at the Barnes & Nobel, 82nd and Broadway. Book was her new collection of short stories called The Museum of Dr. Moses
Being a free event, of a well-known author, and at the huge bookstore chain B&N, we figured it would be packed. With my flexible work time, I made a point of getting there early to grab good seats. I had heard of other popular readings where there were long lines, hour waits, need of wrist bands. This was not the case. We did not even know she had a new book out, and it did not seem like this reading about be so highly attended. Arriving an hour and a half early, the seating area was sparsely populated. I grabbed a couple of chairs in the third row, just left of the center aisle.
Slowly as the minutes ticked by, the seats filled until it was standing room only. The author soon appeared, looking tiny and frail and quite at ease in front of this eager little crowd. Applause, an introduction, another applause. JCO discusses genres, and the difference from the general literary fiction. Her new book of short stories is of the horror/gothic genre. She is a good speaker, humorous, calm. I felt compelled to take notes. It makes sense she is a college professor. She reads a bit from one of her stories, and claims the gruesome end prevents her from reading aloud the ending to us. She just knows how to keep the audience in suspense. She takes a few questions, gives lively and interactive responses. Addresses a lot of information and advice to budding writers (like myself and my fellow writing club members), before it is time for the signing.
The announcer said we were to line up according to rows, but there was no one there to enforce such instruction, and it more like a bum rush to the front of the room. We were able to get near the front, our rightful place having been in the third row, but thanks really to a kind gentleman who was sitting next to us who bravely cut the line and allowed us to cut in front of him. Being the genteel, civilized crowd it was, there was no complaint or dirty looks. The signing was quick, JCO ever the professional made quick small talk with us before gently ushering us away.
Overall a good experience. I had not read much of the book prior to the reading, but a couple of stories in, it was nice to hear some of her explanations.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Faust with Puppets
from the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater
performance at the Bohemian National Hall on E.73rd Street
I've been hankering for a creepy puppet show, and finally got my taste last night at the so-newly-renovated-you still-see-wires-hanging Bohemian National Hall on East 73rd Street, with a performance of Johannes Dokchtor Faust by the CAMT. Faust is an old story, about some guy who sells his soul to the devil.
Puppets + devils = gotta be creepy, right?
The tickets were cheap at $18 - a tenth of the price of your latest Broadway show or Madison Square Garden concert. The tickets were general admission, seating was first come first served, so we arrived early about 20 minutes after 7pm - much too early. We were greeted in the newly renovated lobby by a nice lady who handed us the program and directed us upstairs, acknowledging that we were early as seating didn't start until 7:45pm, but there were a few seats as well as bathrooms available on the third floor. Up we go to the third floor, empty into a medium sized lobby. A couple of people were already there. We grabbed a couple of the empty chairs, and sat a while. The lobby slowly filled, and at about 7:45 some of the people who didn't get seats started lining up at the theater doors. A young gentleman dressed in velvet clothes and top hat ushered us in, but allowing only those whose program had a star on it (ours did) to be ushered in first. How we got the special stars, I do not know. A small rush into the theater, and we grabbed a couple of seats in the second row, slightly left of center. I've learned from sitting through previous performances to not sit in the first couple of rows, but I had forgotten that this was a puppet show - the closer the better. But we could see just fine. A good 3/4 of the seats were filled by the time the show started, and in my very inaccurate estimate, I would say there were about 50-60 people there. They did of course provide a nice little bench in front of the first row for the kids to sit on - children's privilege.
We were wooed by accordian music for the ten minute wait, and lights out, the performance began. We got to see all the cast members, who lined up in costume before the puppet stage (which I'm sure it has a technical name), playing some small instrument before filing out to allow the puppets to take over. Sweet harmonica solo, tophat velvet man.
The puppets were great. According to the literature, there was a cache of puppets found in a Czech church, no history of how or when these puppets ended up here. They were dated to be about 100 years old. We had Faust, his servant, his servant's servant who provided the comic relief. A brief appearance of a tiny angel and tiny devil as Faust's conscience, many devils of all sizes, a couple of aquatic creatures and a dog. A royal couple (is it me, or did the queen look an awful lot like the late Princess Diana? Maybe I've been watching too much CNN lately) and an awesome cast of couriers.
The performance was wonderfully energetic, the voices of the devils and
performance at the Bohemian National Hall on E.73rd Street
I've been hankering for a creepy puppet show, and finally got my taste last night at the so-newly-renovated-you still-see-wires-hanging Bohemian National Hall on East 73rd Street, with a performance of Johannes Dokchtor Faust by the CAMT. Faust is an old story, about some guy who sells his soul to the devil.
Puppets + devils = gotta be creepy, right?
The tickets were cheap at $18 - a tenth of the price of your latest Broadway show or Madison Square Garden concert. The tickets were general admission, seating was first come first served, so we arrived early about 20 minutes after 7pm - much too early. We were greeted in the newly renovated lobby by a nice lady who handed us the program and directed us upstairs, acknowledging that we were early as seating didn't start until 7:45pm, but there were a few seats as well as bathrooms available on the third floor. Up we go to the third floor, empty into a medium sized lobby. A couple of people were already there. We grabbed a couple of the empty chairs, and sat a while. The lobby slowly filled, and at about 7:45 some of the people who didn't get seats started lining up at the theater doors. A young gentleman dressed in velvet clothes and top hat ushered us in, but allowing only those whose program had a star on it (ours did) to be ushered in first. How we got the special stars, I do not know. A small rush into the theater, and we grabbed a couple of seats in the second row, slightly left of center. I've learned from sitting through previous performances to not sit in the first couple of rows, but I had forgotten that this was a puppet show - the closer the better. But we could see just fine. A good 3/4 of the seats were filled by the time the show started, and in my very inaccurate estimate, I would say there were about 50-60 people there. They did of course provide a nice little bench in front of the first row for the kids to sit on - children's privilege.
We were wooed by accordian music for the ten minute wait, and lights out, the performance began. We got to see all the cast members, who lined up in costume before the puppet stage (which I'm sure it has a technical name), playing some small instrument before filing out to allow the puppets to take over. Sweet harmonica solo, tophat velvet man.
The puppets were great. According to the literature, there was a cache of puppets found in a Czech church, no history of how or when these puppets ended up here. They were dated to be about 100 years old. We had Faust, his servant, his servant's servant who provided the comic relief. A brief appearance of a tiny angel and tiny devil as Faust's conscience, many devils of all sizes, a couple of aquatic creatures and a dog. A royal couple (is it me, or did the queen look an awful lot like the late Princess Diana? Maybe I've been watching too much CNN lately) and an awesome cast of couriers.
The performance was wonderfully energetic, the voices of the devils and
Friday, August 31, 2007
Queens library
the Forest Hills branch
I never gave much thought to the Queens library. I thought they were being clique-y by trying to distinguish themselves from the NY Public Library. And besides, I'm still in denial that I live in Queens, so I shouldn't have any real use for the Queens library.
So prompted by a positive NY Time article (yes I still read the damned thing) about the library, I mentioned it to DH who, after living here this whole time, has never bothered to mention it to his geeky bookish wife, and actually claimed that the Forest Hills branch is kinda nice, or comfortable, or something acceptable like that. It's not too far from us, so I applied for a library card, was thrilled when it arrived a week later, and promptly went down to the branch to check it out (and gather some business-type books).
The library is short. Not the building itself, but the shelves inside, are low and you can see over them. It's odd. Open. Small, like we are all little children. It's a tad confusing for the newcomer, as you enter to face a long check out-type counter with lots of people sort of busy on both sides of it. Then you see big spaces both to the right and left, filled with the child-sized library shelves. I go right, looking for the business section. I am not to expect a huge selection, given this is not the main branch, and given the thin state of inventory of the many major chain stores across the Boulevard in "town". I find the business section finally, gather a couple of books I need and am directed back over to the counter by the entry way.
Okay, here is the coolest part. So I get the attention of one of the people on the official looking other side of the counter, tell her it's my first time here and she patiently shows me how to use the utterly awesome cool checkout system. One of the best self-checkers so far! You line up all the books, face up, as well as your library card on this huge scanning slab on the counter. It's big, I mean really big. And with one touch of a button, it scans everything, all at once. Out pops your receipt, and voila. You're done. In, like, 5 seconds. Wow. So cool! So simple! So fast! Did I miss something? Whose amazing invention was this??
Another interesting thing to note - they have plastic bags for your books, like grocery bags only a tad nicer. I thought it odd since one - I've never ever seen bags to carry your books out in any of the libraries I'v ever been to in my whole entire geeky bookish life, and two - it did seem a bit odd in this current ecologically-conscious, "lessen your footprint!" environment. Odd. I did not take one. Not sure how I feel about it. If you're buying your books, then yes I believe you are entitled to a plastic bag in which to carry your brand new unsoiled purchase. But to borrow books? Odd.
I never gave much thought to the Queens library. I thought they were being clique-y by trying to distinguish themselves from the NY Public Library. And besides, I'm still in denial that I live in Queens, so I shouldn't have any real use for the Queens library.
So prompted by a positive NY Time article (yes I still read the damned thing) about the library, I mentioned it to DH who, after living here this whole time, has never bothered to mention it to his geeky bookish wife, and actually claimed that the Forest Hills branch is kinda nice, or comfortable, or something acceptable like that. It's not too far from us, so I applied for a library card, was thrilled when it arrived a week later, and promptly went down to the branch to check it out (and gather some business-type books).
The library is short. Not the building itself, but the shelves inside, are low and you can see over them. It's odd. Open. Small, like we are all little children. It's a tad confusing for the newcomer, as you enter to face a long check out-type counter with lots of people sort of busy on both sides of it. Then you see big spaces both to the right and left, filled with the child-sized library shelves. I go right, looking for the business section. I am not to expect a huge selection, given this is not the main branch, and given the thin state of inventory of the many major chain stores across the Boulevard in "town". I find the business section finally, gather a couple of books I need and am directed back over to the counter by the entry way.
Okay, here is the coolest part. So I get the attention of one of the people on the official looking other side of the counter, tell her it's my first time here and she patiently shows me how to use the utterly awesome cool checkout system. One of the best self-checkers so far! You line up all the books, face up, as well as your library card on this huge scanning slab on the counter. It's big, I mean really big. And with one touch of a button, it scans everything, all at once. Out pops your receipt, and voila. You're done. In, like, 5 seconds. Wow. So cool! So simple! So fast! Did I miss something? Whose amazing invention was this??
Another interesting thing to note - they have plastic bags for your books, like grocery bags only a tad nicer. I thought it odd since one - I've never ever seen bags to carry your books out in any of the libraries I'v ever been to in my whole entire geeky bookish life, and two - it did seem a bit odd in this current ecologically-conscious, "lessen your footprint!" environment. Odd. I did not take one. Not sure how I feel about it. If you're buying your books, then yes I believe you are entitled to a plastic bag in which to carry your brand new unsoiled purchase. But to borrow books? Odd.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Kang Suh, Korean BBQ
located in Koreatown,
1250 Broadway, on 32nd and Broadway.
It is one of the most disappointing things to see a good restaurant go downhill. Such was the disappointment last night when we brought some out of town friends to Kang Suh for their first Korean barbecue experience. Our choice of Kang Suh was not an accident, as we had dined here a couple of times in the past and had an excellent experience with delicious food and more than adequate portions.
Last night's experience suggested that the restaurant reduced all portions by a third. We ordered the usual seafood scallion pancake, and order of beef and shrimp barbecues (even doubled up on each for the six of us, as the waitress suggested), plus the yuk hwe (Korean version of beef tartar) and added a serving of vegetarian shumai. The food came as usual, in this sudden blur of dishes and unfamiliar sides that fought for space on the wide table; out came the pancake served just as the meat began sizzling in the middle of the table spread atop the barbecue pan. We ate with the usual frenzy, though trying to keep up some semblance of social talk.
Rather than miniature slabs of meat, our barbecuing beef was thin and shredded, and entirely inappropriate for barbecuing. The shrimp was adequately sized, but the yuk hwe, as well, was thinner than the usual. The number of side dishes (banchan) was also skimpy, and a lot less variations than usual.
Last time we were here, the two of us had to wait a good 20-30 minutes for a table. This time the six of us were seated immediately, and for 8pm on a Saturday night, that's practically unheard of, until you notice that the restaurant was much less crowded than before. We found out why. Next time we're going with the other blog reviews and recommendations, and going with Shilla or some of the others down 32nd Street.
1250 Broadway, on 32nd and Broadway.
It is one of the most disappointing things to see a good restaurant go downhill. Such was the disappointment last night when we brought some out of town friends to Kang Suh for their first Korean barbecue experience. Our choice of Kang Suh was not an accident, as we had dined here a couple of times in the past and had an excellent experience with delicious food and more than adequate portions.
Last night's experience suggested that the restaurant reduced all portions by a third. We ordered the usual seafood scallion pancake, and order of beef and shrimp barbecues (even doubled up on each for the six of us, as the waitress suggested), plus the yuk hwe (Korean version of beef tartar) and added a serving of vegetarian shumai. The food came as usual, in this sudden blur of dishes and unfamiliar sides that fought for space on the wide table; out came the pancake served just as the meat began sizzling in the middle of the table spread atop the barbecue pan. We ate with the usual frenzy, though trying to keep up some semblance of social talk.
Rather than miniature slabs of meat, our barbecuing beef was thin and shredded, and entirely inappropriate for barbecuing. The shrimp was adequately sized, but the yuk hwe, as well, was thinner than the usual. The number of side dishes (banchan) was also skimpy, and a lot less variations than usual.
Last time we were here, the two of us had to wait a good 20-30 minutes for a table. This time the six of us were seated immediately, and for 8pm on a Saturday night, that's practically unheard of, until you notice that the restaurant was much less crowded than before. We found out why. Next time we're going with the other blog reviews and recommendations, and going with Shilla or some of the others down 32nd Street.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Zipcar
First heard about this service when I was living in Boston just before moving to NYC, but I had a car at the time, and did not need it. Thought it was a cool idea, though. Fast forward seven years later, I'm not only living in NYC but have moved to the more sensible bourough of Queens. Still need a car though. The husband came with a car, (a fun little white jeep to be exact) but that was bartered off for more necessary items. So we find ourselves in the suburbs, without a car. And it sucked. Borrowing the in-law's car worked sometimes, but when you have plans and they have plans, they trump you.
So, Zipcar to the rescue. Signed up at the beginning of the month, and have used it three times already, borrowing a Honda Element, a Scion (what maker?), and today a Toyota Prius.
The good things: damned convenient, and they have cars in lots all over the damned place. I like the choice of cars you have, kind of like a sample tasting, or like having a wardrobe for various occasions - the mountaineer, the furniture mover, the eco-conscious tree hugger, the sexy zippy hipster, the yuppie (those still exist?). I like the ease with which one can select a car and see what is available in any location. I like the option of borrowing cars in various major cities with a single membership. I like the switch from hourly to daily rates based on whichever is less. I like the card system, I like the gas card included (once you figure it out). I like how my application, done and submitted online, was finished and approved in record time of like 10 minutes, maybe less, and how I got to just head on into Manhattan to pick up my card that very day rather than waiting for it to get to me via snailmail. By golly, I like an awful lot of things about this service!
The bad: Not a lot so far. Uhm, the cleanliness is.... what is expected in a community car. It's not sparkling clean, and the Honda Element had definitely whiffs of wet dog (and the dog hair) when we picked it up. And it's not exactly the bargain we thought it would be, easily spending $60-100 per use. Once upon a time I thought the mileage was unlimited, and now there is a 180 mile cap on what's included, but can you blame them I guess with the wacked out gas prices and all? What's also terrible is the temptation to use it more than necessary, and watching your wallet bleed because of it. I mean, if you need it in NYC, chances are anywhere you want to go is about an hour out, making it two hours round trip, then calculate the time spent at desired location is minimum an hour or two, and if you're not luck, you've got to figure in traffic time... so yeah, it adds up.
So, Zipcar to the rescue. Signed up at the beginning of the month, and have used it three times already, borrowing a Honda Element, a Scion (what maker?), and today a Toyota Prius.
The good things: damned convenient, and they have cars in lots all over the damned place. I like the choice of cars you have, kind of like a sample tasting, or like having a wardrobe for various occasions - the mountaineer, the furniture mover, the eco-conscious tree hugger, the sexy zippy hipster, the yuppie (those still exist?). I like the ease with which one can select a car and see what is available in any location. I like the option of borrowing cars in various major cities with a single membership. I like the switch from hourly to daily rates based on whichever is less. I like the card system, I like the gas card included (once you figure it out). I like how my application, done and submitted online, was finished and approved in record time of like 10 minutes, maybe less, and how I got to just head on into Manhattan to pick up my card that very day rather than waiting for it to get to me via snailmail. By golly, I like an awful lot of things about this service!
The bad: Not a lot so far. Uhm, the cleanliness is.... what is expected in a community car. It's not sparkling clean, and the Honda Element had definitely whiffs of wet dog (and the dog hair) when we picked it up. And it's not exactly the bargain we thought it would be, easily spending $60-100 per use. Once upon a time I thought the mileage was unlimited, and now there is a 180 mile cap on what's included, but can you blame them I guess with the wacked out gas prices and all? What's also terrible is the temptation to use it more than necessary, and watching your wallet bleed because of it. I mean, if you need it in NYC, chances are anywhere you want to go is about an hour out, making it two hours round trip, then calculate the time spent at desired location is minimum an hour or two, and if you're not luck, you've got to figure in traffic time... so yeah, it adds up.
Sushi You
on 51st between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
A tiny sushi restaurant and bar owned by a married couple (he the sushi chef, she the domineering hostess)in a basement space about the size of my living room. Cozy atmosphere, predominately Japanese customers with a few non-Japanese as well. We sat at the sushi bar, but because our host was friendly with the owners we got a few of the homemade Japanese dishes - croquettes and some potato and pork dish, both delicious. We sat and chatted, ordered sushi by the piece, a couple at a time. We sampled two kinds of eel (fresh and salt water variations), sweet sea urchin, mackerel toasted with a blow torch, tuna, salmon, salmon roe, conch. All were delicious, very fresh. The sake flowed, as it was served in square wooden cup atop a saucer that caught the overflow from the cup. Lick a pinch of salt and chase it with a swig of sake - a new "poor man's drink" that I learned, and a new way to savor the sake layers.
A tiny sushi restaurant and bar owned by a married couple (he the sushi chef, she the domineering hostess)in a basement space about the size of my living room. Cozy atmosphere, predominately Japanese customers with a few non-Japanese as well. We sat at the sushi bar, but because our host was friendly with the owners we got a few of the homemade Japanese dishes - croquettes and some potato and pork dish, both delicious. We sat and chatted, ordered sushi by the piece, a couple at a time. We sampled two kinds of eel (fresh and salt water variations), sweet sea urchin, mackerel toasted with a blow torch, tuna, salmon, salmon roe, conch. All were delicious, very fresh. The sake flowed, as it was served in square wooden cup atop a saucer that caught the overflow from the cup. Lick a pinch of salt and chase it with a swig of sake - a new "poor man's drink" that I learned, and a new way to savor the sake layers.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Petrossian
at the corner of 58th and 6th
Went there for a special celebratory dinner - my husband and I are both licensed professionals now, and our companion couple just got engaged. I picked the restaurant having fantasized about dining in such a beautifully decorated building that Petrossian is housed in. Was glad to have finally gotten the opportunity. It was also Restaurant Week in NYC, in which Petrossian was participating, so we had a nice alternative to the normally extremely pricey entrees.
The place was livelier than I thought it would be, having seen not only it's reputation as a high class French restaurant and the old establishment decor. Perhaps it was the Restaurant Week, because we went on a Tuesday evening and it was loud, lively, and full - but not so full as to make us uncomfortable.
The decor was a muted pink, darkened lighting, Art Deco-style. We sat near the entrance, and so missed the mirrors over the bar that were etched in huge Erte figures. Sad for me as I really like Erte's art. The tables were beautifully and simply set in white, silver and blue and the high fluted champagne glasses insisted we order champagne, which we obliged. A toast of champagne we followed by our order. The female friend and I ordered from the less expensive $35 prix fixe menu with the caviar supplement (additional $16), getting the caviar appetizer, and I got the duck while she ordered the halibut. The men ordered from the other prix fixe menu ($65) which came with its own caviar appetizer, then scallops and foie gras served warm (a surprise), and they both got the same seared coriander-encrusted tuna entree. The desserts were varied, and my comment on my blueberry and citrus dessert was "It tastes like it looks." which unfortunately was not a compliment, more a disappointment. We ordered coffee, cappuccinos and espresso to accompany the desserts. Our reservation was at 7pm, and we did not leave until 11pm, so kudos to the staff for not bothering us as we sat there talking and talking, even as the dishes were cleared and tab was paid.
The service was excellent, marred only when as we were finally ready to order, our waiter was caught up in some snafu and left us waiting more, until a secondary person was sent to take our order. Otherwise, the service was professional, prompt, efficient, and friendly without being overly friendly. The waiters seemed to take pride in their jobs, and made the meal all that much more comfortable.
Additional comments - the bathrooms, located in the basement, were clean and decorated to fit the rest of the restaurant - not huge or overly ambitious but with enough character to be memorable. I've never seen a black commode before. The restaurant's space was surprisingly shallow, but the mirrors situated as such one had to look twice to realize that the room was merely half the size it appeared to be. The other patrons were all dressed well and to the nines, and it was obviously a place for special dining and special occasions.
We went there for an adult feeling, and certainly got it, much more so than your usual hippest of the moment trendy restaurant. No attitude, just class. The food was good, high quality, but I admit to being spoiled enough with great food that it did not knock my socks off. But it was classy, and maybe that was enough so as to not detract from whatever special occasion was being celebrated.
Went there for a special celebratory dinner - my husband and I are both licensed professionals now, and our companion couple just got engaged. I picked the restaurant having fantasized about dining in such a beautifully decorated building that Petrossian is housed in. Was glad to have finally gotten the opportunity. It was also Restaurant Week in NYC, in which Petrossian was participating, so we had a nice alternative to the normally extremely pricey entrees.
The place was livelier than I thought it would be, having seen not only it's reputation as a high class French restaurant and the old establishment decor. Perhaps it was the Restaurant Week, because we went on a Tuesday evening and it was loud, lively, and full - but not so full as to make us uncomfortable.
The decor was a muted pink, darkened lighting, Art Deco-style. We sat near the entrance, and so missed the mirrors over the bar that were etched in huge Erte figures. Sad for me as I really like Erte's art. The tables were beautifully and simply set in white, silver and blue and the high fluted champagne glasses insisted we order champagne, which we obliged. A toast of champagne we followed by our order. The female friend and I ordered from the less expensive $35 prix fixe menu with the caviar supplement (additional $16), getting the caviar appetizer, and I got the duck while she ordered the halibut. The men ordered from the other prix fixe menu ($65) which came with its own caviar appetizer, then scallops and foie gras served warm (a surprise), and they both got the same seared coriander-encrusted tuna entree. The desserts were varied, and my comment on my blueberry and citrus dessert was "It tastes like it looks." which unfortunately was not a compliment, more a disappointment. We ordered coffee, cappuccinos and espresso to accompany the desserts. Our reservation was at 7pm, and we did not leave until 11pm, so kudos to the staff for not bothering us as we sat there talking and talking, even as the dishes were cleared and tab was paid.
The service was excellent, marred only when as we were finally ready to order, our waiter was caught up in some snafu and left us waiting more, until a secondary person was sent to take our order. Otherwise, the service was professional, prompt, efficient, and friendly without being overly friendly. The waiters seemed to take pride in their jobs, and made the meal all that much more comfortable.
Additional comments - the bathrooms, located in the basement, were clean and decorated to fit the rest of the restaurant - not huge or overly ambitious but with enough character to be memorable. I've never seen a black commode before. The restaurant's space was surprisingly shallow, but the mirrors situated as such one had to look twice to realize that the room was merely half the size it appeared to be. The other patrons were all dressed well and to the nines, and it was obviously a place for special dining and special occasions.
We went there for an adult feeling, and certainly got it, much more so than your usual hippest of the moment trendy restaurant. No attitude, just class. The food was good, high quality, but I admit to being spoiled enough with great food that it did not knock my socks off. But it was classy, and maybe that was enough so as to not detract from whatever special occasion was being celebrated.
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