NYC Social - January 2014

Happy new year everyone! This series took an unintentional two-month hiatus but it's back. While this post always takes a while to put together, I love writing it and plotting out my weekend plans at the same time, so I do hope you enjoy reading it too.  

We have a bumper issue this month, including a bunch of events which wrap up this weekend. Layer up, grab a hot chocolate and get yourselves out there stat: 

1. Robert Indiana Beyond Love: through January 5

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You might know Robert Indiana from his famous "Love" series of art. This broader retrospective attempts to reveal reasons Indiana is one of America's most prolific artists, showcasing various paintings and sculptures from post-war 1960s. The bulk of the exhibition is non-"Love" but fans will not be disappointed as there is an original 1966 version and a recent re-creation of a 6-foot, 3D sign that lights up.  

NYC Social - March 2013

March is meant to herald the first signs of Spring. Alas Mother Nature hasn't quite got the daylight savings memo - so keep your coat on still and check out what is taking place in NYC this month.

1. Ballet Flamenco: March 6 - 9

Travelling from Sevilla, this renowned repertory company is in New York for a short 4-day performance schedule at the New York City Center. The dramatic performance is entitled "Metafora" - dance being the metophor of life, and will feature 19 dancers and musicians with castanets, fans and my favourite - sweeping skirts of traditonal flamenco dresses.

2. Matisse at the Met: Through March 17

The French artist's exhibition graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art for another couple of weeks. Titled "In Search of True Painting" the 49-painting exhibit portrays Matisse's penchant to creating art in series, building on one while creating another - just like the pair of paintings above which show the same Gulf of Saint Tropez, painted in different styles and colours (or like they say in Thailand: same-same but different!) I think it's very smart of the museum to take advantage of the groupings by displaying his paintings in multiple galleries. In any case, while you are at the Met, check out the exhibit on "Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity" too.

3. St Patrick's Day: March 16-17

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I love the Irish and I love St Patrick's Day! The only thing I don't care for is the ugliness that seems to result from revelers unable to stay sober. I say skip the pub and instead celebrate by heading out to watch the annual Parade taking place on the 16th. This year, the Parade begins on 44th street marching up Fifth Avenue and ending at the Met. Apparently the NYC Parade is older than the United States - a group of Irish patriots from the British Army first marched in 1762. So wear your best green and stake your spot early - it is the largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the world after all! Then once the parade is over, enjoy your Guinness in the comfort of your own home.

4. Ann: starts March 7

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Broadway is churning out some amazing shows this year and here comes another one. After earlier performances in Texas, Chicago and Washington, this play on the legendary former Texan governor Ann Richards comes to New York. Acclaimed Emmy-winning actress, Holland Taylor wrote the play on the late Democrat over the course of four years - pouring over piles of personal and public transcripts, and countless hours of video footage; as well as interviewing family, friends and colleagues. Ms Richards was one helluva firecracker and a great champion to minorities. This is one show I can't wait to watch. 

Here's to the month of hot cross buns - may we finally get some sunshine soon! 

NYC Social - February 2013

Inspired by my friend, Milster's monthly posts on things to do in Paris, I am launching a similar series of fun events taking place in New York. I hope these posts will inspire a visit to the city or if you are local, to take advantage of all the great happenings the city has to offer. 

Fashion Week: February 7 to 14

Donna Karan Fall 2012 (via)

While we eagerly await warmer temperatures to shed off our coats once and for all, the fashion tribe will be eagerly awaiting new cold weather fashion with the debut of Fall 2013 collections. Even if one doesn't have invites to the many shows around town, head to Lincoln Center as the expansive venue affords plenty of opportunity for priceless people-watching. Take your camera, who knows, an aspiring street style star may even ask to pose for you!

Sleeping Beauty at the NYC Ballet: February 13 - 24

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The Winter season of the New York City Ballet is currently in full swing with the highlight this month being Peter Martin's Sleeping Beauty. With over 100 dancers performing to Tchaikovsky's great score, this is a must-see before the company takes a break until the Spring.

The Heiress: through to February 9

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There is only a week left to see this acclaimed play set in New York in the 1850s about a young woman struggling with love and her inheritance.  Frankly I was sold as soon as I knew Matthew Crawley and Celia Foote was in this (alas I dilly-dallied and will be rushing to see it this weekend). If you don't see The Heiress before it's run ends, there is also Scarlett Johansson in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof playing till the end of March.

Bulgari Serpenti Exhibit: February 9 to March 6

Taken during our visit to Tokyo last December

If you were in Rome, Tokyo or New York recently, you may have noticed the beautiful, luminous snake installations outside Bvlgari's flagship store. In conjunction with the Chinese new year of the snake, Bulgari's will celebrate its iconic Serpenti collection with a month-long exhibit at it's Fifth Avenue flagship.  The exhibit will showcase plenty of coiled jewelry and timepieces, as well as photographs, original sketches and one-of-a-kind pieces from the jewelry house's historical archives. 

Clinton Street Baking Company's Pancake Month and City Bakery's Hot Chocolate Festival: Feb 1 - 28

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February is my favourite winter month for nothing makes my heart (and tummy) sing more than having pancakes for dinner. Shove aside any fitness and healthy-eating resolutions for Clinton Street's famous fluffy pancakes served all day. Right now I have my eyes set on the German Chocolate, the Fresh Coconut and the Raspberry ones. 

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Then you have City Bakery's hot chocolate month. Located right by my favourite shopping strip in Union Square, the special flavours they churn out this month are worth making repeat visits for. Always order the house-made marshmallows - they are pricey but at the size of a fist, well worth it. 


Here's to a festive February and let me know if you will be partaking in any of these happenings!

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