NeoPatrick's month in New York 2008
Jul 4th, 2008, 07:27 AM
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WEEK 4:
Monday, June 23:
More rain today -- sure seems like a lot of rain this month, and I'm glad we don't have many outdoor plans.
Took the subway to Katz Deli for our annual pastrami fix. For the first time ever, we were smart. We just got one pastrami on rye to split and NO side orders. I had my dollar ready to tip the cutter, but he didn't give me a taste -- instead he handed us a plate of pickles, something like 6 whole large pickles of several varieties all split in half. We sat in the rain --yes, there are lots of leaks in their ceiling -- unless it was all from condensation due to the high humidity, but we weren't under an air conditioner!
We headed up to the Quad theatres again to see Love Comes Lately (with Barbara Hershey and Rhea Pearlman among others) -- kind of a dippy movie, I thought. As we were about to come out of the subway I remembered that we were near the Red Mango frozen yoghurt we had discovered and were early for the movie -- as he came up the steps, it was right in front of us!
Tonight was Cirque Dreams -- Jungle Fantasy. This is NOT Cirque du Soleil, not even close, but similar in style. Sadly I thought they were highly restricted by the Broadway stage -- how exciting can aerials be when they can only go about 20 feet high and swing a range of about 30 feet instead of four or five times that like in Las Vegas. There was a horrible singer (Mother Nature) wandering around singing inane lyrics to songs that were supposedly teaching lessons of life. Kind of lame. But there was a fantastic duo from Russia who do one of those balancing acts on a board and cylinders. They ended up both on the board which is on about six cylinders stacked some on side and some on end on top of the ones on sides. It was truly amazing -- the only ones in the world who do this particular act.
Dinner afterwards at Maison, outside on the corner of 7th and 53rd. Surprisingly good steak with frites for Lee, roasted chicken, whipped potatoes, and grilled asparagus for me. Pleasant night as the rain had stopped. This place was jammed at 11 PM (they are open 24 hours).
Tuesday, June 24:
Today we met Owlwoman for lunch on her lunch hour. Went to Chai, a Thai place on 8th and 56th. Lunch specials at $6.95 (as most of the Thai places seem to do). Had a nice visit, as we hadn't really had a chance to talk at the GTG on the Plaza.
Drinks at Sardi's tonight before seeing Young Frankenstein. The big disappointment was that the second understudy was doing Igor. I have followed the career of Christopher Fitzgerald since seeing him years ago off-Broadway in the one-man Fully Committed. Also saw him do Gutenburg-the Musical, which is where Mel Brooks "found" him. But his main understudy was filling if for the lead -- Roger Bart, so the second understudy did Igor -- surely not nearly as funny as the clips I've seen Christopher do. Liked the show more than I thought I might. Lots of fun.
Dinner tonight after the show at Etc, Etc. I had a grilled sliced tenderloin of beef on a yellow tomato and red onion salad which was quite good. Lee had a bow tie pasta with crab and tomatoes. Food was good, but we watched with amusement at the waiters and bus boys who all seemed lost and wandering about. After ordering my drink and seeing it sitting on the bar for ages, I finally flagged someone down to go get it for me. And they weren't THAT busy!
Wednesday, June 25:
Got a really late start today, not up and dressed until almost noon. Went to Blue Smoke for lunch. Gee, we always love the BarBQ at this place in Grammercy (a Danny Meyer's restaurant). However, I must say when Lee had a half rack of ribs and some beans, just drinking tap water, and I had the barbeque chicken with mashed potatoes and a draft beer, $60 sure seems like a lot!
Did a lot of walking today (including going past the Shake Shack to see what that was about and seeing a line about a mile long). We also headed up to the upper east side and did some "window" shopping and hit some design stores including the Ankasa store -- quite interesting.
Tonight we saw The Cocktail Hour, the Gurney play at the Theatre Breaking Through Barriers -- often using handicapped actors. The lead in this play who is the founder of the group played the lead. He is blind, but other than his lack of visual focus, you wouldn't know as he moves about the stage freely. Sadly, he was horribly miscast in this very "Waspy" show -- as he seems very ethnic, perhaps Greek?
Dinner afterwards was at Crave on 42nd. It is owned by Dave Martin from Bravo's Top Chef (which I've never seen) and he serves most of the food and moves freely between the kitchen and dining room. Lee had "Sassy Sea Bass" which is a specialty but too sweet for me. I had a rubbed and smoked filet of tenderloin, which seemed skimpy and nothing special. I wasn't overly impressed with the place.
Thursday, June 26:
Great Thai lunch at Q-2 on Ninth at 52nd. Liked their specials much more (particularly the great summer rolls including shrimp and mint, and Lee's little crab and cheese puffs) than at Chai.
Headed up to the library at Lincoln Center to see the Jerome Robbins exhibit -- including clips you could sit and watch with earphones, flipping between 6 screens. Also they had an exhibit about the children's group, The Paper Bag Players.
Stopped at Lincoln Plaza cinemas to see The Grocer's Son -- a very interesting French film.
Tonight was Top Girls. Martha Plimpton and Marissa Tomei were especially good -- the latter suprising me with three very different and well done characters -- nothing like My Cousin Vinny, which she always seem locked into. Good ensemble acting, but the play is indeed a bit convoluted -- I had a hard time figuring why or how exactly the first act related to the other two. And some strong accents made it difficult if not impossible to understand.
Dinner at Roberto Passon tonight. I had my rabbit with olives -- the dish that first attracted me to this place four or five years ago. We closed the place down about 11:45. They were very gracious, despite Lee's verrrrrry slow eating.
Friday, June 27:
Got up late, and would you believe we had lunch at Roberto Passon's? We not only closed the place down last night, but were the first ones there today! We should have just spent the night, but since our apartment is literally just across the street. . . While eating our $13 lunch, a woman approached and said "Excuse me, but is your name Patrick?" Sure enough, it was Fodorite BoniseA who recognized us from the GTG pictures and said they were at Roberto Passon's due to my recommendation -- they hadn't even been to their hotel yet!
Went to the South Street Seaport to get a Circle Line boat special tour of the Waterfalls project. This was kind of lame in my book. Other than the one waterfall built under the Brooklyn Bridge, the others just seemed like some construction scaffolding with water coming off the top of them -- and had no relation to their environment or setting.
Saw Bash'd, a two character gay rap musical tonight. It is new and getting great reviews -- started at the Canadian Fringe Festival. I guess it was innovative and clever, but frankly I thought it was kind of trite and unbelievable -- and at the end of the one hour long show with no intermission I had had enough rap to last me a few months if not a lifetime.
We headed over to West Bank Cafe to have dinner -- good -- and then wait for the After Party downstairs. Fodorite Skatedancer and her daughter (high school or college?) joined us. Especially good singers tonight, but the language was a little wild tonight -- I was glad I wasn't there with MY mother! We stayed until 2:30, CRAWLING up 9th Avenue and into bed! We're getting way too old for this kind of late night activity.
Saturday, June 28:
Again slept until 11, then up and dressed and walked to St. Andrews, Scottish place on 44th for great salmon BLT's.
August: Osage County was FANTASTIC. Truly we had saved the best for last on this trip. Estelle Parson is great as the mother, and even some of the message boards I've been reading are suggesting that she is even better that the Tony winning Deanna Dunnagan in the role. But it was Amy Morton as the oldest daughter who really blew me away.
After the show, we "hopped the A train" to 145th and enjoyed a back yard party at Fodorite Travelbuff's place. There was a big downpour and we got soaked trying to move to the house under a tarp we were all carrying, and trying to rescue the appetizers as well. But it cleared up, the lightnight bugs came out and we had a great time. Good food, lots of wine, and some of her "singer" friends were there too who even sang Happy Birthday in harmony to Lee.
Sunday, June 29:
We had a small brunch for five at Thalia today, with a few posters from Travelers to Go. Very nice, but again there was a huge downpour, so while one left the rest of us sat and waited it out.
We were seeing Forbidden Broadway tonight at 7:30, so stopped by Joe Allens to sit at the bar and have a drink first. A few seats away at the end of the bar was Amy Morton from August
sage County with several others, after the matinee they had just finished. They were leaving as we were, so I spoke to her saying, "I want to tell you that I saw the show yesterday and I am STILL emotionally drained. To think that you've all done that entire show two more times since I saw it just over 24 hours ago is simply mind boggling." She replied "yes, it is, isn't it?" She looked truly exhausted as she must have been. I thanked her for one of the best days in the theatre I've ever had -- she was very gracious. Then as they left, I realized that the others were perhaps the Father, the middle sister, and the Indian housekeeper. I had failed to recognize them as she was the only one facing me at the bar.
Forbidden Broadway just opened two night ago in their newest version "Dances with the Stars". There wasn't a lot of new material -- other than poking fun of Mario Lopez in A Chorus Line, and some good Patti Lupone in Gypsy gags, and a strange thing about In the Heights with Maria from West Side Story lost in there too. Still, lots of fun.
Had dinner at Maria Pia, splitting some calamari and each having a nice pasta.
Monday, June 30:
Lee's birthday today. We went to Maison where we sat outside for "brunch", Lee having his favorite -- a waffle with fresh strawberries while I had an omelette.
Mostly today was packing up to head home, reorganizing the apartment. We went to Eddie's, the best shoeshine in the world, in the concourse at Rockefeller Center to get our black shoes shined. We walked home and then changed to our brown shoes and went back to get them shined as well. There's nothing like this place back home and I HATE polishing shoes.
We had reservations at 5:45 for dinner at Babbo -- the only time we could get calling exactly one month ahead (the earliest you can call) and then hitting redial for a couple of hours to finally get through. We were happily seated upstairs which is more spacious and less frenetic. We shared a pappardelle stained with chianti with a wild boar ragu that was delicious. Then Lee had the pork chop while I had the lamb chops. These are their two most popular dishes. Lee then had a chocolate pistachio semifreddo with a candle and Happy Birthday spelled out in chocolate. They could not have been more gracious about our taking 2 hours and 45 minutes to eat! With my single glass of $16 wine, our total bill with tax and tip was right at $150 -- hardly a major splurge for such a famous and popular place in NYC. I was kind of surprised by that.
Monday, July 1:
Up at 7 -- wow, that came early! We had reserved a car from All State (but the sign in the window said "Platinum", when I asked the driver, he quickly switched signs -- I guess these cars and drivers work for various agencies. When we were going through security at LaGuardia and I put my hand in my pocket I discovered the apartment keys! OOPS. I was supposed to leave them on the table in the apartment, which is where I had put them, but picked them up last minute when I went to throw out some trash to make sure I didn't lock myself out of the apartment. No problem, as the owner was coming next (same day) and he has another set of keys. I mailed these back.
Nice Delta flight to Ft. Lauderdale, with the exception of the man they thought had died, but somehow revived. Blinding rain on Alligator Alley on the return to Naples in a rental car.
Great trip!
Monday, June 23:
More rain today -- sure seems like a lot of rain this month, and I'm glad we don't have many outdoor plans.
Took the subway to Katz Deli for our annual pastrami fix. For the first time ever, we were smart. We just got one pastrami on rye to split and NO side orders. I had my dollar ready to tip the cutter, but he didn't give me a taste -- instead he handed us a plate of pickles, something like 6 whole large pickles of several varieties all split in half. We sat in the rain --yes, there are lots of leaks in their ceiling -- unless it was all from condensation due to the high humidity, but we weren't under an air conditioner!
We headed up to the Quad theatres again to see Love Comes Lately (with Barbara Hershey and Rhea Pearlman among others) -- kind of a dippy movie, I thought. As we were about to come out of the subway I remembered that we were near the Red Mango frozen yoghurt we had discovered and were early for the movie -- as he came up the steps, it was right in front of us!
Tonight was Cirque Dreams -- Jungle Fantasy. This is NOT Cirque du Soleil, not even close, but similar in style. Sadly I thought they were highly restricted by the Broadway stage -- how exciting can aerials be when they can only go about 20 feet high and swing a range of about 30 feet instead of four or five times that like in Las Vegas. There was a horrible singer (Mother Nature) wandering around singing inane lyrics to songs that were supposedly teaching lessons of life. Kind of lame. But there was a fantastic duo from Russia who do one of those balancing acts on a board and cylinders. They ended up both on the board which is on about six cylinders stacked some on side and some on end on top of the ones on sides. It was truly amazing -- the only ones in the world who do this particular act.
Dinner afterwards at Maison, outside on the corner of 7th and 53rd. Surprisingly good steak with frites for Lee, roasted chicken, whipped potatoes, and grilled asparagus for me. Pleasant night as the rain had stopped. This place was jammed at 11 PM (they are open 24 hours).
Tuesday, June 24:
Today we met Owlwoman for lunch on her lunch hour. Went to Chai, a Thai place on 8th and 56th. Lunch specials at $6.95 (as most of the Thai places seem to do). Had a nice visit, as we hadn't really had a chance to talk at the GTG on the Plaza.
Drinks at Sardi's tonight before seeing Young Frankenstein. The big disappointment was that the second understudy was doing Igor. I have followed the career of Christopher Fitzgerald since seeing him years ago off-Broadway in the one-man Fully Committed. Also saw him do Gutenburg-the Musical, which is where Mel Brooks "found" him. But his main understudy was filling if for the lead -- Roger Bart, so the second understudy did Igor -- surely not nearly as funny as the clips I've seen Christopher do. Liked the show more than I thought I might. Lots of fun.
Dinner tonight after the show at Etc, Etc. I had a grilled sliced tenderloin of beef on a yellow tomato and red onion salad which was quite good. Lee had a bow tie pasta with crab and tomatoes. Food was good, but we watched with amusement at the waiters and bus boys who all seemed lost and wandering about. After ordering my drink and seeing it sitting on the bar for ages, I finally flagged someone down to go get it for me. And they weren't THAT busy!
Wednesday, June 25:
Got a really late start today, not up and dressed until almost noon. Went to Blue Smoke for lunch. Gee, we always love the BarBQ at this place in Grammercy (a Danny Meyer's restaurant). However, I must say when Lee had a half rack of ribs and some beans, just drinking tap water, and I had the barbeque chicken with mashed potatoes and a draft beer, $60 sure seems like a lot!
Did a lot of walking today (including going past the Shake Shack to see what that was about and seeing a line about a mile long). We also headed up to the upper east side and did some "window" shopping and hit some design stores including the Ankasa store -- quite interesting.
Tonight we saw The Cocktail Hour, the Gurney play at the Theatre Breaking Through Barriers -- often using handicapped actors. The lead in this play who is the founder of the group played the lead. He is blind, but other than his lack of visual focus, you wouldn't know as he moves about the stage freely. Sadly, he was horribly miscast in this very "Waspy" show -- as he seems very ethnic, perhaps Greek?
Dinner afterwards was at Crave on 42nd. It is owned by Dave Martin from Bravo's Top Chef (which I've never seen) and he serves most of the food and moves freely between the kitchen and dining room. Lee had "Sassy Sea Bass" which is a specialty but too sweet for me. I had a rubbed and smoked filet of tenderloin, which seemed skimpy and nothing special. I wasn't overly impressed with the place.
Thursday, June 26:
Great Thai lunch at Q-2 on Ninth at 52nd. Liked their specials much more (particularly the great summer rolls including shrimp and mint, and Lee's little crab and cheese puffs) than at Chai.
Headed up to the library at Lincoln Center to see the Jerome Robbins exhibit -- including clips you could sit and watch with earphones, flipping between 6 screens. Also they had an exhibit about the children's group, The Paper Bag Players.
Stopped at Lincoln Plaza cinemas to see The Grocer's Son -- a very interesting French film.
Tonight was Top Girls. Martha Plimpton and Marissa Tomei were especially good -- the latter suprising me with three very different and well done characters -- nothing like My Cousin Vinny, which she always seem locked into. Good ensemble acting, but the play is indeed a bit convoluted -- I had a hard time figuring why or how exactly the first act related to the other two. And some strong accents made it difficult if not impossible to understand.
Dinner at Roberto Passon tonight. I had my rabbit with olives -- the dish that first attracted me to this place four or five years ago. We closed the place down about 11:45. They were very gracious, despite Lee's verrrrrry slow eating.
Friday, June 27:
Got up late, and would you believe we had lunch at Roberto Passon's? We not only closed the place down last night, but were the first ones there today! We should have just spent the night, but since our apartment is literally just across the street. . . While eating our $13 lunch, a woman approached and said "Excuse me, but is your name Patrick?" Sure enough, it was Fodorite BoniseA who recognized us from the GTG pictures and said they were at Roberto Passon's due to my recommendation -- they hadn't even been to their hotel yet!
Went to the South Street Seaport to get a Circle Line boat special tour of the Waterfalls project. This was kind of lame in my book. Other than the one waterfall built under the Brooklyn Bridge, the others just seemed like some construction scaffolding with water coming off the top of them -- and had no relation to their environment or setting.
Saw Bash'd, a two character gay rap musical tonight. It is new and getting great reviews -- started at the Canadian Fringe Festival. I guess it was innovative and clever, but frankly I thought it was kind of trite and unbelievable -- and at the end of the one hour long show with no intermission I had had enough rap to last me a few months if not a lifetime.
We headed over to West Bank Cafe to have dinner -- good -- and then wait for the After Party downstairs. Fodorite Skatedancer and her daughter (high school or college?) joined us. Especially good singers tonight, but the language was a little wild tonight -- I was glad I wasn't there with MY mother! We stayed until 2:30, CRAWLING up 9th Avenue and into bed! We're getting way too old for this kind of late night activity.
Saturday, June 28:
Again slept until 11, then up and dressed and walked to St. Andrews, Scottish place on 44th for great salmon BLT's.
August: Osage County was FANTASTIC. Truly we had saved the best for last on this trip. Estelle Parson is great as the mother, and even some of the message boards I've been reading are suggesting that she is even better that the Tony winning Deanna Dunnagan in the role. But it was Amy Morton as the oldest daughter who really blew me away.
After the show, we "hopped the A train" to 145th and enjoyed a back yard party at Fodorite Travelbuff's place. There was a big downpour and we got soaked trying to move to the house under a tarp we were all carrying, and trying to rescue the appetizers as well. But it cleared up, the lightnight bugs came out and we had a great time. Good food, lots of wine, and some of her "singer" friends were there too who even sang Happy Birthday in harmony to Lee.
Sunday, June 29:
We had a small brunch for five at Thalia today, with a few posters from Travelers to Go. Very nice, but again there was a huge downpour, so while one left the rest of us sat and waited it out.
We were seeing Forbidden Broadway tonight at 7:30, so stopped by Joe Allens to sit at the bar and have a drink first. A few seats away at the end of the bar was Amy Morton from August
sage County with several others, after the matinee they had just finished. They were leaving as we were, so I spoke to her saying, "I want to tell you that I saw the show yesterday and I am STILL emotionally drained. To think that you've all done that entire show two more times since I saw it just over 24 hours ago is simply mind boggling." She replied "yes, it is, isn't it?" She looked truly exhausted as she must have been. I thanked her for one of the best days in the theatre I've ever had -- she was very gracious. Then as they left, I realized that the others were perhaps the Father, the middle sister, and the Indian housekeeper. I had failed to recognize them as she was the only one facing me at the bar.Forbidden Broadway just opened two night ago in their newest version "Dances with the Stars". There wasn't a lot of new material -- other than poking fun of Mario Lopez in A Chorus Line, and some good Patti Lupone in Gypsy gags, and a strange thing about In the Heights with Maria from West Side Story lost in there too. Still, lots of fun.
Had dinner at Maria Pia, splitting some calamari and each having a nice pasta.
Monday, June 30:
Lee's birthday today. We went to Maison where we sat outside for "brunch", Lee having his favorite -- a waffle with fresh strawberries while I had an omelette.
Mostly today was packing up to head home, reorganizing the apartment. We went to Eddie's, the best shoeshine in the world, in the concourse at Rockefeller Center to get our black shoes shined. We walked home and then changed to our brown shoes and went back to get them shined as well. There's nothing like this place back home and I HATE polishing shoes.
We had reservations at 5:45 for dinner at Babbo -- the only time we could get calling exactly one month ahead (the earliest you can call) and then hitting redial for a couple of hours to finally get through. We were happily seated upstairs which is more spacious and less frenetic. We shared a pappardelle stained with chianti with a wild boar ragu that was delicious. Then Lee had the pork chop while I had the lamb chops. These are their two most popular dishes. Lee then had a chocolate pistachio semifreddo with a candle and Happy Birthday spelled out in chocolate. They could not have been more gracious about our taking 2 hours and 45 minutes to eat! With my single glass of $16 wine, our total bill with tax and tip was right at $150 -- hardly a major splurge for such a famous and popular place in NYC. I was kind of surprised by that.
Monday, July 1:
Up at 7 -- wow, that came early! We had reserved a car from All State (but the sign in the window said "Platinum", when I asked the driver, he quickly switched signs -- I guess these cars and drivers work for various agencies. When we were going through security at LaGuardia and I put my hand in my pocket I discovered the apartment keys! OOPS. I was supposed to leave them on the table in the apartment, which is where I had put them, but picked them up last minute when I went to throw out some trash to make sure I didn't lock myself out of the apartment. No problem, as the owner was coming next (same day) and he has another set of keys. I mailed these back.
Nice Delta flight to Ft. Lauderdale, with the exception of the man they thought had died, but somehow revived. Blinding rain on Alligator Alley on the return to Naples in a rental car.
Great trip!
Jul 4th, 2008, 07:37 AM
#142
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A couple of summaries:
We got one month unlimited Metro passes. Mine was $81, Lee's senior one was half price. We ended up doing 57 trips on busses or subways, so it paid off, not to mention how much easier it makes it.
We only took a taxi from the airport to the apartment, and the car service back to the airport. No other taxis the entire trip.
We saw 23 shows in case you lost count.
Our daily average cost including all meals, the apartment, show tickets, transportation, and all miscellaneous was $338 a day. Considering the cost of all the theatre tickets even with discount, we found that to be very good. While we used some coupons, discounts, Open Table certificates, and often chose cheaper places rather than splurges, I never felt we were "scrimping" on food. Lee not drinking certainly helped though!
The apartment was really great (sadly it's only available next year for the month of August -- and maybe March and December). I used the microwave once to heat up some Amy's Bread muffins. Never used the stove, coffeemaker, or even toaster. It was nice to have the refrigerator as we ate cereal in mainly in the mornings -- I got my coffee from across the street at The Coffee Pot -- and we used the dishwasher when we ran out of cereal bowls. While I was excited about the gated terrace we had -- we ended up never once sitting out there. Usually it was raining or it was in bright sun, and we didn't sit around the apartment that much anyway.
We got one month unlimited Metro passes. Mine was $81, Lee's senior one was half price. We ended up doing 57 trips on busses or subways, so it paid off, not to mention how much easier it makes it.
We only took a taxi from the airport to the apartment, and the car service back to the airport. No other taxis the entire trip.
We saw 23 shows in case you lost count.
Our daily average cost including all meals, the apartment, show tickets, transportation, and all miscellaneous was $338 a day. Considering the cost of all the theatre tickets even with discount, we found that to be very good. While we used some coupons, discounts, Open Table certificates, and often chose cheaper places rather than splurges, I never felt we were "scrimping" on food. Lee not drinking certainly helped though!
The apartment was really great (sadly it's only available next year for the month of August -- and maybe March and December). I used the microwave once to heat up some Amy's Bread muffins. Never used the stove, coffeemaker, or even toaster. It was nice to have the refrigerator as we ate cereal in mainly in the mornings -- I got my coffee from across the street at The Coffee Pot -- and we used the dishwasher when we ran out of cereal bowls. While I was excited about the gated terrace we had -- we ended up never once sitting out there. Usually it was raining or it was in bright sun, and we didn't sit around the apartment that much anyway.
Jul 4th, 2008, 10:06 AM
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Hello Patrick, your month in NYC was obviously so much and again I am envious of all the good food you and Lee ate! Between the food, the movies, the plays and meeting several Fodorites your time in NYC sounds perfect. Well except for a couple of glitches that you handled so well. Have a Happy 4th of July weekend!
Jul 4th, 2008, 01:17 PM
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Great report as usual Patrick. I was really surprised that Babbo wasn't more expensive.
How great to have the length of time that you do to really enjoy the city and not have to dash from one place to another like most tourists. Still, I'm always amazed at the number of things you do and love to hear about the theater.
Thanks for taking you time to post your adventures.
How great to have the length of time that you do to really enjoy the city and not have to dash from one place to another like most tourists. Still, I'm always amazed at the number of things you do and love to hear about the theater.
Thanks for taking you time to post your adventures.
Jul 5th, 2008, 04:01 AM
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August: Osage County is about a family in Oklahoma. The wife is hooked on various pills. The husband goes missing immediately after hiring an Indian girl as housekeeper. The three adult daughters and the sister of the mother all converge on the household with an assortment of husbands, children, and lovers, emptying their "closets" and spilling and sharing family secrets long hidden away. The play is three hours and twenty minutes long with two intermissions. It is filled with humor, emotions, and pathos.
Jul 5th, 2008, 05:40 AM
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Hi, Patrick. I’m so addicted to the Europe board that I only now found your post via a link from that board. Sure wish I’d seen it earlier. Val and I were in NYC from June 26 to July 1. This is only the second time I’ve been there, the first being about 20 years ago. Seems strange in view of having been to Paris more than 25 times. Our son now works there so we’ll get there more often I assume. At any rate, I would have loved to have had the benefit of all your eating and theatering info before we took off. Next time I’ll check the US board before leaving.
At any rate, as I’m reading your report I’m thinking I must tell you that the same thing happened to us on the LGA to FLL flight the following day, July 2 and then recalled that we flew on July 1 also. So we must have been on the same plane as you. In fact, Val was right across the aisle from the “resurrected” passenger. Then I backed up through my notes and realized that we were at Babbo the same night you were there as well. Our reservations were at 8:00 (couldn’t believe it when I finally got through and they gave me that time—my speed dialer must be faster than yours) and they seated us a bit early so we must have just been getting seated as you and Lee were about to depart. We too had a wonderful meal there. We were seated upstairs (were you up or down?) and I was sort of amazed at the décor—not at all Italian. All white with wainscoting (?) and more a look of a federalist tea room than an Italian restaurant. Odd, but fine.
We also ate at Thalia and really enjoyed that. I had the skate. I agree that the waterfalls are not what they’re cracked up to be, but taking a harbor cruise for 30 minutes is just about right IMO. We saw Jersey Boys (my son insisted) and Boeing Boeing. Went to the latter to see Baranski and, of course, that day the role was played by the understudy, Pippa Peartree (or was it Peachtree?). She was good, though. She did it with a German accent.
As I was reading through your post I don’t think I saw “Passing Strange” among the plays you saw. Did you have any interest? I have a Stew CD and was very excited about trying to see that, but my son said the music is much “harsher” than the CD and sort of talked me out of it.
Because this was like a “first trip” for me, we did some of the biggies that you’ve probably tired of by now—Peter Luger, Sushi Yasuda and Oyster Bar. Everything was pretty amazing, unfortunately including the heat. We didn’t fit in a deli so that’s on top of the list for next time.
And next time I’ll look for your posts and advice before going and look around for you and Lee wherever we are when we get there. I know you’ll be easy to spot. I’ll just look for Brad Pitt with a bad haircut.
At any rate, as I’m reading your report I’m thinking I must tell you that the same thing happened to us on the LGA to FLL flight the following day, July 2 and then recalled that we flew on July 1 also. So we must have been on the same plane as you. In fact, Val was right across the aisle from the “resurrected” passenger. Then I backed up through my notes and realized that we were at Babbo the same night you were there as well. Our reservations were at 8:00 (couldn’t believe it when I finally got through and they gave me that time—my speed dialer must be faster than yours) and they seated us a bit early so we must have just been getting seated as you and Lee were about to depart. We too had a wonderful meal there. We were seated upstairs (were you up or down?) and I was sort of amazed at the décor—not at all Italian. All white with wainscoting (?) and more a look of a federalist tea room than an Italian restaurant. Odd, but fine.
We also ate at Thalia and really enjoyed that. I had the skate. I agree that the waterfalls are not what they’re cracked up to be, but taking a harbor cruise for 30 minutes is just about right IMO. We saw Jersey Boys (my son insisted) and Boeing Boeing. Went to the latter to see Baranski and, of course, that day the role was played by the understudy, Pippa Peartree (or was it Peachtree?). She was good, though. She did it with a German accent.
As I was reading through your post I don’t think I saw “Passing Strange” among the plays you saw. Did you have any interest? I have a Stew CD and was very excited about trying to see that, but my son said the music is much “harsher” than the CD and sort of talked me out of it.
Because this was like a “first trip” for me, we did some of the biggies that you’ve probably tired of by now—Peter Luger, Sushi Yasuda and Oyster Bar. Everything was pretty amazing, unfortunately including the heat. We didn’t fit in a deli so that’s on top of the list for next time.
And next time I’ll look for your posts and advice before going and look around for you and Lee wherever we are when we get there. I know you’ll be easy to spot. I’ll just look for Brad Pitt with a bad haircut.
Jul 5th, 2008, 06:32 AM
#149
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Julie, that's amazing how our paths crossed -- small world isn't it. On the plane we were on the other side of the plane from the guy, about five rows in front of it (Row 18 I think).
We were upstairs at Babbo, the corner table nearest the entrance to the kitchen. I can't believe we didn't see you or vice versa as we left at 8:30. Unless you noticed the two of us making a trip to the restroom and leaving our table for about 10 minutes. It's been a couple years, but I'm sure I would recognize you. >>>>>>>> Wait a minute, were you in the middle of the room -- if you came up the steps, almost straight ahead by the center arrangement? If so, that explains why the man looked so familiar, but you had your back to me so I didn't really see you? I saw you getting a bottle of red wine, and he poured a taste for each of you? I think you would have been there when they brought out Lee's dessert with the lighted candle.
We did see Passing Strange (sorry, I had no idea who Stu even is or was), and we enjoyed it more than I thought we would -- partially because we could hear and understand every word and every lyric, which was unexpected following such shows as Rent and Spring Awakening.
Too bad we didn't meet up -- it would have been so easy.
We were upstairs at Babbo, the corner table nearest the entrance to the kitchen. I can't believe we didn't see you or vice versa as we left at 8:30. Unless you noticed the two of us making a trip to the restroom and leaving our table for about 10 minutes. It's been a couple years, but I'm sure I would recognize you. >>>>>>>> Wait a minute, were you in the middle of the room -- if you came up the steps, almost straight ahead by the center arrangement? If so, that explains why the man looked so familiar, but you had your back to me so I didn't really see you? I saw you getting a bottle of red wine, and he poured a taste for each of you? I think you would have been there when they brought out Lee's dessert with the lighted candle.
We did see Passing Strange (sorry, I had no idea who Stu even is or was), and we enjoyed it more than I thought we would -- partially because we could hear and understand every word and every lyric, which was unexpected following such shows as Rent and Spring Awakening.
Too bad we didn't meet up -- it would have been so easy.
Jul 5th, 2008, 06:54 AM
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Yup. that was us all right. We were just to the left of the large leaf arrangement looking from the entrance to the room. And now that you mention it, I recall the birthday candle ceremony at another table while we were busily slurping wine. Small world, is right. But then I remember bumping into someone I knew in a restaurant in Siena.
Shoot, now I wish we'd gone to Passing Strange. The thing that's so great about the guy is that his lyrics actually rhyme and tell a story. I'm hooked on "Welcome to the Kingdom of Drink" It's just hypnotic. I first heard about him on Public Radio and rushed out to buy the CD.
And we were on the same side of the plane as you, 4 rows behind. As I said, next time I'll keep an eye out. BTW, why did you fly to FLL anyway? Can't you get a flight to Naples or Ft. Myers? Is it easier to drive across alligator alley than from Tampa?
Shoot, now I wish we'd gone to Passing Strange. The thing that's so great about the guy is that his lyrics actually rhyme and tell a story. I'm hooked on "Welcome to the Kingdom of Drink" It's just hypnotic. I first heard about him on Public Radio and rushed out to buy the CD.
And we were on the same side of the plane as you, 4 rows behind. As I said, next time I'll keep an eye out. BTW, why did you fly to FLL anyway? Can't you get a flight to Naples or Ft. Myers? Is it easier to drive across alligator alley than from Tampa?
Jul 5th, 2008, 07:22 AM
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So now I know why that guy at Babbo looked familiar. I think I would have recognized you specifically, but really couldn't see your face from where I was sitting. Too funny!
Why fly from Ft. Lauderdale? We can get from our house to FLL in just about an hour and a half. We have to allow 45 minutes or up to an hour to get to RSW in Ft. Myers. Jet Blue is the only non stop from Ft. Myers, and cost a fortune for our dates -- always seems to. We can get direct flights from FLL to LGA on Delta (first time ever for us NOT to fly American which recently cancelled those direct flights -- drat). Tampa would be much more inconvenient, and I try to avoid Miami airport if at all possible, but give in for international, of course. I'd much rather drive a bit than worry about connecting flights to anywhere!
We rent a car for one way, one day to get to Ft. Lauderdale. Cheaper and easier than any kind of shuttle or paying for parking.
Why fly from Ft. Lauderdale? We can get from our house to FLL in just about an hour and a half. We have to allow 45 minutes or up to an hour to get to RSW in Ft. Myers. Jet Blue is the only non stop from Ft. Myers, and cost a fortune for our dates -- always seems to. We can get direct flights from FLL to LGA on Delta (first time ever for us NOT to fly American which recently cancelled those direct flights -- drat). Tampa would be much more inconvenient, and I try to avoid Miami airport if at all possible, but give in for international, of course. I'd much rather drive a bit than worry about connecting flights to anywhere!
We rent a car for one way, one day to get to Ft. Lauderdale. Cheaper and easier than any kind of shuttle or paying for parking.
Jul 5th, 2008, 09:27 AM
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I thought Passing Strange was great! If you like Stew, you definitely would have liked it. Yes, it's a bit harsh, as it deals with alot of drugs and s*x, but it's a very creative production, with tremendous talent in the band and the cast. Patrick, Stew is the narrator, and it's his life story.
I also saw Gypsy during my trip, so every time you guys are saying "small world" I'm singing those lines in my head....
I also saw Gypsy during my trip, so every time you guys are saying "small world" I'm singing those lines in my head....
Jul 5th, 2008, 09:38 AM
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I guess I wasn't clear. After seeing the show of course I now know who Stu is and understood it was his life story. It was before seeing it I had never heard of Stu. I liked the concept of a younger actor playing young Stu, and the real Stu commenting on it and sometimes joining in.
Jul 9th, 2008, 08:28 PM
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I'm just now reading this post- sounds like you had a wonderful time! I'm glad it worked out for you to make the trip. Getting lost and losing his wallet aside, sounds like a wonderful trip for Lee. My grandmother has Alzheimer's and travel is not possible for her (even across town), so it must be such a blessing that you can both continue to enjoy it!
Also glad you enjoyed Passing Strange... I did as well, but sadly, I think it's one of those very good shows that just can't find it's audience. Not sure how much longer it will be around.
How fun to see the NYC GTG pictures! Blockheads is a summer favorite of mine... in fact, I always try to kick off my first work "Summer Friday" with a Blockheads margarita in hand!
Also glad you enjoyed Passing Strange... I did as well, but sadly, I think it's one of those very good shows that just can't find it's audience. Not sure how much longer it will be around.
How fun to see the NYC GTG pictures! Blockheads is a summer favorite of mine... in fact, I always try to kick off my first work "Summer Friday" with a Blockheads margarita in hand!
Jul 12th, 2008, 01:16 PM
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Patrick - we just had a couple of nights in New York. My husband is getting tired of me saying, "well, when he was here, Patrick did this... and that..."
We saw Boeing, Boeing. Mark Rylance was a complete treasure as the friend. I enjoyed Gina Gershon's performance as the Italian girlfriend. Of course, Christine Baranski as the maid was very funny.
We ate at Anthos (yummy Greek food, especially the grilled octopus), Norma's (love this place for brunch), halalguys vendor outside the NY Hilton on 6th Avenue for a gyro (long, long lines at 11 pm!), and Blue Point for an after-theater dinner (was prepared to be disappointed, but wanted seafood so decided to give it a try - happily surprised by delicious paella and decent crab cakes served with a delicious mango salad).
I love your posts, Neo, as they make me appreciate the big city right next door (we are in northern NJ). Thanks and please keep visiting NY and posting!
We saw Boeing, Boeing. Mark Rylance was a complete treasure as the friend. I enjoyed Gina Gershon's performance as the Italian girlfriend. Of course, Christine Baranski as the maid was very funny.
We ate at Anthos (yummy Greek food, especially the grilled octopus), Norma's (love this place for brunch), halalguys vendor outside the NY Hilton on 6th Avenue for a gyro (long, long lines at 11 pm!), and Blue Point for an after-theater dinner (was prepared to be disappointed, but wanted seafood so decided to give it a try - happily surprised by delicious paella and decent crab cakes served with a delicious mango salad).
I love your posts, Neo, as they make me appreciate the big city right next door (we are in northern NJ). Thanks and please keep visiting NY and posting!
Jul 14th, 2008, 07:46 AM
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My friend and I spend 3 days in NYC every summer and the first thing I do in planning is to read your trip report. It is so interesting and informative.
My question is if you had time to see only 2 plays/musicals) this season what would they be?
In the past years, we have done many things because of your suggestions. Other than broadway shows my favorites have been the water taxi to Brooklyn, lunch at Grimaldi's, and the walk back over the Brooklyn Bridge and going to Birdland.
This year I am already looking forward to the West Bank on Friday night.
Because we are both women, we have not been adventureous at night. How safe are the subways for two of us at night?
Thanks again for your trip report. I hope you and Lee have an uneventful but glorious year and look forward to the next report.
My question is if you had time to see only 2 plays/musicals) this season what would they be?
In the past years, we have done many things because of your suggestions. Other than broadway shows my favorites have been the water taxi to Brooklyn, lunch at Grimaldi's, and the walk back over the Brooklyn Bridge and going to Birdland.
This year I am already looking forward to the West Bank on Friday night.
Because we are both women, we have not been adventureous at night. How safe are the subways for two of us at night?
Thanks again for your trip report. I hope you and Lee have an uneventful but glorious year and look forward to the next report.
Jul 14th, 2008, 08:18 AM
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My top recommendation for theatre is Augustsage County! Weeks later, I still can't stop thinking about how good it was.
Top musical would definitely be Gypsy, and not just for Patti Lupone who is wonderful, but really the entire cast and production.
While we saw a lot of good shows, those two really stand out as far as I'm concerned. Sadly, no "new" musical really wowed me! We didn't see South Pacific, which by all reports would probably also be right up there -- but again, a revival.
I'm usually amazed at questions about safety on the subway. I've simply never had any reason to suspect that it was unsafe --even for two women together. Maybe if taking it way out to the end of some line when the car becomes almost empty -- or maybe at 4 AM or so? But certainly not within "mainstream" Manhattan, even for a couple hours past midnight. It just remains busy.
sage County! Weeks later, I still can't stop thinking about how good it was. Top musical would definitely be Gypsy, and not just for Patti Lupone who is wonderful, but really the entire cast and production.
While we saw a lot of good shows, those two really stand out as far as I'm concerned. Sadly, no "new" musical really wowed me! We didn't see South Pacific, which by all reports would probably also be right up there -- but again, a revival.
I'm usually amazed at questions about safety on the subway. I've simply never had any reason to suspect that it was unsafe --even for two women together. Maybe if taking it way out to the end of some line when the car becomes almost empty -- or maybe at 4 AM or so? But certainly not within "mainstream" Manhattan, even for a couple hours past midnight. It just remains busy.
