Ray and I have hit the road. Ultimately we'll get to PA to see my father and also attend a friend's daughter's wedding.
I'll be checking in on blogs, but will probably be behind on comments. I hope everyone has a good week or two. As we wander the highways and byways, I'll be taking notes and pictures.
So, can you hear Willie singing, "On the Road Again"? Wish us luck!
Hopes and dreams for her. Still figuring out life. And that's tough these days for a Covid kid - she had a weird high school time. Plus moving to TX to live with her dad. Lots to deal with and I have no clue of that experience.
I admit part of me initially judges from my very old school upbringing. But it's such a different world...we'll just see what happens. Meanwhile, pretty, smart young lady with potential.
Good luck!
Raoul's in SoHo, River Cafe, Le Coucou - all fancy NYC restaurants where the glamorous, the rich, the royal, and the wanna be go to be seen. Michael Cecchi-Azzolina takes us on his journey as he worked his way up to the big bucks as a maitre d'.
cover blurb - He breaks down how restaurants really run (and don't), and how the economics work for owners and overworked staff. It's a show, it's a brawl, it's a tough world dealing with an entitled public.
This book covers a heyday of excess - drugs, alcohol, and money changing hands. Party all night long and start over the next day. The author does write about how things needed to change and still do need to change for wage earners. Your Table is Ready is a fascinating read and the author has a wry sense of humor. He lived to tell quite a tale.
Originally conceived by Jerome Robbins, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is a challenge. I have to say the young cast was up to the task. The Artisan is a theater in the round with a small up close audience. We were treated to decent dancing and acting. As for the singing - Maria's voice soared. Anita's voice was rich. And this skinny young man who played Tony had a pure tone that cut to the heart. So kudos all around.
It's a Romeo and Juliet theme story set in 1957 New York City. A tale of the "old" immigrants (Poland, Italy, etc) versus the "new" immigrants (Puerto Ricans). Rivalry, hate, and love.
Classic songs - the Jets, Something's Coming, Maria, America, Tonight, Somewhere
I was glad I ventured out on a Thursday evening and filled my soul with the arts.
cover blurb - Like science, life is unpredictable. A few years later, Zott finds herself a single mother but also the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. Her unusual approach to cooking (naming the chemicals, discussing the whys of reactions) proves revolutionary. Not everyone is happy. Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo.
This is a rather original book with a woman who is a straight shooter, doesn't kowtow to anyone. Her view as a woman is why not? I laughed out loud at times, shook my head at some of the male characters, and I rooted for Elizabeth and her daughter Mad. Plus the incredibly smart dog is a worthy character too.
Lessons in Chemistry - read it and take the moments for yourself.
Shy anxious "Sticks" breaks out on the basketball court and as a senior he has small college potential. Leo wants success for him and pushes him for tryouts at Drexel. There is a secret - the kid has a girlfriend - his first. He's head over heels and the girl isn't that intense. A break-up is going to ruin everything and Leo persuades her to hang in there. Obviously, that isn't going to fly for long and there's plenty of family drama, hurt feelings, shouting, hand gestures, and pasta. Lots of family dinners and meatballs.
Somewhere in Queens isn't terribly original, but it's well done. And there actually is a bit of a surprise twist at the end. Good solid acting, some laughs, some moments that tear the heart - it's family! I enjoyed a $5 matinee - just needed a super big screen morning.
