Brunch and a play (Stickfly)

Recently, my friend Denese and I had a day out in the city. We had a lovely brunch at B. Smith’s on restaurant row. The food was great and filling. Unlimited mimosa’s and the dessert of Bourbon Street bread pudding is not to be missed -make sure to save room. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere with a 2-person band playing live music. ( Sorry, no pics of the place or food.)

Me and my friend Denese outside Stickfly- Yes it was cold!

Then off to see the new play, Stickfly, on Broadway. The play was worth seeing and discussed topics of family, race, interracial relationships and socioeconomic status and dynamics. Sounds heavy but it was actually funny and entertaining. Not that I am a theater critic or anything but I think the real breakout star is going to be Condola Rashad. She was great! After the show Denese and I got to see some of the stars.

Denese and Ruben Santiago- Hudson

Denese and Tracie Thoms

Thumbs down to Mehki Phifer and Dule Hill for not coming to see their fans waiting outside in the cold to meet them. Still love them though! We did score photos with Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Tracie Thoms ( loved her since Rent!)

After the play, we went to Sprinkles uptown for some cupcakes. I had heard they were better than the often revered Crumbs and Magnolia bakeries. After thinking we walked past it. We finally found it. It is a small space but it does have a couple of seats and a window box seating. I have to say the cupcakes were good. I had a smores cupcake -the marshmallow topping wasn’t too sweet and the cake was moist with a dollop of chocolate ganache. Denese had a german chocolate cupcake. That also tasted good. Also, not too sweet with coconut and pecans. Yummy. I didn’t care for the coffee I had and Denese didn’t like her “drinking chocolate” drink but its a cupcake place and not a coffee shop- so I forgive them. All in all and eventful day.

 

Trinidad

So I spent New Year’s in Trinidad. I took an overnight flight and arrived early in the morning and of course the first thing I tell my cousin is, “We have to stop and get some doubles.” Doubles are a Trinidadian street food that is eaten usually as breakfast food. But can be eaten as a snack throughout the day as supplies last. Doubles are made with 2 fried flat breads called “Bara” and filled with curried channa (chickpeas) and topped with a variety chutneys; mango and tamarind and a little pepper is how I like mine. These street food stands can be found at most “junctions” (main intersections).

I spent New Year’s Eve which is actually called “Old Year’s Night” in Trinidad with my cousins and some of their friends. This type of get together is called a “lime”. Some food, drinks, music, family and friends. That’s what it’s all about.

My brother, cousin (groom) and uncle. Look at them all suited up!

Then on to the wedding of my cousin on New Year’s Day. Apparently, this is a popular day to get married in Trinidad. The wedding was beautiful and the weather was beautiful. After the wedding there is a caravan through the area back to your home base and then on to the reception.  The party went on all night- because Trini’s love reasons to celebrate!

I will be back in Trinidad during the summer so more to come.