The Devil's in the Details
Earlier this week, I took a quick trip down to New York City with my sister and parents to see a rare showing of a Franz Lehar work at the Met - the adapted ballet version of The Merry Widow. I've been to this show several times now in Operetta form, but the ballet was much different, with an entirely rearranged score and amazing expressiveness on the part of the dancers to successfully convey the plot without words. Best yet, we got to meet the choreographer during intermission, an older gentleman who had met his wife back when they danced in the Royal Ballet together over forty years ago. Such a nice couple! We stopped at an incredible Italian place before the show called Arte Cafe on W 73rd Street, and the next morning grabbed a quick bite at Isabella's on Columbus Ave before leaving the city. Isabella's is where I ordered this scrumptious looking salad - tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, balsamic, pickled onions, and arugula. The presentation was actually more impressive than the taste here (thus the featured photo), but I know from many failed attempts at marrying culinary elegance with excellent taste that it's a difficult art to master. That's why I'd absolutely recommend Arte Cafe for anyone looking for an unforgettable meal in Manhattan. They've mastered the delicate blend of these two fine arts.