New York State of Mind

Still...and I'm back in Toronto - what an amazing trip - mainly thanks to my travelling companions...I realize when I got through customs...I could have bought more stuff - although I did buy two watches at the Newark Airport - $10 bucks each. The woman seated next to me on Porter had a great iPhone case with the New York Subway system map...got it at a street fair on Broadway - probably the same one Patti and I went to in the fall...so much shopping so little time....and jazz.

That's Randy Brecker's "Pop" band at the Blue Note...

Yesterday was a gorgeous day so my friend Richard and new friend Daniela ventured over to Central Park with many other New Yorkers to enjoy the sunshine, fly a kite, play ball and in our case enjoy a picnic of delectables from Zabar's...yummm...love Zabar's - conveniently located near the Riverside Towers..a little too conveniently. I bought some of their famous mustard which I must admit is scrumptious..and numerous coffees and a couple of knishes...well, when in New York...

To the left is me and my dearest friend Richard who shows me so much of New York when I go with him...and he hates having his photo taken...as do I...


Below is his sister Helen - pianist and choir accompanist extraordinaire who was there for a choir competition...we managed to squeeze in some fab shopping at Century 21, Shoegasm, a delicious meal at Pure Food and Wine in celebration of our big year..ahem...cinquante..plus seeing "Anything Goes" a true Broadway musical complete with gorgeous costumes, tap dancing, Cole Porter tunes and Joel Grey.

Another great production you must see - "One Man, Two Guvnors"..a transplant from London, in the tradition of Commedia Dell'Arte "One Servant, Two Masters" by Carlo Goldoni - if I got that right...updated to 1963 England complete with a skiffle band, "The Craze" which entertains not only during the show but before and at intermission...I laughed so hard I was almost in tears. 7 Tony nominations...enough said...plus some great lines uttered by the character of Stanley - upper class twit extraordinaire "Well...wrap my balls in bacon and send em to the nurse" and "First names are for girls and Norweigians"...among others.  Amazing cast!

Other amusements: Roy Hargrove and his smoking quintet plus special guests at the Village Vanguard and Steve Kuhn, Steve Swallow and Joey Baron at Birdland where we also caught the legendary Heath Brothers.

There is an incredible wealth of talent in New York as evidence by a trio and quartet of jazz musicians enjoyed while wandering through Central Park. 

Artwise, I finally got to the MoMa and was entranced and moved by seeing "Starry Night" and the mind blowing Cindy Sherman exhibit. We also ventured out to Randall Island to catch "Frieze New York" an international art exhibition reached by a ferry ride.

And food, food food...the most delicious Tofu Florentine at Cafe Blossom on the Upper West Side, delicious noshing at the Peace Cafe, juices to go at Organic Avenue, yummy dinner at Candle Cafe West...I am already a little sad to be back...now I know why Richard books his next trip as his last one is finishing.

We also went to check out a shop owned by Dani's first cousin "Zachary's Smile" - which has lots of wonderful colourful clothing and accessories - I bought a beautiful blue and pink paisley scarf and this flowy purple sheath. I also bought 3 pairs of shoes while in New York - one pair at Moo Shoes - Jambu - super comfortable, one pair of greeen stretchy Mary Janes at Medici's - only $20 and a pair of iridescent grey Dansko's at Shoegasm...Dani found 4 pairs of great shoes there - one sexy red pair of pumps, another black pair of wedge heels, some sweet retro green heels and a pair of sparkly Tom's flats.

Yet another great shopping experience in NY are the many craft and street fairs which pop up - like the Columbus Craft Fair and a couple on Broadway - I bought a lovely pin and some soap at Columbus and a great necklace and earring set at a table in front of Zabar's - made from magazine papers...the city is designed for shopping and women.

I loved Riverside Towers - nice clean cheap rooms, great staff, quiet - by Riverside Park, close to Zabars and all the great restaurants and shops on Broadway and Amsterdam, near Central Park, museums, galleries and the red line subway - the #1 train.

Can't wait to go back!!