Sweet Life

Twill make old women young and fresh,
Create new motions of the flesh.
And cause them long for you know what,
If they but taste of chocolate.
~James Wadworth

Cupcakes have always been a favorite in NYC. Perfect size and edible without utensils. That being said I love cupcakes. I am willing to say of bakery cupcakes I would nominate Tonnie's as my favorite. Well...my cupcake experience has been taken to a new level. A Village find of Sweet Revenge. Nestled on the corner of Carmine and Bedford the scene is warm and inviting. A motley crew of nine moms celebrating the Aquarians in the crowd gathered to check it out. Marlo, the owner, has a pleasing personality and was holding down the fort solo for much of the night. Did I mention it was packed? We started with wine, champagne and some lighter weight beverages. Delightful cheese plates and savory cakes soon followed. To cap off the night we had to indulge in cupcakes. In order to experience all the goods we asked for a flight of cupcakes. Crimson and Creme, Carrot, Pure Vanilla, Dirty (chocolate) were hard to rank because they were all amazing. There is still an assortment of flavors to check out. Definitely will be back.



If your post dinner plans find you on Carmine check it out. Or better yet, start at Sweet Revenge. Dessert is often meant to be eaten first...right?

Manhattan weekend

Weekends always fill up with events no matter where one lives. Such is part of life. This weekend was no different.

Events ranged from dinner with live jazz in the heart of the Village, watching the loading of the airplane flt 1549 onto a barge in our very own backyard, a evening concert listening to the sounds of a 1720 Stradivarius, quickly followed by the Blue Danube encouraging a large majority of the audience up and out of their seats to waltz in the Winter Garden, a baby shower honoring one of our neighborhood's favorite people, and to top things off snow tubing down mountains in New Jersey.

Quite the range but just another Manhattan weekend.

This is New York...

and we believe in miracles.

Reading is Fun.

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose. ~Woody Allen

Celebrity Autobiography is an incredible show that had me doubling over. The show takes a rotating casts of famous people reading other celebrities autobiographies. Imagine SNL cast member Kristen Wiig reading from the love poetry of Suzanne Somers. The show's developer Eugene Pack was spot on with the words of George Takei...really, who knew Sulu had a book of memoirs? The evening's entire cast was brillant. We got to experience Will Forte, Richard Kind, Scott Adsit, Eugene Pack, Dayle Reyfel, Sherri Shepherd and Kristen Wiig

The Triad on 72nd Street is the setting. Small, intimate and perfect for an evening of laughter.

2009

Even though it is not quite midnight here in NYC we already rang in 2009...UK style. An early evening party in a stunning apartment on the 40th floor overlooking the harbor was the setting for the ringing of the bells. We celebrated the New Year at 7 pm EST while the bells of Big Ben rang out in London at midnight. The company was perfect, the setting was gorgeous. The chiming of the bells was a new experience and hopefully a more regular occurrence.

We are honored and blessed to ring in the New Year surrounded by our lovely friends and their families. In typical NYC style the entire world was represented. The champagne flowed, laughter of children filled the air and the conversation was fun and bright.

In less than a half hour that famous crystal ball will drop in Times Square. Since we are Downtown dwellers we will settle for the sight on the television. Instead we will look out our windows towards Miss Liberty and take in some colorful and spectacular fireworks. It is a cold night and a good one to be cozy. That being said we have been lucky enough to celebrate in Times Square...definitely something to put on your list.

Welcome to 2009. May your year be filled with love, friends and health. Enjoy all of it. Take care of yourself and your neighbors.

May your Christmas be bright.

From my neighborhood to yours...Merry Christmas.

Tradition of Revelations

December not only holds the holiday season but the home season of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Of the many performances of dance/theater/music I am lucky enough to attend the AAADT always wins my heart. For eight consecutive years we have found our way to 55th Street. My year would honestly not be complete without an evening on spectacular dance capped off with Revelations.

This year the AAADT is celebrating 50 years. In honor of the achievement Mr Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra held court for one week of special perfomances with live music. It was fantastic and added an entirely new dimension to the evening.

Revelations is Ailey's masterpiece. It leaves me speechless and breathless every time. I find myself holding my breath the entire time not wanting to move a muscle in fear of missing a millisecond of perfection. From its premiere in 1960 this piece has moved countless people across the world.

If you ever find yourself in NYC in December Alvin Ailey is a must. If not check out their tour. Maybe if you are lucky enough it will be coming to your hometown. Click here to find out.

Alvin Ailey was brillant and ahead of his time.