March 8, 2013
  
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Norma Knows NYC
 
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Dear Member,
  
As the saying goes, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb... a phrase that all New Yorkers are anxiously believing in!  With the pending start of Spring later this month, New York City is already budding with events and activities.
  
Each week, look forward to my personal snapshot of recommendations to get you through a New York minute, day, night, weekend. My weekly updates will get you from this Friday to the next!  
  
Enjoy!
  
Sincerely,
  
  
  
  
Norma Knows New York City 
  
P.S. Send to other savvy New Yorkers and visitors, so they can sign up for my weekly updates!
  
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Through March 10: The Armory Show

Celebration of the 100th anniversary at Piers 92 & 94. 

Join participating wine merchants for free wine tastings all month...

 

Through April 6:  Boots: The Height of Fashion 

A 'walk' through the history of boots at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Exhibit portrays how boots emerged as a modern fashion phenomenon. Christian Louboutin, Norma Kamali, and Manolo Blahnik are among the designers featured. 
  

Through May 27: Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity
This exhibit, which reviews the role of fashion in works of the Impressionists and Contemporaries, is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through May 27th. The exhibit brings together paintings, lavish garments, and accessories... everything 19th century French.

  

March 8: New York Pops at Carnegie Hall
Star of the hit TV show, Smash... Megan Hilty and Ryan Silverman team up with the New York Pops.

 

March 11: Broadway by the Year at Town Hall

Listen to stars sing classics from musicals that have graced the stages of Broadway... this month is 1961, the year of Carnival, Sail Away, and more.

 

March 11: Case Study - White Wine Making

City Winery's wine making workshop... an in-depth class to learn the process, and taste the rewards! 

 

March 11 - 21:  Dine In Brooklyn

Brooklyn's own version of Restaurant Week... $20.13 lunches, $28 dinners at participating restaurants. 

 

March 12: A Conversation with Danny Boyle

If you enjoyed Slum Dog Millionaire as much as I did, meet Danny Boyle in person at the 92 Street Y in Tribeca.   
  
NewNew & Notable...
  
   
   
Below are my new and notable restaurant picks for the month...
I have personally experienced each of these, so read my reviews then make a reservation!

 

Arlington Club
Upper East Side:  1032 Lexington Avenue (73rd & 74th)
Cuisine: Steakhouse

Eastside vibe dining in a bi-level space with an inviting Oak bar. I recommend the Clams Casino and The New York Sirloin. Now open for Sunday brunch!

  

Carbone Ristorante Italiano

Midtown West:  331 West 38th Street (8th & 9th Ave)

Cuisine: Italian

The Torrisi boys' newest restaurant!  West Village Owners of Torrisi and Parm (two of my favorites) have opened a midcentury Italian American fine dining restaurant. Ambience is reminiscent of the 1950s and 'The Godfather'! Servers in vintage style vests and tuxedos designed by Zac Posen. Veal Picata and Linguine with Clams are a must!

 

Clarkson

West Village:  225 Varick Street (at Bedford St)

Cuisine:  American

West Village Retro American, designed by owner George Frogeois, also owner of Cercle Rouge. Affordable and casual dining. Raw bar favorites: Clams and Oysters.

 

Cole's

Greenwich Village: 118 Greenwich Ave (at Jane St)

Cuisine: Pan American Classics and Continental Fare

The food is inspired by artists, with a 1950s ambience. The Plancha Crisped Chicken is superb!

 

Crown

Upper East Side: 24 East 81st Street (5th & Madison Ave)

Cuisine: Continental/French

John Delucie's uptown spot is set in a 1930s mansion, steps away from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Try the Atlantic Halibut and Wild Mushroom Agnalotti.

 

Montmartre

Chelsea: 158 8th Avenue (17th & 18th St)

Cuisine: French

Co-owned by Gabe Stulman of Perla fame. Signature pop art adorns the walls and the food is unparalleled, offering French bistro classics. Magnifique!

 

Pearl & Ash

Nolita:  220 Bowery Street (Spring & Rivington St)

Cuisine: American 

Chef and owner created a restaurant where they would like to eat, right in their 'hood! Small plates are perfect for group tasting and... a 1,000-bottle wine cellar!

 

Rogue & Canon 

Greenwich Village/SoHo: 128 West Houston Street (Sullivan & MacDougal St)

Cuisine: American

Copper ceilings, leather banquettes, and a 26-foot long bar. A true neighborhood spot. All of us tried their Rogue Burger with peanut butter... knowing of course the healthy benefits of that topping! Look forward to dining in the springtime when their French windows will be opened.

FeatureCurtain Up...
     
As a theater-buff, I've noted my top picks this week for both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, along with my favorite dance and music performances.
  
I've also added my recommendations for where to eat pre and post theater.
  
Breakfast At Tiffany's
The table is set on Broadway for Breakfast at Tiffany's, an adaption of Truman Capote's classic novel. Emilia Clarke shines as the leading lady... you might recognize her from Game of Thrones. Through September 1.
Eat:  La Masseria, Orso, The Lambs Club

Location: Midtown West

 

Passion
Classic Stages' production of Passion is mesmerizing. Music and lyrics by Steven Sondheim. I think it's probably the deepest and most powerful of Sondheim's productions. Through April 14.
Eat:  The Redhead, Hearth
Location: East Village

 

Catch this play at the Cherry Lane Theater, the oldest off-Broadway theater in the city. Jesse Eisenberg not only stars in the film, but also wrote it! David, played by Eisenberg, travels from NYC to Poland, staying with his elderly Holocaust survivor cousin, played by the incomparable Vanessa Redgrave. Through April 21.
Eat: Commerce, Rosemary's
Location: West Village

  

Zosia Mamet takes a break from the popular series Girls as she dazzles the stage in a college gossip drama. MCC theater at The Lucille Lortel Theater. Through March 31.

Eat:  I Sodi, Cafe Cluny

Location: West Village

 

Celebrating Dizzy Gillespie

Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater celebrates the music of one of the kings of jazz. Tribute will be performed by the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra. March 8 & 9 only.

Eat: A Voce, Gabriel's

Location: Upper West Side

 

Paul Taylor Dance Company

The return of the Paul Taylor Dance Company at the David Koch Theater... a magnificent repertoire of 21 dances. Through March 24.

Eat: Lincoln, The Leopard at des Artistes

Location: Upper West Side

 

   
ExtraExtra... 
  
Don't forget to push your clocks forward at 2am on Sunday morning! 
  
  
It means an extra hour of daylight, which we all need right now... and the official start of Spring is March 20th!
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