Family Visits

Big shout out this weekend to my cousin Nick, who is getting married in Madison, WI. 12th Night prevented me from making that trip, but most of my family is there, including Mom, Dad and Sis. Congratulations and all best wishes to the happy couple.

Speaking of family trips, Jason (brother-in-law of Bonnaroo fame) was out in NYC a couple weeks back with his father and brother for the Yankees/Royals series (They're from Iowa and are fans of the Kansas City Royals. I know, I know. It's ok, just pity them. They'll always have George Brett.) Barely had any time together, but we did grab a brunch at Bubby's, which is one of the best food spots in town.

This isn't the best photo, but I put it in because it gives a sense of the flavor of the neighborhood, and a taste of the Tribeca Stylish.

Here's a better shot of Jason:

Dude is just too good looking. May even be good enough for my sister. Maybe.

Oh, and a few of us went out for drinks after the show that night. Got a kick out of the sign in front of the bar - Vintage, on 9th Ave. Since I made an ass of myself taking a picture of it like a tourist, I may as well share it with y'all.

Friday

Friday I saw a play on the East Side. It was very good; in many ways one of the best new plays I've seen in a while. Interesting ideas, well acted for the most part, well staged and lit, costumes were good, if a bit obvious. But I don't want to write much about it, because there were a couple bad holes that really weakened the whole thing in the last quarter, and I don't like talking shit about my peeps in the theater in a public forum if I can help it.

Afterwards, Beth and I walked down Fifth Avenue through Tourist Christmasland. We didn't do the windowgaze routine full out, but we did check out Bergdorf and Cartier and the star at the intersection of 57th. Gaudily spectacular, natch. And, of course, since we were there, we looked at the tree at Rockefeller (so purple this year!) and passed by the skating rink.

Finally we ended up at what may be my new regular bar on the West Side. I'm definitely not going to write about that, because I don't want it getting around. So many of the great down-to-earth bars are gone now (McHale's, Dave's, Collins) or changed irremediably (McCoy's, Film Center) - when you discover one, or a new one pops up, you have to preserve it.

So then, this entry would be me almost writing about what I did the other night. Oy.