Sunday in New York

Today was another busy, fun-filled day in New York. I met with my friend Mark and went to the sumptuous Sunday Brunch at the Waldorf, which was magnificent. After several Bloody Mary's and more food than I care to mention, we schlepped to the Neil Simon Theatre to see the Broadway show Hairspray. Based on the John Waters film of the same name, it was a high energy musical with a conscience. It was somewhat of a chick-show, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Standout performances included: Darlene Love (Motormouth Maybelle), Paul C. Vogt (Edna Turblad) and Naturi Naughton (Inez). In particular, I thought Diana DeGarmo (Penny Pingleton) was fantastic. As the popular runner up in American Idol, Diana was a breath of fresh air and really seemed to be the star of the show. At the end, the audience cheered enthusiastically for her, and the rest of the cast gave her a moment to bask in the glory of her very own audience appreciation.

Above: Diana DeGarmo: I've decided she's on my list of up-and-comers to watch.
Scenes from NY: Below left: Looking down Broadway toward Times Square, and below right: The Ed Sullivan Theatre: Home of the Late Show with David Letterman.

Below right: I just like this because it has a billboard for Wicked!

After seeing Hairspray, it was back to the Waldorf to change into something more formal for a cocktail reception and dinner for Dog Show breeders & handlers. Sponsored by the Nestle-Purina Pro Plan team, it was a fun evening. The event had a Chinese theme, with a wonderful authentic Chinese dinner, a live band, and delightful fortune cookies with "fortunes" extolling the virtues of feeding Pro Plan dog food. 73 of the top 100 show dogs feed Pro Plan, and it was clear from this weekend's activities that Pro Plan is a favorite! Photo below: Pro Plan Selects, with "Miss Peaches" on the bag.

Below left: There was one outfit in particular that really stood out from the crowd. This great dress custom made by Dolce and Gabbana with pink poodles all over it. Being a dog show event, she fit right in, and it really made a statement. In the photo below, Deb is wearing the D&G poodle dress, and with her is my friend Candy. Both ladies are proud poodle parents! Below right: Guests dine on the delicious Chinese food dinner and enjoy the live band and wonderful hospitality of Nestle-Purina Pro Plan.

After the Dog Show Chinese cocktail reception and dinner, a small group of us went to dinner at a great restaurant called BLT Prime, at 22nd and Lexington. It is a hip and trendy contemporary steakhouse with an outstanding variety of aged beef. In fact, we had an order of A-5 grade Kobe beef filet. At $50 per ounce, we thought it would be best to just order a small appetizer for the table. If you've never had A-5 grade Kobe beef, try it. Its amazingly tender and so delicious.
Below: This is what a $250 steak looks like:

My Sunday in New York was a perfect day. A little bit of everything, and not too much of anything. While this evening wrapped up the Westminster Dog Show related festivities that I am able to attend, the real show itself begins Monday. But alas my job awaits, so back to San Diego I go, but not without memories of a fun weekend in the city that never sleeps.
- Rick Rockhill