What color can do for you.

It's not a question. It's not a statement. It's just what it is. Isn't it magnificent. It's a color tease, in this case in a group of color tees. Let me tell you, life is good.

Posted by Color Addict at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Famous for its bathrooms in a city full of places with gorgeous bathrooms, Bar 89 deserves its notoriety.

Located at 89 Mercer Street, the decor is nice and the food is pleasant but the bathrooms are like nothing you have ever seen. Except my friend in Paris just told me there is something there on the Rue de Madeleine that sounds similar. Kissing cousin cities Paris and New York deserve to each have one of these.  There were no photos of the bathrooms and a photo couldn't replicate the experience anyway. Besides a beautifully lit spacious sink area, the stall doors appear transparent but when someone goes in, they become magically opaque and a hologram-like word "occupied" appears with a simple latch of the door -- or perhaps it's sensitive to just walking inside. Masterful design work illustrating how great design creates new experiences and opens up your imagination, playfulness and sense of wonder.

Posted by Color Addict at 4:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the happy maze of changing, growing, moving neighborhoods that is downtown New York City sits a pocket of Soho that has expanded to house countless great places to eat, drink and experience life. One such unassuming spot is Shebeen at 202 Mott Street.

Circled above in purple is a bottle of Negro Modelo, which was there just as you see it. While you can get it at lots of places in the city, not a lot of bars carry it and I am always impressed when they do. Its rich dark flavor surpasses any other beer I've had and it makes me happy. Also happy making are Shebeen's cucumber martinis, right there waiting for you.

Posted by Color Addict at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The breathtaking Eva Cassidy sings Oh What a Wonderful World — let it make your day.

Posted by Color Addict at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Billed as New York's longest running off-Broadway magic show, Monday Night Magic at the Bleecker Street Theatre is a blast.

Torn money magically re-affixes in the hands and artistry of Asi Wind

Performers vary on different Mondays so you may want to go more than once. The magicians I saw were incredible and all had different styles. The stage allows the audience to see from three sides, making the illusions extra difficult. All sorts of incredible feats are performed and witty banter accompanies. A great time out with big imagination at play.

Posted by Color Addict at 1:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yaffa Cafe is open always, meaning all night. Perfect for city slickers who wake up as the sun reclines.

Known for its funky decor with zebra patterned chairs, the food is inexpensive and delicious. On St. Mark's Place in the Village, I will always love a city that never sleeps, not to mention friends that take me to such places.

Posted by Color Addict at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New York city boasts amazing hotels and they proliferate. These are great spots for dinner and drinks, with incredible design features. One such hotel is the Hudson.

Recently, I had incredible drinks at the fireside lounge shown above right and then dinner at the excellent restaurant at the Hudson. Above left is part of the area between lounges inside. There are several to choose from. One has music. You can also have drinks along the sidelines at cool looking tables all along the walkways. The outdoor space is magnificent but it was too cold to spend time there this time of year. My date managed to find me a place with a fireplace, which I had requested. You can't beat that. We sampled several unusual drinks. My favorite was an Elderberry martini. Awesome.

Posted by Color Addict at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Happy New Year one and all.

The city offers many hidden treasures, not the least of which is this gorgeous pocket in uptown Central Park. I didn't know its name — The Conservatory Gardens — until I found a recent blurb about it but I have been amazed by its beauty for several years now. It looks just like this photo. You feel as if you are momentarily living in a place like Versailles. You become an instant poet just by visiting. It's on 104th Street and 5th avenue but don't tell anyone. It's our secret.

Posted by Color Addict at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Season's greetings to everyone — Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and all other bounteous celebrations in which you may partake this holiday season.

Here we are with friends at our bash yesterday. My brother kept digging out ancient bottles of delicious intoxicating elixirs. Twas fun.

Posted by Color Addict at 6:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gallo Nero means black rooster, the name of a wine bar on 44th street off 9th avenue with a huge assortment of wines. And speaking of color, the red of the Pinot Noir we had — deep and bright both — reminded me of an art film where a main focus is on a certain red that keeps appearing.

Offering a refined rustic atmosphere, the food menu is amazing. I had thickly piled masses of vegetables and cheese on thick crusty bread that they called bruschetta but which is unlike any you've had before — and a beautiful salad. The service was superb.

Posted by Color Addict at 1:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Unassuming on the outside, enchanting on the inside, La Paella in the East Village features a tapas menu to make your mouth water. 

The food is pretty much perfect. I love the decor, down to the menu design, which has a beautifully distressed thick cover on it. The place is small and intimate, perfect for a date. 

Posted by Color Addict at 9:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)