Posted on by LA · 110 Comments

Special Request

I don’t normally eat fish.

My daughter doesn’t eat beef, chicken or pork.

My Husband doesn’t eat cheese, butter or most dairy.

I know- at this point you’re all thinking- How is it that I’ve never invited LA and her family over to break bread…

We don’t have allergies. We either don’t like the taste or choose not to eat these things.

If you are going to someone’s house, do you volunteer this information, or do you wait to be asked if you have any food issues?

If you find out what your host is making ahead of time, and you know that you don’t like it, do you mention it to them?

For me, unless directly asked “Is there anything that you don’t eat?” I tend to just find something at the meal that I can eat. I don’t make a big deal about what is being served. I don’t want the host to go out of their way to satisfy me. I figure they have enough on their plate.

Do you make food requests of hosts?

Now let’s get a little tricky. If you found out that your host was going to make lobster, or buy expensive steaks, do you tell them not to buy a portion for you, because it is expensive and you know you’re not going to eat it?

How about if you are going to someone’s house, would you ask them to make a certain dish because you like it? (for the record, I don’t mean if my daughter is coming home and asks me to make something special, because I think in some situations it’s OK for a kid to ask their parent to make a “favorite” dish, and most parents are happy to oblige) I’m referring to a less close relationship than parent/child.

If you find out that you are going to someone’s house and find out that they are ordering pizza, do you tell them that pizza is not an appropriate food to serve guests?

When you are going to someone else’s house, should the food be a consideration? Or should the main goal just to be hanging out and spending time together?

Discuss:


Posted on by LA · 68 Comments

Who’s on First

I am going to give you a list of food- They are all meat/filling encased by dough and usually fried, but can be baked or steamed. The list is alphabetical.

  • Banh Bot Loc (Vietnam)
  • Buuz (Mongolia)
  • Chuchvara (Central Asia)
  • Coxinhas (Brazil)
  • Empanadas (South America)
  • Gyoza (Japan)
  • Khinkali (Georgia)
  • Knish (Eastern Europe)
  • Kreplack (Eastern Europe)
  • Kroppkaka (Sweden)
  • Mandu (Korea)
  • Manti (Turkey)
  • Maultaschen (Germany)
  • Modak (India)
  • Momos (Tibet, Nepal, India)
  • Pasteles (Puerto Rico)
  • Pastizzi (Malta)
  • Pelmeni (Russia)
  • Pierogi (Poland)
  • Ravioli (Italy)
  • Rissois (Portugal)
  • Samosa (India)
  • Siu Mai (China)
  • Svestkove Knedliky (Czech Republic)
  • Tamales (Mexico)
  • Vareniky (Ukraine)
  • Wontons (China)

I’m sure that there are many more variations of the dough/filling thing…but thanks to travel.earth, we have at least a small list…

So the question is:

Which of these dishes came first? Which one was the very first dough/filling thing?

And which culturally appropriated ones do we shame because they are just a mere copy?

Do you have a dough/filling combo that you think was the very first of its type?

Posted on by LA · 36 Comments

Sunday Wrap up

Another week has come and gone.  New York experienced a little bit of humidity this week- not a fan of humidity.  Also thwarted with some subway issues this week, and trust me, waiting underground in humid weather is not fun.  But here’s the run down- Ratings 0-5.  I’ve received no compensation for any of these things!

Books

“The Little French Bistro” Nina George  The heroine is 59 years old.  I don’t think I can say much more than this- it is refreshing to see an adult women in a novel.  This is a feel good book about overcoming adversity.  While not a great book, it is a fairly easy read. 4

Movies

“Home Again”

A story about a 40 year old woman getting her life back together after she separates from her husband.  (are you sensing a theme?  Middle age women overcoming adversity- yes- and I want to see/read more of it)  Movie is light and cute, if predictable (again, a theme) 3.8

Television

“Suits”- Season Finale.  I didn’t love the finale.  My Suits friends, please give me opinions.

Museums

New York Historical Society

“The Duchess of Carnegie Hall: Photographs by Editta Sherman”  I loved this exhibits.  Portraits of celebrities- many from the 40’s and 50’s.  Absolutely gorgeous.  What was a little dismaying was how many people were photographed smoking, but it was a different time. 4.7

“American Visionary:  John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times”  Amazing photos of JFK.  Beautifully curated exhibit.  4.2

“Eloise at the Museum”  Exhibit that explores the beloved book character Eloise.  Cute exhibit, but really much better for children.  4

Food

Ofrenda  Delicious Mexican food in a lively (loud) cozy (ridiculously small) place.  Appetizer called Queso Fondido, which is basically a Mexican fondue.  Yummy.  Killer, and I mean that literally, Margaritas. 4.3

Island Burger and Shakes- I used to love this place- but the quality of the burgers has gone way down.  No worth going to anymore.  2.8

Levain- This bakery has about the best cookies known to man.  So big they more closely resemble muffin tops.  And I love the chocolate brioche.  Ridiculously yummy!

 

Housekeeping

I have narrowed down my WordPress issues.  On the app, my reader does not always work correctly.  I sometimes miss certain hours of the day, so for example, if someone posts between 11 and 2 pm, I will miss all of the posts- I am not receiving the “Load More Posts” prompt.  Let’s see how long it takes to fix it now that I’ve isolated the issue

Thanks again for all the amazing commentary this week- your feedback is amazingly valuable as always!

 

Posted on by LA · 28 Comments

Sunday Wrap-up

Between Labor Day and the beginning of a new school year, my extracurricular fun was lacking this week.  There was a lot of organizing, shopping and prep instead.  But here you go- ratings are 0-5.  Any activity takes place in NYC unless otherwise noted.  Nothing if for free- I paid for all things.

Television-

Again- I was watching a lot of tennis.  Congrats to brilliant American women semi-finalists, and of course, Sloane Stevens- who played an almost flawless match in beating Madison Keyes at the US Open.  I tried to watch the 100th episode of Suits- alas- my DVR box was having issues, so I missed about half of the dialogue.  Will try to rewatch at some point.

Books-

I didn’t finish any books this week.  For shame!  I know!  But hopefully I’ll knock off last 50 pages today so I should have 2 books next week.

Food-

Twice a year a little outdoor food mart is set up (it runs for about a month at a time).  It is called Madison Square Eats (4.4 for venue).  Basically, about 15 food purveyors sets up food stands in what I can only refer to as a “town square” (which is obviously not what it is but I got nothing as to what to call it).  I love nice restaurants, but I think the best and most inventive food in NYC right now is being found at stands and food trucks.  The best thing we tried this year was at a place called Raclette (4.3).  They take a wheel of gruyere and put it over a heat source.  When the cheese begins to get melty, they spread it on a baguette, and add some pickles and onions.  Voila- ooey, gooey, rich and cheesy and SO yummy!  They also have some that they add meat to, but I was splitting with my daughter and she opts out of beef, chicken and pork. And though I didn’t try this year, Roberta’s  (4.7)pizza is the stuff that dreams are made of.  If you eat meat, try the Bee Sting.  If you don’t eat meat, try the White Pizza.  SO GOOD.

Live Theater

Bandstand.  This musical takes place in 1945, and centers around 6 recently returned soldiers and 1 woman who lost her husband during the war.  They form a swing band with the hopes of winning a Music Contest.  I thought it was wonderful.  Story good, music good, talent good.  One of the better musicals I’ve seen.  Alas, even though it is great and was nominated for Tony’s- the show will close next week.  But- if you ever get a chance to see it in regional theater, please go.  4.5

Housekeeping

Thanks for all the wonderful comments this week.  Sometimes I feel that I am the only person that experiences certain feelings, but then I write about my fears, feelings or anxieties, and I realize that I’m not alone.  So thanks for the openness, honesty and support!

As Texas begins to repair, many areas were, and are about to be devastated by Irma.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  I will share one story- my friends Mom lives on the West Coast of Florida.  Her daughter urged her to evacuate, but the Mother is holding ground.  She told her daughter- “Don’t worry.  I have my noodle and a boogie board.”  She’s a tough lady…..

The first two days of school went well for my Daughter.  She likes her teachers and is excited about the subject matter (well- as excited as you can be for schoolwork).  We got away with a less than 30$ bill at Staples, and I think we bought enough loose leaf to get through first semester at least.

Last week I posted 3 things that I actually thought I was going to talk about, which is higher than usual.  This week- there will be a 9/11 post……and otherwise, ex boyfriends are on the list, as are family, friendships and organizing.  But you know that will change…..because I live on the edge…..

Posted on by LA · 43 Comments

Sunday Wrap Up

So, even though summer doesn’t officially end for a few more weeks, this weekend makes it fall for me.  Daughter will finally reenter the school building on Thursday.  The next two months will see me run to the Bronx, and far reaches of Manhattan to attempt to see her play tennis (there aren’t many tennis courts in Manhattan- and no public high school boasts a bunch of tennis courts, so it’s sort of guerilla tennis- one school uses a court that sits aside the West Side Highway.  Imagine playing with constant traffic to your left, and random New Yorkers filing by on your right)  And so the pattern of my free time will change slightly.   As my daughter has an awesome reading list for school, I will probably be rereading a lot of books, cause they will be in the house, and I enjoy discussing literature with her- and she’s going to read Gatsby for the first time- YAY.  But here’s what happened on my “last week” of summer.  Reviews 0-5.  NYC unless otherwise indicated.  My money- no freebies.

Books

“Reading Lolita in Tehran”   Azar Nafisi   I first read this book 15 years ago, and I enjoyed it more then.  It’s a memoir about an Iranian University professor attempting to teach literature during the early Ayatollah years. She ends up having a female book club which discusses books that are banned in Iran. While interesting, it’s a bit self-serving.  3.8

“Murder on the Orient Express”  Agatha Christie.  Reread- first read about 45 years ago.  I love Christie.  I love Poirot (her detective) I love this story.  I reread this because my daughter bought it as a fun read and it was on our Nook account, and because there is a new movie version coming out soon.  I want a fresh comparison of all the film versions to the book.  4.8

Movies

“Leap”  Animated.  This is an average kids movie.  But- it has a strong female heroine, who is resilient.  I think this is important for kids to see, because frankly, I don’t think there are enough strong, female heroines.  But, OK to wait for DVD or cable or streaming, or however else you get movies at home. 4, but entirely because of message.

“Wind River”  This is a thriller based on a Wyoming reservation (But it is not one of those supernatural thrillers that seem to be taking over the box office- don’t get me started on that genre, which is one of very few movie genres I hate)  I thought this was a well made movie.  Great visuals, great acting, great script, great directing.  Every thing about this movie is understated, and it works.  But- it is not an easy movie to recommend, because even though there are many things that are done well, there is something stopping me from saying- “Go see this film”, and I can’t tell you why that is.  FYI, my movie buddy said the exact same thing.  So, if you are still interested, read a review that may contain actual spoilers, and then think about it.  I still give it a 4.4.

Television

Sorry- I pretty much watched the US Open as much as possible, and that was about it.

Food

Alidoro This is a little sandwich stand in the Bowery.  (there are two other locations, but I don’t know how they are physically situated)  They only have 1 or 2 outdoor tables, so this is really a place to grab a sandwich and go to a park to eat.  But you really should grab a sandwich here, because they are that good.  They only do Italian sandwiches here, but mortadella or not, these are some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.  No lie.  You get a choice of about 6 different rolls (go with the soft roll- I think it’s called Trapezino) because it just makes the sandwich a bit easier to eat, but seriously, all the  bread is perfection.  And then the fillings- they slice the deli meats fresh when you order.  And sandwiches have exact right filling to bread ratio.  Seriously, if they were open now I would go.  4.9

Counter by Chef’s Club- This is a fast casual place in Soho.  It’s unique because about 8 or 9 famous chefs have each contributed the recipe for a dish- so the burgers, sandwiches, whatever are slightly elevated, and slightly awesome.  My daughter and I split what I can only refer to as hash brown tater tots, served with sour cream.  It’s like a tater tot on steroids- salty, crisp and yummy.  Warning- we went early on a Friday, and it was not crowded.  I can imagine on a weekend this place will be mobbed. 4.5

Oddfellows- Soft serve ice cream.  There are only about 5 flavors, and a few toppings, but this is really good ice cream.  I’m not a soft serve girl, but it was really good and creamy.  And it is conveniently located next door to Counter…. 4.3

Housekeeping-

You have all become friends to me, to the point where I talk about you all.  My daughter will say, “Did you come up with a good recommendation for Tater?” or “How’s Ryder?  Did he get his doghouse yet?”.  But this week, my daughter asked “Have you heard from Mojo today?” because my blogging buddy Joanna lives in Houston.  So to everyone in Harvey ravaged areas, my thoughts, prayers, and a little bit of my money are with you.  Stay strong.  You got this!

Thanks to all of you and your comments this week!  I truly appreciate every one of you!  I love keeping the conversations going.  I’m learning that so many people share the same feeling and struggles that I often feel.  Thanks for the honestly and the stories!

Ok- this week I plan on writing about family (spent Saturday with my parents and we will spend today with my Father in law and Sister in law- I’m guessing there will be anxiety and blog posts stemming from both these things) There might be an non- family rant or two.   I can’t imagine not mentioning pumpkin spice……. But who knows- I never blog about what I think I’m going to blog about!!

Happy September.

Posted on by LA · 22 Comments

Sunday Wrap Up

The weather has been hot- I am actually looking forward to cooler temperatures.  Cooler, meaning 60’s- lets not get crazy.  This was a fairly quiet week- but here’s what went on.  I have received no compensation for anything discussed here.  All things are located in NYC unless otherwise specified.  Ratings are 0-5.

Books

“Everything I Never Told You” Celeste Ng  Ummm- where do I start?  Not a great book for the Mother of a teenage girl to read.  But it was well written.  Story somewhat interesting.  4

Television

“The Next Food Network Star”- I picked Jason.  Jason won.  I think he’s fun.  Looking forward to his show.  4

“Broadchurch”  Series finale.  I will miss David Tenant screaming “Millerrrrr”. but I will not miss much else.  I didn’t love the 3rd and final season.  3.5

“Garage Sale Mysteries- Hallmark Mystery Channel”  I love a cozy mystery- even though these are a bit silly and predictable.  3.5

Food

Nathan’s Hot Dogs- Coney Island Brooklyn.  There might not be anything better than thick crinkle fries and a hot dog near the beach.  And an orangeade to complete the picture.  4.8

The Smith- Midtown- This NYC based chain (I don’t know if it is a chain, but it has multiple locations, so I’ll call it a chain) is one of my go to’s if I need a place for a group, or I have friends in from out of town.  The menu is just varied enough to please most diners, and the prices aren’t ridiculous.  Good drink menu (3 champagne cocktails!) and fun vibe.  But….this comes with a caveat.  Why I was waiting for my friend, a group of people came out- a young woman in her early 20’s and what I can assume were her parents- if I had to guess, I think they were slightly older than me.  They did not eat here- they left complaining to their daughter that it was much too loud and too “not them” (I don’t know exactly what this means though- I can only eavesdrop so much)  So while I think it is a fun, cool atmosphere, others may not.  I still like splitting their homemade chips with blue cheese fondue and burgers. 4

Bar Primi- I love pasta.  This place has good pasta.  No- make that great pasta.  All pasta is homemade and my friend from Illinois said it has spoiled her from ever eating pasta at home.  I had a dish with fresh corn, mushrooms and scallions in a light cream sauce- it was so good.  So good that I wish it was socially acceptable to lick a plate clean.  And they have a slushy rose cocktail….4.6

Daily Provisions- This is a take out place, with a couple of counters to stand at.  I had what is known as OG- it’s like a cheesy croissant like pastry filled with scrambled eggs.  It was delicious.  It’ sinful that eggs can taste this good-  4.6

Other 

New York Aquarium- Coney Island Brooklyn.  This is a very average aquarium, and they are presently undergoing renovations.  But it’s fish and otters and sea lions.  On the boardwalk at Coney Island.  And it has memories for me- I went here as a kid.  I took my daughter here when she was little.  When she was 5, her dream job was to be the person who worked at the touch tank. 3.5

Stop the Zombies- Deno’s Wonderwheel Amusement Park- Coney Island.  This is a 4D virtual experience where you and 15 other people try to save NYC from Zombies.  This was so much fun!  And I came in last at shooting zombies, and I still loved it (Yes- at the end they rank the zombie hunters) Tip- sit in the front row. 4.5

Housekeeping

I solved 3 pesky organizational problems (thank you Container Store for helping with the drawer compartmentalizing).  I have gotten rid of a large bag of clothing.  Yay me.  I jammed the shredder and it took me 45 minutes to unjam it.

I intended to finish another book this week, but it is a book for book club.  It is a long book for book club- about a convent in 16th century Italy.  I may never finish it…….

I have ideas floating around in my head about family and parenting.  Expect a blog on these topics in the coming weeks.

I reached a personal high score on Ballz, but the family is still ahead of me!  I did manage to beat the husband at words with friends!

I had some issues with the wordpress update….I needed to uninstall and reinstall and I’m still trying to make sure it’s all working correctly.  Also, anyone who emails me blogs or anything….I am way behind on emails!  I’ll get there!  Thanks!

Thank you to all who commented this week.  You guys inspire me with your ideas and thoughts.  Also- I welcome those who have a different opinion than I do.  Don’t be afraid to disagree- I am always looking to improve my mind- though we all know- I am always right…….

 

Posted on by LA · 13 Comments

Sunday Wrap Up

I was not particularly organized this week- I think I’m suffering some sort of end of summeritis.  But here is what I did do this week.  All events take place in New York City unless otherwise stated.  Ratings are 0-5.  I have received no compensation for any of these things- though I often wonder if I should be reimbursed for time taken out of my life…..

Television

Food Network Star– I’ve been Team Jason and Team Corey from Day 1.  I do not know who is going to be crowned this evening- but I am going with Jason.  It’s been a fun, if predictable, season.  4.2

Sharknado 5– No- I didn’t watch Sharknado, or any of the franchise.  But Husband did have them on yesterday afternoon- I don’t know which one…..does it matter?  It’s sharks flying around- I believe 5 is subtitles “Global Swarming”……I think I have missed my calling, because who wouldn’t want to write for this franchise?  And….lest we forget….I heard a rumor that Fabio is doing a cameo as the Pope.  I may have to watch it just to see that……As I didn’t watch it- I can’t rate it…but wow-

Movies

The Nut Job 2:  Nutty by Nature- This is one of those situations where, having not seen the original, I was totally lost as to what was happening.  Not.  My daughter and I going to see this movie signifies that she is regressing due to increased stress levels, we were bored and hot, and this might be worst summer for movies ever.  It’s silly, and the message gets lost in stupidity- which is bad, because the message is to work hard and nothing comes easy, and working as a team helps to solve injustices.  I just wish the creators of the movie worked hard, and worked together, because the whole thing is disjointed. 2

Exhibits: Force of Nature at The Museum at FIT Fit is a fashion school.  There museum is amazing, and free.  If you like fashion (and I mean enjoy it, you don’t have to be fashionable- I love beautiful clothes, but I am least fashionable person in world) you need to check out this place.  The present exhibit is both odd and gorgeous.  Per the exhibit brochure, “Forces of Nature examines the complex relationship between fashion and the natural world”. Curating an exhibit about fashion always amazes and impresses me- to know that much about clothing is mind boggling.  Venue 4.5.  Exhibit 4.5

Food

Street Taco  You know when I say you’re never too old?  Well- I lied.  I am too old to go to places like this.  The music is ear shattering.  The food is average. But I truly believe that if I was in my twenties, I would love this place.  Attractive people, having fun, drinking what appeared to be refreshing cocktails.  But for me 3.

Rosa’s Pizza Middle Village Queens This was a great quintessential New York slice of pizza- the regular, the Grandma, and the Sicilian.  Great dough, cooked properly.  Good cheese to sauce ratio. 4.5

Shake Shack- I know- I’ve extolled the virtues of Shake Shack before- but they have a hot chicken sandwich now- hot as in spicy- as in I’m a chili head and love spicy food.  4.3

Ample Hills Creamery Ice Cream at Baked by Melissa- My daughter got an ice cream- so to be fair, I just had a taste- but this is seriously good ice cream.  Rich, and creamy and delicious.  If you ever see Ample Hills ice cream- try it.  4.

Housekeeping:

I forget to mention last week- my gym has still not properly fixed the air conditioning in the spin room.  It is not pleasant.  I might need to join twitter just to complain about the gym.

I did not finish reading a book this week!!!!  Horror!!!  That alone shows you how off I was!

I just realized that there is a SPAM folder for comments.  This confounds me because I discovered really well versed comments stuck in there.  It also confounds me because somehow, the person talking about their favorite game of thrones character, 16 times, did not make it into SPAM folder…..so I apologize for those of you who had taken the time to write comments that appeared to go unnoticed….

Speaking of comments- thank you to everyone who joined the conversations this week.  The best thing about the internet was on display this week- a bunch of people, from different backgrounds, sharing their opinions on subjects.  At the end of the day, communication really is the key to everything.

 

 

 

Posted on by LA · 12 Comments

Sunday Wrap Up

Re-entry from vacation is often difficult.  There is laundry to wash, errands to run, blogs to read…..But I’m slowing catching up.  As always, I received no endorsement for anything mentioned in this was post.  Rating are 0-5.  All locations are New York City unless otherwise specified.  And you know I’m not a critic, but especially not an art critic- so my exhibit critique is purely my initial impressions.   Here’s the gist….

Books:

“The Feed” MT Anderson.  I’ve had some discussions about this book with various people.  Frankly, it mentally scared the pants off me.  It’s a dystopian world that seems oddly relevant.  Is it a great book?  No.  Does it make you think?  Yes.  I think every teenager should read this book (which is appropriate as it is YA, and my daughter was given it as a summer assignment) 4

Television:

“Broadchurch“- I’m ambivalent about the story this season, but Not about David Tennant.  3.8

“Suits“- I love the relationship between Harvey and Mike- great writing.  Now they add Dule Hill- from the much missed Psych (but don’t worry- movie coming in December).  The show has trite plot points, but I don’t care. 4

Movies:

“Despicable Me 3″- This movie is exactly what you would expect from the third in a series of animated movies aimed at young children.  My family was tired of laundry and we wanted an air conditioned escape that was close to the supermarket.  3

“Dunkirk“- I normally like movies that are heavy on dialogue and interplay between characters.  This really has neither.  But it is a spectacular war movie.  Brilliant direction- staging was spectacular.  4.7

Museums:

New Museum–   Located in the East VIllage/Noho area (I don’t know what they’re calling the Bowery these days)- building is small but conducive to exhibits.  Exhibits tend to be newer contemporary works that are usually pretty thought inducing.  It expounds the definition of what art actually is.  7th floor has a small viewing area that is pretty neat, but view is Ok.  Cute coffee shop.  Venue- 4.3

Exhibits:

“Half -Truths” Paul Ramirez Jonas- Loved this.  Exhibit is literally fueled by attendees.  I’m loving the trend of people contributing to a work of art- it adds and edge and an authenticity to works, and makes it socially relevant.  Downside- it is not meant to last.  I’m not sure how I feel about the non-permanence. 4.8

“Under-Song For a Cipher”Lynette Yiadom-Boakye  Paintings.  Old fashioned paintings.  Nice. 4

“Good Thing You Are Not Alone” Kaari Upson.  Huge installation piece “Idiot’s Guide Womb Room”.  Loved it.  The rest of the exhibit was interesting, and, as all contemporary art does, it makes you think.  4.3

“Antibodies” Carol Rama This didn’t do anything for me.  It seemed sort of generic, which is saying something if you describe contemporary art as such. 3.5

“Viscera Has Questions About Itself” Elaine Cameron-Weir   This was a small exhibit, but actually pretty interesting.  Use of generic materials in different ways.  You can sort of immerse yourself in the works, which makes it interesting.  I’m going to call it installation art. 4

Food:

The Palm Too- Old school steak house.  Meal is fine, but I think it’s too highly priced, and I would rather go to other places.  That being said, it is perfect restaurant to take Father in Law for his 80th birthday if he is a carnivore. 4

Rubirosa- We went for lunch.  Pizza very good- thin crust.  Chicken pesto sandwich also delicious.  I’ve had better pizza in New York though.  We didn’t get pasta, but table next to us did and it looked amazing.

Housekeeping:

My daughter did not get picked to be a US Open Ball person.  She was sad but not devastated.

We did not visit my nephews at their camp.  Husband realized that it was prohibitively far from our destination, both going to, and leaving Maine.

Emoji Movie.  At one point this movie had a Rotten Tomatoes score of 0.  As of Saturday night- the rating stood at 7%.

I am almost done reading blogs.  I read them in a weird pattern that even I don’t understand- but it doesn’t matter because I am almost caught up!

My high score on Ballz is 121.  This is a personal triumph as I am not good at app games.

 

 

 

Posted on by LA · 8 Comments

Sunday Wrap Up

Here’s a little piece of my life this week.  Unless otherwise stated, events take place in New York City.  As always, I paid my way for all the following.  Ratings are 0-5.  Enjoy!

Books

“The Awkward Age: A Novel” Francesca Segal- Awkward is an appropriate word for this book- it truly is awkward.  And I try to avoid siding with men, but I had to agree with the male characters in this book.  This book would appeal to parents of teens.  3.5

Movies

“Casablanca”- Rooftop Cinema.  First of all, here’s looking at you…I haven’t seen this movie in 20 years- but it still holds up.  It is as good today as it was 75 years ago.  4.99.  I saw this movie as part of the Rooftop Cinema series- A rooftop in Brooklyn is equipped with lawn chairs, blankets, rain ponchos, head phones, popcorn machine and a screen.  There is something magical about watching a movie with the Manhattan skyline in the background.  Great experience all around. (except for the 5 flights of stairs, and the restroom being on the second floor.  Venue 4.5

“Falsettos”- Technically, this is a Broadway show that was filmed, so though I saw it at a traditional movie theater, it really is a “live” musical performance.  This was a wonderful show, no matter how you look at it- happy, sad, real and human.  4.8

“Spider-Man: Homecoming”  I loved this movie- possibly one of my favorite superhero movies ever.  I normally prefer my Superheros dark and brooding, but there’s something to be said for youth.  Movie is clever and fun.  Oh, and Ironman is in it……4.8

Food

Cowgirl Hall of Fame- This is Tex-Mex kitsch heaven.  Also least healthy restaurant ever- I believe the lettuce is fried.  Good for groups and children- loud and crazy.  Not for someone looking for a culinary experience.  3.5

Joe’s Pizza- My family calls this place stand-up Joes, because there is a counter, and maybe one stool- you stand up to eat your slice.  But what a slice…If you want a slice of traditional New York pizza, this is the place.  Seriously-  best pizza. 4.9

Aux Merveilleux de Fred- My daughter and I stumbled upon this bakery- it has been around since 1982, and I can’t believe I’d never seen it.  We split a meringue- light and ethereal, but the star would be the brioche.  We didn’t buy a brioche, but they were giving out samples……oh- was this brioche good.  Dream worthy good.  Not quite Paris, but close. 4.5

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Sunday Wrap up

Another Sunday- another week in review.  Think of the following as recommendations, not really reviews.  Ratings are done 0-5.  I am receiving no compensation for or from anything I write about.  This is all purely pleasure (in most cases anyway)  All places are in NYC unless otherwise noted.

Movies:

“Baby Driver” I did not like this movie(though I realize I am the only person in the world that didn’t.)  It started off fine and then went off the rails- he’s no Tarantino. Great soundtrack though. 3.8

“Hero” This is a pretty decent movie.  Moves slowly, which I realize is a directorial choice, but still….4.1

Television:

“Broadchurch” David Tennant.  In the movie of my life starring Diane Lane, David Tennant will be my husband.  I think he elevates anything he appears in.  Though I enjoyed Season 1 of this series much more, I’m going to keep watching. 3.8

I have officially given up on the Prime Suspect reboot.

Books:”

“The Portrait” Antoine Laurain  I did not like this book.  Let me rephrase.  I did not understand this book.  If anyone read this, and got it, please help me. 2.8

 

Art: I know nothing about art- I just like to look at pretty and interesting things.  They inspire me, but don’t expect learned criticism, unless you call “ooh its so pretty” learned criticism.

“Mutations” The High Line- to me the High Line is the greatest example of upcycling anywhere, by converting an abandoned rail track into a glorious urban green space.  They often have outdoor art exhibits, such as this years Mutations.  Mutations itself has both good and bad works, but really, you’re walking outside in a beautiful park.  Venue:4.9 exhibit: 4

Morgan Library and Museum 4.5 I love this place- as they are part library, they tend to do many exhibits revolving around writers.  Perfection- “Henry James and American Painting” 4 interesting look at James and his life- try to get tour- docent Elizabeth is wonderful! “This Ever New Self Thoreau and His Journal” 4.5 (First edition Walden, his journals, recommendation letter from Ralph Waldo Emerson) “Noah’s Beasts” 4.2 (works that are from Mesopotamia- amazing) “Poussin, Claude, and French Drawing in the Classical Age” some of these works are just gorgeous.

History:

Federal Hall 4.  The spot (not the building) where Washington took the oath of office.  Interesting and free.  Self guided tour is actually pretty good.

Food

I tried a lot of food this week- here is the quick rundown of highlights:

Salvation Taco 4.5

Hometown Barbecue 4.5- bonus- take Ikea ferry to get there

Steve’s Key Lime Pie 4.9 I got it at Brooklyn Crab, but if you see it, get it

Shake Shack 4.5

I think anything at any of these places would be great!