Believe it or not, New York City can sometimes play host to some not-so-great events. Hence, my absence from Metropalife throughout the past few weeks was totally excusable. I had nothing awesome to report on! Actually, I was invited to several events, visited many a bar, and yet still, I came out with nothing. Don’t be surprised non-New Yorkers. These rare occasions do sometimes occur. However, last weekend completely made up for all the recent wackness. In fact, it was the best weekend ever! Here’s where I went, what I saw, and what I recommend:
- Saturday evening, I attended the Omara Portuondo concert at New York’s Town Hall, located in Manhattan’s theater district. Danielle’s mom bought us tickets so we went down there to check it out. Quite simply, the performance was amazing. If ya’ll don’t know, Omara Portuondo is the real deal. She’s an old school Cuban jazz singer who’s one of the original members of Cuarteto d’Aida and a contributor to the Buena Vista Social Club. She came to New York to perform songs from her Latin Grammy nominated album, “Gracias,” released in 2008, alongside her band led by musical director Swami Jr. Robert Fonseca, Cuban jazz pianist, opened the show with some Latin-inspired rhythm and blues tunes. In my mind, Fonseca seemed to be a dope mixture of Ne-Yo, John Legend, and Djavan all balled in one, yet, he had a groove all his own. Portuondo’s band was one of the best jazz ensembles I’ve ever seen perform live; each player was brilliant on his own, and when they came together, brilliance enhanced! Her voice was at times loud and vibrant, then soft and whispered. She had me dancing at a street market in Havana one moment, and the next, sharing a seductive waltz with a Spanish conquistador. My recommendation? Cop that “Gracias” album and prepare to be amazed.
http://www.omaraportuondo.com/
- Sunday morning I decided to be a chic New Yorker and grab brunch in the East Village after a quick morning workout. I walked along 2nd Avenue until I came across Pangea, located between 11th and 12th Streets. It was cute, quaint, and cozy; more importantly, the bar looked fantastic. New American fare was on the menu, so I quickly ordered a roasted vegetable sandwich on ciabatta. A table of diners sitting near me was discussing a recent viewing of Michelangelo’s “David,” while a woman seated behind me couldn’t shut up about the sangria. An ambience made of fine arts aficionados and booze hounds? Perfect! As the waiter walked by a second time, I decided to order the drink special of the day, white pear sangria, and he brought it over stat. At first sip, I was stunned at how awesome this drink tasted. I couldn’t stop, until I realized I was buzzed only after finishing three quarters of the glass. The bartender swung by and asked if I liked it. “YES,” I replied with glassy eyes. Then I asked how she made such a tasty treat. Answer: One half pinot grigio, one quarter poached pear juice, a few sliced lemons and oranges and a splash of club soda. My sandwich then came to the table. It was the perfect temp – not too hot, but warm enough that the goat cheese satisfyingly melted its way onto veggies. Suggestion: Hit up Pangea for a low-key brunch that doesn’t involve waiting an hour for a table, and definitely get that pear sangria.
address: 178 2nd Avenue (between 11th and 12th), New York, NY 10003
telephone: 212.995.0900
- Finally, I ended my relaxing Sunday with yet another session of pampering and self-indulgence at Twigs Hair Salon, located in the East Village. Twigs is owned by a trio of lovely ladies, Janell Waddington, Julie Reale, and Kristiana Andrews, who opened up shop in late 2008 after leaving their posts at Soon Beauty Lab and Ruby 6. One foot inside the salon, and you’re immediately whisked away to a 1960s ski lodge, complete with kitschy fixtures (antlers on the walls, wooden floorboards), mod furniture (black leather square station chairs), and of course, a bar upholstered with more black leather, this time studded. There’s even a candy apple red fire place located on the bottom floor next to said bar, so while you’re waiting to have your hair washed, you can lounge with a glass of white wine or a cup of tea. Aside from the décor, the salon provides excellent service with tremendous results. I’ve been going to Janell since 2003, and she’s never let me down. The Twigs’ stylists are able to create a wide range of looks – edgy and textured, soft and sexy, long (with the help of extensions), and short (with the help of scissors), and their ability to do seamless color changes is fantastic. Men and women are both welcome, so come on down.
address: 520 East 11th Street (between Avenues A and B), New York, NY 10009
telephone: 212.358.9447
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