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Weekly Snapshot - Your Personal Health Concierge 
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.
Visit last week's Snapshot... the best NYC classes to help you Get Fit in theNew Year...
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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See the below categories for my event picks for the
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 General Events...
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Cultural Pursuits...
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 6 Ink Art:
Past as Present in
Contemporary China
I just went to see this exhibit at the MET (1000 Fifth Avenue) and it was wonderful - 70 works by 35 artists from 1980 to present.
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).
Museum of the City of New York
I really enjoy how this museum explores New York's past, present, and future. Their Gilded New York exhibit is spectacular - showcases elite New York in the late 19th and early 20th century.
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Curtain Up...
DANCE
Gotham Arts Exchange returns to the Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue) for its third season.
MUSIC
Through January 11
2014 Winter Jazz Fest
80 groups perform at a multitude of venues throughout the city.
Through January 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.
January 14 ChamberFest 2014
At the Juilliard School (60 Lincoln Center Plaza) featuring the school's many talented young performers.
January 14 through 24 Sutton Foster
One of my favorite performers returns to Café Carlyle (35 East 76th Street).
Through January 19
Christian McBride Big Band and Trio
At The Village Vanguard (178 Seventh Avenue South), renowned acoustic and electric bassist in the jazz world.
January 19 Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and
Distinguished Concerts Singers International
A musical celebration of life and liberty at Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue), the New York premiere of Requiem for the Living.
Metropolitan Opera
Visit the calendar and select from two outstanding operas: Donizetti's Elixir of Love and Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Although I've seen them both in past productions, I just purchased tickets to once again see the majestic Madame Butterfly.
THEATER & FILM
Through January 19 Under the Radar Festival At the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street), diverse performances from seven countries. Through January 23 New York Jewish Film Festival The 23rd annual festival at Lincoln Center, hosting an array of films, an exhibition, and a symposium. An unfinished play by Chekhov, filmed live at The Kitchen (512 West 19th Street) and broadcast at BAM. The play stars Homeland's Sarita Choudhury. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Stephen Sondheim Theatre - 124 West 43rd Street
Opening January 12th, I saw the preview and it was fantastic! Enjoyed following the career of a Brooklyn born singer/songwriter. Through May 25th. 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. MachinalNew 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. Outside Mullingar Samuel J. Friedman Theatre 261 West 47th Street
A favorite performer of mine, Debra Messing, stars in this Manhattan Theatre Club play by John Patrick Shanley, set in rural Ireland. If you enjoyed Doubt and Moonstruck as much as I did, you'll be highly entertained by Ms. Messing's performance as she convinces the audience that it's never too late to take a chance on love! Opens January 23rd, through March 16th.
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For the Foodie... Tribeca
This is the second week of neighborhood hot spots and this week I've gone downtown. Triangle Below Canal - Tribeca. Below are my 5 "new on the scene" restaurants in this trendy 'hood.
American Cut
363 Greenwich Street
(Franklin & Harrison St)
An outpost of their Atlantic City steakhouse, American Cut's dishes are curated by Iron Chef Marc Forgione (his second restaurant in Tribeca). Both food and spirits are surrounded by a modern setting with deco accents. Signature dishes are the Tomahawk Ribeye Chop (which three of us shared) and the Surf & Turf ChilI Lobster. A perfect spot for client entertaining!
China Blue
135 Watts Street (Greenwich & Washington St)
Authentic Chinese food in a Shanghai setting. Housed in the former space of Capsouto Ferres which sadly had to shut its doors after Hurricane Sandy. The décor is designed after Shanghai in the 1930s. Emphasis on seafood and foods with subtle flavors. Their dumplings and Sautéed Rice Cakes are favorites.
Distilled
211 West Broadway (White & Franklin St)
New American public house serving regional dishes and cocktails in a communal setting. The open kitchen and chef's counter adds to the comfortable feel of the restaurant. Start with their signature popcorn (which is amazing) and don't miss their burgers. We made sure that we ordered a healthy and delicious Kale and Carrot Salad.
Telepan Local
329 Greenwich Street (Jay & Duane St)
Tapas style American menu. A more casual outpost than its sister restaurant,
Telepan on the Upper West Side. This hip, farmhouse style design fits in perfectly with the expansive loft spaces in Tribeca. The grilled short ribs and shrimp poppers are two of their specialties.
The Butterfly
 225 West Broadway (at White St) Michelin starred chef Michael White's cocktail and superclub has a cozy, mid-century feel. The cuisine is a departure from White's Italian cooking, focusing more on comfort food, perfect for this wintry weather. Try the Reuben Croquettes, Patty Melt, and Butterflied Fried Chicken. Don't count calories when you venture to the Butterfly for the most amazing dishes!
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Wellness Tip: D etox in the New Year?
Here are 5 easy steps from Well + Good:
- Start your day with hot water and lemon
- Cut out sugar
- Go meatless for a few days
- Snack smart... for example, substitute kale chips for potato chips
- Get more sleep... repair your body, re-balance your skin and refresh your mind
IN THE CITY...
For those of you that can't get away to rejuvenate and relax, here are my top 5 picks for relaxation, without having to leave the city! Since most are housed in exquisite hotels, you'll feel like you've escaped...
Aire Ancient Baths
88 Franklin Street (at Church St)
Voted one of the 35 Best New Spas in the World by Conde Nast Traveler, it is a truly hidden gem in a subterranean cavern in Tribeca... all lit by candlelight. Aire offers the ultimate relaxation thermal experience, as well as enhancing your senses. Move throughout four pools ranging from fiery hot to icy cool temperatures. Your body and mind will come together as you reach a calming equilibrium.
Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa
The Plaza Hotel - 1 West 58th Street (5th & 6th Ave) A European spa setting in a timeless classic, The Plaza Hotel. Vino therapists lavish guests with treatments based on the combined benefits of wine and the grape. The first Caudalie Spa to open in an urban setting, rather than in a European vineyard. Try their other location at 315 Bleecker Street.
The Greenwich Hotel - 377 Greenwich Street (at North Moore St)
Shibui means low key, grounded beauty... a fitting description for this Asian sanctuary in Robert De Niro's downtown Greenwich Hotel. The New York Times states that "Shibui gives New Yorkers a reason not to go on vacation." I recommend their Elemental Well-Being Massage and Chinese Reflexology.
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
The Peninsula Hotel - 700 5th Avenue (at 55th St)
ESPA offers a combination of Asian and Ayurvedic philosophies. The technicians strive for holistic restoration. If you want to splurge, take a look at their "Escape from the City" treatment which includes massage, body wrap, facial, and lunch.
The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Hotel - 80 Columbus Circle (at 60th St)
Ancient and contemporary techniques, designed to bring balance to meet each individual's needs. The healing "Thai Yoga Experience" will make you feel renewed. Tranquility begins in their oriental tea lounge as you start your Zen-like experience.
OUT OF THE CITY... If you're looking for a weekend away, here are some of my favorite winter escapes for 2014. Year round destinations for overall enjoyment and wellness. Canyon Ranch
Lenox, MA
A world renowned all-inclusive luxury health resort in a classic New England setting. Their northeast spa location is centered in a historic mansion in Lenox, MA, just under 3 hours from the city. The only problem you'll have after checking in is narrowing down your selections of what to do during your stay. Choose from over 40 fitness classes, nutritional seminars and consider signing up for in-depth health packages. Their holistic integrative health center is among the top in the world.
 Mayflower Inn and Spa
Washington, CT
Nestled in the idyllic town of Washington, CT (2-hours from the city), this Relais & Châteaux resort offers five star accommodations and gourmet dining. Partake in their array of exceptional spa treatments, relax in their library, or stroll through the Steep Rock Nature Preserve. Whatever your pleasure, you'll feel completely renewed.
The Copperhood Retreat and SpaShandaken, NY From Zen morning meditation to gentle yoga in the evening, Copperhead Resort and Spa offers the perfect venue to unwind. A New York state Catskills boutique retreat that balances comfort and elegance, relaxation and fitness, gourmet and healthful dining. Juice fasting and ayurvedic treatments are examples of their wellness services. A place to indulge your senses and calm your spirit.
The Emerson Resort
Mt Tremper, NY
Located in the Catskills, ... award-winning Spa, delicious dining options, shopping, nearby hiking, skiing and local attractions. Also, one of my favorite features is the outdoor jacuzzi - nothing like getting into hot water while the air is brisk.
The Lodge at WoodlochHawley, PA
Poconos retreat located on 75 acres in the Pennsylvania lake region... a true respite for mind, body and spirit. Their farm-to-table culinary experience is outstanding, along with their spa experiences. Favorites of mine are the "Rosemary Awakening" massage and the "Lavender Garden Dream" treatment.
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