mile in we were able to move around more easily. The 2.7 mile course started in Times Square and ended in Central Park. After the finish there were a dozen or so tents set up with event sponsors goodie bags.

I truly did enjoy myself at the EIF Revlon Run/Walk. Kevin and I ran half of the way and walked the remainder. It was a fairly nice day, and it was even nicer to finish in Central Park which felt lush with the arrival of Spring. Most importantly, I was happy I got out of bed early on a Saturday morning to show my support for important cancer programs funded by the efforts of EIF Revlon Run/Walk participants and other supporters.

Post EIF Revlon Run/Walk in Central Park

Central Park Finish

Last Sunday I had a fantastic day in Brooklyn. I only go to Brooklyn once or twice a month, but every time I do, I have a great time exploring. Our day started with brunch in Vinegar Hill (a borough of Brooklyn) at namesake restaurant, Vinegar Hill House. The wait was long but we had a few cups of coffee at the coffee bar while waiting for our table. It was a nice enough day that we were able to sit outside in their little courtyard. It was quite charming. It feels like spring is finally here.

After brunch, Kevin’s friend led us down the street to a locked gate housing a mansion inside. I have always had a “thing” about mansions. Maybe it’s because my dad is a builder, and every time we moved it was into a bigger home, or maybe it’s the little girl in me who’s fascinated with secret passageways and whose favorite book was The Secret Garden while growing up. Regardless, after seeing the mansion, it sparked my interest to know who owns it. I did a little research and found a piece The New York Times wrote in 2006:

In a New York of secret delights, the Commandant’s House at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is a secret secret. Built early in the 19th century, the big white house, formally known as Quarters A, is the yard’s oldest surviving structure, with exquisite Federal-style detailing. In private ownership since the Navy Yard closed in 1964, the three-story house can be glimpsed only in bits and pieces — over walls, through gardens and, distantly, past high gates. Its broad lawn offers a summer fantasy above the East River (New York Times).

Photo Credit: Scouting New York

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Public Library, 1954

From there we walked to another Brooklyn gem, Jane’s Carousel, which lives in Brooklyn Bridge Park on the East River between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Jane’s Carousel is truly a delight. Even though I didn’t ride the carousel, I have a great appreciation for the 1922 carousel that was restored and is now available for the public to enjoy. What I also love about it is the pavilion it lives under, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. I can only imagine how in awe children must be when they first see this beautiful carousel seemingly out of place next to the East River housed under a glass pavilion. Simply put, it’s magical.

Photo Credit: Jane's Carousel

Finally, to conclude our day in Brooklyn, Kevin and I hopped in a cab for a quick 10 minute ride to Bedford. I popped in my favorite jewelry boutique, Norbu (Tibetan word for jewel), swung by Artists & Fleas flea market, and paid a visit to Pigeon Be Pigeon,  my favorite only graphic tee designer I really buy from whose screen prints are inspired by the city.

Awesome street art in Brooklyn

I become a bigger fan of Brooklyn with each trip I make. There is so much to do there and I like the artistic feel. Certain parts of Brooklyn, like Williamsburg, are very trendy/hipster areas, and the rent there is just as much as if you were living in Manhattan. In fact, as Kevin and I were observing the others out and about that day, he made a comment that we weren’t cool enough to be there.  Don’t be intimidated though, there’s far too much to see/do in Brooklyn to let its inhabitants keep you away.

Last week I saw Godspell on Broadway. I didn’t know what it was about going into it, and though I should have had an idea with the title “Godspell,” I obliviously did not think it would be all religious….but it was, and I am not very religious. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it, but it was just a lot of religion. I agreed with my friend who went with me that the musical is kind of preachy. When I tuned out the fact that it was all about religion and focused on the having good morals and life advice messages the musical conveys, it was okay. It helps that they incorporate some humor and make good use of props too.

The structure of the musical is that of a series of parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew (though three of the parables featured are recorded only in the Gospel of Luke). These are then interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ treated briefly near the end of the performance (Wikipedia).

Corbin Bleu on the far left

The show I went to also happened to be the first Godspell performance with Corbin Bleu, who apparently is a Disney star, playing Jesus. Corbin Bleu is in Disney’s High School Musical and Jump In! I’m too old for Disney so I actually did not know who Bleu was, but the other audience members sure did. The squealing girls behind me were excited to see him perform. He is a pretty good looking guy, especially now with his hair cut.

I also liked the theater Godspell is at, Circle in the Square. The circular stage is cool. With the circular stage, there really isn’t a bad seat in the theater, and it provides a sort of intimacy. Godspell isn’t the first musical I’d recommend, but if you can snag cheap tickets, it’s worth seeing.

Corbin Bleu on the set of Godspell

Last Sunday I went to a really cool vegan pop-up market in Brooklyn called Vegan Shop-Up. It had everything imaginable–tables with vegan chocolate, brownies, cupcakes, chocolate sauce,  pretzels, hummus, different flavored vegan cheeses, salsa. There was even jewelry nail polish, and handmade catnip mice toys. It’s markets like Vegan Shop-Up that make me love New York so much.

Photo Credit: Mobile Cuisine

My newest obsession was also there–The Cinnamon Snail. The Cinnamon Snail is a vegan food truck that has a variety of sandwiches, raw pizza, beverages and delicious desserts. I have tried the Chipotle seitan burrito, Smoked portabello mushroom Carpaccio, maple mustard tempeh sandwich,  Creole grilled tofu sub, and the cinnamon snail pastry. My favorite sandwich of the ones I’ve tried is the Creole grilled tofu sub though you really can’t go wrong with any decision. Although I haven’t tried many of their desserts or pastries, the Cinnamon Snail pastry is to die for. It’s soft and sugary, and it kind of tastes like an elephant ear. Part of the fun of eating Cinnamon Snail is that you can only find their location for the day on Twitter or Facebook, and they usually don’t tell you where they’re going to be parked until the morning of.

The Vegan Shop-Up was also hosted at a really cool vegan friendly bar, Pine Box Rock Shop. I didn’t have anything to drink, but I did take a look at their menu and saw some good cocktails. I think I’ll have to go back again for drinks.

Again, what makes living in the city so exciting besides the Broadway shows, fashion, and fine dining are things like the Brooklyn flea market, Vegan Shop-Up, and delicious food trucks. Thank you New York for never allowing me to be bored and for making it easy to be a vegetarian in the city!

Venus in Fur is…HOT! I had seen previews of the show on TV and I heard that it received great reviews, but it’s not until you see it live that you know just how good it is.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

When the show first started I was a little nervous because Vanda, played by Nina Arianda, is really annoying. Her voice is high pitched and whiny, and she’s a ditz, but once she starts the audition for a part in Thomas’  play (played by Hugh Dancy), Venus in Fur only gets better and better. The play description says it best, “Vanda’s emotionally charged audition for the gifted but demanding playwright/director becomes an electrifying game of cat and mouse that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, seduction and power, love and sex” (Venus in Fur).

Arianda and Dancy perform amazingly well together on stage. They’re both attractive and sexually charged. It was the first show I wished would go on longer. I also left the theater trying to dissect what went on onstage. Who has the power in the end? Vanda or Thomas? I now have a desire to read the book.

Venus in Fur is the perfect mix of desire, kinkery and psychological play with a dash of humor. It has even been compared to the hit S&M trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey. I highly recommend seeing Venus in Fur. As I said before, you’ll continue to think about the show even after it’s over.

On Easter Sunday I saw Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I saw two other shows within the same week (Million Dollar Quartet and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Priscilla was the show I was least excited to see. I ended up being pleasantly surprised though, and I really enjoyed the musical. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this hit musical (which was adapted from the namesake film), Priscilla Queen of the Desert is about three drag queens who take a road trip together in a big RV (Priscilla) across the desert to see Mitzi’s young son.

I recently saw One Man, Two Guvnors on Broadway. I heard that it was critically acclaimed in London, but I didn’t know much about the show going into it besides the fact that it is a comedy. And comedic it was. One Man, Two Guvnors is a hoot. I laughed throughout the entire show. I like how each character has very distinct personalities and the play allows for character development for the several main cast members. Francis Henshall, played by James Cordon, the protagonist of One Man, Two Guvnors is particularly funny. He makes the show really. He is such a loveable character and he plays the part brilliantly.

One Man, Two Guvnors is about Henshall who is broke and becomes employed by two “guvnors.” For those of us who aren’t Brits, guvnor is British slang for governor, which is essentially a boss. Henshall tries balancing working for both without either guvnor finding out while constantly being distracted by his indelible hunger. Meanwhile, there is another plot that plays out between the two guvnors and other casemates involving marriage, deceit, and other scheming.  It’s all woven together masterfully.

Besides being hilarious, One Man, Two Guvnors is also entertaining in its incorporation of audience participation in the show (or are they actually paid actors pretending to be members of the audience? ). I won’t give too much away, but the play is full of fun surprises. What is also amusing in One Man, Two Guvnors is that a band comes out and sings between every act, and each member of the cast alternates doing their own little solo piece at that time.

I was entertained throughout the entire show. One Man, Two Guvnors is actually one show that I would definitely like to see again. Watching James Cordon play Henshall never gets old. I think I’d enjoy seeing him perform in any show, though his part in One Man, Two Guvnors seems a perfect fit.

As all the promotional ads are saying online, hurry and get your tickets to One Man, Two Guvnors now before ticket prices sky rocket like they did for Book of Mormon.

Last week I saw an off-Broadway musical, Million Dollar Quartet. It’s about Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins who on  December 4, 1956 for the first and only time play together in the same Sun Records recording studio (hence, “the million dollar quartet”). The show was at New World Theater in NYC (though Million Dollar Quartet is showing in Chicago and touring the rest of the U.S). It was my first time at New World Theater and I really liked it because the theater seemed more intimate, and it didn’t matter where your seat was since it only allows for a relatively small audience anyway. It was also the perfect stage to hold the eight or so performers who shared the stage for the duration of the show. Because it was a small cast, each actor holds importance and contributes to the dynamic of the group which in turn also allows the audience  to really take notice of their individual roles.

Photo Credit: Eric Stang's website

I also like that Million Dollar Quartet is only an hour and forty minutes long without an intermission. Sometimes I get a little antsy sitting in longer shows. In addition, there wasn’t a fancy stage or wardrobe changes–the entire show took place on a static stage. But what came from the stage was anything but static. The performers were really great musicians. Going into Million Dollar Quartet, I didn’t have high expectations–I didn’t really have any expectations–so I was pleasantly surprised that the show was so good. I thought Eric Stang who plays Jerry Lee Lewis was particularly talented. He could rock out playing the piano with his hands behind his back all while laying on the hood of the piano.

The live music played during Million Dollar Quartet is great and the impersonations are good. You didn’t have to grow up listening to Elvis, Johnny Cash, et al. to enjoy the show even though you are bound to have heard at least a few of the hit songs played. In a short period of time the audience is brought up to speed on the careers of the rock ‘n’ roll legends.

I’m so glad I got the opportunity to see Million Dollar Quartet and I highly recommend it to everyone. I was really surprised I could be so entertained with a play based on the events that took place in a single night and that didn’t have set changes or elaborate costumes. I also liked how at the end of Million Dollar Quartet they show the original picture of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins at the studio. It makes the whole show feel more authentic and special as if capturing an incredible moment in time. If you’re looking for a more affordable but equally as fun show, I recommend seeing Million Dollar Quartet off-Broadway. I brought along two friends with varying tastes, and they surprisingly both really liked the musical too, so I think it’s safe to say almost anyone will enjoy Million Dollar Quartet.