It's the holiday season and I was in the mood for a puppet show of sorts, so we looked up our old friend the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater (CAMT) to see if they had any productions running - and they did! The immensely titled "The Very Sad Story of Ethel & Julius, Lovers and Spys, and about Their Untymelie End while Sitting in a Small Room at the Correctional Facility in Ossining New York." Lovely. And it was, really, about a sad story of the traitorous Rosenburgs of the 1950's. But being a marionette company, I naturally assumed it would be performed by puppets. I was close - it was performed by puppeteers, but as the actors themselves. The only marionettes were a couple of props in the beginning, and perhaps some stuffed bears substituted for other characters. The main action took place by the live human actors.
The story, as briefly referenced to above, was about Ethel and Julius Rosenberg who were executed in 1953 for espionage (selling secrets to the Soviets). Not your typical holiday fare. But the live musical accompaniment (accordion, base and percussion - all masterfully done, as determined by my husband who has much more experience with critiquing music and musicians than I do), the songs, the tight abstract staging and, as I said the wonderful, energetic and talented performances made this puppetless, non-holiday show a delight to watch.
This is why one goes to New York City to appreciate theatrical talent. Not for Broadway, not for the big named movie stars who want to try their multimillion celebrity hands at theater, but for this - the truly artistic, strongly talented multi-dimensional artists who can be gathered together to put on a masterfully entertaining show.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
US Open
US Open - Grand Slam Tennis - Flushing Meadows, Queens
Finally got a chance to attend an event at the US Open this year. We planned badly, and only by luck did we inherit tickets from a relative (who scored better tickets for the same match). We went on Day 5 of the tournament, the evening games at Ashe Stadium. The luck of the draw had us watching Marion Bartoli beat Lindsay Davenport, followed by the exciting match where Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, edge out 19-year-old newcomer Ernests Gulbis of Latvia.
Compared to the Mets game we attended at Shea the prior week, this crowd was much more civilized, mostly in pastels if not wearing their tennis whites. It was very crowded but surprisingly not so annoying. Lots of foreign languages spoken, definitely an international event.
We took the 7 train to the Shea Stadium stop, and followed the more cleanly dressed crowd over a boardwalk with US flags waving and people with megaphones shouting some incoherent directions to the calm and well-mannered crowd. Apparently there are separate lines for this with-bag and those without-bag. The with-bag line stretched back all the way down the boardwalk. Luckily in our ignorance we skipped most of the line and stayed in the without-bag section until getting rejected by a staff member, whereby cutting into the endlessly long with-bag line. No one complained or gave us dirty looks (but then again I didn't look around or behind us to those we were cutting off) and by that time there was not much difference in speed between the withs and withouts. A purse counts as a bag, by the way, so ladies keep that in mind.
The outdoor venue was kind of fun, this funky modern architecture kept minimal with navy blue, silver and white. Many booths dotted the area - US Open merchandise, Heineken, Nike, American Express. There is a larger food court area that resembled food courts in malls - a curved wall of various food vendors selling burgers and Chinese and pizza that hugged an open court filled with white tables. The most difficult part was finding an empty table. Since we got there as the day matches ended and the night matches were starting, we got the peak food crowd and as soon as a table opened up people immediately swarmed on it to fill it up. We ended up sharing with a gracious stranger - table sharing was common at the point, so don't get discouraged unless you're with 3+ people.
The most shocking part of the event (aside from the calmness of all) was the price of food. We probably spent a good $60+ for two of us, and we didn't even get a lick of alcohol. Just pretend you're at a really large, outdoor movie theater, and expect the same kind of prices. $4.50 for a bottle of soda, $6.00 for a foot-long hotdog. You get the picture. To add injury to insult, the hotdog and sausage dog we had as we entered the stadium were cold - not even lukewarm, but as if they just pulled them out of the cooler to cook and forgot to turn the heaters on. Gross! But the other vendor foods - pepperoni pizza, cookie, sushi - were decent. The pizza was a welcome treat at 11pm when we were barely into the second match.
Our seats were in the Lower Promenade, section 306. Looks terrible from the seating chart, but we actually had a great view, in the corner of the stadium opposite the judge's chair, and were able to clearly see everything going on in the court. Our friends who had the closer seats were on the opposite side of the stadium behind the judge, and while they enjoyed their seats they admitted to not being able to see the net.
The attendance at this venue was surprisingly sparse, for such hot tickets. But then again it did rain and delayed the games by a few hours, so maybe that kept a lot of people from making the long haul out to Queens. During the later part of the games people did, of course, make their way down toward the seats closer to the court. But we liked it fine just where we were.
For such a highbrow event, the crowd was pretty casual and relaxed. As the games stretched far into the night, the music was pumping, the people dancing and mugging for their camera closeups, children jumping up and dancing at every opportunity. Despite Roddick being American as well as a previous US Open champ, there were equal cheers for Roddick as there were for Gulbis, who both turned a year older by the end of the event - they both had birthdays on the same day, Roddick turning 26 and Gulbis turning 20. Keep your eye on Gulbis - he's going to do well in the coming years if he keeps his pace up. He made the play look so easy.
In all, definitely check out the US Open if you haven't already. Next year we're hoping to go a little earlier, check out more of the things they offered, like the Outer Courts. The New York Times has a great page for suggestions about visiting the US Open.
Finally got a chance to attend an event at the US Open this year. We planned badly, and only by luck did we inherit tickets from a relative (who scored better tickets for the same match). We went on Day 5 of the tournament, the evening games at Ashe Stadium. The luck of the draw had us watching Marion Bartoli beat Lindsay Davenport, followed by the exciting match where Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, edge out 19-year-old newcomer Ernests Gulbis of Latvia.
Compared to the Mets game we attended at Shea the prior week, this crowd was much more civilized, mostly in pastels if not wearing their tennis whites. It was very crowded but surprisingly not so annoying. Lots of foreign languages spoken, definitely an international event.
We took the 7 train to the Shea Stadium stop, and followed the more cleanly dressed crowd over a boardwalk with US flags waving and people with megaphones shouting some incoherent directions to the calm and well-mannered crowd. Apparently there are separate lines for this with-bag and those without-bag. The with-bag line stretched back all the way down the boardwalk. Luckily in our ignorance we skipped most of the line and stayed in the without-bag section until getting rejected by a staff member, whereby cutting into the endlessly long with-bag line. No one complained or gave us dirty looks (but then again I didn't look around or behind us to those we were cutting off) and by that time there was not much difference in speed between the withs and withouts. A purse counts as a bag, by the way, so ladies keep that in mind.
The outdoor venue was kind of fun, this funky modern architecture kept minimal with navy blue, silver and white. Many booths dotted the area - US Open merchandise, Heineken, Nike, American Express. There is a larger food court area that resembled food courts in malls - a curved wall of various food vendors selling burgers and Chinese and pizza that hugged an open court filled with white tables. The most difficult part was finding an empty table. Since we got there as the day matches ended and the night matches were starting, we got the peak food crowd and as soon as a table opened up people immediately swarmed on it to fill it up. We ended up sharing with a gracious stranger - table sharing was common at the point, so don't get discouraged unless you're with 3+ people.
The most shocking part of the event (aside from the calmness of all) was the price of food. We probably spent a good $60+ for two of us, and we didn't even get a lick of alcohol. Just pretend you're at a really large, outdoor movie theater, and expect the same kind of prices. $4.50 for a bottle of soda, $6.00 for a foot-long hotdog. You get the picture. To add injury to insult, the hotdog and sausage dog we had as we entered the stadium were cold - not even lukewarm, but as if they just pulled them out of the cooler to cook and forgot to turn the heaters on. Gross! But the other vendor foods - pepperoni pizza, cookie, sushi - were decent. The pizza was a welcome treat at 11pm when we were barely into the second match.
Our seats were in the Lower Promenade, section 306. Looks terrible from the seating chart, but we actually had a great view, in the corner of the stadium opposite the judge's chair, and were able to clearly see everything going on in the court. Our friends who had the closer seats were on the opposite side of the stadium behind the judge, and while they enjoyed their seats they admitted to not being able to see the net.
The attendance at this venue was surprisingly sparse, for such hot tickets. But then again it did rain and delayed the games by a few hours, so maybe that kept a lot of people from making the long haul out to Queens. During the later part of the games people did, of course, make their way down toward the seats closer to the court. But we liked it fine just where we were.
For such a highbrow event, the crowd was pretty casual and relaxed. As the games stretched far into the night, the music was pumping, the people dancing and mugging for their camera closeups, children jumping up and dancing at every opportunity. Despite Roddick being American as well as a previous US Open champ, there were equal cheers for Roddick as there were for Gulbis, who both turned a year older by the end of the event - they both had birthdays on the same day, Roddick turning 26 and Gulbis turning 20. Keep your eye on Gulbis - he's going to do well in the coming years if he keeps his pace up. He made the play look so easy.
In all, definitely check out the US Open if you haven't already. Next year we're hoping to go a little earlier, check out more of the things they offered, like the Outer Courts. The New York Times has a great page for suggestions about visiting the US Open.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
O-Bon Festival at Dai Bosatsu
Every summer the Japanese have a O-Bon festival, in which they welcome back for a night the souls of their departed ancestors, hang out for a day, then send them back to the "other side." A few places outside of Japan celebrate this holiday, and the Zen Studies Center in the Catskills - Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji - is one of them. We had the privilige of taking part in the celebration this past August.
The drive up to the monastery is a good 3 hours or so from NYC, requiring very detailed directions. If you take a wrong turn, your only hope is the kindness of local strangers who can point you in the right way. We were relying on our handy iPhone map until we got deep enough in the mountains and lost all signal. Almost a quarter of the journey is on dirt roads, so make sure your car can handle it. Keep in mind, too, that the rain can make it extra challenging on those curvy dirt roads.
Five of us drove up, and were greeted a beautiful lake and a bald monk dressed in sheer black robes. I never did get the chance to ask about the different ranks and dress of the monks, but there is an obvious hierarchy. We drove up to the building - an amalgum of Japanese temple architecture and college dormitory styling - and 4 of us were assigned to room 11, the remaining friend who was a regular visitor, had her own single room. Our room was furnished with a pair of bunk beds, a complete set of linens (including two woolen blankets) per person, a closet, a bathroom larger than those found in most NYC apartments, and windows with a view of the lake. All was clean, and sparse. Aside from the room, we were not given a key - it's all about trust and karma here. We left our valuables anyway (or I did, at least) and never had a problem with theft.
The drive up to the monastery is a good 3 hours or so from NYC, requiring very detailed directions. If you take a wrong turn, your only hope is the kindness of local strangers who can point you in the right way. We were relying on our handy iPhone map until we got deep enough in the mountains and lost all signal. Almost a quarter of the journey is on dirt roads, so make sure your car can handle it. Keep in mind, too, that the rain can make it extra challenging on those curvy dirt roads.
Five of us drove up, and were greeted a beautiful lake and a bald monk dressed in sheer black robes. I never did get the chance to ask about the different ranks and dress of the monks, but there is an obvious hierarchy. We drove up to the building - an amalgum of Japanese temple architecture and college dormitory styling - and 4 of us were assigned to room 11, the remaining friend who was a regular visitor, had her own single room. Our room was furnished with a pair of bunk beds, a complete set of linens (including two woolen blankets) per person, a closet, a bathroom larger than those found in most NYC apartments, and windows with a view of the lake. All was clean, and sparse. Aside from the room, we were not given a key - it's all about trust and karma here. We left our valuables anyway (or I did, at least) and never had a problem with theft.
We registered, paid, got lunch then were given an informal tour of the grounds. We stopped by one of the rooms to decorate our own personal paper lantern that was to take part in the ceremony. The lantern was to honor any of our past loved ones, who were supposed to have picked that night to come and visit us on this earthly plane, just to say hi. Four blank sides of rice paper set about a styrofoam base. In the middle of the base would be a candle, lit during the processional. We finished our lanterns, and were guided to the temple room to dedicate it and place it with the other lanterns.
For the remaining hours until the evening's ceremony, we took the opportunity to circle the big lake, changed into gray jedi-like robes, and had dinner. After dinner we lined up in the ceremony room and tried to follow along with the Buddhist ritual - lots of changing, an amazing amount of intense energy. After the ritual, night had fallen and we all gathered outside to the lake in the utter absolute dark, carrying our lanterns and placing them into the row boats which were sent out to the other side of the water. It was indescribably beautiful to watch these glowing lanterns being set onto the water, floating gently into the night, with the soft background chanting and bells ringing as we said our greetings to our departed loved ones. This emotional ceremony was followed by a large bonfire and party at the cottage house. There was another meditation and ceremony early the next morning, followed by breakfast, and then it was time to go.
A truly unique experience, one that even my Japanese friends say is not done commonly in Japan today.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Basta Pasta
a Japanese owned and operated Italian restaurant
37 W. 17th St, NY NY
Our party of 6 had dinner last night at Basta Pasta, which was highly recommended by a family member who is not only of Japanese descent but also lived quite a few years in Italy, so he would know what he's talking about when he gives a double thumbs up to a Japanese-owned Italian restaurant. In short, great food, great atmosphere, great service!
Basta Pasta is a "chain" in that the original restaurants are in Tokyo. According to the website, the open kitchen is modeled after the Iron Chef series. In fact, in the Union Square one, the whole kitchen is the first thing you run into, and I, in my rush to get there, actually believed that I had walked in through the back.
The place was already rather busy, all the tables were full. Our party of 6 was nicely and comfortably seated in the middle row, surrounded by other parties of varying sizes - couple, trios, even a couple of solo diners. Lots of children and lots of noise but somehow it still managed to feel like an adult restaurant. The waitstaff was very attentive and running all over the place. The whole staff was Japanese, as well as the cooks and the buspersons. Our service was great, very attentive though admittedly the course came a little slow. Perhaps they were making sure all the dishes were served at once, but we did see many parties come and go during our wait there.
The menu is in three parts - appetizer, first course of pasta and second course of meat, then followed by dessert/coffee. Every dish was tasty, and we all shared bites from our plates to others at the table. Most memorable was the second course of meats, and we couldn't decide whether the salmon, the chicken, the pork, the lamb or the sea bass was the best since all were well seasoned and appropriately cooked. There were a few Japanese infusions into the traditional Italian fare, like the spaghetti served with Japanese basil and roe.
Pros: Great food, great service, great atmosphere, busy and lively atmosphere without being uncomfortable
Cons: a tad pricey, definitely dinner-in-Manhattan prices; service a tad slow for larger parties
37 W. 17th St, NY NY
Our party of 6 had dinner last night at Basta Pasta, which was highly recommended by a family member who is not only of Japanese descent but also lived quite a few years in Italy, so he would know what he's talking about when he gives a double thumbs up to a Japanese-owned Italian restaurant. In short, great food, great atmosphere, great service!
Basta Pasta is a "chain" in that the original restaurants are in Tokyo. According to the website, the open kitchen is modeled after the Iron Chef series. In fact, in the Union Square one, the whole kitchen is the first thing you run into, and I, in my rush to get there, actually believed that I had walked in through the back.
The place was already rather busy, all the tables were full. Our party of 6 was nicely and comfortably seated in the middle row, surrounded by other parties of varying sizes - couple, trios, even a couple of solo diners. Lots of children and lots of noise but somehow it still managed to feel like an adult restaurant. The waitstaff was very attentive and running all over the place. The whole staff was Japanese, as well as the cooks and the buspersons. Our service was great, very attentive though admittedly the course came a little slow. Perhaps they were making sure all the dishes were served at once, but we did see many parties come and go during our wait there.
The menu is in three parts - appetizer, first course of pasta and second course of meat, then followed by dessert/coffee. Every dish was tasty, and we all shared bites from our plates to others at the table. Most memorable was the second course of meats, and we couldn't decide whether the salmon, the chicken, the pork, the lamb or the sea bass was the best since all were well seasoned and appropriately cooked. There were a few Japanese infusions into the traditional Italian fare, like the spaghetti served with Japanese basil and roe.
Pros: Great food, great service, great atmosphere, busy and lively atmosphere without being uncomfortable
Cons: a tad pricey, definitely dinner-in-Manhattan prices; service a tad slow for larger parties
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Bikram Yoga NYC
various locations around Manhattan
I took my first Bikram yoga class some years ago at the studio on 8th Avenue at 50th Street. They had an awesome beginner's special of $20 for an unlimited week of classes, which was great given that the classes were usually $20 each. It was near my apartment, I had a fondness for yoga and even greater fondness for heat therapies like saunas, so the combination of the two was appealing. I cannot recall the details of what motivated me to go, other than knowing I was instantly hooked at the intensity of the workout and sweating.
There's lots of controversy about Bikram, so I'll start with the cons -- first yes, it's hot. Very hot. Don't go in there without a bottle or two of water, and don't complain when you get dizzy in the middle of the 90 minute class. We told you it was hot! It took me a while to get through an entire class without having to sit and bear the dizziness and nausea. I still consider it an accomplishment when I can get through a class without having to take a break.
Second, because it's so hot, you're doing your yoga with the least amount of clothing on - meaning short pants and sports bra for women, shorts for men. The beginner may initially be embarrassed by this, but once the class starts you'll be so busy trying to keep up and do the poses and not pass out that you forget about anyone else around you, let alone your self-consciousness. And you'll be glad to have as little clothing on as possible because it's so hot. The Pro to this, at least for me, is self-acceptance. I've become much less modest about my body or the occasional display of skin. You get to see everyone in their near-nakedness, and while it's true many students will be in amazing, zero-body-fat shape, there will be many that aren't, and that's okay. You also get to see your own body, since the classes are done in front of mirrors, with you staring at your sweating, red faced almost naked self the whole 90 minutes - no hiding anything here. That extra abdominal roll might have bothered you as you came into the class, but by the end it doesn't look so bad.
Third - because it's so intense, there's this food issue of being careful not to eat two hours before the class. Go ahead and break the rule if you want, but it's like the no-swimming an hour after lunch - you'll suffer the physical pains of it. So one must really get disciplined about time and schedule if you're planning a Bikram class - no eating two hours before a class, then the class is an hour and a half long, then the recovery afterwards (cooling down, showering, slowly getting dressed again in a daze), let alone the travel time if you're coming in or out from the Bikramless burbs like your truly.
As for the Pros - I cannot think of any single workout or exercise regime that is better for you in the immediate aftermath. I've done my sampling of dance and gyms and martial arts, tai chi and various yogas, running and biking, facials and body wraps - and this is by far the best thing for you - physically, mentally, maybe even emotionally. They, he - the Bikram guy himself - claims the 26 pose series stretches every single muscle, flushes every single joint, and works every single organ in your body. I've done no scientific investigation to try and back this up, but I'll believe it. Your skin is softer all over, your complexion is glowing, your whole body is relaxed and loose and all those stresses and frustrations you brought in with you were left behind with the sweat. You just feel CLEAN, inside and out (well, at least once you wash the sweat off).
Enough about the controversy, what about the actual facilities? The Bikram I stick to is the Bikram NYC, though I know there are other studios around Manhattan (Chelsea, Soho, and Union Square at least have theirs too). The NYC guys (or gals, as it were) have four studios - 50th St/8th Ave, 72nd St, Flatiron, and 83rd(or somewhere on the Upper East Side) and your "membership" is linked to all of them. But actually there really isn't any membership required to join - you just go when you want, even once a year (like I have, recently) and you'll still be in their computer system. You can pay for a single class at a time, or buy in bulk depending on your commitment level. A class and two towels for $20, rent a mat for $5, a bottle of SmartWater for $2. There are separate gender locker rooms with showers, and I know the 8th Ave. recently renovated their showers (which look awesome). It can get a bit hectic around class sign-in time, but the workers are always friendly and trying hard to accommodate everyone.
The class numbers vary depending, as always, on time. There are a variety of instructors that rotate in and out of the schedule, but because the poses remain the same - 26 poses, done twice in the same order - the variation of instructors does not interrupt one's yoga practice all that much. In fact I've found it to be an advantage to have so many instructors, as they pick up different tips and suggestions, and I've gotten some wonderful advice from them.
Okay, look, I'll be frank - I'm not going to say a lot of bad things about Bikram. I'm a huge huge fan and completely biased. So I'll wrap and say Go! By all means go and try it if you're curious. It's amazing, it's wonderful, it's miraculous, it's fantastic, a god-send...
I will address one more issue of controversy - there is a lot of talk of the style's founder, Mr. Bikram himself - things like lawsuits, bad press, flashing his bling while sitting in his Rolls, etc. etc. Does that impact the yoga style he's honed and marketed? I can't say that it does, though it hurts the reputation of the style. That's too bad, for all the good it does, and the good, at least for me, far far outweighs the (alleged) negative personality behind it.
I took my first Bikram yoga class some years ago at the studio on 8th Avenue at 50th Street. They had an awesome beginner's special of $20 for an unlimited week of classes, which was great given that the classes were usually $20 each. It was near my apartment, I had a fondness for yoga and even greater fondness for heat therapies like saunas, so the combination of the two was appealing. I cannot recall the details of what motivated me to go, other than knowing I was instantly hooked at the intensity of the workout and sweating.
There's lots of controversy about Bikram, so I'll start with the cons -- first yes, it's hot. Very hot. Don't go in there without a bottle or two of water, and don't complain when you get dizzy in the middle of the 90 minute class. We told you it was hot! It took me a while to get through an entire class without having to sit and bear the dizziness and nausea. I still consider it an accomplishment when I can get through a class without having to take a break.
Second, because it's so hot, you're doing your yoga with the least amount of clothing on - meaning short pants and sports bra for women, shorts for men. The beginner may initially be embarrassed by this, but once the class starts you'll be so busy trying to keep up and do the poses and not pass out that you forget about anyone else around you, let alone your self-consciousness. And you'll be glad to have as little clothing on as possible because it's so hot. The Pro to this, at least for me, is self-acceptance. I've become much less modest about my body or the occasional display of skin. You get to see everyone in their near-nakedness, and while it's true many students will be in amazing, zero-body-fat shape, there will be many that aren't, and that's okay. You also get to see your own body, since the classes are done in front of mirrors, with you staring at your sweating, red faced almost naked self the whole 90 minutes - no hiding anything here. That extra abdominal roll might have bothered you as you came into the class, but by the end it doesn't look so bad.
Third - because it's so intense, there's this food issue of being careful not to eat two hours before the class. Go ahead and break the rule if you want, but it's like the no-swimming an hour after lunch - you'll suffer the physical pains of it. So one must really get disciplined about time and schedule if you're planning a Bikram class - no eating two hours before a class, then the class is an hour and a half long, then the recovery afterwards (cooling down, showering, slowly getting dressed again in a daze), let alone the travel time if you're coming in or out from the Bikramless burbs like your truly.
As for the Pros - I cannot think of any single workout or exercise regime that is better for you in the immediate aftermath. I've done my sampling of dance and gyms and martial arts, tai chi and various yogas, running and biking, facials and body wraps - and this is by far the best thing for you - physically, mentally, maybe even emotionally. They, he - the Bikram guy himself - claims the 26 pose series stretches every single muscle, flushes every single joint, and works every single organ in your body. I've done no scientific investigation to try and back this up, but I'll believe it. Your skin is softer all over, your complexion is glowing, your whole body is relaxed and loose and all those stresses and frustrations you brought in with you were left behind with the sweat. You just feel CLEAN, inside and out (well, at least once you wash the sweat off).
Enough about the controversy, what about the actual facilities? The Bikram I stick to is the Bikram NYC, though I know there are other studios around Manhattan (Chelsea, Soho, and Union Square at least have theirs too). The NYC guys (or gals, as it were) have four studios - 50th St/8th Ave, 72nd St, Flatiron, and 83rd(or somewhere on the Upper East Side) and your "membership" is linked to all of them. But actually there really isn't any membership required to join - you just go when you want, even once a year (like I have, recently) and you'll still be in their computer system. You can pay for a single class at a time, or buy in bulk depending on your commitment level. A class and two towels for $20, rent a mat for $5, a bottle of SmartWater for $2. There are separate gender locker rooms with showers, and I know the 8th Ave. recently renovated their showers (which look awesome). It can get a bit hectic around class sign-in time, but the workers are always friendly and trying hard to accommodate everyone.
The class numbers vary depending, as always, on time. There are a variety of instructors that rotate in and out of the schedule, but because the poses remain the same - 26 poses, done twice in the same order - the variation of instructors does not interrupt one's yoga practice all that much. In fact I've found it to be an advantage to have so many instructors, as they pick up different tips and suggestions, and I've gotten some wonderful advice from them.
Okay, look, I'll be frank - I'm not going to say a lot of bad things about Bikram. I'm a huge huge fan and completely biased. So I'll wrap and say Go! By all means go and try it if you're curious. It's amazing, it's wonderful, it's miraculous, it's fantastic, a god-send...
I will address one more issue of controversy - there is a lot of talk of the style's founder, Mr. Bikram himself - things like lawsuits, bad press, flashing his bling while sitting in his Rolls, etc. etc. Does that impact the yoga style he's honed and marketed? I can't say that it does, though it hurts the reputation of the style. That's too bad, for all the good it does, and the good, at least for me, far far outweighs the (alleged) negative personality behind it.
Molyvos
a Greek restaurant by Carnegie Hall
871 7th Ave., at 57th Street
When I lived in the neighborhood, I would often walk by this restaurant with its old fashioned painted stucco facade that so vastly contrasted to the sleek modern decor or even neon signage of its neighbors, and would feel a wistful desire to head on inside to what I imagined would be warm, rustic atmosphere. I finally had a chance to indulge this whim when the husband and I went in search of a last minute impromptu celebratory dinner, and settled on Molyvos.
It was a Tuesday night, so it was not very crowded though the bar area was lively and there were a fair amount of tables occupied. The hostess was sweet and gave us no problem in checking my husband's bulky guitar case. We were seated in a cozy romantic corner booth, and knew this was going to be the exact experience we were looking for.
The interior reminded me of a ship's cabin, all dark wooded walls and ceiling. It was comfortable without being crowded, and cozy without the cramped spacing. Our table was comfortably large enough for the two of us. The service was fairly attentive, and the clean up between and after each course was complete - no crumbs or dirty utensils left behind. The waitress could have stepped up the attentiveness a notch, but we did not have a problem flagging her down when we needed her.
As for the food - we stuck with sparkling bottled water, got the complimentary side of pita breads and served with a sun dried tomato spread (I think). We began with a Greek salad and split the crab cake appetizer. I went for the baby lamb chops served with a puree of eggplant and a lightly dressed ball of spring greens. He had the halibut entree, served with some vegetable sides I don't recall. Both were fabulous, well cooked and seasoned, served with appropriately complimentary vegetable sides. For dessert, we split an almond honey cake and each had a tiny cup of Greek coffee. Our bill plus tip came out to around $150.
Overall - definitely hit the spot for our desired dinner - a bit special, a bit of pampering, definitely good food, a nice energetic atmosphere without compromising our company (meaning, we could actually talk to each other without shouting). A place where both the tourist and the post-Carnegie Hall performance audience member could dine without feeling out of place. Definitely recommend it, and look forward to coming here again.
Pros: atmosphere, food, location
Con: a tad pricey - save it for special occasions
871 7th Ave., at 57th Street
When I lived in the neighborhood, I would often walk by this restaurant with its old fashioned painted stucco facade that so vastly contrasted to the sleek modern decor or even neon signage of its neighbors, and would feel a wistful desire to head on inside to what I imagined would be warm, rustic atmosphere. I finally had a chance to indulge this whim when the husband and I went in search of a last minute impromptu celebratory dinner, and settled on Molyvos.
It was a Tuesday night, so it was not very crowded though the bar area was lively and there were a fair amount of tables occupied. The hostess was sweet and gave us no problem in checking my husband's bulky guitar case. We were seated in a cozy romantic corner booth, and knew this was going to be the exact experience we were looking for.
The interior reminded me of a ship's cabin, all dark wooded walls and ceiling. It was comfortable without being crowded, and cozy without the cramped spacing. Our table was comfortably large enough for the two of us. The service was fairly attentive, and the clean up between and after each course was complete - no crumbs or dirty utensils left behind. The waitress could have stepped up the attentiveness a notch, but we did not have a problem flagging her down when we needed her.
As for the food - we stuck with sparkling bottled water, got the complimentary side of pita breads and served with a sun dried tomato spread (I think). We began with a Greek salad and split the crab cake appetizer. I went for the baby lamb chops served with a puree of eggplant and a lightly dressed ball of spring greens. He had the halibut entree, served with some vegetable sides I don't recall. Both were fabulous, well cooked and seasoned, served with appropriately complimentary vegetable sides. For dessert, we split an almond honey cake and each had a tiny cup of Greek coffee. Our bill plus tip came out to around $150.
Overall - definitely hit the spot for our desired dinner - a bit special, a bit of pampering, definitely good food, a nice energetic atmosphere without compromising our company (meaning, we could actually talk to each other without shouting). A place where both the tourist and the post-Carnegie Hall performance audience member could dine without feeling out of place. Definitely recommend it, and look forward to coming here again.
Pros: atmosphere, food, location
Con: a tad pricey - save it for special occasions
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Townhouse Spa nail service
Townhouse Spa
39 W. 56th St., btw 5th & 6th Aves.
My birthday was coming up, and I was looking for a new place for pampering. Having recently started getting regular manicures I wanted a bit more than the nailpolish sweatshop. A search for "best of...'s" led me to Townhouse Spa, a recently opened lux pad that was just a block from my office. A nice surprise, and not that much more in cost than the other express manicure places.
I called around 12:30pm and asked if I needed an appointment. Made one anyway for 1pm, for a simultaneous mani/pedi. Got there early and found a sliver of a storefront that was not so obvious given it was hidden under a scaffolding and looking like a typical nail shop - glass storefront, products arranged within the view. I walked the walk through the products to the reception desk where a minimum of four ladies were situated, talking and looking busy and when one of them greeted me another searched for my name and confirmed my appointment. They ushered me back through a hip, masculine looking lounge and bar through to a back room of pedicure thrones and other nail spa things. I begged to use the restroom, and found a most delightful bathroom - spacious, beautiful tiny glass tiles on the floor and walls. They dished out for one of those Japanese toilets - the ubermodern ones that wash and dry you and welcome you with warmed seat.
The decor of the spa catered towards men, so the colors were dark and woody, the lounge containing red leather circular booths, and everything heavy and manly, but comforting for a girl. Even the nail room was masculine in decor, but had the same sense of comfort and cleanliness.
The room was not too busy, maybe four other patrons being serviced. Both the manicurist and pedicurist were young ladies with well honed, professional manner - fast and efficient and thorough. They chatted mostly to themselves in a foreign language (Vietnamese, maybe?) but quietly, and made occasional small talk with me. I was very relaxed and zoned out, enjoying the experience. I was led to the drying machines which, for once, had instructions on what the fan and lights were for. My pedicurist disappeared after that, and I was left sort of lost after the machines turned off and my toe nails were still not dry. Feeling kinda dumb and not sure what to do, I got up and shuffled to the lounge and sat in one of the booths. Many women walked by, all asking if I was okay and if I needed anything until I said I was just waiting for the polish to dry. One offered me tea, and I refused (still being annoyed at the undone polish and neglect) but then I relented. The herbal tea was hot, served in nice white china, and I started to relax again. After 15 minutes I headed out to the lobby to pay. Got a receipt that included the services as well as the names of who did them (nice touch).
And the end result, hours after leaving the spa?? A beautiful, flawless, glossy, evenly coated set of nails. It's been about two weeks now since the mani/pedi - no chips in the polish at all, and they still hold that fresh polish gleam. The manicure does need an update because nail growth, but the pedi could probably last another week. For $22 and $45, this is a great value for what you get. I plan on returning here often for my regular nail indulgences.
39 W. 56th St., btw 5th & 6th Aves.
My birthday was coming up, and I was looking for a new place for pampering. Having recently started getting regular manicures I wanted a bit more than the nailpolish sweatshop. A search for "best of...'s" led me to Townhouse Spa, a recently opened lux pad that was just a block from my office. A nice surprise, and not that much more in cost than the other express manicure places.
I called around 12:30pm and asked if I needed an appointment. Made one anyway for 1pm, for a simultaneous mani/pedi. Got there early and found a sliver of a storefront that was not so obvious given it was hidden under a scaffolding and looking like a typical nail shop - glass storefront, products arranged within the view. I walked the walk through the products to the reception desk where a minimum of four ladies were situated, talking and looking busy and when one of them greeted me another searched for my name and confirmed my appointment. They ushered me back through a hip, masculine looking lounge and bar through to a back room of pedicure thrones and other nail spa things. I begged to use the restroom, and found a most delightful bathroom - spacious, beautiful tiny glass tiles on the floor and walls. They dished out for one of those Japanese toilets - the ubermodern ones that wash and dry you and welcome you with warmed seat.
The decor of the spa catered towards men, so the colors were dark and woody, the lounge containing red leather circular booths, and everything heavy and manly, but comforting for a girl. Even the nail room was masculine in decor, but had the same sense of comfort and cleanliness.
The room was not too busy, maybe four other patrons being serviced. Both the manicurist and pedicurist were young ladies with well honed, professional manner - fast and efficient and thorough. They chatted mostly to themselves in a foreign language (Vietnamese, maybe?) but quietly, and made occasional small talk with me. I was very relaxed and zoned out, enjoying the experience. I was led to the drying machines which, for once, had instructions on what the fan and lights were for. My pedicurist disappeared after that, and I was left sort of lost after the machines turned off and my toe nails were still not dry. Feeling kinda dumb and not sure what to do, I got up and shuffled to the lounge and sat in one of the booths. Many women walked by, all asking if I was okay and if I needed anything until I said I was just waiting for the polish to dry. One offered me tea, and I refused (still being annoyed at the undone polish and neglect) but then I relented. The herbal tea was hot, served in nice white china, and I started to relax again. After 15 minutes I headed out to the lobby to pay. Got a receipt that included the services as well as the names of who did them (nice touch).
And the end result, hours after leaving the spa?? A beautiful, flawless, glossy, evenly coated set of nails. It's been about two weeks now since the mani/pedi - no chips in the polish at all, and they still hold that fresh polish gleam. The manicure does need an update because nail growth, but the pedi could probably last another week. For $22 and $45, this is a great value for what you get. I plan on returning here often for my regular nail indulgences.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
