Yes, I had turkey and sweet potatoes in Philadelphia. I even did a little holiday shopping in Center City and took my Mom for a restaurant respite, complete with Christmas tunes, historic memorabilia and brewsky at the bustling 1860 tavern, McGillan's Olde Ale House (Love spelling "old" with an "e" at the end - Don't you?).
But, once the requisite T-day stuff was done, I needed a fix.
No, not food. Not cocktails either.
I actually needed a major fix of what New York has in spades: culture. Once firmly esconced in the Big Apple, I stuffed myself silly on Barnett Newman, Cindy Sherman, Henry Moore, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly and many, many, many more at MoMA. And, the sleek Yoshio Taniguchi-designed space was the cherry on top of my modern art sundae (or Saturday as it were).
After an afternoon of art, it seemed fitting to focus on the simpler things in life - Dr. Seuss books, toddlers, and intellectual debate about the validity of Michael Moore's films. All of this and more was found at the home of my pals Copyboy and his lady love. (The sausage and pasta was darn good too!)
The next morning, I realized that my craving hadn't subsided. Should I go to the Whitney? The Guggenheim? PS 1? Thankfully, my friend Erica had a marvelous suggestion - bypass the visual arts for the aural. After soaking up news, views and a horrifying New York Times "Style" article about vaginal plastic surgery, and running errands, I met Erica at Joe's Pub for a performance by Mexican alternative rocker Ely Guerra. Looking strikingly like SATC actress Kim Cattrall, Guerra gyrated and vibrated as she took hold of the room with her high-octane energy and captivating voice.
Invigorated and still dancing to a Latin beat, Erica and I dashed over to Mexican Radio to toss back Sangria and share a surprisingly light and lovely Chimichanga, while we dissected religious and cultural differences between the Jewish and Latino communities.
Headed home trying to dream up ways to help Erica celebrate the upcoming Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Not sure, but thinking that rose petals or rose water will be involved...
And, just to make sure that I didn't end the weekend without a bit more culture under my belt, I fell asleep watching a recording of PBS Masterpiece Theater's "Pollyanna."
Jackson Pollock to Pollyanna.
If that doesn't get me into the "Culture Club," I don't know what will. Boy George: Thoughts?
Boy, does Ely Guerra look like Kim Cattrall!
Anyways, her site is in Spanish but she has two recetas that are Sweet and Sour, Hot y Spicy.
http://www.elyguerra.com/ely.html
Posted by: Erica | November 29, 2004 at 10:24 PM
Don't forget Egon Schiele! (If only it fit under my coat)
Posted by: Jenn | November 30, 2004 at 06:45 PM
Dang, I didn't do that. Or anything close. You have too much energy. Hmmm, what's fer dinner?
Posted by: Dr. Biggles | November 30, 2004 at 08:53 PM