Tis the Season

It has been one big holiday fest here in the big apple. Hanukkah was great this year, it was nice to have so many people to celebrate with. My Judaism class enjoyed Latkas from a Kosher restaurant, Sandy, Terry, and I celebrated night one together, and Esther, Mikie (via cell phone), and I celebrated evening number two. The highlight was evening six. A large group of us got together for a pot-luck dinner at Mark's apt. Esther and I made Chicken Paprikash, Susan made amazing latkas and salad, and Victoria (Esther's best friend growing up) made wonderful desserts and candy.

The city is all decked out for the holidays. The crowds can be maddening but there are things worth putting up with that for. There are great make shift holiday booths and stores up all around the city. Union Square has outdoor booths with mostly wreaths and pine trees for sale. Bryant Park is fun. There are little holiday "stores" you can walk in and an ice rink. Josie (a friend from work) and I had fun doing some holiday shopping and getting some Belgian Hot Chocolate at Le Pain Quotidien. Le Pain is one of my favorite lunch spots, it is a chain in Manhattan. They serve organic soups, salads, and sandwiches. I love it because they serve half sandwiches without a top slice of bread. They have regular tables but they also have a big communal table. One of the funniest moments I ever had there was sitting across the communal table from three business men who were so concerned that there were no burgers or fries served.

The other great place for holiday gift booths is Grand Central Station. The main concourse has a periodic light show that makes you feel like you are in a kaleidoscope. It is very cool. Of course the decorations and store fronts in midtown are legendary.

In other events, Esther and I finished our Payley Center season with Kyra Sedgewick. It was fun we watched an episode of her show The Closer and then she talked with the audience. I am excited to see what shows they will have for the winter/spring season.

Unfortunately I had to drop out of the Vagina Monologues due to time constrictions. In other theater news though thanks to a generous gift from Esther, my friend Josie and I saw the Homecoming on Broadway. Amazing performances but the most intense show I have ever seen.

Last night Esther and I had a great New York experience together. It was horrible outside. It kept sleeting and raining all afternoon. We were going to do some shopping uptown but vetoed the idea. Instead we met at Grand Central and had dinner at the Oyster bar which was so much fun. We were lucky enough to snag seats at the coveted counters (great for people watching). Any seafood you can imagine they have. It was a great way to finish up the week.