Art in NYC is All Around

Whenever I get frustrated about how cold, or dirty, or loud, or impersonal the city is, it helps to take a moment to reflect on what drew me here- great art! The wonderful thing about New York City is the fact that art, visual and performing, both great, questionable, and small is all around.

Today was a great art day. I didn't have to go to a concert hall, a theatre, or seek out a gallery, I simply went about my business and the art found me.

My subway commute this morning was full of extraordinary music. There were jazz trumpets at Fulton Street, a Vivaldi violin concerto at 86th street, 96th street featured a stirring blues electric guitar performance and on the way back home, I was serenaded with bells and a lovely chorus of Hare Krishna devotees singing a round of mantras at Atlantic Avenue.

Ah, New York...

Impromptu music isn't New York's only artistic virtue, the city is layered in colorful paint (and I don't just mean graffiti ).

Artists make use of abandoned spaces.

You can find paintings and murals everywhere. It's a lovely thing...

My favorite is this collection of portraits that bring the otherwise dull abandoned buildings in my neighborhood to life.

Up and down Fulton street in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, the artist Alan Aine's expressive portraits are part of the neighborhoods permanent collection.

I love his work! There's a whole story behind the eyes of his subjects. And I, lucky me, get to view his creations for free.

Although this writer and former actor is no longer an eager and helplessly enthusiastic new to New York, New Yorker, taking a moment to consciously bask in the city's art brings back some of that magic.

Because, after all is said and done, despite the grit and grime, the noise, the rats and the smells, this is a magical place.

This is the city that art built; a place buzzing with inspiration, creativity, and "I'm going to make it happen!" dreams.

Christmas in New York City: The Magical Rockefeller Tree

Because when you asked, you said please offering a sticky hug, the grin on your face revealing teeth Because you have the biggest, most impossible to resist midnight eyes, that gleam electric when you’re excited Because you promised to hold my hand and read your book on the train, even though you'd rather run free through the busy streets of Manhattan and dance a jig on the blue seats of the subway Because you get excited when you see the lights along Fulton street, snowflake shaped and golden, making even the dingiest façade from Bed-Stuy to Ft. Greene sparkle and shine Because you remind us there’s magic in the air and wonder all around, no matter how cold or rain dampened the air might be Because, because, because, Yes little one, We shall go see, We shall go see the Rockefeller Tree!

"Once" Broadway Cast brings the Brilliant Sounds of Dublin to the New York Stage

Behind the thick velvet curtain, the stage swirled with lively dance and song. I was confused, we were ten minutes early and people weren't in their seats, yet there were violins and drums and there was infectious merriment. "Pre-show," my friend Fred explained.

Pre-show???? Genius!

The moment we stepped into the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre we were drawn into the world of the play.

It was as if we'd stepped into a pub in Dublin, only with auditorium seating.

We couldn't resist purchasing some wine (I know beer would have been more fitting, but I just don't like it) before taking our seats.

Served in a keepsake sippy cup the alcohol at "Once" was free flowing. We were able to sip from our seats and enjoy the pre-show entertainment, which blended seamlessly into the actual entertainment as the "Once" Broadway cast, brought the brilliant sounds of Dublin to the New York stage.

At its heart, this is a love story, expressed in melodic song and rousing dance. It's the story of an Irish musician and his Czech muse. As the piece progresses, we're reminded how complicated, uplifting and bittersweet love can be.

A combination of foot stomping ensemble pieces and acoustic solos and duets, "Once," is entrancing. You can't help but tap your feet. You'll want to get up and dance. I don't remember having this much fun at a show since I saw "Fela" a few years back.

On Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre until January 4th, "Once" is a night well spent on the "Great White Way!"

Picking Apples at Fishkill Farms: A Memorable Autumn Afternoon!

Our tires crunched over leaves, stirring up small clouds as we navigated the narrow dirt road.

It was a beautiful sight to take in, apple trees, row upon row, for miles. It looked like they extended into the horizon becoming one with the Catskill Mountains, a mass of apple trees, tapering into mountains, ascending into the clouds.

When we selected our bags, the man said he thought only the golden delicious variety was left, it being so late in the season. To our surprise, the further we crept, we came across a group of plump rouged macouns. Grinning, from the thrill of discovery, mesh bags in hand, it was apple picking time!

Apple picking, has to be one of my favorite autumn activities. I love the hunt for the plumpest, juiciest apples. The satisfying feeling of filling your bag with a group of imperfect, plump, leafy apples. I live for the smell of the earth and the streams of golden light from the sun filtering through the trees.

This year, I grabbed the boys and scooped up my friend Fred (you know you’ve found a true friend if they’re childless and nocturnal, yet still agree to spend the afternoon in an apple orchard with you, your toddler and your infant).

Our orchard of choice was Fishkill Farms, about an hour north of the city.

It was a great choice. They had a bit of everything.

You could pick apples, pumpkins and even a selection of seasonal vegetables. I stuck with the apples, since my little one was going to the pumpkin patch with his preschool.

The country store smelled like apple cinnamon potpourri. Pies, tarts, jams, vinegars, ciders and pastries were on tantalizing display. I couldn’t resist taking home some of the freshly harvested vegetables and squash.

Outside, despite the chill, the atmosphere was festive. Picnic tables lined the green spaces as live music serenaded us from a makeshift pavilion stage. On one side, there was a glorious stand selling hot apple cider and perhaps the best old fashioned donuts I’ve ever tasted. At the far corner, near the parking lot, a full-fledged barbeque was underway. Clouds of hickory scented smoke danced and vanished into thin air, as platters of chicken, ribs, burgers, corn and hot dogs emerged in savory gluttonous glory.

Sampling a little bit of everything (why not?), we took our time, eating, listening to music and basking in the ephemeral mid-autumn in between.

Fishkill Farms we’ll be back! Thank you for the apples and awesome memories.

Fishkill Farms (9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533)

Drawing Inspiration from Anchorage, Alaska

It was around this time two years ago when I first encountered Alaska. As August, slowly dissolved into September, there was a definite chill in the air, a hazy coolness descending from the surrounding mountains.

With great enthusiasm, I set  off to explore Anchorage with its exotic mountainous vitas, babbling glaciers and vibrant autumn colors.

When I think of Anchorage, I am reminded of:

• Breathing as if for the first time. There's something so invigorating, almost minty, about the air in Alaska. It's crisp, it's so clean, it's saturated in possibility and wonder.
• The rush of anticipation. Everywhere I went, I was on the lookout for wildlife. The anticipation was thrilling. Will I encounter a school of salmon, a moose, a bear? Despite all of the moose and bear signs, I encountered neither, instead I happened upon a large and very angry elk- SURPRISE!
• Smoked Salmon- The soft, chewy, flavorful smoked salmon that comes from Alaska is heavenly. Aromatic, rich, slightly oily, if you're a fish person, this is a true treat.
• Panoramic black mountains at times, barely perceptible, tucked beneath a blanket of crepe-like fog. Mountains add texture and drama to the skyline in Anchorage. Everything else seems so small, almost insecure in their presence.
• 50 Shades of Gray! As in the sky, after the rain, layered like sedimentary rock, gray upon marbled gray. Gray is indeed a color with personality and charm.

Anchorage, what a pleasure and an honor it was to be in your presence.

The product that was inspired by my adventures in Anchorage is the Anchorage Body Butter, an ultra-moisturizing creamy shea based body butter with hints of peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus.

If you can’t experience Alaska in person for yourself, take the journey with an Anchorage Body Butter.

From now, until next Wednesday (9/10) enjoy 10% off the Anchorage Body Butter (by entering the code ANCHORAGE at checkout) and enjoy!

Click HERE to purchase.

Cruising Atlantic City for Wild Bottlenose Dolphins

The small vessel rocked from side to side.

"Sorry folks. One more big wave and there should be smooth sailing." The captain announced as I wondered whether or not my lunch would remain respectfully tucked away inside my stomach.

A series of storms in the Atlantic Ocean made for unusually mischievous water. The water wasn't the only thing feeling mischievous. We'd been out to sail for over an hour without a single dolphin sighting.

The water sparkled in the sun, the Atlantic City boardwalk glistened in the distance. Seagulls and dragonflies circled our small wobbly vessel, it was a lovely afternoon (minus the incessant rocking), but there were no dolphins.

"To your left, you'll see an oily surface on the water, the dolphins are close!"

"To the front of the boat, you'll notice a school of fish, the dolphins are close!"

"Behind us, you'll notice bubbles coming to the surface of the water, the dolphins are really close!"

Our captain called out all of these promises, yet there were no dolphins!

Then they arrived.

Keeping a safe distance, a small pod of young dolphins approached. Their dorsal fins cut through the water, encircling our boat with ease. Every few moments, they surfaced in a slippery synchronous arc, before disappearing beneath the waves to hunt for food.

It all happened so quickly.

One moment they were there, the next, they had sailed on. The entire time, the small pod kept their distance.

Pictures were hard to come by, but the experience, though ephemeral, was humbling. After all, how often do you get to sail alongside these graceful guardians of the sea...

The Mt. Gretna Chautauqua: A Pleasant Surprise in the Pennsylvania Corn Fields!

There are those destinations that we seek out, then there are those we serendipitously happen upon. Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania was one of the latter.

This was an excursion, I hadn't planned. I had intended to spend my time resting and nursing in the hotel room. After all, when Mark said he had a gig in Pennsylvania approximately ninety minutes outside of Philly in some Mt. something or other farm town, I rolled my eyes and wrote it off. We were driving in from our quick mini-trip to Atlantic City and I was tired, I figured I'd put the boys to bed and read the book I didn't get to leisurely read on the beach.

Then we hit traffic and our calm drive turned into a hectic sprint to make sound check and so it was that the boys and I ended up in a most surprising little place.

Tucked away amidst sprawling farmland and cornfields in Pennsylvania Dutch Country lies the Mt. Gretna Chautauqua- a beautiful wooded and restored collection of charming historical cottages, impressive performance spaces and stately lecture halls.

One of the handful of  chautauquas that remain, Mt. Gretna is meticulously preserved and honored by the Mt. Gretna Arts Council.

So, what is a chautauqua?

I had the pleasure of speaking with several members of the Mt. Gretna Arts Council about the topic since I had never heard of them. Here's what I learned- a brief history lecture for your reading pleasure:

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, chautauquas were ubiquitous in rural America as institutions for adult learning and culture. With a focus primarily on the arts, chautauquas were known for bringing music, dance, painting, literature, cooking and other arts to rural America. The original chautauqua, which is still fully functioning, is in Chautauqua, New York- hence the name. Around the 1950's, as almost every family in America had a car, chautauquas began to die out as people had the ability to travel to attain culture. Only a few chautauquas remain, Mt. Gretna is one of them.

Fascinating-eh?

Mark played this night with a swing band as part of the Mt. Gretna Cicada Musical Festival.

Mt. Gretna seems to have it all. In addition to regular concerts, there is a complete season of theatre and theare for young audiences, you can find author lectures, rotating art galleries, religious and philosophical talks, live comedy, a film series and cooking demonstrations (and I'm sure I've left a few things out).

The majority of the chautauqua attendees come from the Mt.Gretna and surrounding areas, but a good number of people travel to attend. The events are inexpensive and completely open to the public.

About 90 minutes outside of Philly and three hours or so outside of NYC, the Mt. Gretna Chautauqua (depending upon where you live of course) makes for a wonderful woodsy mini-break.

I have plans to return in another week for the illumination of the cottages, farewell to summer celebration.

Ohm and Mark want to return to the playground.

Mt. Gretna Arts Council http://artscouncil.mtgretna.com/

I'm Not An Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk Person, or Am I? A Tale of Two Boardwalks

We made our way slowly towards the boisterous boardwalk. The sun, overhead, bore down, creating a shimmering cascade that blanketed and softened everything.

Our feet clamored and clanked over the sturdy planks. Dragging our sandaled feet through the sizzling sand, we searched for a quiet place away from the crowds.

Eventually we settled for an almost quiet and slightly less crowded spot off to the right and settled our rumps on the single towel we brought from the hotel.

There were no lawn chairs to rest on. The beach at Atlantic City is a DIY beach.

After filling a pal with sand, Mark and Ohm set off to explore the water.

Unable to swim after my emergency cesarean, Jai and I were left on our sandy blanket to stare at the birds. Within five minutes, our slightly less crowded spot drew a crowd. At least twenty people circled us, cigaret smoke and music wafting towards us. Then, for the first time, I begin to notice the pieces of glass in the sand, thick jagged shards. I begin to panic, I just sent my two year old with his father to play in the waves and he didn't have his shoes. Cigaret butts, broken shells, glass, and a tampon lay in the sand before me. In the distance, Mark and Ohm jogged towards us. "Watch the glass!" I began to scream and motion. My oblivious neighbors eying me like a crazy woman. It was time to go. "We're not swimming in that water." Mark grimaced.

With that, we were off strolling dejected down the loud and overstimulating Atlantic City boardwalk.

We had lasted maybe thirty minutes.

I am not an Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk person!

We got into our car and took a drive. We drove past the ferris wheel towards the very end of what would have been a boardwalk if hurricane Sandy hadn't destroyed the area.

Eventually the clamor and crowds became muted. Gaudy boardwalk shops gave way to a somewhat quaint coastal aesthetic.

We decided to explore and found the aquarium, quiet restaurants in old Victorian houses and a square of adorable ocean front shops.

Was I on the same beach?

Slowly we eased back into a rhythm of ease. After exploring the shops from our new vantage point, we sat down to an ocean side seafood feast with nothing to do but watch the waves roll in and slowly recede.

It was lovely.

Perhaps I am an Atlantic City beach and boardwalk person after all.

Playing Tour Guide in Manhattan

Central Park

Rockefeller Center

Bryant Park

Herald Square

This week my cousin Brielle, a postpartum doula, was in town from Seattle to help out with our new baby.  It was her first time in New York, so I got to play tour guide. It was great to get back on my feet for a little bit while re-discovering the sights and sounds of Manhattan.

Smorgasburg: A Brooklyn Flea Food Market

On Sunday, I had a truly transcendent experience. I arrived at Brooklyn Bridge Park, a waddling, hot, 42 weeks pregnant, disgruntled woman, but left, strolling gracefully, sated, cool, and in excellent spirits.

What happened during that hour and a half on the water beneath the intense sun?

The Brooklyn Smorgasburg happened- a pleasure filled gastronomical wonderland!

I love to eat. I adore teasing my taste buds with new flavors and combinations. I get a kick out of sampling innovative concoctions and textures. Brooklyn Smorgasburg was the answer to everything I always knew I wanted but didn't know to ask for.

Imagine an expansive outdoor market, on a beautifully renovated turquoise boardwalk with open views of the gorgeous Manhattan skyline, featuring purely delectable food and beverage.  I'm not talking your typical street food fair (hot dogs, pretzels and funnel cakes), oh no. I'm talking about the succulent intersection of the finest artisanal breads, cheeses and baked goods with the latest and most innovative preparations from gourmet restaurants and food trucks, mixed with a variety of exotic ethnic cuisines. A place where you can sample 15 different types of horseradish sauce, snag a taste of the cuisine from Togo, discover a host of vegan, gluten-free and raw options, drink from the cool water of a whole coconut, and sample soul food/Korean BBQ fusion- this is Smorgasburg!

A huge fan of the Brooklyn Flea, because of the delicious food vendors, Smorgasburg, dedicated solely to food is a dream come true. I found all of my Brooklyn Flea favorites and discovered many, many, more.

Smorgasburg truly has something for everyone.

It's a great place to simply relax and slow down. It's a place to  meet and greet your Brooklyn neighbors. Smorgasburg is kid friendly, first date friendly, date afternoon friendly, and let's just go and amble friendly. If you're from out of town, and visiting New York for the first or fiftieth time and have always wanted a tantalizing reason to cross over the Brooklyn Bridge, look no farther!

Bring your appetite, enjoy the boardwalk, do a little people watching, gaze at the sailboats, take in the views of the Manhattan skyline, and eat, eat, eat!

Smorgasburg is FREE, every Sunday 11am-6pm at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5

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Live at the Blue Note

This weekend, my trombonist hubby had the honor of playing at the Blue Note with the fabulous jazz vocalist Nicole Henry, which means, I had the honor of attending.

Perhaps, one of the most iconic jazz clubs in the world, the Blue Note, located in the West Village of Manhattan has hosted one of the most elite who's who lists of musicians since its opening in 1981.

Inspired, by Blue Note Records (est. 1939), the record label that launched the careers of such greats as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the Blue Note offers an intimate and cozy setting in which to relax, enjoy the dying art of live jazz music and enjoy a good meal and drink.

The house was packed the entire weekend.

It's nice to know that America's classical music has a home.

Perhaps nobody enjoyed Saturday night's sets more than Ohm, who surprised everyone by sitting silent and entranced through two sets while playing the air trombone. I prepared myself to have to run to the green room every few minutes, but my two and a half year old was one of the most well behaved patrons of the evening.

The highlight of the evening for me, was Nicole Henry's performance of Blues in the Night! It was a knockout!!!! I always forget how great this song is until I hear it performed live and I get chills.

Now, I love my husband. I've never truly been "burned" by love. I don't know what it is, but I just love this song!

For those of you not familiar with the piece, I've attached a clip of Nicole Henry singing Blues in the Night. This is not from the Blue Note as recordings are not permitted. You get the idea though.

Dim your lights, grab a glass of wine, and enjoy!

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqMm70ySKPg[/youtube]

 The Blue Note Jazz Club NYC

131 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012

*Visit the site for a full schedule of performers and times. I can't wait to see Seu Jorge in November!

The Original Little Italy- Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

 

In the congested Belmont section of the Bronx, lies a hidden gem. A singular strip with some twists and turns, Aurthur Avenue also known as the original Little Italy sparkles red, white and green in the afternoon sun.

From old fashioned Italian butcher shops to the ubiquitous pizzerias and bakeries, Aurthur Avenue is one of the best places in the city to go to sample Italian food and culture.

Whether you're into espresso, fresh baked bread, pasta, pizza, wine or baked goods, Arthur Avenue will leave you satisfied and craving your next visit.

The original Little Italy on Arthur Avenue, like many things in the Bronx, is a hidden gem in an unsung borough. On Arthur Avenue,  you will not find crowds. You will not have to contend with tourists and long waits. You will get an authentic and delicious taste of New York Italian culture and food at a relaxed pace, reminiscent of life in the old country.

If you love Italian food, Arthur Avenue is a must!

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The Brooklyn Children's Museum A Pint Sized City Escape

Inside a flamboyant yellow building, shaped somewhat like a space dome, lies a surprisingly tranquil and interactive pint sized world.

Last weekend, Ohm had a play date with his little buddy Matteo at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. It was our first visit.

Pint sized playrooms with colorful trim and shelves full of old fashioned toys, percussion instruments, dress-up clothes and trains are open for the playing, so go to town!

Ohm was a fan of the elaborate water table room, with boats and pals, watering cans and sea creature toys.

Matteo couldn't be drawn away from the sand table room, with shovels and rakes, pans and trucks.

An outdoor greenhouse makes the perfect escape. Little ones frolic amongst herbs and flowers, bud covered shrubs and butterflies.

Small amphibians and reptiles crawl about behind glass aquariums, while model habitats show what Brooklyn once looked like a long, long, long, time ago.

There's a percussion room, with drums from around the world, inviting little hands to play, play, play.

The model grocery store won't disappoint, as long as you're willing to scan and bag your own groceries,  neither will the life sized MTA bus with a steering wheel everyone can take turns manipulating.

The cafeteria has healthy kid friendly treats and seats. The food is ridiculously pricey (three dollars for a drink box and it only goes up from there), but you can always bring your own lunch and use the cafeteria all the same.

There's a toddler room and an infant room so the little ones can enjoy developmentally appropriate activities and don't have to worry about being trampled by the older ones.

Convenience abounds around every turn. Nursing? no worries, there's a space for you to take a break. Need a changing room? There are plenty of options.

The most difficult part of your trip, will be keeping up with your little one and convincing them, after a few hours that it's time to go.

The only thing they're missing is a parental re-charge/caffenation station/nap station (I intend to write a very earnest letter).

We arrived somewhat skeptical, in need of caffeine, and interactive stimulation, we left, with an exhausted smiling toddler and a family membership for the next two years.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn at: 145 Brooklyn Ave

Do you have a favorite museum?

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Communing with Nature in the South Bronx

 

I spent the day volunteering at Brook Park with my second graders. There's something so rejuvenating about stepping outside and into nature. Waist deep in weeds, my nails caked with soil, the smell of fresh mint in the air, it was easy to forget where I was.

Once an abandoned lot, Brook Park is now a flourishing community garden in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. In addition to vegetables and herbs, the park features a community greenhouse, a chicken coop, a beehive, a large compost heap and space to gather peace and repose.

Community events are held regularly. Coming up,  a fascinating Indigenous Culture Festival on May 18th.

Where do you retreat, to catch a moment of repose?

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Head to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre to See What Happens 'After Midnight' !

The energy on stage is trance inducing, the syncopated rhythm of tap shoes, the pleasant cacophony of notes both smooth and sharp from the horn section.

Sinking into the burgundy velvet seat with a smile, I submit and am taken on a journey, a journey back in time, to Harlem, the year is 1932, the location - The Cotton Club, where after midnight, the joint starts swinging.

Easily the best musical I've experienced in years, Broadway's hit 'After Midnight' is a glorious celebration of life. It is impossible to leave the  Brooks Atkinson Theatre with anything but a smile on your face.

'After Midnight' features some of the best dancing and singing on Broadway alongside the musical genius of the esteemed Jazz At Lincoln Center All-Stars playing the music of Duke Ellington. Win! Win! and Win!!!

The numbers move quickly, the music swings wildly and after the hour and a half is up, your tapping feet are left wanting more.

If you leave the theatre unable to face reality, you can always head up to Harlem and visit the Cotton Club for yourself.

Yes, the Cotton Club is still in operation, located at 656 W 125th St, there are events most evenings.

Nominated for seven Tony Awards, 'After Midnight' is set to close this month, but if you hurry, you can still make it.

It is well worth the trek to Broadway whether you're coming from Brooklyn, New Jersey, San Diego, or Iceland.

You've got to see this show. You won't be sorry.

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Nigerian Cuisine at Its Finest at Buka in Brooklyn

If the velvety purple color doesn't put you under a spell, the flavor, most certainly does. Each cool sip, floral hibiscus, wrapped in mint, lightly sweetened, energized by ginger satisfies your palate in a way it's secretly longed for. You can't unwrap your lips from around the straw. It's embarrassing. Suckling sounds hiss forth from the ice at the bottom of your glass.  You've finished your drink with one long draw of the straw. There's nothing left to do, but exhale and smile. It was that good.

Buka, the home of New York's finest Nigerian food (according to a one prominent review) is a true gem. Located amongst the cluster of bars and restaurants off of Fulton Street in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, Buka, quietly, beckons adventurous visitors from beneath her coy green awning.

Nigerian food? When it comes to ethnic cuisine, Nigerian is still not a very common occurrence, even in New York. Buka is changing this. On any given day, you will find Nigerian nationals gathering for a meal reminiscent of home, but you'll also find a slew of adventurous Brooklynites, who have made space in their palates for this new cuisine.

Entering through the seamlessly cool bar, Buka looks more like an art gallery with its polished wood floors, flawless brick walls and colorful framed paintings and masks. The furniture is eclectic, one part antique thrift shop, one part global bazaar. You'll spot hipsters and young professionals enjoying happy hour, taking in the exotic mixed drink flavors (think heavenly hibiscus and orange blossom) or bopping their heads to whatever live entertainment is on the roster for the evening.

As you make your way toward the restaurant seating in the back, you'll spot families with young children, couples enjoying a date night, local Brooklynites and Nigerian expatriates, hunched over their tables, taking in the savors and flavors of Nigerian cuisine.

What is Nigerian cuisine? It's so many things. There are definitely some things I'm not quite adventurous enough to try (cow feet, goat head...yeah, no thank you), but I do have my favorites (jollof rice, plantains, pepper soup). Dishes generally range from chicken and jollof rice (a spicy rice blend with a fabulous red sauce made of peppers and tomato), pepper soup (a spicy, hefty soup that comes with your choice of meat), tomato based stews, snapper, tilapia, goat, beef, large West African land snails, you can find traditional fufu, side dishes of beans, greens and sweet plantains, or you can help yourself to some yam fries and palm wine or beer at the bar just to name a few. The food is fresh, the flavors succulent and almost everything is spicy (be warned...).

In addition to great food, Buka has regular live music and entertainment. My favorite group is Mark and the Corner Pocket and it's not just because Mark is my husband (although I am biased).

And ladies, gentlemen too, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that the wait staff is very attractive- so many added perks!

You can find Buka at 946 Fulton St (between Grand and St. James) in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn.

If you find yourself in Brooklyn, you've got to stop on by!

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Lion Hunt at the Bronx Zoo!

"No. That way!" My two and a half year old, perched in his enormous stroller, finger pointed to the left, went into full mini-dictator mode. "Push mama, push!"

Up a steep hill, panting, six months pregnant, I forged forth. What could I do? We were on a lion hunt at the Bronx Zoo.

In part three of my Bronx exploration, I hopped in my car and headed north, to the largest urban zoo in America.

The Bronx Zoo is massive. It is massive and it is hilly. Map in hand, I wound my way towards the African Mammal exhibit- home of the lions.

For weeks Ohm had been practicing his roar. He was ready to see some lions and I was ready to deliver. We entered through the African Wild Dog section, a blustery fifty degree day, the dogs were not out.

Not to worry I told myself, surely there will be lions. Who has ever heard of a zoo without lions? We took our hunt onwards. Still as statues, the giraffes called out to each other with their bizarre voices- somewhat of a cross between a scream, a moan and a honk.

"Where did the lions go mama?" Despite the great distractions, panic was in the air- I couldn't find the lions. The lion exhibit was empty. Surely they had to be in an indoor exhibit I told myself. If I were a lion, where would I be?

We took our hunt in the direction of the gorilla exhibit. On our way, we saw...

After two and a half hours of searching and coming up empty, our lion hunt had come to an end.

I have to admit, it was a bit disappointing. The Bronx Zoo, claims the title of being the largest urban zoo in America and at $25.00 for an adult ticket (3 and under are free), it would have been nice to see some more animals. Most of the exhibits were empty. Wednesdays I am told are free days, I think I will have to resume the lion hunt during the summer on a Wednesday.

In the meantime Ohm is practicing his roar.

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An Orchid Grows in the Bronx

Today, in New York, the sun finally came out. People took to the streets grinning, shedding layer after layer as the temperature climbed to a whopping 58 degrees. It was a miraculous gift of a day and I took the opportunity to jump in the car, roll down the windows and continue my exploration of the Bronx by visiting the New York Botanical Gardens.

The much anticipated Orchid Show is currently in town. From now until April 21st, you can stop by the New York Botanical Gardens to get a rare up close look at some of the rarest, intricate and beautiful orchids on earth. This years theme is Key West Contemporary and with temperatures in the greenhouse feeling close to eighty, I truly felt, for a moment, that I was indeed in a sunny garden in tropical Key West.

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Keeping the Dream Alive at the New York Times Travel Show!

The dancers and violinist swirled around us in a frenzy of bright colors and bows. The Hungarian folk music was infectious. Instantly caught up in their spell, I was clapping and grinning to the buoyant tune.

Around the next corner, we ran into a performance by a troupe of Malaysian dancers. Delicately they gestured and dipped in time, a troupe of colorful goddess-like creatures. It was beautiful to watch.

Down the aisle, we had the pleasure of tasting a peanut brittle like candy from the Dominican Republic. It was addicting and we were soon circling the stand for seconds, thirds, fourths...

Around another corner, a group of Cuban musicians drummed and sang traditional songs near a stand with samples of Vermont's finest cheddar cheese.

Where was I? At times it was hard for me to remember.

There was a wonderful swirl of accents, sounds and flavors in the air!

Held this year at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, the New York Times Travel Show was a spectacular event, featuring the food, song, dance, rhythms and beauty of hundreds of sought after destinations across the globe.

An annual event, the Travel Show brings together artist, crafts-people, travel insiders, airlines, resorts, boutique hotels, spas and tourist bureaus from across the world to feature the best their regions have to offer.

There are prizes and giveaways, but best of all, you have a first hand pass to destination information around the world.

If you love travel, this is the gathering place for you!

Interested in a Gorilla expedition to Rwanda? At the travel show, you have the opportunity to speak with local experts and get ideas for planning your dream trip as well as specific hotel and flight information.

"But I've got a two year old and a baby on the way, they would have to join us, are they allowed on the expedition?"

"No, we don't allow children on the expeditions, but I can tell you about the lodges where babysitters are available."

JACKPOT!

Always wanted to go lobster hunting in Maine? The travel show is the place to speak with Maine experts and learn about the best time to affordably take that trip. Learn where to stay if your also interested in shopping, or bird watching, or sailing, or...

The New York Times Travel Show is the place go to turn your dreams about beautiful places both far away and near into a reality.

The amount of information that I walked away with was wonderful.

The amount of free goodies that I walked away with was exciting.

The number of free trips that I entered to win made me hopeful.

I'm so happy I finally made it!

My advice for my traveling tot....

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3 Tips For Planning Your Next Road Trip

Now that the snow finally appears to be melting, it's time to refresh your senses and take to the road for a quick road trip. The classic road trip is a great way to let go and get lost within the beauty and wonder of your surrounding and neighboring environments.

If you're inspired like I am to get out and explore and take to the road, here are some helpful tips for planning your next road trip:

1) Plan enough time to make regular stops Whether it's Wild Rick's Snake World, the birth place of Abraham Lincoln, or the Grand Canyon, something will catch your attention as you drive so make sure you've allocated enough time in your plans for impromptu stops and mini-explorations.

When I got out in Savannah, Georgia during my last road trip to taste some world famous Pralines, I found myself distracted by the gorgeous cobblestone waterfront. Before I new it, several hours and a hearty meal had passed.  This is what road tripping is all about?

2) Plan your overnight stops in advance

Although it may not seem like a big deal, there's nothing worse than pulling up to a hotel just to be told that there are no vacancies. When it comes to accommodations, it's best to plan in advance.

I try to plan my overnight stays in cities or areas I want to spend time exploring. Overnights can be as fancy as staying at a nice hotel (this is the perfect time to pull out rewards points) or as simple as crashing on someone's couch. I'm a Starwood member and I love using my free hotel points during road trips. It's nice to unwind in a nice hotel after a long day on the road.

There are of course a plethora of lodging options. When I was driving the length of California's coast with a friend in my early twenties, after spending one very dodgy night sleeping in our car at a truck stop (I don't recommend this), we booked two bunks at the Venice beach hostel the second night and spent a good chunk of the day, exploring the beach area. Hostels are a great budget option if you don't mind unwinding with a group of strangers and sharing facilities.

An even more budget friendly accommodation option is Couch Surfing. If you're adventurous, Couch Surfing is free and safe, providing an excellent environment to meet new people, and if you're lucky snag a hot meal or private tour guide.

3) Rent a car

For longer trips, it's usually a good idea to rent a car so you don't run yours into the ground. All of those accumulated miles will damage a car quickly. Besides, it's fun to try out new car varieties as a renter. Always wanted to test drive a Range Rover? Rent one for the weekend. Do you drive a small sedan but want more room for your road trip? Rent a van or SUV (just beware of the increased gas costs) and travel in comfortable style. If you're traveling with a group, you may even want to rent an RV.

For rentals, I like to use Hertz. They've got locations all over the country and their rates are really reasonable.

So there you have it, whether to a big city destination, the secluded mountains or the calming ocean, there's no time like the present to take to the open road!