Step back in time where dining rooms were dominated by red leather banquettes with touches of chrome highlighting the room, the fog of cigarettes hung in the air and Sinatra played to the crowd of the cultural elite with old money dining on the best the menu has to offer.
Ok; well thank goodness the smoke is gone and the music is not live, but everything else seems to have been preserved beautifully from the past. The red leather and chrome is there, almost evoking the image of a perfectly restored car, and the waiters in white suits gliding to the sounds of the Rat Pack. This is The Lambs Club, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's ode to the upscale eateries of yesteryear, his modern take on American cuisine.
They offer a great deal for both Pre-theater dining with 3 courses for just under $50 and Post theater dining with 2 courses at $35. In addition, their normal menu offers 3 courses for $72 with wine pairings at additional price. The food was all full of flavor and beautifully presented. I had a comforting bowl of Sugar Pumpkin soup that had all the flavors of Thanksgiving in it. Followed that with a New Zealand Snapper which came pieced out looking vaguely like sushi but fully cooked. Paired with chantarelles and a warm beef tongue vinaigrette which gave the dish a nice balance of earth and sea. The meal finished with the Apple Crisp with Quark ice cream. Another American classic re-imagined in a creative way that tasted fantastic, yet familiar. Special mention to the bread brought out before any of the courses, it was maybe the best bread I have ever had. Warm, soft and slightly sweet, so good!
The Lamb's Club is a very good option for the Theater District littered with chain restaurants and places that are too casual to were your "dress-up" clothes in. If you are wanting a more upscale option in the Theater District with very good food and service, try this.
THE LAMBS CLUB
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
"Dead Accounts" quick take
Dead Accounts, currently in a limited run on Broadway, is a must see in my book. A comedy written by Theresa Rebeck (Seminar) is a story of small town values vs. big city vice. Featuring another fantastic performance by Norbert Leo Butz (Enron, Speed The Plow, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as a small town boy returned home after making it "big" in New York City. The show also features Katie Holmes in her return to Broadway as Mr. Butz's sister.
While Ms. Holmes is certainly a star in her own right, the star if this show is Mr. Butz. He with impeccable comedic timing and stage presence draws in the audience and has us pulling for him, even if the morals may not all be in the right place.
This play in 2 acts directed by Jack O'Brien flows seemlessly without any lulls or dead spots. Go see this now as it is in a limited run and Mr. Butz is at the top of his game!
Dead Accounts on Broadway
While Ms. Holmes is certainly a star in her own right, the star if this show is Mr. Butz. He with impeccable comedic timing and stage presence draws in the audience and has us pulling for him, even if the morals may not all be in the right place.
This play in 2 acts directed by Jack O'Brien flows seemlessly without any lulls or dead spots. Go see this now as it is in a limited run and Mr. Butz is at the top of his game!
Dead Accounts on Broadway
Friday, October 26, 2012
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Now appearing at Studio 54 is the Mystery of Edwin Drood, a musical murder/mystery/comedy that incorporates audience participation to determine the ending.
Drood is based on a Charles Dickens novel of the same name. This novel was never finished as Mr. Dickens died before he was able to reveal the ending. The identity of the murderer has been the subject of debate. Rupert Holmes wrote this theatrical adaption with the audience voting at the end as to the identity of detective and murderer. Adding to this are a number of interesting characters of which almost any of them could serve as the murderer.
Set in an old Victorian theater, it is a play within a play as we are watching "actors" perform Drood for us. At first this may seem a bit confusing, but the asides and breaking of character all adds to the hilarity of the show. And it is laugh out loud funny. There are strong vocal performances and the music, which can be complex, is handled with seeming professional ease by the whole cast. Costumes and set are detailed and beautifully rendered.
I really enjoyed this show and would recommend this to a variety of people looking for some entertainment. This could work for a whole family , a couple on a date or theater newbies. The fact that the actors break the fourth wall and includes the audience sets its apart from all the other Broadway shows. Go see this for a fun time and let me know how you voted!
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD on Broadway
Drood is based on a Charles Dickens novel of the same name. This novel was never finished as Mr. Dickens died before he was able to reveal the ending. The identity of the murderer has been the subject of debate. Rupert Holmes wrote this theatrical adaption with the audience voting at the end as to the identity of detective and murderer. Adding to this are a number of interesting characters of which almost any of them could serve as the murderer.
Set in an old Victorian theater, it is a play within a play as we are watching "actors" perform Drood for us. At first this may seem a bit confusing, but the asides and breaking of character all adds to the hilarity of the show. And it is laugh out loud funny. There are strong vocal performances and the music, which can be complex, is handled with seeming professional ease by the whole cast. Costumes and set are detailed and beautifully rendered.
I really enjoyed this show and would recommend this to a variety of people looking for some entertainment. This could work for a whole family , a couple on a date or theater newbies. The fact that the actors break the fourth wall and includes the audience sets its apart from all the other Broadway shows. Go see this for a fun time and let me know how you voted!
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD on Broadway
Friday, October 19, 2012
ZOMG! NYC Thompson Hotels Have Food Truck Concierges
Here is an interesting idea from the Thompson Hotel Group, Food Truck Concierges to help you find your favorite food truck. Article on Hotel Chatter: ZOMG! NYC Thompson Hotels Have Food Truck Concierges
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
East Coast vs. West Coast battle
Vs. 
First thing is first, I grew up on the west coast. My favorite football team is a west coast team (Seahawks) and my favorite basketball team was a west coast team (Supersonics - RIP). I continue to favor a lot of west over east and see myself eventually moving back there someday. That being said, I have found some things are inherently better in the east. The first thing that comes to mind is Pizza, you can't match a New York pie with anything on the west coast, you just can't. i grew up eating Pizza Hut, Dominoes, etc. and it was an eye-opener the first time I had a true slice of pizza. The way you fold it up and the grease drips down your arm, classic. Next is public transportation. Despite all the complaints I have about the MTA and fare hikes, there is no other city, especially in the west that can hold a candle to our trains and buses. Finally the hamburger. "What's that" you say? Yes, the hamburger. I'm talking Shake Shack vs. In and Out Burger. The take-out throw down, the battle of the beef.
I'm not going to go into the history and a bunch of facts about the two establishments other than to say they are the two arguably best hamburgers on either coast. Well I am here to throw my napkin into Shake Shack's camp. The In and Out Burger I had was good, but it just wasn't anything special. It didn't have that secret something that a Shake Shack burger has. What that something is, I don't know. I have heard rumors of the burgers being dipped in melted butter and other stories. Whatever it is, it's magic and has not been duplicated according to my taste buds.
So nice try In and Out Burger, but my vote goes to Shake Shack. And all you crazies for In and Out Burger, get thee to a Shake Shack and do your own review. I'll be curious to hear your vote.
Posted with BlogsyWednesday, October 10, 2012
Chef's Table at Gordon Ramsay NYC
It's been 5 or 6 years since I last dined at Gordon Ramsey at the London NY and I had the pleasure of dining at the Chef's Table recently.
The restaurant is divided into two main rooms; Maze, the more casual room with a large active bar and the more tranquil and upscale Gordon Ramsay dining room. In addition to those rooms, there is the Chef's Table, this I did not even know about. This is located in the kitchen with a raised spectator view of everything going on. It can seat up to eight and have sat as few as two. The views offered and access to the kitchen staff makes this table a truly special experience in New York City. The staff was extremely accommodating even inviting us on the line to prepare and plate a dish.
The food is described as New French and everything served was phenomenal. The wine pairing with the food was perfectly complimentary and the service was attentive without being overbearing. I cannot overstate how great this experience was and it is something that will definitely be something to remember for anyone who gets to experience it. We even got a surprise visit special person...keep scrolling to the end!
The restaurant is divided into two main rooms; Maze, the more casual room with a large active bar and the more tranquil and upscale Gordon Ramsay dining room. In addition to those rooms, there is the Chef's Table, this I did not even know about. This is located in the kitchen with a raised spectator view of everything going on. It can seat up to eight and have sat as few as two. The views offered and access to the kitchen staff makes this table a truly special experience in New York City. The staff was extremely accommodating even inviting us on the line to prepare and plate a dish.
The food is described as New French and everything served was phenomenal. The wine pairing with the food was perfectly complimentary and the service was attentive without being overbearing. I cannot overstate how great this experience was and it is something that will definitely be something to remember for anyone who gets to experience it. We even got a surprise visit special person...keep scrolling to the end!
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| The view from the Chef's Table |
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| Celery Moussaline & celery soup |
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| Cauliflower panna cotta, marinated hamachi & oestra caviar |
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| Foie gras on apricot purée & shaved truffles |
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| Poached Tasmanian Sea Trout, uni & tempura zucchini flowers |
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| Risotto with fave beans, watercress purée, enoki mushrooms & onion |
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| Preparing sturgeon |
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| Put to work behind the line |
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| Sturgeon with wild rice & parsley purée |
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| Veal tenderloin, truffle jus & celeriac |
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| Triple cream cheese with local honey |
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| Apple tartin |
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| photo courtesy Raita Sawai |
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera
Nessun Dorma!!!!!
Translated, Nobody Shall Sleep. True to its word this opera did not put me to sleep. Turandot is a majestic and beautifully presented opera complete with extravagant costumes and sets.
The story set in the Orient follows a prince that has fallen in love with a princess, Turandot. Anyone wanting Turandot's hand in marriage must answer 3 riddles correctly or die by execution. Many have tried and failed before our hero, Prince Tartary succeeds. Turandot not know he is a prince does not want to marry him and he gives her a chance to get out of the deal if she can guess his name. In the process a slave dies but the opera ends with a wedding, so everyone is happy. Yes, plot-wise it can sound a bit complicated and silly, but that is what opera is all about isn't it? No the meat of the story is really not what we are here for, we are here for the soaring vocal perfromances and the aforementioned costumes and sets.
The 2 leads Irene Theorin and Marcello Giordani had fantastic performances. Mr. Giordani's rendition of the famous Nessun Dorma was stirring and powerful, giving me chills. There is a great supporting cast as well with the ministers Ping, Pang and Pong very entertaining and Janai Brugger as Liu giving a dramatic and stirring performance.
The Metropolitan Opera
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Bouley's Empire
Chef David Bouley has been a New York food icon since he arrived in the 80's. He currently has restaurants Bouley, Burshstroke and the Test Kitchen downtown. His uncompromising vision and creativity have kept his establishments at the forefront of dining royalty year after year.
I recently had the honor to be invited to dine with some fellow concierges at Bouley, but the first stop was Brushstroke. This temple to Japanese cuisine is immaculate and simple at the same time. If one were to imagine a tea house in Japan, this might be what the inside resembles. Decored with reclaimed wood and recycled books covering the wall, you have to look to realize what the walls are made of. A hush was in the air as the open kitchen communicated with in-ear mics ala security at a high profile event. You felt as if you were in a temple to food with the efficiency and reverence with which the staff (both kitchen and floor) moved.
We were treated to some fantastic signature drinks and dishes. The vegetable salad and the chawanmushi were phenomenal. Clean, yet intense flavors. But the sushi, out of this world good. I have had sushi at a lot of places, this is right up there at the top. The sushi chef trained with Jiro of Jiro Dreams of Sushi fame. I will go back for a omakase menu at some point, but this night we were moving on to Bouley...
Bouley was one of the first "upscale" restaurants I ever ate at, so there is a special place in my heart for it. It has moved since I first dined there but the ambiance, feel and food quality are still top notch. The first thing you notice is the smell of apples as you enter into this special world, and yes you are leaving everything else outside. This is a world where everyone is celebrating something special, a birthday, and engagement or anniversary. We had the honor of dining in the private room with a table made of petrified wood, beautiful and organic, like Chef Bouley's food. The private space fit our group of eight perfectly. The room is decorated with interesting little knick knacks and features a large flat screen tv that can show presentations, sideshows and other media in case there is a class taking place.
The night was an amazing night full of fantastic food, wine and conversation with Chef Bouley and his amazing staff. Bouley has once again cemented a special place in my heart and it is something to be experienced by everyone.
I recently had the honor to be invited to dine with some fellow concierges at Bouley, but the first stop was Brushstroke. This temple to Japanese cuisine is immaculate and simple at the same time. If one were to imagine a tea house in Japan, this might be what the inside resembles. Decored with reclaimed wood and recycled books covering the wall, you have to look to realize what the walls are made of. A hush was in the air as the open kitchen communicated with in-ear mics ala security at a high profile event. You felt as if you were in a temple to food with the efficiency and reverence with which the staff (both kitchen and floor) moved.
We were treated to some fantastic signature drinks and dishes. The vegetable salad and the chawanmushi were phenomenal. Clean, yet intense flavors. But the sushi, out of this world good. I have had sushi at a lot of places, this is right up there at the top. The sushi chef trained with Jiro of Jiro Dreams of Sushi fame. I will go back for a omakase menu at some point, but this night we were moving on to Bouley...
The night was an amazing night full of fantastic food, wine and conversation with Chef Bouley and his amazing staff. Bouley has once again cemented a special place in my heart and it is something to be experienced by everyone.
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| Tomato coulis w/ sheep's milk ricotta, truffle pate' with kuzu cracker |
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Heirloom Cherry Tomato, Tahitian Vanilla and Tri-Star Strawberries
Balinese Pepper
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| Uni w/Apple sorbet, salmon & tuna roe and yuzu |
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| Snapper in ravioli corn soup |
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| Porcini Flan, Alaska Live Dungeness Crab, Black Truffle Dashi |
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| Bread cart |
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| Pistachio Miso Marinated Fresh Black Cod with Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes |
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Chicken Baked with Alfalfa and Clover Hay
Local Corn Ravioli, Nova Scotia Chanterelles |
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| Hot Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé, White Coffee Cloud, White Chocolate Ice Cream, Chocolate Mousse |
Grace on Broadway quick review
GRACE is a play currently on Broadway with Paul Rudd, Michael Shannon, Kate Arrington and Ed Asner. This is a 90ish minute play about a newly moved couple and their neighbor.
Without giving anything away, the performances and direction was fantastic. This play uses the "start at the end" technique employed in many television shows and movies today. It works great as you want to see what led up to the train wreck that the play opens with. The play explores different views of salvation for each of the characters and has touching and funny moments to break up any heavy dramatic scenes.
Religious themes and adult language are prevalent in this show so it is not appropriate for kids. That being said, for adults, this is a great option on Broadway for those looking for celebrities and something other than a musical.
GRACE on Broadway
Without giving anything away, the performances and direction was fantastic. This play uses the "start at the end" technique employed in many television shows and movies today. It works great as you want to see what led up to the train wreck that the play opens with. The play explores different views of salvation for each of the characters and has touching and funny moments to break up any heavy dramatic scenes.
Religious themes and adult language are prevalent in this show so it is not appropriate for kids. That being said, for adults, this is a great option on Broadway for those looking for celebrities and something other than a musical.
GRACE on Broadway
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
New York City Helicopter tour
New York Freakin City! There are so many ways to see the city; from the street, underground in the subways, on top of a really tall building, as a postcard view from a boat or a bridge and of course from above ground in the air. No, I'm not talking about that tiny crappy, part plastic-part glass window from your airplane on arrival. Think smaller, think more agile, think Helicopter!
After years of working in NYC and working in the hospitality industry, I finally took the time and opportunity to take a helicopter tour. I have taken the boat tours and the elevators to the top of tall buildings but this was a whole different game. Getting to Pier 6 was a fairly short walk from the Whitehall street subway stop. There is also a small parking lot for passengers taking a car or taxi to the pier. The small office at the pier houses 5 or 6 helicopter companies. I had a reservation with Helicopter Flight Services. They had a nice clean space with multi-lingual employees that attended to all the passengers with care and a bit of humor. There was an informative safety video that played for everyone and then it was out on the Tarmac. Each group got a picture taken infromt of the helicopter(you could purchase these later if you liked them). The helicopter seated one passenger next to the pilot and five more behind them. Bose headphones were provided to each passenger and had a small mic attached so that you could verbally communicate with the whole cabin.
This was such an amazing experience, it's hard to put it into words. The best thing I can do is show you with the following pictures. If you ever have the chance, do not hesitate to take advantage of doing this for you and a loved one. It will be unforgettable!
Thanks to Helicopter Flight Services
After years of working in NYC and working in the hospitality industry, I finally took the time and opportunity to take a helicopter tour. I have taken the boat tours and the elevators to the top of tall buildings but this was a whole different game. Getting to Pier 6 was a fairly short walk from the Whitehall street subway stop. There is also a small parking lot for passengers taking a car or taxi to the pier. The small office at the pier houses 5 or 6 helicopter companies. I had a reservation with Helicopter Flight Services. They had a nice clean space with multi-lingual employees that attended to all the passengers with care and a bit of humor. There was an informative safety video that played for everyone and then it was out on the Tarmac. Each group got a picture taken infromt of the helicopter(you could purchase these later if you liked them). The helicopter seated one passenger next to the pilot and five more behind them. Bose headphones were provided to each passenger and had a small mic attached so that you could verbally communicate with the whole cabin.
This was such an amazing experience, it's hard to put it into words. The best thing I can do is show you with the following pictures. If you ever have the chance, do not hesitate to take advantage of doing this for you and a loved one. It will be unforgettable!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Chaplin the Musical quick review
Just saw the new Chaplin musical on Broadway and thought it was great! This is a winning formula here, an iconic American artist, stellar performances all around and an interesting story.
The show is a biography for the tragic yet celebrated actor, Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin, who was actually was British, made his fame in America as a star of multiple silent film comedies. It follows his life from a child actor in London to making big on the Silver Screen in America. In between we find out about his loves, his losses, and political fights.
As mentioned before I thought the whole cast was strong with Rob McClure doing a dead-on Chaplin and making us really care and fall in love with the man. Other stand outs were Jenn Collela as Hedda Hopper and Wayne Alan Wilcox as Sydney Chaplin.
Technically what I really thought was cool was how they made it look like you were watching a black and white movie through lighting and costume. There were little bits of color that stood out like a red rose at certain times.
This is a very entertaining show and I would recommend any fan of Broadway or Chaplin
CHAPLIN on BROADWAY
The show is a biography for the tragic yet celebrated actor, Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin, who was actually was British, made his fame in America as a star of multiple silent film comedies. It follows his life from a child actor in London to making big on the Silver Screen in America. In between we find out about his loves, his losses, and political fights.
As mentioned before I thought the whole cast was strong with Rob McClure doing a dead-on Chaplin and making us really care and fall in love with the man. Other stand outs were Jenn Collela as Hedda Hopper and Wayne Alan Wilcox as Sydney Chaplin.
Technically what I really thought was cool was how they made it look like you were watching a black and white movie through lighting and costume. There were little bits of color that stood out like a red rose at certain times.
This is a very entertaining show and I would recommend any fan of Broadway or Chaplin
CHAPLIN on BROADWAY
Thursday, August 30, 2012
LOVE WINE AND CHEESE: Claire Paparazzo, Wine Director of Blue Hill
LOVE WINE AND CHEESE: Claire Paparazzo, Wine Director of Blue Hill: Portrait of Claire Paparazzo with wine labels It has been a great experience interviewing Claire Paparazzo, wine director of B...
Saturday, August 11, 2012
I'm Done With Checkins!
So I have decided I am no longer going to do checkins anymore. No more Foursquare, no more Facebook checkin, nothing! Why have I come to this decision? No real solid reason other than this. I just want to go to places and enjoy them.
The reason is to enjoy all that this and any other place I visit have to offer. I wan to not have to worry about "checking in" and fight with my carrier (AT&T) trying to find a signal or getting frustrated when Foursquare is down. This is what happened one night while I was out at Terra Blues(the best and only great blues bar in NYC; post to come later), both of these things actually. So I paused that night with drink in hand listening to the wailing guitar of bluesman Kenny Neal and thought, "Why the hell am I stressing about checking in, this is stupid!" This is not to say I won't be tweeting, posting on Facebook or writing on this blog of course, but I am done checking in.
So to the quiet and faintly nerdy, yet pretty girl that stalks me via my checkins; sorry, you won't be able to find me anymore. By the way, I am writing this at Queens Kickshaw enjoying my favorite Gouda grilled cheese and a beer.
The reason is to enjoy all that this and any other place I visit have to offer. I wan to not have to worry about "checking in" and fight with my carrier (AT&T) trying to find a signal or getting frustrated when Foursquare is down. This is what happened one night while I was out at Terra Blues(the best and only great blues bar in NYC; post to come later), both of these things actually. So I paused that night with drink in hand listening to the wailing guitar of bluesman Kenny Neal and thought, "Why the hell am I stressing about checking in, this is stupid!" This is not to say I won't be tweeting, posting on Facebook or writing on this blog of course, but I am done checking in.
So to the quiet and faintly nerdy, yet pretty girl that stalks me via my checkins; sorry, you won't be able to find me anymore. By the way, I am writing this at Queens Kickshaw enjoying my favorite Gouda grilled cheese and a beer.
Classic Harbor Line
Circle Line Cruises are the mammoth company of tour cruises in NYC. They are a great company and have a great product offering multiple types of tours around the great island of Manhattan, but as Yoda once said "there is another."
A couple of weeks ago I got to take a sunset cruise with this company I had just been introduced to, Classic Harbor Line. Their claim to fame are the 2 sailboat schooners they have in their fleet; The America and Adirondack, the America being the larger of the two. They are conveniently located out of Chelsea Piers, Pier 62. In addition to the sunset cruise, they also offer afternoon cruises.
I approached the ticket booth at Pier 62 and was greeted with a warm smile. Looking that the boat I would be boarding, The America 2.0, I wasn't initially impressed. Maybe because all of it's sails were down. The staff on the boat, excuse me, ship were very friendly and my companion noted good looking too. The ship was full of adults and some groups seemed to be on outings from work. There were no children on the ship, which I liked, as it seemed to play to it's more romantic feel. In addition to the 2 hour tour, the price of the ticket also includes unlimited(within reason) champagne, wine,beer or soda. This is a nice touch and the beer options were all local (Tri-State) options.
I was lucky to have picked a fantastic evening as the weather was absolutely perfect. As we pushed off into the Hudson River I turned back and took in all the glory of Manhattan. Sometimes you forget what an amazing city we live in when you are running from place to place with your head down. Once we got a little ways down the Hudson the sails were raised and the engine was rested, this is the magic moment of Classic Harbor Lines. When you are out on the water with Manhattan as your backdrop on one side and the Statue of Liberty in your bearing, no engine sounds, just the calming splashing of the water, magic.
The Hudson during sunset is dotted with small sailboats and it is really something to be experienced, something that you can't paint with words. This is an experience I highly recommend and would not think twice about doing again given the chance. Try this and thank me later.
I approached the ticket booth at Pier 62 and was greeted with a warm smile. Looking that the boat I would be boarding, The America 2.0, I wasn't initially impressed. Maybe because all of it's sails were down. The staff on the boat, excuse me, ship were very friendly and my companion noted good looking too. The ship was full of adults and some groups seemed to be on outings from work. There were no children on the ship, which I liked, as it seemed to play to it's more romantic feel. In addition to the 2 hour tour, the price of the ticket also includes unlimited(within reason) champagne, wine,beer or soda. This is a nice touch and the beer options were all local (Tri-State) options.
I was lucky to have picked a fantastic evening as the weather was absolutely perfect. As we pushed off into the Hudson River I turned back and took in all the glory of Manhattan. Sometimes you forget what an amazing city we live in when you are running from place to place with your head down. Once we got a little ways down the Hudson the sails were raised and the engine was rested, this is the magic moment of Classic Harbor Lines. When you are out on the water with Manhattan as your backdrop on one side and the Statue of Liberty in your bearing, no engine sounds, just the calming splashing of the water, magic.
The Hudson during sunset is dotted with small sailboats and it is really something to be experienced, something that you can't paint with words. This is an experience I highly recommend and would not think twice about doing again given the chance. Try this and thank me later.
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