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Let’s Entertain the Kids: Kids’ Night on Broadway and a Giant Paper Fight

Wondering how to entertain the kids before the real holidays start? Two innovative programs invite children to immerse themselves in theatrical artistry, designed to educate and amuse all ages.

One of my favorites, Mimirichi is a pantomime troupe that has achieved international acclaim. They bill themselves as specialists in the art of “paper fights.” You’ll have to see them to understand what this means, but trust me that it’s a combination of comedy, pantomime, slapstick and good old-fashioned silliness. Their newest show, Paper World, promises an interactive element as well. Not surprisingly inducted into the World Clown Academy, the three Ukrainians who comprise Mimirichi recall Marcel Marceau, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and other clown geniuses. The show takes place from November 10 – 29 at Theater for New City, 155 First Avenue, Manhattan (between 9th and 10th Streets). Tickets start at $45. The show is appropriate for ages 4 and above. Information, 800-718-1444, or http://www.mimirichi.com/events/.

Starting immediately, tickets are on sale for Kids’ Night on Broadway, February 9, 2016, brought to you by the Broadway League. Now entering its 20th year, the program offers a free ticket to kids ages 18 and under when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The 23 productions included in this special promotion include both musicals and plays with such alluring shows as Fun Home, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, The King and I, Something Rotten, Wicked, Aladdin, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Noises Off, On Your Feet, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, The Lion King, Matilda! The Musical, School of Rock The Musical, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables. For the full list of shows and links to tickets, visit http://www.kidsnightonbroadway.com/shows. Discounts at area restaurants are also available.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Dine Out for a Good Cause this Month: Breast Cancer Research

Although the leaves are turning red and yellow, October is the month for pink awareness, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A notable food event which builds awareness of the potentially deadly disease and adds a charitable component is James Beard-award winner Chef Todd English’s special dining program at Ça Va Brasserie in the Theater District. Chef English has created a special menu which evokes the color pink, a gentle and delicious reminder that there is much work to be done to eradicate breast cancer. Notable on Ça Va’s menu this month are dishes which include reddish or pinkish ingredients, all building awareness of the deadly disease and the need for the development of a cure. Proceeds from all dinners through the month will benefit the Wendy English Cancer Research Foundation.

The InterContinental Hotel, which is well situated across from Birdland jazz club and within walking distance of both Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters, is the location of Ça Va, a five-year old standout restaurant that has been feeding happy hotel guests and theater goer’s three meals a day. This month has special significance to Chef English, who established the Wendy English Cancer Research Foundation to honor his sister who passed away in 2006 at the age of 42 from breast cancer. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the dishes created for this month will be donated to the Foundation. Special red and pink dishes include Hubbard squash and gala apple soup, with a pomegranate crème fraiche; roasted halibut with fall harvest ratatouille; and New York cheesecake with Meyer lemon, graham cracker, and blueberry. Additionally, each guest dining on any of the special menu dishes will enjoy a pink raspberry madeleine to take home for breakfast the next day. 210 W. 44th Street, Manhattan. For reservations, 212.803.4545, or www.opentable.com. cavatoddenglish.com

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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October Events for a Good Cause: Peace, Music, and Parks

The city kicks off its October event schedule with three programs for good causes: peace, music, and parks.

On October 6, Yoko Ono, founder of Imagine Peace, invites you to help her create the world’s largest human peace sign in honor of John Lennon’s birthday on October 9 (he would have been 75). Near Strawberry Fields in Central Park, the attempt at the Guinness world record will happen in the East Meadow. Expect anywhere from 6000 to 10,000 people and wear your best rock ‘n roll colors. Be there by 12 Noon (you can register onsite, too) as the photo will be shot overhead at 12:30pm. The event is free, but donations will go to the John Lennon Education Tour Bus, a non-profit mobile Pro Audio and HD video recording facility that provides hands-on experiences for students. You can sign up online at Eventbrite.

Also, on October 6, the Bulgarian Concert Evenings program in New York has its Opening Night Gala at 7:30pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Tickets are $40, $30, and $20 and support the development of young and upcoming musicians as well as fund the ongoing free concert program at the library of the Bulgarian Consulate General. This year’s gala features a program of music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Dobrinka Tabakova, and Franz Schubert played on violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano.  For information and tickets, visit www.bceny.org.

Two days later, you can show your support for the city’s parks at a benefit supporting the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s miraculous transformation of the abandoned Dumbo waterfront into a beautiful park. It’s a Brooklyn-style “black tie” affair taking place on Pier 2, called, not surprisingly, the Brooklyn Black Tie Ball and After Party. The October 8 event is filled with great food, dancing, and music, all with an amazing view of Manhattan’s skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. I can’t think of a more wonderful way to thank these folks for all they do like bringing us the Movies with a View series, Pilates classes in the park, and Kayak Camp. The honoree at the event is former mayor Michael Bloomberg who was the driving force in the creation of the park. Cocktails and dinners are 6-9, with the After Party from 9-11. Separate tickets are required for each. Information at http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/bkblacktie .

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Quiet New York City: Where to Go to Get Your Zen

We’ve had the Pope, the GA, Coldplay and Beyonce and their fans in Central Park. Road closures, subway shutdowns, and incessant helicopters.  Sometimes you just want some peace and quiet. Here’s where you can go to find some serenity in the city.

Arthur Ross Pinetum in Central Park

Immerse yourself in nature at the Arthur Ross Pinetum in Central Park. Located between 84th and 86th streets, this area of Central Park has 400 pine trees of 15 various species worldwide. Clear your mind at the Contemplation Circle and do some bird watching while gazing at the buds on the trees. Long-eared and northern saw-whet owls are known to sleep in the surrounding pines during the day, making the Pinetum a prime location for bird watchers.

(212) 310-6600, centralparknyc.org

Jacques-Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

To truly take a step away from New York City, hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free and get a breath of fresh air as you sail away to the serenity of the Jacques-Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. Admire the largest collection of Tibetan art in the West, located inside of the only Himalayan-temple-style building in the United States. Afterwards, take some time to wander around the beautiful meditation gardens outside. If you fall in love with the Tibetan culture by the end of your visit, then make sure to venture back to the museum in October for the annual Tibetan festival.  If you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear the monks ring the bells to break your silent reverie.

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1pm-5pm.

Admission:

Adults- $6

Seniors/Students- $4

(718) 987-3500,  338 Lighthouse Ave., Staten Island,   http://www.tibetanmuseum.org/index.htm

YeloSpa

For the ultimate power nap, visit YeloSpain Manhattan and try out a YeloCabTM. After a nap in one of these cocoon-like cabins, you will feel rejuvenated and ready to get back to work in no time. Choose from a traditional massage while napping or a reclining YeloChair TM to sleep in for a weightless feeling. Customize the lighting and music in the YeloCab to your liking, and fill the cabin with your favorite aromatherapy scent. Snuggle up with a soft cashmere blanket and sleep that stress away at YeloSpa.

(212) 245.8235,  315 West 57th St., http://www.yelonyc.com/spa/

Zen Buddhist Temple

Awaken your heart and mind with a public meditation service at the Zen Buddhist Temple on the Upper East Side. Join other people looking to find their Zen and learn techniques that will help you let go of the stresses of living in New York City. The temple’s public meditation service is a great way to prepare for the work week ahead, as it is offered on Sundays at 10:30 am. The session lasts one and a half hours and is completely donation-based. The suggested contribution is $10 per visit.

(212) 888-6262,  206 East 63rd St.,  http://zenbuddhisttemple.org/locations/newyork/index.html

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Dining and Dancing in Manhattan, Frank Sinatra Style

Ol’ Blue Eyes is making a comeback on Saturday, September 26, at the 21 Club. Following the trend of retro (and glamorous) dinner and dining set in motion by the re-opening of the Rainbow Room this year, the 21 Club is devoting an evening to the kind of soiree that made headlines both before and after Mad Men days. On Sinatra Night at the 21′ Club, crooner Nick Drakides pays tribute to a former 21 Club regular, Frank Sinatra, right in the Puncheon Room and Gallery where Frank used to dine. The menu will, of course, be Italian in theme, including the singer’s favorite Osso Buco, seafood pasta, and cannolis. Executive Chef Sylvain Delpique spins these with a New York twist and adds more recent favorites like octopus carpaccio and tuna tartare. Reservations are $165 per person for three courses, live music and dancing.  Call 212-582-7200 to book. 21 West 52nd Street.  http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/21_club.jsp

21 Club

And, if you haven’t been to the newly reopened Rainbow Room yet, check out the Brian Newman Orchestra and Ben Patterson trio, playing October 2 and October 9, for two more swanky evenings of dinner and dancing. Check the Rainbow Room calendar frequently for other big band and jazz evenings. 212- 632-5000. 30 Rockefeller Plaza. http://www.rainbowroom.com/dining-entertainment/dinner-and-dancing/?gclid=CjwKEAjwyemvBRDFpN3E5_bs9BQSJAA5n8L26EF1xAb8VGtrP_aTma7zue8M5P2G3kBKAvUATpYA_hoCKvXw_wcB

Rainbow Room

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Celebrate Fall with these Five Stunning Food (and Benefit) Events in Manhattan

Celebrate fall with these five stunning food (and benefit) events in Manhattan

Craft BeerBrooklyn Brewery and the Craft Beer Revolution
Monday, September 21, 7pm

Brooklyn Brewery’s Steve Hindy (author of Beer School) and Garrett Oliver (author of The Brewmaster’s Table) share the story of how their revolutionary company grew from a home-brew hobby into a multimillion-dollar business—in the most competitive beer market in the US.  Tasting included.

92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (at 92nd St.), Manhattan
$32

www.92Y.org/Event/Brooklyn-Brewery-and-the-Craft-Beer-Revolution


A Second Helping of Life
Monday, September 21, 7pm-9:30pm

Join New York City’s premier women chefs to support SHARE and raise funds to help thousands affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Headlining chefs include April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig and The Breslin. For more information email lcooper@sharecancersupport.org.
Chelsea Piers, Pier 60 (at West 22nd St.), Manhattan
Tasting Event tickets start at $325

www.ShareBenefit.org/view_about.php?journal_id=631

Share Benefit

Sweden Day at NORTH 2015
Thursday, September 24, noon-10pm

On Sweden Day, celebrate the country that gave us ABBA, IKEA and Spotify with a free event at the Scandic Haymarket Square at NORTH 2015. Food and drink from Stockholm provided for all.
The Scandic Haymarket Square, 139 Charles St. (Washington-Greenwich Sts.), Manhattan
Free

www.NordicFoodFestival.org/sessions/sweden-day-north-2015

Nordic Food

D’Artagnan Cassoulet War
Thursday, September 24, 7pm – 10pm

Cassoulet EventOn September 24, fifteen chefs battle for cassoulet supremacy at The Standard Biergarten. Enjoy the festivities and the cassoulet experience while voting for your favorite cassoulet. Proceeds benefit Action Against Hunger. A panel of judges including Chef Sara Moulton (Food Network’s “Sara’s Secrets), Chef Andre Daguin (Hotel de France), Chef Jean-Pierre Xiradakis (La Tupina), Francis Staub (Founder of Staub Cookware), and Jean-Michel Cazes (French winemaker) will choose the Most Authentic and Most Daring cassoulet champion.The Standard, 848 Washington St. (at Little West 12th St.), Manhattan
$75
www.Eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-dartagnan-cassoulet-war-tickets-17832740206

Pop Up New York’s Chelsea Eats
Saturday, September 26
Chelsea Eats will bring a culinary journey to 8th Avenue from 14th – 23rd street with the focus of giving a makeover to the classic street experience. The Chelsea Eats strip will bring together the best of New York’s artisanal food, handcrafted goods, stunning visual artists and live entertainment. As part of the event, dancers from the Joyce Theater will put on live performances from tap, jazz, salsa and ballet genres.

Participating vendors include Red Hook Lobster Pound; Melt Bakery; Alchemy Creamery; Mighty Quinn’s BBQ; Brooklyn Oyster Party; Duck Season; WtrMLN Water; Detox Water), visual artist (UTA Brauser) and merchants (Papercrane Heart, The Green Pallette Brooklyn Bar Body and Bath). Local restaurants located on the Chelsea Eats strip Pound & Ounces, Bareburger and Forringers host beer and wine gardens outside of their venues.

http://www.popupnewyorkevents.com

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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