Barcelona off of Broadway (tapas & wine... YUM!!)

As you know if you've been following our Undies for a while, Susan and I spent a week in Barcelona last year.  We loved the crazy architecture, the museums, but the thing we talk about the most?  THE FOOD!  So on our never-ending quest to find great tapas in Manhattan, we visited Buceo 95 last Friday.

The self-proclaimed "Barcelona off of Broadway" is a cozy little wine and tapas bar on 95th street between Broadway and Amsterdam.  The menu isn't overwhelming, the wine list is excellent and it was reasonably priced.  We sat at the bar and ordered from our very nice and helpful bartender Sean.

The view from the bar... and of Sean's back

The wine is available by the quartino and the bottle, I got there early so I was already into a quartino of a Spanish wine when Susan arrived, which we loved so much we ended up buying a bottle (yes, in addition the quartino!)  The wine, (which I would recommend) was a 2004 Monastrell Raspay Reserva from the Alicante region.  In my opinion, a deal at $48/ bottle.  I mean you just don't see '04s for that price very often in this city.  I wasn't familiar with Monastrells, but I am hooked now, a lot of old world character: spice, tar.  Apparently it's ‘The Barolo of Spain’ (who doesn't love Barolos?).  Whatever, it was delicious.  The Raspay bottle looked something like this.

Every time Susan & I go to a new restaurant, we always make a point to ask the bartender/ server/ owner what he or she recommends.  You should always do this.  Ask what the specialties are, ask what the favorites of the staff are.  And this is why: Sean, the bartender recommended four dishes, only ONE of which was on the menu. So had we not asked we never would have known about the filet mignon with blue cheese sauce over spicy butternut squash, which was the highlight for me.  Also following Sean's suggestions, we got green beans w/crispy bacon and white truffle crème fraiche,  baby octopus with warm potato salad, and garlic shrimp.  I wasn't over the moon about the shrimp but everything else was definitely first rate.  Two other dishes I wanted to try, and would order next time is the fois gras (also not on the menu, so you would need to request it from your server) and the duck.
 

duck breast w/ cranberry, pic courtesy Ed Yourdon

So if you find yourself on the upper west side, cozy up to Buceo 95.  You may get lucky and have the lovely Sean as your bartender.  Do get there early, it's not very big and it does fill up fast (at least on a Friday night).  Txin txin!

Tips for a perfect snow day

Apparently those of us living in Northeast have more snow in our future.  Many people are getting stranded in New York City and the puddles are becoming like small ponds in the crosswalks.  

If you happen to find yourself stranded, I recommend dinner and a movie in your neighborhood.  If you are on the Upper West Side (around 66^th St.) and go to a movie near there, I highly recommend having dinner at Ed’s Chowder House on 62^nd and Broadway.    I ate there last night and the food was fantastic, the wine and cocktail list superb and the atmosphere and service was so great it kind of made me forget all the snow outside. 

If you like bread at all, you will love the breadbasket.  However, I will warn you that you will not be able to stop eating it once you start.  There is a jalapeno and cheddar bread, a corn bread and something that looks like an ordinary bun that is buttery and luscious and it is all served with sweet butter.  Very dangerous!!!  I had the sautéed Skate for dinner, but one of my friends got the scallop ravioli that was out of this world!  All the fish at the table was fresh and delicious.  We ended the meal by getting 3 desserts to share.  I have to say that the banana boat sundae with caramelized bananas was heaven.  The dark chocolate pudding and the chocolate donuts with dark chocolate dipping sauce were also a big hit.  

I have been hearing great things about this place since it opened, but I am so glad I finally got myself there.  If we have a lot more snow in our future, then I see a lot more movies and Ed’s Chowder House in my future.  OK, so I guess a bit more snow isn't such a terrible thing.

My adventures in Brooklyn

Apparently we are in for a long, cold, snowy winter.  I am turning over a new leaf.  I am not going to hibernate on the Upper West Side until spring.  I bought myself some sensible boots (OK, they still have wedge heels, but are 100% waterproof – that is a BIG change for me) and it’s off on an adventure I go.  I have to say I am totally enjoying my winter treks to Brooklyn.  I am finding some great new spots!  So hopefully I have inspired you to see a show at BAM.  (Once the subways and buses are back to running normal that is.)  Now you need somewhere to go for drinks or dinner before or after the show.  I had wine and appetizers at this delightful place right around the corner from BAM called Stonehome Wine Bar.

The next time I go I am going to get there in time to have dinner, not just apps.  The menu is small with additional daily specials and it looked fantastic.   We ended up getting some meats and cheeses with our wine.  

The portions were large and prices were very reasonable.  Most of the wines by the glass were in the $8-$11 price range and they had a great selection.  I was surprised to see one of my favorite’s by the glass Argiolas “Perdera” from Sardinia.  But the list was full of great things that I want to go back and try.

The inside was cozy and warm, they played great music and the staff couldn’t have nicer and more helpful. 

 They also have a patio in the back, so in the nice weather it must be great to sit outside.  I highly recommend Stonehome Wine Bar if you like good wine, great atmosphere and terrific prices to boot.  With great places like this, I may just head out to Brooklyn more often. 

There's no place like home

For the last few years I have spent much of my time in Boston taking care of my mom who has Alzheimer's.  Things are a little more settled and I am now getting back out there enjoying New York again.  In a way, I am rediscovering some place that I haven't been to in a while, much like a tourist.  Last night I went to Brooklyn Academy of Music and it was like visiting an old friend.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed seeing theatre there.  I don't think there is a bad seat in the house.  I sat in the rear mezzanine and my ticket was $25.  I am trying to keep to a budget so that I can get out there and see and do more, so $25 is right up my alley.  It was a great seat and I got to see Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan on stage together doing a production of John Garbriel Borkman.  There are not too many places where you can see that kind of cast together on stage.  What an amazing treat!  Next up they are doing Diary of a Madman with Geoffrey Rush.  Last year they had Cate Blanchett in Streetcar Named Desire with her company.  

BAM brings in mounted productions from the RSC, The Abbey and many other overseas companies to their stage.  So unless you happen to be in London or Dublin or Sydney, this is your chance to see it.  What I also like is that is accessible to most people.  Unlike Broadway where the lowest ticket price can be as high as $75 (and for that you are sitting in the nosebleed section with not a great view) their lowest ticket is $25 and because it's an intimate theatre there is no bad seat.  If you haven't been out to BAM, treat yourself.  It's worth the trek, even for Upper West Siders like myself.  Tomorrow I will tell you a great place you can go before or after the show for dinner or drinks.

Small production. All American. Williamsburg.

In the winter, I don’t venture out of my neighborhood as much as I do in the nicer weather.  The cold makes me a little boring!  However, last Friday night I met up with some friends in Williamsburg at a great place called Custom American.  

It was absolutely worth going out in the snow for.  They serve only beer, wine and bourbon and all of it is American made.  I spoke to Dan, one of the owners.  His concept was that he would do only American and they would feature small production wines, beer and bourbons.  Many of the stuff they serve are only able in limited quantities, so they may only get a few bottles or a case of something.  For that reason the lists are constantly changing and you get to taste things that you would ordinarily never get the opportunity to try.   That is pretty awesome.  

We also had the meat and cheese plates, and yes they also were American.  It’s a great concept.  

They have been open for 7 months now and are doing really well, and I can see why.  The space is fantastic.  It is open and cozy with big windows to look out on the street.  

It’s the bar you want to have next door to you so that it can be your local hangout.  They have great music playing and the bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.  Dan, one of the owners, (who was also behind the bar the night we were there) is really funny and very passionate about everything they have to offer.  He talked to us about a lot of the stuff they carry and really made our night an incredible experience.   Custom American is located on the corner of Driggs and Metropolitan.   It is first stop in Brooklyn on the L train and then a four or five minute-walk from the subway.  I love trying new things and I am so glad that I tried Custom American.  The wine list is really cool and as Dan said, “Supporting America one drink at a time”.   I love that!  I will definitely go back, sooner than later.  I think I have just found a new favorite spot.
Custom American
644 Driggs Avenue
718-387-9463

Village Vines

It's been a wee bit cold here in New York City and I have been a little unmotivated to leave my apartment unless I have to.  But apparently it is supposed to reach 40 degrees tomorrow and so my hibernation might come to an end.  When it does, I am going to take advantage of some of the great deals on this new site that Skye turned me on to.  It is called Village Vines.  

It's in the spirit of Groupon, but it is only restaurants and some really good ones too.  With this site you pay a $10 reservation fee and then get a certain percentage off your whole bill (food and wine).  Usually it is 30% although I have seen some for as high as 50% and others as low as 20%.  They usually have certain days that you have to go.  For example Dinasaur BBQ in Harlem is 30% off but only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Because you make the reservation through their website there is no coupon neccesary.  Also the deals aren't just 1 day deals like groupon or living social.   You usually have some time to decide.  Currently they have offerings in NYC, Los Angeles, D.C., San Francisco and Chicago.  

Here is what they say on their website:

VillageVines gives food lovers access to preferred pricing with their city's most popular restaurants. We make your dining experiences more convenient and more affordable, and we do so by partnering with the best dining establishments – from the restaurant icons to the up and coming gems.

Here’s how it works:

	Each day we highlight a handful of restaurants from among our carefully curated list of the best spots in your city
	You choose where to dine and use us to make your party's reservation before the offer expires
	You pay $10 to secure your exclusive pricing (typically 30% off your party's entire bill – food and drink
	Your discount is applied to your bill at meal's end - no coupons, no phone calls and no hassles

I love being able to get great deals at home and when I travel.  With all these sites that offer great deals on great restaurants and things to do, I may never have to pay full price again!

20at20 is back!

January is a hard month to budget, especially when there are so many great deals in New York City to take advantage of.  But I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about one more deal.  Back for only 2 weeks, January 24^th – February 6^th is 20at2o.  20at20 is 20 of the best Off-Broadway show for only $20 a ticket 20 minutes before the show.  

Here is how it works: Starting 20 minutes before show time, go to the box office and say 20at20 and your tickets are only $20.  See any 7 show you will receive a voucher for a free dinner for 2 at any participating restaurant in the area.  You just have to mail in your ticket stubs.  You can't beat $20 to see a show.

Not sure what shows to see?  I’ll share some of the shows on my list with you.  Fuerza Bruta is a show that is supposed to be tremendously fun and I have not gotten there yet, so here's my chance.  The New York Idea by David Auburn (Proof) at the Atlantic Theatre Company, Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating (Staring Eve Plum from the Brady Bunch) is getting rave reviews.  Apparently it is hilarious.  It is from the creators of Spelling B.   Molly Sweeney at Irish Repertory Theatre (they always have fantastic productions) and there are many more great choices.   Whether you are visiting New York City or whether you live here, there are fantastic deals to be had.  Don’t miss out!  Starting January 24^th you can get a 3-course dinner and a show for under $100.  Now that’s worth putting your snow boots on for.

Groupon free mobile apps

Groupon, if you haven't heard of it, is a fantastic concept.  When you sign up (for free) you will get daily emails about all sorts of deals in your city.  They have everything from restaurants, to spas, gym memberships, classes of all sorts and lots more.  It varies as to how much you get off, but I find it tends to be around 50% off, sometimes more sometimes less.  Great deal, right?  They have participating cities all over the world so if you are going on vacation you can sign up to get the San Francisco deals or the London deals.  Coming to NYC?  Sign up!  You can save both at home and on vacation.  Now that's awesome!  With all this money I am saving, I can plan another vacation.

Today they announced their free mobile apps for Android, Blackberry and iphone.  This comes with a special offer.  For every different groupon you purchase with your phone app, you will get $1 of groupon bucks, on purchases through February 17th, 2011.  (groupon bucks is money that you can use towards a future groupon purchase).  So now you can purchase and redeem your groupon deals from anywhere and get money towards a future purchase.  Saving is becoming easier by the minute.

Barcibo Enoteca

Because I am a wine drinker I am constantly seeking out places that have good wine with good value.  Life is just too short to drink bad wine and so I often find myself at Barcibo on 69^th and Broadway.  

Not only do they have a fantastic list of Italian wines, but they also have a staff that is extremely knowledgeable and super friendly so they can help guide you through the list to make sure you get a glass of wine that you will like.  Italian wines can feel overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with all their grape varietals, and there are a lot!  They have over 100 wines by the bottle and over 40 by the glass.  They also have a full bar for the non-wine drinkers out there.

Though Barcibo is very popular amongst those who know about it, it is still a bit of a secret.  It is one of the bigger wine bars out there.  They have an upper and a lower section as well as outdoor seating in the summer.   The food there is also fantastic.  We shared a few things.  One of my favorites is the crostini.  We got the crostini with prosciutto and bufala Mozzarella and the burrata with tomato.  

The lump it is sitting on is bufala mozzarella.  YUM!

The prosciutto is so delicious it almost melts in your mouth.  We also had the cheese and meat plate as well as the risotto. 

The portions are very generous

The risotto is really spectacular there.  We had the risotto with the sweet Italian sausage, peas and corn.  Wow!  I have also had the mushroom risotto as well and I can say that it is one of the best I have had.

The atmosphere is warm and sophisticated.  The staff is great and the prices are very reasonable.  This is one of my favorite spots on the upper west side.    Wine bars are all the rage, but not all are created equal.   This one, however,  is top notch.

Barcibo Enoteca

2020 Broadway

212-595-2805

Broadway show tickets: 2 for 1

January is a month where most of us are curbing our spending a little bit.  But with Restaurant Week and Broadway Week, we can afford to go out and enjoy ourselves a bit and still save money.   Broadway Week is happening January 24^th – February 10^th 2011.  With the discount code BW2011 you can get two tickets for the price of one.  Tickets can either be purchased at the box office of the theater or on line at www.nycgo.com and there will be a link to purchase tickets.

How does this differ from TKTS?  First of all, you can buy in advance and not have to stand outside in line in the cold on the day of the show.  Second, most of the tickets that TKTS has to offer are the highest priced tickets.  Usually that puts you in around $65 or $70 per ticket, which is a good deal.  With Broadway week you also have access to mezzanine seats and therefore can get two tickets for as low as $65.  So that would be about $33 each.  So if sitting in the orchestra isn't as important as the price, you have a little more to choose from and with prices like that, you can’t afford not to go!  So go get your friends to join you for some good theater.  January is turning out to be a pretty good month.

Restaurant Week 2011 is here!

Restaurant Week started in 1992 as an effort to promote dining in New York during the Democratic National Convention. Restaurants, which are natural competitors, came together and each charged $19.92 for a three-course prix fixe.  It was such a success it continued to grow and now it happens twice a year, in January and in July.  It is a great way to experience some of the pricier restaurants in New York City at a fraction of the cost. You get a 3-course meal that consists of an appetizer, entrée and dessert.  Lunch is $24.07 and dinner is $35.00.

Restaurant 2011 runs Monday January 24^th – Feb 6^th.  Many restaurants will continue lunch only through the end of February.  Restaurant week runs primarily Monday – Friday, Saturdays are excluded and Sundays are optional.    You can check out a list of participating restaurants at www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek/ where they have a link to book your table on Open Table.  Reservations fill up fast so try not to wait till the last minute.  However, if you are at all like me and you procrastinate a little too long, I do have a good tip.  Most good restaurants serve full menus at the bar and don’t normally take reservations for bar seats.  You may have to wait, but you will get to eat at that place that has been booked for weeks. 

I am also going to share my top “Undies” secret with you.  Apiary on 11^th & 3^rd normally has a no-corkage fee on Monday nights.  So if you really want a fantastic meal and big savings, bring a nice bottle of wine and have the $35 pre-fixe dinner on a Monday night during restaurant week at Apiary.  It is probably one of the best deals going.  I may just see you there.  I am booking my Monday night table right after I post this.

Casellula

Wine bars are huge in New York City and around the country.  Some are great.  Some are over-priced and mediocre.  Casellula is one of the great ones.  They have a wine list that is constantly changing and a cheese list with over 40 cheeses.  That means you can go back all the time and have something new and different almost every time you go.   That, in my opinion, is fantastic!

Tonight I just had a small snack.  I had a white bean crostini with bacon and mushrooms topped with truffle oil.  The bacon was so fresh it made me feel as if I was eating rashers in Ireland.  It was a spectacular appetizer.  We also had a 3-cheese plate.  The cheeses are always good, but the amazing part of our cheese plate tonight was the brown sugar fudge with the Ossau-Iraty cheese.  Ossau Iraty is a sheeps milk cheese from Spain that is always a favorite of mine.  Coupled with the brown sugar fudge it was outstanding.  It was the perfect marriage of tastes and I have never seen that before on a cheese plate.  I think you should rush down there just for that!

It is a small space so there is almost always a wait and they don’t accept reservations.  In my experience, it is best to get there either before 7pm or after 10pm to avoid the most crowded times.  However, that said, it is well worth the wait.  The other great thing is that once you are seated, it doesn't feel small due to the windows and the high ceilings.  It is really a cozy atmosphere.  If you like cheese, they have one of the largest selections in the city.  If you like wine, then this is your place.  For such an intimate space they really know how to deliver a fantastic meal.  Put this on your “places you must go” list.   It will soon be on your favorites list.

401 West 52nd St (between 9th & 10th)

212-247-8137

A perfect place to warm away the winter blues

According to the farmer's almanac, we are in for a long cold winter here in NYC.  So that probably means that you are going to want to have lots of hot beverages to keep you warm.  I have the perfect place for you.  Whether you are looking to have a cup of tea, lunch, a scone or a high-tea menu without all the fuss (and the price tag) of the plaza, go to Alice's Tea Cup.  Nestled into a downstairs restaurant is this absolutely charming, upper west side gem that is still a little bit of a secret I'm glad to say.

Their tea menu is quite extensive and they have every tea imaginable.  The menu has great descriptions of each kind of tea, so that by the time you leave you actually have a better idea of what the differences between all the teas are.  I had the coconut/vanilla, which is a Rooibos tea, otherwise known as an African red bush tea.  It was fantastic.  My server recommended this one, and what a great suggestion it was.

I decided that I would go all out and get "the nibbler".  For $23 you get a pot of a tea of your choice, a scone, one sandwich (not a half mind you) and a plate of cookies.  The menu clearly states that "the nibbler" is just for one, and there is no sharing.  They also have a version that you can share, but as I was by myself, it wasn't an issue.   I chose the pumpkin scone.  It was served warm with cream and jam and it was scrumptious.  I am not sure I remember ever eating a scone that was that warm, but I definitely recommend it.  I think it might have just come out of the oven!  YUM!!  I had the chicken sandwich with granny smith apple and goat cheese on seven grain bread, also amazing and the bottom layer of my tier was an assortment of cookies.  My favorite was the double chocolate cookie.  It was an indulgence well worth every bite.  

The service is fantastic and the place itself is just adorable.  The food taste like it just came out of my grandmother's kitchen.  (She was an amazing cook)  They sell all their teas by the ounce in the front where you can also purchase their scone cookbook or teapots, or even take home a cookie or piece of cake for later. I can't recommend this place highly enough.  It is one of my favorite little spots on the upper west side.  There are very few lunch or tea places I have come across that are as unique as this.   It's cold outside New York, but it's cozy and warm at Alice's Tea Cup.
They have 3 locations:
102 West 73rd
156 East 64th
220 East 81st
212-734-4tea

Be a tourist without looking like one! Getting around NYC with your iPhone

If you visit NYC, a great app to download for your iPhone is Exit Strategy.  It's the best NYC subway app I have found... and I have tried several!

It has local maps and all of the transit maps for New York (subway AND buses).  And it doesn't need access to phone service or internet connection to do it, which is great for when you are underground.

Not only does it have transit maps, but also has local maps of all of New York.  And the part I love is that you can tap on a station and it will show you which car you should be in to get out at the exit you want, so while you wait for the train to come you can walk to where that car will pull up and save time on the other end of the trip (we NYers call this "pre-walking")

It's only $3.99, which is less than a round trip subway ride, and totally worth it.  I use it almost every day.  Plus you won't be carrying around, and even worse UNFOLDING giant subway maps (why do they make them so big?).  You don't have to look like a tourist (even if you are one!)

2011: The year for making beautiful pictures! (with guest blogger Pam)

If there is one time of year that we can’t help but to embrace our inner photographer, it’s got to be the holidays.  Family, friends, travel, blizzards!  So many opportunities to record great memories! As we begin a new year, think back on the photos you took over the past weeks. What kind of reactions are you getting from family and friends? How do the pictures look to you? Do most of them make you smile, scratch your head, or groan? Are you thinking, "Why do I bother?" or, "Hey, that turned out better than I expected!" Or maybe somewhere in between--good enough to evoke memories of the occasions, but not worthy of matting and framing for posterity. 

Nelson (circa 2007, he's in doggie heaven now)
Photo by Skye's sister Kyle

 Your photographs are the products of two ingredients: you and your hardware.  A picture is like the end result of a recipe--some cooks just throw together anything in the pantry without looking at expiration dates or instructions, and cheerfully hope for the best. Others buy beautifully-illustrated and detailed cookbooks, the finest kitchen tools and cookware, the most precisely-calibrated commercial stoves, and shop specialty stores for the highest-quality ingredients, before using carefully-practiced skills to create culinary delights . Both can produce delicious results, although in the second example, they are more predictable, not necessarily because of the fancy pans, but because the cook cares more about the outcome.

Skye's friend Janet Halpin took this gorgeous shot

Regardless of whether you are the Joël Robuchon or Rachael Ray of photographers, you don't need to invest a small fortune in your camera equipment (although it's easy to do, and you may ultimately want to, once your expertise warrants it) to get excellent pictures--I've seen amazing results from camera phones--but if you want to improve, and control the end product so that the picture you want is the one you get, you will need to spend some time and attention on using what you have. (Then work on upgrading!)

Think back again to those holiday pictures. If there is something you want to change, you have to decide what. Is your camera still pretty much a mystery, and you want to get control of it instead of letting it make all the decisions? Or have you learned everything in the manual and still can't get the results you want? Can you see that this year's pictures are better than last year's, and want to keep on in this positive direction? Or have you reached the point where you are picking apart each photo as far as composition, lighting, focus, detail, and content, and are continually setting higher standards for yourself? 

Skye's high school classmate, Maria Strinni Gill

No matter where you are along the spectrum, the answer to helping you succeed in taking better photos in 2011 is some kind of guided practice. Practice, practice, practice! Randomly snapping hundreds of shots without any assessment, while it may produce a few good results (and a comical candid shot or two), won't help much over the long run. It's an easy habit to fall into--I still find myself giving in to the impulse to click away--but taking a deep breath and giving some thought to getting the settings right, will probably make you happier at the end of the day.  

Skye's talented intern Phoebe Chung

In upcoming blogs we will discuss these things, sometimes addressing your hardware, and sometimes your knowledge, skills, and inspiration. Assessing those holiday pictures has probably nudged you in one direction or the other--you are ready to graduate to a new camera, or you want to spend some effort educating your inner photographer. Or both! Next time we'll revisit the ongoing point-and-shoot vs. DSLR debate, and maybe touch on style and subjects.

Every time you import a new batch of digital photos, or open an envelope of prints for the first time, there's that tickly rush of anticipation, whether you are a newbie or a pro. My resolution for the new year is to make that experience more enjoyable for everyone I can, including myself!

Meanwhile, have fun and keep snapping! 

Alma 33

Imagine a culinary combo of Italian and Argentinean.  Sounds good doesn’t it?   Go to Alma 33 and taste how delicious that combination can be.  The chef, Enrico Primarti,  is from Florence and spent time studying cooking in Argentina.  The combination is delicious and you will be delighted with every bite.

Alma had a soft opening last week featuring only items off the tapas menu.  They opened this week for dinner and will be serving lunch beginning the week of January 10^th.  The wine list by the glass is lovely featuring mostly Spanish wines.  I had the Priorat and it was a great value.  We then moved on to Tapas.  The Tartaf de terriera (beef Tartar) with a  raw quail egg is out of this world.  

The portion was huge, although I must say I could have eaten it all night long.  We then moved on to the Sardines on a crostini with goat cheese and pistachio cream that was possibly my favorite thing we ate all night.  

They were fresh, not too salty and none of the flavors overpowered the others.  We then tried two different types of empanadas, the chicken and the short rib.  We finished our meal with a delicious vanilla panacotta with a raspberry sauce that was so light that I didn’t feel once ounce of guilt.

The prices are right, the deco is sophisticated and beautiful and the food is sublime.  It is great for groups or just a quiet drink with a friend.  Go and experience all the flavors that happen when Italy meets Argentina.  It can really be quite something.
Alma
33 West 8th St. between 5th and 6th

Sometimes "Off" is the way to go

When visiting New York, one of the things that probably tops your list of things to do is to see a Broadway show.  There are many fantastic shows to see that range from the massive (yet seemingly dangerous) Spider Man, to shows that have big stars like Daniel Radcliff in How to Succeed in Business and then there are the shows that have been around for years like Chicago that are long-timers for a reason.  But if you want to treat yourself to something intimate and new, go see an Off-Broadway show.  There are so many theatres to choose from how do you know which one to go to?  Well topping my list of favorite companies is The Signature Theatre Company on West 42^nd between 10^th & 11^th.  I saw their production of “Angels in America” (Part I) last night, and what a great experience it was.

First, the theater is so intimate that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.  The acting was superb and the sets were amazing.  3 hours at the theatre flew by without once thinking that this was long.  The Signature dedicates a season to one playwright and this season they have brought in Tony Kushner.  They keep extending Angels, so try and get a ticket if you still can.  I can’t wait to see Part II next week.  

There are many great companies out there.  Here are a few of my favorites:  Playwrights Horizons, Keen Company, Barrow Street Theater, BAM, St. Ann’s Warehouse (more of a venue, but they often bring in really interesting shows and companies) and the Mint Theatre Company, just to name a few.  There are many more, but here is a place for you to start.  If you want to get a first rate theatre experience for a fraction of the price of a Broadway show, go see an “Off-Broadway” show.  You won’t be sorry you strayed.  

9th Ave – the real restaurant beat of Times Square

Times Square is a tourist destination, and let’s face it a restaurant trap.  Most of the restaurants that are a stone’s throw from the glamour and lights are not worth the trip.  However, when venture a little East or West you walk into an oasis of great restaurants.  That is what 9^th Avenue is.  One of my favorite haunts is Bocca di Bacca.  

It serves up Italian cuisine and offers 45 Italian wines by the glass and over 500 hundred by the bottle.  You can choose to go all out on their “reserve list” by the glass or just go for the regular list.  Both are exquisite and the bartender or server will help guide you through the list.  Ask for a taste before you commit.  They also have a full bar if wine isn’t what you are in the mood for.

The food there is fantastic.  I brought my friend from Italy there and he loved it.  I recommend getting the Bruschetta al Funghi with Truffle oil.  

It will melt in your mouth.  I have on many occasions had their cheese and meat platters and they should be on the top of your list as well.   Last night we had the Scallops with celery root puree

and the Garganelli Ossobucco.  

They were divine!  The pasta was cooked to perfection and the scallops and celery root were just lightly seasoned so that you were able to taste all the flavors in the dish.  I recommend the risotto if they have one available.  The décor is rustic and cozy and the service is great.  The prices are very reasonable (especially the wine list).  If it is good Italian you are after and you are in Midtown, don’t miss out on this fantastic gem.  It will not dissapoint.

829 9th Ave betweeen 54th & 55th

212-265-8828