A day trip to NYC - Memorial Day Weekend

So for Memorial Day weekend I wanted to get myself outside and eventually into NYC.  I had a few things in mind.

Me and a friend took the train bright and early into Penn Station.  From the we jumped onto the subway and headed uptown to Central Park.  Got off on 86^th Street and smack dap into some type of fair.  It was hot as blazes out.  We did abit of browsing by the jewelry vendors while listening to a small jazz trio nearby.

Before losing my nerve, and energy, we headed toward the park and onto one of the best places rollerbladers can go.   We started in the uppers 80’s on the West Side and went around some of the park.  I don’t think all of it.  We circled around which brought up to the East Side and once around again.  We exited on the East Side in the 50’s in search of food and culture. 

During our skate, the hills, were very scary.  From previous times there I worried I might fall, pushing my thighs to the limit to slow down and getting a good workout from it.

After that my friend indulged me by walking way too long to our eating destination.  During our walk we discovered the Will Ryman Rose Sculpture Exhibition that ends soon.  http://www.examiner.com/culture-in-new-york/will-ryman-s-rose-sculptures-brighten-park-avenue-through-may-slideshow

Finally we arrived at our destination after walking some 2 miles @ Big Daddy’s.   A fun place me and my sister used to go to.  http://www.bigdaddysnyc.com/locations-upper-west-side.php

Its chock full of pop culture unassuming and fun.  It changed though, the whole eatery was much larger now and without the second story loft the original store had.  My only pet peeve was the menu selections were pared down to a minimum.  I wanted to walk out, if not for my companion, I would have.

Originally I wanted to check out the Alexander McQueen Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/mets-mcqueen-exhibit-extended-2291190.html.  But by the time we were done eating it was after 4:00 and on Sunday’s the museum closes @ 5, so that’s a different adventure for another time.

After we ate we walked another (almost) 50 city blocks in the sweltering heat, knowing for sure my legs and feet were truly getting a workout that bordered on cruel. 

After a short wait accompanied by a large vanilla frozen yogurt we were back on the train and heading for home.

Prelude to a restaurant review

So typically on Mondays I have my son over for dinner and a movie.  Usually I cook.  Tonight I’m thinking of taking him to Villa Marcello 47 Franklin Avenue, Malverne, NY (516) 256-3161.  I pass by there all the time and on Tuesday they advertisement a buffet for $12.95 I think.  I’ve been wanting to try it for a while.  Two weeks ago I had their pizza which was pretty decent as NY Pizza goes.  See review tomorrow.

BRIDESMAIDS - A MOVIE REVIEW

So on a rainy Sunday afternoon I took my mom to go see “Bridesmaids” starring SNL actress Kristen Wiig as the suffering single girl who is asked to be Maid of Honor at her BFF’s wedding.  The commercials made this flick seem like the female version of “The Hangover”.  IT ISN'T.  And also please note:  the teasers were more than misleading.  While there are a few laughs in this movie I found some of the scenes too long.  Some of the sight gags that were meant to be funny, were overly done.  I believe the phrase beating-a-dead-horse comes to mind.

While this is probably a “must see” flick for all brides to be this year, the rest should just sit tight and wait for it on DVD.

What’s Next? (This weekend and beyond)

In the next few days I will be catching (reviewing) “127 Hours” on DVD as well as Bridesmaids on Sunday afternoon with my mom.

Recently I received a brief catalog from the boutique-ish Joyce Theatre showcasing their upcoming performances for the remainder of 2011.

The one that piqued my interest is Momix.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_igxPpb4O4.  It won’t be until December but some things are worth waiting for.  I enjoy adore the anticipation of something bizarre yet provocative.  I’m snagging my friend Bonnie for this one.  I’d like to have a witness as to the gem of a theatre the Joyce is and all the striking performances that the Joyce makes available at unbeatable price.

Rabbit Hole - a Indie DVD Review

So the other night I caught “Rabbit Hole” starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart.  Kidman not looking much like herself anymore (too much plastic surgery).  My reason for this rental was due to her nomination in this role.  As I sit here writing this I can possibly think of at least 5 other movies she was better at.

The story follows the course of a couple’s grief eight months after the tradgic death of the 4 year old son.  Each parent handling things in their own unique way.  While the story itself was a good one I felt this movie could have been improved by sharper (and memorable) dialogue.  I gave it two stars.

Instead rent her in “Malice” and Aaron Eckhart in “Thank You For Not Smoking”.

EASY A - A DVD REVIEW

Easy A, a teenage comedy starring Emma Stone as the pseudo high school harlot.  One weekend Olive, a high school student decides to lie to her best friend about a fake hookup rather accept her friends invitation to spend time with her kooky family.  This lie (and a few others she find herself telling to “help friends out” spread like wildfire and soon she is becomes the center of the rumormill. 

This story plays out like every 80’s John Hughes movie which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  I give this movie 2 ½ stars for being light easy film fodder.