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Weekly Snapshot
As the winter blues are finally breaking, the itch to flee the city is upon us. We could all use a change of scenery and a little adventure to keep the spring in our step. My Special Feature includes locations within driving distance of the city so you can take in that fresh country air and enjoy the first blooms of the season.
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...
March 29 NYC Craft Distillers FestivalIn its first year, twenty curated craft distillers come together at the Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery). Jazz Age aficionados will enjoy the music of a 1920s jazz band.
March 29 17th Annual USA Memory Championship "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. 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 3 to 6 Affordable Art Fair A four day event showcasing 78 galleries at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street). Paintings, sculptures, print and photographs are on display from both emerging and established artists. April 4 to 6 Art Expo Art publishers, gallery owners and artists from around the globe create an exhibit of fine art and design at Pier 94 (54th Street & Hudson River). Through April 6 Macy's Flower Show 
The other day I went to the Secret Garden on Macy's main floor (151 West 34th Street). This English garden is a botanical bonanza! A perfect tribute to the start of spring.
EARLY EVENT ALERT:
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.
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Cultural Pursuits...
March 26  Palaces for the People
Spanish immigrant Guastavinos' contribution in tile is seen in some of America's greatest public spaces. View his works at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue). Through September 7th.
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.  Group Exhibition of New WorksVisit the Arcadia Contemporary Gallery in SoHo (51 Greene Street) Arcadia means 'a real or imaginary place offering peace and simplicity...' all of the works in this exhibit show real life with a twist that will make you think. Through April 22nd.
A debut of photography at the Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Avenue) as a curatorial focus at the Morgan. Through May 18th.
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.
Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe 
A truly amazing exhibit that I was fortunate to view during its installation at the Guggenheim (1071 Fifth Avenue) - Italian futurism from its inception to its demise in World War II. Through September 1st.
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.
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Curtain Up...
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
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
Go online to get tickets to a performance at David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center)... one of my favorite dance groups.April 3 to 24 Arabella
At the Metropolitan Opera (Lincoln Center Plaza), Strauss' three act comedic opera, set in Vienna, portrays the age old tale of the conflict of marrying for love or money.
THEATER:
March 28 The Library
Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven) returns to the stage to direct The Library. A cold and chilling world premier that asks us to examine our relationship to the truths and lies that profess to heal us. I've just purchased a block of tickets for this much anticipated play at The Public Theater (425 Lafayette). Through April 27th. April 2 Selected Shorts:
Lydia Davis and Jonathan Franzen Although orchestra seats are sold out, balcony seats are still available. Readings and discussion from iconic authors Lydia Davis and Jonathan Franzen, author of Corrections and Freedom. Readers include Edie Falco! At Symphony Space (2537 Broadway). Additional readings on April 23rd, May 21st, and June 11th. 
April 6 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). Through July 6th.
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. Through June 8th. Tickets are now on sale for the most anticipated local film festival! Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie... Chelsea Below are my top New on the Scene restaurants in the hip neighborhood of Chelsea... one of the art meccas of the city, full of galleries, and home to The Highline and the Chelsea Market.
Cull and Pistol  Seafood & Oyster Bar
75 Ninth Avenue between 15th & 16th Streets Housed in the hip urban Chelsea Market and opened by the team behind The Lobster Place, they serve the freshest seafood and has a great raw bar. Try the Seared Scallops and Clam Chowder. Afterwards stroll through one of my favorite markets in the city.
Modernized Diner Food  10 Tenth Avenue between
22nd & 23rd StreetsThis iconic diner has been remodeled into a retro eatery, reminiscent of Hollywood history with its chic art deco décor. With chef Amanda Freitag (of Chopped) at the helm, I couldn't wait to go. Favorites are the Fish & Chips and Patty Melt. Reasonable prices for whatever you choose.
Toro 
Tapas/Small Plates
85 Tenth Avenue between
15th & 16th StreetsExpansive floor-to-ceiling windows, industrial chic decor with views of the Hudson. Best in the city Spanish tapas (Barcelona style) created by co-owner and chef Ken Oringer of Boston. Besides a variety to select from, I also recommend the Paella Valenciana. A variety of gin and tonics are their specialties, along with Sangria that is served on tap!
Foodie Events:
March 31 The Manhattan Slur - Apotheke Slow Food's monthly happy hour at Apotheke (9 Doyers Street). A free event, open to everyone, I enjoy visiting this modern day Speakeasy themed after an old school pharmacy. The drink mixes are sure to cure what ails you... as they are all called "Prescriptions." April 2 Taste of Sonoma - On TourTaste over 200 wines from 50 wineries in Sonoma County. Experience the flavor of the area at City Winery (155 Varick Street).
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! |
Special Feature...Spring Getaways
Mohonk Mountain House 
New Palz, NY (90 miles from NYC)
"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. Check out their Spa-Cation package, as well as their Seasonal Specials.
North Fork Table & Inn
Southhold, Long Island (90 miles from NYC)
Owned and operated by a pair of Manhattan culinary stars... chef Gerry Hayden of Aureole, and his wife, Claudia Fleming of the Gramercy Tavern. Both deciding that they needed to migrate out of the city, the duo team selected the country setting of Southhold, on the North Fork of Long Island. Expect impeccable service at the restaurant and inn, both offering their customers year-round service in this charming neighborhood. Before you return home, stop by the Tasting Room wine boutique next door and choose from a selection of over 50 wines from nearby vineyards. 
Ocean House
Watch Hill, RI (140 miles from of NYC)
An iconic New England seaside resort. Summer is the peak visiting time, but visit in the spring when the air is still crisp, the ocean breeze is refreshing, the flowers are blooming, and the quaint town is waiting to greet you with open arms. Check out their events calendar for what's going on... "Farm & Vine" dinners, movie nights, and live music... Winvian Morris, CT (90 miles from NYC) An extraordinary getaway amidst 113 acres, housed in a Relais & Chateaux Hotel and beautifully appointed cottages with unique themes (like the Treehouse, Beaver Lodge, and Log Cabin). Experience outstanding cuisine, and indulge in spa treatments, along with an array of seasonal activities. I enjoyed it all, and took time to relax in their spa! Stop by nearby Kent... a quaint New England Village - a town with magnificent scenery, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Check out their Spring Packages on their website.
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