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Josie de Guzman at The Green Room 42. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Cabaret
Edward A Kliszus

Josie de Guzman at The Green Room 42

Two-time Tony Award nominee Josie de Guzman performed her show “Back Where I Started” and enthralled listeners at The Green Room 42.The enchanting and vivacious de Guzman performed a musical biopic of her remarkable stage career. She spoke of the many fellow luminaries with whom she performed and collaborated. The amazing list includes Leonard Bernstein, Nathan Lane, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Alan Jay Lerner, and Burton Lane, to name a few.

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September 12, 2023
The Main Bar at Keens. Photo from Keens.com
Dining
Valerie Blanchard

Keens Steakhouse

Keens Steak House serves fantastic meal options in a beautiful, historical setting where the likes of Teddy Roosevelt and Albert Einstein dined

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September 12, 2023
The Wilson. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Dining
Sora Vernikoff

The Wilson

I can’t say enough good things about The Wilson NYC Restaurant. The food and service are excellent with atrium seating and competitive prices

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September 6, 2023
Entrance to Kurant Wine Bar. Photo credit: Sora Vernikoff
New York Restaurant Reviews
Sora Vernikoff

Kurant Wine Bar

I raved about Amy Babic’s Copinette, a restaurant renowned for its amazing American cuisine with French influence. It was time to try her second restaurant Kurant Wine Bar located at 1091 2nd Avenue between 57th and 58th Street in Manhattan.

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September 6, 2023
Cyclic Journey by Marshall Gilkes
Jazz
Edward A Kliszus

Marshall Gilkes Presents: Cyclic Journey

Gilkes’s new album Cyclic Journey touches anyone who appreciates and enjoys world-class artistry and virtuosity in classical and jazz idioms. Cyclic Journey is a musical adventure where the listener can experience the sounds of a team of musicians at the top of their game. At the same time, Gilkes shares his biographical virtual journey that emerged from his creative imagination. As you listen, close your eyes, and permit yourself to be transported through his ephemeral, beautiful sonic world.

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September 5, 2023
Django Wall Art. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Jazz
Edward A Kliszus

Conrad Herwig and The Latin Side All-Stars

Trombonist/composer Conrad Herwig and the Latin side all-stars ascended the stage to deliver their first musical offering. Splendid charts, extended improvisation, artistic interaction, virtuoso performances, a tight horn section, and a solid rhythm section immediately lit the room. A powerhouse of Latin rhythmic fire by drummer Robby Ameen and percussionist Mauricio Herrera on congas ignited an astounding sojourn.

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September 2, 2023
Bar Italia Madison. Photo from baritaliamadison.com
New York Restaurant Reviews
Sora Vernikoff

Bar Italia Madison

Bar Italia Madison served the best Grilled Chicken Paillard I have ever had. The chicken was tender and tasted divine. Then, the assorted vegetables gracing the chicken arrived in a magical olive oil-based dressing, making the legumes light and fresh, as if floating on air when savored.

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August 6, 2023
Alexa Tarantino. Photo: Anna Yatskevich
Jazz
Edward A Kliszus

Alexa Tarantino Quartet

The Alexa Tarantino Quartet made the scene at the Birdland Jazz club. Alto saxophonist Tarantino brings the Bird back to Birdland with her smooth, mellow sound. She’s cool, relaxed, and versatile as she solos and trades with the best of them, allowing everyone to speak their own musical voices to songs in a great groove. She draws us into her world of energy, excitement, and romance. Her sound is soulful, rich, and as subtle and formidable as she commands.

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August 6, 2023
Natalie Douglas Photo credt: Lynn Redmile
Cabaret
Edward A Kliszus

Natalie Douglas

The audience was packed with Douglas’ loyal followers. As she introduced songs and told anecdotes of her mingling with the likes of Dolly Parton, Lena Horne, or Roberta Flack, people nodded and smiled in affirmation. She projects a sentimental, nostalgic, and caring persona and each song she sings creates a warm, safe, embracing space. Balancing her view of life through song is her sense of humor, a sweet smile, and joie de vivre.

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August 6, 2023
Outdoor Seating at The Butcher's Daughter in Manhattan's Nolita neighborhood. Photo by Valerie Blanchard
New York Restaurant Reviews
Valerie Blanchard

The Butcher’s Daughter in Nolita

For me, food is love. Chopping, preparing, and creating a delicious meal for family and friends and then enjoying it together is one of life’s great pleasures. Nina and the staff at The Butcher’s Daughter Nolita created that caring vibe with a delicious, healthy, relaxing, quiet meal experience. From the moment we saw the inviting restaurant entry to the delicious dessert and golden elixir latte, The Butcher’s Daughter Nolita was a welcome elixir to help us ease into the weekend.

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July 6, 2023