Apr 18
An Evening In Times Square
When it comes to Times Square, I’m one of those rare New Yorkers who actually likes it. Between working in the Crossroads of the World and being a Broadway aficionado, I appreciate it as an apex of hustle and bustle — and great dining if you know where to go.
During a recent girls night out with my work BFF Lisa, we headed to two of my favorite Times Square spots. First stop —The Lambs Club, a cozy bar and restaurant at the Chatwal Hotel that is equal parts swanky and boutique-style charm.
The Lambs Club’s upstairs bar. Love the NYC-themed light fixtures! (photo courtesy: Facebook.com/TheLambsClub)
Over cocktails and a tasty plate of hot mixed nuts, we talked about old friends, new beginnings and taking chances. Then, it was off to Café Un Deux Trois, a delightful French bistro that never disappoints. I departed from my usual picks here, enjoying the pâté starter and a perfectly cooked salmon burger.
It was a short stroll from dinner to the Sondheim Theater for Beautiful: the Carole King musical. Beautiful is a richly entertaining journey through King’s life and work. Packed with 25 pop hits like “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “So Far Away” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” it’s also a fascinating look at the stories behind these classic songs, soulfully performed by the cast. Catch Beautiful before it closes in September.
Mar 16
Girls Night Out In Long Island
Last night, I headed to Long Island for a night out with gal pals Tasha, Mimma and Theresa.
Mimma, me and Tasha
Tasha was visiting from LA, so this was a special reunion, made even more fun by the presence of Theresa’s hubby, siblings and friends who know and love Tasha too.
We piled in to the Rockville Centre location of Croxley Ales Great American Ale House, a lively bar with a great crowd. Over drinks and apps (mozzarella sticks, wings, chicken fingers–classic bar food, yum), we caught up on each other’s lives and shared a lot of laughs. Among the topics of conversation: Beverly Hills 90210 versus Melrose Place, precocious children (Tasha, Theresa and Mimma are all moms) and dating dramas created by texting. We also reminisced about Theresa’s awesome bridal shower awhile back.
As we talked, I found myself feeling so thankful that our mutual dear friend Caroline introduced us years ago. Tash, Mimma and Theresa are amazing women – smart, fun, kind and sassy.
With spring finally upon us, they mentioned the possibility of visiting some of Long Island’s many wineries. Looking forward to that and many more fun times with these great ladies!
Dec 14
A Fabulous Night With Fresh 102.7 FM
Earlier this week, I enjoyed a girls night out at two of my favorite NYC venues.
My dear friend Sara and I met up at Pappardella on the Upper West Side. This cozy Italian eatery has long been a neighborhood staple with good reason–delicious, consistent fare and friendly service. We shared a caprese salad (with melt in your mouth fresh mozzarella) then enjoyed one of their signature dishes–pappardelle with wild mushroom ragu, white wine, truffle cream, roasted garlic & basil. Yummm.
After dinner, we walked over to the iconic Beacon Theater on Broadway. The event–Fresh 102.7 FM‘s first ever Winter Jam concert.
Fresh 102.7 FM’s Kim and Kane
I always start my day with Fresh’s Kim and Kane in the morning. So it was a treat to see them emcee part of the four-hour show, which featured an A-list lineup of pop artists. I’ve attended several radio station concerts over the years; this was far and away one of the best, most well executed productions. And we got to experience it all from fifth row center seats!
American Authors
The concert kicked off with American Authors, debuting a song from their upcoming second album and powering through “I’m Just A Believer” and “Best Day of My Life.” Spunky family band Echosmith were effervescent fun, closing out their set with “Cool Kids.”
Next up, Gavin DeGraw, who was as irresistible as he was when I saw him at an SPG Moments concert last year. He did older songs from his catalog like “Follow Through” and “I Don’t Wanna Be,” and newer classics like “Sweeter” and “The Best I Ever Had,” ending with his mega-hit “Not Over You.”
Gavin DeGraw (photo courtesy: Fresh 102.7 FM)
Daughtry performed an acoustic set, including a memorable version of “Home” dedicated to U.S. troops. It was fantastic to hear stripped down versions of “It’s Not Over,” “September,” “Battleship” and one of my all-time favorites, “Waiting For Superman.”
Daughtry (photo courtesy: Fresh 102.7 FM)
The evening ended on a very high note, with Train. Lead singer Pat Monahan demonstrated why Daughtry raved about him being one of the best pop vocalists today (not to mention, adept at taking selfies with front row audience member phones).
Train
So many great songs in Train’s catalog, and they performed most of them—including “Cadillac, Cadillac,” “Angel In blue Jeans,” “99 Ways To Say Goodbye” and “Calling All Angels.” They ended their set with breakout hit “Drops of Jupiter.”
A truly amazing night of great music and fun with a dear friend. One that reinforced something I’ve been feeling a lot lately – truly blessed to call this incredible city home.
Nov 22
Experiencing Parlor & The Joys Of Moving On
Last Saturday, my dear friend Sara and I visited Parlor, a private members-only club in SoHo.
Parlor in SoHo (photo courtesy: fastlifeluxury.com)
Tucked away behind a private, unmarked door on Spring Street, the exclusive 5,000 square foot venue is – according to the invite I received to try it out — for people who enjoy “making connections, have a love of fine dining, exceptional wines and cultural events.”
Sara and I enjoyed a tasting menu of creations by Chef Hilary Ambrose, a protégé of David Bouley. After a round of scrumptious, creamy pumpkin martinis (in graham cracker-rimmed glasses—mmmm), we enjoyed a three-course meal: smoked avocado puff pastry, couscous salad and pike fish for me, deer chop for Sara and for dessert, espresso-flavored ice cream. Our overall verdict: the portions were small but that was our only complaint. Parlor offers the attentive, first class service you would expect from a club that charges $1500 for annual membership.
Parlor’s low-lit, upscale ambience is very conducive to conversation. Sara and I talked about family, upcoming girls nights out (including a black tie charity event next week) and the importance of being true to yourself — especially when it comes to saying goodbye to people and patterns that are no longer any good for you.
It is, of course, one of the great rewards of being older and wiser; having better instincts about when and how to move on. Some people are only meant to be in our lives briefly. As I shared with Sara, realizing this about someone recently reminded me that everything really does happen for a reason. And that there’s no feeling more exhilarating than taking the positive from an experience and leaving the negative where it belongs, in the past.
I can’t help thinking of one of my favorite sayings, by writer Mary Wollstonecraft: the beginning is always today. I’ve never felt that more or been happier or more excited to live in a city where fresh starts are always around the next bustling corner.
Nov 9
In Celebration Of New Beginnings
Friday, I enjoyed an epic girls night out with my cousin Alexandra. We met up at Grata, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Midtown East.
Grata Restaurant (photo courtesy: gratanyc.com)
Attentive service, an enticing menu and cozy atmosphere make Grata a delightful experience every time. We enjoyed mouth watering burrata salad, spaghetti in a light lemon cream sauce and chocolate mousse for dessert. I also discovered the pleasures of French martinis. Mmm.
Alex and I had a lot to catch up on. I told her about my exciting new chapter at work — adding The Westin New York at Times Square to my Marketing Manager duties. She filled me in on what’s new with her and hubby. During our soul soothing four-hour plus conversation, we also covered a lot of emotional ground — reflecting on family, romantic relationships and letting go of the past to make room for new beginnings.
I’ve been working a lot on the latter lately, especially when it comes to my late, beloved parents. For far too long now, I’ve been holding on too tightly to their memory, and surrounding myself with physical reminders of them. After ten years in my home, I am at long last starting the journey of making it a reflection of me now.
Though I will forever and always miss Mom and Dad, grieving daughter is no longer the label I want to have define me. It’s time for a fresh start and looking forward.
Here’s to new beginnings — at work, home and most of all, in the heart.
Oct 8
An Epic Night On The Town
Saturday, I enjoyed a wonderful girls night out with my cousins Dana and Carla.
With Carla in Long Island and Dana traveling often for work, it had been awhile since the three of us were together. And we quickly made up for lost time with an action packed evening and delightful, soul soothing conversation.
The night kicked off at the UWS location of popular, lively brasserie The Smith. Over a delicious dinner, we talked about home makeovers (I’m about to undertake one), old flames and new beginnings.
Dana, Carla and me at NYC’s Empire Hotel
Our next stop was the Empire Hotel’s swanky lobby bar, where I savored a pear martini (okay, two…) and some nostalgic reminiscing.
Among the funnier recollections: our adolescent affinity for consuming entire tubs of Betty Crocker Creamy Deluxe frosting. Yes—an entire 16 ounce tub for each of us. In one sitting!
After saying goodnight to Dana, Carla and I paused to take in the majesty of Lincoln Center at night before heading over to a few places in my hood, the Upper East Side.
First, we visited Session 73, which was hopping with a great cover band playing 90’s tunes and current chart toppers. Then, we walked over to dive bar Stumble Inn for one last round of drinks.
As Carla and I made our way back home, I couldn’t help thinking how fortunate I am to have beloved cousins who are more like sisters to me. And, of course, how lucky I am to live in the world’s greatest city, a place where you never know what adventures and new beginnings are right around the corner.
Sep 22
A Delightful Rooftop Party
One of the many reasons I love my job is it affords many opportunities to experience the best of NYC. Thursday night, my colleague Lisa and I headed down to 250 Hudson Street in for a party hosted by Corbis Images.
The crowd at Corbis’ soiree
The soiree was held on the building’s expansive rooftop deck, with beautiful views of downtown Manhattan and the Jersey skyline across the river. We arrived in time to enjoy a picturesque sunset that had me newly smitten with my hometown.
Beautiful view of New Jersey across the Hudson River
While enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Lisa and I talked shop for a bit before moving onto meatier topics — life after loss, memorable first dates and the courage it takes to begin again.
A bundle of warmth and positive energy, Lisa has become my best friend at work. Not only is she a delight to collaborate with, she is a great cheerleader and confidante.
I’m looking forward to many more fun nights out with her — in the city that offers no shortage of great places to spend them.
Sep 10
Girls Night Out: Times Square
Friday, I enjoyed a girls night out in Times Square with my dear friend Lisa.
The evening’s main event – Rock of Ages. As an 80’s child and diehard fan of music from that era, I’ve been wanting to see this show for years. It didn’t disappoint.
Constantine Maroulis and the cast of Rock of Ages (photo credit: Joan Marcus/Playbill.com)
American Idol alum and original cast member Constantine Maroulis anchors Rock of Ages’ lively cast in the story of a city boy and small town girl seeking love and stardom in L.A. The show offers plenty of sing a long moments, weaving in about 80’s hits from, among others, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake. It strikes the pitch perfect balance of kitschy, nostalgic fun and cheeky humor. Constantine is back through October 26 only, don’t miss your chance to see him.
After the show, Lisa and I briefly braved the Times Square crowds to walk over to Blue Fin nearby for a late dinner. I enjoyed bronzino with squash salad and cinnamon ice cream–all delicious with a capital D.
As I headed home, I thought about two things: good friends and my good fortune to live in NYC.
I heart my hometown.
