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Pippin’s Circus Troupe Performs at City Center: April 16-26

Sequence 8If you loved the amazing acrobats and circus acts in Tony-award winner Pippin, you won’t want to miss Séquence 8, a stunning nouveau cirque performance by Les 7 Doigts de la Main from Montreal. Canada seems to be the homeland of death-defying, creative and gorgeous acrobatics.  Think Cirque du Soleil but with hip hop, theater, skateboarding, dynamic music and the acrobatics and humor that we’ve come to love.

It’s exciting that this show is finally coming to New York, after playing to audiences in 15 countries since 2012.

Sequence 8Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers) was founded in 2002 by seven Montreal-based artists. The company’s name is a twist on the French idiom “the five fingers of the hand,” used to describe distinct parts united tightly, moving in coordination towards one common goal. In addition to having performed their own shows for the past 12 years, the company developed circus choreography for the hit Broadway revival of Pippin. For the 2014 Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremony, Les 7 Doigts de la Main staged a 600-person spectacle that was broadcast to approximately four million viewers.

NY City CenterNew York City Center has again taken a premier stance in putting forth creative programs for the city, including the acclaimed Encores! musical theater series which mounts “forgotten” musicals with full orchestration, top Broadway stars, and minimal staging. City Center is also home to many distinguished companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, City Center’s Principal Dance Company, and Manhattan Theatre Club.  Their newest offering, the Encores! Off-Center series features landmark Off Broadway musicals filtered through the lens of today’s most innovative artists.  When you visit, be sure to look up at the ceiling – the restoration of a few years ago has made this theater an architectural landmark in its own right.

Séquence 8 will run for 12 performances, from April 16–26: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 and 8 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $25-$110. More information at www.NYCityCenter.org.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Food Events around NYC This Weekend (and more)

Lately I’ve been bombarded with news of special food days.  It reminds me of those made-up Hallmark holidays, the ones used to sell cards, like Grandparents’ Day, Remember Your Teacher Day, and such nonsense.  Well, now it seems to be all about food.

So you won’t feel so bad that you’ve missed Pancake Day, Margarita Day and Decaffeinated Coffee Day, here are a few holidays and food events that you might want to mark on your calendar right away:

Macaron DayMarch 20 – A sweet one for sure, it’s Macaron Day. Note that the spelling is the French version, so that you won’t be expecting any of those Passover gems. This is the day that a slew of French bakeries and restaurants in the city give away free macarons a la Parisienne.  Places to check out in NYC for your freebie include Macaron Parlour, Sugar and Plumm, Epicerie Boulud and, of course, Francois Payard who modeled this event on Paris’s Jour du Macaron which falls on the first day of spring.  The full list is here and tell them you’re there for Macaron Day.  http://macarondaynyc.com/what_is-mac.html. This event happily has a charity component to it, as a portion of the day’s proceeds are donated to City Harvest.

DavosMarch 20 – Another one to celebrate the first day of spring (but I honestly don’t get the connection), is Ravioli Day.  Various Italian restaurants around New York City and the country are sprucing up their ravioli offerings, highlighting the new and different among the tried and true red-sauce versions. For example, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse has whipped up a lemon ricotta ravioli that sounds more like dessert to me than pasta, along with a prosciutto ravioli that’s served as part of a special tasting menu just for the day. www.davios.com/nyc. If you happen to be in LA, STK LA is offering half-off its famous lobster ravioli if you order an entrée as well.

Seventh Annual Sunday Supper Event at Chelsea Market in ManhattanMarch 22 – Another charity event, James Beard House is organizing the Seventh Annual Sunday Supper Event at Chelsea Market in Manhattan.  Hosted by Jamestown and the James Beard Foundation, this is a benefit to raise money for not-for-profit organizations including the James Beard Foundation focusing on culinary education, Wellness in the School, and other charitable initiatives of the Jamestown Foundation. The seated dinner is a multi-course event, prepared by 20 well-known chefs and served family-style to 300 people in the middle of the market’s block-long concourse. For details and tickets, www.jamesbeard.org/chelseamarket. Cocktails begin at 5pm, with dinner at 6:15. 75 Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th sts.

OystersMarch 31 – The end of the month means it’s National Oyster on the Half Shell Day. Oh no! Did I miss Cooked Oyster Day? Regardless, restaurants like STK LA are upgrading you from a half-dozen of these pearls to a full dozen, gratis. That’s not bad at all.  And if you speak the magic words, “STK Loves Oysters,” you’ll get a side of Chef Robert Liberato’s “one night only mignonette.”  It’s a good excuse to check out Grand Central Oyster Bar no matter what. http://www.oysterbarny.com/, 89 East 42nd Street.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Bach in the Subways: Free Classical Music Concerts in New York on March 21

Celebrate the birthday of one of the world’s great composers with a program of free concerts happening all over the city. Bach in the Subways happens internationally on March 21, with a program of 13 concerts throughout New York City.  This wonderful gift to straphangers was created by cellist Dale Henderson in 2011 in celebration of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday and is presented free in subways and public spaces around the world.

Tips are not expected, as this is a gift from the creator to encourage more people to access classical music.  Henderson notes that the subway is a perfect place to reach all types of people and has applauded the MTA’s receptiveness to his program.

Dale Henderson

Dale, himself, will be playing at Columbus Circle (59th Street subway station) from midnight (when the program kicks off) until 1am and at Washington Place and 6th Avenue from 8pm-9pm.

Other New York City performances include:

Brian L. Thompson (viola) – 8:30am-11:30am, Park Place and Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn

Jude Ziliak (Baroque violin) – 9am-10am, West 181st Street at Fort Washington; 4:30pm-5:30pm, West 59th Street at Broadway

Kay Lugh/Goldberg Variations (piano) – 10am-3pm, 5 Metro Tech Center, Bern Dibner Library, Ground floor lobby

Emily Trask (cello) – 10:30am-11:30am, 125th Street Subway, A/B/C/D

Lorenzo Sandi (double bass) – 10:30am-11:30am, Times Square

Robert Duncan and Mayumi Miyaoka (accordion duet) – 11am-5pm, Fulton Street

David de la Nuez (oboe) – 3-4pm, West 175th Street and Fort Washington Avenue

Sylvain Leroux (flute, chromatic tambin) – 11am-1:30pm, First Avenue and 14th Street

“Young Musicians’ Open Mic” (violin, cello) – 1pm-4pm, Grand Central Terminal

John Mark Rozendaal (violoncello) – 5:30pm-6:30pm, Dyckman and Broadway

For more information, visit http://bachinthesubways.com

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Mad Men Drinking Guide

It’s less than a month to the return of the final season of Mad Men. New York City is celebrating with a “Mad Man” Dining Week (March 23-29) that makes some sense, I guess, because of its pricing, if not the selection of participating restaurants.  However, it’s really the bars that feature more prominently in the show and have been the site of significant rendez-vous over Mad Men’s run. http://www.nycgo.com/mad-men-dining-week

I now present a tour of some of the best places to go drinking like a Mad Man (or woman).

Bills Food & DrinkBill’s Food & Drink: It’s not exactly the original Bill’s Gay Nineties, but it’s pretty close.  Set in a 19th-century townhouse, Bill’s was once the site of a Prohibition Era speakeasy.  Listen to the pianist in the downstairs bar while you knock back a Scotch, just steps away from many of the original Madison Avenue ad agencies.  You can finish the evening upstairs with a Delmonico steak for two and an aptly named Hanky Panky gin cocktail, a clubby setting for consummating a business deal (or other kind of tryst).  www.bills54.com.  57 East 54th Street, 212-538-2727.

Monkey BarMonkey Bar: Across the street, the landmark Hotel Elysée (once known as the “easy lay”) has welcomed guests like Joe DiMaggio and Marlon Brandon.  Step inside the great piano bar just off the lobby with its iconic monkey mural.  You can just picture Roger downing a Manhattan or two before heading for a room upstairs.  Hotel Elysée, www.monkeybarnewyork.com, 60 East 54th Street, 212-753-1066.

Madison Club LoungeMadison Club Lounge: The historic lounge in the Roosevelt Hotel is classic Mad Men with its mahogany walls, stained glass windows, and leather bar seats.  It’s likely Don began and ended his day here during the time he lived at the hotel, pouring vodka into his orange juice.  45 East 45th Street, 212-661-9600.  www.theroosevelthotel.com.

Bemelmens BarBemelman’s Bar: Some things never go out of style.  Live piano music, enchanting murals of animals by Ludwig Bemelmans of Madeline fame, plus formally dressed waiters make this an Upper East Side landmark.  The perfectly chilled and poured martini comes in a shaker with enough liquor for a potent drink and a half, and the banquettes are perfect for cuddling.  The Carlyle Hotel, http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/dining/bemelmans-bar , 35 East 76th Street, 212-744-1600.

Temple BarTemple Bar: The glamorous oak bar in NoHo is known for its extensive drink list peppered with all the classics.  Imagine yourself sitting with Don among the beautiful velvet curtains, sipping an Old Fashioned, or with Joan indulging in a creamy Brandy Alexander. http://www.templebarnyc.com/ 322 Lafayette Street, 212-925-4242.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Valentine’s Day Getaways in New York City — It’s Not Too Late to Book!

New York is rich in hotels that we New Yorkers never experience.  Why not try one of these packages for a different and really cool Valentine’s Day (or Valentine’s Day gift)?

Kimptons 70 Park Avenue HotelFor the on-again-off-again couple looking to rekindle the romance or just book a sexy rendezvous, Kimpton’s 70 park avenue has you covered with its “Exes and Ohhs” Valentine’s Day package.  Guests receive two welcome Hot and Toddied cocktails at the hotel’s adjacent silverleaf tavern to help set the mood before retreating for a two-night escape in one of 70 park’s cozy and intimate guestrooms.  Love birds will also receive two tickets to a three-course dinner and burlesque show to help add to this raunchy “staycation” weekend.  For additional seductive fun, the hotel’s on-site love doctor has a specially curated list of sensual activities to spice up the stay, from a sexy boudoir shoot to an in-room couples massage and chocolate-making classes. Available from February 13 – February 16. Priced starting at $862 for two nights’ minimum.  http://www.70parkave.com

The MarkWoo your Valentine with bubble baths on demand and a multi-course dinner by one of New York’s most celebrated chefs, Jean-Georges, at The Mark. The sexy Valentine’s Day package (from $755 per night) includes a dozen red roses, a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rosé and a cheese-and-fruit platter upon arrival; a Frédéric Malle candle; a bubble bath;  and breakfast in bed the next day. http://www.themarkhotel.com

Langham HtoelLangham Place is stepping up its game with the “Love of the Game” package (from $755), which combines sports plus romance (yes, really). Celebrating the NBA All-Stars weekend, the package includes a Party with the Pros cocktail party, where you can mingle with top NBA players, as well as a couples’ massage at the Langham Place Spa and daily breakfast for two in Measure Lounge. http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/langham-place/new-york

A paddle, a necktie, bondage kit and spanking powder. We can’t forget that Valentine’s Day coincides with the release of “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Two Kimpton hotels, Eventi and Ink48, are offering “Shades of Grey” deals (from $450; through March 1), which includes the items mentioned above, plus massages, admission to the Museum of Sex, and a $200 credit toward lingerie at La Perla or Agent Provocateur. http://www.newyork.com/hotels/eventi-hotel, http://www.newyork.com/hotels/ink-48-hotel/ . Pretty darn hot.

Z HotelAcross the bridge, Z NYC Hotel in Long Island City is offering a “50 Shades of Z” Package.  Pretend you’ve taken a helicopter to meet Christian Grey as you overlook the Manhattan skyline from your accommodations. The rest is up to you with the box of trinkets you’ll receive upon check-in including edible underwear, handcuffs, tickle feather, blindfolds, and a book of erotic games. Chocolate strawberries, champagne, and breakfast in bed complete the package which is available until February 28.  Rates start at $245 per night.  Tickets to the movie can be arranged. www.zhotelny.com.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Cuban Dance Group Debuts in NYC, February 18-22

HavanaDreaming about Cuba but haven’t quite figured out how to take advantage of the new travel agreements? There’s a wonderful dance group coming to New York City next week to get you prepped.  Havana Rakatan, the hot, sexy Cuban dance show from acclaimed Havana-based Ballet Rakatan will be making its U.S. debut at City Center, 135 West 55th Street, in Manhattan, February 18 – 22. In my opinion, it’s a shot of hot Cuban excitement that will help beat the Arctic blast and melt the mountains of snow forecast for later this week.

This is the first presentation of City Center’s A Bailar: Dance at the Center Latin dance festival which runs from February 18 – March 7. The Festival continues with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s m¡longa, a dance presentation focused on the sultry world of Buenos Aires tango. The final performance is Voces, Suite Flamenca, a new work from flamenco superstar Sara Baras.

The easiest way to get tickets (while staying warm) is at www.NYCityCenter.org or by calling (212) 581-1212.

Back to Cuba for the moment.  I really encourage you to get your tickets before they’re sold out. Havana Rakatan is a dazzling mix of salsa, mambo, jazz, bolero, son, cha-cha-cha and rumba, accompanied by the eight-piece Cuban son band Turquino, which will perform live onstage.

MilongaThe show presents a high-energy slice of Havana culture that charts the evolution of Cuban music and dance over the country’s 500-year history, from the West African rhythms brought by slaves beginning in the mid-16th century, to the jazz, mambo and bolero of the 1940s, the rumba and cha-cha of the 1970s, and the salsa and son of modern-day Havana. As I heard in both Havana and Trinidad last week, it’s son that brings it all to an exciting finish, combining elements of Spanish guitar and song with African rhythms and percussion. This is the heart of modern Cuban music and dance, and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience it in New York.

Ballet Rakatan is one of Cuba’s most successful cultural exports. The company was founded by dancer-turned-choreographer Nilda Guerra in 2001 and has since toured throughout the world. Most of the dancers are graduates of the renowned Escuela Nacional de Arte de la Habana, one of Havana’s premier dance schools that offers contemporary dance training mixed with Cuban dance and Latin styles. It’s exciting that they’ve chosen New York City for their U.S. debut.

SaraThe performance schedule is:

Havana Rakatan, February 18-22: Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19 at 7:30 pm; Friday, February 20 at 8 pm; Saturday, February 21 at 2 and 8 pm; and Sunday, February 22 at 2 and 7 pm.

m¡longa, February 26 – March 22: Thursday, February 26, Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at 8 pm; and Sunday, March 1, at 2 pm.

Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras, March 4-7: Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 pm; Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 8 pm.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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