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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
As the saying goes... April showers bring May flowers!
In addition to flowers, there is plenty blooming in New York City. With Mother's Day on the 11th, I'm devoting this week to NYC Moms!
Memorable Gifts... Favorite florists, photography sessions, jewelers, and sweet treat spots.
Brunch Spots... My top picks for uptown and downtown dining so you can make reservations early.
Spend the Day with Mom... Cooking classes, chocolate tastings, boat cruise.
Visit last week's Snapshot for my top Day Spa Retreats to give mom the gift of relaxation!
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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 General Events...
May 3 & 4 Wine in the Native Plant Garden
Wine tastings, wine pairings, workshops, and tours... the first of The New York Botanical Garden's Spring Festivals.
May 3 & 4 Prada's Driving Collection Event
 Stop into the Madison Avenue store (742 5th Avenue) and view the styles and spring colors of this chic brand. May 4 TD Five Boro Bike Tour
For those that are not runners, another way to tour all the boroughs.
May 5 Cinco de Mayo!
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Cultural Pursuits...
May 1 to 4 Spring Masters
At the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue), an international art and design fair featuring a design by architect Rafael Viñoly that reimagines the visual impact, layout, and experience of the fair.
May 1 ar*chi*tec*ton*ic
The curated exhibition at Site109 (109 Norfolk Street) features the works of British artists, Painter Andy Burgess, and Photographer Tom Leighton. The artists use strong architectural lines and vibrant colors in their work to create compelling compositions. Through May 31st.
May 2 to 6 Pablo Picasso's Portrait de femme
Impressionist and modern art exhibition sponsored by Christie's, on view at the 20 Rockefeller Plaza location.
Through May 4 Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris
The iconic photographs of 19th century Paris photographer, Charles Marville, are being showcased at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue).
May 8 Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Opening at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue); an exquisite exhibition showcasing James' sculptural and scientific approach to the creation of his ball gowns. Through August 10th.
May 8 to 11 Downtown Fair
Modern and contemporary art fair at the Downtown Armory (68 Lexington Avenue). 
May 8 to 11 PULSE New York
Contemporary Art Fair at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street). Thoughtfully curated exhibitions for your viewing pleasure.
May 9 to 12 Frieze Art Fair An all day annual event at Randall's Island that features art from over 190 local galleries.
May 13 Multiple Exposures: Jewelry and Photography
The exhibit at The Museum of Art and Design (2 Columbus Circle) showcases how contemporary jewelry artists transform images in this digital age. Through September 14th. Through May 14 Carrie Mae Weems: Three Decades of Photography and Video At the Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Avenue), Carrie's exhibit focuses on work, age, gender, and class. Through May 25 Whitney Biennial 2014 View an impressive lineup of outside curators at the Whitney Museum of American Art (945 Madison Avenue). J ean-Michel Basquiat Drawing22 works on paper and two paintings from the collection of Herbert and Lenore Schorr, who were the artist's devoted collectors, supporters, and friends. At the Acquavella Galleries (18 East 79th Street). Through June 13th.
Bill Cunningham: Facades One of my top 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.
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.
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Curtain Up... 
New York City BalletThe spring season opened on April 29th at the David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center).
See Kristin take over the Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue) stage.
May 5 to 10 Spring for Music Festival
 This annual event at Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue) will feature a world renowned orchestra each evening.
May 7 to 9 Lyon Opera Ballet
The Lyon Opera Ballet is a leading force in contemporary dance; performances at BAM in Brooklyn.
May 9 Billy Joel
You can still purchase tickets for this one-night performance at Madison Square Garden (4 Pennsylvania Plaza).
May 9 Dancing in the Grand Ballrooms: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland OrchestraCole Porter and Frank Sinatra come to life at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater (155 West 65th Street). Join Michael Aranella and His Dreamland Orchestra as they present a period of music, dance and fashion from the 20s through the 50s...paying tribute to the golden age of big bands, jazz, and swing in NYC.
THEATER & FILM:
May 4 Sunday Night Film Club: A Short History of Decay
Dinner and movie for $55 per person at The Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street). Enjoy dinner and cocktails in The Crosby Bar, then at 8pm, the movie screening.
May 7 to 11 Irma La DouceThe Classic play premiers at the New York City Center (131 West 55th Street). It is a delightful tale of a Parisian lady "of the evening" and the law student who falls in love with her. Get your tickets early since there are only 7 performances.
Starring two performers you will recognize... Megan Mullally (Will and Grace) and her real life husband, Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) star in a show about a couple separated and reunited - their reunion, charged by rage and compassion, brings back the worst and best of their former bond. At The Acorn Theatre (410 West 42nd Street) through June 1st.
Here Lies Love
This musical retraces the journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos from her rise to power to her descent into infamy. The show at The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) blends the passion of politics with heart-pounding dance beats. Through June 21st.
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?" At the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) through July 6th, it has been getting rave reviews.
Cabaret
I experienced the most amazing New York evening the other night seeing Cabaret at Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street). Both Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams are show-stoppers, and the Kit-Cat band is superb! A magnificent revival with performances through July 11th.
Of Mice and Men
A limited engagement of the revived literary Steinbeck classic. Actors James Franco, Chris O'Dowd, and Leighton Meester make their Broadway debuts in this emotional American Depression-era tale. At the Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street) through July 27th.
Bullets Over Broadway
Famed Woody Allen film hits Broadway at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). Marin Mazzie and Zach Braff
knocked it out of the park! The musical comedy is loaded with laughs and colorful characters. Through September 28th.
Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie... Mother's Day Brunch
From complimentary Cosmopolitans and Prosecco to special brunch menus for mom, these are my picks for Mother's Day Brunch.
Downtown:
Bobo
Italian Cuisine
181 West 10th Street (at 7th Avenue South)
Cocotte
French Cuisine
110 Thompson Street (Prince & Spring Streets)
County
New American Cuisine
34 East 20th Street (Broadway & Park Avenue)
Recette
French Cuisine
328 West 12th Street (Hudson & Washington Streets)
Uptown:
Crown
New American Cuisine
24 East 81st Street (5th & Madison Avenues)
Or... take a short trip out of the city and head to Wave Hill in the Bronx for mimosas and brunch - the Morel Mushroom & Caramelized Leeks Frittata sounds divine!
GENERAL FOOD EVENTS:
May 2 Broadway French Market
Reopens for the season on Broadway between 35th & 36th Streets. Selling local produce, it is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays near Bryant Park. Managed by Bensidoun, the world's premiere operator of French style markets.
May 2 through 30 Madison Square Eats
Annual event in Madison Square Park (5th Avenue between 24th & 25th Streets) featuring some of NYC's most popular restaurants and food vendors including Momofuku Milkbar, Roberta's Pizza, and Red Hook Lobster Pound.
May 6 Antinori Wine Dinner
David Burke at Bloomingdale's "Burke in the Box" is offering a four course wine dinner. An added feature will be that Antinori wines will be paired with each course. Having recently come back from a visit to the new spectacular Antinori Winery in Tuscany, I definitely plan to go.
May 7 New York Choice Streets Food Truck Event
From 7-11pm at Pier 86 on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (at 47th Street), the 3rd annual Choice Streets Food Truck tasting event is set amid the backdrop of this NYC landmark. Food, complimentary drinks, a free tour of the Intrepid ship, and amazing views of the city!
May 12 Open MarketA celebration of the Meatpacking District. Co-chairs Diane Von Furstenberg and André Balazs will be joined by a host committee of the who's-who of the Meatpacking District and beyond. Shop sample sales from the best designers, eat and drink the greatest food, and play at local hot spots. Purchase tickets.
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CREATE MEMORIES:
Marisa Erin Photography
Love. Wonder. Curiosity. Joy. Create a special jewel-like moment to tell the story of you and mom.
BAUBLES & BANGLES:
 Jennifer Fisher 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 904 (Prince & Jersey St) From a collection of over 4,000 charms and initial-engraved disks, to elaborate crests and pave diamond skulls, all pieces are made to order by jewelry designer, Jennifer Fisher. Schedule an appointment to visit her SoHo showroom. Check out her recently launched new color MOMMA in honor of Mother's Day. Jennifer creates a "casual edge" for her clients. Her collection will accessorize both uptown and downtown moms! Gilded Lace Check website for retail locations
Antique vintage lace brought back to life by Monika Knutson! 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. Monika combines her passion for antique vintage clothing and jewelry. Her pieces are feminine but compliment all types of clothing.
MEMORABLE GIFTS:
Diptyque
377 Bleecker Street (Charles & Perry St)
Pick up one of their recently launched fragrances in celebration of Mother's Day - "Eau de Lavande" and "Geranium Odorata."
MoMA Store11 West 53rd Street (5th & 6th Avenues) I always love to step into this shop... although sometimes I can never pry myself out! All types of unique gifts for not only the art lover, but anyone that likes an interesting item. 
I LOVE NEW YORK for Mothers
Perfect for mom, a fragrance specifically for her from Bond No. 9 (9 Bond Street). Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder
Arianna Huffington's book is a great gift to motivate and inspire mom to redefine what it means to be successful in today's world. SAY IT WITH FLOWERS:  Emily Thompson Flowers 142 Beekman Street
Exquisite floral in the still-recovering Seaport District. Custom designs for any occasion... they even do custom party favors and calligraphy for special events.
Jane Packer Flowers
328 East 59th Street
Following the success of their stores and schools in London, Japan, and Korea... New York had to be next. Their store is beautiful and their contemporary arrangements are sure to please mom. I plan to take one of their upcoming flower making classes (another great gift for mom).
SWEET TREATS:
 L'Aduree
864 Madison Avenue Macarons to die for... the original French ones. Many try to imitate but nothing matches Ladurée!
La Maison du Chocolat 1018 Madison Avenue With boutiques in Paris, Cannes, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, you can't miss this authentic spot. They have 4 locations in Manhattan, but the UES is my favorite.
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Spend the Day with Mom
Aire Spa88 Franklin Street This spanish bath house's first US location has 3 stories of relaxation where only 25 visitors are allowed every 2 hours. Candlelit atmosphere, 350-jet jacuzzi, and a warm salt pool a la Dead Sea. Take a trip to zen with mom. Visit last week's Snapshot for more Day Spa recommendations.  Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar1 Seventh Avenue What better way to celebrate the day than at a spot where wine and chocolates are at the forefront! A true gem in the West Village... try their chocolate martinis, or savory cheese and chocolate truffles. May 4 Listen to Your MotherPart of a 32-city series of live staged readings held nationwide in honor of Mother's Day, this 3rd annual New York City production features prominent local writers and performers telling their own tales of motherhood. At the Peter J. Sharp Theater (155 West 6th Street). May 8 Pre-Mother's day Tea & Chocolate PairingsLearn the history of both chocolate and tea, then enjoy the combination of the pairings. Sample 4 teas paired with 5 chocolates and discuss the specifics of what makes them work well together... at Press Tea (167 7th Avenue)
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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May 11 
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