June 20, 2014

Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
      

This Saturday marks the much anticipated summer solstice; it is the longest day of the year and the official kick-off to the season. In addition to the coming week's events, I've included my favorite outdoor (al fresco) dining spots! Taste great food and take part in one of the most popular NYC pastimes... people watching... all while enjoying the warm breeze.   

 


Visit past Weekly Snapshots for all of my Summer Features:
 
 
  
  

   Norma Knows New York City

What's
What's in this issue?  
General Events 
Cultural Pursuits
Curtain Up 
For the Foodie
Special Feature: Al Fresco Dining
Click here for previous Weekly Snapshots.

 

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 GeneralGeneral Events...       

       

 
The High Line's 5th Anniversary 

The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues and I remember when it first opened. This Saturday (June 21st), visit for a free bluegrass concert to celebrate the beginning of summer.

  

Woolworth Building Tours

Tour the iconic Woolworth building that was constructed in 1913.  After being closed for a period of 12 years, visit this architectural landmark.

 

June 22 & 26 
Central Park Sunset Tour
This is not only perfect for the visitor, but also for the New Yorker like myself.  Besides touring the historic spots such as Strawberry Fields and Tavern on the Green (and of course movie locations), the expert guides showed us hidden gems and told us facts that I never knew about my favorite city in the world!  Various dates available through July 13th.



June 21
The Mermaid Parade
Visit Coney Island for the largest parade in the nation.  Over 1,500 creative individuals celebrate ancient mythology.  Then grab a famous hot dog at Nathan's Famous and ride the Cyclone for the true Coney Island experience!

June 22  Solstice in Times Square
MINDBODY Sol at the New York Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway)
. A full day of indoor classes to nurture yourself and stay centered. From yoga to meditation, I will attend a few of these classes.

June 24   Film for All:  When Harry Met Sally 
Last month as part of AT&T's Film For All Campaign, AT&T asked members of the public to Tweet the film they thought all New Yorkers should see. One of my all-time favorites won and you can all watch a free screening... there will be one in each burrough!  Manhattanites head to Solar One (23rd Street & the East River).  Visit the websites for the other locations.
 

Lenox Hill Hospital presents this special event at the Residences at W New York - Downtown (123 Washington Street).

 

Through July 13   FIFA World Cup 
Here are 2 more spots to go watch the games:
Visit last week's Snapshot for a few more...
  • Sweetwater Social
    643 Broadway (West 3rd & Bleecker St)
    Celebrate the games with a subway-themed drink menu, a foosball game, and tabletop shuffleboard! With a soccer-loving owner, you're sure to feel right at home.
  • Haven Rooftop
    Sanctuary Hotel - 132 West 47th Street (6th & 7th Ave)
    Watch the Cup games while enjoying beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline; they will also be serving $10 Caipirinhas in honor of Brazil!
        
CulturalCultural Pursuits...      
    
Through June 29  American Legends: From Calder to O'Keefe

There's still time to see this exhibit featuring exquisite art from masters from the first half of the century. Paintings from one of my other favorite artists, Jasper Jons, will also be on view at The Whitney (945 Madison Avenue). 

  

 

Burning Bright... Tiger, tiger
A captivating group exhibition of renowned artists. Through July 31st at the Stux Gallery (24 West 57th Street).

Charles James: Beyond Fashion 

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.    

 

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.   

  

Kara Walker's "A Subtlety"

Kara Walker says goodbye to one of the last remaining warehouses in Brooklyn, the Domino Sugar Factory through an installation of magnificent sculptures. Through July 6th at the Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

 

Lygia Clark: The Abandonment of Art, 1948-1988 

Over 300 of her drawings, paintings and sculptures from the 1940s through the 1990s on display at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street) through August 24th.     

   

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.        

 

 

ON THE RADAR:
 
June 27  Garry Winogrand Retrospective  

Gary Winogrand, renowned  NYC street photographer, will exhibit over 175 of his iconic images and unseen prints at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue).  This is his first exhibit in twenty five years.

 

 June 27  Jeff Koons: A Retrospective 

The Whitney Museum (945 Madison Avenue) presents this exhibit by the most controversial artist of the post war period.  This is his first major museum presentation in NYC. Through October 19th.

 

July 23 to 26  Limited Runs Marilyn Monroe Photographs 

Limited Runs is hosting a traveling exhibition of rare, never before published Marilyn Monroe photographs. The show recently launched in LA and will travel to San Francisco before wrapping up here in NYC this summer at SUMO Contemporary Art Gallery (37 Walker Street).  The show includes photographs by Thomas "Doc" Kaminski, Allan "Whitey" Snyder, Milton Greene, Lani Carlson, and Mischa Pelz.

 
.  
CurtainCurtain Up...      
 
MUSIC & DANCE:    
 
June 20 & 27  Sunset on the Hudson
Free live music on the Hudson (Pier 45 - at Christopher St) by local artists.

 

June 21  Make Music New York 

A live, free musical celebration on the longest day of the year. Over 1,300 concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the five boroughs.   

 

Through June 22  Alvin Alley Dance Theater

A spectacular evening of dance by both established and young dancers, along with the most noted choreographers, at the David H. Koch Theatre (Lincoln Center).

 

 

   

June 23  Metropolitan Opera in the Park

One of the summer events I look forward to every year in Central Park! Get your friends together and bring a blanket and snacks and feast your ears on the music of the Met! 

   

June 24  Midsummer Nights Swing

Through July 12 at Lincoln Center, this is one of my favorite events of the summer.  New York City's best dance party under the stars.  Whether you're a seasoned dancer or novice, you'll sample salsa, swing and  an array of other dances. I look forward to the 26th, when the music of ABBA will be featured.

 

June 24  Washington Square Music Festival

Live music in the park from Baroque to Modern...  

 

June 24 & 25  Elvis Costello

Carnegie Hall (57th Street & 7th Avenue) debut of famed singer and songwriter, Elvis Costello. He will be performing two solo shows..."The Last Year of My Youth." 


June 25  Madison Square Park Oval Lawn Series

Head to Madison Square Park for free live music every Wednesday night through August 6th. 

 

June 26  Jazz Age Evening 

While at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden, be sure to enjoy the scheduled evening performances with a complimentary cocktail.  Also July 24th and August 21st.

 

June 26  Summer in the Square  

More free music Thursday nights through August 7th in Union Square.

 

June 26  Stars of Tomorrow

Students from Mannes College The New School for Music play classical music on the Hudson on Pier 45 (at Christopher St).     

 

Through June 29  BAMcinemaFest 

In its sixth year, BAMcinemaFest introduces New York audiences to an eclectic lineup of top Indie American and world cinema.


Through June 29  River to River Festival
The festival collaborates with the Night of the Museum in extending hours to all of the city's downtown museums on the 21st. Check the schedule for events.


Through June 30  Blue Note Jazz Festival 
In its fourth year, showcasing over 150 premier artists at more than 15 venues throughout the city. Visit their website to find your favorite artist.

Through July 5  American Ballet Theatre
The Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center) has begun!  From Cinderella to Don Quixote... Performances through July 5th.

 
THEATER:
 
Through June 22  The Players Theatre Short Play Festival

An intimate setting for only 50 viewers is the perfect setting for this festival at The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street), "Only in New York."   Each week the festival will feature works of 5 different playwrights presenting their own unique tales inspired by NYC.

  

June 22 through 29  The Old Woman

At Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), you won't recognize the chameleons portraying the two staring roles.  Oscar nominated William Dafoe and international ballet superstar, Mikhail Baryshnikov, are a dapper odd couple in comedic roles. 

 

Through June 29  All the Way
The Tony Award Winner for Best Play! 
Bryan Cranston has Golden Globes and Emmy awards for "Breaking Bad," now he adds a Tony to the list for Best Performance by a Lead Actor. Cranston's expert performance portrays one of the most controversial presidents of the 20th century...LBJ.
At the Neil Simon Theater (250 West 52nd Street).   
     

After Midnight

Broadway's Cotton Club musical and Tony Award Winner for Best Choreography!  I was fortunate to see Patti LaBelle in a featured role.  Get ready for Gladys Knight who will be performing from July 8th to August 3rd. The show is a combination of the big hits from Duke Ellington's band and the best dancing on Broadway! Through August 31st at Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street).  

   

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 

If you enjoyed Jersey Boys as much as I did, you'll be equally entertained watching this musical that follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to those well-known hits as a top recording artist. Through November 16th at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street).  The show took home 2 Tonys - Best Sound Design and Jessie Mueller won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.

Brits Off Broadway
Annual festival of British theater in NYC.  Check the website for a play that will pique your interest. Through June 29th at the 59 East 59 Theater.

Buyer & Cellar
At the Barrow Street Theater (27 Barrow Street) through August 31st.  An outrageous comedy about the price of fame as an LA actor goes to work in Barbra Streisand's basement.   You'll soon see why this is the longest running off-Broadway comedy. 
 

  

Cabaret  

I experienced the most amazing New York evening recently when I saw 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.

  

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).  Through October 12th.         

 

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 Tony award winning playwright, Terrance McNally, stars Tony and Emmy award winner Tyne Daily in a remarkable performance.  A compassionate and touching look at the evolving definition of family. Through June 29th. 


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.
    
Shakespeare in the Park:  Much Ado About Nothing

It's worth standing in line at The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park West) for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale. You may recognize Hamish Linklater as Benedick. Through July 6th... and later this summer, King Lear!  

 

Under My Skin 

For those of you that have enjoyed movies like Working Girl and Big, you'll enjoy this uproarious comedy. Through a twist of fate, a successful yet arrogant business man and a single mother switch bodies thanks to the help of an angel...seeing things from the "other side."  Through July 6th at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street).     

 
Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.     
 

        

ON THE RADAR: 

I know it's summer when SummerStage begins in Central Park!  Free outdoor concerts all summer. I will highlight my favorites as the season continues. Through August 23rd.    

 

 

Foodie
For the Foodie...

  

Starting next week I'll write up two New and Notable dining spots each week.  

 

June 21  The Bon Appétit Grub Crawl   
Jump from place to place on the Lower East Side or in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. "Eat, Drink + Crawl."

   

June 21  New Amsterdam Market  

Their next market features vendors in every food category.  Purchase tickets for their June 23rd American Catch Night Market and Fundraiser. 

June 21 to 28  Rose Week 

Isola Trattoria, one of the most picturesque restaurants in the city (housed in SoHo's Mondrian hotel - 9 Crosby Street), is featuring Rose Week. Sample Italian-inspired food pairings as you sip premium Rose wines. There will even be an Italian brunch that I plan to attend.


June 25  Bryant Park BBQ with 'wichcraft
 
Celebrate summer at Bryant Park's barbecue from 7-10pm, sponsored by Edible Manhattan, 'witchcraft, and Whole Foods.


June 26  Andaz Wall Street Farmers Market 

A sure sign of summer is the return of the Andaz Wall Street Farmers Market.  Shop fresh produce and sample food from the hotel's restaurant every Thursday.


Through June 30 
Sud de France Festival

For New York Foodies... with some diverse events for learning, and others for sheer enjoyment.  Concerts, wine tasting, seminars and local restaurant events.

 

 

Through June 30th.  Discover Italy: A Summer Regional Wine Series   

Discover the flavors and wines of Italy without leaving the city!  A summer wine series is being presented by Abboccato restaurant (136 West 55th Street), showcasing wines and savory bites from Sicily in June. Then in July, they will feature Tuscany and the Piedmont region in August.    

 

SPECIAL FEATURE... Al Fresco DiningFeature
 

26 East 64th Street (Madison & Fifth Ave)

Sibling to downtown's Savore, this Tuscan-inspired restaurant experience begins as you enter the lovely brownstone. Outdoor dining space is also available in an enclosed garden. A contemporary and hip feel...a true neighborhood gem.

Bobo

181 West 10th Street (4th St & 7th Ave)

A brownstone divided into a subterranean bar, a second floor dining room with a cozy fireplace, and an outdoor garden. European elegance meets Village bohemian. There's even a red wagon on the bar. It's so casual and uncontrived, and the food is so good I never want to leave.

 

Casa Lever

390 Park Avenue (at 53rd Street)

The team behind Sant Ambroeus brought Milan to Manhattan!  Italian food classics, curated wines and creative cocktails.  Exquisite ambiance both indoors and outdoors in their garden.  

 

Central Park off of 72nd Street & 5th Avenue  

What better way to spend an afternoon in Central Park than to dine at the Boathouse.  A gondola ride will add to your perfect dining experience.  A haven for romance and nature lovers, it is a one of a kind restaurant, perfect for Sunday brunch. Fine dining indoors or al fresco.

 

 

David Burke Kitchen 

23 Grand Street (Thompson St & 6th Ave) 
A glass-enclosed tree house bar and bi-level outdoor space like none other in the city. Outdoor space features a 14-seat open air chef's table and private cabanas. 

 

Riverpark 

450 East 29th Street

Celebrated chef, Tom Colicchio's East Side restaurant... with the best river views, they serve only sustainable foods. Visit their website to make reservations for their special July 4th feast. 


Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021