January 3, 2014


In this Edition:




  



Weekly Snapshot 

Happy New Year!

You've rung in the New Year, you're making your resolutions, and have vowed to make it a meaningful year. Whether you've decided to eat healthier, exercise more, rest and rejuvenate, or give back to others... let me be your health concierge and help guide you to reach your goals.

Now through February, each week's Special Feature will include my personal recommendations for fitness, treatments and wellness... plus tips to motivate you to achieve a healthier 2014. I'll also include some special tips. 


This week, start getting fit with the best classes NYC has to offer!
 
 


  
  


  Norma Knows New York City 
 
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See the below categories for my event picks for the  
CulturalCultural Pursuits...    
 

Through January 5   

Robert Indiana: Beyond Love

Best known for his "LOVE" piece, you'll be pleasantly surprised by his many other works of pop art exhibited at The Whitney (945 Madison Avenue). 

 

Robert Motherwell's early collection is still onview at the Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Avenue) until the 5th.  While there, be sure to see Christopher Wool's patterned paintings that adorn the  Frank Lloyd Wright Rotunda until the 22nd. 


Through January 11  

Intimate Portraits of Elizabeth Taylor & Other Hollywood Legends

Fine art photography at the Keith de Lellis Gallery (1045 Madison Avenue). Up Close and Personal photographs by Roddy McDowell.  I was mesmerized by the one of Paul Newman!

 

Through January 19  

 Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Hals:
Masterpieces of Dutch Painting from the Mauritshuis

The final American stop of the global tour of paintings from the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis  (The Hague, the Netherlands). While the prestigious Dutch museum undergoes a 2-year renovation, it is lending masterpieces that haven't traveled in 30 years. A selection of 15 paintings on display at the Frick Collection (1 East 70th Street) includes the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring.


Through February 23
The Armory Show at 100: Modern Art and Revolution

One of my favorite museums, the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library (170 Central Park West), is showcasing the Armory Show at 100, 100 masterworks from the 1913 Armory Show that powerfully impacted American audiences.

 

Through April 13  The American West in Bronze, 1850-1925 
Celebrate the timeless appeal of painting sculptures and film during this period, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue).

 

The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center
1050 Second Avenue

For antique aficionados, visit to peruse noted vintage treasures. 

 
CurtainCurtain Up...    
 
DANCE

January 7 to 12  FOCUS DANCE

Gotham Arts Exchange returns to the Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue) for its third season.


MUSIC 

January 7 to 11  2014 Winter Jazz Fest

80 groups perform at a multitude of venues throughout the city.   

 

January 8  Winter Blue Note 75

Blue Note's 75th annual concert will take place at The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street). Contemporary pianists Robert Glasper and Jason Moran will play opposite each other, with special guests including Ravi Coltrane.  

  

January 8 to 14  Ute Lemper

Ute Lemper's performs at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street). She is an amazing cabaret singer, similar to Edith Piaf. Also, for fans of The Newsroom, Jeff Daniels performs through the 4th.

 

THEATER
 

January 8 to 19  Under the Radar Festival

At the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street), diverse performances from seven countries.

 

January 8 to 23  New York Jewish Film Festival

The 23rd annual festival at Lincoln Center, hosting an array of films, an exhibition, and a symposium.

 

Bronx Bombers

Circle In The Square Theatre -1633 Broadway

As a Yankees fan, I would naturally recommend Bronx Bombers. The pride of the pinstripes features both past and present legends with special tributes to DiMaggio and Berra. January 12th through July 6th.

 

King Lear

BAM - Brooklyn

The long awaited production of King Lear premiers on the 7th at BAM starring the infamous Frank Langella, who is still my favorite Dracula star!   His performance will combine the majesty and madness of this noted King. Through February 9th.  

 

 

Machinal

New York City Theatre - 227 West 42nd Street

If you can get tickets, I'd recommend a powerful new production of a landmark theatrical play from the 1920s. Written by an American journalist, Stephanie Treadwell, the story is inspired by the story of Ruth Snyder, who in the 1920s was sentenced to the electric chair for killing her husband. The play is brought to life by three women luminaries of the theatre, including Rebecca Hall (Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona). Through March 2nd.

 

 
FoodFor the Foodie... 
Upper East Side 
 

Many of our subscribers have voiced that they enjoy weekly write-ups of my new and notable restaurant recommendations. So during this winter season, I'll be writing up the latest hot spots that I've personally experienced in the key neighborhoods of our city.

 

As the sign in Kate Spade's new uptown location declares: "Uptown is the new downtown!" Many of my favorite dining haunts are branching out adding to the already dynamic scene for uptown dwellers.

 

This week I'm featuring my 5 "new on the scene" restaurants on the Upper East Side.

  

Cucina Ciano 

181 East 78th Street (3rd & Lexington Ave)
Since the former Ciano closed in the Flatiron district, I've been awaiting the reopening of one of my favorite restaurants.   Seasonal ingredients, a casual Italian bistro, and an extensive wine list are all present...top components for a great evening. A wine room that can be used for private dining is hidden below.  My friends and I shared the homemade pappardelle and the grilled pork chop and marveled over our selections.   An outdoor caf� is slated...but with our wintry season, I think we'll need to wait a while!

East Pole

133 East 65th Street (Park & Lexington Ave) 

As a frequent visitor of the Fat Radish on the Lower East Side, I was elated when the owners opened East Pole on the UES. Housed in a historic brownstone, the ambience is comfortable, surrounded by old maps and nautical accents.  The same menu is available whether you eat at their spacious bar or in the dining room.  Focus is on local, seasonal organic items such as roasted cauliflower, diver scallops and a New York strip.  A great place to dine before or after the nearby movie theater.     

 

Ristorante Morini

1167 Madison Avenue (at 86th St) 

Celebrity chef Michael White's latest creation on the New York restaurant scene features an upbeat bar and lounge downstairs complete with an elegant dining area upstairs.  As a fan of his downtown spot (Osteria Morini in SoHo), Ristorante Morini is equally exceptional in both atmosphere and cuisine. The cacio e pepe pasta and the pan roasted veal chop get my vote!  It's Italian regional cuisine at its finest.  A perfect place to meet family and friends, and as a go-to spot for the after work crowd.   

 

Rotisserie Georgette

14 East 60th Street (Madison & 5th Ave) 

A partly open kitchen serves as a great dining room touch.  Louis XV meets "the kitchen"... an interior that is balanced in both comfort and sophistication.   You'll feel at home in blue jeans or a tuxedo!  Host Georgette greets everyone with a warm welcome whether you're nestling at their sleek bar, or being seated in their dining room.  My recommendations are pekin duck, roast chicken and lamb - all from the rotisserie of course!

The Writing Room

1703 Second Avenue (at 88th St)  

After a two year closing of the celebrity famed Elaine's, The Writing Room has recently opened, offering an all-American take on bistro fare, and pays homage to the legendary history in this 'hood. The expansive bar plays a vital role with cozy banquettes surrounded by fabric boards asking its customers to post notes, as I did! Blood orange drinks with bourbon are a specialty!  Try the gnocchi, roasted chicken soup and grilled artic char.

 

Special Holiday Feature...
Get Fit in the New YearFeature 
 

Don't enjoy exercising?  Here are 6 tips from the editors of O Magazine to start an exercise habit:

  1. Set Minimal Goals:  Good intentions often lead to unrealistic plans
  2. Keep a Record: Write down whether you exercise each day. Enlist friends to help with accountability also.
  3. Beware of Willpower Drains: Schedule workouts during times when you aren't already mentally drained.
  4. Value Initiation Instead of Endurance:  Putting on workout clothes and getting out the door is the hardest part!
  5. Forget Failure:  Have a realistic outlook.
  6. Leverage your Lifestyle: Tailor your workout to an established aspect of your life.
 
Wellness Event:  Get your tickets for A Special Appearance with America's Doctor: Mehmet Oz on February 5th at 92Y.

GET FIT     

  

All kinds of engaging workouts in the city will light your fire and keep you from being bored with a fun and energizing atmosphere. Try Classtivity to book your next class... here are fitness classes - stay tuned for YOGA, DANCE, AND PILATES later this month.

  

AKT in Motion   (NEW)

244 East 84th Street (at 2nd Ave) 

Cardio, strength training, toning, and stretching all in one.  

 

  

Bari Studio
23 Leonard Street (Varick & Hudson St)

An aerobic formula that transfers your body and mind. Exercise and nutrition, as well as programs for kids...

 



Barry's Bootcamp NYC
135 West 20th Street (5th & 6th Ave) & 1 York Street (at Canal St)

"THE BEST WORKOUT IN THE WORLD" to a legendary following, including many celebrities.

  

Brick New York   (NEW)
257 West 17th Street (at 8th Ave)

CrossFit classes for wellness and fitness.

  

Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp
Central Park (Columbus Circle) and Cadman Plaza Park (Brooklyn)

Visit the website for class information. Located by the Brooklyn Bridge and in Central Park during winter months. Outside of their standard boot camp, they also have indoor classes, personal training, nutrition workshops, and retreats.


Circuit of Change
57 West 16th Street (5th & 6th Ave) - 4th Floor

"For the yoga mind and the bootcamp body"... a mindbody wellness studio focusing on personal growth, community connectedness and mind-body awareness.

 

EVF Performance   (NEW)
1623 York Avenue (at 86th St)
555 West 59th Street (at West End Ave)
CrossFit-inspired indoor rowing classes.

Exceed Physical Culture
1477 Third Avenue (83rd & 84th St) 

The Upper East Side's Exceed Fitness 'exercises' no limits. There is no regimen, no rows of treadmills and no membership. You pay by session and you're partnered with a trainer who matches your goals.

 

Gyrotonic Manhattan
315 West 57th Street (8th & 9th Ave)

The Gyrotonic Method strengthens muscles by utilizing key principles of dance, gymnastics, swimming, yoga and Tai Chi... a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise program.

 

   

Inform Fitness
201 East 56th Street (at 3rd Ave)

Check out their 'Power of 10,' a high-intensity, slow-motion, resistance training workout that provides a week's worth of exercise in 20 minutes.



La Palestra
11 West 67th Street (Central Park West & Columbus Ave)

"A hybrid between the medical and fitness industry." Train to run, hike, rock climb, swim; take pilates or yoga. Have a nagging injury? They also provide diagnoses and treatment for sports-related injuries.


Lithe Method
32 West 18th Street (5th & 6th Ave)

Aerobic and strengthening... cardio-cheer-sculpting technique, founded by a former cheerleader and fitness instructor.

  

Nalini Method Group
248 West 60th Street (Amsterdam & West End Ave)

Offers a dynamic workout to get the body going.


Physique 57
Locations on 57th Street, 73rd Street, and Spring Street

One of my favorites... as well as many celebrities!


Pure Barre
1841 Broadway (at 60th St)
78 5th Avenue (13th & 14th St) 

Isometric movements using a ballet bar. Try the Figure 4 class, focusing on alignment.   

  

Refine Method
340 E 71st St (1st & 2nd Ave)

Personal training in a class setting... hour long classes focusing on fundamental exercises with interval training including jumping jacks, push ups, squats, lunges, sprints, push backs and resistance training.


Remorca Fitness
Gym: 61 East 75th Street (Park & Madison Ave) Suite 2F
Studio: 171 East 74th Street (3rd & Lexington Ave)

Try out the RF Method... begins with a consultation, creating a foundation for your customized training.  


SLT: Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone
41 West 57th Street (5th & 6th Ave)
132 Crosby Street (at W Houston St) 

Machine-based classes combining cardio and Pilates.   


The Bar Method
155 Spring Street - 2nd Floor (at W Broadway)

Integrates interval training, isometrics, dance conditioning, and physical therapy to reshape the body.

 

The Fhitting Room   (NEW) 

1166 Lexington Avenue (at 80th St)
High Intensity Training, a body-changing workout studio.

Uplift Studios
24 West 23rd Street (5th & 6th Ave)

Raise the bar with a sweaty workout while socializing over wine and beer.

  

Warrior Fitness Boot Camp
29 West 35th Street (5th & 6th Ave) - 3rd Floor

Train like a marine, with real marines. You can't get much more hardcore than that!

  


SPINNING

Aqua  (NEW) 
78 Franklin Street (Church & Broadway)
Spinning under water!     

Flywheel Sports
Multiple Locations in Flatiron, Upper West Side and Upper East Side 

Sign up for a "Single Ride" to try it out. Or buy a "Superfly Membership" for unlimited entrance to all locations.

  

Pedal NYC
33 West End Avenue (61st & 62nd St)

"Rejuvenated, Reinvented, Reinspired."


Revolve New York
52 East 13th Street (at University Pl)

Known as "survival of the fittest."


Soul Cycle
Multiple Locations in Union Square, Upper West Side, TriBeCa, Upper East Side

Pedal your way to health!

 


Swerve  (NEW)
30 West 18th Street (5th & 6th Ave)
First team inspired indoor cycling workout.

Norma Knows New York City/ Desbrosses Street / New York, New York 10013 /