This is Amateur Night!

Ever heard of Ella Fitzgerald? Smokey Robinson? Michael Jackson? Then you have the Apollo Theater to thank.

The Apollo Theater in Harlem is one of the most famous music theaters in the United States. And last night? Brooke and I went! We got to Harlem around 7:00 p.m. and got our tickets for the show. The theater was soon jam packed with people.

They started out with their opening show - the house band and a soul train dance off.

Then came the kids division of the competition. My favorite was a number with two kids - "Alter Ego" and their rap routine. "Put your hands up! SQUEEZE! Move your muscles to the beat!"

Last was the adult division. The audience has ultimate power over who gets eliminated in this round. And sadly... one got booed off the stage. Oh well! That's why they call it amateur night.

If you ever have the chance to, go to a show at the Apollo. It changes lives.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Best. Night. Ever.

I could have died then and there. Fifteen feet from Dan Radcliffe? Yes, please.

Saturday morning Brooke and I got up early to go get rush tickets for How to Succeed in Business Without Really trying featuring Dan Radcliffe and John Larroquette. We got to the theatre around 8:30 a.m. and the line was already down the block. I thought for sure we wouldn't get tickets! Brooke counted and there were 98 people in front of us. Each of which would be able to purchase 2 tickets per person. But the line continued to form behind us, so we stuck it out. Finally when the opened the doors at 10:00 a.m. it took about 30 minutes for us to reach the ticket booth. I was shocked when they said there were rush tickets available for that nights performance. Box Tickets! So stoked!

We made it to the theatre moments before the play started that evening. The orchestra played the overture, a harness was lowered into the orchestra pit, and minutes later, Dan Radcliffe was raised in a harness onto the stage. The crowd went WILD! And when I say they went wild, that is THE understatement of the year. We kind of all grew up with this kid watching him on the big screen. And now? In person!

The play was so amazing! I'd recommend a trip out here just for that play alone. Radcliffe and Larroquette made the perfect team to make the play what it was.

Harry Potter, Thank you for an awesome evening. :)

Expelliarmus!

Saturday Eats

While wandering around Saturday, I tried a few new eating places - Beecher's Handmade Cheese and Milk and Cookies.

At Beecher's Handmade Cheese I had the Flagstaff grilled cheese which is cheese and whole grain mustard. Oh my goodness... delicious! And good news? There's one in Seattle! Not that it does me any good that I'll be in Rexburg for the next year, but for all of you back home? Try it!

I've actually been to Milk and Cookies before, but I don't think I wrote about it before. Milk and Cookies is located in the West Village. It's tiny - sits about eight people. I got a salted oats surprise cookie, a dark chocolate mint cookie and a glass of milk. YEUM! Not as good as Levain bakery cookies, but still very good.

Time is ticking

Time is becoming short here, so Saturday I took some time to wander the West Village and Soho area and took photos. Enjoy!

Locksmith in West Village

Sand artist in Washington Square

Bouchon Bakery 2

In addition to the original post featuring Bouchon Bakery, I have some new recommendations.

In ranking order, I recommend:

1. Bouchon Chocolate - the best brownie you will ever have. You will only need one of these little guys to get your fill of sweetness.

2. Pistachio Macaroon

3. Vanilla Macaroon

4. Vanilla Eclair

All. Delish.

El Rincon Del Sabor

I can't believe I forgot to blog about this place.

For lunch about a month ago, Celestyn wanted to get tacos. So Barry, the witty Irish man I work with, went to work finding a local taco place for us to try. He found El Rincon Del Sabor just around the corner. It's an authentic Ecuadorian restaurant above some cheap jewelry stores down the street.

So we headed over.

Went up three flights of stairs and entered what he thought was the restaurant.

I said, "Barry, I don't think this is it." I could see Arabic writing around the restaurant...

"Sure it is!" he said. He picked up the menu. "Nope! It's not."

So we exited and went up further in the tiny building.

Destination met. Mission accomplished. Best, authentic latin american food I've ever had.

Update.

Posts have been sparse lately. My time here in NY is shortening. I better get my list out and get everything checked off! Five more weeks! So here's what's happened this last week that is noteworthy. It's not much.

Number one: I was offered a job by University Communications at BYUI to work in their department full time this fall. I'll be working as a web content and print manager along with other responsibilities they feel inclined to give me.

Number two: Harry Potter marathon. In preparation for Saturday's IMAX showing of the final Harry Potter, my roommate Hayley and I watched bits and pieces of the Harry Potter series.

Number three: I discovered really clever subway station artwork. 14th and 8th off the A,C has these little guys scattered about.

Subway Figurines

Number four: Explored Chelsea Market with Brooke. Ate at the Green Table. Delish! I had grilled cheese with blueberry chutney and tomato soup. All of a sudden, I realized that something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich could be considered "gourmet". Chelsea Market is kind of a hidden gem of NYC. Next time around I will be trying the crepe stand.

Chelsea Market

Number five: Discovered the Maritime Hotel's rooftop pool. They didn't say anything when we walked in. We are considering bringing swimsuits next time. Yes? Yes.

Maritime Hotel Courtyard