Louis Comfort Tiffany & Laurelton Hall - An Artist's Country Estate

Laurelton Hall the lavish country estate of Louise Comfort Tiffany was built shortly after the turn of the century in Oyster Bay, New York along Long Island's north shore. Conceived and meticulously designed completely by this multitalented artist, Laurelton Hall is the crowning glory in this artist's impressive repertoire of works. From architecture to glass to painting and jewelry, each art medium, which at one point or another in his illustrious career became his focus, is represented in this one outstanding accomplishment.

In the exhibit, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you will find many elements of the home, which were salvaged from the fire that destroyed it, plus many pieces of art (including some of Tiffany's own works) from the artist's personal collection. A series of spectacular Tiffany stained glass windows and a portion of the estate's facade are on permanent exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing and can be viewed at the same time.

Company

The revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Company opened this fall at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The story, which follows lead character, Bobby through the trials of love and dating, is told through a series of memorable songs including Being Alive and The Ladies Who Lunch.

The show is directed by John Doyle who last season won a Tony for directing Sweeney Todd. Does this mean another musical where actors play their own instruments? Absolutely!

Winter Restaurant Week 2007

For ten days, January 22-26 and January 29 - February 2 more than 100 restaurants, including many of New York City's finest will participate in an event to which New York enthusiasts have come to look forward.

During this special period you can delight in delectable three-course lunches for just $25.07 and three-course dinners for $35.07 (beverages, tax and gratuity are not included).

The winter Restaurant Week 2007 is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant. Perhaps an elegant midtown classic such as Remi or the 21 Club, a theatre district hot spot such as Blue Fin, a mouth watering steak house such as Maloney & Porcelli, Frankie and Johnnie's or Shelly's, a celebrity hang out such as Nobu or Montrachet, candle lit romance such as One if by Land, Two if by Sea, a room with a view such as River Cafe or the Water Club or something ultra casual and quintessentially New York.

Make your plans now. This is a partial list of selected restaurants participating in NYC Winter 2007 Restaurant Week:

2 West
2 West St.
917-790-2525
4, 5 to Bowling Green

21 Club
21 W. 52nd St.
212-582-7200
E, V to Fifth Ave.

44 Restaurant
44 W. 44th St.
212-944-8844
1, 2, 3, N, R, W to 42nd St.-Times Square

5 Ninth
5 Ninth Ave.
212-929-9460
A, C, E, L to 14th St.

a Voce
41 Madison Ave.
212-545-8555
6, R, W to 28th St.

Abboccato Ristorante
136 W. 55th St.
212-265-4000
1 to 50th St.

Blue Water Grill
31 Union Square West
212-675-9500
4, 5, 6, L, N, R, Q, W to 14th St.-Union Square

Bobby Van's Steakhouse & Grill
135 W. 50th St.
212-957-5050
1, 9 to 50th St. or N, R to 49th St.or B, D, F to Rockefeller Center

Bolo Restaurant & Bar
23 E. 22nd St.
212-228-2200
R, W to 23rd St.

Bond 45 Italian Kitchen Steak & Seafood
154 W. 45th St.
212-869-4545
1, 2, 3, N, R, W to 42nd St.-Times Square

Brasserie
100 E. 53rd St.
212-751-4840
6, E, V to 51st St.-Lexington Ave.

Brasserie 8 1/2
9 W. 57th St.
212-829-0812
F to 57th St.

Ada Restaurant
208 E. 58th St.
212-371-6060
4, 5, 6, N, R, W to 59th St.-Lexington Ave.

Hatsuhana Sushi Restaurant
17 E. 48th St.
212-355-3345
N, R, W to 49th St.

Gotham Bar & Grill
12 E. 12th St.
212-620-4020
4, 5, 6, L, N, R, Q, W to 14th St.-Union Square

Exciting Deals – NYC Holiday Getaway Package

Best New York City Restaurants - Café d’Alsace

New York restaurateur Simon Oren saw his name at the center of many a fine restaurant review following the opening, three years ago, of his French bistro/brasserie, Nice Matin on Manhattan's upper west side. Now, he has cloned this successful fun and light-hearted design on the upper east side and named it Café d’Alsace.

Despite the almost identical aesthetics, the regional cuisine of choice has been changed from the Riviera to Alsacian. Authentic french chef and partner in this venture, Philippe Roussel (from Brittany) has prepared an authentic Alsacian menu offering hearty dishes from this northwest region that more closely resembles german cuisine than the parisian or provençal style that you will find at most french restaurants. Hearty stews such as Baeckeoffe (lamb, oxtail and bacon braised in white wine) garnished sauerkraut, sausages, roast pork and casseroles simmered in Rieslings.

For those who can find room, well prepared deserts abound. The ambiance is cheerful and the chef is commendable but if there is one stand-alone gimmick that is bringing people to café d'Alsace it's the Beer Sommelier (yes they're serious). With almost 120 brews on hand, Avriam, the restaurants beer sommelier can suggest the perfect choice for each meal, and for each individual's taste. The restaurant has become quite popular and reservations are needed for both lunch and dinner.

Tree Lightings - The Baroque Christmas Tree

Each year, The Metropolitan Museum of Art erects a 20-foot Christmas in the center of it medieval sculpture hall. Placed before the large iron choir screen from the cathedral of Valladolid in Spain, this dramatic, low-light setting creates a sight to behold.

The tree is decorated with angels and cherubs and, at the foot of the tree is an elaborately detailed nativity scene composed of 18th century Neapolitan figurines.

From Cézanne to Picasso: Ambroise Vollard, Patron of the Avant-Garde

At a young age, Ambroise Vollard, an art dealer in Paris, began collecting and exhibiting the works of emerging artists. At the turn of the 19th century he was representing not only Cezanne and Picasso but also Degas, Gaugin, Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Rousseau and others.

One successful exhibition followed another and soon Vollard became sought after by emerging artists hoping to be discovered and chosen by the man with the Midas touch. This exhibit, which contains 100 paintings, sculpture, books and prints, brings together works by many of these artists, which at one time were either presented or collected by Vollard.

This comprehensive exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art will be on view through January 7, 2007.

NYC Shopping Guide – Holiday Crafts on Park Avenue

Held inside the armory, this fair gathers 175 of the best known artisans from throughout the states. With a more than twenty year history, this market is an exciting crowd pleaser.

The high quality of the crafts displayed draws a large number of browsing art enthusiasts as well as serious shoppers. Featuring one-of-a-kind and limited editions this market is a great place to find something special for that special someone.

Kaleidoscope Light Show in Grand Central Station

While at Grand Central Station, also enjoy the new Kaleidoscope light show.

Every 30 minutes from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., this new spectacular light show held in the main concourse creates a dancing effect of light and color that turns the building's interior into an incredible prismatic kaleidoscope image.

Best New York City Restaurants - Quality Meats

Michael Stillman, son of Alan Stillman of Smith and Wollensky fame has branched out on his own bringing yet another steak house to Manhattan's midtown area.

The fruit of his labors, Quality Meats has been cleverly designed, incorporating several meat industry icons such as butcher block tiles, walnut planks reminiscent of meat lockers and ceiling light fixtures porting a steal hook motif.

Surprisingly enough, the well conceived design provides an elegant atmosphere that is more likely to appeal to women than the typical stodgy steak house that we have come to expect.

Attention to an attractive presentation does not end with the decor, menu items are served with well planned garnishes that defy the ubiquitous brown sauces. The menu offers a broad variety of choices including t-bone steak, sirloin, rib eye, a gargantuan 64 ounce double cut intended for two, rack of lamb, veal chops, suckling pig and a variety of fish. Heaping flavor, however, comes at a heaping price.

Exciting Deals – NYC Holiday Getaway Package

The New York City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

This holiday season, come and experience for yourself the incredible show. With Tschaikovsky's incomparable score and dazzling sets and costumes, The New York Post calls this joyous holiday tradition "the Christmas show of all Christmas shows."
Start your holiday season off right and be one of the first to see this year's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at New York City Ballet. Tickets are available at New York City Ballet website or please call CenterCharge 212.721.6500.

Lightings in NYC - UNICEF Snowflake

Suspended at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the UNICEF Snowflake is held in place by four of New York's most highly known establishments: Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Bergdorf Goodman and The Crown Building. This twenty-one year old tradition received a facelift last year with introduction of a new snowflake presented by Baccarat Crystal.

Designed and handcrafted by Ingo Maurer in Germany the snowflake incorporates 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms. Twenty-three feet wide and twenty-eight feet tall, this magnificent structure weighs in at over three thousand pounds and serves as a beam of hope for needy children around the world.

Christmas With Renée Fleming

Renowned artist Renee Fleming fills Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium with the sounds of her incomparable voice in a holiday celebration that includes excerpts from Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Mass in C minor, Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Berlioz' Trio for Flutes and Harp, Bernstein's Simple Song plus traditional carols.

The event take place on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $42-$125 and are available on line at Carnegie Hall or at the box office.

NYC Shopping Guide - Fêtes de Noël

Bryant Park located directly behind the main branch of the New York Public Library is one of New York City's largest holiday markets. 125 vendors in tented stalls surround the seasonal ice skating rink.

The combination of free ice skating (through January 1, 2007), of cocoa available from Jacques Torres' stand, quaint shopping booths and holiday lights makes this European style winter wonderland an experience worth venturing out for.

While in the area, stop into the library. The lobby architecture and painted ceiling in the main reading room are quite beautiful. Bryant Park is within easy walking distance of the Grand Central market described above. For a full day of shopping combine these two venues.

NYC Shopping Guide - Union Square Market

Downtown Manhattan's Union Square has been revolutionized in recent years by the opening of stores and restaurants. During the holidays, the Union Square market takes of the south side of this crossroads with nearly one hundred vendors selling gift items ranging from knits, leathers, candles, toys, apothecary items and jewelry.

The Union Square Market holiday fair is located in 14th Street at Union Square and it takes place from November 23 until December 24, 2006.

NYC Shopping Guide - Columbus Circle Holiday Market

This market is the uptown version of the Union Square market. Organized by the same producers, the Columbus Circle market is similar in design and merchandise selection but somewhat smaller due to available space. Its smaller size is more than compensated for by its easily accessible location - right at the main entrance to Central Park and across the street from the Time Warner complex.

For a day of brisk walking and shopping set out early. Give yourself enough time to spend time in the Time Warner complex. You'll enjoy the chance to warm up in the many indoor shops before heading back out for a stroll through Central Park. Whole Foods market on the lower level is a good place to grab a self service bite to eat. Its a bit pricey but wholesome and tasty, and seating is provided.

NYC Shopping Guide - Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair

Massive crowds and a lack of unique merchandise has caused many shoppers to move away from large malls and department store settings and to attend the growing number of holiday markets that take place around the city each year during this gift giving season. Outdoor settings and holiday themes create a village market atmosphere that many find welcoming.

This season why not try Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair for a taste of New York City shopping - holiday style. See Vanderbilt Hall transformed into a bustling market with 75 vendors carrying jewelry, linens, apparel, art and decorative items for the season.

Lincoln Center Winter's Eve

The lighting of the Christmas tree at Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson plaza, has evolved into a full evening of entertainment. For seven years merchants in the Lincoln Center area sponsor entertainment. Musicians and other performers stroll the streets turning neighboring sidewalks into a festive community. Many local shops offer food tasting and other festive treats. The lighting of the tree takes place on Monday, November 27, 2006, at 5:30 p.m.

Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park

A continuous success since its inauguration in 1950, Wollman Skating Rink provides more than 30,000 square feet of skating surface in a scenic outdoor setting. In the evening, Fifth Avenue adds a dramatic backdrop.

Admission is $9.50 for adults ($12.00 on weekends) and $4.50 for children under twelve ($5.00 on weekends). Rental skates are available.

"The Apple Tree" Musical

Kristin Chenoweth whose role as Glinda in Broadway’s "Wicked" earned her instant stardom, will star in “The Apple Tree” this fall at Studio 54. The new musical which opens November 28 is scheduled for an open run and features music by Jerry Bock.

This Broadway remake of a 1966 play that starred Alan Alda and Barbara Harris is based on three separate books: Mark Twain’s “The diary of Adam and Eve”, Frank Stockton’s “The Lady or the Tiger” and Jules Feiffer’s “Passionella.”

The New York City Marathon - November 5, 2006

Each year over 90,000 runners apply for the chance to participate in the New York City Marathon. Those 37,000 lucky enough to be chosen transverse the City’s five boroughs in pursuit of the thrill of achievement and for the enjoyment of nearly 315 million spectators worldwide.

The race begins on at 10:00 a.m. on Staten Island and early runners begin to enter Central Park at about 11:45 a.m. Anywhere along the park drive offers good viewing. Bring your camera for a true Kodak moment.

Exciting Deals – NYC Holiday Getaway Package

Picasso and American Art

This exhibit aims to show the important role of Picasso's work on the development of American art in the last century.

The influence of his cubist style and sometimes neo surrealist elements can be found in the works of American painters such as, Max Weber, Stuart Davis, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Roy Litchtenstein and Jasper Johns, all of whom are represented in the exhibit.

This groundbreaking exhibition is on view at The Whitney Museum from September 28, 2006, through January 28, 2007.

Bob Dylan’s American Journey 1956-1966

Repackaged music is now moving beyond the performance stage onto canvases and exhibit halls at local museums. One example to reach New York this fall is “Bob Dylan’s American Journey 1956-1966.” This exhibit allows fans of folk music from the sixties to take a close look at the early career of a legendary singer who would help shape political thinking among the radical masses of the time and become a permanent part in the fabric of American culture.

Born Robert Zimmerman in Minnesota, Bob Dylan (as he later re-annointed himself) moved to New York after college to pursue his dream of writing and performing music. In 1961 his first concert at Carnegie hall drew a crowd of merely fifty people. Within two to three years, however, he was leading the growing folk movement that used music as a means of taking a strong stance against civil inequities and other political injustices.

This first comprehensive exhibition devoted to Bob Dylan's early career, is on view at The Morgan Library & Museum from September 29, 2006, through January 6, 2007. The exhibit includes instrument, manuscripts that show how Dylan refined some of his most notable songs, listening stations, performance footage, posters and letters.

Annie Leibowitz: A Photographer’s Life, 1990-2005

From pictures of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Mick Jagger, Celine Dion and baby, and most recently Angelina Jolie in Vogue Magazine, Annie Leibowitz has spent a lifetime seeing life through a lens and is today America's most renowned photographer. Countless books are filled with celebrity images taken over several decades.

More than 200 images by this famed photographer will be on exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art and represent the vast amount of work created by her for major magazines, celebrities, advertisements and family members. The Annie Leibowitz exhibition will be on view from October 20, 2006 through January 21, 2007.

Exciting Deals – NYC Holiday Getaway Package

Americans in Paris 1860-1900

In the late 19th century as all eyes turned to Paris for the latest trends in art, artists from many countries traveled to Paris hoping to learn new techniques and to gain prominence as a result of having their works displayed amongst that of the local artists who were already garnering so much attention and adulation.

Among American artists who traveled to Paris for these very reasons were Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Thomas Eakins and James McNeil Whistler. The exhibition has traveled to various European cities and will end here in New York, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It brings together 100 paintings that, despite their varying styles, all show clear evidence of French influence.

A free symposium on Americans in Paris 1860-1900 will be held at the museum's Grace Rainey Roger auditorium on November 30th. Later, on December 3rd at 2:00 p.m., a group presentation on the appreciation of American impressionist art will be held in this same auditorium.

Speakers and panelists will include: Alice Pratt Brown, curator of American paintings and sculpture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Eleanor Jones Harvey, Chief Curator, Smithsonian American Art Museum and William H. Gerdts, Professor Emeritus of Art History Graduate Center CUNY. This panel of experts will introduce and discuss what drew artists to Paris at this particular time in history, what they experienced and how those experiences affected their work.

A Taste of New York

Tickets have just gone on sale for one of New York City's most exclusive epicurean events - the annual Taste of New York, November 6, 2006. Imagine established restaurateurs and food merchants plus, a few new kids on the block vying for attention and patrons in this convention style setting, chefs signing copies of their recently published "code de cuisine", inspiring food demonstrations, wine tasting, fabulous giveaways and more all taking place under one roof.

A fast pace and top-notch flavor - now that's a taste of New York! For aesthetically appealing creations that please the eyes tingling aromas that seduce the nose and divine taste that will satisfy you palate, this is the place to be. Among the renowned chefs scheduled to participate are: Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelsson, Laurent Tourendel, Mario Batali, Eric Rippert, Tom Valenti, Bill Telepan and Kurt Guttenbruner. General admission is $110.

This event is produced by New York Magazine in conjunction with City Harvest, a non-profit food rescue organization whose mission is to fight hunger in New York City. A portion of the proceeds from this event, which in the past has sold out, will go to this worthy cause.

The Drowsy Chaperone Musical Comedy

Sutton Foster the talented stage star who made her mark in 2002 in Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie returned in 2005 to play Jo in Little Women. Each performance earned her a Tony Award nomination.

Today, a sure-shot box office magnet, Sutton finds herself once again in the limelight in this season's musical hit, The Drowsy Chaperone, the story of a stereotypical starlet who gives up her stage career for marriage. Her ability to act, dance and sing plus, her charismatic personality, which is well employed in every character she plays has, once again, earned her a Tony Award nomination. For song, dance and superb light-hearted entertainment head out to The Drowsy Chaperone at The Marquis Theatre.

Lizards and Snakes: Alive!

Lizards & Snakes: Alive! Oh my! Squamates, land animals with scales such as lizards and snakes are often thought to comprise a small if not insignificant portion of the animal kingdom. With its live specimens, interactive stations and visual displays offering keen insights, this exhibit will have you thinking again.

Curated by The American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with The San Diego Natural History Museum, Snakes & Lizards: Alive! places on display sixty live examples ranging from the colorful to the camouflaged and from the venomous to the docile. These live animals are from the Amazon, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, Africa, Mexico and the United States. Also included in the exhibit are fossil specimens that help show the evolution of squamates and identify contributions made by some species to medical research. This is a great educational experience for children and adults alike.