Great Decisions 2007

We've been participating in an 8 week program at the 92nd St Y called Great Decisions 2007. It's an annual program of the Foreign Policy Association intended to provide a forum for education and discussion of global issues for citizens. Each year different, relevant topics are discussed at multiple seminars. The FPA has been doing this for over 50 years. There are over 100 programs a year at locations across the country. We first heard about it from our friends Allan and Ellen Sharfstein who participated in Florida.

This year, the topics include:

1. War Crimes
2. Mexico - a neighbor in turmoil
3. Children - helping world's endangered
4. Central Asia - three powers competing for resources
5. Climate Change - and global warming
6. South Africa - facing new challenges
7. International Migration in a global economy
8. The Middle East - the US role

An annual FPA discussion guide is included with readings for each topic. In addition, each week a handout is distributed with current readings for the this week's and next week's topics. The format varies based on group size and location with meetings taking place during the day or in the evenings. Our group of 16 meets for 1 1/2 hours after lunch and is comprised mostly of women (there is one and sometimes two men besides myself). The group begins with a discussion of current events of interest to the group which may or may not be related to the days topic. The discussion is always surprisingly thoughtful and interesting. Not surprisingly, I'm generally the most business-oriented and conservative in the discussions - but I'm frequently surprised by the depth of knowledge and perception of most of the comments. There is noone in the group I would describe as not making a positive contribution. Interestingly, the course, as presented in Florida, had a completely different format. There were about 600 participants in a large auditorium with the FPA discussion leader presenting the material with slides and brief Q&A period at the end. Ordinarily, I would have preferred that format, but the quality of the discussion in this group has changed my mind. Hopefully, the group will be as good next year.

A growing family of bears at Otis

Savoy restaurant in SoHo

The other night, we went to Savoy in SoHo with my cousins Marjorie and Michael from California. It's a small. cozy, space with a bar, a fireplace and some tables on the main floor and a larger dining room upstairs. They've been open over 15 years, specializing in fresh, seasonal, foods, simply served. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. After our recent happy experience at Hearth, we were really excited that we had found another "new" restaurant. Unfortunately, it was not to be...(Just let me say, that I wasn't as disappointed, especially with the bar where we had a cute waitress who mixed up a fabulous cocktail and served us a selection of freshly toasted bread with 3 dips and spicy olives. CdelB)

I started with the highly recommended (by the waitress) Bratwurst with White Beans. The beans were good, the bratwurst overcooked, stringy and tasteless - almost inedible. Chris started with a Green Salad with Goat Cheese. She thought it was fresh, with a variety of greens, simple dressing and just the right amount of cheese.

I had the special, Curry Roasted Chicken. It was OK, but totally undistinguished. Really disappointing. Chicken, especially roasted or baked on the bone, is one of my favorite dishes. Chris had the Herb Steamed Wahoo wrapped in cabbage, a really interesting preparation. The fish was well prepared, but a little boring. Marjorie had the Salt Crusted Baked Duck which she thought was excellent and it looked perfectly cooked. The selections of wine by the glass was very good with a generous pour.

Overall, the food failed to live up to the very nice impression made by the restaurant and it's staff. Almost the opposite of Hearth where the restaurant did not live up to the food.

Savoy

70 Spring Street

212-219-8570

Hearth in the East Village

Hearth is a modest-looking new-American in the East Village. The rooms are pretty modest but the food and service are first rate. We are not the first to discover this place so be sure to call in advance for reservations.

Last night, the service was especially well versed and attentive. The comparison to Nish, where we ate last week was notable. There the waiter didn't even know what sweetbreads were - he advised a diabetic to avoid them because they were "sweet"! While tasty, they were somewhat overcooked.

At Hearth, we both started with salads. I had the Arugula with Shaved Fennel topped with marinated White Anchovies and Cipollini Onions. Chris had Fava Beans with Pecorino Cheese dressed with a light olive oil and vinegar. Both were absolutely fresh and flavorful. Fava beans seem to be coming into season so were featured prominently on the menu. The 'chefs gift' was a small taste of Dried Fava Bean Soup and there were at least two other dishes with the bean in some form.

It's unusual for us to select the same entree, but we both chose to have braised Veal Cheeks and Sweetbreads, accompanied by Morel Mushrooms and Spring Onions. Everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. The dish itself was plated beautifully - and the aroma.....well, you'll just have to go have a taste.

Overall, this is a really good restaurant with first rate service. Some might be put off by the layout of the rooms which resemble railway cars with exposed brick walls and bare tables. It seems quite modest, not really up to the standard of the food and service. It looks like it would be fun to eat at the small bar overlooking the kitchen where you feel like you're part of the action. Probably not the place to take someone for a romantic evening, more suited to a group who cherish the buzz and the impressive wine list and menu. Speaking of the menu, it was rather creative; and for those who love desserts there was the usual chocolate specialty and a selection of ice cream but also a 'grapefruit' cheese cake which sounded interesting and I have to admit to sharing a lime tart dessert that reminded us of the best Key Lime pie from Florida!

Hearth

403 East 12th Street (at 1st Ave.)

646-602-1300

KT Sullivan & Mark Nadler at the Oak Room

One of the perks of being "on an extended sabbatical" is the flexibility it gives you to stay out late and do things on the spur of the moment. Last night, we did just that by taking in a Cabaret performance at the Algonquin. Cabaret is a favorite of ours because the rooms are small, intimate - you're never more than a few feet away from the stage - and the performances frequently wonderful. Playing last night were KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler who we first saw at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.

They're just finishing up a four week stint at the Oak Room with an act called "Make Someone Happy" featuring the songs of Betty Comden and Adolph Green--you'll recognize the songs: "Make Someone Happy", "Just In Time", "New York, New York" and how about the song about leaving Ohio--if you recognize this, your from the 'mature section'! "Why oh, why, oh, oh why O.....etc.

The Times describes the show this way: "Mr. Nadler, a hyper-kinetic piano man, and Ms. Sullivan, an eternal kewpie doll with a sly sense of humor and a real voice, plunge into it with the verve of a latter-day Mickey and Judy. What they have created is a savvy, witty distillation of musical comedy’s golden age of optimistic escape."

We couldn't agree more; they create shows that are a little bit off-beat but always filled with music that's wonderful. Watching them perform is a joy and it's hard to believe that they're not married, because of the rapport and ease with which the work together.

The food at the Algonquin is pretty ordinary, so we just went for drinks and the show. We did have great seats just to the right of the stage and felt like we were part of the show - two New York swingers out on the town in the 1930's! One of the things about Cabaret in NYC is the number of show business types in the audience. Last night was no exception and it's impressive how many people we don't know and have never heard of!

Val Mc Dermid - Mermaid's Singing

This is the second mystery by this Scottish author I've read. It is not a series character. Rather, the key character is a troubled "profiler" a la the FBI. He's chasing a serial killer who tortures his victims using medieval methods. The profiling stuff is good but the descriptions of the killings is beyond horrible. I have a pretty high tolerance but I was uncomfortable. I would avoid this book!

Mermaids Singing
by Val McDermid

BEAR SIGHTING IN OTIS!

We've been "part-timers" here in Otis for over 10 years, and in all that time have yet to see any real "wildlife". Our neighbors have pictures of bears on our porch; and there have even been moose sightings on Merritt Road but we have never seen any ourselves. The best we've seen is the flock of wild turkeys eating the berries in the back! So, you can imagine how excited I was to see two bear cubs attempting to climb the pole of the birdhouse outside our bedroom window! "Quick, come see the bears", I shouted and everyone came running. They were so cute, one on the bottom and the other standing on his backside trying to shimmy up that post. We had never seen anything like it and stood for a long time admiring the sight. It was a picture perfect moment. "This is probably the closest we'll ever come to bears in this neighbourhood", said my husband. "True, but isn't it great that we'll be able to see it every time we look out our window"!

We're delighted by this wonderful carving done by local artist Tyler Moore (Sheffield, Ma. Tel: 413-229-6075; e-mail: tyla_mo@yahoo.com) who had agreed to turn our 8 foot tree stump into something beautiful. There's another stump out there and we can hardly wait to see the results.

Christina del Balso

Otis, April, 2007

New friends visit us in the Berkshires

Multimedia message

New friends in the Berkshires.

Milos, pre-theater "Prelude to a Kiss"

We needed to be at the for Roundabout Theater's by 6:00 to exchange tickets for "Prelude to a Kiss" at the American Airlines theater, We decided to eat before the show (we normally have a late lunch and skip dinner). We chose Milos, a wonderful Greek seafood restaurant specializing in ultra-fresh fish, simply prepared. It's one of our favorite fish restaurants in New York.

The room itself is large and austere. Intended to look like a restaurant on the beach in Greece--the gauzy curtains give you the feeling of airiness and summertime. The large mound of fresh fish in the center of the room gives you a chance to make your own selection. There are knowledgeable staff in the area to answer questions and assist in the selection. We were pleasantly surprised to find they had a 3 course pre-theater menu for $45.

I started with sushi-quality grilled 'Octopus in olive oil'. I have it every time I come, and it's the best octopus I've ever had - tender and delicate with a light olive oil. Chris was being "good" and started with a 'tomato salad'. It was OK, but after she tasted my octopus she knew she had made a mistake. I didn't dare go to the bathroom!

I followed with grilled Swordfish. It was delicious, but a little overcooked. Chris had a fillet of Hawaiian "Kamphaci". WE had to call to get the spelling. It was also very good. There were simple sides and the French Sancerre was a good accompaniment.

The fruit salad on my plate was mostly citrus--ho hum; but Chris' spicy nut cake drizzled with honey and served with home made ice cream was a hit. Portions were perfect for pre-theatre and neither of us fell asleep!

The show was also quite good, a romantic comedy about a young bride who finds herself in the body of an old man on her wedding day. The old man goes on her honeymoon in her body. Sounds a LOT weird--you had to be there. The old man was played by the guy who was "Frasiers's" father" The dog " Eddie" wasn't there.

Estiatorio Milos

125 West 55th Street

(between 8th & 9th Ave)

212-245-7400

David Maines - Old Testament stories

David Maines has written a very clever series of books imagining the happenings in the Old Testsament. He brings the characters to life as real, and interesting, people. Not heavy. Humorous

The Preservationist - Noah and the Ark
The Fallen - Adam and Eve

Brunch at Wallse in the Village

Wallse is a Viennese restaurant in the village where we had Brunch with Scott and Jory this past Sunday, and es hat uns geschmeckt (it tasted great)! The restaurant seems small but is spread out over two rooms with original artwork from the Neue Gallery on the upper East Side. The Chef, Kurt Guttenbrummer, also runs the Cafe Sabarsky at the Gallery. Tables are not crowded and nicely made up. It's very comfortable.

What we really liked is that the Brunch menu is unique--no buffet with the same old stuff. Instead, something a little more ambitious, reflecting its Austrian origins. We started with their signature pastry basket: filled donut confections, spice and pound cake and some traditional sweet rolls. Since they all looked so good, there was nothing for it but to cut each pastry into four pieces so we could savor every on of the goodies.

I had the 'Rabbit with Spaetzle, Mushroooms and Corn'. It surprised me. I was expecting something dark and rich. Instead the rabbit was a light white meat sprinkled over the lightly sauteed Spaetzel. Jory had the Wiener Schnitzel with Lingonberries. I'm coming back for dinner just to have it! Scott had the Hungarian Goulash with Spaetzle. It seemed a little rich for Brunch. Chris had the only "traditional" brunch dish, a warm Waffle with Smoked Trout and Whitefish Mousse. She loved it.

We decided to order all three desserts so we could again sample each one! They included a wonderful Apple Walnut Strudel "mit schlag" and sorbet, a 'Salzburger Nockerl with Huckleberries' (which turned out be a souffle without the dish) and a rich chocolate Sacher Torte. All lived up to their reputation as Viennese desserts. The "souffle" was the most unusual and the best overall, followed closely by the strudel. Our determination to avoid desserts failed us. We're definitely coming back here!

Wallse

334 West 11th Street (at Washington St)

212- 352-2300

Asia Society

We made our first visit to the Asia Society this week. The museum is small and approachable. Which is nice after the Met and the Louvre! We really enjoyed the extensive collection of Buddhas from across Asia. We have a much better appreciation for what we are seeing now, after our trip to China.

After the museum we were pleasantly surprised by a light lunch in the Cafeteria. I had a Japanese Bento Box (sort of a Japanese mixed grill) and Chris had Pad Thai (noodles with chicken).

Asia Society
725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street)
New York, NY 10021

Tel: (212) 288-6400
Fax: (212) 517-8315a

Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Songs We Love
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Thu-Sat, Mar 29-31, 8pm
Rose Theater

They are arranged to perfection—"April in Paris" arranged by Wild Bill Davis, and many more—and they're our life soundtracks, elevating the everyday, making the mundane magical. The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis plays some of the greatest arrangements of our favorite songs—swinging and supple, sophisticated and spirited—and remind us all over again how great music becomes legendary.

The Songs we Love does not include any "Songs". They are all instrumental arrangements. This may not seem important, but my "tone deafness" means that I only appreciate the words - sort of like poetry. I really can't recognize or appreciate music alone. That being said, this was quite good, with lots of horn solos that reflect the virtuosity of the musicians.

I've been trying to come up with a metaphor that would help explain my musical limitations. It's not that I can't hear the music, not all the tones sound alike. In fact, I find some of the phrased quite beautiful. It's just that it doesn't connect for me in any way. I can't tell one song from another unless I hear the words. The best parallel I can think of is Chinese Calligraphy. The characters may be quite beautiful as art, but they don't have any meaning unless you speak the language. As a result, the characters just seem to blend together.

Peter Spiegelman - Red Cat

Another good mystery in New York Wall Street setting. Third of the series.

Death's Little Helpers (John March Mysteries) (Hardcover) by Peter Spiegelman (Author)

Ayan Hirsi Ali - Infidel

A really good read. Scary descriptions of treatment of women in tribal African. Islam does not mandate this treatment, but it does not discourage it either.