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Weekly Snapshot
Even though it still feels like summer, it's not too early to plan for your next out of-the-city
fall retreat. Crisp autumn days bring out the wanderlust in New Yorkers and many of us will take the train to the countryside to view picturesque foliage. Hiking trails and old fashion hayrides are a few of the experiences available to savor fall's spectacular colors.
Visit charming inns that are bucolic and refurbished... experience the country to have a true retreat from the city. I've picked my top 5 retreats in New York State... Visit my Special Feature.
Norma Knows New York City
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See the below categories for my event picks for the
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General Events...
Through October 4 City Modern
A festival celebrating New York modern design with panels and tours of the city's most coveted interiors. I plan to go this weekend to see both the homes in Brooklyn and Manhattan since I live in a contemporary loft. I'm sure I'll get great design ideas!
October 5 & 6 24th Annual Autumn Crafts Festival 250 craft displays from all over the country at Lincoln Center. Plenty of entertainment and craft demonstrations. Also October 12 & 13.
October 6 Bear Mountain CruiseI went on this last year and plan to again, combining it with Oktoberfest. See the early autumn fall foliage and stop for a 3-hour festival serving Bavarian food and drinks. Lots of vendors and live bands, and a backdrop of majestic views. Also October 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 26, 27. October 8 to 14 Gilded Lace Pop up Shop At Henri Bendel, you can meet the designer (Monika Knutsson), see her latest fall collection, and try on one-of-a-kind pieces. Imagine wearing a piece of a Parisian lace undergarment from 1920 on your wrist! Modern, graphic jewelry pieces of old and forgotten lace dipped in sterling silver or 24K gold. Her designs include cuff bracelets, brooches, and necklaces that are feminine but compliment all types of clothing, whether jeans or a little black dress.
October 10 to 14 Hamptons International Film Festival If you're venturing out of the city, purchase tickets to this film festival celebrating independent films... long, short, fiction and documentary. 
Through October 13 New York Film FestivalThrough October 13, there's still time to purchase tickets. I want to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) and All is Lost (Robert Redford) . Through October 31 Archtober Third annual month-long festival of architecture and design. The activities, programs and exhibition are so vast that I can't pick my favorites. Peruse their calendar and select those of interest.
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Cultural Pursuits...
October 4 Edgar Allan Poe's Terror of the Soul
Opening at the Morgan Library and Museum, the exhibit features almost 100 items, exploring Poe's poetry, fiction, and literary criticism and his overall influence. I get goosebumps just thinking of his eery writings! Through January 26th.
October 4 to 6 The New Yorker Festival
The anticipated festival returns. A three day event of panels and speakers that will pique everyone's interests. Noted celebrities such as Toni Collette, Ethan Hawke, and Michele Williams have featured talks.
Through October 5 LOOT: MAD About Jewelry
50 artists from 20 countries display their one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces at this pop-up exhibition. The annual exhibit has added sizzle since the pieces are also for purchase!
Through October 6 The Affordable Art Fair
Hosting 50 galleries of both emerging and establish contemporary artists, the annual event takes place at The Tunnel in Chelsea. In the past I have purchased wonderful pieces of art, all reasonably priced (as the name implies). All pieces range from $100-$10,000. Opening at the New-York Historical Society, one of my favorite museums. Artists such as Picasso, Cezanne and Matisse are in the mix of those that will be showcased. Through February 23rd.
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Curtain Up...
October 4
Tickets are still available for this evening's performance at Carnegie Hall...a magical setting hosting our city's famed orchestra and a world renowned trumpet player.
Through October 6 Off Broadway Week
Purchase 2 for 1 tickets to some of Broadway's best shows - for performances September 23 to October 6.
October 7 Nashville's New Music in New York: Cassadee PopeCounty music fans will enjoy hearing the Grand Ole Opry host a concert at the Southwest Porch in Bryant Park. Even better to hear last season's winner on The Voice! October 7 to 10 24th Annual New York Cabaret Convention60 performers will entertain at Rose Theater (Lincoln Center) to the theme of Falling in Love with Love... songs of Rogers and Hart. October 11 & 12 Tony DeSareI always find it a challenge to pick my top performers at 54 Below. This week, Tony DeSare is my choice. This jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter is someone not to miss. I first heard Tony at Café Carlyle and have been awaiting his return. FEATURED THEATERThese are the plays on my radar this month. I've ordered tickets to each since the casts are superb and I will review them in the coming weeks. All of them run through the end of the year.  The Commons of Pensacola New York City Center (Stage I) - 131 West 55th Street Previews begin October 22nd Play by Amanda Peet Starring: Blythe Danner and Sarah Jessica Parker The Jacksonian Acorn Theater - 410 West 42nd Street Previews begin October 25th Starring: Ed Harris and Bill Pullman Domesticated Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater - Lincoln Center - 150 West 65th Street
Previews begin October 10thStarring: Jeff Goldblum and Laurie Metcalf
On December 19 from 6-6:45pm, there is a free event - a conversation with cast members Laurie Metcalf and Jeff Goldblum.
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For the Foodie...
October 4 to 6 Identitŕ New York 2013 The 4th edition at Eataly NYC features 8 events in 3 days, with 17 chefs. Attend cooking seminars and also enjoy sipping drinks under the stars at Birreria's rooftop garden while the weather is still gorgeous.
FEATURED DINING
These are my New on the Scene Personal Reviews...
 The East Pole Kitchen and Bar (American) 133 East 65th Street
When I learned that the team behind The Fat Radish was opening up East Pole on the Upper East Side, I knew I'd have a terrific dining experience. Housed in a historic brownstone, the East Pole also offers a private dining room and outdoor space. Try the Kale Caesar Salad and Chicken Kiev.
Estela (Mediterranean)
47 East Houston Street
GQ called it "the steak dish of the century"... that certainly caught my attention. Chef Mathis, formerly of Il Buco (another top dining establishment), has opened Estela in the neighborhood of Nolita. An airy bistro with an upscale wine bar serves small plates and entrees with a Mediterranean flair. For those that prefer not to order their signature steak dish, I recommend the Ricotta Dumplings. Everyone will enjoy the grapefruit soaked in Campari, a perfect complement to your meal.
Toro (Tapas/Small Plates)
85 10th Avenue
Renowned Boston chef, Ken Oringer, has recently opened Toro, a Barcelona-type tapas bar in South Chelsea. The team behind ABC Kitchen, another of my favorite dining spots, designed the industrial hip décor in the former Nabisco factory space. The eclectic menu with Spanish flavors is paired with local and market fresh ingredients.
Last week, I attended the reopening of the magnificent New York Palace, a NYC icon located in Midtown East. The splashy rebirth of Villard has recently opened under the direction of French chef, Michael Richard. The brasserie setting is exquisite. I sampled the appetizers during the reopening... all outstanding! Tonight, I'm going for dinner.
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Special Feature...
 Handsome Brook Farm Franklyn, NY
Settled between the Catskills and the Adirondacks is Handsome Brook Farm... a simple blend of town and country living. As a guest, you can opt to be part of their sustainable farm experience by helping in the fields, gardens, grooming of the animals, and even learning how to make homemade jams. Relax at their Bed and Breakfast... the farm stay is a mix of traditional working farm and modern high quality accommodations. Should you decide to venture out, hiking, biking, canoeing and horseback riding are nearby.
A boutique inn offering a sophisticated country experience with old world charm. A 1770s house, a short walk from the main town of shopping, antique browsing, galleries, and an array of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by one of my favorite galleries, the Terenchin Gallery.
"The lake in the sky" is situated on 2,200 acres of scenic wilderness. Mohonk Mountain House is a grand 265-room Victorian Castle in upstate New York. It is one of America's oldest family owned resorts. 85 miles of hiking trails, golf, mountain biking, tennis, carriage rides, rock climbing, a Barn Museum, and their award-winning spa. There's so much to do... check out their Mohonk Leaf-Peeper Package through October 31.
North Fork Table & Inn Southold, NY
Situated in a historic whaling village on the North Fork. A year round detour founded by NYC ex-pats serving classic American cuisine with fresh seasonal dishes. Besides stops at wineries such as The Lenz Winery and Croteaux Vineyards, the area offers kayaking, golfing and biking... a variety of ways to enjoy the autumnal landscape.
Shinn Estate Vineyards and Farmhouse Mattituck, NY
A perfect weekend getaway... located in a historic 1880s homestead in the center of North Fork, you'll experience the quiet of the country while enjoying the splendor of lodging and a world class winery - be sure to take their Saturday and Sunday vineyard walks with selected wine tastings. The owners enjoy both the country and city life. Visit their restaurant Home in Greenwich Village. Whether at the farmhouse, or the quaint restaurant in the city, you'll feel like you're 'home!'
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