Springtime in the Big Apple
APRIL 23 TO MAY 13, 2007
Springtime in the Big Apple
MONDAY, APRIL 23
In order to obtain a Frequent Flyer free flight with United Airlines using 25,000 miles, we had to take the 6 a.m. flight to the Big Apple. The 8 a.m. flight would have taken 50,000 miles. To hell with them!! I was up at 2 a.m. and the Shuttle picked us up at 3:45 a.m. We were quite early and had to wait around for quite a while. The flight was on time—no airport nightmare this time around!
We took a cab into Manhattan to the Leo House. It was such a pleasant 88 degrees with signs of Springs everywhere. How great to have another Spring after ours which occurs in February.
We walked around the Chelsea area. Met Eric Svenson for dinner at the very good Italian restaurant, Intermezzo: they have a special fixed-priced dinner for $10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Drinks are in the $10 to $14 range! More than the dinner. Best to stay with water or iced tea! Began with their pasta fagioli which was quite good but did not have any bacon in it—grandma would object!! Had rigatoni Siciliana (with eggplant, ricotta & tomato-basil sauce). We all shared a tirimasu which was quite good!
We were all going to go to the new nightclub, the Metropolitan Room, but Merrill and I suddenly had a sinking spell. We decided sleep was more important so we could get a fresh start tomorrow in the Big Apple.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
6 a.m. became my wakeup time for this trip. Organized and ready for the day. Decided to have the famous Leo House Buffet Breakfast. Quite good. One can go back as many times as you desire. It’s all only $7. One has to have a light lunch after this feast.
We arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art just before they opened at 9:30 a.m. There was not a line; I always enter through the handicapped entrance. We were there especially for the new Greek & Roman Gallery. Not very crowded until the school children began arriving at about 10:30 a.m. They have taken the old 1940s dining room and opened the ceiling to natural daylight to display their fabulous Greek and Roman collection that the museum kept in storage for at least 75 years! Simply magnificent!!! I was planning on returning again during this visit.
Got to see a few other exhibits: Barcelona and Modernity: Gaudi to Dali was wonderful. The exhibit covered art and crafts between the Barcelona Universal Exposition of 1888 thru the Fascist regime of Franco in 1939. This included 300 works including paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, posters, decorative objects, furniture, architectural models and designs. Loved this exhibit. A little bit of everything!
Venice and the Islamic World, 828 to 1797 This exhibit was ok. It examined the relationship between Venice and the Islamic world over a thousand year period. It all began to look alike after a while. The museum has acquired the Marco Polo manuscript for this exhibit; beautifully decorated and written in French.
Met Merrill and we got on a bus down Lexington Avenue to 28th Street. Great sightseeing from the bus! Traffic was terrible when we were near the Waldorf Astoria: President Bush was having lunch there after visiting black children in Harlem to continue promoting one of his biggest failure, Don’t Leave A Child Behind!? Oy vey!
It was lunch at the wonderful French restaurant, Le Petite Auberge, that has been there practically forever. Met Theatre Historical Society of America member, Joan O’Sullivan, there. Had a delightful old-fashioned French meal: wonderfully tasty onion soup gratine; filet of sole almandine with vegs (don’t remember ever eating salsify before!??). Tasted like turnip to me. Then finished it all off with crème carmel and cappuccino.
After lunch we ventured up to The Morgan Library & Museum. This has all been gorgeously redone. The lobby area with café now connects the two older parts of the property: the home and the library. I did not care for the exhibit, Victorian Bestsellers, a compilation of cartoons of the era. Not very funny these days; some are not clear as to what they are making fun of. Loved the exhibit, From Berlin to Broadway, that was donated to the library by Broadway lyricist, Fred Ebb (1928 to 2004). Drawings on paper from the German and Austrian era were quite interesting.
Back to the Leo House for a short rest and then just a slice of pizza for supper; we were still recovering from our big lunch.
8 p.m.: THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
Since the show with Vanessa Redgrave was only 90 minutes, we stopped in Joe Allen’s for a drink. Easy to strike up a conversation there. Lots of show business “types” at the bar.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Up early at 6 a.m. The weather that was so gorgeous ever since we arrived, turned cloudy and cool today. We were off to Starbuck’s around the corner and a piece of crumb cake. Then we headed up to Grand Central Station to meet Eric Svenson. Before 9 a.m. we were on our way to Poughkepsie for a very scenic two-hour train ride along the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain area. Arrived at 10:45 a.m. and college classmate, Paul Dellaca, was driving in from Norwalk, CT to pick us up. He was nearly a half hour late. Decided to go to lunch: Eveready Diner for half a tuna sandwich and pea soup with salad on the side.
After filling our stomachs, it was time for the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. First we were given a tour of the FDR home where he was born and raised. Then we were off to the Library which was the first in America. FDR had this idea to form Presidential Libraries in 1941 (he had so many other great “ideas” for the American people to get us out one of the worst depressions in our history!). Roosevelt established the precedent for public ownership of presidential papers, which finally became Federal law in 1978. The exhibits are very detailed and we can thank his possessive mother, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, for all of this There is also a marvelous section on Eleanor. She certainly was ahead of her time and took some very controversial stands on life! We then toured the stables and Franklin and Eleanor and Falla’s gravesites. Despite the rain that came later in the afternoon, we enjoyed a few hours with one of America’s greatest presidents.
For dinner, we were off to the nearby Hyde Park Culinary Institute of America, which was founded in 1946 with 50 students in New Haven, CT. In 1972, with a student body of 1,000, it moved to Hyde Park, NY, to the former Jesuit seminary, St. Andrew on the Hudson. A branch opened in 1995 in St. Helena, CA in the heart of the Napa Valley. We had a very delicious dinner: began with martinis, then a flavorful roast pepper pureed soup; red snapper with tomato & olives and a side of very buttery mashed potatoes. Had a cheese plate for dessert with a choice of very nice cheeses. The breads were all homemade and the white and red wines that we had were reasonably priced. We enjoyed the three-hour dinner before Paul drove us back to the Leo House where we arrived at 11:30 p.m. A splendid day!!
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Today the weather was back to sunshine and pleasant temps in the low 70s. It was a day to move; we were leaving most of our things at the Leo House and just packing enough in a garment bag for two nights. Off to Starbuck’s for our coffee and snack and then at 9:30 a.m. we were off to On the Ave on 77th Street and Broadway. This was part of a trip that I purchased at a silent auction at a Chanticleer Gala last year.
Our mini suite was ready; we were escorted there. We had a huge rectangular room; huge bed with lovely comforter with tons of pillows with a corner view of Central Park. Also in the room were two large bureau drawers; bookshelf with side chair and reading floor lamp; sofa with huge desk and there were two tv’s in the room. Another corner view from the desk. The bathroom was a big as our room at the reasonably priced Leo House. A huge walk in closet held all our clothes, etc. What a luxurious room for two nights. I inquired how much the suite would have cost if we were paying? The price: $549 a night!
Merrill decided to go to the Cloisters for the rest of the morning and afternoon. I was on my way to the NYC Ballet Box Office for ballet tickets for this week and next week. Then I was off to meet Roy Newkirk at the Players Club for lunch.
1:30 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Back to our lovely mini suite for a nap. Merrill arrived back from his journey to the Cloisters. We dressed up in suit and tie and were off to San Domenico’s Restaurant. It is supposed to be the “definitive” Italian restaurant in America, but I think it is terribly overrated at popular prices!! Merrill sent back his appetizer and settled for another. I had homemade parpadella Genoa style (basil pesto with stringbeans and potato as a starter; quite tasty. Then on to sea bass with grilled vegs. Nothing special. Ricotta pannecotte was fine for dessert. I still prefer the Italian cooking from the southern part of Italia.
8 p.m. CHANTICLEER: A MASS FOR PEACE
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Woke up in our luxurious mini suite with rain just pouring down and beating against tall the windows in the room! A leisurely morning with Lady Godiva coffee in the room. What to do in this awful downpour (by the end of the day, 2” of rain had fallen). To Starbuck’s for more coffee and a piece of my favorite crumb cake.
This was a perfect day for a museum and we walked over (“singin’ in the rain”!!) to the New York Historical Society for their marvelous exhibit, A New Light on Tiffany: Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls. This exhibit was very informative: Ms. Driscoll designed many of Tiffany’s lamps; he took all the credit for them, including the award winning dragon fly lamp at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair! The exhibit included many Tiffany lamps, windows, mosaics, enamels and ceramics—most of them designed by Driscoll and other women at Tiffany Studios.
We had lunch at their little café: an Insalada Caprese sandwich—mozzerella, tomato and basil on a hero. Very good!!
Then we visited The World of Asher B. Durand exhibit: famous for landscape paintings in the 19th Century. Another huge exhibit was New York Divided: Slavery and the Civil War; this added much information that complemented the Historical Society’s SLAVERY IN NEW YORK exhibit last year. Found it very interesting and informative. A very small exhibit, Carry Me Home: Dispatches from the Civil War, was quite emotional. It contained letters, diaries and photos from the society’s archives that brought mostly bad news of dead soldiers to families. Liked this very much. Finished up with a small exhibit: Elegy in the Dust: September 11th and the Chelsea Jeans Memorial This exhibit said a lot; Chelsea Jeans, a retail store closed forever as a result of 9/11. The owners kept a part of the store with all the “dust” from the World Trade Center on their jeans display. Quite moving!!
We had quite a day at the museum. Back to the hotel for a rest. Then we were off to Oscar’s at the Waldorf to meet Bill Hiebert. Bill searched all the bars in the main hotel lobby but never got down to Oscar’s. So, we had a fabulous martini while we waited for him and then had an overpriced burger and fries there; it was delicious however!
Merrill was off to see Coram Boy with a half-priced ticket from the Tix Booth.
8:45 p.m. KEELY SMITH at the Café Carlyle
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Weather cleared up and it was sunny with the air smelling clean after an all-day rainfall yesterday! We had coffee in the room, got packed. Merrill was off to the Metropolitan Museum of Art once more. I returned to the Leo House to our little room once more to get unpacked and organized.
Had a sausage, pepper and onion hero at the Chelsea Street Fair for lunch. Delicious!!!
Then up to The International Center of Photography before my matinee. The standout exhibit was Martin Munkacsi: Think While You Shoot! Was a marvelous collection of mostly black and white photos of celebrities from all walks of life. Also enjoyed Louise Brooks and the “New Woman” in Weimar Cinema Very exciting and almost erotic b&w photos of this silent screen star; she looked very European, but was actually born in Wichita Kansas! Henri Cartier-Bresson’s Scrapbook: Photographs, 1932 – 46 was difficult to look at. Small photos he took and put in scrapbooks. The photos were not displayed at the right eye level. I had to bend down to really see them and it got awfully tiring. Most were not worth the effort to bend uncomfortably!! Americana Fantastica: Recent Acquisitions 2007 Not really worth the time and effort! Awful!
2:30 p.m. OUR LEADING LADY
After the show, ventured up to the Picholine Restaurant on West 64th Street to meet Victor Murphy & Leandro Balidoy and their friends that we met when Vic and Leandro lived in San Francisco, Ronnah & Jim. R&J were in New York City for the first time and would be seeing A CHORUS LINE tonight. Expensive restaurant but food quite delicious. Had a warm lobster salad for an appetizer. Then John Dorey filet with a delicious sauce. Dessert was a rhubarb yogurt.
8 p.m. NEW YORK CITY BALLET ALL BALANCHINE EVENING
SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Slept in a bit later today. Merrill got ready for church service at St. Bart’s on Park Avenue. I got caught up with phone calls, post cards, the Sunday NY Times.
Took the bus up to the Algonquin Hotel where I was meeting Merrill. Wanted to see Barbara Carroll’s Brunch Show. It was booked solid and we could not get in. Saw Donald Smith there. We decided we would not wait around for a cancellation; sightlines in the Oak Room are terrible. We would have probably wound up with a terrible table.
Off to Bond 45 for a superb Italian Sunday lunch (you can keep San Domenico’s). Their foccaccio is just superb! Had too many pieces. Began with an unusual pasta fagioli—no bacon!! Then had homemade spaghetti alla guitara (like grandma used to make) with broccoli rabe, pine nuts, olive oil and a few flakes of hot pepper! Molto delizioso!!
3 p.m. JOURNEY’S END
Merrill was off to the Met once more. Met him at Carnegie Hall after my matinee and we were on our way to Roy Newkirk’s for a drink. The out to French bistro, Cassis, for dinner. Did not have much since we had such a huge lunch at Bond 45. Had an onion soup gratine and a small piece of carmelized onion tart with salad. Red wine. It was great getting caught up with Roy once more with Merrill along.
MONDAY, APRIL 30
Slept in until 7:30 a.m. Got caught up: Merrill out for walk and coffee. This was his last full day in the Big Apple. Then we took a bus up Madison Avenue, a great way to window shop!! We arrived at Ron Rolly & Ron Michaux’s apartment at 94th Street & Park Avenue at 11 a.m. Had a chance to get caught up with them with champagne!
Off to the new Italian restaurant that I read about, Sfoglia, on 92nd Street & Lexington Avenue. Very rustic décor. Food quite good. Began with a half bottle of sweet proseco; Italian antipasto to share, but not really enough for four people; had the parpadalle pasta with a very rich Bolognese sauce; a lemon semi freddo with a graham cracker crust was wonderful!
Since we were in the neighborhood, we decided to walk over to Fifth Avenue to take a look at the Conservatory Garden at 104th Street. Such a gorgeously warm day; lilacs were out and one could smell their wonderful scent! We do not have lilacs in CA so this was a treat! Sat and relaxed in the sun/shade for over an hour. Just lovely spring weather! The old Vanderbilt Mansion Gate is used as the entrance to the garden. Took the Fifth Avenue bus down to 46th Street.
Met Eric Svenson & Read Evans at the Brazilian restaurant, Impanema. Usually have their steak with garlic, but decided to try something different. Had the chicken breast. There was plenty of it, but should have stuck with the steak. The restaurant was very, very noisy with a gang of 8 yuppies at one table just talking at the top of their voices! I screamed for the waiter and suddenly the entire restaurant quieted down; that only lasted for less than five seconds!! Noise pollution should be stamped out! All three of us were then our way to Town Hall.
8 p.m. THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1959
Back to the Leo House. Merrill decided to pack and get ready for his departure to Oakland tomorrow morning.
TUESDAY, MAY 1
Merrill was up at 6 a.m. in order to leave via subway and airport train at 8 a.m. He was off and I got two loads of laundry done; one of the great things about the Leo House besides its reasonable prices. Sat in lobby to chat with guests, write postcards, and read the paper. Changed rooms from a double to a single for the rest of my stay: two more weeks to go.
Bought cookies for lunch (have been eating too much!?) and off to the German movie that won the Best Foreign Film Oscar, “The Lives of Others,” which I enjoyed very much. Quite suspenseful and a touching ending!!
Decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at a couple of museums: at the American Folk Art Museum enjoyed the dynamic Martin Ramirez exhibit. He immigrated to the US had a breakdown while working to save enough money to send for his wife and children in Mexico. He was confined to a mental hospital near Sacramento, CA from 1948 until his death in 1963. While there, he began drawing on paper and was self-thought. Interesting drawings made with melted crayons. If this exhibit should come your way, be sure to see it! The Lobby Gallery featured a modern exhibit entitled Picturing Pixels. A bit too modern for me. Mostly photo collages. Then to one of my favorite museums in NYC, Museum of Arts & Design. Loved the exhibit, Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting, which explores knitting, crocheting and lace making by contemporary artists from around the world. A huge exhibit. There was a small exhibit there also: Contemporary Netsuke: Masterful Miniatures. Lovely miniatures that hold together the belt of a male kimono in Japan.
Off to the Park Café at 7th Avenue & 55th Street; a nice coffee shop for dinner. Portions are quite big. Their tuna club was delicious but huge!
8 p.m. 110 IN THE SHADE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 T H E A T R E D A Y
Slept in until 7:30 a.m. and had a leisurely morning getting caught up. Weather continued to be very good with no humidity! Postcards done in lobby and the Leo House dog, Scarlet O’Hara, was in fine form. She loves people.
Met Eric Svenson & Roy Newkirk at Maison Seville for their $14.95 Matinee Luncheon. We moved to bar since the place was crowded and they did not want to let two seats at the table go to waste. They give you a good size salad; grilled shrimp with vegs and lots of rice; crème carmel for dessert. Sangria and coffee included. Quite a bargain!!
2 p.m. CURTAINS
Met Dale Patrias for dinner at his favorite restaurant, Turkish Durvish. Had the eggplant appetizer and sultan chicken kebab over smoked eggplant. Almond pudding for dessert was quite good. Coffee also included. Had wine which was extra. They were rushing us terribly at the restaurant since they were very busy. It was rather annoying actually. Had been to this restaurant before and this did not happen. Dale did say something to them about this on the way out. Later I had an attack of diaharea between Acts 1 and 2 of one of the most dreadful ballets I’ve seen in a long time!
8 p.m. NEW YORK CITY BALLET’S ROMEO AND JULIET
THURSDAY, MAY 3
Slept until 7. Weather holding out with sun and pleasant temperatures in the 70s. Had the buffet breakfast at the Leo House. Took bus up Madison Avenue once more and sat on the other side to sightsee out the window. Lovely ride up to 104th Street.
Museum of the City of New York had one of the three exhibits about Robert Moses. This one was Robert Moses and the Modern City: Remaking the Metropolis. It was quite interesting since I was living in New York City at the time (1962 to 1967) when some of Moses’ changes with highways and apartment buildings were taking place. I moved into one of his urban renewal projects: Lincoln Towers across from the new Lincoln Center, which opened in 1965. Quite interesting. Never did get to the Queens Museum for “The Road to Recreation” or to Columbia University for “Slum Clearance and the Superblock Solution.” This exhibit was quite detailed. Another exhibit was Costumes and Characters: The Designs of Alvin Colt. He designed costumes for Broadway for more than 60 years from his Broadway debut with ON THE TOWN to his latest costumes for the zany revue, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY. Facing Fascism: New York and the Spanish Civil War was very informative. Also saw The Jewish Daily FORWARD: Embracing an Immigrant Community. The Jewish newspaper that was founded in 1897 for the Jewish immigrants published in English and Yiddish with a readership that once boasted a readership larger than that of the NY Times. This is the paper’s 110th Anniversary!!!
Had lunch outside the museum; they’ve put tables out front and have a small snack bar. Had another of those mozzarella sandwiches this time with basil pesto inside with chips and a soda. Delicious and the weather was perfect!!
Headed down to the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. A small exhibit of theirs, Made to Scale: Staircase Masterpieces” was fascinating. All models of some unusual staircases. Loved it! However, their big exhibit, Design Life Now was awfully technical for me and did not enjoy it at all. Last fall when I visited this museum, the same thing happened with another Design exhibit that they had.
Off to the NYC Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center for their wonderful exhibit, Stars and Treasures. A lot to read for this one, but well worth it. A journey through show business of the 20th Century. Wish I could have stayed longer. In their small gallery, the exhibit, Arturo Toscanini: Homage to the Maestro was very good!
Down to the Leo House for a tiny rest and some phone calls.
Then up to the Pig n’ Whistle for their delicious shepherd’s pie and a Harp’s ale.
8 p.m. COMPANY
Spoke to Merrill since he will be leaving for Houston, TX to see Margaret Dower for five days.
FRIDAY, MAY 4
Up before 6 a.m. for an early start. Another great weather day—how long can this superb weather last? Had a small breakfast and coffee. Then back on the Madison Avenue bus to head up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a second time as soon as it opened at 9:30 a.m. Back to carefully go through the cases in the upper floor of the new Greek and Roman Gallery. Then up on the terrace for Frank Stella on the Roof; I like his paintings better than his ugly sculptures. The view from the roof is much better than any of the sculptures displayed. The exhibit, One of a Kind: The Studio Craft Movement was outstanding with art made of new materials and techniques. 50 works from the Met’s collection includes furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewelry and fiber. Liked it very much. The last exhibit of the morning was Louis Comfort Tiffany and Laurelton Hall—An Artist’s Country Estate. This contained things from Tiffany’s Oyster Bay, New York country estate completed in 1905. The house burned to the ground in 1957, but the exhibition brings together many of its surviving architectural elements and interior features. A wonderful exhibit! The man knew how to live surrounded by his wonderful lamps and glass windows that survived the fire!
Off to meet Marylu Suri at the French Restaurant at Madison & 65th Street, Le Goulue. Quite busy and they get a NYC crowd. Marylu had trouble with heavy traffic, but we finally began our lunch. I began with fresh white asparagus from France with parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon. A bit pricey, but what the hell! The sea bass was quite good with “smashed” fingerling potatoes. Had a decadent floating island for dessert. Superb! A half bottle of white wine washed it all down. We both then walked down to the Stuben Glass Shop & Gallery for their exhibit and movie about glass. Lovely. Off to the Tix Booth and then returned to the LH for a rest.
Decided to go up to Sbarro for their delicious baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella.
8 p.m. INHERIT THE WIND
SATURDAY, MAY 5 THEATRE DAY
A bit cooler today but still nice temps in the upper 60s with a lot of sunshine. Can’t really complain about the weather. Had the buffet breakfast today. Eric dropped off folder with discount ticket coupons for a couple of plays. Up to the Theatre District to roam around and get ticket at Tix Booth; ticket at Biltmore Theatre—offer expired; ticket at Longacre Theatre. Explored the Actor’s Temple Theatre; found out that Jackie Hoffman leaving the show tonight that is playing there. She is going to begin rehearsals for the new musical opening this summer, XANADU. Wonder what that will be like.
There was a Breast Cancer Race in the Times Square area so they had streets blocked off so there was very little traffic around. Sat in the good weather and people watched. Finally decided to have a Nathan’s hot dog & fries that I always loved as a kid; they are still delicious!
2 p.m. FROST/NIXON
Met Eric Svenson at the African-American restaurant, B. Smith’s. Had a leisurely martini. The had their wonderful corn-crab chowder. The salmon Terayaki was superb with string zucchini and buttery mashed potatoes. Their bourbon sweet potato bread pudding is a knockout!!! Had a great white wine to wash this all down.
8 p.m. TALK RADIO
Bought the Sunday NY Times and back to the Leo House.
SUNDAY, MAY 6
The weather is cooperating and it is staying in the 60s with sunshine. Had rolls that I took from yesterday’s buffet breakfast (no breakfast is served on Sundays at the Leo House). Leisurely morning getting caught up on things. Also stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee and a donut.
Decided to try the pub restaurant, Angus McIndoe, next to the St. James Theatre on 44th Street. Not very crowded when it opened at noon. Sat at the bar and the woman bartender was slow, slow, slow and forgot to put in my order. Anyway, I was cheap, cheap, cheap when it came to her “tip.” It works both ways you know. Nothing special at this place: an ordinary asparagus-mushroom-onion omlette with a “frozen” potato pattie. A draft beer.
Tried getting a bus on 7th Avenue from 44th Street down to 37th Street to the off-Broadway theatre I was attending. No bus in sight so I walked down to the theatre. Still no bus. What is happening to NYC public transportation? It ain’t like it used to be!!
2 p.m. IN THE HEIGHTS
Called Eric when the play was over. He was exhausted from his walking tour and lunch today. He was just going to collapse at home. Up to the West Side Cottage II for a wonderful Chinese dinner: veg dumplings and vegetable lo mein. Chinese beer.
7 p.m. BILL W. AND DR. BOB
Back to the Leo House early and got to talk with Merrill in Houston. Also made a few other calls and got caught up with postcards and relaxed with a bit of TV.
MONDAY, MAY 7
Up before 7. Weather holding out but a bit cool today. Made some phone calls. Morning in lobby writing post cards and finishing the Sunday NY Times. Phone calls. Off to Post Office on Lexington Avenue to buy stamps and mail things.
Then up to 94th Street & Lexington Avenue via the Madison Avenue bus once more. Know that route by heart. Ron & Ron recommended a small neighborhood Italian café, Nick’s. Had a warm spinach salad with a good vinegarette; however, the bits of bacon were greasy and the mushrooms were dry!? The manicotti were quite good; we cannot get those out West.
2 p.m. LYRICS AND LYRICISTS LEO ROBINS
Over to Tix Booth and then to B. Smith’s for another dinner. Had almost the same thing as before except the salmon; had the linguini with meatballs which was fair; sauce: not enough of it and not tasty at all. Meatballs were rather “hard” and not flavorful. The corn crab chowder and bourbon sweet potato bread pudding were still outstanding!
8 p.m. THE BIG VOICE: GOD OR MERMAN?
Spoke to Eric. Plans have changed for dinner on Wednesday night when Ron Bottini will be in town.
TUESDAY, MAY 8
Slept until nearly 7:30 p.m. Starting to get exhausted from the trip. It was so nice out, that I sat in the Leo House Garden for a while. Met a guy from Rochester NY there (Carl). We chatted; he was a big Metropolitan Opera fan and was seeing tons of opera this week.
Down to the Gramercy Park area to walk around and explore the neighborhood. Then to the Players Club for their usual lousy lunch with Roy Newkirk.
1:30 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Off to the Tix Booth to check to see if play up for tonight; it was not, so had to go to box office to buy a full price ticket. Bob Dobson had arrived at the Leo House. Got in touch with him. In the garden to get caught up with things and then took a short nap. We then were off to Intermezzo for their $10 dinner. Still had the pasta fagioli, but got the cavetelli for an entrée; cannot get those out West either! This time we had wine which came to more than the dinner! Met up with Eric at the theatre. Spotted Neil Simon and his wife (which # wife, I am not sure!) outside the theatre. He is looking fine; he’s in his 70s now. He sat just two rows in front of us inside.
8 p.m. LOVEMUSIK
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9
Slept until almost 7. Today I started to feel a bit of humidity. Hoping it would not get any worse. Met Bob for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. I got my laundry started earlier and clothes were now in the dryer. Bob thought he had to change rooms, but it turned out that he could stay in the same room. Made phone calls; left message for Merrill at home—he would be returning from Houston today and getting back to work in the afternoon. Bob and I sat in the lobby and chatted. Then up to the 50th Street area; had a latke and French fries for lunch. Was not really hungry after such a big breakfast.
1 p.m. BLACKBIRD
Had time to go back to the Leo House to read the paper and relax and even take a short nap.
Up to the Chelsea Grill on 46th & 9th Avenue; the space where Chez Suzette was located for many years and finally went out of business a year or so ago. The reason for this restaurant instead of B. Smith’s was that Ron and Eric had fun with a waiter at B. Smith’s; the waiter no longer worked there and they told us he was now working at this place. Turns out he was NOT working there. We stayed anyway: Mistake #1. Mistake #2 was ordering food; Mistake #3 was eating it. Worst restaurant of the trip!! Filled with yuppie types spending money like mad. Just awful!! They even had the nerve to tell Eric that they wanted his credit card number to hold the reservation and if one of the parties did not show up, a charge of $20 for each person not showing up would be charged! I know what I would have told them on the phone if he told me that! We did mention this to the manager on duty; he could care less since we were eating and drinking there even though it was all terrible. I was there with Eric, Bob and Ron. Can’t win ‘em all!!
8 p.m. CORAM BOY
Got in touch with Merrill when I got back to the Leo House. He had a fun time with Margaret in Houston and was glad to be home. I would be home in four more days!!
THURSDAY, MAY 10
Slept in until nearly 7 once more. The humidity got a bit worse today so dressed accordingly. More grey skies to go along with it all. Met Bob at 7:45 down in the breakfast room. He did not have any since he was in a hurry to get his train and get back home to CT. Did spot Carl coming in and we chatted as we had breakfast. Finally, officially introduced myself: Gerry DeVito. He said a friend of his in Rochester was named DeVito; as a matter of fact, his first name was Gennaro! I nearly fell off my chair! I have met several people with the last name DeVito, but never with the first name Gennaro. We exchanged addresses and phone numbers and promised to get in touch when we each got home. I would like to talk to this Gennaro DeVito! (Have tried calling Carl since I got home; left a few messages, but no call returned; no e-mail; wrote a note. It seems like I shall not be hearing from him!? Something changed his mind!??).
Off to the Frick Collection for the 200th Birthday celebration of George Stubbs: A Celebration. He was famous for painting horses and other animals. A wonderfully small exhibit. Then on to the Asia Society for a different type of exhibit, Collectors’ Choice. It featured collectors of Asian art and some of the things in their collection. The big exhibit, Glass, Gilding, and Grand Design: Art of Sasanian Iran 224 thru 642 was quite interesting. Was not familiar with the Sasanian empire in the Near East. Some lovely and quite sophisticated pieces in this exhibit.
Took the bus down to the Players Club for the last time this trip. Lousy lunch for sure!
1:30 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Back to the Leo House for a short nap and a bit of relaxation before heading uptown once more. Met Ron Bottini at Bond 45 for dinner. I had a gin and tonic. Had their wedding soup as an appetizer; it was almost the same as we used to get at Italian weddings in CT when I was a kid except that they put actual pieces of white meat chicken and had carrots in it, which we never did use. It all tasted the same with a great chicken stock. The linguini (no spaghetti alla guitara tonight!) with broccoli rabe, pine nuts, and olive oil with a bit of hot pepper flakes was delicious as always. Decided on no dessert.
8 p.m. DUECE
FRIDAY, MAY 11
Slept in a bit later: 7 30 a.m. Humidity still in the air. Got Carmel Limo set up for my Sunday travels; they would pick me up at 6 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. flight. Not much traffic on Sunday morning; really should have made the pickup a little later. Down to breakfast although I was not that hungry. Read the papers in the lobby and sent out the last of the postcards. Then relaxed and dressed all up.
Noon: COCKTAIL HOUR
1 p.m. DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS LUNCHEON
It was good to meet up with Joan O’Sullivan again. I did not get to see her when the luncheon was over. Met Eric’s friend, Sandy officially and a couple of his other friends that were attending the luncheon. Ron, of course, was also there. A big disappointment this year.
To the Tix Booth and back to the Leo House to change into more comfortable clothing. The over to the Venus Coffee Shop for supper: mozah ball soup; mac & cheese that was quite tasty.
8 p.m. 10 MILLION MILES
SATURDAY, MAY 12 MY LAST FULL DAY IN NYC
Slept in until 7:30 a.m. Weather cleared up a bit and the humidity almost disappeared. Down to buffet breakfast; kept a couple of rolls for tomorrow morning. Began to pack—will everything fit in the suitcase?? Eric did not seem to be available today AT ALL; h e was spending the day with Phil. Strange: we were available to him 24/7 when he visited last February. I shall have to remember that when next he want to vacation in CA. Could not get in touch with Ron Bottini; he did not call either. Is someone trying to tell me something? Up to Tix Booth and then on to the International Center of Photography for their new exhibits which just opened yesterday. Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits a wonderful collection of black and white photographs that portray black history. They are the collection that awaits the yet-to-be-built National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Enjoyed it very much. Biographical Landscare: The Photography of Stephen Shore, 1969 to 1979 This exhibit was ok. A few color photos also as he traveled around the USA. Some nude photos of him that were rather erotic and unusual in an exhibit! Amelia Earhart: Image and Icon was an interesting and informative exhibit, especially about her last flight when she disappeared. Chim: Photographs by David Seymour were photos taken of mostly children during the Spanish Civil War. Mostly black and white and well done. Showed all aspects of war. Had a tuna sandwich at the museum café.
2 p.m. A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN
Tried to get into Bond 45 for my last dinner of this trip but they were booked solid. Saturday night is a tough night for a single in a popular restaurant! Up to Park Café once more; had a grilled cheese deluxe and a chocolate milk shake. Sat around the City Center area and people watched. Ready for my last show, the 29th, of the trip!
8 p.m. ENCORES! STAIRWAY TO PARADISE
A good thing I took my umbrella with me. When the show was over, it was pouring with rain. Back to the Leo House and directly to bed since I would be getting up before 4 a.m. When one knows that one has to get up very early, it is so difficult to fall asleep!!
AND
SUNDAY, MAY 13
Up at 3:45 to eat the two rolls with butter; shower, get ready for a day of travel and finish packing. Everything did fit in the suitcase. Downstairs by 5;40 a.m. and the Carmel Limo was already waiting for me. We were off to JFK and there by 6:10 a.m. Much too early for an 8:30 a.m. flight!
The flight back to SFO was actually about an hour early. This got me home before 1 p.m. Had a chance to pack and start going over mail. It was good to be home and to see everyone for dinner.
Another great time in NYC was over!!!!!! until next time!
Enjoy the summer and do keep in touch
Gerry
Springtime in the Big Apple
MONDAY, APRIL 23
In order to obtain a Frequent Flyer free flight with United Airlines using 25,000 miles, we had to take the 6 a.m. flight to the Big Apple. The 8 a.m. flight would have taken 50,000 miles. To hell with them!! I was up at 2 a.m. and the Shuttle picked us up at 3:45 a.m. We were quite early and had to wait around for quite a while. The flight was on time—no airport nightmare this time around!
We took a cab into Manhattan to the Leo House. It was such a pleasant 88 degrees with signs of Springs everywhere. How great to have another Spring after ours which occurs in February.
We walked around the Chelsea area. Met Eric Svenson for dinner at the very good Italian restaurant, Intermezzo: they have a special fixed-priced dinner for $10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Drinks are in the $10 to $14 range! More than the dinner. Best to stay with water or iced tea! Began with their pasta fagioli which was quite good but did not have any bacon in it—grandma would object!! Had rigatoni Siciliana (with eggplant, ricotta & tomato-basil sauce). We all shared a tirimasu which was quite good!
We were all going to go to the new nightclub, the Metropolitan Room, but Merrill and I suddenly had a sinking spell. We decided sleep was more important so we could get a fresh start tomorrow in the Big Apple.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
6 a.m. became my wakeup time for this trip. Organized and ready for the day. Decided to have the famous Leo House Buffet Breakfast. Quite good. One can go back as many times as you desire. It’s all only $7. One has to have a light lunch after this feast.
We arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art just before they opened at 9:30 a.m. There was not a line; I always enter through the handicapped entrance. We were there especially for the new Greek & Roman Gallery. Not very crowded until the school children began arriving at about 10:30 a.m. They have taken the old 1940s dining room and opened the ceiling to natural daylight to display their fabulous Greek and Roman collection that the museum kept in storage for at least 75 years! Simply magnificent!!! I was planning on returning again during this visit.
Got to see a few other exhibits: Barcelona and Modernity: Gaudi to Dali was wonderful. The exhibit covered art and crafts between the Barcelona Universal Exposition of 1888 thru the Fascist regime of Franco in 1939. This included 300 works including paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, posters, decorative objects, furniture, architectural models and designs. Loved this exhibit. A little bit of everything!
Venice and the Islamic World, 828 to 1797 This exhibit was ok. It examined the relationship between Venice and the Islamic world over a thousand year period. It all began to look alike after a while. The museum has acquired the Marco Polo manuscript for this exhibit; beautifully decorated and written in French.
Met Merrill and we got on a bus down Lexington Avenue to 28th Street. Great sightseeing from the bus! Traffic was terrible when we were near the Waldorf Astoria: President Bush was having lunch there after visiting black children in Harlem to continue promoting one of his biggest failure, Don’t Leave A Child Behind!? Oy vey!
It was lunch at the wonderful French restaurant, Le Petite Auberge, that has been there practically forever. Met Theatre Historical Society of America member, Joan O’Sullivan, there. Had a delightful old-fashioned French meal: wonderfully tasty onion soup gratine; filet of sole almandine with vegs (don’t remember ever eating salsify before!??). Tasted like turnip to me. Then finished it all off with crème carmel and cappuccino.
After lunch we ventured up to The Morgan Library & Museum. This has all been gorgeously redone. The lobby area with café now connects the two older parts of the property: the home and the library. I did not care for the exhibit, Victorian Bestsellers, a compilation of cartoons of the era. Not very funny these days; some are not clear as to what they are making fun of. Loved the exhibit, From Berlin to Broadway, that was donated to the library by Broadway lyricist, Fred Ebb (1928 to 2004). Drawings on paper from the German and Austrian era were quite interesting.
Back to the Leo House for a short rest and then just a slice of pizza for supper; we were still recovering from our big lunch.
8 p.m.: THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
Since the show with Vanessa Redgrave was only 90 minutes, we stopped in Joe Allen’s for a drink. Easy to strike up a conversation there. Lots of show business “types” at the bar.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Up early at 6 a.m. The weather that was so gorgeous ever since we arrived, turned cloudy and cool today. We were off to Starbuck’s around the corner and a piece of crumb cake. Then we headed up to Grand Central Station to meet Eric Svenson. Before 9 a.m. we were on our way to Poughkepsie for a very scenic two-hour train ride along the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain area. Arrived at 10:45 a.m. and college classmate, Paul Dellaca, was driving in from Norwalk, CT to pick us up. He was nearly a half hour late. Decided to go to lunch: Eveready Diner for half a tuna sandwich and pea soup with salad on the side.
After filling our stomachs, it was time for the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. First we were given a tour of the FDR home where he was born and raised. Then we were off to the Library which was the first in America. FDR had this idea to form Presidential Libraries in 1941 (he had so many other great “ideas” for the American people to get us out one of the worst depressions in our history!). Roosevelt established the precedent for public ownership of presidential papers, which finally became Federal law in 1978. The exhibits are very detailed and we can thank his possessive mother, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, for all of this There is also a marvelous section on Eleanor. She certainly was ahead of her time and took some very controversial stands on life! We then toured the stables and Franklin and Eleanor and Falla’s gravesites. Despite the rain that came later in the afternoon, we enjoyed a few hours with one of America’s greatest presidents.
For dinner, we were off to the nearby Hyde Park Culinary Institute of America, which was founded in 1946 with 50 students in New Haven, CT. In 1972, with a student body of 1,000, it moved to Hyde Park, NY, to the former Jesuit seminary, St. Andrew on the Hudson. A branch opened in 1995 in St. Helena, CA in the heart of the Napa Valley. We had a very delicious dinner: began with martinis, then a flavorful roast pepper pureed soup; red snapper with tomato & olives and a side of very buttery mashed potatoes. Had a cheese plate for dessert with a choice of very nice cheeses. The breads were all homemade and the white and red wines that we had were reasonably priced. We enjoyed the three-hour dinner before Paul drove us back to the Leo House where we arrived at 11:30 p.m. A splendid day!!
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Today the weather was back to sunshine and pleasant temps in the low 70s. It was a day to move; we were leaving most of our things at the Leo House and just packing enough in a garment bag for two nights. Off to Starbuck’s for our coffee and snack and then at 9:30 a.m. we were off to On the Ave on 77th Street and Broadway. This was part of a trip that I purchased at a silent auction at a Chanticleer Gala last year.
Our mini suite was ready; we were escorted there. We had a huge rectangular room; huge bed with lovely comforter with tons of pillows with a corner view of Central Park. Also in the room were two large bureau drawers; bookshelf with side chair and reading floor lamp; sofa with huge desk and there were two tv’s in the room. Another corner view from the desk. The bathroom was a big as our room at the reasonably priced Leo House. A huge walk in closet held all our clothes, etc. What a luxurious room for two nights. I inquired how much the suite would have cost if we were paying? The price: $549 a night!
Merrill decided to go to the Cloisters for the rest of the morning and afternoon. I was on my way to the NYC Ballet Box Office for ballet tickets for this week and next week. Then I was off to meet Roy Newkirk at the Players Club for lunch.
1:30 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Back to our lovely mini suite for a nap. Merrill arrived back from his journey to the Cloisters. We dressed up in suit and tie and were off to San Domenico’s Restaurant. It is supposed to be the “definitive” Italian restaurant in America, but I think it is terribly overrated at popular prices!! Merrill sent back his appetizer and settled for another. I had homemade parpadella Genoa style (basil pesto with stringbeans and potato as a starter; quite tasty. Then on to sea bass with grilled vegs. Nothing special. Ricotta pannecotte was fine for dessert. I still prefer the Italian cooking from the southern part of Italia.
8 p.m. CHANTICLEER: A MASS FOR PEACE
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Woke up in our luxurious mini suite with rain just pouring down and beating against tall the windows in the room! A leisurely morning with Lady Godiva coffee in the room. What to do in this awful downpour (by the end of the day, 2” of rain had fallen). To Starbuck’s for more coffee and a piece of my favorite crumb cake.
This was a perfect day for a museum and we walked over (“singin’ in the rain”!!) to the New York Historical Society for their marvelous exhibit, A New Light on Tiffany: Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls. This exhibit was very informative: Ms. Driscoll designed many of Tiffany’s lamps; he took all the credit for them, including the award winning dragon fly lamp at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair! The exhibit included many Tiffany lamps, windows, mosaics, enamels and ceramics—most of them designed by Driscoll and other women at Tiffany Studios.
We had lunch at their little café: an Insalada Caprese sandwich—mozzerella, tomato and basil on a hero. Very good!!
Then we visited The World of Asher B. Durand exhibit: famous for landscape paintings in the 19th Century. Another huge exhibit was New York Divided: Slavery and the Civil War; this added much information that complemented the Historical Society’s SLAVERY IN NEW YORK exhibit last year. Found it very interesting and informative. A very small exhibit, Carry Me Home: Dispatches from the Civil War, was quite emotional. It contained letters, diaries and photos from the society’s archives that brought mostly bad news of dead soldiers to families. Liked this very much. Finished up with a small exhibit: Elegy in the Dust: September 11th and the Chelsea Jeans Memorial This exhibit said a lot; Chelsea Jeans, a retail store closed forever as a result of 9/11. The owners kept a part of the store with all the “dust” from the World Trade Center on their jeans display. Quite moving!!
We had quite a day at the museum. Back to the hotel for a rest. Then we were off to Oscar’s at the Waldorf to meet Bill Hiebert. Bill searched all the bars in the main hotel lobby but never got down to Oscar’s. So, we had a fabulous martini while we waited for him and then had an overpriced burger and fries there; it was delicious however!
Merrill was off to see Coram Boy with a half-priced ticket from the Tix Booth.
8:45 p.m. KEELY SMITH at the Café Carlyle
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Weather cleared up and it was sunny with the air smelling clean after an all-day rainfall yesterday! We had coffee in the room, got packed. Merrill was off to the Metropolitan Museum of Art once more. I returned to the Leo House to our little room once more to get unpacked and organized.
Had a sausage, pepper and onion hero at the Chelsea Street Fair for lunch. Delicious!!!
Then up to The International Center of Photography before my matinee. The standout exhibit was Martin Munkacsi: Think While You Shoot! Was a marvelous collection of mostly black and white photos of celebrities from all walks of life. Also enjoyed Louise Brooks and the “New Woman” in Weimar Cinema Very exciting and almost erotic b&w photos of this silent screen star; she looked very European, but was actually born in Wichita Kansas! Henri Cartier-Bresson’s Scrapbook: Photographs, 1932 – 46 was difficult to look at. Small photos he took and put in scrapbooks. The photos were not displayed at the right eye level. I had to bend down to really see them and it got awfully tiring. Most were not worth the effort to bend uncomfortably!! Americana Fantastica: Recent Acquisitions 2007 Not really worth the time and effort! Awful!
2:30 p.m. OUR LEADING LADY
After the show, ventured up to the Picholine Restaurant on West 64th Street to meet Victor Murphy & Leandro Balidoy and their friends that we met when Vic and Leandro lived in San Francisco, Ronnah & Jim. R&J were in New York City for the first time and would be seeing A CHORUS LINE tonight. Expensive restaurant but food quite delicious. Had a warm lobster salad for an appetizer. Then John Dorey filet with a delicious sauce. Dessert was a rhubarb yogurt.
8 p.m. NEW YORK CITY BALLET ALL BALANCHINE EVENING
SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Slept in a bit later today. Merrill got ready for church service at St. Bart’s on Park Avenue. I got caught up with phone calls, post cards, the Sunday NY Times.
Took the bus up to the Algonquin Hotel where I was meeting Merrill. Wanted to see Barbara Carroll’s Brunch Show. It was booked solid and we could not get in. Saw Donald Smith there. We decided we would not wait around for a cancellation; sightlines in the Oak Room are terrible. We would have probably wound up with a terrible table.
Off to Bond 45 for a superb Italian Sunday lunch (you can keep San Domenico’s). Their foccaccio is just superb! Had too many pieces. Began with an unusual pasta fagioli—no bacon!! Then had homemade spaghetti alla guitara (like grandma used to make) with broccoli rabe, pine nuts, olive oil and a few flakes of hot pepper! Molto delizioso!!
3 p.m. JOURNEY’S END
Merrill was off to the Met once more. Met him at Carnegie Hall after my matinee and we were on our way to Roy Newkirk’s for a drink. The out to French bistro, Cassis, for dinner. Did not have much since we had such a huge lunch at Bond 45. Had an onion soup gratine and a small piece of carmelized onion tart with salad. Red wine. It was great getting caught up with Roy once more with Merrill along.
MONDAY, APRIL 30
Slept in until 7:30 a.m. Got caught up: Merrill out for walk and coffee. This was his last full day in the Big Apple. Then we took a bus up Madison Avenue, a great way to window shop!! We arrived at Ron Rolly & Ron Michaux’s apartment at 94th Street & Park Avenue at 11 a.m. Had a chance to get caught up with them with champagne!
Off to the new Italian restaurant that I read about, Sfoglia, on 92nd Street & Lexington Avenue. Very rustic décor. Food quite good. Began with a half bottle of sweet proseco; Italian antipasto to share, but not really enough for four people; had the parpadalle pasta with a very rich Bolognese sauce; a lemon semi freddo with a graham cracker crust was wonderful!
Since we were in the neighborhood, we decided to walk over to Fifth Avenue to take a look at the Conservatory Garden at 104th Street. Such a gorgeously warm day; lilacs were out and one could smell their wonderful scent! We do not have lilacs in CA so this was a treat! Sat and relaxed in the sun/shade for over an hour. Just lovely spring weather! The old Vanderbilt Mansion Gate is used as the entrance to the garden. Took the Fifth Avenue bus down to 46th Street.
Met Eric Svenson & Read Evans at the Brazilian restaurant, Impanema. Usually have their steak with garlic, but decided to try something different. Had the chicken breast. There was plenty of it, but should have stuck with the steak. The restaurant was very, very noisy with a gang of 8 yuppies at one table just talking at the top of their voices! I screamed for the waiter and suddenly the entire restaurant quieted down; that only lasted for less than five seconds!! Noise pollution should be stamped out! All three of us were then our way to Town Hall.
8 p.m. THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1959
Back to the Leo House. Merrill decided to pack and get ready for his departure to Oakland tomorrow morning.
TUESDAY, MAY 1
Merrill was up at 6 a.m. in order to leave via subway and airport train at 8 a.m. He was off and I got two loads of laundry done; one of the great things about the Leo House besides its reasonable prices. Sat in lobby to chat with guests, write postcards, and read the paper. Changed rooms from a double to a single for the rest of my stay: two more weeks to go.
Bought cookies for lunch (have been eating too much!?) and off to the German movie that won the Best Foreign Film Oscar, “The Lives of Others,” which I enjoyed very much. Quite suspenseful and a touching ending!!
Decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at a couple of museums: at the American Folk Art Museum enjoyed the dynamic Martin Ramirez exhibit. He immigrated to the US had a breakdown while working to save enough money to send for his wife and children in Mexico. He was confined to a mental hospital near Sacramento, CA from 1948 until his death in 1963. While there, he began drawing on paper and was self-thought. Interesting drawings made with melted crayons. If this exhibit should come your way, be sure to see it! The Lobby Gallery featured a modern exhibit entitled Picturing Pixels. A bit too modern for me. Mostly photo collages. Then to one of my favorite museums in NYC, Museum of Arts & Design. Loved the exhibit, Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting, which explores knitting, crocheting and lace making by contemporary artists from around the world. A huge exhibit. There was a small exhibit there also: Contemporary Netsuke: Masterful Miniatures. Lovely miniatures that hold together the belt of a male kimono in Japan.
Off to the Park Café at 7th Avenue & 55th Street; a nice coffee shop for dinner. Portions are quite big. Their tuna club was delicious but huge!
8 p.m. 110 IN THE SHADE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 T H E A T R E D A Y
Slept in until 7:30 a.m. and had a leisurely morning getting caught up. Weather continued to be very good with no humidity! Postcards done in lobby and the Leo House dog, Scarlet O’Hara, was in fine form. She loves people.
Met Eric Svenson & Roy Newkirk at Maison Seville for their $14.95 Matinee Luncheon. We moved to bar since the place was crowded and they did not want to let two seats at the table go to waste. They give you a good size salad; grilled shrimp with vegs and lots of rice; crème carmel for dessert. Sangria and coffee included. Quite a bargain!!
2 p.m. CURTAINS
Met Dale Patrias for dinner at his favorite restaurant, Turkish Durvish. Had the eggplant appetizer and sultan chicken kebab over smoked eggplant. Almond pudding for dessert was quite good. Coffee also included. Had wine which was extra. They were rushing us terribly at the restaurant since they were very busy. It was rather annoying actually. Had been to this restaurant before and this did not happen. Dale did say something to them about this on the way out. Later I had an attack of diaharea between Acts 1 and 2 of one of the most dreadful ballets I’ve seen in a long time!
8 p.m. NEW YORK CITY BALLET’S ROMEO AND JULIET
THURSDAY, MAY 3
Slept until 7. Weather holding out with sun and pleasant temperatures in the 70s. Had the buffet breakfast at the Leo House. Took bus up Madison Avenue once more and sat on the other side to sightsee out the window. Lovely ride up to 104th Street.
Museum of the City of New York had one of the three exhibits about Robert Moses. This one was Robert Moses and the Modern City: Remaking the Metropolis. It was quite interesting since I was living in New York City at the time (1962 to 1967) when some of Moses’ changes with highways and apartment buildings were taking place. I moved into one of his urban renewal projects: Lincoln Towers across from the new Lincoln Center, which opened in 1965. Quite interesting. Never did get to the Queens Museum for “The Road to Recreation” or to Columbia University for “Slum Clearance and the Superblock Solution.” This exhibit was quite detailed. Another exhibit was Costumes and Characters: The Designs of Alvin Colt. He designed costumes for Broadway for more than 60 years from his Broadway debut with ON THE TOWN to his latest costumes for the zany revue, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY. Facing Fascism: New York and the Spanish Civil War was very informative. Also saw The Jewish Daily FORWARD: Embracing an Immigrant Community. The Jewish newspaper that was founded in 1897 for the Jewish immigrants published in English and Yiddish with a readership that once boasted a readership larger than that of the NY Times. This is the paper’s 110th Anniversary!!!
Had lunch outside the museum; they’ve put tables out front and have a small snack bar. Had another of those mozzarella sandwiches this time with basil pesto inside with chips and a soda. Delicious and the weather was perfect!!
Headed down to the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. A small exhibit of theirs, Made to Scale: Staircase Masterpieces” was fascinating. All models of some unusual staircases. Loved it! However, their big exhibit, Design Life Now was awfully technical for me and did not enjoy it at all. Last fall when I visited this museum, the same thing happened with another Design exhibit that they had.
Off to the NYC Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center for their wonderful exhibit, Stars and Treasures. A lot to read for this one, but well worth it. A journey through show business of the 20th Century. Wish I could have stayed longer. In their small gallery, the exhibit, Arturo Toscanini: Homage to the Maestro was very good!
Down to the Leo House for a tiny rest and some phone calls.
Then up to the Pig n’ Whistle for their delicious shepherd’s pie and a Harp’s ale.
8 p.m. COMPANY
Spoke to Merrill since he will be leaving for Houston, TX to see Margaret Dower for five days.
FRIDAY, MAY 4
Up before 6 a.m. for an early start. Another great weather day—how long can this superb weather last? Had a small breakfast and coffee. Then back on the Madison Avenue bus to head up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a second time as soon as it opened at 9:30 a.m. Back to carefully go through the cases in the upper floor of the new Greek and Roman Gallery. Then up on the terrace for Frank Stella on the Roof; I like his paintings better than his ugly sculptures. The view from the roof is much better than any of the sculptures displayed. The exhibit, One of a Kind: The Studio Craft Movement was outstanding with art made of new materials and techniques. 50 works from the Met’s collection includes furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewelry and fiber. Liked it very much. The last exhibit of the morning was Louis Comfort Tiffany and Laurelton Hall—An Artist’s Country Estate. This contained things from Tiffany’s Oyster Bay, New York country estate completed in 1905. The house burned to the ground in 1957, but the exhibition brings together many of its surviving architectural elements and interior features. A wonderful exhibit! The man knew how to live surrounded by his wonderful lamps and glass windows that survived the fire!
Off to meet Marylu Suri at the French Restaurant at Madison & 65th Street, Le Goulue. Quite busy and they get a NYC crowd. Marylu had trouble with heavy traffic, but we finally began our lunch. I began with fresh white asparagus from France with parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon. A bit pricey, but what the hell! The sea bass was quite good with “smashed” fingerling potatoes. Had a decadent floating island for dessert. Superb! A half bottle of white wine washed it all down. We both then walked down to the Stuben Glass Shop & Gallery for their exhibit and movie about glass. Lovely. Off to the Tix Booth and then returned to the LH for a rest.
Decided to go up to Sbarro for their delicious baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella.
8 p.m. INHERIT THE WIND
SATURDAY, MAY 5 THEATRE DAY
A bit cooler today but still nice temps in the upper 60s with a lot of sunshine. Can’t really complain about the weather. Had the buffet breakfast today. Eric dropped off folder with discount ticket coupons for a couple of plays. Up to the Theatre District to roam around and get ticket at Tix Booth; ticket at Biltmore Theatre—offer expired; ticket at Longacre Theatre. Explored the Actor’s Temple Theatre; found out that Jackie Hoffman leaving the show tonight that is playing there. She is going to begin rehearsals for the new musical opening this summer, XANADU. Wonder what that will be like.
There was a Breast Cancer Race in the Times Square area so they had streets blocked off so there was very little traffic around. Sat in the good weather and people watched. Finally decided to have a Nathan’s hot dog & fries that I always loved as a kid; they are still delicious!
2 p.m. FROST/NIXON
Met Eric Svenson at the African-American restaurant, B. Smith’s. Had a leisurely martini. The had their wonderful corn-crab chowder. The salmon Terayaki was superb with string zucchini and buttery mashed potatoes. Their bourbon sweet potato bread pudding is a knockout!!! Had a great white wine to wash this all down.
8 p.m. TALK RADIO
Bought the Sunday NY Times and back to the Leo House.
SUNDAY, MAY 6
The weather is cooperating and it is staying in the 60s with sunshine. Had rolls that I took from yesterday’s buffet breakfast (no breakfast is served on Sundays at the Leo House). Leisurely morning getting caught up on things. Also stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee and a donut.
Decided to try the pub restaurant, Angus McIndoe, next to the St. James Theatre on 44th Street. Not very crowded when it opened at noon. Sat at the bar and the woman bartender was slow, slow, slow and forgot to put in my order. Anyway, I was cheap, cheap, cheap when it came to her “tip.” It works both ways you know. Nothing special at this place: an ordinary asparagus-mushroom-onion omlette with a “frozen” potato pattie. A draft beer.
Tried getting a bus on 7th Avenue from 44th Street down to 37th Street to the off-Broadway theatre I was attending. No bus in sight so I walked down to the theatre. Still no bus. What is happening to NYC public transportation? It ain’t like it used to be!!
2 p.m. IN THE HEIGHTS
Called Eric when the play was over. He was exhausted from his walking tour and lunch today. He was just going to collapse at home. Up to the West Side Cottage II for a wonderful Chinese dinner: veg dumplings and vegetable lo mein. Chinese beer.
7 p.m. BILL W. AND DR. BOB
Back to the Leo House early and got to talk with Merrill in Houston. Also made a few other calls and got caught up with postcards and relaxed with a bit of TV.
MONDAY, MAY 7
Up before 7. Weather holding out but a bit cool today. Made some phone calls. Morning in lobby writing post cards and finishing the Sunday NY Times. Phone calls. Off to Post Office on Lexington Avenue to buy stamps and mail things.
Then up to 94th Street & Lexington Avenue via the Madison Avenue bus once more. Know that route by heart. Ron & Ron recommended a small neighborhood Italian café, Nick’s. Had a warm spinach salad with a good vinegarette; however, the bits of bacon were greasy and the mushrooms were dry!? The manicotti were quite good; we cannot get those out West.
2 p.m. LYRICS AND LYRICISTS LEO ROBINS
Over to Tix Booth and then to B. Smith’s for another dinner. Had almost the same thing as before except the salmon; had the linguini with meatballs which was fair; sauce: not enough of it and not tasty at all. Meatballs were rather “hard” and not flavorful. The corn crab chowder and bourbon sweet potato bread pudding were still outstanding!
8 p.m. THE BIG VOICE: GOD OR MERMAN?
Spoke to Eric. Plans have changed for dinner on Wednesday night when Ron Bottini will be in town.
TUESDAY, MAY 8
Slept until nearly 7:30 p.m. Starting to get exhausted from the trip. It was so nice out, that I sat in the Leo House Garden for a while. Met a guy from Rochester NY there (Carl). We chatted; he was a big Metropolitan Opera fan and was seeing tons of opera this week.
Down to the Gramercy Park area to walk around and explore the neighborhood. Then to the Players Club for their usual lousy lunch with Roy Newkirk.
1:30 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Off to the Tix Booth to check to see if play up for tonight; it was not, so had to go to box office to buy a full price ticket. Bob Dobson had arrived at the Leo House. Got in touch with him. In the garden to get caught up with things and then took a short nap. We then were off to Intermezzo for their $10 dinner. Still had the pasta fagioli, but got the cavetelli for an entrée; cannot get those out West either! This time we had wine which came to more than the dinner! Met up with Eric at the theatre. Spotted Neil Simon and his wife (which # wife, I am not sure!) outside the theatre. He is looking fine; he’s in his 70s now. He sat just two rows in front of us inside.
8 p.m. LOVEMUSIK
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9
Slept until almost 7. Today I started to feel a bit of humidity. Hoping it would not get any worse. Met Bob for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. I got my laundry started earlier and clothes were now in the dryer. Bob thought he had to change rooms, but it turned out that he could stay in the same room. Made phone calls; left message for Merrill at home—he would be returning from Houston today and getting back to work in the afternoon. Bob and I sat in the lobby and chatted. Then up to the 50th Street area; had a latke and French fries for lunch. Was not really hungry after such a big breakfast.
1 p.m. BLACKBIRD
Had time to go back to the Leo House to read the paper and relax and even take a short nap.
Up to the Chelsea Grill on 46th & 9th Avenue; the space where Chez Suzette was located for many years and finally went out of business a year or so ago. The reason for this restaurant instead of B. Smith’s was that Ron and Eric had fun with a waiter at B. Smith’s; the waiter no longer worked there and they told us he was now working at this place. Turns out he was NOT working there. We stayed anyway: Mistake #1. Mistake #2 was ordering food; Mistake #3 was eating it. Worst restaurant of the trip!! Filled with yuppie types spending money like mad. Just awful!! They even had the nerve to tell Eric that they wanted his credit card number to hold the reservation and if one of the parties did not show up, a charge of $20 for each person not showing up would be charged! I know what I would have told them on the phone if he told me that! We did mention this to the manager on duty; he could care less since we were eating and drinking there even though it was all terrible. I was there with Eric, Bob and Ron. Can’t win ‘em all!!
8 p.m. CORAM BOY
Got in touch with Merrill when I got back to the Leo House. He had a fun time with Margaret in Houston and was glad to be home. I would be home in four more days!!
THURSDAY, MAY 10
Slept in until nearly 7 once more. The humidity got a bit worse today so dressed accordingly. More grey skies to go along with it all. Met Bob at 7:45 down in the breakfast room. He did not have any since he was in a hurry to get his train and get back home to CT. Did spot Carl coming in and we chatted as we had breakfast. Finally, officially introduced myself: Gerry DeVito. He said a friend of his in Rochester was named DeVito; as a matter of fact, his first name was Gennaro! I nearly fell off my chair! I have met several people with the last name DeVito, but never with the first name Gennaro. We exchanged addresses and phone numbers and promised to get in touch when we each got home. I would like to talk to this Gennaro DeVito! (Have tried calling Carl since I got home; left a few messages, but no call returned; no e-mail; wrote a note. It seems like I shall not be hearing from him!? Something changed his mind!??).
Off to the Frick Collection for the 200th Birthday celebration of George Stubbs: A Celebration. He was famous for painting horses and other animals. A wonderfully small exhibit. Then on to the Asia Society for a different type of exhibit, Collectors’ Choice. It featured collectors of Asian art and some of the things in their collection. The big exhibit, Glass, Gilding, and Grand Design: Art of Sasanian Iran 224 thru 642 was quite interesting. Was not familiar with the Sasanian empire in the Near East. Some lovely and quite sophisticated pieces in this exhibit.
Took the bus down to the Players Club for the last time this trip. Lousy lunch for sure!
1:30 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Back to the Leo House for a short nap and a bit of relaxation before heading uptown once more. Met Ron Bottini at Bond 45 for dinner. I had a gin and tonic. Had their wedding soup as an appetizer; it was almost the same as we used to get at Italian weddings in CT when I was a kid except that they put actual pieces of white meat chicken and had carrots in it, which we never did use. It all tasted the same with a great chicken stock. The linguini (no spaghetti alla guitara tonight!) with broccoli rabe, pine nuts, and olive oil with a bit of hot pepper flakes was delicious as always. Decided on no dessert.
8 p.m. DUECE
FRIDAY, MAY 11
Slept in a bit later: 7 30 a.m. Humidity still in the air. Got Carmel Limo set up for my Sunday travels; they would pick me up at 6 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. flight. Not much traffic on Sunday morning; really should have made the pickup a little later. Down to breakfast although I was not that hungry. Read the papers in the lobby and sent out the last of the postcards. Then relaxed and dressed all up.
Noon: COCKTAIL HOUR
1 p.m. DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS LUNCHEON
It was good to meet up with Joan O’Sullivan again. I did not get to see her when the luncheon was over. Met Eric’s friend, Sandy officially and a couple of his other friends that were attending the luncheon. Ron, of course, was also there. A big disappointment this year.
To the Tix Booth and back to the Leo House to change into more comfortable clothing. The over to the Venus Coffee Shop for supper: mozah ball soup; mac & cheese that was quite tasty.
8 p.m. 10 MILLION MILES
SATURDAY, MAY 12 MY LAST FULL DAY IN NYC
Slept in until 7:30 a.m. Weather cleared up a bit and the humidity almost disappeared. Down to buffet breakfast; kept a couple of rolls for tomorrow morning. Began to pack—will everything fit in the suitcase?? Eric did not seem to be available today AT ALL; h e was spending the day with Phil. Strange: we were available to him 24/7 when he visited last February. I shall have to remember that when next he want to vacation in CA. Could not get in touch with Ron Bottini; he did not call either. Is someone trying to tell me something? Up to Tix Booth and then on to the International Center of Photography for their new exhibits which just opened yesterday. Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits a wonderful collection of black and white photographs that portray black history. They are the collection that awaits the yet-to-be-built National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Enjoyed it very much. Biographical Landscare: The Photography of Stephen Shore, 1969 to 1979 This exhibit was ok. A few color photos also as he traveled around the USA. Some nude photos of him that were rather erotic and unusual in an exhibit! Amelia Earhart: Image and Icon was an interesting and informative exhibit, especially about her last flight when she disappeared. Chim: Photographs by David Seymour were photos taken of mostly children during the Spanish Civil War. Mostly black and white and well done. Showed all aspects of war. Had a tuna sandwich at the museum café.
2 p.m. A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN
Tried to get into Bond 45 for my last dinner of this trip but they were booked solid. Saturday night is a tough night for a single in a popular restaurant! Up to Park Café once more; had a grilled cheese deluxe and a chocolate milk shake. Sat around the City Center area and people watched. Ready for my last show, the 29th, of the trip!
8 p.m. ENCORES! STAIRWAY TO PARADISE
A good thing I took my umbrella with me. When the show was over, it was pouring with rain. Back to the Leo House and directly to bed since I would be getting up before 4 a.m. When one knows that one has to get up very early, it is so difficult to fall asleep!!
AND
SUNDAY, MAY 13
Up at 3:45 to eat the two rolls with butter; shower, get ready for a day of travel and finish packing. Everything did fit in the suitcase. Downstairs by 5;40 a.m. and the Carmel Limo was already waiting for me. We were off to JFK and there by 6:10 a.m. Much too early for an 8:30 a.m. flight!
The flight back to SFO was actually about an hour early. This got me home before 1 p.m. Had a chance to pack and start going over mail. It was good to be home and to see everyone for dinner.
Another great time in NYC was over!!!!!! until next time!
Enjoy the summer and do keep in touch
Gerry
posted by Gennaro (Gerry) DeVito | 7:14 AM
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