| Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King Musical, Madame Tussaud's Wax Muesuem, New York Rangers, Taste of the Nation.
Beauty and the Beast
• After all these years, this is still a favorite of ours. A show that's great for the entire family. This box office smash features the academy award-winning songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman plus new songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice. Beauty and the Beast is one of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told. This full-length stage musical production of the classic fairy tale comes to life on stage, taking on an exciting new dimension (only possible through the magic of theater). It’s completely entertaining with an incomparable cast. It truly is a magical, unforgettable and flawless show you will never forget. Each time you see it, you’ll notice more and more. It’s filled with award-winning music, romance and comedy and is one of the most lavish, opulent, eye-popping shows ever. Belle is stunning, the Beast is powerful and the rest of the “cast,” Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, Coggsworth, etc., will steal your heart. With technical wizardry and imaginative design, it has been transferred from screen to stage, enhancing the elements that made the animated film a world favorite. The Tony Award-winning costumes and lighting design, as well as the choreography and scenic designs add to the glory...they’re dazzling. The creator of the illusions has invented effects that have been performed by David Copperfield, Seigfried & Roy and many others. It’s an engaging masterpiece for every child and the child in every adult...a crowd-pleasing romp. Share the magic and the music.
Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial French town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an evil enchantress. He has been turned in the Beast and his servants have all been turned into furniture, utensils, etc. (The musical numbers are incredible as every thing in the castle comes to life.) If the Beast can learn to love and be loved by his 21st birthday, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. Time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This engrossing and spectacular musical is a wonderful treat for the entire family.
The Lion King Musical
• It doesn't get any better than this for a family show on Broadway. I’m not sure what I can tell you that you don’t already know about the most amazing and most fabulous musical I’ve ever seen. Maybe you haven’t heard that Julie Taymor, the director and designer for this production, is a genius who created this delight (it’s a theatrical achievement unrivaled in its beauty, brains and ingenuity, an inventive mix of music, staging and half-animal, half-human masked actors). Maybe you haven’t heard that the costumes, sets and music score (with three new songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice and a haunting African tribal number by others) are mind-blowing. Or maybe you haven’t heard that watching the faces of the cast along with the masks they wear is incredible as you feel you’re watching them as one combined face (the cast playing the characters turn into their animal counterparts before your eyes, giving their characters unexpected emotions). On the way there (I had to practically beg my colleague to go with me because he just wasn’t interested in an “animated children’s film brought to life”) I had very high expectations. The only thing I can really say is that my expectations were not only met but they were exceeded by a huge margin. From the first moment when we walked into the absolutely fabulous New Amsterdam Theatre we were already won over. Its lobbies and promenades, decorated with elaborate carvings and wall reliefs with motifs from Shakespeare, Wagner and other theatrical scenes, lead the audience into the auditorium -- an oval room ornamented with carvings of peacocks and vines, and decorated with an allegorical mural painted by Robert Blum and Albert Wenzel.
When the cast roams into the theatre (in three dimensions with enormous creations) via the aisles as elephants, giraffes, zebras and many other exotic animals, you hear gasps from everywhere due to the enormity of this sightseeing experience as they go into a full-throttle rendition of “Circle of Life.” You don’t know where to look because every foot of the aisles and stage are filled with art as you’ve never seen it. The costumes are award-winning and just magnificent. Just watch how the cast playing zebras use their legs as the zebras front legs as they bow to baby Simba. Check out the hyenas and the way their costumes are incorporated into their human beings’ bodies. There is an inspired performance by the actor who portrays babbling, mystical, mischievous baboon Rafiki. And Timon’s counterpart sings, dances and clowns impressively while operating a Timon-the-meerkat puppet almost as big as he is. It’s an incredible experience with puppetry and pageantry that can not be missed. Julie Taymor wants the audience to use their imagination so not every scene is complete as it was in the movie. The story itself was already grand but now it’s in a league of its own as it’s brought to life. There were many standing ovations and lots of “wows.” If there’s only one musical you’ll be able to attend there really is no other choice. It will be the most memorable, moving and original theatrical extravaganza you’ve seen in years and it will make you fall in love with the theatre all over again.
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum (www.madame-tussauds.com)
• Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum (get up close and personal with your favorite celebrities in this 85,000 square-foot, five-story wax museum - the New York version of the famous London museum takes on "the face of the place" presenting New York's most famous and infamous personalities, as well as figures of international fame and acclaim - you will “meet” the woman herself, Madame Tussaud and her earliest subjects including Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon - but first, just like its London predecessor, New York's Madame Tussaud's scores because of its open plan - most of the wax stars are not arrayed in glass cases or plunked down in cheap dioramas - they're displayed in a garden party setting where you can mingle with them (and you will without shame and with very little dignity) - you can look into the stars' eyes and declare your love - after buying tickets and taking an elevator to the top floor of the museum, you will enter a swank Hollywood garden party (you may feel a little underdressed) - there you can hobnob with the rich and famous - the first figure to greet you, Harrison Ford, has been updated with a greying brush cut and his new earring - then, as you work the rooms, prepare your eyes for a feast as you check out John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Woody Allen, Donald Trump, Ivana, Regis Philbin, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne (and their kids), Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Robert, Lucy, Elvis, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Albert Einstein, James Dean, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Michael Jordan, the Presidents (including Bush, Reagan, JFK), James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, ‘N Sync, et. al. - there is someone for everyone -- even a humungous Hulk for the kids - a historical section gives a peek into Madame Tussaud's personal history, with some of the actual wax death masks she made of Marie Antoinette and other victims of the guillotine (they say she had the job of digging through piles of bodies to find the heads and made death masks of every victim - Madame Tussaud's lets every tourist return from New York saying they've had their photo taken with a star - Madame Tussaud's is a must-visit for pop culture fiends - even the most casual People magazine reader enjoys the chance to get a pic with their favorite star - the museum offers celebrity interaction without the nervous tension of wondering if you're saying the wrong thing or the fear that you're bothering the celebrity - it's a chance to get up close and personal with a simulacrum - you can’t leave NYC without visiting)
The New York Rangers (www.madisonsquaregarden.com)
• The New York Rangers. Welcome to the “World’s Most Famous Arena”-- there is no more awe inspiring feeling as a sports fan than the moment you exit the halls and enter “The Garden’-- the home of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. Madison Square Garden is one of the oldest hockey arenas and its mystique sends chills up your spine when the home team hits the ice to the sound of rock and roll music and dazzling lazer lights. Once the puck drops, the action begins. The best ice hockey players from all over the world will amaze you with a combination of skill, grace and physical contact unparalleled in any other sport. The competition is fast and emotional, and the Rangers are a team with one goal -- The Stanley Cup -- the worlds most prestigious trophy which has been passed on to the National Hockey League Champion for over 80 years. No true sports fan can say they’ve seen it all untill they come to the Garden where every Ranger game takes its place in hockey history.
Taste of the Nation (www.strength.org)
• Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation, presented by American Express, is the nation's preeminent culinary benefit supporting the fight to end hunger as they support anti-hunger and anti-poverty efforts. Each spring, more than 10,000 individuals, from chefs and restaurateurs to public relations professionals and accountants, come together in more than 75 cities across the United States and Canada to organize one of a kind culinary events. The events, which include food and wine tastings, seated dinners, brunches and barbeques, host more than 60,000 attendees annually. "Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation gives chefs a chance to do more than just write a check -- they show Martha Stewart how to really throw a party,” says one participant. And believe me, it’s some party.
Since 1988, Taste of the Nation events have raised $47 million which have supported more than 450 organizations working to end hunger and poverty in the United States and abroad. Last year's events raised more than $4.8 million. More than 31 million Americans are at risk of hunger. Taste of the Nation unites chefs, restauranteers, corporate partners and other concerned individuals in an effort to help solve the problem in New Jersey and other communities across the United States. This year American Express celebrates its tenth year as a partner of Share Our Strength in the fight to end hunger. YOU’LL BE THRILLED TO ATTEND ONE.
We had the privilege of attending one in Princeton, New Jersey, at the Marriott Hotel in Forrestal Village and it was absolutely fabulous. Princeton’s Taste of the Nation, in its 11th year, raised over $390,000. With food from 20+ local restaurants to choose from and an assortment of wine selections that would satisfy any and all wine connosoirs, it was a feast of all feasts. Restaurants included: Anton’s at the Swan (Lambertville); Les Copains (Princeton); The Cranbury Inn (Cranbury); The Ferry House (Princeton); The Frog and the Peach (New Brunswick); Gratella (Doral Forrestal, Plainsboro); The Homestate Cafe (Doral Forrestal); Hamilton’s Grill Room (Lambertville); Lahiere’s (Princeton); Masala Grill (Princeton); Mediterra (Princeton); Merlino’s Waterfront (Ewing); The Mikado (Marriott Forrestal); The Rusty Scupper (Princeton); Teresa’s Pizzetta Cafe (Princeton); Tre Piani (Princeton); Witherspoon Bread Company (Princeton); Baccardi (Liquers); Evian Natural Spring Water (the National Bottled Water Sponsor of Taste of the Nation); Fedway (wines); Ravenbrand (beer); and Vintage Imports (wines). National sponsors of this year’s event are American Express, National Presenting Sponsor, and Evian Natural Spring Water. Local sponsors include Miele and Bloomberg LP, Media Sponsors Nassau Broadcasting Partners, Packet Publications and The Times. There are also lots of fun gifts to win and/or purchase.
Don’t miss it in your area.
| A Day in New York City: Acqua Beauty Bar, Clarins Treatment Boutique, Brasserie 1605 Restaurant, Tavern on the Green, Jersey Boys, Wintuk.
(This is how we spent one great day in fabulous New York City. We highly suggest trying it out yourself.)
Acqua Beauty Bar (www.acquabeautybar) (partial review by Bora Rhee)
• Acqua Beauty Bar is the new spa haven of New Yorkers in-the-know. Whether you want to pop in for a quick manicure, or day-long indulgences, this is the place to go. Located near Union Square on 14th Street (near Fifth Avenue), this serene day spa has everyone lining up to polish their tips, toes and everything in between. Armed with the ancient philosophy of 'inner beauty is outer beauty,' holistic needs are just as important as aesthetic ones. You'll fall victim to their to-die-for treatments, whether it's a facial, pedicure, massage or a delicious body polish.
When you first strut into their pristine, yet cushy waiting area, you are overcome by a sense of calmness--a welcome change to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan; it feels very much like a secluded spa hidden in a lush garden (close enough with all the exotic plants and flower arrangements). You are greeted by the receptionist who asks you to make yourselves at home. Combining minimalist décor with an Asian influence, the space is trendy but never overbearing. Aquamarine blues and pastel greens highlight the beauty bar here and there, and glass walls line the spa in various places as partitions. Walls are accented with pressed flowers, and paper lanterns also decorate this modern hideaway. The overall look and vibe is "pool-like"--a spacious, watery retreat.
If you happen to arrive early (it's courtesy to arrive at least fifteen minutes before an appointment), take the time to browse the products. Shelves are stocked with products by Burt's Bees, YonKa, Aromapharmacy, Lafco, OPI lacquers and the world famous Epicuren line, among others. Flip through the Acqua Beauty Bar "Menu of Services" and you'll find yourself hungry for everything. Depending on how much time you have to spare, services range from fifteen minute manicures to one-hundred twenty minute long facials. My advice is 'everything in moderation.' Whet your appetite with a manicure and pedicure, then a facial (the Acquacuren Facial works instant results!) and work your way into a Hot Stone Massage. If you're stressed from everyday troubles, ease them away with a package instead. The "Garden of Eastern Delights" gets your one-hundred eighty minutes which includes a Body Scrub, Shiatsu Massage, Acqua Mist Facial and a Gift Bag. Other delicious delicacies: Brown Sugar Glo, Peppermint Blast (both Body Therapy treatments), Salt Scrubs (choose from Tropical, Mango, Green Apple, Mocha Soufflé, Lemon or Mint) or the Seaweed Ocean Wrap, among others. Everything on the Menu will catch your fancy.
Example of Acquacuren Facial. Shortly after you arrive, you are led down a dim hallway into a room with a mini dresser and a tiny chaise to put your clothes and purse. After undressing and slipping on the single pair of soft cotton capris, you lay down on the treatment bed. The room is dimly lit and accentuated by the soft sounds of a waterfall (which nearly lull you to sleep!). They use the Epicuren products and the goal of the Acquacuren facial is to counteract the signs of aging but, no matter what your age, benefits are reaped. Enzymes and bee propolis (Epicuren only uses wild bee propolis from Brazil) moisturize stressed skin, exfoliate and stimulate collagen production. Intermittent massage of the arms, neck and chest make this treatment even more relaxing--every step of the process was explained and my comfort level taken very seriously. You will be glowing when you’re done! Once the facial is complete, you change back into your clothes and are greeted outside your door with a cool glass of water, which was a really nice touch!
Top notch is the Deep Tissue Massage. Curtain decorations adorn the massage rooms and relaxation music floats through the air. Using firm pressure and essential oils, this massage gets into your skin and relieves tension all over your body. If you have tightly wound muscles, this massage will undo any knots. Highly addictive, the Deep Tissue Massage is intensely relaxing yet leaves you feeling invigorated and refreshed. Sixty-minutes long, the time will just fly by--this one should be a weekly indulgence.
Next up: the Acqua Pedicure and Manicure. I have to mention the chairs used for the pedicure. Actually, it's not a chair--it's like a Lay-Z Boy recliner with a built in massager. Granted, most spas have these, but this one just seemed to be more relaxing than most, adding to the overall comfort and luxury of a pedicure. This signature, AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid-based) pedicure is brilliant--six steps to ensure your footsies are nothing short of perfect. A soak, scrub, masque, massage, pushback and color application makes this pedicure a reason in itself to make the trip to Acqua. Feet go through a lot and after you've had the Acquacuren Pedicure, you're walking on air. Once the polish is applied, your feet are slipped into flip flops and you can then carefully make your way over for the Acqua Manicure which is a five-step AHA-based manicure which uses superior moisturizers and gentle exfoliants. Most manicures moisturize but this particular one implements light reflexology massage which adds to the spa experience.
Their Orchid Pedicure is to die for. This tropical extract based, eight step deluxe pedicure includes a soak, callus softening, dry foot buffing, AHA sugar scrub, pushback, masque, massage and colour.
In addition to these beauties above, they do the best eyebrow waxing around - almost painless which was very surprising. Other treatments include: Custom Acid Peels, Medi-Lift, Organic Microdermabrasion, Bye Bye Eye Bags (sounds great), Cold Stone Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, every Waxing you can think of, Body Scrubs, Bronze Leafing (forget about the sun, this does the trick with no harmful UV rays), Fantasy Tan (an airbrush machine is used to spray a tanning solution on your body and it looks just like a natural tan) and much more.
Acqua Beauty Bar is simply fantastic. Already an A-lister among spa-goers, Acqua is becoming a staple of New York City. You will definitely be wowed by the exceptional staff who takes everything into consideration, making the entire experience comfortable and refreshing. Set up a "reservation" for a seat at Acqua and be prepared to satiate every desire of your beauty palate.
Clarins Boutique and Spa (www.clarins.com) (212-734-6100)
• Discover the world of Clarins professional Beauty Institutes with their latest Treatment Boutique in New York. You are sure to find the same professionalism among Clarins Beauty Therapists, the same attentive service and understanding, the same sense of well-being. Similar beauty treatments for both the face and body, including the exclusive Clarins Paris Method, a totally unique, manual method for carrying out a beauty treatment, can be found in Clarins Beauty Institutes worldwide. Taking time out to treat your face and body is no longer a luxury, but a necessity of modern living. Clarins’ aim is to maintain your sense of well-being and boost your inner strength and outer beauty.
Clarins first Treatment Boutique in New York City offers the ultimate beauty experience. They offer a completely new environment where the Clarins philosophy is expressed for the urban-minded client looking for high-quality products and excellent service. Combined with the unique 100% manual method of application, Clarins treatments deliver an intensive beauty boost for face, body and mind. Clients can choose to renew, revive and refresh the skin with a highly personalized 60-minute treatment or a 30-minute Express treatment for those pressed for time. The basis of all their treatments is the Clarins Touch -- a specialized treatment developed in Paris by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1954. This unique professional treatment method utilizes over 80 intricate hand movements. Highly trained therapists use different rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system and blood circulation. The maintains the integrity and health of the skin and restores the natural balance and energy of mind and body. Ongoing research and development ensures the power of touch is adapted to suit every Clarins treatment to heighten the performance and delivery of active botanical ingredients. By combining the Clarins Touch with the purest plant extracts and aromatic oils, Clarins has created a unique treatment system -- it’s a sensory experience that addresses the way you look and feel.
Beautiful decor, soothing colour, a warm welcome, soft music, relaxing herbal tea combined with the natural, aromatherapeutic fragrance of Clarins products are waiting for you in every one of their Beauty Institutes. When you walk into this Boutique, you are greeted by Shiny cherry lacquer, gleaming white tile and chrome, and plenty of sunlight (which may seem like counterintuitive décor in a relaxing spa, but the new Clarins Treatment Boutique on Madison Avenue is bright, beautifully laid out, and a perfect showcase for the company’s products). The body oils and creams that launched the line are still there for the faithful, but now there’s a full array of skin care and cosmetics. After you stock up, head upstairs to the relaxation area for a 30-minute Express treatment or a one-hour Facial or Body treatment. Treatments include: Age-defying Facial (rejuvenating treatment to help preserve and protect the skin while focusing on delicate areas prone to premature aging - it’s an intense lifting and firming treatment), Hydrating Facial (this will restore the skin’s natural equilibrium with hydrating extracts of seaweed, cactus, pine and white lupin to replenish vital moisture levels), Radiance Facial (this will revive dull, lackluster skin by nourishing and energizing extracts of papaya, kiwi and orange to enhance the skin’s condition and boost blood circulation), Purifying Facial (this will take care of clogged pores and calm skin by using purifying and rebalancing techniques and extracts of wintergreen, witch hazel and arris root), Body Redefining (this will tone and stimulate your body while boosting circulation and lymphatic flow, as well as reducing fluid retention and enhancing skin tone and elasticity), Body Renewing (this luxurious treatment revitalizes the skin and utilizes stimulating and lifting treatment movements and active botanical extracts of olive and white lily - it’s great for preserving a youthful-looking body while helping to fade age spots and minor skin imperfections), Pro-Polish Body Treatment (this head-to-toe exfoliation uses an advanced body scrub enriched with fruit enzymes to remove superfluous skin cells and impurities - it prepares skinf or the application of the appropriate Clarins body lotion and it will leave you with silky smooth skin), and the Self-Tanning Body Treatment (after head-to-toe exfoliation with the Pro-Polish treatment, Clarins famous self-tanners are massaged into the body and promote an all-over healthy, natural looking tan).
At the new Clarins Treatment Boutique, therapists will rub away your aches and pains using a unique mix of chamomile, sage and cyprus. They do a lot of moves that go to your heart in order to get the lymph, the system in your body that holds into toxins, to the places where it can be eliminated more quickly.
Beauty treatments are much more fun when you bring a friend and that’s now also possible at this new, trendy spa/boutique. You can multitask as you are pampered. Catch up while you get a pedicure, facial or a massage. You and a friend, or colleague, first choose whichever services you want and get them done together in their special double room. This two-tiered spa is clean and modern with a beautiful greenhouse/lounging area in the back. And, when you’re all done, don’t leave without their fabulous products that include Clarins Radiance-Plus, a light moisturizer that gives the most amazing, natural-looking tan.
Brasserie 1605 (http://www.cpmanhattantimessquare.com/brasserie-1605.html)
• We love this restaurant -- it was magnificent. Brasserie 1605 is located in Times Square in the Crowne Plaza-Times Square Hotel (Broadway and 49th Street). For your information, the 46-story Crowne Plaza Time Square, situated in the heart of New York's Times Square, recently completed an extensive $85 million reinvention to provide guests with an exceptional experience. Distinguishing features include extraordinary city skyline or Hudson River views from every guest room, the city's largest indoor hotel pool, restaurant and a bar overlooking Times Square's world famous light show and inviting public spaces that are evocative of a hip boutique hotel rather than a 770-room full service luxury property.
The food (spectacular), the service (impeccable) and the ambiance (trendy and classy) all get an A+. Elegant, yet accessible, this energetic restaurant serves food that can be enjoyed in a beautifully designed space. We highly recommend it for business lunches and romantic evening rendezvous. And they have a very reasonable special 3-course express lunch menu for just $16.05, as well as a special pre-theater dinner menu from 4:00pm to 7:00pm daily.
All of the cuisine we sampled was beautifully prepared and delicious! We started off with the Onion Soup (cheese-crusted with gruyere, mozzarella and gouda cheese) which had just the right amount of everything and it had a little zing to it (which I loved). The Mac & Cheese was made with three cheeses and cavatappi pasta and I think of it as an adult version of the kid's classic. The Steamed Vegetables alone a hearty little meal, believe it or not. Bok Choy, snow peas, shitake mushrooms, Napa cabbage, haricots vert, white and green asparagus in a scumptious red coconut curry sauce. The crab cakes in lobster cream sauce were heavenly. The Spicy Ahi Poke Tartar was the best appetizer of them all...worthy of a trip back just for it. The Firecracker Popcorn Shrimp was to die for in its chili lime sauce. The Braised Short Rib Sliders were a nice little twist on the typical burger sliders. And the steaks were cooked perfectly, with all of the best accompaniments...onion rings and baked potatoes. The best surprise of the evening was the Chicken and Waffles covered with a maple "sauce" and it was "omg" amazing. They were a mouthful, all right -- an unexpectedly tasty one.
When you go, just make sure you save some room for the delectable desserts. The chocolate molten cake with ice cream and apple desserts are heavenly.
The hosts are warm and friendly. The waiters are also fabulous. Always there when you need them, but never hovering. The whole place has such a friendly, down-to-earth air about it (not at all stuffy), and yet everything was very top notch. As if that wasn't enough, the prices are so reasonable (for NYC). Do not pass up a chance to eat here.
Patsy's (www.patsys.com)
• This restaurant was excellent. From the ambiance to the food and the service. Perfection. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. Our waiter was very sweet and the owner even came by a few times. They made us feel very welcome and took good care of us. The food choices were everything you could ask for to make for a wonderful Italian meal. And everything was delicious and the servings were generous. The marinara sauce was literally the best sauce we have ever had the pleasure of eating. Yum!!! Some of our favorites were Hot Antipasto (baked littleneck clams, shrimp marinara, eggplant rollatine and stuffed mushrooms), Stuffed Artichoke (stuffed with breadcrumbs, garlic, gaeta olives, capers and anchovy), Spedino Alla Romana (layers of bread and mozzarella, fried and served with an anchovy butter sauce), Clams Casino (littleneck clams stuffed with Pimento, Parmigiano-Reggiano and onions, topped with bacon and broiled), Rigatoni FraDiavlo with crushed red peppers (delicious), Ravioli (a trio of mushroom, spinach and lobster), Shrimp Parmigiano and last, but not least, Filet Mignon Marsala.
We had three different desserts and they were all amazing...tiramisu, chocolate mousse and a fruit tarte. The entire experience was fantastic, and we look forward to returning.
The atmosphere is nice and casual. Frank Sinatra liked this restaurant back in the late 1940's and it probably looked very similar to how it does not, which only adds to its charm. It's the perfect place to eat before or after a Broadway show.
Jersey Boys
• Review will be coming soon....
Tavern on the Green (www.tavernonthegreen.com)
• One last salute to a place that have loved for dozens of years. After so many years of serving wonderful food in a fairy-tale-like setting, Tavern on the Green will be closing its doors. It was the perfect restaurant in the perfect location, cuddled in a nice little spot on Central Park West. It was irresistible with its infinite mirrors, the vast chandeliers, the gilded-age décor, the roaming photographer, the enormous gift shop, and, of course, the Crystal Room, our favorite.
It all started in 1934 and did well through the 1950s but times changed and the restaurant didn't. So they did a $10 million renovation and the rest is history. The food over the years was consistently good, the menu had a nice selection of various foods and the portions were nice sizes with good presentations. They also had an excellent wine selection. The staff was so friendly and nice and very attentive. You never had to ask for anything because your waiter would always be proactive, but not in an annoying way. The decor was romantic, over the top but yet still romantic. Each room was different and it was fun just walking around the mazes of halls in mirrored glass. They even had their own gift shop. There were gorgeous chandeliers everywhere...providing lots of charm. Now, let's get back to the rooms. Again, our favorite was The Crystal Room. The best of it all. This room was surrounded with glass panels over twelve foot high, angled toward the ornate craft work on the ceiling and, again, those gorgeous chandeliers. At night you feel as though you are in a winter wonderland. You are in awe. The views from this room are the most beautiful in NYC.
Each room has its own elegant, comfortable feel. The other five rooms were: The Crystal Pavilion (an elaborate pavilion set in a beautiful trompe l'oeil garden with its hand-painted mural of a secret garden. Its hidden sliding walls transformed it into an extension of teh Crystal or Rafters Room. The Chestnut Room was a rustic baroque fantasy of brass, copper, carved mirrors and glorious art, overlooking the Chestnut Garden. The Rafters Room was an elegant Great Hall in rare chestnut, surrounding you with warm elegance. The Terrace Room was a dazzling glass room with Waterford crystal chandeliers, hand-carved plaster ceilings and a panoramic view of the Park. And the Park Room was an enchanting salute to a bygone era with a 52-foot mural depicting Central Park at turn-of-the-century with a private garden surrounding a period fountain. We hope you have time to say goodbye to this old friend of ours...we'll miss you.
Wintuk (www.madisonsquaregarden.com)
• Wintuk is a tricked out show that tells the story of a sweet boy who is desperate for a snow day. He doesn't understand why there is no snow during the holidays so he sets out, with his group of friends, on a journey to find the imaginary world called Wintuk. This Cirque du Soleil production is wonderful for children and adults will enjoy is as well. It includes a cast of young street performers, along with dog puppets, a cute doll and others who provide a series of spectacular stunts. There is a Chaplinesque tightrope walker, an amazing juggler, a quartet of dogs that make you laugh, jumping around the stage and dancing so silly, and a contortionist who plays a rag doll (and, honestly, there were times that we were trying to figure out if she was really a human or just a doll). Children love the enormous puppets and extravagant costumes. The actors moves are just filled with energy and they make their performances look easy. By the way, our favorite part of the show was the Giants of the North, who look like they’re made of white stones. Loved them...felt like it was a scene from a Disney movie with the evil giants coming out...or even Rudolf's Abominable Snowman from the cherished animated film.
Wintuk’s story comes to life with beautifully choreographed stunts and tricks. It is flawlessly executed, and seamlessly integrated. There is action on the entire stage and always something to look at -- it's exciting and engaging. A great experience. Watch the juggling, balancing, bicycling and lots of acrobatics. You will be amazed at what these fine young folk can do. Whether it's an acrobat flying in the air, a construction worker balancing on a single board stacked atop wobbling levels of pipes and cylinders or fun bicycle stunts across the stage, each act is performed with ease and lots of contagious energy. You will wonder how they do it and look for strings or ropes, which you won't find because there aren't any. Wintuk’s show is also filled with lots of fun music and breathtaking scenery that is whimsical, with its bike ramps, really long trampoline that provided so many great stunts and lots of chuckles from the kids, and so much more. The stage is brought to life and the actors have a wonderful playground to show off all of their talents. You will leave and want more -- all in all, it's just a great show. The show is beautifully produced and it will be a terrific day out.
“Wintuk” plays through January at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue. For more information, call (212) 307-1000.
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