... you will be happy forever

"If you wait to be happy, you will wait forever.
If you are happy now, you will be happy forever."
- Sally Huss (c) 1990

Dear reader,

Suzette Anna (King) LaFleur, author of this blog and my loving wife, unexpectedly passed away on May 9th, 2011. Words cannot begin to describe my overwhelming sense of loss over the last three months. Instead, in this venue, I would write a few words about this blog and what it meant to her.

Suzee created this blog as a way to share our grand adventure of moving to Manhattan.  If you have read through the entries, you have had a taste of her passion for fine food, good music, and a love of life.  In the city, where every street held something to see or do - a new restaurant, shoe store, or street fair - she was truly in her element. Life was good and that is what she wrote about.

She was not immune to the hardships of the world around us, rather it was Suzee’s decision that this blog would be focused on the positive. It would be her affirmation to the world. There was just so much to be thankful for.

Suzee also found a new joy in describing for others those things that made her happy. People from around the world were reading her posts and cheering her on. It is true that a joy shared is a joy multiplied many times over.

I know that it would be Suzee's deepest wish that you would, in turn, celebrate your life and your love for each other. Take the time to find the magic in the day to day. When you find some joy, smile wide, laugh loud, and share it - be the messenger of joy that others can look to.

Wishing you well,

Rick LaFleur

p.s. Some links of interest for family and friends:

• Photos
• Facebook
• Obituary
• Eulogy
• Memorial

Lincoln Center in the Evening

Just outside Lincoln Center is the infamous Empire Hotel. If you are in the area, I encourage you to go so you can say "I've been there!"

The Empire Hotel - Papparazzi Heaven

I went to the Empire Hotel rooftop bar to get this shot of the iconic sign. I reference the papparazzi because I think it is impossible to pick up a rag and not read about some big star partying there the week before. I went at around 7 pm, and I'm here to tell you, this is before blue hair time for the hip and happening for NYC :) Still, I enjoyed my cocktail, and the view :)

Here is my cocktail at the Empire Hotel Rooftop Lounge :)

STRAWBERRY FIELDS - Grey Goose Citron Vodka, fresh strawberries, lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with prosecco

I highly recommend it!

Slattery's Mid Town Pub

I love coming to this pub - it is my local, sit down and grab something to eat or to drink kind of place. One of the first times I went there was with Ann - we stopped on a pub crawl - thank goodness we had a burger. One of the best burgers in Mid Town!! No crumbly brioche buns here - wonderful medium rare beef with cheese in a roll that holds together with lettuce tomato and half sour pickles (my fave).

I also frequent the buffalo wings here - the hot are really medium and the deep fried skin is to die for. The home made bleu cheese dressing is amazing and the celery/carrot accountrements are tasty too!

If you get happy hour, you can get 2 for 1 drinks and/or shot of the day comps which could be the orange kamakazis that Ann and I had or perhaps Apple shots like an apple martini. They are very creative!!

If you find yourself between 5th and Madison, or across the street from the Gingerman, this place is a whole lot less snobby, and so much more welcoming. I love stopping here. Hope you decide to try it too!

The Feast of San Gennaro

Rick and I made our way down to the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy this past weekend. I was really pleased that despite fabulous weather, it was relatively quiet. I say relatively because last time we went, it was so jammed I was seriously concerned that if anything happened, we would not be able to get off Mott Street. People were shoulder to shoulder and belly to bum that day. This day you could see sunlight between you and the people around you :) We walked from the Canal Street station over to Mott Street and started north searching for a nice place to eat. There are more than 30 restaurants which open sidewalk seating for this event, and I can't say as I've ever had anything but amazing Italian food in Little Italy. So we stopped at the first locale which had open seating, Puglia, and ordered a nice bottle of chianti. We had a few sips and fresh Italian bread appeared - warm and inviting. Not too crusty, and perfectly poofy! The waiter came by, and we ordered dinner. He asked us if we wanted an appetizer, and I asked him how the antipasto was. Very good he said - and seriously, this was the best antipasto I've ever had. There were rolled meats like capicola ham, salami and some other kind of mild ham. Then slices of pepperoni, pieces of fresh mozzerella and imported provalone which was almost the texture of aged cheddar (so amazingly delicious)! This all laid on a bed of fresh lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes and roasted red peppers dressed in a fabulous fruity olive oil and a smooth sweet balsamic vinegar. Sprinkled on top were black olives and pepperoncini and a stuffed cherry pepper. You all know I don't love all this stuff, but all together, in the beautiful weather, with the gorgeous wine, and fresh bread, it was heaven!

Rick's chicken parmesean roll was really good - they used fresh mozzerella, and the marinara sauce was to die for - simply fabulous! I had the lobster ravioli with vodka sauce - it was very good, but that marinara out shown everything during the entrees! Next time I'll be diving into the spaghetti and meatballs!!

3 Mo Divas - OUTSTANDING!

I just got back from the 3 Mo Divas show at the legendary Apollo Theater. I printed a few alternate ways to get to the theater at 253 W 125th St on the brail.org web site. It worked out well, because I left an hour before the show, and I found just before that they estimated it would take an hour to get there. I was able to see a few ways to shave a few minutes off thankfully, and the subway gods were on my side, so I arrived from Grand Central via the 5 train to 125th Street and walked over to the theater.

The people at the Apollo immediately make you feel welcome, and I was ushered to the intimate theater on the 3rd floor. My seat was in the last row, but at the last moment the house manager invited folks to sit closer, so I ended up in the 4th row. And from this perspective, I could hear each intake of breath, each step on the stage, and each moment when someone started a new song and that gentle or forceful initiation of sound from deep in the gut. This show was designed as one with "living room intimacy", and wow - it you get the chance, you must, must, must go to this show.

3 Mo Divas sing through their show illustrating 10 different types of music. As classically trained vocalists, 2 sopranos and a contralto, it was just simply amazing to see the range of opera to disco, and broadway to gospel done fabulously. The show is so tight, that it is even better in person than on the CD (which I am playing right this very minute!). And just so you know, the CD is pretty damn good.

The Quantum Eye : Magic Deceptions

Rick and I took the 6 train downtown on Saturday to the Bleecker Street station. It drops you off less than a block from the Bleecker Street Theater! How fortuitous! We went to The Quantum Eye : Magic Deceptions with Sam Eaton. Neither of us had ever really attended a magic/mentalist show and since the tickets came from my favorite purveyer, we figured we'd give it a try.

It was a very interesting show - about an hour and 15 minutes. Not that I will be running out to the nearest magic shop, or replicating these tricks at home, but something different for 5:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Lots of kids in the audience and the teens especially seemed to like it. There was a group of about 8 girls in front of us who all came together - perhaps to celebrate a 13th birthday?

If you are in town and looking for a family friendly show in the East Village, this could be for you!

Lunch in Grand Central

I met Rick for lunch at Grand Central this week. I haven't been here since working at the Palace, and it was funny how I saw it with fresh eyes. The windows are so beautiful, allowing a lot of natural light into the main hall. The architecture is amazing - I don't know of any other place like it.

We ate at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse - at the bar, and enjoyed some burgers and fries. We ordered our meat medium rare, and it definitely arrived medium well unfortunately. The draw here of course is being in the great hall, watching the world go by.

Blue Smoke Goodbye Lunch

My project came to an end at the palace this week, and for a second good bye lunch, my boss Andy took me out. We decided to hit Blue Smoke. I haven't been here since Rick and I went and tried a few samplers, but I remembered spying the Banana Cream pie on the way out thinking - I MUST try that next time!
I started with the Yellowfin Tuna Tacos - you know my penchant for fresh fish tacos! I was a little leary about ordering fish at a BBQ place, but I figured, what the heck? The menu didn't say anything about it being raw, and when the waitress mentioned sushi, I was a bit puzzled. When they came, I was shocked to see raw tuna in a small dice loaded into 3 small hard taco shells. I took a taste, and it was nicely flavored with cilantro and something fresh like perhaps tomatillos. One taco was really enough - this is a very substantial appetizer, but it would have been divine had the tuna been grilled.
Andy had the Shrimp Corndogs - very nice presentation. Long wooden skewers topped with fried shimp coated in cornbread. Andy let me have one, and the coating was crisp, light and corny - yeah that sounds corny, but really it was a great way to serve them. There was a light sauce they came with that I liked a lot as well - it had a fresh cilantro lift to it as well.
We moved on to the entrees and we both ordered the pulled pork - and it was really good! You can see Andy's dish above - the pulled pork platter. I had the sandwich - and I would definitely order it again!
And you would think after all that food, we'd be done, but no. That banana cream pie was calling my name, and I ordered it.

 It. Was. To. Die. For.

And it was even better than mine!! I do see a return visit in the future :)

Rick Made It to the Brooklyn Bridge!

Rick has been meaning to make it to the Brooklyn Bridge. It's one of those modern marvels that continues to be classic and beautiful.

After the bridge we stopped down at Pier 17, sniffing around for a late lunch and something cold to drink. We stopped at Sequoia. Now, the seaport in Manhattan is not known for culinary delights, so my expectations were low. Unfortunately they were not low enough.

After some soup, we moved over to the Water Taxi Beach. I've written about the beach before, but they have actually added more sand, and this really was a huge improvement. We took off our sandals and stretched out with our toes in the sand. It was very quiet - just a couple of families with small children there. And no cover. We had a couple of 6 Points made by the Brooklyn Brewery - and I have to say, I think this is my favorite one from the Brooklyn Brewery! After enjoying the breeze on the water, and good conversation, we made our way back home.

Rickshaw Dumplings - Yum Yum!!

After perusing the Home Depot and P.C Richards for ideas and thoughts about updating the kitchen and bath, we went next door to Rickshaw Dumplings. Rick loves dumplings. He loves to tell you about how every culture has a "dumpling like" comfort food. Some kind of deliciousness wrapped in a few carbs :) So this place has been on my list for a long time.

We decided we'd each get the sampler - one of each of the seven cool looking offerings complete with the appropriate dipping sauce :) This is the way to go as a first timer!!

As you can see, it is important to have the menu along side because you can't really tell what is inside these little love pillows! As I look at the To Go menu, it is in a different order than the one on the chalk board in the store. Still, I think we can tell which is which :) Rick's fave was the traditional Pork, and I would totally order either the Chicken and Thai Basil with spicy peanut dip or the Peking Duck with hoisin dip. Who am I kidding? I would order both. Yummmmmm!!!!

Bryant Grill Brunch - Delicioso!

Rick and I braved the heat today and headed over to the Bryant Park Grill. We were initially going to sit out side and read, but we realized our tummies were in need of a light little brunch. The lovely basket contained an assortment of mini muffins and tea breads - they were fresh and delicious. Well - the half of one I had was fresh and delicious. Rick said the rest were amazing :)

My omelet had fresh avacado and goat cheese, and it was perfectly cooked, soft and yummy. Fresh slices of tomato and grilled sweet onions were nice accompaniments.

Rick had the scrambled eggs with sausage, home fries and tomato slices - presented so nicely!

Even though it was was warm today, this alfresco brunch was a nice quiet respite in the crazy city. I'm giving it 2 thumbs up!

Lady Gaga at Madison Square Garden

On Friday night I made my way over to Madison Square Garden to see Lady Gaga in concert. She added an extra show at the last minute, and yes, it sold out. She's already scheduled to come again in the winter.

The tickets indicated the show started at 8, which I thought was funny because I always had thought they started at 9. The warm up band, a glam rock group a la Queen started at 8 and played for a half hour. At around 9:35 Lady Gaga took the stage. There were a lot of younger kids in the audience (8 - 12 year olds) and that surprised me, but since it wasn't a school night....

Lady Gaga spent a lot of time speaking to her fans (the "little monsters") and assuring them that being different is a good thing. She was kind and sweet when she spoke, and I could see how kids would respond to that. The show it self was entertaining - the sets were elaborate (thus the need for all the talking between songs) and the dancing was just like you see on the videos. The one disappointment was that she sang to her own tracks - not for every song, but for any with the big dance routines. Less than a handful were too new to have the big production, and she accompanied herself on the piano. I kinda miss the days where a live concert was actually live.

At any rate, MSG was a pretty good venue - though I was in the very tippy top row, and I had to scootch down to see the video screen Gaga had installed. For a game, though, the seat would have been great. The permanent jumbo-trons (is that what they still call them?) were easily in sight, and the chairs were pretty comfortable.

A good night of chair dancing :)

July 4th on Hudson Terrace

We had a great time last night at the fireworks - we went to a viewing party with a BBQ buffet on the roof deck of the Hudson Terrace on 46th and 11th. We very much enjoyed the folks at our table, and the after party! Looking forward to next year too :)

These guys partied with bottle service and very kindly shared - and that big ole of bud lights were gone when this guy left too. My favorite were the Mojitos - nice and sweet!

Here are Dawn and Rachel - my new Syracuse friends - very fun girls! We partied and enjoyed the gorgeous evening!

And the champagne that came with our tickets :D

This chicky come to celebrate her 29th birthday again. I wouldn't have thought she celebrated even 1 before!

I took a little video - fun to be there!

Everyday Rapture on Broadway

I got some last minute tickets from Theater Extras to see this new musical comedy. This show was cool logistically because even on a Friday night, it started at 7:00 pm. It ran an hour and a half, so they skipped the intermission (which was a little stressful - people actually got up toward the end to go to the bathroom).

I'm not surprised though - they had special cocktails for people before the show. Yes, I tried the Everyday Rapture, and yes, it was amazing!

The show is about a menonite woman's remeniscence of her childhood - a kind of 50's coming of age story. The music and talent were really good, and it was an enjoyable show. I laughed out loud a LOT!

Ruthie Foster in Madison Sq Park

Tonight I went out for the free concert Ruthie Foster played at Madison Square Park. I tried really hard via facebook to get a date, but unfortunately it didn't happen. Around 3 it was looking like rain and I considered not going thinking it would be called off. When I left the apartment, it had rained at some point between 5:20 and 6:45, but wasn't raining right then, so I put on my new science sandals, grabbed my camera and an umbrella and made my way back to the park outside the building where I've been working.

I was very pleasantly surprised that the park wasn't entirely mobbed. Usually when you go to a free thing in NYC, 3 million other people want to go too. This was wonderful because the park itself was relatively open - even bench seating was available from the North side. The stage was set up near the Shake Shack (I'll review this place later when I've actually eaten there!), and all the tables and chairs were filled with people eating and drinking, and then extra seating in front of the stage was for blankets for people to bring picnics - just like Prescott Park in Portsmouth! People walked though and stopped to listen and moved along, and I actually got a chair behind the sound guy. This wasn't a great seat for watching, but in the middle of fans so very enjoyable!
After the beer I got (a Shakemiester brewed especially for the Shake Shake by the Brooklyn Brewery) I sat, watched, clapped, and did a very good job of not singing the choral parts from Rock My Soul's versions of "Joy" and "Death Came a Knockin'" arranged by Cheryl Lynn Stromski for the group. I'm proud of me for being relatively quiet :)
I decided I had to buy a cd, and of the 8 options, the person at the stand recommended "Runaway Soul" as the most gospel like of the bunch. I just listened to the whole thing and highly recommend it to my gospel loving friends :)
I started on my way out with my CD while the band was riffing on "Death Came a Knockin'" and watched the folks in the middle of the park ballroom dancing! I tried to upload this but blogger nixed that. You can see the last photo (with the girl wearing a see through crinoline skirt as a shirt) that there are people dancing in back.
I mentioned on fb that this was the most fun I've had on my own in NYC, and I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the MSP music series as this was only the first show.
If you come to the swamp, otherwise known as NYC in the summer, put this on your list :)


PS - Pandora has a Ruthie Foster station for your enjoyment :)

Girls Night The Musical - an evening of laughter and fun!

I was able to get Tickets from Theater Extras to see Girls Night. My friend Kathy from work said her girlfriend went and was dying to go again, so that sounded like a good recommendation to me!

My friend Marlene was available to join me as well, so it was a great night to catch up. We hit Pomaire first - very nice :)

The show is in the club downstairs below Sophia's. I would not call this a nice venue. It was hard to see the stage, despite the addition of risers to the dance floor.

But, for what you lost in the venue, you make up for in the show. Girls night is fun and fluffy in a girly kinda way. There are parts that remind us that life is not easy, but over all it is a comedy that celebrates fun and frolicing. The music is fun 80's disco, and the story is set in a Kareoke bar, so it all makes a great flow.

When you decide to go, go soon as it closes 8/1/2010, and go early as seating is general admission. We arrived at 7:30 and were in the second to last row. And, be ready to participate!! It is a fun time :)

In The Heights - Not Your Mom's Musical

WOW! I just walked home from the Richard Rogers Theater, and I can't stop thinking about the most fabulous show I just saw!! In The Heights is an original broadway show that won the 2008 Tony for Best Musical. AND YOU MUST SEE IT!

Seriously - an up-to-date score, incredibly talented ensemble cast, gorgeous sets .... even the lighting engineer gets kudos from me, and I don't even know what they heck they really do.


The story is heartwarming - you will laugh, you will cry, you will suck in your breath in surprise.

If I get the chance to go again, I will go in a heartbeat.

I think I might even have to down load the recording to my iPod.

Banana Shpeel

Went out to see Banana Shpeel today - got my tix from my favorite dealer on Friday, and my seat was center orchestra! I'd never been to a Cirque Du Soliel show, so I figured what a great opportunity. There were ALOT of kids at this matinee, and they were vocal. But the show lent itself to that - a mix of an indoor circus, cabaret and human muppet characters.

The show was at the newly refurbished Beacon Theater in the Upper West side, and the seats were very tiny. Nicely recovered, but very small. Theater itself was almost museum-like in the architectural detail - absolutely beautiful. And I thought it was funny that you can buy Frozen Strawberry Daquiris and Margaritas at the theater bars in a souvenir cup.

After a very long cab ride to get to the Theater, I spotted the subway station and figured I'd just take that back. I wasn't sure where it was all oriented as I haven't spent much time in that neighborhood, but now that I know the 3 train is one stop from Times Sq to 72nd street, I can see going back for more exploration. The buildings are absolutely breathtaking.