the event of a thread

Jay snagged a pair of tickets to event of a thread by visual artist Ann Hamilton. It was our first time at the Park Avenue Armory, which is a destination in its own right. The interactive exhibit consists of 42 swings spread throughout the hall, each attached to a large white curtain at the center of the room. There are actors reading from various texts, which are broadcast throughout the hall in 42 brown paper bag speakers. Oh, and there are also lots of caged pigeons. Go see for yourself, or at least watch the video.

Here are some pictures of us after victoriously landing a swing of our own. The whole experience had us feeling like kids again, swinging and being read to (minus the actual screaming kids.)

Warby Parker

Jay and I popped into the Warby Parker showroom in Soho last weekend to continue on our quest to find the perfect pair of glasses for him. Warby Parker is a great, innovative company that sells affordable prescription glasses online. For each pair you purchase, they provide a pair of eyeglasses to someone in need. They will even mail you 5 pairs to try on for a week at no charge.

Cold Spring

Each time fall rolls around, I develop the need to see some colorful leaves and pretend I live in a small town. So, on a warm Saturday morning in October, we raced through Grand Central to catch the train to Cold Spring and load up on autumn! 

Urban Pumpkin Patch

The weekend was full of sunshine and farmers markets. I always want to buy more squash than I can carry. 

Look at these beauties!

Have a great week!

Discovering Columbus

Jay and I recently checked out Tatzu Nishi's Discovering Columbus in Columbus Circle. The Public Art Fund project allows you to climb 70 feet up and relax in a living room with the 13-foot-tall marble statue, overlooking Central Park. The exhibit is free but you have to reserve timed tickets.

ABC Kitchen

 We celebrated Jay's birthday at ABC Kitchen and enjoyed lots of farm-to-table goodness! The waitstaff was lovely and the candlelit, modern farmhouse look was inviting. We started out with roasted squash (good, but not exciting) and pretzel dusted calamari (yummy). I had the sea bass, which was simple and satisfying, while Jay had the well portioned and tasty bbq chicken. I savored my refreshing and expensive watermelon-jalepeno cocktail. Worth the splurge for a celebration!

Keith Haring

We checked out the Keith Haring exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum recently. The exhibit focuses on the street artist's early work. Since it was a Target First Saturday event, the place was packed with partygoers.  It's worth checking out a First Saturday if you haven't yet. It's one of those great New York City experiences combining music, art, and people watching.

For dinner, we popped into the Sunburnt Calf on Vanderbilt Avenue for some Australasian cuisine. Great service and a delicious, innovative menu!

Cunningham and Petit: Wildly Obsessed

I recently saw two fascinating documentaries, Man on Wire and Bill Cunningham New York. Both films are about people who are so committed to their life passion, that it borders on obsessive behavior. 

Bill Cunningham is a street style photographer for the New York Times. For over fifty years, he has been snapping photos while riding his bike around the city. Mr. Cunningham wears the same blue smock each day while he documents the latest fashions. 

Photo from NYT

Philippe Petit is a high-wire artist who walked across the Twin Towers in 1974 after years of planning the  illegal feat. The film is magical and Mr. Petit's enthusiasm will rub off on you.

Photo from Gothamist 

Have you seen the films? At what point does a passion become an obsession?

Love Stories

We're celebrating our 3 year wedding anniversary all week with lots of dinners, drinks, and chocolate covered strawberries. I don't know if it's all the love on my mind, but I teared up watching the video Love Ever After. Photographer Lauren Fleishman has complied stories, pictures, and videos of New York couples who have been together for over 50 years. How lucky to be able to love and be loved for a lifetime. 

Basik

Williamsburg has it's fair share of vintage, mixology bars and the new Basik fits the bill. They have tasty, seasonal cocktails but without the usual snooty service. 
After mourning the close of veggie-friendly spot, Phoebe's Cafe, we've been meaning to stop in for a drink at it's successor. 

 We ordered a Poppa's Pride and a gin and tonic. Both were delicious. 

The interior has an industrial look with recycled wood and metal bar stools. 

Can't wait to go back and sample some of their small plates and check out the outdoor patio in the spring. 

Waffle and Wolf

Stopped by Waffle and Wolf this morning to pick up some breakfast. It's a small shop that sells taco-like waffles stuffed with your favorite toppings. The space is sunny and minimalist and the owners are super friendly and helpful. 

We ordered one with cinnamon cream cheese and banana and a second with Nutella and walnuts. I forgot to take a picture of the waffles because I ate mine so fast! Highly recommended place to check out next time you're looking for a quick meal in Williamsburg. 

Who are you calling rude?!

Have you read the nonsense survey from Travel and Leisure that voted New York as the rudest city in America? I have to disagree! New Yorkers are some of the most helpful and welcoming people in the world. Being able to peacefully coexist with 19 million people in a tiny area is no small feat.

It may be best to let the lie live on...it can be our little secret.

Writer Joan Acocella explains why we are misunderstood.

What do you think? Do we deserve this bad reputation?