I’ll Miss You NYC!

It has just hit me that in about 25 hours, I will be boarding a plane on my way to Beijing. I am going to do some Model UN in China for two weeks and coming back only for a day before I fly back to Mexico. From now on, my posts will be about things I am missing about the city, kind of a withdrawal therapy (or self-torment).

One of the things I know I will definitely miss is the ease with which I can find things here. I am going to absolutely go crazy without the grid layout. I am also going to miss the subways. Ask anyone who knows me, I was not meant to be behind the wheel of a car. Traffic makes me angry, finding parking is a drag and I hate not being able to enjoy the fresh air. Back in Mexico, public transit is just not an option nor is walking so I will have to deal with driving every once in a while or resort to begging for rides. Hence, MTA, I shall miss you SO much, even with your delays and packing us as if we were sardines.

I will also miss walking around skyscrapers all the time. As much as I miss the view of the mountains back home in Mexico, I shall definitely miss the beauty and modernity of seeing concrete everywhere I look. Not to mention the fabulous rooftops which I admired from our room.

Another thing I will also miss will be the impromptu shows in the middle of the street, subway, platform, Times Square, etc. My favorite was probably the one where a group of six hip-hopped on the subway and did backflips while the subway was in motion.

Peace out New York, it’s been real.

« Full Disclosure: Addams Family

Full Disclosure: Addams Family

This past Wednesday, one of my friends invited me to watch The Addams Family Musical along with her family and other friends. It was an absolute joy of a show. I loved the songs and mostly family friendly humor – a nice change from the shows I’d seen recently. My favorite song was probably “New Directions” which Wednesday sings as she tortures her brother and deals with falling in love with a normal boy and starting to feel happy.

My favorite character has to be the grandmother. She was hilarious! From the moment she pees at the dinner table up until she consoles Morticia with the thought that she may die a slow and painful death, she was the most captivating character.

The set was impressive, from the way the pieces were used to create different rooms in the Addams family mansion to how they used the curtains to hide parts of the stage and keep the show moving. I am usually not that big of a fan of the more conventional musicals but Addams Family had such sweet humor and was such a relatable portrait of family and change that it was a pleasure to watch.

I would fully recommend it to anyone who thinks their family is nuts, you are probably right, but the Addams will teach you how to embrace the craziness! Snap Snap.

I’ll Miss You NYC! »« Cabrito?

Cabrito?

This week I had dinner in SoHo with friends Andy and Becca. We went to Cabrito a so-called Mexican place in high hopes of finding true mexican fare. We were disappointed to say the least. The one dish we sort of liked was the cabrito dish, although Andy tried it with the sauce they served it with and said it wasn’t so good. We also tried the Tacos al Pastor, an all-time favorite of mine in Mexico. While I give props to the restaurant for serving it with the traditional pineapple, I was disappointed by the flavors and unfortunate seasoning. The meat was overwhelmingly spicy and not flavorful enough. We also had guacamole which they managed to mess up too by making it too salty and with not enough onions and no tomatoes, peppers or any other type of condiment.

Overall impression: Steer clear! It also didn’t help that when I ordered a hibiscus tea, the waitress had the bad idea of suggesting I mix it with something else because it would be too strong. Or that they served it in a small shot glass style manner.

Full Disclosure: Addams Family »« Something Unpredictable

Something Unpredictable

We arrived at 6:20 pm to the doors outside of the St. James Theatre like we had four other times before. Kristen and I walked over to Lee, the guy in charge of the general lottery for $27 dollar front row tickets to “American Idiot” and we wrote down our names on the papers and replied that we did know the rules when he asked us for about the tenth time this summer (he also did the lottery for “Hair”).

Kristen and I waited patiently for him to close off the lottery. He finally made the announcement we were anxiously waiting for and began stirring the papers in the bucket. “Kr- Kristen Wh- Wally” … Kristen jumped up and down screaming “IT’S WHALEY! THAT’S ME!” and ran over beaming to the front of the “Winner’s Line”. I cheered and relaxed knowing that we had tickets for the show, allowing myself to celebrate with other winners by cheering along with them as they joined the line as well. There were only 5 tickets left and Lee pulled out the next name: “Maria Jose” Kristen and I scream, overwhelmed with excitement that we both won since we NEVER win, but then I hear another scream a few feet down and see a woman running to the line and yelling at Lee that it is her! I ask for him to read the last name and he replies with “Lamadrid”! I say it’s me but I already won tickets, then the guy next to me asks me to accept them and buy a ticket for him, to which I gladly agree to do. I get in line and the other lady with the same name as mine has to get in the back of the line for balcony tickets.

An hour later, we are back at the same place, in line to get into the theatre. We walk in and are directed to the seats at the very front. My shoes were in contact with the stage throughout the entire performance. We then enjoyed the 90-minute high energy show (with no intermission) where we got up-close view of the stamping, jumping, fist-pumping, screaming, spitting, and grinding that took place on-stage. I fulfilled my dream of seeing Jonathan Gallagher performing live and thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the other cast members including Stark Sands, Michael Esper and Brian Johnson who was also part of the Spring Awakening Original Cast. The stage was incredible. All covered with newspapers with TV sets on the walls and metal stairs that roll around as well as a bed, couch and hospital beds.

The show was invigorating and gave life to the songs that I loved as a teen. This show is incredible, and although I don’t think my parents would enjoy an entire show centered around the very music they hated me hearing while growing up, I recommend it to all rock/Green Day/punk/Spring Awakening/Rent fans out there!

For more information and a taste of the show check out: http://americanidiotonbroadway.com/

“It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right, I hope you have the time of your life” -GD

Cabrito? »« Century 21: Every Shopper’s Must-See

Century 21: Every Shopper’s Must-See

This morning… fine perhaps SOMEONE (read:I) didn’t wake up in time to leave this morning, but this early afternoon I went shopping with my neighbor and roommate to Century 21 on Fulton Street. These 6 floors of discounted designer studs is a must-see heaven for any die-hard shopper. I had to pick up some things before my big trip to China since I failed to bring much other than work clothes to NYC (read: Perfect excuse for a shopping spree!). After two hours, I managed to succeed at finding some pretty treasures.

I first found a gorgeous white dress which I can wear for work or formal-ish cocktail receptions. Then I found a cute black strapless party dress which I hope to wear next weekend to my friend’s birthday celebration. Then, the heavens parted and shone the light on this AMAZINGLY PERFECT pair of DVF white shorts! They are super comfy and not that short which is incredibly hard to find nowadays! Then I found a cute racerback tank top and brown gladiator sandals as well as a cute watch with a purple strap.

It was an all round success of a trip! Although this store does carry some gems, it is necessary to hunt through the not-so-cutesies and through the who-on-earth-would-wear-thats to find something good. It also doesn’t help that the staff is moody despite your attempts at being overly polite to them or that the prices can be misleading at times. My tip is to start on the clothes floor, then go find shoes and pay on that floor where the lines are much shorter. Also steer clear of the 1/2 off pricing since it is unclear whether it is 1/2 off the original price ($700) or 1/2 off the already discounted price ($130).

Something Unpredictable »« Dream vs. Reality

Dream vs. Reality

Last night, after losing at yet another lottery for Broadway tickets, my roommate Kristen and I decided to go watch “Inception”. We bought tickets for the midnight viewing and went along with our neighbor Rob. I wasn’t really looking forward to the film since I am not a huge Leo Di Caprio fan, in fact I find him to be quite arrogant, although I must admit he is an incredible actor.

This star-studded film delivers in every possible way imaginable. Ellen Page’s character is relatable and endearing, while Marion Cotillard playing Mrs. Cobb is haunting and perplexing in the most enjoyable way. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Arthur, Leo Di Caprio’s Mr. Cobb’s partner in crime. He is witty and provides us with the comic relief necessary throughout the feature. Christopher Nolan’s vision for the film is absolutely enthralling. The plot is unpredictable and it keeps surprising the audience through every new piece of information presented.

As for the plot, I rather not share it but just say that it plays with the line between dreams, thoughts and reality. The movie itself is pure genius. Hands down, it is the best movie I’ve seen this year, and probably in the past 5 years too. If it does not get an Academy Award, they will lose all credibility from here on because this film is a great work of art. The concepts are brand new, the photography is incredible and the imagery is out of this world.

I give it five stars and recommend everyone to see it. It has action, love, mystery, sci fi, drama and comedy catering for any type of audience member. For further information go to:

http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/

Century 21: Every Shopper’s Must-See »« 21st Birthday Bash Part 2: Pipa

21st Birthday Bash Part 2: Pipa

That night, I made reservations at Pipa, a tapas restaurant near Union Square. I went with 7 friends and decided to share tapas with 2 of them: Andy and Becca, in order to get to try more dishes. Here is what I thought of the things we ordered:

Cocas – Hongos y Higos : Catalan flat bread with wild mushrooms, serrano ham, figs, manchego cheese, caramelized onion, almonds and truffle oil. This dish was quite delicious, it was a perfect combination of sweet and salty. The balance of the ingredients was perfect and a great beginning to our meal.

Croquetas – Bolas de Queso : Goat cheese, tricolor bell peppers, white wine dipping sauce. I am usually an avid fan of goat cheese, and this was no exception. Unfortunately the white wine dipping sauce was extremely sweet and it killed the taste of the croquetas. All in all, I would recommend skipping this dish in order to spare yourself the disappointment. If the menu were to change and exclude or change the dipping sauce, definitely order these Bolas de Queso, or try ordering them with the sauce on the side.

Croquetas – Champiñones : Mixed wild mushrooms, rosemary, thyme, garlic, truffle. Absolutely heavenly, basically a feast in and of itself. The mushrooms were cooked to perfection and the rosemary, thyme and garlic seasoned them to result in an incredible croqueta that should not be missed. All my guests that ordered this dish raved about it so definitely give it a try!

Tapas – Tortilla Española : Traditional spanish potato, onion & piquillo pepper omelet. I liked this dish, but it was too much potato and not enough onion and pepper for my liking. Despite it’s lack of veggies, it is a classic spanish dish that is very popular.

Tapas – Patatas Bravas : Sliced crisp potatos, brava aioli. Delicious slice of potato baked in such a way that they are still moist and topped with a spicy aioli, but not so spicy that it is unbearable to eat. People who do not like spicy food would find this dish appetizing too.

Overall, this was not the best tapa place I have ever been to, but it was good for a large party. Although, it is important to note that they enforce a fixed prix menu for parties larger than 10 people and they start at $35. It’s a good place, but I hear Casa Mono is better… will have to find out!

Me, Becca and Andy at Pipa

Dream vs. Reality »« 21st Birthday Bash Part 1: Maroon 5

21st Birthday Bash Part 1: Maroon 5

A few days before my birthday I received an email from the Today Show that I had won Fan Passes for the Maroon 5 concert at the Toyota Summer Concert Series. The concert happened to be on my birthday and I invited my roommate Kristen to come with me to the concert. The pass said we had to be there by 6 am promptly so we woke up at 5 am and took a cab over to the Today Show studios near the Rockefeller Center. When we arrived the line was mostly empty but as we turned to corner and looked into the pens we saw a massive crowd covering all of the space in front of the stage. We were then directed to a pen next to the stage, directly behind where the drums were placed.

We stood there waiting for about 30 minuted and then Maroon 5 walked out and warmed up playing “This Love”, “Sunday Morning” and Adam sang some Sinatra and joked with the audience. After warming up, the band walked back into the studio, and on his way back, Matt Flynn the drummer said “hi” to us. The band went inside and while we waited for the show to begin Kristen suggested I try and get a drumstick since it was my birthday. I thought it would be impossible, and it would be better to try and get a guitar pick instead, but we joked about it for a while. Then I decided to make a sign that read “Today is my 21st with Maroon 5″ on the back of a paper I had in my bag. By then it was 8 am and Kristen had to leave since she did have to go to work that morning. I stayed behind and watched the Today Show from the screens outside. Soon enough, Maroon 5 came out again to do a final soundcheck and rehearsal of “This Love” and “Sunday Morning”.

Adam Levine of Maroon 5

In between songs, the band would wave and just chill. I kept jumping up and down with my sign until I finally got the guitarist to stare at my sign. He scrunched up his face and tilted his head sideways for a few seconds and then smiled and mouthed “It’s upside down”. I flipped the sign over and got a thumbs up and a smile as a response from the guitarist.

After the next song, Jesse the keyboardist looked over, read my sign and mouthed “Happy Birthday” to me. I enjoyed the rest of their set singing and dancing along to “This Love”, “Misery” and “Sunday Morning”. At the end of the show, the band was rushed off stage and into the studio. I waited for a while and when I realized they weren’t coming back, turned to leave. In that moment one of the stagehands called out to me and handed me a stick with a paper taped to it and wished me a happy birthday. I didn’t really understand what it was so I read the paper and realized it was the set list. Then I felt some splinters on the stick and I turned it over and found that it was THE drumstick. It was also signed by Matt Flynn. Two seconds later a guy comes around and hands me a black guitar pick with an white M on one side and a signature on the other.

Everyone around me congratulated me and I left feeling like I had had the most unrealistic and exciting day, and it was only 9 am…

21st Birthday Bash Part 2: Pipa »« Most Memorable July 2nds

Most Memorable July 2nds

Tomorrow I am finally becoming a full-fledged, legal adult! It is my 21st Birthday and planning for it has brought back some memories of my favorite birthday celebrations which I am now going to share with you!

MAGO FRANKMAN – For my 7th or 8th birthday, my mom hired a magician, el Mago Frankman, to come to my birthday party to entertain us kids. He was very popular in my city back then and had a bunny that he made appear during his show called Manchitas. My godmother Dolores showed up right before the show and gave me my birthday presents, the first was a sequined silver vest which I absolutely adored, and the second was a gorgeous black bunny. It was love at first sight! I remember the magician even integrated my bunny into the show!

Disney – My cousin Mony’s birthday is the day right after mine and it makes for a great period of celebration. For my 13th birthday and her 11th birthday our families decided to take a roadtrip through California. Our parents managed to plan the trip so that our birthdays fell on the same days we would be in Disneyland! I rode a rollercoaster, Space Mountain, for the first time that day and we got to be sung happy birthday at a restaurant in the park while we watched the Electric Parade go by.

PRE-FRANCE - The summer I turned 15, four friends and I stayed at a boarding school in Verneuil sur Avre about 20-30 minutes away from Paris. I had been learning how to drive just before it and was excited to have my driver’s permit, but what I remember most was my birthday a few days before we parted to France. I had a birthday party at my house (as I usually do), but had bought a pillow with a picture of a crab on it. The crab symbolized Cancer as that is my astrological sign and I had all my friends and family sign it. I took the pillow with me to Ecole des Roches and I remember sometimes reading the notes and drawings they had left for me.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN - I don’t exactly remember what birthday this was, probably my 13th, but one summer we went to stay at the Occidental Royal Hideaway in Playa del Carmen. Our last day there just happened to be my birthday and I remember having gotten a note that morning from the hotel congratulating Ms. Maria Jose Lamadrid on her birthday! I thought we would not be celebrating my birthday since we had just gotten back from vacation, but when we got home from the airport my extended family came to my house. My grandmother ordered a cake from my favorite bakery and some of my aunts brought food. I was absolutely thrilled!

JAIL PARTY- As you may know, when you turn 18 in Mexico there are 3 things that are suddenly legal for you to do:  Vote, Drink and GO TO JAIL! Most celebrate the first two, but I thought it would be cool to celebrate the third. I threw a bash at my grandmother’s house. We had a board with lines so that people could take “jail” pictures and had the tables covered with orange tablecloths. We placed markers on the table so people could feel free to leave their mark on the tables and had toy guns, handcuffs and sheriff star pins in buckets as centerpieces. We also had a DJ with a video screen and lights which were placed right next to the pool so people could dance there. It was my favorite birthday party ever! Here are a few pictures from that party:

That’s it for now! But I will surely post on post-celebration reminiscing!!!!

21st Birthday Bash Part 1: Maroon 5 »« Flashback to the 60′s

Flashback to the 60′s

I had heard great things about Hair, the musical, for a while but what really made me want to see the show was their performance at the 2009 Tony Awards of their song “Hair”. Yesterday, my roommate won tickets at the student lottery for the show and I finally had a chance to experience the absolute lovefest that is Hair.

The most outstanding aspect of this musical is the way it envelops the audience completely right from the start. The actors do not limit themselves to their stage, but rather dance and interact with the audience in the orchestra, balconies and mezzanine levels. In terms of storyline, it is pretty simple: Claude is drafted to the Vietnam War and doesn’t want to go, but is not comfortable with burning his draft card as his other friends in the Tribe do. The music just seemed to flow organically and the characters all seemed to capture the audience’s hearts. From Jeannie who is pregnant and completely love with Claude (who is not the father and doesn’t correspond her); to Berger, the shabbiest and craziest member of the Tribe who has the audience enthralled with every one of his antics.

At the end of the show, the audience is invited to sing and dance along to “Let the Sunshine In” with the cast onstage. Of course my roommate and I lost no time and ran downstairs from our seats in the balcony and joined the cast and other audience members in the celebration.

After dancing onstage, we hurried outside to get our programs signed by the cast. I was amazed by how down to earth they were and their candidness at answering our questions. Here are some of their responses to my questions: * Since I didn’t tape their answers, they are just a general idea of what their responses were.

ME: So, who was the guy sitting onstage next to the band taking pictures of the show?

JOSH LAMON: That was James Rado, he co-wrote the show and was the original Claude. One day he said he thought it’d be cool to watch the show from on-stage and so he did.

ME: What do you guys do to keep your hair so soft?

LARKIN BOGAN: Well I read somewhere that you are supposed to switch shampoos every other day, so that’s what I do.

ME: What was it like playing Claude with the Original Claude onstage?

KYLE RIABKO: Oh he’s a good friend, it was great having him there! He helped prepare for the role.

Overall take on the show: IT IS AMAZING! My new favorite Broadway show and it is sad that it closes tomorrow.

Most Memorable July 2nds »« Chocolate Decadence