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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
With the Feast of San Gennaro coming to historic Little Italy in its 88th year, I've decided to highlight some Italian inspiration in the heart of NYC. From my favorite Italian restaurants in Little Italy to pasta making classes, visit the Special Feature section for ways to get into the spirit and celebrate Italian culture.
Ciao!
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...   | |
Central Perk
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 September 18 What's New, What's Next?New York Design Center (200 Lexington Avenue) 6th annual showcase of cutting-edge ideas, designs, and products, along with talks and panel discussions. You'll find many interesting finds throughout the 16 floors of the showroom.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Third annual pop up village; over 50 photo exhibitions. All displayed photographs use shipping containers to feature artists' works as standalone exhibits. Music and food vendors will also be on hand.
Every Tuesday until September 30th
Lower Manhattan Tuesdays
Various Participating Locations
Visit lower Manhattan for an evening of dining, shopping and exploring. 60 partners, including noteworthy restaurants, retailers and museums will participate.
Through October 3 Floating Library: Lilac Museum SteamshipPier 25 (Hudson River & North Moore Street)
Stop in to view the historic Lilac Museum Steamship that has been transformed into a floating library. Visit their website for a complete list of events and workshops. As an added bonus, there is no fee as you board.ON THE RADAR: 
October 1 The Truth Behind our Titles3 West Club (3 West 51st Street) I just heard about this event through Glow Magazine - register to hear from six professional women who will reveal the personal challenges they have faced in their careers and how they have shaped who they have become.
October 1 to 31 Archtober
Various Locations
4th annual month-long festival of architecture and design. The activities, programs, and exhibitions are so vast that I can't pick my favorites. Peruse their calendar and select those of interest.
October 4 & 5 25th Annual Autumn Crafts Festival
Lincoln Center (64th Street & Columbus Avenue)
250 craft displays from all over the country at Lincoln Center. Plenty of entertainment and craft demonstrations. Also October 11 & 12.
I look forward to this event each year; gain access to over 200 of the city's coolest and most exclusive architectural sites and landmarks. It's a special opportunity to view many of the hidden gems in the city.
October 14 92Y Annual Street Festival
Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
Live performances, arts and crafts, learning opportunities, and discounts on events and classes.
October 20 - 26 Spa Week Various Locations $50 spa treatments at select spas throughout the city. Make your appointments now. I will highlight my favorites as the week approaches.
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Cultural Pursuits...
 Last chance to visit the following exhibit:
THE MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
Through September 14
The exhibit showcases how contemporary jewelry artists transform images in this digital age. BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn)  Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe
Through February 15 Killer Heels explores the fashion world's most coveted accessory. I'm sure that Sarah Jessica Parker will attend since all of her favorite designers are represented. I especially liked the shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Chanel and Ferragamo. Be sure to watch some of the six short films as you tour the exhibit.Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery (505 West 24th Street) José ParláSeptember 12 through October 18 Brooklyn artist Jose Parla's second solo exhibition of large scale murals and sculptures depicts the artists' life experiences through abstract storytellingTHE FORBES GALLERIES (62 5th Avenue) Through November 1 Titian Meets West Side Story: The Work of Edward MelcarthAlthough Abstract Expressionism was the style of choice throughout the 1950's, except for his early career, Melcarth worked as a figurative painter until the end of his life. Melcarth found inspiration in Venice and you can see some of his works on display. 
THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street) Through April 5
Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late eighteenth century. Their sculptures will be shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.
Through October 26 While at The Frick, visit this exhibit in celebration of El Greco's 400th anniversary. Two rarely before seen portraits pay tribute to the famed Spanish artist.
GAGOSIAN GALLERY (900 Madison Avenue) Helen Frankenthaler Composing with Color: Paintings 1962-1963Through October 18 The exhibition focuses on the short period that Helen used color rather than line.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Garry Winogrand, renowned NYC street photographer, will exhibit over 175 of his iconic images and unseen prints at The MET. This is his first exhibit in twenty five years.
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Dance & Fashion
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THE MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Seventh Avenue at 27th Street)
Dance & Fashion
September 13 through January 3
It's fitting that some of the new museum exhibits this month are on the heels of Fashion Week. Dance & Fashion features 100 dance costumes and dance-inspired fashion ranging from 19th century to the present... an inaugural showing of most of the collections.
THE MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle) NYC MakersThrough October 12 While at MAD, visit this sweeping cross section of productions invented by artists living in NYC. THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)
Mac Conner: A New York Life Through January 15 New York's saga of the original Mad Men! Hand-painted illustrations for advertising campaigns and women's magazines during the years after World War II.  | | Conceptions of Space |
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street) Conceptions of Space Through October 19 Twenty projects by contemporary artists.
Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes
Through September 23
Le Corbusier, a celebrated artist of three dimensions... a breathtaking exhibit at MoMA.
The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec Through March 22
Prints and posters by this renowned artist will be on display at MoMA. NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans
Through October 19 Madeline in New York is open with more than 90 original artworks from creator Ludwig Bemelmans honoring the 75th anniversary of this beloved school girl. An exhibit for all ages! Bemelmans Bar, one of my favorite bars in the city, was named in honor of Madeline's amazing illustrator.
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Times Square, 1984Through January 2015 The exhibit captures the decisive moment and transformation of the urban renewal of Times Square... now known as the crossroads of the world. THE WHITNEY MUSEUM (945 Madison Avenue)
Through October 19
The most controversial artist of the post war period. This is his first major museum presentation in NYC.
ON THE RADAR: 
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Central Park West at 79th Street) Nature's Fury: The Science of Natural DisastersNovember 15 Opening Special exhibit will uncover the causes of nature's forces that shape our planet.
BARD GRADUATE CENTER GALLERY (18 West 86th Street) Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life
September 19 through January 11
A trendy gallery that explores new ways of thinking about decorative arts and design. The exhibit visualizes 19th century New York through prints and photographs.
In the past I have purchased wonderful pieces of art, all reasonably priced (as the name implies). All pieces range from $100-$10,000. THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
The Untamed Landscape: Theodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon September 26 through January 18 70 works of Theodore Rousseau's approach to open-air oil sketches.
 THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Henri Matisse: The Cut-OutsOctober 12 through February 8
Opening for the first time in twenty years, the exhibit includes painted sheets cut into various shapes and sizes, thus creating lively compositions of contrasting colors. I especially look forward to seeing his largest cutout, "swimming pool," a 54-foot long frieze. NEUE GALLERIE (1048 Fifth Avenue) Egon Schiele: PortraitsOctober 9 through January 19
One of the 20th century's most important artists, the exhibit showcases portraitures by the masterful Austrian artist, Egon Schiele.
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Curtain Up... 
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
September 13
Free evening of dance in association with The Public. Tickets go on sale on the 14th for performances October 8 to 19th at the New York City Center.
Through September 14
Romeo & JulietThe Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College ( East 68th Street between Park & Lexington Avenues)
A dramatic dance ensemble, celebrating Shakespeare's 450 birthday.
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The National Ballet of Canada's performance is a show-stopper... Stunning sets and design and a riveting score.
September 16 & 17 Peter Sparling's Notes on a Voyage
Martha Graham Studio (55 Bethune Street)
Martha Graham Dance Company performs in the West Village.
September 16 & 17 New York Philharmonic
Lincoln Center - Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The Opening Gala Concert and the following evening will showcase retro music of Italian Cinema..."La Dolce Vita!"  | | Pink Martini |
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
An absolute favorite of mine. I go each year to their performance at The Beacon. An around-the-world-musical band comprised of a multilingual repertoire of 12 musicians and singers. Their music and songs are electrifying!Through September 20 Christine Ebersole54 Below (254 West 54th Street) Broadway star and Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole is performing at 54 Below - she is absolutely amazing!
Through September 30
Coca-Cola Generations in Jazz Festival
Dizzy's Coca-Cola (10 Columbus Circle)
The festival features up-and-coming musicians alongside jazz masters.
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Through December 15 Works and Process
Guggenheim Museum - Peter B. Lewis Theater (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Celebrating 30 years of performing arts, discussions and world premieres. See and hear acclaimed artists in an intimate setting.
Through December 20 BAM 2014 Next Wave Festival
Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn)
Avant-garde music, theater, opera, and dance. Two performances I will be attending are the revival of Tony Kushner's Angels in America and Shakespeare's Sonnets with a score by Rufus Wainwright. .
THEATER & FILM:
What's the best way to get tickets? Try the Broadway Ticket Lottery.
This is one of the best finds for securing tickets to Broadway shows. The website lists the simple process for both Broadway Rush and Lottery tickets. On each day of the week, the featured Broadway shows offer discounted tickets via rush tickets and lotteries. A bit of patience and an early arrival will often score you excellent seats at the best price.
And I And SilenceSignature Theatre Company's Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) A politically engaging production that portrays a compelling picture of friendship against the odds in a segregated America of the 1950's. Through September 14th.  Bauer59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street) The story of Rudolf Bauer, a modernist artist and one of the 20th century's most important, yet nearly forgotten painters. Through October 12th. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
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. The show took home 2 Tonys - Best Sound Design and Jessie Mueller won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
Bullets Over Broadway
St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street)
Famed Woody Allen film hits Broadway. Marin Mazzie and Zach Braff deliver outstanding performances. The musical comedy is loaded with laughs and colorful characters. Through September 28th.
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
I experienced the most amazing New York evening when I saw Cabaret. Both Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams are show-stoppers, and the Kit-Cat band is superb! A magnificent revival, extended through January 4th.
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. Through October 12th.
Love LettersBrooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street) No one forgets their first love! A.G. Gurney has created a funny and emotional play about the powerful connection of love. Choose from a star studded cast that will perform for a series of performances. Candice Bergen, Brian Dennehy, Martin Sheen, and Carol Burnett are on the list. Opening September 18th through February 1, 2015. | |
The Money Shot
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The Money Shot
Lucile Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street)
One of my top playwrights, Neil LaBute, opened this latest production last month. Heather Graham stars in an insightful comedy about ambitions, art, and status in an era where very little is taboo. Through October 12th.
The Irene Diamond Stage -The Pershing Square Signature Center
(480 West 42nd Street)
1960s songwriter Bert Berns will have the audience "twist and shout", as he performs many of his 51 hits. A great untold story of rock-n-roll; through September 14th.
You Can't Take It With You
L ongacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne star in this touching comedy by Moss Hart that portrays the relationship between two families when their children become engaged. Now in previews, opens September 28th. Through January 4th.
Visit previous snapshots for more theater favorites.
ON THE RADAR:
 September 21 28th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction
Times Square - Shubert Alley & West 44th Street
Broadway fans - mark your calendars! Find one-of-a-kind showbiz treasures, meet your favorite cast members, and bid on exclusive backstage experiences.
Lincoln Center
I'll be attending Stravinsky & Balanchine on the 25th, a legendary collaboration.September 24 MacBethThe Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)Verdi's opera Macbeth, his first Shakespearean adaptation, opens at the MET. Through October 18th. September 24 Rita WilsonCafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street) I enjoy her roles in movies such as Sleepless in Seattle and look forward to hearing her sing at one of my favorite venues. Through October 24th.  September 26 New York Film FestivalVarious Locations
The 52nd annual festival always features the premieres of many of the best films. I'm hoping to attend the opening night of Gone Girl on the 26th, starring Ben Affleck. Having read the book, I'm intrigued to see if the movie will be equally suspenseful. Through October 12th. September 26 & 27 Marcus Roberts: Piano Masters of MelodyJazz at Lincoln Center - The Appel Room (3 Columbus Circle)
Award winning jazz pianist and his 13 piece ensemble will delight you with their "Piano Masters of Melody."September 27 DisgracedLyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) Critically acclaimed play starring Gretchen Mol. The cast shares stories, secrets and lies we tell our friends, family and ourselves to find our place in the American Dream. Previews begin September 27th, opening date October 23rd, through January 18th.  October 2 The Country HouseSamuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) Blythe Danner returns to Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club's production. A piercing look at a family of performers each coming to terms with the roles they play in each other's lives. Through November 30; currently in previews.
October 2 Billy & Ray
Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street)
Director Garry Marshall of Pretty Woman fame, will direct this true story that portrays the life of these two artists (Billy Wilder & Raymond Chandler) and how they battled the Hollywood censors and each other.
October 7 The Belle of Amherst
Westside Theater (407 West 43rd Street)
Starring Joely Richardson, Emily Dickinson welcomes the audience into her Amherst homeland in mid-19th century.
Previews begin October 7th, opening date October 19th, through January 25th.
October 7 to 11 Betty Buckley
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
Betty Buckley, known as "the voice of Broadway," will celebrate her new "Ghostlight" recording.
October 7 White Light Festival
Lincoln Center
Complimentary events throughout the month to lighten your soul... abstract musical events that illuminate our lives. Through November 11th.
October 20 A Delicate Balance
John Golden Theater (252 West 45th Street)
Glenn Close returns to Broadway with John Lithgow in Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance." A moving play about a married couple struggling to maintain equilibrium when they open up their home to friends and family. October 24 The New York Pops All You Need is Love: The Music of the BeatlesCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
A step back in time as the Pops play the music of the Beatles.October 31 The RiverCircle In The Square Theatre (1633 Broadway) Starring heartthrob Hugh Jackman, it's the story about a man and woman in a remote cliff side cabin on a moonless night. Previews begin October 31st, opening date November 16th, through January 25th.
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For the Foodie... 
Various Locations in Brooklyn
September 12 to 14 Torrisi Bagel Stand
250 Mulberry Street
Torrisi restaurant has a special teaser and it's all about bagels. As a preview to their soon-to-open bagel and appetizing shop (To be called Sadelle's)with former Per Se and Roberta's baker, Melissa Weller, the stand will be open from 11am to 5pm on September 12th to 14th and 10th to 21st.
Governors Island
10th annual street vendor cook-off. Judges will determine the best of the best of our multitude of food street vendors. Purchase tickets and check out the nominees on the website.
 | | The Lambs Club |
September 13 Bloody Mary Bossa Nova Brunch The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live music and great food in a speakeasy atmosphere. Visit the website for the weekly music schedule, including Sunday jazz brunch.
September 14 Champagne Brunch
Beauty & Essex (146 Essex Street)
Sundays from 1-6pm. A 4-course brunch with two glasses of champagne for $45per person.
New York Botanical Garden - Bronx, NY
Enjoy family dinners with Mario Batali. Spend an exceptional day and evening visiting Mario's kitchen gardens of vegetables and herbs and picking up some of his special recipes. A garden-to-table meal is prepared by chefs of Batali's hospitality group.
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Grand Central Market
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September 15 to 21 Il Buco 20th AnniversaryIl Buco (47 Bond Street) One of my favorite restaurants in the city is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a lineup of great chefs. Jody William of Buvette kicks off the celebration. Each dinner begins at 7:30pm and costs $125. Tickets are also available for $50 for aperitivo hour from 6-7pm with wine and cicchetti. View their website for the lineup of chefs!
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
City Winery teams up with partner American Airlines once again for the 5th annual food and wine pairing dinners. Each event features remarks by a leading regional expert, a three-course dinner, and three flights of wine highlighting the traditional styles of the region, this one focuses on California. I go each year and this year I plan to attend the Italian-focused dinner on October 28th.
Various Participating Restaurants
All things oysters with food and wine pairings. I plan to visit the Atlantic Grill on the Upper East Side and Lure Fishbar in SoHo, two of the participating restaurants.
Madison Square Park
Twice a year outdoor food festival is a cozy enclave of 30 food vendors.
ON THE RADAR:
September 28 Atlantic Antic
Atlantic Avenue - Brooklyn
10th annual celebration, touted as the largest street fair in our boroughs. Food, music and shopping. September 30 Dine Around Downtown
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
Up to 50 restaurants come together at one food fair. New eateries are opening all the time and this is the place to sample it all. Check back for a full list of participants in the coming weeks. 
October 5 Harvest Fest
Stone Barns Center - 630 Bedford Road (Pocantico Hills, NY)
11th annual celebration and fundraiser... a day of touring, food tastings, great music and an incredible farmer's market.
October 16 to 19 The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
Various Locations
Presented by Food & Wine magazine, this is one of my top food events since its proceeds go to a great cause, the fight to end hunger (No Kid Hungry & Food Bank for New York City. Legendary culinary icons from around the globe will dazzle you with their talents.
October 29 to November 2 Annual NYC Food Film Festival
Various Locations
Watch a food film, then eat the food in the film! Gives new meaning to "dinner and a movie."
 November 10 New York Taste
269 Eleventh Avenue
Purchase your tickets for this sought-after event by New York Magazine with all you can eat and drink from more than 40 of New York's most celebrated restaurants and bars.
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Special Feature...  Italy in the City
Mulberry Street - Little Italy Through September 21, stroll the streets of historic Little Italy for this annual event... colorful parades, musical entertainment every day, ethnic food delicacies, and charming restaurants and cafes. EAT IN LITTLE ITALY
My favorite spots for Italian dining are Pellegrino's Ristorante (138 Mulberry Street) and Il Cortile (125 Mulberry Street), a neighborhood staple for the past 40 years. Weather permitting, dine in the outdoor garden. And, don't forget to stop in at Di Palo (200 Grand Street) for groceries... homemade mozzarella at its finest!
 VISIT THE ITALIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 155 Mulberry Street
After grabbing a cannoli at the Feast, visit the museum to see the current exhibition, Napoli: A Photographic Exhibition, featuring beautiful photos from Brooklyn-born photojournalist Janine Coyne's recent trip to Naples.
GO ON A CULINARY TOUR
Savory Sojourns offers tours of Little Italy, as well as Greenwich Village, both feasts for your eyes and your palates.
EXPERIENCE AN ITALIAN OPERA
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Delight your ears and your eyes at one of the Metropolitan Opera's upcoming Italian operas. The Marriage of Figaro & MacBeth are two I plan to see.
Scuola Italiana del Greenwich Village - 240 Bleecker Street
One of the best schools in the city, I've already begun to fulfill my dream there of speaking my family's native language.
Rustico Cooking School - 40 West 39th Street
Sign up for a class at the Rustico Cooking School. What could be more Italian than that? Or, take a Mozzarella Making Class at Murray's Cheese (254 Bleecker Street) ... while you're there, pick up some fresh Parmigiano Reggiano and olive oil.
ATTEND AN ITALIAN-INSPIRED EVENT
Both Casa Italiana at NYU and The Italian Academy at Columbia University hold lectures, book discussions, and exhibitions centered around Italian culture.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN EVERYTHING ITALIAN
Eataly - 200 5th Avenue
I talk about Eataly all the time, but it cannot be over-told... if you want the freshest of Italian foods and gifts, this is the place to go!
VISIT ITALY WITH SU MISURA
With fall approaching I'm missing Italy, especially Florence. This year the Centro di Firenze per la Moda Italiana celebrates 60 years of fashion stewardship and life-stylish New Yorkers will want to be there. If you're dreaming of Italy check out this ultra savvy boutique travel group. Su Misura, in Italian, means tailor-made and these small group, tailor- made travel experiences join art, artisanship and Italian style for a vibrant experience you will never forget.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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