Best of New York

Best of New York
The view outside this writer's front door. (Nanci Callahan)
2/18/2014
Updated:
4/24/2016

 The Groundhog wasn’t kidding! NYC has been snowed under! Thanks to the MTA, NYC DOT, Dept. of Sanitation and the U.S. Post Office, we just kept on rolling!

NYC Restaurant Week Feb 17-Mar 1.  If you have longed to sample some of NYC’s finest dining, this is your chance. 291 of NYC’s best of the best restaurants will be offering a three course lunch for $25 and a three course dinner for $38.

Tip: Make reservations. Most of the restaurants also list their restaurant week menus, so check them out in advance. Info at NYCGO.com

Theatre: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. A spoofy, farcical, and entertaining evening. Not as serious as Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians, but nonetheless totally enjoyable, as the other eight in line bite the dust in varied and unusual ways.

Don Stephenson (understudy) played the lead (Jefferson May was ill when seen) and he was terrific. At the Walter Kerr Theatre. Info: agentlemansguidebroadway.com

Big Band: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks: You can find this New York treasure playing every Monday and Tuesday in Times Square at Iguana NYC, 212 765-5454.

Vince has single handedly revived this art form and dancing or just listening is a treat. You have probably seen him and the band in films (The Cotton Club)  and on TV, but live is best. Info: vincegiordano.com

Film: American Hustle, nominated for a best picture Oscar. If you loved The Sting, this is definitely for you!  Rumor has it that Twelve Years A Slave may steal the golden statue, but American Hustle is worth the price of admission.

Christian Bale is the sleazy but brilliant con man and Jennifer Lawrence (as his wife) took home a Golden Globe for her role. Info: americanhustle-movie.com

Mandela: This writer was fortunate enough to meet him in NYC in 1992 after his release from 27 years of imprisonment. That was a thrill! This is an intense and emotional film, and the best docu-drama and portrait of a true legend that is available. Info: mandelamovie.co.za

Jazz : Birdland (named for the famous saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker) one of the best remaining jazz clubs in New York. Located in Times Square at 44St. and 8th Ave. In addition to great jazz talent, they offer an appealing varied and tasty menu. Info: birdlandjazz.com

This week was the fabulous, smoky voiced Cyrille Aimee and a great international band (and you do want to watch for her or grab a CD. ) She heads to California next week. Details at cyrillemusic.com

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