Oh, Brother!

My brother arrived Thursday night; hot and sweaty, not used to the stifling atmosphere more affectionately known as our subway, and I was so glad to see him. We’re pretty close. Ha, but let me tell you, the boy can pack! He was here from Thursday to Tuesday and he brought a rollaboard, one of those big suit carriers and a big messenger bag…I do not profess to be a light packer, but even I was surprised.

On Thursday we just hung out, picked up some Chinese food and chilled at my apartment. Friday night we went to the Village Vanguard. I really enjoyed it! It’s a small little venue that has been graced by some of the greatest names in jazz. We heard “Warmdaddy” Wessell Anderson Quartet (with Aaron Diehl, Kengo Nakamura, Jaz Sawyer). I love live music and I love it in small settings, so this was great. I think I loved it even more because this is one of my dad’s favorite places (he is a HUGE jazz fan) so he was so excited for us to go…I don’t know, that just kind of added to the experience.

Saturday we went to brunch at, where else? Normas in Le Parker Meridien. I love this place and will continue to come back.

Then we wandered around a street fair on 6th. James bought a white belt, modeled in the picture below, haha: Saturday night I had an event. OH MY GOODNESS. This was one of my favorite things ever; by far my favorite work event ever. First of all, I had to rent a car. I was scared out of my mind at the idea of driving there; but at the same time excited because I have been wanting to drive a car for a while…there’s something liberating about driving I think. But, we got caught in some ridiculous traffic unfortunately, and somehow, creeping along just doesn’t have the same exhilarating effect as speeding…hmmm…go figure. But, we made it there in time. We checked in and proceeded to the cocktail tent for a little mingling before dinner. There was a lady in a strapless pink gown with a white fur sable who I really wanted James to go talk to/dance with later in the evening – she just looked like SUCH a character! But she disappeared after the concert so he couldn’t ask her to dance. That could be a good thing because she probably would have tried to take her home with him. Ha!
Dinner was amazing. We sat at a table with some really nice people. One man, Michael, has been coming for several years and warned us that the dessert/dancing later can get a little crazy (with all the older persons – James and I were definitely the youngest people there!). The food was excellent: chilled sweet pea soup with minted avocado; roasted lamb served with sugar peas, coconut simmered fingerling potatoes and rosemary garnish; and assorted breads.

Following dinner we went to the Venetian Theater (outdoor) for the concert. Absolutely amazing. Is it bad that I was kind of happy the original soloist had to cancel so we could hear Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto? That is one of my favorite pieces. There was an intermission, during which we walked around the magnificent gardens. Talk about an ideal place to come with someone on a date – I’m going to have to keep this in mind. Gardens (where you can picnic during the day), magically –lit paths…it’s stunning. I was blown away by the music and the atmosphere. It’s such an enchanting place!!

After the concert we went back to the tent for dessert and dancing. I wasn’t planning on eating any dessert but oh my heavens, these were no ordinary desserts! The chocolate torte was dense yet moist and had to be one of the most decadent things I have ever tasted. It was filled with a thick cream and garnished with sweet cream and raspberry hint of raspberry sauce dotted along one side of the plate. The second dessert was an organic raspberry yogurt tart with whipped cream and a lemon coulis. The crust seemed to have a hint of ginger in it…it was thicker and softer than the traditional cookie/crumb crust and didn’t crumble under your fork. I think it was my favorite; despite the sinfully deliciousness that was the chocolate torte.

Okay, and dancing was so much fun!! James and I had a good time. And it was a riot watching the old people (I did not meant that in any sort of derogatory way, just couldn’t think of better terminology) bust out to Moulin Rouge – Lady Marmalade. Hilarious! And then the guy wanted James to meet a few of the young girls that worked there…it’s the story of James’ life, I tell you what. So funny.

All in all an absolutely amazing evening!! One of those you hope the memory of which never fades away or becomes muted…