|
|
Weekly Snapshot 
I don't think there's ever been a springtime more welcome in our area than this one... at long last, warmer temps are on the way for winter-weary New Yorkers.
While it doesn't quite feel like Spring just yet, there are signs of new beginnings all around. Visit my Special Feature to get in the mood for the blooms of the season ahead.
Here's to hoping that the saying is right: "... in like a lion, out like a lamb."
* Update to this week's Foodie section
Norma Knows New York City
|
Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
|
See the below categories for my event picks for the
|
 General Events...
Through March 23 Architectural Digest Home Design Show
The best place to go for the latest ideas for your home or apartment. Each year I go on the last day and try to negotiate with the vendors to sell some of their products before they pack up. At Pier 94 (55th Street & 12th Avenue).
March 25 Touch of Fabulous Trunk ShowDresses, skirts and accessories are available at this Art-to-Wear trunk show at the Ana Cristea Gallery (521 West 26th Street). The pieces are striking and fresh, with bold patterns accentuating paintings by Great Masters like Michelangelo, Goya, and Rembrandt.  March 26 Wine & Wishes11th Annual Wine Tasting and Auction by the Make-A-Wish Foundation at Pier 60 (Chelsea Piers, 23rd Street). I don't post many philanthropic events, but every now and then I'll include one that is near and dear to my heart!"Mental Athletes" from around the country compete at the Con Edison Grand Auditorium (4 Irving Place). Brain-breaking events include the memorization of a string of 500 random numbers or two decks of shuffled cards. Free admission; the winner will represent the USA at the World Memory Championships in the Fall of 2014.
EARLY EVENT ALERTS:
April 3 to 5 2014 Women in the World Summit  This annual summit centers on live storytelling with inspiring women and men from around the world. This year's participants include Meryl Streep, The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Tina Brown, Jon Stewart, former President Jimmy Carter, Sarah Silverman, and Diane von Furstenberg. April 24 & 25 THRIVE: A Third Metric Live EventHosted by Mika Brzezinski, Ariana Huffington, and Julianne Moore. Join leaders from entertainment, fashion, politics, health care, and technology to hear how they discovered a Third Metric to measuring their achievements beyond money and power.
|
Cultural Pursuits...
Through March 22 Asia Week
Celebrate Asian Art at 19 museums and cultural institutions throughout New York City. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue), where all of the Asian Art galleries will be open for viewing.
Through March 29 Pat Steir
A prominent NYC gallery, Cheim & Read (547 West 25th Street), features contemporary artists in painting, sculpture and photography. This month, view the works of Pat Steir, a NYC artist.
 Through March 30
New Directors/New Film12 days of films from new faces in film. Past festivals have featured Spike Lee, Pedro Almodovar, and Steven Spielberg... so you know they will be good! Most of the films are being shown at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street) and MoMA PS1 (Long Island City).  Through April 1 Peter Arnell
Arnell's first gallery show, assisted by his close friend, the iconic Frank Gehry (who will design and curate his exhibition). Photographs from 1984 to the present will be on display at the Milk Gallery (450 West 15th Street)... a 30 year retrospective of his photography.Lance Clayton Clayton's first solo show opens at the Robin Rice Gallery (325 West 11th Street). The inspiration for his pieces is primarily in dreams... they are meant to conjure the realms of your imagination. Through April 27th.
The Little Prince: A New York Story
At the Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Avenue); this is a story that I know is familiar to so many of us. Twenty-five manuscript pages on hand to view, along with personal letters and photographs from Saint-Exupéry's
collection. Through April 27th.
Other Primary Structures
The first of a two part exhibit at The Jewish Museum (1109 Fifth Avenue). A major exhibition of Global 1960s sculptures, based on Minimalism, which was a radical approach at the time. Through May 18th.
Morgan Library and Museum A debut of photography at the Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Avenue) as a curatorial focus at the Morgan. Through May 18th.
Bill Cunningham: Facades One of my favorite NYC photographers, the legendary Bill Cunningham previews "Fashion as Cultural History" in one of my favorite museums, the New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West). You're in for a treat as you view the architectural riches and fashion history of our city. Through June 15th. Jasper Johns: Regrets  Just opened last week at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street), this is one of the most influential artists of our time... and he is still creating at 83 years of age! The exhibition highlights works of his past year and a half. I am in awe of what he has recently accomplished! Through September 1st.
|
.
Curtain Up...
MUSIC & DANCE
Stars from Wicked and the Book of Mormon celebrate Broadway's most popular songs from past to present at Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue).
Through March 22
March 27 Hearts and Lights
If you missed seeing the Rockettes in their annual Christmas spectacular, you have another opportunity to see this high energy ensemble dazzle its audience with flawless choreography. "Heart and Lights," at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Avenue), is a limited-run performance featuring two cousins who take a bite out of the Big Apple! In previews March 27th to April 2th. Opens April 3rd through May 4th.
Through March 29 The xx
Intimacy at the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue) with the performances of a popular English indie band, The xx, that is mesmerizing its audience.
March 29 The Music of Paul Simon
Order tickets now for this tribute to one of the greats. Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue) performance will feature Richard Marx and Judy Collins to name a few.
Through March 30
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Go online to get tickets to a performance at David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center)... one of my favorite dance groups.
FILM Through March 26 Under the InfluenceA must see! Scorsese (one of my favorite directors) collaborates with Raoul Walsh, another director. BAM will project six of his pictures with inspiration from Walsh. Under the Influence: Writers on Film Series at the Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street) includes a film screening and discussion with the writer. March 26th features a classic, Rear Window... if you're busy on the 26th, you can still catch their weekly Sunday Night Film Club which is dinner and a movie - this Sunday will be 12 Years a Slave! Tickets are now on sale for the most anticipated local film festival!
THEATER & COMEDY
Through March 22 Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
An explosively powerful drama at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) about the tragedies of war, the cost of freedom and the heartbreak of love.
Through March 23 NYC Improv Festival
Third annual festival presented by the Peoples Improv Theater (123 East 24th Street) - a celebration of improvisation from all across the world.
 Through March 23 The Architecture of Becoming
Women's Project Theater presents this world premiere; the ghost of an opera diva erupts from the shadows of NYC Center (151 West 55th Street). Expect history and mystery!
Through March 23 Love and Information
A New York Theater workshop play, performed at the Minetta Lane Theater (18 Minetta Lane). Renowned playwright, Caryl Churchill, delivers a fast paced play of more than 100 characters, as they each try to make sense of what they will find out.
 March 24 Mothers and Sons
I had the pleasure of seeing this play in its previews at The Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The show by four-time Tony award winning playwright, Terrance McNally stars Tony and Emmy award winner Tyne Daily in a remarkable performance.
A compassionate and touching look of forgiveness and the evolving definition of family.
If/Then The Musical
A favorite performer of mine, Idina Menzel of Wicked, stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide. At the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street).
Tales from Red Vienna
Now in previews, opening night is on March 18th. The story portrays a young woman who has lost her husband in WWI and is forced to turn to prostitution to survive. The show is remarkable! You might remember the star, Nina Arianda, who starred in the powerful sexy role in "Venus in Fur." At New York City Center (131 West 55th Street).
The Realistic Joneses
Marisa Tomei, Toni Collette, and Michael C. Hall star in this comical show which asks the question, "what do you really know about your neighbors?" Now in previews, opening night on April 6th at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street).
Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
|
For the Foodie... SoHo
These three new on the scene restaurants are all small jewels in SoHo, a trendy neighborhood of fine dining, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Charlie Bird  Italian Cuisine 5 King Street (at 6th Avenue) "Italian influenced, American executed." Charlie Bird means downtown NYC to the owners... street art, design and music. I first heard about this spot while in Florence, Italy from Peggy Markel, an outstanding chef who offers culinary adventures. Eclectic atmosphere, energetic servers, and terrific food. Try the Blood Orange Salad, Gnocchi and Roasted Chicken. The panna cotta is a must for dessert. L ittle Prince French Cuisine 199 Prince Street (Sullivan & Charlton Streets) A cozy French bistro hot spot. Floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting banquettes offer intimate dining at its finest. Francophiles will think they're in Paris. The Mussels and Steak au Poivre are outstanding and the French Onion Soup is the best I've ever had! Seafood 137 Sullivan Street (Prince & Houston Streets) 
Housed in the former Jean Claude space, Navy was recently opened by the partners of Smith and Mills in Tribeca. Another small, yet inviting space reminiscent of WWII maritime décor. There's something for the eye to see in every nook and cranny. Excellent seafood and vegetables; I enjoyed the raw bar and Crispy Sweet Potatoes. The menu changes daily and all of the fish dishes are fresh and expertly prepared.
Foodie Events & Features:
Estancia 460 (460 Greenwich Street, Tribeca) is toasting the new season with wines from all over Spain. Stop by for flights and a taste of Spain. Then in April, cocktail magician Tom Richter-from the Beagle and The John Dory-will make surprise appearances and mix special Sherry cocktails. Come for the wine, and stay for a delicious dinner! The Connecting KitchenCertified Health Coach Katy Howard works with families to incorporate healthy, wholesome, clean eating into their lifestyles... without the added stress that can come along with it. Menu Planning, Farmer's Market Shopping, and In-Home Cooking, all personalized to your needs. |
Special Feature...
How do I know it's spring?
Below are just a few signs that Spring is here: - It's lighter out later in the evening.
- Many baseball fields are now open.
- Parks are getting ready by performing lots of pruning.
- I walked along the High Line and in Central Park and saw so many buds!
- Gemma and other local restaurants are teasing us with outdoor tables.
- The Delacorte Music Clock in Central Park is playing springtime tunes.
Springtime Events:  The annual college basketball tournament is in full swing with the second round currently going on. Hope you got your brackets in!
NY Mets Opening Day is March 31st and Yankees April 7th, but the league opens
with a series in Sydney, Australia between the Dodgers and the D-backs.
March 23 Macy's Flower Show
The true sign of spring! Visit the main floor of Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street) for a taste of spring. Then you can take home the magic of The Secret Garden with totes, tees & more in the Macy's Souvenir Shop.
The New York Botanical Garden's annual show - pay special attention to Orchid Evenings
on Saturdays in March and April: music and cocktails surrounded by beautiful flowers.
|
|
