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Watch the Tony Awards from Duffy Square along with Live Broadway Performances, June 7

Last week’s “Stars in the Alley”,  United Airlines’ and the Broadway League’s presentation of Broadway song and dance, left me thirsting for more.  It’s a great time to get your tickets to a Broadway drama or musical. With the Tony Awards for outstanding theatrical achievement this Sunday, you’ll want to snag seats on your preferred dates before the shows book up.

The Tony Awards turn into a free, social viewing party this Sunday in Times Square, rain or shine.  Head over to Times Square to see the award show live, on the big screen.  Although it might not be as glamorous as dressing in black tie to hob nob with the stars of the Great White Way or hosts Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming at Radio City Music Hall, it’s still a fun evening for theater lovers and more exciting than “sitting all alone in your room” watching TV.  You can bring a picnic with you, grab a folding chair or a seat on the risers behind TKTS, and cheer for your favorites.  Viewing will be on the Clear Channel Spectacolor screens at Duffy Square and the Broadway Plaza between 46th and 48th streets, in the heart of Times Square.  The program begins at 4pm, ending at 11pm. The simulcast of the CBS Tony Awards will be broadcast starting at 8pm.

Festivities will also include live performances from Broadway stars Justin Guarini and Deborah Cox, singing “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “On Broadway,’” Deborah Cox singing “Easy as Life” from Aida, and Jeanna de Waal singing “History of Wrong Guys” from Tony-award winner Kinky Boots.

Here are some of my favorites that are contenders for a variety of Tony Awards:

Something Rotten! – This musical’s a laughfest from start to finish, as the poets of the Renaissance put together what could be the most hilarious musical ever.  A lot of “insider” references to musicals make this the perfect show for theater junkies. I’d be shocked if the male lead and featured actors, Brian d’Arcy James and Christian Borle, don’t get some sort of acknowledgement.

The Audience – No one plays the Queen like Helen Mirren. She’s charming, grand, self-deprecating, and even funny.  Her meetings with her prime ministers are a primer in British history.

Hand to God – An evil puppet, creatively nasty dialogue, and an inventive plot make this one of the season’s top go-tos among non-musicals. Can they give a Tony to Tyrone (Steven Boyer)?

Fun Home – The cast is top-notch in the offbeat musical about family interactions. Although the show moved to Broadway from its downtown home, the Circle in the Square is still an intimate venue for the action.

An American in Paris – Go for the music, the dance, the beautiful sets and the lushness of the Broadway version of the beloved Gene Kelly movie.

The full list of Tony nominees can be found at http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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June 3 Modern Dance Evening Honoring Renee Robinson at the Ailey Citigroup Theater

Victory DanceDo you love modern dance? This special evening at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, Joan Weill Center for Dance, is just your ticket.  At 7pm, on Wednesday June 3 you’ll see a special anniversary performance by the Victory Dance Project honoring legendary Ailey dancer Renee Robinson.

Alvin Ailey is a name synonymous with modern dance. On Wednesday, June 3, The Ailey Citigroup Theater, Joan Weill Center for Dance, will be the home of a special dance presentation and reception honoring Renee Robinson, the last remaining Ailey company member selected by founder Alvin Ailey. The evening celebrates the first anniversary of The Victory Dance Project as well, with a dance presentation choreographed by company director Amy Jordan. “People, Power and Possibility” begins at 7pm with a performance of five works including Big Fun; Human Revolution, a lyrical contemporary ballet in five sections; and the premiere of an excerpt from Thru the Looking Glass. www.victorydance.org at 405 West 55th Street (near 9th avenue).

Renee Robinson

Renee Robinson

The special evening honors Ms. Robinson’s three-decade career with American Ailey Dance Theater. A legend in dance, she is a graduate of The Ailey School and the only female to have worked under the dance theater’s three artistic directors.  Robinson received the 2012 Dance Magazine Award which honors great artists who have made major contributions to the world of dance.

The Victory Dance Project showcases some of the country’s most exciting dancers. Company members have performed not only with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater but also with Dance Theater of Harlem, Bill T. Jones, National Ballet of Cuba, and on Broadway. Company members are Christopher Jackson, William Penelope Briscoe, Saleem Abdullahi, Florient Cador, DeAndre Cousely, Jessica Israel, Alicia Lundgren, Erin Moore, Karen Niceley, Major Nesby, Ryan Rankine and Danielle Schlauderaff, Maggie Segale, Sharron Lynn Williams and Kara Zacconi.

Amy Jordan

Amy Jordan

Founder and choreographer Amy Jordan is a role model herself. Ms. Jordan turned to dance multiple times to turn around a life marked by complications from diabetes. In addition to creating The Victory Dance Project, she is the founder of Sweet Enuff, a diabetes and obesity prevention program for children. The program focuses on dance and nutrition as a way of life.

Tickets for either the performance only, or both the performance and reception are available at http://bit.ly/1y0K5Wr.

For a peek at the dance company, click here https://vimeo.com/116868617

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Taste of the Upper West Side – May 29 and 30

This is a weekend to eat, eat, and eat… for a good cause.  The New Taste of the Upper West Side is where you want to head to sample the best of the many chefs that have taken this part of the city by storm.  The food festival presents two days of culinary extravaganzas, all located under the big white tent on Columbus Avenue between 76th and 77th streets. The annual event, created by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, donates all net proceeds to the local community for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects. Tickets are available at www.newtasteuws.com.  When purchasing two tickets to any one event, a special “twofer” discount applies.

Comfort ClassicsIt’s ‘Friday night live’ does Jimmy Fallon, culinary style, at the evening’s “Comfort Classics” competition.  Forty Upper West Side restaurants will present their most innovative “home-style” creations in an attempt to win the coveted title of “best comfort food dish.”  Adam Richman, host of NBC’s Food Fighters, emcees the event and will also be signing his new cookbook, Straight Up Tasty. If you book now, you’ll also get a chance to win a free copy of Richman’s book.  Among the 40 contenders for this evening’s event are Upper West Side neighborhood faves Bodrum (Ali Gurman), Elizabeth’s Neighborhood Table (Tomas Arenas), Good Enough to Eat (Michele Weber), Insomnia Cookies, Jacob’s Pickles (Jacob Hadjigoergis), Momofuku Milk Bar (Christina Tosi), and Virgil’s Real BBQ (Neal Corman).  In addition to the food tastings, creative cocktails, international wines and beer will flow along with the strains of music by the Silver Arrow Band.  7-10pm, $105 per person.

Saturday evening’s “Best of the West” is a glamorous night of fine food, wine, beer and spirits, all created by the neighborhood’s culinary geniuses.  The evening is hosted by Marc Murphy, chef and owner of Landmarc (Columbus Circle) and Ditch Plains (named after the famous beach at Montauk), and judge on Food Network’s Chopped, along with Anne Burrell, co-host of Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America. Musical accompaniment will be by Joe Battaglia and the 16-piece New York Big Band.  Two tiers of tickets are offered:  a VIP Reception which includes exclusive lounge access, a champagne and beer bar, gift bags, and signed cookbooks from Murphy and Burrell beginning at 6:30pm; or general admission at 7:30pm.  Tastings from 45 restaurants and food purveyors include such notables as Boulud Sud (Travis Swikard), Dovetail (John Fraser), Jean-Georges (Jean-Georges Vongerichten), Parm (Rich Torrisi), RedFarm (Joe Ng), Tavern on the Green (John Stevenson), Tessa (Cedric Tovar), and The Smith (Glenn Harris).  VIP reception: 6:30pm, continuing until 10pm, $225 per person. General admission: 7:30-10pm. $135 per person.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Harlem MeatUp!

Harlem is a great place for dining. Going well beyond traditional soul food places like Londel’s, Sylvia’s, or Amy Ruth’s, the neighborhood now tempts with a variety of eating establishments that compete on many levels with their downtown counterparts.  The Harlem EatUp! Festival invites you to travel uptown to try some of these fine establishments, with dinners sponsored by many organizations and often in conjunction with guest chefs from around the country.  Organized by Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster fame, the first annual Harlem EatUp! Festival takes place May 14-17.

While many of the dining events are sold out (they booked out in a flash!), there are still seven to choose from for May 15. Take a look at these one-time, special-menu events, and jump online before it’s too late.  Book your tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/harlem-eatup-tickets-15321833015?aff=Website

Vinateria

VINATERÍA

VINATERÍA
I love this wine-centric restaurant, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the evening’s international menu by Owner Yvette Leeper-Bueno, Chef Gustavo Lopez, Guest Chef Linton Hopkins and Co-Host Ted Allen, May 15, 6pm $85, 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

The Cecil
Afro-Asian specialties are served in this cool space at 210 W 118th St.  The dinner features the pairing of Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson and Guest Chef Nick Anderer, May 15, 7pm, $125. Minton’s Jazz Club is just around the corner.

Dinosaur

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Who doesn’t like the BBQ at this mammoth Harlem institution? On May 15 Chef John Stage joins Guest Chef Ludo Lefebvre at 7pm for a rollicking feast.  $85, 700 W 125th St.

Jin Ramen
There was no way Harlem could escape the Ramen craze.  Jin Ramen’s third restaurant is located at 3183 Broadway.  The evening features Owner Richard Kashida, Chef Mark Viloria together with Guest Chef Preston Clark, May 15, 6pm, $85

Madiba Harlem

Madiba Harlem

Madiba Harlem
The May 15 dinner at this South African restaurant is hosted by South African Tourism, with a special meal by Chef Mark Henegan and Guest Chef Ken Oringer, 7pm, $85, 46 W 116th St.

Settepani
Although desserts are the specialty, the cuisine here is Mediterranean and Italian in focus. The evening showcases the trio of Chef Antonino Settepani, Guest Chef Angelo Sosa, and Mixologist Karl Franz Williams of 67 Orange Street. May 15, 6pm, $85, 196 Malcolm X Blvd.

Bier International
You can keep it casual at Bier International, a beer hall with a menu of brats, beers from around the world and other German bites. The special evening pairs Partners Chris Pollok and Ousmane Keita with Guest Chef Amanda Freitag, 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd.  May 15, 6pm, $125

The 5 and Diamond
Now five years old, The 5 and Diamond serves New American food in Lower Harlem.  The May 15 evening features Chef Joseph Hayes III and Guest Chef Marvin Woods. 6pm and 8:30pm seatings are available. $85. 2072 Frederick Do

5 and Diamond

The 5 and Diamond

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Summer and Spring Cruises around Manhattan Return via Classic Harbor Line

You may not afford a yacht in NYC but Classic Harbor Line can let you spend this spring and summer cruising around the islands of NYC on gorgeous, wooden Gatsby-era motor and sailing yachts, built in Albany, New York  with 100% all made-in-America materials. Classic Harbor Line — designer, builder and operator of classically inspired yachts — offers year-round tours, sails and cruises in New York Harbor. You can make a full day of it, too, starting your evening experience with a day visit to the High Line, a bite at Chelsea Market, or some time at the new Whitney Museum. http://www.sail-nyc.com/

One of my favorites of their cruises is the annual Architecture Tour, a natural in a city with a skyline like New York City’s. This year’s tour will include sneak previews of Staten Island’s Freshkills Park, the world’s largest sustainable park project and the city’s most exciting land reclamation project. Vegetation, wildlife and pristine wandering waterways now fill this once-active landfill area. http://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/freshkills-park
A foodie lover cruise, Chef Morimoto’s Sushi and Sake Cruise happens on Monday nights.  Eat and drink with a fantastic menu from the master chef, all with a beautiful backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, and New Jersey (yes, New Jersey is growing up!).  http://www.morimotonyc.com
For families, the “Around Manhattan” brunch cruises run every Saturday and Sunday morning on the luxury yacht Manhattan. Food options happily include gluten-free choices, complimentary brunch cocktails, and selections for even the youngest guests.
Full-day cruises to Bear Mountain are a great way to escape the city and get physical as well. The program combines a stunning cruise up the Hudson River with hiking and exploring (or relaxing) in beautiful Bear Mountain Park and a cruise back to the city on a luxury yacht.  Breakfast is included on the outbound trip, with a picnic lunch on the return.
Specific dates for all cruises are listed online at  http://www.sail-nyc.com/
Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Food Truck Rally at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Kicks off Spring and Summer Season

You know it’s truly spring (and almost summer) when food truck events kick into high gear.  This weekend marks the start of the beloved Brooklyn Food Truck Rally in Prospect Park.

Food Truck RallyOn Sunday April 14, head to Grand Army Plaza for some of the best outdoor eats in New York. Brought to you by the NYC Food Truck Association in conjunction with Prospect Park, the Food Truck Rally will be held from 11am-5pm, with dishes representing the diversity of the city’s cuisine and population. (Other food truck events are scheduled through the fall on 4/26, 5/3, 5/17, 6/7, 6/28, 7/12, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, 8/30, 9/20, 10/4, 10/18).

Twelve to sixteen trucks will participate per event including Andy’s Italian Ices, Brooklyn Organic, Carl’s Steaks, Carpe Donut NYC, Coolhaus, DUB Pies  - The Pie Truck, Gorilla Cheese NYC, Kelvin Natural Slush Co., Kimchi Taco Truck, Milk Truck, Neapolitan Express, Nuchas, Papaya King, Phil’s Steaks, Ponti Rossi, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Snowday, Taïm Mobile, Toum and more.

Some of my favorites:

Coolhaus

Cool HausHailing from LA, the Coolhaus ice cream-sandwich truck has entrenched itself into New York City foodie culture. Coolhaus has an “out there” menu of all-natural handmade ice creams of classic and seasonal varieties with flavors like horchata (vegan), dirty mint chip, and lychee martini, packed between two cookies that are equally as creative (think gluten-free peanut butter miso or red velvet, for example).  All this comes wrapped in an edible paper made of potato with soy ink.  How cool is that!  http://www.eatcoolhaus.com

Red Hook Lobster Pound

Red HookAnother truck shaking up the food truck world again, Red Hook Lobster Pound brings its Big Red truck to Prospect Park.  With lobster bought fresh from Maine every week, the Pound’s lobster rolls are sweet and delicious and served correctly, IMHO, on a J.J. Nissen roll from Portland, Maine. You can add a sweet finale with another Maine delicacy, homemade whoopee pies.

Kelvin Natural Slush

Kevin SlushThis continues to be one of my absolute favorites and one with some of the longest lines of all (a hint: head there first).  With their distinctive slush flavors including Spicy Ginger, Tangy Citrus or Green & Black Tea, combined with your choice of real puréed fruit, fresh chopped mint and basil, pomegranate seeds and other natural mix-ins, Kelvin’s all-natural slushies are the perfect accompaniment to the day.  If they’re offering their “special” of the day, definitely go for it.  And, happily, it’s another blue truck!  http://www.kelvinslush.com/

Milk Truck

Milk TruckIf you’re hungering for a taste of your childhood, or if you brought kids with you, the Milk Truck is the place for you. Serving up delicious, fresh grilled cheese sandwiches, the Milk Truck has a varying menu of sandwiches, some purely cheese and others with ham and other goodies thrown in.  http://www.milktruckgrilledcheese.com

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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