We rounded up our group of tasters, known as “the gang of the usual suspects,” to try a number of wines. Some bottles were new to us; others were from beloved vineyards.
They came from all over Europe, and the pricing ranged from under $20 to just under $500 per bottle. It was a blind tasting, and the grading was from 0 to 100 points.
A few of the wines did not pass muster, so I will not mention them in this article. Many were deemed just acceptable and will also not be named. Others were enjoyable, garnering from 83 to 92 points, and a few were considered exceptional garnering over 93 points.
Unfortunately, none received 100 points (perfect), even ones from world famous wineries.
Spanish cheese plate. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
To cleanse the palate between wines, we used rounds of sourdough baguette and cheese. We had received numerous samples of different cheeses – Le Gruyère, a flavorful hard cheese made with milk from cows that graze in Switzerland’s Alpine meadows; Kasseri, a traditional semi-hard Greek cheese made from a blend of goat and sheep’s milk; Double Gloucester, a traditional semi-hard English cheese from cow’s milk; and a Dutch Gouda.
Bichot Chablis 2023. Photo courtesy of Albert Bichot.
The youngest bottle we tasted was the French 2023 Albert Bichot Chablis. This is a classic Chablis – a complex wine from Northern Burgundy with a nose combining aromas of candied lemon, lime, and white flowers. The finish offers considerable minerality.
It’s well priced considering the quality. We found that it paired best with the saltier cheeses, such as the cheddar and the kasseri. It was rated at an average of 94 points.
Equally young was the 2023 KadosofDuca di Salaparuta, a Sicilian Grillo. This is an indigenous white grapethat can withstand high temperatures and is widely used in Sicilian winemaking for making Marsala wines.
The majority of the must was fermented in stainless steel with 20% fermented in oak barriques. Then, the resulting wines were blended and given only a month’s bottle aging to retain freshness. There are floral aromas with a bouquet of tropical fruit and citrus, followed by light notes of vanilla from the oak barriques. It was rated at 87 points.
Selva Capuzza Turbiana Label. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Another white that our tasters thought was enjoyable was the 2018 Selva Capuzza Turbiana from the Lugana DOC.Persistent aromas of citrus, white flowers, herbs, and yellow stone fruit were on the nose.
The elegant palate still had fresh acidity (considering its age) accompanying flavors of honeydew, grapefruit, and a hint of ginger. Made from the estate’s oldest vines, this showed its good aging potential. It was rated at an average of 93 points.
From Portugal’s Esporão, Colheita2021 is a clear, straw-colored, organic wine with greenish hues. The nose presents aromas of orange blossom with notes of citrus and, surprisingly, papaya.
It’s a blend of Antão Vaz, Viognier, and Alvarinho. The grapes were partially fermented in concrete vats. After fermentation, the wine was left on the fine lees for 4 months that enhanced the wine’s character. It’s an easy wine to drink and not particularly expensive. It was rated at 90 points.
Wine barriques. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
From the Italian Chianti vineyards, we tasted a fine Sangiovese-based wine – the Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico 2022. It’s a red wine that we loved in the past.
It’s bright ruby red, earthy, and intense with a persistent finish. On the palate, it hasflavors of raspberry, orange peel, and tart cherry. It averaged 92 points from our tasters and is a well-priced kosher wine of high quality.
Baron Herzog Lineage Pinot Noir 2022 had aromas of cherry and chocolate with hints of ripe black cherry and strawberry jam on the palate. Oak aging brought out sandalwood and cinnamon to a smooth finish. It’s a Mevushal Wine (to make it kosher), which means it has been “flash pasteurized.”
The quick heating and cooling process supposedly helps preserve the wine’s flavors. It was a blind tasting, and none of our tasters knew it was Mevushal. But they considered the wine a bit flawed. When it comes to taste, the debate between Mevushal and non-Mevushal wines is very subjective. From this particular group, the wine only garnered an average of 85 points.
From Spain’s Monsant PDO, the 2022 Dido Venus La Universal, a tasty red, surprised us. I have been to Catalonia many times and thought I had visited most of the “better” wineries, and I had previously tasted the white version of this wine that I found “above average.”
But this red wine was new to me. It was very well made – a blend of 4 hand-harvested grapes, mostly Garnatxa Tinta (Grenache) and Syrah with a little Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from an organic vineyard near Falset.
It was nuanced and had a rather subtle nose with herbal and floral notes, a little spice, and a medium-bodied palate with some grainy tannins. It was very competitively priced. Our tasters liked it and awarded it 94 points – a surprising rating for a wine that usually retails at under $28 per bottle, though I have also seen it as low as $19.
Gratallops Priorat. Photo courtesy of the winemaker.
Another wine from the same area was the 2022 rosé Clos Mogador Gratallops Vi de Villa Rosat. It was another easy drinking bottle – a blend of 60% Garnacha Tinta, 20% Macabeo, and 20% Cariñena – two reds and one white grape. Compared to the red, it’s much more expensive, selling at an average of $63 per bottle, but I saw it for as little as $50.
It’s atypical for Priorat because it’s very precise and dry, fruity and spicy, and matured in a 2,000-liter oak foudre for 1-1/2 years. It has a remarkable depth for a rosé. I wouldn’t normally recommend decanting a rosé, but for this wine, it’s certainly needed. After some swirling, we got a great palette of ripe cranberry, pomegranate, grapefruit, and raspberry with mineral notes.
Our tasters loved it, and the sample bottle was completely finished. It was given a solid 92 points with one taster giving it 95 points.
Chateau Haut-Brion label. Photo by Nick Ross.
And now for the pièce de résistance!
1st Growth (Premier Cru) 2008 Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan. The most expensive of the wines in the tasting, it currently retails at $485 per 750 ml bottle. I had purchased it in 2010 and cellared it for the past 15 years.
I felt it was time to drink it, and since we no longer entertain the way we did when living in Manhattan, the tasting was a good excuse to open this treasure. I wanted my tasters to try a truly profound wine!
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc, it reveals an incredible complexity and a perfume second to none. The dense purple color exposes aromas and tastes of creosote, tar, cigar box, blueberries, black currants, and jammy raspberries. Sweet tannins offer a fleshy mouthfeel and a stunningly long finish.
It was rated at an average of 97 points, but to my personal taste, it could have been a definite 99. I don’t think a red wine can get much better than that! Salut!
They change dishes on a seasonal basis, depending on what’s fresh and good on the market. They let us know that they’re currently featuring an early spring menu and invited us to revisit and taste the new offerings.
So we crossed the railroad tracks to the unassuming entrance with the neon pink sign blazing EMPANADA – the storefront that shares dining space with That Super Club. After our previous dining experience, anticipation ran high to once again taste the culinary artistry of Chef Nick Pescatore, not to mention the warm welcome from joint restaurant owner Tommy Greco and his beautiful hostess wife, Pia.
Again, I was struck by the similarities between the ambiance of the POP physical plant and the high-end experimental quality of the food. The walls are covered by POP posters that once adorned Tommy’s art gallery and are now available for all to enjoy over a meal.
Chef Nick is beyond inventive and not constrained by traditionally accepted and expected combinations of ingredients. Perhaps we should call his offerings “POP gourmet.”
Sourdough roll at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Case in point: their delicious sourdough rolls that are sourced from a bakery just down the street and served to the table with butter seasoned with stinging nettles and Chef Nick’s most unusual version of spiced butter that was good to the last bite.
Or the New Jersey pork roll combined with king crab meat (see more details below), which to our surprise, worked to provide a tasty treat.
Since That Supper Club is a BYOB venue, we brought a bottle of 2024 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Pinot Noir rosé. Based on our previous experience and the descriptions of the new menu, we thought it would be good with our meal. And we weren’t wrong.
This Argentinean organic/biodynamic bottle, even though very young, paired very well with all the dishes and, surprisingly, even added some oomph to the dessert – a pineapple upside down cake!
Appetizers at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
To start, we had three appetizers on a long, skinny tray brought to the table.
They were the Tigres O Mejilones – stuffed, panko-crusted, PEI Mussels, aji verde, wild cilantro, and fresh lime; the King Crab Toast – Alaska King Crab on toasted milk bread, Taylor ham, roasted tomatillo aioli, and chives; plus Kushiyaki, 50-day dry aged NY strip cubes covered in a heavenly sauce on bamboo skewers.
Scallop Crudo at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Next followed the Scallops Crudo. In our humble opinion, this was a Michelin-star level dish! Hokkaido scallops, Crispy rice, Avocado crema, and Maine Uni.
Uni is the South American name for sea urchin eggs and is a coveted ingredient in Chilean or Peruvian ceviche.
Oysters at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Six East Coast Oysters followed that were bathed in fermented Pineberry Mignonette … Barbara’s favorite! The oysters are available at extra cost, but the food is so good that we certainly wanted to taste everything.
To cleanse the palate, a Baby Spinach Salad with roasted scallion vinaigrette, white goat cheese, honey crisp apple sticks, and shallots was brought to the table. And it worked!
Agnolotti at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Then, we had another Michelin-star level dish! Shrimp Scampi Agnolotti bathed in a scrumptious Yuzu Soy lemony sauce. It was to die for!
Caviar and Uni at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Caviar and Uni Toast with paddlefish caviar covering sea urchin eggs on toasted milk bread came next. Yet another yummy tidbit that had Barbara’s eyes rolling. It is also at extra cost and has to be ordered when the reservation is made.
Then, one of my favorite Italian standards was served: Mezzo Rigatoni Amatriciana. I first had this dish as “Bucatini all’ Amatriciana,” and I received the recipe over 40 years ago from the kitchens of Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia, a renowned restaurant in Milan. I’ve been cooking it in my own kitchen ever since. Chef Pescatore’s version was spicier than mine, but it was just as tasty.
We were getting full, but who could resist a 45-day agedFilet Mignon? Certainly not us!
Please note that the filet mignon is also available at extra cost and should be ordered when the reservation is made. Although the menu is pre-set and price fixed, two or three extras are available for those who want a few more taste treats.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake at That Supper Club. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Finally, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake was served, and we found rum-soaked cherries on top. Yum!!
With that, we finished our rosé bottle and were happy as clams! (A culinary reference that makes no sense, but next time I have some clams, I will ask them if they are really happy!) To your health!
The remnants of winter still commanded the high peaks of Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, as though unwilling to be dislodged from the high ground. As days slowly grew longer, the surrounding land began to stir.
Jagged, snow-capped mountains stretched before my visual horizon, their sharp edges cutting a familiar silhouette into the grey sky. Far below, the valleys had begun to reveal seasonal change – pockets of green renewal breaking through and a gradual surrender to warmer days ahead. The land stood at a crossroads, caught in its timeless cycle of renewal and retreat.
I arrived in Jotunheimen full of excitement and much anticipation. In Norse mythology, this is Jotunheim – an ancient land of myth, and the untamed realm of giants. Towering peaks, icy winds, distant dark lakes. A realm still both evocative and strangely beautiful.
Here, the fearless Jotnar giants made their home – not just brutes but beings of strength and wisdom, bound by fate to the Nordic gods. The mighty Thor often crashed through these lands, his hammer striking down those who opposed him.
Viewing this wild and rugged terrain, I could see how ancient Nordic people could imagine such a place as remote and unforgiving, but truly a fit place for the home of marauding giants.
This rugged wilderness promised adventure, solitude, and raw beauty. As I set out, I saw winter’s steady retreat in real time. Green expanding patches had emerged, revealing small clusters of delicate purple wildflowers appearing where the snow had receded from view.
Frozen lakes along my trekking path cracked and groaned, while beginning to let go of the packed ice. While still crisp, the clear air carried the pleasant scent of damp earth and new growth.
The trail led me along a valley’s edge, where the melting snow fed rushing streams. Some proved easy to cross, just a few quick steps over exposed large rocks. Others proved somewhat more demanding and required extra care.
I soon reached another fast-moving river and watched as chunks of ice tumbled in a quick procession further downstream. The sounds of rushing waters and the tumbling of broken ice evoked a feeling of harmony and connection with my immediate surroundings.
Making good progress, I soon encountered another breathtaking view as I climbed steadily up onto the next ridge. More distant deep valleys appeared, interspersed with bright light occasionally dancing on the flowing streams and scattered lakes. The dark, majestic mountains in the far distance provided an interesting contrast to the expanding vista below.
As I progressed toward higher elevation, the snow thickened, blanketing much of the trail. I donned another pullover, zipped up my wind-resistant jacket, and pressed on. Sometimes, my foot sank below the softer surface, revealing hard rock beneath. In places, the snow cover stretched for miles, and the wind was a constant lonely companion.
Further along the way, I encountered a fellow hiker. This Norwegian man, who turned out to be in his sixties, moved with the ease of someone who knew these mountains well. He soon shared his valuable experience of the surrounding terrain.
“The weather changes fast here,” he warned. “Don’t trust the clear skies.” He soon proved to be right. Within an hour, the sky darkened, and thick mist rolled in, swallowing the peaks. The temperature dropped, and the wind grew louder through the passes. I pulled my hood tight and pushed on, knowing that in these mountains, weather patterns, particularly during transitioning seasons, can be rapid and unexpected on any trails.
Jotunheimen National Park. Photo courtesy of Jotunheimen Travel.
After reaching the next ridgeline, my concerted effort made it all worthwhile. As if already predestined, the darkened clouds parted, revealing another breathtaking view with snow-dappled peaks above and deep valleys below.
The juxtaposition captured my attention. I found a dry perch on the side of the ridge, pulled out my thermos, and savored the last of my hot coffee while immersed in the whispering silence. Time stood still.
Descending into the lower valleys, the transformation of the terrain appeared even more stark in contrast. Where the snow had melted, I could see abundant new growth as though it was waiting to finally be released from winter’s grip. Streams had carved fresh paths through the land, their waters gleaming in the late afternoon light.
I could see a few birds in the distance, a harbinger of an early summer. I passed an abandoned cabin, its wooden walls weathered and worn. I wondered about the lives once sheltered there.
As the daylight became shorter and the sky grew darker and overcast, I turned around and headed back to my lodge and a welcome hot dinner being prepared for me and other guests. Fortunately, I had made local arrangements with Jotunheimen Travel, which completed all the necessary arrangements encountered in my remote adventure, allowing me to focus on my discovery of Jotunheimen National Park.
As I approached my destination, my body felt pleasantly tired but satisfied. The air was refreshing and clear. As I trekked toward the welcoming warm lodge and an evening of lively company, I felt a deep appreciation for this in-between season – this moment caught between winter’s grip and summer’s soon-to-come embrace.
I made a mental note just before reaching my comfortable destination to return when summer is in the valleys and life is renewed and transformed in this land of the giants.
While I haven’t seen every show currently on Broadway, I’ve seen most of them. In this article, I’ll give you my honest opinion about the ones I’ve seen, but I’ll only include the news shows. I won’t discuss long-running shows like Hamilton or The Lion King. Here’s my rundown (I’ve given 6 of these “top pick” status, so there’s lot to see):
Boop! The Musical.*TOP PICK* If you want to see an old-fashioned style, big Broadway musical that makes you feel good, this is an excellent choice. I thoroughly enjoyed this show, even though it’s mostly frivolous with some nice feminist moments during the second act. Jasmine Amy Rogers, however, who plays Betty Boop, is a revelation, making a star turn in this role that earned her a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award nomination. The show was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, who brought us Kinky Boots. Highly recommended if you like pure entertainment, but it’s closing in mid-July. So hurry!
Buena Vista Social Club.*TOP PICK* I absolutely adored this show. There is a story (which is mostly true), but it’s more of a showcase for the singers, dancers, and musicians to perform the incredible vintage Cuban music that you’ll hear throughout. These are virtuoso performers (they’re even set to receive a special Tony award), and I can’t imagine that you won’t want to dance in your seat. I plan to see this one again.
Death Becomes Her. This hilarious show is loads of fun, but it wouldn’t be my top choice. Led by Broadway stars Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, who sing the hell out of the songs, I still can’t say I remembered more than one of the tunes. If you liked the movie and want to laugh hard, this might be the show for you, but I don’t quite understand why it received so many Tony nominations.
Gypsy. This revival of one of the best musicals ever written has been beautifully produced with Audra McDonald as Rose, Joy Woods as Louise, and Danny Burstein as Herbie. I had a great time, even if Audra’s voice isn’t what we’re used to hearing in the role of Rose. Nevertheless, she acts the hell out of this character, and Joy is a new star on Broadway who is showing herself to be worthy of sharing the stage with the greats.
Maybe Happy Ending.*TOP PICK* This new musical has been the surprise of the season. Starring Darren Criss of Glee and unknown Helen J. Chen, it’s nice to see Asian-American leads in a show that’s done so well. People didn’t know much about it when it started, but it has gotten great buzz – and rightly so. (The cast album is already available.) It’s a feel-good love story set in South Korea about two robots who become more and more human. A smaller musical with a lovely score, I highly recommend it and expect it to be a top contender for the Best Musical Tony Award.
Pirates! The Penzance Musical.*TOP PICK* This revival of Gilbert and Sulllivan’s The Pirates of Penzance stars David Hyde Pierce of Frazier and Broadway star Ramin Karimloo, along with Jinkx Monsoon from RuPaul’s Drag Race. It turns the classic musical on its head by setting it in New Orleans, but it’s a hoot and a half. If you’re looking for lighthearted fun, you’ll love this.
Just In Time. *TOP PICK* This is my favorite show of the season. Jonathan Groff (from “Spring Awakening,” “Hamilton,” and “Merrily We Roll Along”) is electrifying as 60s singing star, Bobby Darin. The energy on stage is second to none on Broadway, which is saying a lot. If you can get a ticket, run to this one!
There are more shows currently on Broadway that I haven’t seen but expect to see. These include Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salongo, straight play John Proctor is the Villain starring Sadie Sink from Stranger Things, straight play Call Me Izzy starring Jean Smart of Hacks, and straight play The Picture of Dorian Gray starring Sarah Snook of Succession (also nominated for a Tony for her performance).
There are others I don’t expect to see. These include Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal with ticket prices to match their notoriety; Glengarry Glen Ross starring Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, and Bill Burr; Redwood starring Idina Menzel; The Last Five Years starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren; Operation Mincemeat, which transferred from London; straight play Purpose; and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a stage version (not a musical) based on the TV series.
Even standing in the pouring rain (im)patiently waiting for the massive wooden doors to open could not diminish my anticipation of walking through those doors into the newly redesigned Frick Museum, housed in the magnificent Beaux-Arts mansion on Manhattan’s upper Fifth Avenue close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The mansion was originally envisioned by Henry Clay Frick (1849-1914) as his home and a showplace for his art collection.
Reception Hall at The Frick Collection. Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection.
Called The Frick Collection, it includes some of the world’s most renowned and beloved paintings from the Renaissance through the late 19th century. The building itself is a world treasure. It’s a throwback to the Gilded Age of American capitalists who accumulated vast fortunes prior to the imposition of Federal income taxes and spent those fortunes on magnificent homes filled with even more magnificent treasures.
We owe a great gratitude to Frick for his vision of sharing his art with the public, perhaps taking a playbill from the philanthropy of his friend and business associate, Andrew Carnegie, during the years before their historic split.
The Walnut Room at The Frick Collection. Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection.
While this redesign of the building isn’t the first enlargement since the mansion was built to incorporate the growing collection and the Frick Art Research Library, it’s the most extensive redesign.
Officials say, “The mission of the Frick Art Research Library is to provide public access to materials and programs focused on the study of fine and decorative arts created in the European tradition from the fourth through the twentieth century, as well as art from around the world that has been influenced by, or had an influence on, this tradition. The library serves an international research community and supports scholarly and programmatic initiatives throughout The Frick Collection.”
Frick was born into a Mennonite family in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. His family’s farm was very near the center of the famous Pennsylvania coal fields that eventually launched his career as a major player in the golden age of American industrialists. His entrepreneurial spirit catapulted him into becoming one of the shining stars of the age.
His love of art and accumulation of works was a driving force early on. When he moved his family to New York City from Pittsburgh and commissioned his home on the upper east side of Manhattan, it was constructed with the commendable idea of being turned into a museum after he and his family passed.
The Rembrandt Self-Portrait at The Frick Collection. Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection.
The scope of 19th and 20th century masterworks and objets d’art that Frick was able to accumulate is mind-boggling for one private collector. The collection is vast but the standouts are the revealing self portraits of Rembrandt and the three canvases out of the 34 paintings in total attributed to Johannes Vermeer.
There are works by Titian, William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, George Romney, John Constable, Francisco de Goya, El Greco, and the Flemish school of portrait paintings. There is a series of Joseph Mallord William Turner’s landscapes and seascapes and the masterwork painting of St. Francis in the Desert by Giovanni Bellini. Hanging side by side are Paolo Veronese’s duel immense canvases of allegorical scenes of virtue and vice.
“St. Francis in the Desert” by Giovanni Bellini at The Frick Collection. Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection.
Scattered throughout the museum on intricately carved wooden tables and chests are spectacular bronze statues and amazing flower arrangements that are reminiscent of the bouquets that were on display when the museum first opened in 1935. This time, however, the arrangements are porcelain flowers created by sculptor Vladimir Kanevsky.
“the Dance of Time” at The Frick Collection. Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection.
Now on display on the previously “closed to visitors” second floor, there is a room dedicated to spectacular clocks and watches, another to medals. Chinese, German, and French porcelain ceramics have a dedicated room with more “seeming to float off the wall” at the first floor Portico Gallery opposite the windows facing the Fifth Avenue Garden.
A must stop at the center of the first floor is the Garden Court that offers a calm respite to the overwhelming grandeur of the museum’s contents.
The Boucher Room at The Frick Collection. Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection.
Also on the first floor is the Jean-Honore Fragonard room, whose walls are covered with the well-known panels of frolicking lovers entitled “The Progress of Love.” This work was commissioned by Madame du Barry herself, the last mistress of Henry XV of France.
But the voluptuous Rococo pastoral scenes on the second floor painted by François Boucher stole my heart. The Boucher room was originally the bedroom of Frick’s wife, Adelaide, and you can only imagine the delight she took in being surrounded by these alluring scenes of love and romance.
Next is the Impressionist room featuring works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet, and Edgar Degas. The second floor also sports a Museum Shop and a soon-to-be-opened café, neither of which existed prior to the restoration.
While wandering through the galleries, it isn’t hard to imagine Frick, his family, and friends enjoying the fruits of his wealth and his supreme good taste. It’s wonderful that the public is able to visit this jewel of a museum just as Frick always intended.
The world’s busiest airport? According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, it’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which also won that “honor” last year.
More potential tourist taxes. This time, it’s Norway. A bill is being considered that would add a 3% tourist tax on hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites.
Advice: don’t convert currency to USD! When you pay for something with a credit card in another country, DO NOT choose to pay in U.S. dollars. If you do, the merchant can choose a higher conversion rate, which means you will end up paying more. ALWAYS choose to pay in the local currency (especially if your credit card doesn’t charge you for conversions), and if your hotel or restaurant has automatically converted your bill, ask them to change it.
Power outage. A massive power outage in Spain and Portugal on Monday is mostly over now. But hospitals had to operate via generator, and public transportation ceased, while streetlights were also out.
CitizenM hotels. Marriott has bought out citizenM hotels, which has 36 properties across the globe.
Detail of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
A selfie-free zone? That’s what Barcelona is doing at Sagrada Familia to curb the number of tourists and influencers taking selfies in front of the Gaudi landmark.
Free in-flight WiFi? Yes! Starting next year, WiFi will be free on 90% of American Airlines’ fleet. This is thanks to a partnership with AT&T.
In other American Airlines news… The airline is changing its boarding groups. Read the details here.
Delta Air Lines news. Starting this summer, Delta will swap its 757s for Boeing 767-300ER on flights between Atlanta and Anchorage, and this route will become year-round.
Delta plane fire. Speaking of Delta, one of its planes caught fire at Orlando airport on April 21st before leaving for Atlanta. No one was hurt, but the plane had to be evacuated via slides.
United Airlines news. To avoid drunk passengers, United is instituting a new “huddle process” as of May 1st. If two flight attendants observe signs of intoxication in a passenger, they’ll huddle with the rest of the inflight team to decide if the person should be removed and denied boarding.
JetBlue and Japan Airlines. TrueBlue points can now be redeemed for flights with Japan Airlines! I highly recommend visiting Japan. It’s one of my favorite places on earth.
Bora Bora, Tahiti. Photo by Michelle_Pitzel.
Tahiti, anyone? If you’re traveling with children, you can bring two up to age 11 for almost free (just pay the taxes). This holds only from Sea-Tac Airport or LAX to Tahiti on Air Tahiti, and you have to book direct or with a travel agent on or before 12/31/25.
Pan Am-themed hotel. As part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, the retro-style hotel will open at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles in the middle of 2026.
Guaranteed late check-in? Is this too good to be true? Well, sort of. Hilton will roll this out next year. It will cost $40-$60 and can be confirmed up to 72 hours before arrival. We still don’t know how late guests will be allowed to stay, but that might depend on availability. Reports say that 10-20 rooms will be allotted for this, depending on the size of the property.
German teens deported. Two teenagers arriving in Hawaii from Germany were denied entry into the U.S. allegedly because they didn’t already have a hotel reservation.
Two of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
What’s happenin’ at the Pyramids? Like so many places on the planet, Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza are suffering from overcrowding. So the Egyptian government has launched a $51 million plan, but so far, it’s causing more problems. Camel tour operators protested the alternative access point and say the entrance is too far away, but authorities are threatening to ban any operators who refuse to move to the new area. Hopefully, they’ll be able to iron out these problems.
Cruise illnesses. Norovirus isn’t the only thing that can go around on a cruise ship. A Viking ship in Canada just had more than 30 passengers come down with an unidentified gastrointestinal illness.
Airbnb news. While I’m not a fan of the platform due to all the horror stories I’ve read, they’re making a slight change for the better: fees will be included now for total pricing transparency.
Airport lounge news! I’m excited about this one. The new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX is now open to Priority Pass members. The catch is that it will require a $35 top-up fee, but sounds worth it to me.
I don’t know where I have been the past 25 years, but I’m beyond grateful that I attended the Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre company’s 25th anniversary celebration and performance of the World Premiere of Awaken at “New York Live Arts.”
This 2-½ hour tour de force left me, as well as the sold out audience, breathless. Although I was unable to attend the Gala Reception following the performance, the excitement and exuberance emanating from the crowd was palpable.
Incorporating new work into her 25 years of innovative, groundbreaking repertory, Amanda Selwyn has drawn together a spellbinding evening of dance in four parts entitled Awaken. It consists of: Questioning, Discomfort, Rumbling, and Integration, with each part containing segments of ensemble dancing, solo performance, and duets of outstanding complexity, athleticism, and cultural integration.
In addition to Selwyn’s company of outstanding dancers, Jojo Soul was incorporated into the performance-art. In such a cozy setting as New York Live Arts, the interaction between Jojo and the performers was intimate and engaging.
Jojo is a talented percussionist who occupies the dual roles of eye candy and accompanist. His presence on stage sets the pace and tempo for the dancers perfectly coordinated with the tonal musical forms that are attuned to the choreography. At times, it felt to me as if the music itself was dancing.
Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre. Photo by Christopher Duggan.
I have never been to a dance performance before where the dancers visibly responded to the emotional impact they were physically expressing, not only toward each other but to the audience as well. The females cast coquettish glances at the audience, and the men lifted their eyebrows, as well as lifted their dance partners, often twirling them high above their heads.
According to the notes in the program, Ms. Selwyn not only encourages but demands emotional interactions In her vision. Her dancers don’t just perform amazing movements with their bodies; they are real people engaging in real activities that they respond to genuinely.
The program opened on a dark stage with a lone female dancer, tethered to a construct of crossed fabrics – perhaps representing past and future – as the beat of Jojo’s pounding drums animated her movements. Slowly, the entire company joined her on stage, echoing her frenetic movements, which were both primal and hypnotic. The music pulsed from drums to violins to structured orchestral sound before returning to a single drum beat.
Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre. Photo by Christopher Duggan.
There were stunning pas de deux and amazing solo performances, but when the company performed together, it was truly magical. Their movements spanned from primal to mechanical and human to robotic. The choreography referenced numerous cultures and styles, including Asian, African, Hispanic, Jazz, and Hip Hop. I even thought at one moment that three dancers conjured the Hindu God/Goddess Shiva – the cosmic dancer.
The set designs by Rob Dutiel were minimal but used to absolute effect, and the lighting designer Dan Ozminkowski and costume designer Anna-Alisa Belous are definitely stars. I especially loved the back-screen projection of falling lights and the universality of costumes, but the original music performed by Jojo Soul and the sound design by Joel Wilhelmi were in a class above, as was the stage management of Gina Solebello.
The company’s dancers are Torrey Harada, Rehearsal Director; Manon Hallay, Artistic Associate; Ashley McQueen, Artistic Associate; Kevin Avila, Emanuele Fiore, Alexa Garzon, Gianna Guzzo, Misaki Hayama, Minseon Kim Jeun, Isaac Kerr, Madeline Kuhlke, Jack Randel, Ralphie Rivera De Jesús, and Oscar Rodriguez.
If you like dance that is transformative and emotionally engaging, don’t miss the chance to see Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre perform. It’s a night you will long remember.
I was lured to Sea Life Park by the idea of a Sea Lion Encounter … up close and personal with these adorable playful animals – a fellow-finned cousin of the seal. At the time, I was in Honolulu in search of a beach break. Even the glorious Pacific Ocean beaches can, dare I say, become routine.
Sea Life Park has welcomed more than ten million visitors over the years. This popular park introduces kids and adults to some fascinating ocean creatures, along with a focus on animal rescue and conservation.
Interested in Hawaii’s famed native green turtles? Care to swim with dolphins? See the turtles and swim with rescued dolphins at Sea Life Park. The animals at the park are a mix of rescues and others that have been rehomed through organizations like NOAA or born at the park. Interested in learning about penguins? The Park’s resident penguins are darling.
On arrival, I wandered around to check out many of the habitats … even the menacing sharks at the “Shark Cave Feeding Frenzy,” with talks delivered by enthusiastic, caring staff. I didn’t get to experience the Monk Seal Habitat, but Hawaii’s very own turtles were on my list.
A sea turtle at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo by Alan Viani.
The turtle area faces a breathtaking promontory in the Pacific – Manana Island. Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, are native to Hawaii, where the locals are duly proud of them. They are the largest hard-shelled sea turtles in the world, reaching lengths of four feet and weighing over 300 pounds.
This Park’s Honu Conservation Program has released more than 17,000 of them into the wild. As all of us gasped, these giants lumbered along on land before ultimately gliding into the water. (Note: pick up a plush stuffed version at their gift shop to take home, along with other souvenirs like surfing rash guards in Hawaiian prints.)
A dolphin leaps at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo by Alan Viani.
Then, Keiki (Hawaiian for children), their parents, and I gathered at an open-to-the-air auditorium to learn about the dolphins, who were all too willing to show off for us. On command, these sleek gray marine mammals leaped toward the sky, raced after a ball, and amazingly skimmed across their whole pool … all in front of an appreciative crowd.
Dolphins at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Sea Life Park.
The swirling dolphins flipped their tails, creating giant plumes of spray as they flipped in the air. Soon, their trainer opened her arms to grasp one close to her. You couldn’t help but love them both. It was 80 degrees with gentle breezes as our performers took a bow with a double flip.
A reef shark at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Sea Life Park.
I could have chosen to swim with the rescued dolphins or do a “Shark Snorkel” with white tip reef sharks, another Hawaiian native. But I preferred an on-land experience with the California sea lions, as the Park provides lifelong care for these rescues.
My Sea Lion Encounter at their compound included just me and three other guests, a Midwestern mom and her two sons. The staff was concerned about protecting these marine mammals who live both on land and water. We were to enjoy them on land.
A California sea lion at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Sea Life Park.
To avoid mishaps and not upset our new friend, Ulu Lani, a 16-year-old female sea lion born and raised at the Park, we took turns with almost everything we did. Soon, it was my turn to feed Ulu, tossing small snacks to her (raw fish ravenously appreciated), while her trainer/caretaker Stephanie gave Ulu both hand gestures and audible signals.
The author receives a kiss from a sea lion at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Sea Life Park.
We each got to pet our sleek new friend – a unique opportunity. I touched her skin (coarse and firm) and her rear flippers (rubbery yet bony). Each of us had a chance for a photo op (smiles mandatory) with Ulu Lani giving a kiss to each of us.
Some may argue that we shouldn’t get this close and engage with “performing seals.” That’s for each of us to decide, but the training allows caretakers to examine the animals to make sure they are okay physically. All I know is that too soon, our 20 minutes was over.
A California sea lion at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Sea Life Park.
We planned to stay for the luau, which my former employer, The Travel Channel, deemed one of the best around. It includes cultural exhibits plus a Hawaiian buffet dinner and a show. Whole families come for it.
Part of the package was getting a group photo. Groups eagerly posed, often in matching outfits, wearing their flower leis, a present from the park. It was a lovely memory of a day that – forgive me – had gone swimmingly.
IF YOU GO:
Sea Life Park 41-202 Kalanianaole Hiway, Waimanalo Beach, HI 96795. Ample parking. Open 10am-4pm; Aloha Kai Luau 5pm-8pm. You can stay at at the Beach Boy Lanai in the park after its close to wait ‘til Luau time.
Getting There: The park is about a half hour from Honolulu; the route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Signs note Scenic Overlooks all along. Huge pali (cliffs covered with greenery) rise along the Kalanianaole Highway – an added thrill.
They compared all 50 U.S. states across 5 feather-focused categories. They examined the number of Audubon centers and sanctuaries, bird species, endemic bird species, and birdwatching groups, among 21 total metrics.
Room to roam: California (No. 1), New York (No. 4), and Washington (No. 5) boast the most state parks, while northern states North Dakota (No. 39) and Minnesota (No. 33) take flight with some of the most wildlife refuges. Connecticut (No. 10) and New York lead in Audubon centers, providing prime perches for birdwatchers.
Fowl play: Iowa (No. 50) and Kansas (No. 46) land in the top half for conservation efforts despite landing at the bottom of the ranking. Joining them at the bottom but with some redeeming qualities, Oklahoma (No. 44) and Kansas offer decent bird variety, and West Virginia (No. 43) offers one of the best climates and good access to state parks and trails.
Flock together: Birdwatchers unite in Colorado (No. 9) and Virginia (No. 18), with some of the most birdwatching groups, while smaller states, Delaware (No. 31) and Vermont (No. 14), stand out for the highest numbers of birdwatchers per capita.
During the years when we lived in New York City, The Joyce Theater was an ongoing entertainment source for outstanding innovative dance performances.
Alvin Ailey was introduced to us there, as well as Elliot Feld and his never to be forgotten “Scara Brae” (recounting the little known story of the Neolithic Scottish settlement in the Orkney Islands that was abandoned more than 5,000 years ago). We also saw Asian big-drum and acrobatic acts, spectacular well-known ballet dancers from around the world in solo-premier engagements, and fell in love with Flamenco.
All that changed once we relocated to New Jersey and started to travel the world as luxury, culture/history, and gastronomy travel writers, sharing our experiences for all to enjoy and perhaps even follow in our footsteps. But what goes around comes around, and last night, we revisited The Joyce to be captivated by the Los Angeles-based company BODYTRAFFIC.
BodyTraffic at The Joyce Theater. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
The group consists of eight dancers who function as one seemingly boneless synchronized entity that displayed breath-stopping athleticism. Their rapid fire movements and obvious ballet training made them an easy receptacle for the challenges their creative choreographers dreamed up.
Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company has a diverse perspective on dance, including in its repertoire including ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Cuban, and hip hop. It invites talented choreographers to expand their vision of the transformative power of dance.
The first of three offerings for this performance was “Mayday,” choreographed by Trey McIntiyre, Creative Partner to the company, with costume design by Karen Young. It was a eulogy to Buddy Holly’s music and his persona – grey suit, white shirt with tie (cut off to expose midriffs), and his signature black horn-rimmed glasses.
A bright red toy airplane was handled by all the dancers as an object to evoke the impending death of a life cut too short. Each well-loved song was performed in a series of ensemble, duet, or solo performances as the red airplane entered in and out with the dancers.
The use of open palms smacking bare midriffs, intricate rapid footwork, and high energy movements with athletic lifts were the hallmarks of this dance.
“I Forgot the Start,” choreographed by Matthew Neenan, was the second number of the evening, using a series of songs by different singers and groups (some well-known and others not so much) – all working in harmony that “walks the line between joy and grief to illuminate the sheer relentlessness of hope.”
The unusual diaphanous costumes were designed by Marion Talande la Rosa. As in “Mayday,” all members of the company were dressed the same. This number was all about movement and non-movement, defining and punctuating the music through movement reminiscent of East Asia arm management.
Again, as in “Mayday,” each song was configured differently but in concert with the one before to evoke either joy or grief, but always with hope for the future.
BodyTraffic at The Joyce Theater. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
The final number, “Incense Burning On A Saturday Morning: The Maestro (2024),” was an ode to artist Ernie Barnes, an African American NFL player who achieved fame as an artist. He’s renowned for his unique style of elongated, larger-than-life characters momentarily immobilized on his canvas but ever straining to break free.
Choreographed by Juel D. Lane to original music by Munir Zakee, this number used projections of the artist’s vibrant art on a screen designed by Yee Eun Nam, behind which the dancers performed. In sync with the art of Ernie Barnes, costume designer Jarrod Barnes used individual brightly colored and asymmetrical costumes, including the woman in the yellow dress who appears in Barnes’s paintings.
The choreography brought to life the figures frozen in the paintings in movements reminiscent of the wild abandonment of African dance but mainly focusing on the interaction of the artist and the woman in the yellow dress.
I would be remiss not to name the incredibly talented dancers whose performance so delighted me last night: Chandler Davidson, Donnie Duncan Jr., Katie Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Alana Jones, Joan Rodriquez, and Jordyn Santiago. Every one of them was spectacular alone or part of the group, but a special shout out to Jordyn Santiago, whose smile and obvious joy in dancing lit up the stage. I loved this company and look forward to seeing more of their unique perspective on educating and entertaining.
