Week 8 Chicago Food Film Festival

                                 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."  Helen Keller



Lobby of my hotel!

Tuesday morning had me up and out very early driven to the airport by Steve the Cabbie who I met on the street a few nights before, literally. (Steve@SteveTheCabbie.com). He is a real character, sweet, with an interesting story, but I truly don’t love to chat at 4am with no coffee in my system.  Flying standby now that I have the gift of time is not so stressful.  I was able to sit with my new Friend (met Him at the big Wine and Food Festival and He’s been with the Food Film Festival from the beginning).  We then shared a cab with another amazing chef from NYC into Chicago.  (As is often the case, many of  the best times are in the car.  When my Ladies were growing up, I learned some important info by keeping my mouth shut.  Other times, we had some of life’s most important discussions.)

From the Hancock Tower

From the River Cruise

With the help of the Executive Producer of the FFF I found a great rate at the Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel which is at the perfect location, especially for a first timer to Chicago (as I was!).  I couldn’t get into my hotel room right away, so I just started meandering down Michigan Ave, aka “Chicago’s Magnificent Mile”.  It is beautiful.  The avenues are so wide, and clean.  I played tourist and went up the Hancock Tower.  Then I found one of the Architectural River Cruises heading out just as I walked by.  Perfect.

Akiko from her Website




One of the many courses..

By then, I was crashing.  Moved into my lovely, huge, room and napped.  Have I mentioned that I think we should adopt the European tradition of Siestas? I woke up, texted my Friend about dinner plans, and was invited to the Staff dinner in Old Town.  Since the Festival Director’s in-laws live in Chicago, he knows it well.  Delighted, as a first timer to Chicago, I never would have found the places he took us to.  That first night we met at Old Jerusalem, a family owned (37 years!) authentic Mediterranean delight.  I met some new People and especially enjoyed one wonderful Lady who should be performing at Second City right down the street!  Akiko (www.akikomoorman.com). was one of the Judges for the weekend, and lives and works between Chicago and New York.  One of many I hope to get to know better!



Skyline Room @ Kendall College

From Festival Director George Motz (www.georgemotz.com, www.hamburgeramerica.com)  in the Program (used with his permission): “Welcome to the 4^th Annual Chicago Food Film Festival! (www.thefoodfilmfestival.com).  We are back at Kendall College because there is no better venue for what we do with its state- of- the- art facilities, eager culinary students and knowledgeable staff.

This year’s festival features 33 food films that will be screened at 5 events over 4 days.  There will be multiple surprises including guest chefs from all over the planet, many talented filmmakers, stunning food films and bountiful film foods.

It’s all about getting a taste of what you see on the screen.  As you watch food films, expect the food you see on the screen to be served to you, in most cases, right in your seat.

Go deep into the art, design, and philosophy of food and wine at Untitled II and make sure not to miss the return of the Edible Adventure, #009 – featuring films about fish tacos, Brazilian Feijoada, and the Green Chile of New Mexico.  And you could be one of the FIRST Chicagoans to try the World-Famous Ramen Burger when it makes its Chicagoland debut at the Festival!

There will be well over 100 different food and drink paired with films over the 4 days of the festival including the closing night celebration featuring the Chicago premier of  Head On: Shrimping in the Lowcountry followed by an authentic Lowcountry Shrimp Boil.  And if that weren’t enough, get ready for the return of the super-fun Food Porn Party featuring films containing the sexiest shots of food you’ll find anywhere, plus an appearance by the World’s First Food Porn Star, Larry Caldwell.  Lucky guests will have the opportunity to sit on Larry’s lap for a photo in his Fondue Lounge.

There will also be goodies like Vermont cheese, smoked salmon, and Mandorlato from Cologna Veneta Italy plus NYC’s most famous sweet treat the Compost Cookie from Momofuku Milk Bar will make an appearance.  And, be there when Seattle’s Top Pot returns, this time with a new caramel covered doughnut.  All of these tastes will accompany their respective films.

None of this would be possible without the help of our amazing sponsors  And for the 3^rd year, the Chicago Food Film Festival is proud to announce its partnership with the Good Food Project whose mission is to introduce children to a lifelong love of good food.

We are not trying to change the world.  We are just trying to make it tastier.  The Food Film Festival is like no other and reminds us all that we need to celebrate food and the people who make our food.

So pace yourself..it’s going to be another great year at the Chicago Food Film Festival!”

And, it certainly was.  As you can see from George’s introduction, a lot took place for the Guests of the Food Film Festival.  We worked hard, and “played” hard.  I laughed more in those six days than I have in two years.  It was truly medicine for my healing soul.  I got to know some wonderful, incredible, crazy, and fun people.  I got a taste of many of them in NYC, but because we worked so closely in Chicago, it was a treat, privilege, and pleasure to really become part of the Food Film Festival Family.

After working so many long hours together we would then head out into Chicago exploring more food!  The first night we cried Uncle and went to our different homes for the weekend.  Since I was staying so close to George (his in-laws live a block from my hotel), I had the pleasure of really getting to know this very nice man on our rides home at night.

Crew inside

Thursday night after the event we went to The Weiner’s Circle (Lincoln Park 2622 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614 Phone number(773) 477-7444), apparently known for it hot dogs. Also notorious for their rude and raunchy hosts.  The Lady working that night had more than a few of us blushing.  Makes the waitresses at Durgin Park in Boston look tame and nun-like!  Great fun although I am not a fan of hot dogs, even at Fenway Park.

From Yelp

Friday night we visited another Chicago institution, Billy Goat Tavern (430 N Michigan Ave (between   Hubbard St & Illinois St) Chicago, IL 60611Neighborhood: Near North Side(312) 222-1525)  Lots of giggles and guffaws.  Since I was staying close by, I thoroughly enjoyed a walk down Michigan Ave back to my hotel, since my ride, George, unfortunately and unceremoniously, had his car towed!  Never a dull moment.   

Managed to get a sunset!

Saturday night we went to a posh bar, which I can’t remember the name of.  Rev summed it up perfectly: “Oh, that place where we went and sat quietly.”  A quiet crowd we usually were not!  The pizza was good though.



Nicole & Emma Exhausted!

Sunday after breakdown and cleanup we happily headed to the ‘burbs of Chicago where we were wined and dined at our Family Dinner in the warmth and hospitality of Chef Josph Monastero’s Family restaurant!  Monastero’s has been feeding Chicagoans for 50 years, and we were very well spoiled.  Thank you!!  Also, thank you to both he and Christine who joined us even after the grueling hours they had put in for us during the week of the Festival.  I loved getting to know you personally.  (And for the ride home after dinner, Christine..love those car rides!)

Dessert!

As I said about the NYC Wine and Food Festival, I love People, some drive me crazy.  As in NYC, I was a Mistress of All trades.  You know the saying, don’t ask for what you want?  My Family used to dream of owning a B&B (one of the best decisions we collectively never made.)  In Chicago I nicknamed myself the B&B Lady as I was primarily the bag lady, and blackboards again which are becoming the bane of my existence!  But seriously, I also helped Artie in the kitchen, and served.  One night as I was giving out the swag bags (Everyone loves those!, which included a bag of goodies form the Good Food Project including apples and avocados), a Man thanked me for serving him earlier and then sending him home with goodies.  Many People came to All of the events, so by the end of the weekend we were friends, or so it felt like.  One Lady wanted to play in the After Party, but I was too busy with my bags.

One couple did unofficially win the “most entitled pias” of the FFF.  They arrived an hout late thus missing three courses.  The indignantly asked a culinary student what would be done about it.  Since we had extra helpings of what they missed, Artie thought it would be fun to set them up in the kitchen and make them feel like part of the family.  The culinary student brought them in following the first event.  As I was leaving the kitchen onto my next task I heard the woman ask Artie how long this would take as they didn’t want to miss the Afterparty and Sugar Takedown.  Agh….Most people were awesome.

A former Patient of mine, a State Senator at the time and very important don’t you know, once said to me “No publicity is bad publicity.”  (Although for her, I think she may have changed her tune on that statement..but that’s another story..)  My point to all of that is that many of the People I have worked, and laughed, so hard with have other lives, and ventures besides the FFF.  I would like to share some of them with you..Check them out, visit them often, and tell them I sent you!!  (And if I forgot anything, or anyone, please let me know!!).

George and Harry from a past year in NYC

      Harry Hawke created the Food Film Festival with George in 2007.  He is a true entrepreneur and has stepped back from actively participating in the FFF.  So he says, as he is there taking wonderful pictures every time.  In NYC, he shared some of the best Black and White cookies I have ever tasted from his Leskes Bakery on 5^th Ave in Brooklyn. (www.leskesbakery.com).  Harry brought his Mom Judith to Chicago.  Since I was the only other woman “of a certain age” and both native New Englanders, we bonded.  Loved my time spent with her.

Pretty much sums it up...some of my crazy work/play hard new FFFfamily...from Facebook!

From Facebook

       Executive Producer Seth Unger is wonderful.  From an interview with Simone @ Multicultural Cooking Network in October ‘12:   I started a TV network, NYC channel 25, and George did some work for PBS and some other places and we met at the Emmy awards and would see each other at other industry events. The third year of the festival was coming up and I had left television and my events production to be a stay-at-home dad of twins and after a couple years of that I wanted something else to split my time with. When George told me about the festival I thought what a wonderful concept and if it would be anything to pull me away from family time it would be something this unique. 

Rev (from Chicago Hustle Magazine)

       David “Rev” Ciancio is the Festival’s Director of Brand Partnesrhips and Beer Sommelier.  Another entrepreneur, from blog bio:  Rev successfully started and runs the hospitality and entertainment marketing agency Yeah! Management. Through Yeah!, he has consulted for dozens of music clients, managed the careers of 8 entertainment clients and oversaw strategy and implementation of marketing and branding for 5 different restaurants and bars, including Idle Hands Bar (in the East Village) which he co-owns with Marc Schapiro and Rob Morton. (www.idlehandsbar.com).  This comment made to Bram Teitelman of Noisecreep written at the opening of Idle Hands Bar in September 2010  pretty much sums up this gentle giant to me: “I’ve wanted to own a bar ever since I was 16 and my dad made it sound like the coolest thing in the world,” he says. “He had a dream that he and I would one day own a bar together. Unfortunately, I lost my father before he was able to realize his dream, but I can now proudly say, ‘This one is for you, Bones.’”

Charles

·    Culinary Manager Charles Grantham is another gentle giant.  He also has an alter ego, the World’s First  Food Porn Star, Larry Caldwell.  My new dear friend, Fletcher Chenn (Chef’s Assistant) described watching Charles transform into Larry Caldwell before his eyes while walking through the kitchen into the theatre as a highlight of the weekend.  From www.independentfilmnow.com : Synopsis: Comedic food film hosted by Larry Wellington Cauldwell III, a larger-than-life mustachioed culinary expert. He’s a man dedicated to the finer things in life: fine food, fine wine, and fine women. Larry has all the misdirected charm and hilarity of Ron Burgundy, with the real-life advice and skills of Martha Stewart. By the Fireside is the chance to get to know him in a much more intimate way. Join him by the fireside where he shares his innermost thoughts and more importantly, his recipes for delicious libations, which will whet the appetite of even the most sophisticated cocktail enthusiast.


Larry

   Bio: Charles Grantham is the creator of the character Larry Cauldwell, mustachioed culinary & lifestyle expert and food porn star, who is featured in the 2012 New York and Chicago Food Film Festivals. He graduated from Circle in the Square Theater School in 2005, and has performed at the Lincoln Center Institute and the Metropolitan Opera. He created the video projections for The Little Flower of East Orange directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman at the Public Theater, and has directed and lensed various other film projects including a remake of the Rocky “Training Sequence” for  Labyrinth Theater Company, starring Kristen Wiig, Sam Rockwell, and Justin Long. He produced and co-starred in the multiple award-winning Norwegian short film Believe the Dance. Charles lives with his wife in Brooklyn and has a degree in Physics, which he rarely puts to good use.

Larry Cauldwell’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/LarryCauldwell?feature=watch


Debbie w Guest (from Chicago Hustle Magazine)

DJ Keili (From:vivachileproject)

DJ Keili (www.djkeili.com) is an amazing young Lady, and definitely ties for best dressed (with Associate Producer  Debbie Pressman)!  Keili is the resident DJ for the FFF, literally, as she travels everywhere with the Festival! 

 

From Twitter

·   Keizo Shimamoto’s (www.goramen.com) Famous Ramen Burger made its Chicago debut following the showing of “Biting into the Ramen Burger” directed by Michael Fox, who was awarded Best Director at this year’s Festival.  Two more gentle, kind, fun men.

Middle pic: Takoyaki

   Chef Karl I got to know in our cab ride from the airport.  He shared his passion of Japanese Street food on the film “Tako NY” directed by Kris Brearton, and in person.  From the T.I.C.group news blog: “I love to cook, and though I'm no Morimoto, I can honestly say, my Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba is some of the best in the city.  I put a lot of love into it, because I always cook like my mom cooks for me.  I'll always do the same for you no matter how busy.  With that, I'll continue to do the best that I can do, and hope you enjoy the ride too.  So check out the film, sit back and relax for the 5 minutes it is (ha ha), and enjoy!




Enough said..

         Matt Timms’ Sugar Takedown.  (www.matttimms.com)  When we were setting up on Thursday, this young guy whom I had just met (didn’t meet him personally in NYC when he did the Chili takedown), mentioned that something was “wicked cool”..I turned around and asked what part of Massachusetts he was from.  Fitchburg, but went to Milton Academy!  An instant bond was formed as I grew up in Milton, raised my Ladies there, and lived less than a mile from the Academy.  The world is so small.  He is an actor whose parties got some press, and the Takedown was born.  He does all kinds all over the country.  I will be happily going to his Cookie Takedown  this weekend at the The Bell House in Brooklyn (site of the Moth events I have been to. 


From Report Images

  Colleen Grapes flew in from NYC to help out, especially in making Burmese Faluda.. A very interesting and fun Lady who grew up baking with her Mom, Grandmom, and Great- Grandmom.  After a varied career that led her around the world, she is back in NYC and is the pastry chef for Jimmy Bradley’s restaurants, The Red Hat and The Harrison.

Arite getting interviewd! (From Chicago Hustles Magazine)

Definitely so many others involved to create and make a splendid event..Artie Unger, Festival GM  (self-described Garbage Man), in actuality manages the Food Operations.  Having lived in Miami his whole working life as a CPA, he follows his son, Seth, and runs the kitche at the Festivals.

Talk about sweet, gentle Giants, Alton I love working with you! Producers Nicole and Emma, Partnerships Director Dana, the staff and students at Kendall College, Christine, Chef Joseph Monastero, and so many more.Whomever I may have missed, my apologies.I loved working with all of you.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me into the Family Fold of the FFF.

From Twitter



 



 



 

 

Week 7 Chelsea Market

                            "A busy person is a happy person."  Patricia Sullivan (aka Mom)

Cellar of Ambassador WInes

Rosa Mexicano on 1st Avenue

As I caught up with Friends while “home” in Milton for Thanksgiving, I have  been reminded that I am late on my posts. I have been busy!!  So here’s an update.  The Tuesday after Veteran’s Day I dragged myself across the street to the library to work with yet another interesting Lady on computer skills  I kind of giggle doing this as I absolutely do not consider myself a techie  But, whatever little I know, I am delighted to pass on.  That evening I met some friends at Ambassador Wines in Midtown (2d and 54^th), for a truly fun tasting of many Champagnes. On Timeout, I found a discount for a champagne tasting.  Hello.  I now actually know enough People to get a group together to explore!  My Friend from the Spring library class, 2 Friends from the NYC Wine and Food Festival, and 2 Friends of those, met.  After all the Champagne early in the evening we took a frigid walk to my old neighborhood, Sutton Place, for a wonderful dinner at Rosa Mexicano.  It was an awesome blend of People, cultures, and personalities.

On a sunny, brisk Thursday, I headed to Hunter College to go on a walking tour of the Upper East Side with Big Onion Tours (Kris gave me gift certificates last Christmas).  I love being a tourist close to home, so much to learn.  Our Guide was a lovely young Lady getting her PhD in Art History who was knowledgeable and entertaining.  From their website: Upper East Side: A Clash of Titans

Explore one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the world as we delve into the personalities, scandals, and institutions that have made it so legendary. Our tour will include a visit inside one of New York’s most significant historic galleries and landmarked townhouses.- See more at: http://www.bigonion.com/). 

I have been following an interesting young Man’s blog and website for awhile since I learned of him at a lecture at Boston’s newest Hostel.  Nomadic Matt (www.nomadicmatt,com) is actually from the Boston area as well, but now bases himself in NYC.  He is energetic, engaging, and informative.  I finally caught up with him in person at a MeetUp he held at Solas in the East Village.  As friendly and extroverted as I am, I am not comfortable in a “cocktail party” type setting.  The few other MeetUps I have been too have been a bit more structured.  I chatted with Matt for a bit (and discovered he has two openings left in a February trip to Thailand he’s running.  Tempting.)  I also spent some time chatting with a couple of gracious Ladies who invited me to join them.  A quick glass of wine and about an hour were enough.

Early morning @ Chelsea Market

Tuff Kookooshka @ Chelsea Market

Friday I headed to Chelsea Market to help my friend again at Tuff Kookooshka, the best Children’s hats, mittens, and jackets around, in my humble opinion.  They are 100% made in Massachusetts, including the fleece.  My Brother was in town on business, so he met me there, and I sent him on a walk of the Highline til I was finished.  He loved it (one of my favorite places in NYC).  Kris then came over and we shared a lovely dinner at The Green Table before heading to the UES so John could see my Hx3!  Wonderful evening.  I spent the rest of the weekend and part of Monday at Tuff Kookooshka’s booth helping out and meeting other interesting vendors.  Great fun!  I loved going in early to Chelsea Market being one of the only people in a place that is usually mobbed.  It makes me feel like a true insider.

From the Chelsea market website:  A block long and a block wide and just a short walk from the Hudson River in the area of Manhattan known as the eatpacking District, Chelsea Market has become in just fifteen years one of the greatest indoor food halls of the world, with more than thirty-five vendors purveying everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, cheese to cheesecake. Attracting 6 million national and international visitors annually, it is one of the most trafficked, and written-about, destinations of any kind in New York City. Chelsea Market is a neighborhood market with a global perspective.

The area has always been the locus of food in the city, beginning with the Algonquin Indians, who traded their game and crops on the banks of the Hudson River at this same spot. The trains of the High Line once served the wholesale butchers who lined the streets beneath the tracks and cooled their provisions with blocks of Hudson River ice, and the National Biscuit Company established its factory—now reclaimed as the Chelsea Market—here to take advantage of the butchers’ lard in the nineteenth century. This long history—and the stripped-down brick architecture of the building—gives the Market a unique character. For foodies and even casual tourists, it is possible to enter the Market at one end in the morning and not exit the other until lunchtime, without ever growing bored—and certainly without ever going hungry.

Monday afternoon I was very busy getting ready for the Chicago Food Film Festival (guess my good works ethic, and crazy energy impressed the Powers that be in NYC, as I was invited to join everyone in Chicago!).  I actually had to skip a lecture at the NYPL that I got tickets for month ago, Alice Waters of Chez Panise in Berkeley California, and Kermit Lynch, her wine man, were speaking.  Ms Waters has been influential in the farm to table movement, and starting gardens in schools for children to teach healthy, and sustainable eating habits.  Bummer.  The Chicago FFF more than made up for that loss!

6 million national and international visitors annually, it is one of the most trafficked, and written-about

Week 6 More Autumn Fun

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us."
             Joseph Campbell  (found in Angel Orensanz Foundation's October Newsletter)

Wednesday evening I was invited to volunteer at a special Rooftop Films Event.  Oh, I am so glad they thought of me!  It was held at an amazing space on the Lower East Side (LES), the Angel Orensanz Center on Norfolk Street.  When I arrived, the Director told me she was having me do coat check since I was "tiny & petite"..I wanted to kiss her.  I am short, and the space was short..I'm afraid she may have had huge misgivings when I tripped and fell with a very loud "splat"!..Thank God, I was alone with a dear friend..although I could be heard all over the event space.  As I look at my bruises, I am reminded of the many klutsy times of my life..

From its Website: “The Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts was established in 1992 as an artistic and cultural resource open to artists, writers, thinkers and leaders from all over the world, and to the community around us. Over the years we have welcomed and been inspired by Philip Glass and Spike Lee; Arthur Miller, Alexander McQueen, Salman Rushdie, Maya Angelou and Alexander Borovsky; Elie Wiesel and Chuck Close.

We cooperate with PS1/MoMA; The Goethe Institute and the Whitney Museum, New York; the Italian Cultural Institute, New York University; Columbia University and Princeton University; the National Russian Museum of St. Petersburg and the Royal Shakespeare Company of London; The World Council of Peoples for the UN, the United Jewish Council and the American Academy in Rome. We work with independent artists from all over the world to develop here educational and artistic projects. The Foundation has just opened a digital department of cultural and artistic projects with a strong educational basis in the community.

We publish a quarterly magazine, Artscape; a weekly TV program on MNN, and maintain an archive of 50,000 pictures of the work of Angel Orensanz. We run a library of social and cultural history as well as a collection of thousands of digital files and video of Angel Orensanz.

The Foundation prides itself in maintaining the building at 172 Norfolk St., the former Ansche Chesed Synagogue (1849), in its architectural integrity and in the tradition of the German Reform Movement of the mid 19th century. Read more about the history of the building in the information booklet "From Ansche Chesed to Angel Orensanz" written by Al Orensanz, Ph.D (PDF format 7.6 MB - you need Acrobat Reader to view the file.)

Medora from Rooftop Films' website

From Rooftop Films’ website, written by Angelina Fernandez:  “MEDORA, a new documentary feature by filmmakers Davy Rothbart and Andrew Cohen, and produced by Steve Buscemi. Rooftop Films will present a special preview screening sponsored by Piper Heidsieck on November 6th at Angel Orensanz Foundation before the film hits theaters this Friday, November 8th.

The film chronicles the story of a small town basketball team, the Medora Hornets, throughout their varsity season in 2011. We get to meet each of these players and learn their stories. It’s a deeply personal look into the life of kids who have the odds stacked against them by default. They didn’t create the recession; they were simply born where they were born. In the same way, the once bustling town of Medora is a victim of circumstance.

We’ve all driven by these towns on our way to somewhere. The strange collection of houses on the side of the interstate, and as you drive past you sit there thinking to yourself, “Who even lives here?” Well, the people of Medora live here. The town is in a state of decline. After two of its largest factories shut down, most people lost their jobs and the town is now comprised of around 500 people. When asked to describe the town to outsiders, one of its residents simply said, “Closed.”

What  MEDORA does a good job of reminding you of is that this town isn’t a bunch of images in an Urban Decay photo book, there are real people living here who are struggling to survive. This was the kind of town that once made up America, and even as they are steadily becoming extinct, they’ve still got a lot of spirit. The boys that are part of the basketball team each have their own problems to deal with, from alcoholism to homelessness. It’s hard to keep their heads above water when the world seems to offer them so little, and when they’ve seen so little of the world. Leaving the town seems to be one of the primary options for a better life, but Medora is their home. It’s a place that will markedly miss their presence if they leave; going out into the world means leaving behind their roots and even hurrying the destruction of the town they were born in.

Following cleanup, I went to the after party at Lucy’s in the East Village on Avenue A right across from Thompkins Square Park.  A cute old bar owned and operated by an adorable German lady, Lucy!  I joined two of my co-volunteers for a couple of hours; lovely to get to know them a bit more since we’ve spent so much time together since July.  It did get me home at around 3:30am though.  I do believe I am falling right into the New York life of the city that never sleeps!

Seen @ Columbus & 82

On my way to the West side on Thursday I stopped into Birdbath, a new café in the neighborhood (79^th & 3^rd) as I saw one of my Rooftop friends behind the counter!  The chocolate zucchini muffin was to die for the next morning at breakfast..  On the way to a lecture at the St Agnes library on Amsterdam Avenue (81-82 Sts) I popped into a cute little Mexican restaurant, Covina Economica, and enjoyed homemade guacamole, pork posale (soup), and a lovely non-alcoholic drink, Strawberry sparklette.  I then went to an informative lecture: “How to Write a Non-Fiction Book Proposal” with Doug Carr.  Informative, scary, and free.  (I did encounter my first truly obnoxious, crazy NY Lady, but Doug was able to keep her in her place and under control!)

From there I headed up to Columbia University.  I’ve been there only once before, many years ago, doing the college tour with Katie.  I fell in love with it then, wishing I could go back to college.  Oh, my, at night, it was beautiful.  I truly want to be a co-ed…Katie, interestingly enough, had sent me a list of lectures that Eve Ensler was participating in.  Ms Ensler, the Tony award winning play­-write (The Vagina Monologues) and activist has been a hero in my family for many years.  Kristi was able to participate in “The Vagina Monologues” twice, in Manchester, England and at UMass Amherst her senior year.  It was an amazing evening: Thursday, November 7: The State of Female Justice in America

Building on last year’s sold-out public forum on the State of Female America, V-Day is bringing together a stellar group of women for a public panel discussion on The State of Female Justice.

Hosted by Laura Flanders (GRITtv) and featuring:
Cathy Albisa - National Economic & Social Rights Initiative
Kimberle Crenshaw - Columbia Law School / UCLA Law School
Eve Ensler - V-Day
Monique Harden - Advocates for Environmental Human Rights in New Orleans
Saru Jayaraman - Restaurant Opportunities Centers United
Sylvia McAdam - Idle No More
…and more to be announced!

Join us as we explore why women experience economic, racial, and cultural violence; and ask ourselves what might real justice look like for women in America?

WHAT: THE STATE OF FEMALE JUSTICE IN AMERICA
WHEN: Thursday, November 7, Doors: 7:30pm, Program: 8pm
WHERE: Jerome Green Hall, Columbia Law School, 435 W 116 St, NYC

Friday I headed to Chelsea to the Muhlenberg Library looking forward to Memoir writing class as I had missed a couple, only to find out that Ben has put it on hold until after the Holidays.  No problem, I did some errands in the area, including heading to Trader Joes..I love that store..Back home to UES…Errand in regards to home sale in Milton..back downtown to the Village..Eve Ensler had invited everyone present Thursday night to become involved with Vday, February 14..the theme is to be “1 Billion Rising for Justice.” Don’t mind if I do!  So, I spent a very interesting hour or so at the New School, and am now part of the organizing committee.  It sounds like it will be an amazing day culminating  “with Everyone dancing their a…off” per Ms. Ensler at Hamersley’s Ballroom!

The 2nd restaurant in NYC that could have used Kris' collection!

I then headed back to my ‘hood, and met my Philosophy Friend at Pig’s Heaven on 2^nd Ave (between 80-81^st sts).  It is right next to Cascabel Taqueria, but I had never been.  As my Friend warned, their ribs are to die for.  A Sojourn friend had told me about the live Rock n Roll music on Friday and Saturday nights.  Well, it’s true..a Chinese restaurant turns Rock n Roll Club on weekends..only in New York!  The owner, Nancy Lee, makes it a point to make everyone welcome and loves to dance the night away herself.

Vosges

Saturday I enjoyed my Philosophy class as usual.  Then I did some errands around the ‘hood, including the Green Market, picking up some fresh fish and other goodies, literally.  I then headed down to Soho for a Daily Candy Bazaar.  Cool idea, I am definitely not in the age demographic it was geared for  But, surprsingly, Soho was not insane, as it usually is on a Saturday afternnon, so I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around.  I treated myself to an amazing hot chocalate (white chocolate with lemon myrtle, lavender, and vanilla bean) at Vosges.  I had been there before on a chocolate tour.  And, then believe it or not, I crashed.  Lighting my first fire for the season, and thoroughly enjoyed hibernating for the evening.

Fuentiduena Chapel

Sunday I met my NYC Friend and we bused our way uptown to the Cloisters, the medieval branch of the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art ).  A dear Milton Friend and bookclub member had emailed me earlier in the week to tell me of a magical musical exhibit that she had read about.  From the Cloisters’ website: “The Forty Part Motet (2001), a sound installation by Janet Cardiff (Canadian, born 1957), will be the first presentation of contemporary art at The Cloisters. Regarded as the artist's masterwork, and consisting of forty high-fidelity speakers positioned on stands in a large oval configuration throughout the Fuentidueña Chapel, the fourteen-minute work, with a three-minute spoken interlude, will continuously play an eleven-minute reworking of the forty-part motet Spem in alium numquam habui (1556?/1573?) by Tudor composer Thomas Tallis (ca. 1505–1585). Spem in alium, which translates as "In No Other Is My Hope," is perhaps Tallis's most famous composition. Visitors are encouraged to walk among the loudspeakers and hear the individual unaccompanied voices—bass, baritone, alto, tenor, and child soprano—one part per speaker—as well as the polyphonic choral effect of the combined singers in an immersive experience. The Forty Part Motet is most often presented in a neutral gallery setting, but in this case the setting is the Cloisters' Fuentidueña Chapel, which features the late twelfth-century apse from the church of San Martín at Fuentidueña, near Segovia, Spain, on permanent loan from the Spanish Government. Set within a churchlike gallery space, and with superb acoustics, it has for more than fifty years proved a fine venue for concerts of early music.”

From The Cloister's website; Janet Cardiffs The Forty Part Motet

It was indeed magical, mystical, and beautiful.  I had so many feelings, memories, rushing through me.  Mostly Jake, my infamous uncle the Priest, who has taken such an important place in my new life as I work on writing a book about him..Once, again, Uncle John, thank you.  We then decided to do a tour with a docent from the MET.  On first observation, She seemeds like a dour Librarian..oh, talk about not judging a book by its cover..She was delightfully entertaining and witty while sharing her great knowledge of the Cloisters.  A glorious afternoon followed by another fire at home and a delicious, if I say so myself, dinner (baked stuffed flounder..stuffed with spinach, coated with lemon and grated cheese, with broccoli and spinach-mushrooms as sides).

Today I scrubbed and cleaned the Hx3, caught up on emails, did some writing.  And, I will head to my Cheers in NYC, Sojourn, for some live music surrounded by familiar faces!  Life is good.

 

Week 5 Halloween and other Autumn Pleasures

"Writers who are considered immortal or just plain good and who intoxicate us have one very important trait in common: they are going somewhere and call you with them...The best of them are realistic and paint life as it is, but because every line is saturated with juice, with the sense of life, in addition to life as it is, life as it should be.."
                                                                   Chekhov's letter to Suvorin  November 25, 1892

            After the wonderful night with Kristi watching, and celebrating, the Red Sox win the World Series, I was a bit lazy on Halloween until I headed to the Village to Marshall at the Village Halloween Parade.   Many people, Kris included, thought I was crazy.  My good Friend, and former co-worker had always talked about the Parade as one of her favorite things.  I went on Her advice.  It had been cancelled last year due to Sandy, so the T-shrts we wore were 2012’s, recycling at the best.  Luckily,i t was a  warm night.  I am so glad I went!  It was a bit raucous and rowdy, but much less than I expected.  I ran into a Friend from the Food Film Festival, also volunteering! (Have I mentioned how small this city seems to be getting?!). Very nice Lady (VNL) I worked in crowd control, etc was great.  When all of our floats were launched we walked the parade route amidst the throngs.  Great fun, so glad I was part of a true NYC tradition.  (I still have no desire for Times Square on New Year’s Eve..) 

From the New York Times

Friday I admittedly slept in, skipping my Memoir Writing Class.  Later in the day I headed down to meet my NYC Friend on Bleecker Street in NoHo.  We enjoyed a lovely glass of wine at Noho Star (corner of Bleecker and Lafayette) Then we crossed  to see Culture Projects’s production of Chekov’s “The Seagull” with Trudie Styler (Mrs.Sting) at The Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street).  I love exposing myself to the classics, not just "popular" plays.  This was intense, not light-hearted, although funny at times.  Defintiey glad I saw it. (and the price was great as I got the tickets through Play  by Play!)

Saturday morning I once again joined my Philosophy Class. From there I did some food shopping, a job I have always hated. But walking to the Greenmarket (that I discovered is year round!) to smaller markets picking up odds and ends was actually enjoyable. It was a perfect Autumn afternoon so I went to one of my favorite places in my new neighborhood, Central Park, I walked for hours, watching all the people, enjoying the gorgeous colors, weeping happy tears in gratitiude. (So nice after all the sorrowful tears that I have shed in recent years.).  I also came upon a wonderful Artist who gracefully chatted and allowed me to take her picture. (www.trombettaart.com).

Post Marathon!

Sunday I had nothing planned, but very happily joined Kristi and her Friend in Central Park to watch Jess' Husband in the New York Marathon.  I had been reading about the Red Sox Celebratory Parade and the emotional time at the Marathon Route when Kris called..so I was feeling a bit homesick and melancholy..  It was perfect going over to Central Park once again to cheer on a wonderful man, Tom, in his race.  The NYC Marathon was also cancelled last year to Sandy, so it too, had a bit of an extra festive, if not a bit pensive air (and more security due to Boston’s Madness).

In the Mets's lobby

While walking home I decided to pop into the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art); one of the joys of being a member, just popping in for a quick visit.  I’m glad I did as it was the last day to visit the rooftop.  And, it was member’s day to enjoy a new Korean exhibit, which was very enjoyable.
 

The Moth Stage

At Grand Central

Monday I did some research, writing, and then headed to Grand Central to see a special popup of a new bath, body, and cosmetic line for Target.  The set design was quite impressive.  I was then headed to Brooklyn and had some tie, so I treated myself to a lovely cocktail at the Campbell Apartment’s Parlor.  Heading over to Brooklyn again, to The Bell House on 7^th Street for their monthly evening of The Moth.  I enjoyed this night much better as I was able to sit, and surprisingly a few stories really resonated with me. (One Man, who has won awards at Moth events, spoke of his little Mom who was quite resilient, and a dental hygienist!  I did speak with him at intermission!)  From there I caught the last set of music at my Sojourn, surrounded by many familiar faces..

Jennifer in the East Side OurToen newspaper

Tuesday I crossed the street to help out at the Yorkville Library working with  Seniors on Computer basics.  The truly lovely Lady I worked with was charming, and still works as an interior designer.  We have exchanged phone numbers and plan on getting together on our own!  I then walked down to the 67^th Street Library and took advantage of a free adult ballet class.  It is led by a very interesting, kind Lady, Jennifer Grambs (who has started a website for the group: www. ourballetclub.weebly.com.).   Quoted to Joanna Fantozzi in East Side Our Town newspaper: "“Ballet takes us back to being lovely women and handsome gentlemen,” says Grambs. “We have to learn to love our bodies, no matter what age.”  It was wonderful, if not crowded, men included, as it is gaining in popularity.  Amazing how I felt like I got a good workout.  I do believe I’ll go back.

Later, I had a lovely surprise visit from Kristi!  We shared in some of the chili I made over the weekend and hung out for a bit.  Off she went.  T then headed across the street to Sojourn for some more of my live music…

Postscript:

This picture is a perfect example of what a small city this is.  I was explaining my fun experience at the Halloween Parade to Kristi and Jessica at the Marathon.  I showed them my pictures.  Some of them as crazy as the Parade is known for.  They know this young Lady.  She was in the first running of “Father of Songs, ”written by Marathoner Tom Slot!