It’s come to my attention that the bears, and cubs, and otters, and wolves, and whatever other Patronuses we gays are using, are forming themselves into “packs.” What’s a pack, at least to gay men, and not animal behaviorists? Beyond it being a group of friends who go places and hang out, I’m honestly not sure, though I have a feeling that after this article is shared on the internet, we will all know a little bit more. [Read more…] about Are Gay Packs Really Just Cliques?
Travel Steal- Plantation Inn’s “Unforgettable Maui”
Although we are in the midst of a beautiful summer, the reality that it is almost over it setting in and many Manhattanites are looking to book their end of summer trips outside of NYC and somewhere just as warm and maybe even tropical. If tropical is the name of your game (and travel plans), then Hawaii fits the bill in terms of that and so much more. What’s even better is that The Plantation Inn, located near downtown Lahaina, is doing an incredible package that fits anyone’s budget for travel called “Unforgettable Maui”. What’s in this amazing package? Manhattan Digest shares the exclusive with you right here!
The “Unforgettable Maui” package offers guests a three night stay in a beautiful Lanai room, daily breakfast and dinner at the inn’s award-winning Gerard’s Restaurant. The intimate setting of the Plantation Inn is the perfect scene for a relaxing Hawaiian getaway, now accessible at an affordable price Other inclusions feature a great compact car to help you travel around the beautiful island!
All of this you can get for an incredible price of just $689! That’s beyond a steal from how I see it and sounds like a great time to be had with a loved one, friend or family. To book this incredible deal, click on this official link for more information. This is available until January 4th, 2016, so if you can’t make it by the end of summer you can try again when the weather gets cold and you need an escape from the freezing NYC streets! For all things Plantation Inn, check out their official site.
Happy Travels Everyone!
Celebrate National Watermelon Day Everyday with Haru Sushi!
There seems to be a holiday for everything these days, and one of my favorite types of fruit just celebrated one yesterday- the Watermelon! Yes, National Watermelon Day occurs on August 3rd every year, and one of my favorite hotspots for all things sushi and more celebrated in a big way with two great new options for you to try. Haru Sushi, which I have given a stellar review to in the past, just developed a delicious new Watermelon Roll and Watermelon Lemonade to celebrate the occasion and keep it going throughout the summer.
Want to know what goes into both to amp up your taste buds the next time you go to this fabulous joint? The Watermelon Roll consists of Snow Crab, Green Onion, Mint and Watermelon and is topped with Shrimp and served with a Lemon Dressing. Sounds absolutely fantastic! On the flipside of things, the Watermelon Lemonade has Absolut Citron Vodka, Ty Ku Silver Junmai, St. Germain Elderflower Liquer, fresh watermelon, lemon and thyme syrup. Kind of their own take on a spiked lemonade. Sounds refreshing and tasty especially with the humidity that we have been experiencing lately!
Don’t just take my word for it though! Make a reservation for Haru Sushi tonight and experience the watermelon explosion and so much more that they have to offer! With locations on Amsterdam Avenue, Times Square, Wall Street, Third Avenue and Gramercy Park, you leave yourself with no excuse about traveling when you can find one in your own area. Check out their official site for more information on hours, menus and so much more.
Happy Eating and Drinking Everyone!
Pops Goes to Queens-el: Sutton Foster and Pink Martini kick off the NY Pops Summer Series
The din of commercial airliners, normally an everyday occurrence for Queens residents, will be replaced by lush orchestral tones this Thursday and Friday night, August 6th and 7th, as the NY Pops make their debut at the Forrest Hills Stadium.
Steven Reineke, Music Director & Conductor
Sutton Foster, Guest Artist
PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine
Two time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster ,who played a sold-out concert with the Pops earlier this year, will return to the famed venue on Thursday evening. On Friday, the hip, undefinable group Pink Martini will share the stage. Both concerts begin at 7:30 PM.
Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor of the NY Pops, is looking forward to both the inagural season and to making the massive Forrest Hills Stadium a summer home for his orchestra. “It’s difficult to get into our concerts at Carnegie Hall; They are all one night only and they all sell out.”,Reineke said. “2800-2900 people get to experience a concert in the Hall. Now we have the opportunity to fit 50,000 people, so we’re loooking forward to bringing something great to Queens and the whole New York Community.”
In addition, the Pops concerts at the Forrest Hills Stadium will feature reduced tickets prices, as well as their “Kids In the Balcony” series. At each concert during their season, 100 free tickets are given to children in various NYC Public schools so they can experience a live orchestral experience at Carnegie Hall. 1,000 free tickets will be distributed at each concert this week. Reineke is especially delighted to welcome back Sutton Foster. “This is one of my favorite concerts we’ve ever put together,” he said. “She is such an incredible talent. Of course, we’ll be doing music from her Broadway career including Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie (her Tony Award winning shows) and some other Broadway tunes.” He added, “We’ll also include some Americana songs and music that was important to her in her upbringing. It will be similar to the concert that was performed at Carnegie hall, but Sutton has some new ideas up her sleeve.”
The ebullient conductor is also excited about reuniting with Pink Martini, who has worked with the Pops in years past. Reineke lauded praise on the group, observing that “Pink martini is such an eclectic group of musicians. I like working with them with a full symphony orchestra because their arrangements and orchestrations are integrated between their own band and our orchestra. Their music is from so many different parts of the world and is just so fun and lounge-like.” Reineke summarized the experience by concluding,“It’s always a party when Pink Martini is in town! ”
All 78-80 musicians will take to the stage and Reineke promises that the orchestra will not be a scaled down version. “We’re gonna have our full forces and show everybody what the NY Pops is all about!”
Reineke also touched upon the Queens venue, observing that “New York has not had anything like this in years and we want to make this the Hollywood Bowl of the East Coast,” Acoustically, it will differ a bit from the concert hall setting to which the Pops is accustomed. “There is little amplification in the hall, but in Forrest Hills, we’ll use microphones in order to make the proper mix for the sound.When you have really good sound engineers, as we do, it will sound lush, full, and beautiful.” For decades, the stadium played host to both the US Open and to music icons including Jimi Hendrix, Barbra Streisand, The Beatles, and more. In the mid nineties, it became too costly to maintain and the venue was closed. In 2013, after undergoing a 3MM restoration, it re-opened and has since welcomed Mumford and Sons, ‘Lil Wayne, the Zac Brown Band, Van Morrison, and others.
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Pink Martini’s founder, Thomas Lauderdale, took some time to speak with Manhattan Digest recently via phone about this week’s concert, his convictions, and what inspires him.
MD: This will be a different concert in the sense that three of Pink Martini’s leading ladies (China Forbes, Storm Large, and Meow Meow) will share the stage at Forrest Hills. What can audiences expect to hear?
TL: It will be a mix of various genres and each of the “three divas” of Pink Martini will bring their own distinct sound.
MD: You mentioned in a documentary about the group that “the purpose of music is to sing songs that inspire people, comfort them, help them fall in love, go through a divorce or (jokingly) vacuum.” What are the most unusual or craziest things people have shared with you about what they were doing while listening to Pink Martini?
TL: “Hang on Little Tomato” has become important for a lot of people because it has such an optimistic message of holding on. Whether it is someone who is dying or has a terminal illness or is going through a break-up, it has become an anthem of sorts. Music can be such a comfort in times of crisis.
MD: You also mentioned that the notion of being out and participating in the world is your idea of what life is. What inspires you to be out and actively participating in the world?
TL: Well, in the end, I am really optimistic even though there is a lot to be upset about in modern culture. For example, there’s a loss of grace and a loss of committment to beauty and I think that it has to do with television, computer, and iPhone screens. People are beholden to them and are less and less socialized. They understand less and less how to get along, which I think leads to a lot of problems. This is the reason why there are so many random shootings; People just can’t figure out a way to be hopeful and survive without going crazy. The things that really inspire me are projects that I know can really make a difference. For instance, I sit on the board of the Oregon symphony and I feel like there have points in the last five years where I’ve been helpful to the orchestra by keeping it afloat and watching it succeed. There was a period of time when I was the only board member advocating not to cut the orchestra. I stuck to my guns even though it was an unpopular view, but I was determined. It meant standing up to board members twice my age and standing up to the quote unquote experts and their set of ideas. If I believe that I’m right, I have to stick to it,stand up to them, and not give up solely because it is a lonely and tough fight.
MD: Well, you’re standing by your convictions which is a rare thing in this day and age.
TL: It’s hard, but I think that there is actually a lot of sitting down in our culture. Most people just don’t want to take a tough position because they don’t want to stick out. I feel like it takes an incredibly strong person to stand up when everyone else in the room is against you. It’s a real test to stay loyal when your stance is not popular or prudent.
Another example of that is when we played with the National Symphony in DC last year on September 11th. We performed a song in Arabic with the orchestra. I felt like that was an important thing to do because we didn’t just negate the entire middle east. We found something beautiful and promoted it. Those are the moments that really matter.
MD: Absolutely. Music has such a universal, healing effect which is what makes Pink Martini so special. It’s got such a cool, sophisticated way about it that makes you feel as though everything is going to be all right in the world.
TL: My most favorite aspect of the band that we have a crazy kaleidoscope of an audience which crosses all kinds of demographics. We appeal to conservative people, liberal people, older people, younger people. I’m actually working on a Middle Eastern album that would translate some of our current songs into Arabic. That is kind of thing that interests me in terms of “crossing over” and making the forbidden less forbidden
MD: Well, I’m really looking forward to seeing you and the NY Pops Forrest Hills on August 9th.
TL: It’s going to be a really fun show I think. It has to be larger than life because it is such a big space.
The NY Pops in Concert with Sutton Foster (Thursday August 6th) and Pink Martini (Friday August 7th). For discounted tickets to Foster, visit Goldstar: http://www.goldstar.com/new-york/events/forest-hills-ny/the-new-york-pops-with-sutton-foster-tickets
For discounted tickets to Pink Martini, visit Goldstar: http://www.goldstar.com/new-york/events/forest-hills-ny/the-new-york-pops-with-pink-martini-tickets
For information about the venue, visit http://www.foresthillsstadium.com
Manhattan Digest’s List Of The Best Hotels In Manhattan
In the two years of Manhattan Digest being an active and fabulous site, I have had the wonderful opportunities to stay and review some fantastic boutique hotels in the best city in the world. With the warm weather here to stay for quite some time, people are flocking to New York City to see the best of the best when it comes to restaurants, theater shows and of course places to stay. So look no further as Manhattan Digest is giving you the best hotels to stay in while you are visiting New York City or just need a night away from your place and want to indulge in some fabulous fabulocity. Check out our picks for what is best.
The Row NYC- 8th Avenue Between 44th & 45th Street
The Row Hotel, conveniently located in the intersection of Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square, has a lot going for itself. In our original article reviewing its location, we titled it- “Glitz, Glam and Pizzazz” as that truly is what The Row really embodies. There is a great sense of retro meets modern as you walk throughout the hotel, with their suites adorned with portraits from legends like Mick Jagger and Jerri Hall with really unique color schemes adorned throughout. Amenities are plentiful at The Row but a great addition to the hotel itself is its elevated food court experience called City Kitchen, which boasts an array of different types of companies specializing in all things delicious from lobster, pretzels, sushi and more. To see our original review of Row NYC check it out here, and for our review of City Kitchen you can find that here.
The 414 Hotel- 414 West 46th Street (Between 9th and 10th Avenue)
When you stay at a place that you know your time and presence there is valued, it makes you want to go back there again and again. The 414 Hotel is a great example of that. Located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, this humble abode reads like a bed n breakfast and a lovely hotel all wrapped in one. The staff go the additional mile to make sure that your stay is top notch, and the rooms itself are quite beautiful to stay in as well. During your stay I recommend going down in the morning for the wonderful breakfast they prepare as it gives you a great sense of community within the establishment itself. For more information on The 414 Hotel, check out our review.
Hotel Elysee- 60 East 54th Street Between Madison and Park Avenue
Hotel Elysee reads as “Old New York In The Modern Era”. If you are looking for something with a great sophistication and class, this is the one hotel you should stay at. Hotel Elysee is part of the Library Hotel Collection, which also features The Library Hotel, Hotel Giraffe and Casablanca Hotel, all amazing locations that are worth the try as well on top of Hotel Elysee. All four of these locations feature an incredible breakfast buffet every morning, evening reception with top of the line wines and cheeses, and many other great amenities. As for Hotel Elysee, with guests that boast from Frank Sinatra and Tennessee Williams, why not add your name to that list? Check out the original review of Hotel Elysee here and be sure to check out all of the amazing hotels in The Library Hotel collection the next time you stay in Manhattan.
The Kitano Midtown- 66 Park Avenue & East 38th Street
The Kitano in Midtown has a lot more to offer than your standard hotel that you can find in Manhattan. Being the only Japanese-owned hotel here, it adds several different facets to its already incredible hotel such as its “Jazz at Kitano” taking place each Sunday to its bevy of party selections that you can have there from a wedding, birthday party or even just a simple business meeting. On top of that, the rooms, hospitality and overall presence read as magnificent and it is truly an amazing experience for anyone looking to stay in Manhattan. Definitely one to check out! Here is the original review of this great establishment.
The Kimberly Hotel- 145 East 50th Street (Between Lexington & 3rd Avenue)
The Kimberly Hotel was an easy pick for us at Manhattan Digest in terms of being one of the best hotels in New York City due to having so much to offer that you really don’t need to leave its location. On top of the excellent customer service, beautiful and majestic suites with some incredible views from the balcony and so much more, The Kimberly Hotel also offers two wonderful restaurants and a great lounge-esque type location all in one. If you are in the mood for all things Italian food you can exit to the right and try Bistango. More in the mood for a Mediterranean night? Try Ibis. Just want a great place to relax with some delicious drinks and snacks? Take the elevator in the hotel all the way up for Upstairs. All three locations have something great and interesting to them that make the experience at Kimberly that much better. Check out our official review of The Kimberly Hotel here, along with subsequent reviews on Bistango/Ibis.
Happy Travels Everyone!
Dojo Izakaya- Japanese Meets Casual Meets Delicious
When it comes to living in New York City, the varieties of cuisines you can try and devour run plenty from one palette to the next. One type of cuisine that seems to run supreme throughout is Japanese, which was evidenced when I reviewed the beautiful & thought provoking Sushi Dojo a while back for this site (you can check that review here). I recently discovered that Sushi Dojo has a sister restaurant located in the Lower East Side as well called Dojo Izakaya. Dojo, which you can find on Avenue B and East 3rd, boasts a more casual dining experience compared to the elegant side that is Sushi Dojo.
Dojo Izakaya is a small and cozy space that packs a ton of really incredible food amenities that would work for anyone who loves Japanese food and will not hurt your wallet as all of the food is priced beyond reasonable (most of it is $10 and under). What’s even better is that you really get what you are paying for as the food is expertly prepared in small dishes that are great to be shared with your friends and family.
Some of the highlights for me that I highly recommend anyone trying upon their next visit to Dojo Izakaya include their Gobo Chips in the vegetable section of the menu. Gobo chips are essentially fried Burdock root with a spicy cod mayo. The Burdock root is tender and juicy with how it is cooked and the spicy cod mayo really adds such a delicious blend of heat to the Burdock itself that it really makes for a great starter course.
In their Kushiyaki section, otherwise known as skewers, I would recommend getting their Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Kalbi (beef short rib) and Guyton (beef tongue) as all are expertly spiced and seasons and cooked very well. My favorite was the asparagus as quite frankly you can’t go wrong when anything is bacon wrapped. Completely delicious. Their meat section also has a great variety of choices, one being the Gyozo (pork dumplings in a spicy broth). Normally with pork dumplings I get them steamed with a side of soy sauce, however having these marinade in the spicy broth really elevated the flavor of the Gyozo itself, making it a really wonderful dish. The Buta Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly) was my favorite dish of the night as it was perfectly cooked and tasted stupendously. What is great is that if you order all of these together and share it with a friend, the cost per person before tax and tip would be $15 per. Easy and great spend in my opinion!
They also have a wonderful line of Sakes and drinks available for your pleasure. For more information on the menu and Dojo Izakaya, check out their official site.
Happy Eating Everyone!
10 Years on a Natural Buzz: An Interview with FUERZA BRUTA’s Diqui James
People don’t often link rain, wind, ropes, treadmills, tribal drums, and overhead plexiglass pools to live theater, but thanks to the ingenuity of Argentinian director Diqui James, all of these elements combine into a 90 minute experience called Fuerza Bruta.
Earlier this month, the show celebrated its’ 10 year global anniversary. During that time, 5 million spectators in over 25 countries and 45 cities experienced this hypnotic jolt to the senses.
Since 2007, New York audiences have flooded the former, cavernous bank space at the Daryl Roth Theater in Union Square to see this non-traditional performance piece. Recently, Fuerza Bruta has added new projections and has teamed with Webster Hall to continue a Friday night dance party immediately following the late night performance.
To describe the production in words is to undermine it, as it is a show that demands participation rather than explanation. Manhattan Digest caught up with co-creator and Artistic Director James to discuss the show’s construct and the the cultural impact it has made around the world.
MD: Where did the idea for this show evolve?
DJ: It’s not easy to understand where the ideas came from, but the initial concept came from wanting the audience “inside” the show and to not use a traditional stage with seating. We wanted it to be more of a street theater or carnival or something celebratory.
MD: As I left the show, I couldn’t stop thinking about some of the scenes, particularly the one where a man is trying to crawl down a huge plastic tube while air is simultaneously being blown up the tube. Where did ideas like that come from?
DJ: (Laughs). We work as a team to make these things happen, but I don’t necessarily think of them as “ideas” so much as “impulses”. Ideas are more intellectual and metaphorical. I just want the audience to experience the action of running and crushing things and going through everything. Maybe now, after 10 years I can say that the world is moving and we have to move with it, but the origin is simply a feeling. It’s not really conceptual or trying to make a specific statement.
MD: Maybe I overthought it then? My interpretation was that the show symbolizes the disorganization and chaos of life, but maybe that was misguided?
DJ: No, No. It can mean something different for everyone, but I believe that if you start to overthink the concept, you lose the feeling. I have a problem when people over-analyze theater and think that it must have intellect and a lot of words. There is too much overthinking and Fuerza Bruta is far away from that. We believe in theater as a big celebration and that is something primitive.
MD: That is really a testament to why it has become such a global phenomenon; It can speak a language without speaking any specific language.
DJ: Yes. And I think that comes from a place of wanting to bridge cultural and economic classes. In Argentina (and around the world, really), we have a lot of differences between those who have money and those who don’t, those who can read and those who can not. From the time I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to do the type of theater that anyone can understand, not just the type that those reading Shakespeare would like. This is why the show has been so successful around the world; we have crossed cultural boundaries. We didn’t think we were doing something exclusively Argentinian when we started. We just thought we were doing something f—-ing crazy that had nothing to do with our country. Whether we are in Japan, Mexico, Korea, or India we see people, for the most part, understand perfectly what the show is all about.
MD: In the 10 years of bringing this show to a global audience, by now you have probably anticipated the audience reaction. Have there been any performances where you’ve been shocked by their reaction in a positive or negative way?
DJ: Not shocked, but there have been challenges. For instance, when we played in China last year, it was the first time that many of them had seen a show that was not Chinese and they didn’t know what to make of it. So we had to add some clues to indicate that it was okay to move and shout and clap. But in places like Argentina or Brazil or here in New York, people don’t really need any explanation to become part of the craziness!
MD: There is a tremendous amount of strength and stamina required by the performers and I’m wondering what training you need in order to be a part of this show?
DJ: Years ago, there wasn’t a culture of being physically fit. Actors were people who just stood on a stage and read lines or appeared in movies. Nowadays, it is hard to find a young actor who is not already physically fit. Everybody takes turns doing all of the roles in the show, so that is a great way to make it fun and keep it fresh for everyone.
MD: The music in the show ranges from a quiet, ethereal calm to tribal, raucous, party music. Where did the musical inspiration come from?
DJ: Gaby Kerpel, the composer, and I have worked together for 25 years. We understand each other. When I first started working with him, our meetings would be 4 hours. Now, we meet for 15 minutes because we just “get” each other. He is really into Native South American music. He works a lot with those sounds. The funny thing is that he is a small, calm guy and I often wonder where he comes up with this crazy music!
MD: What’s next for you and Fuerza Bruta? I assume you’ll continue the NYC show as long as people are coming, but do you have any other projects in the works?
DJ: Oh yes. We are touring this show in Asia, South America, and Europe and at the same, we are developing things for the street and festivals. We have a big outdoor event in Hungary, Budapest during an art and music festival. We are doing a 20 minute outdoor show five times a day. I like the controlled box experience of traditional theater, but I also love to be “out there” and create an atmosphere where people can become involved in all of the craziness! We are talking about some outdoor opportunities here in New York, and I hope that this year it happens.
Fuerza Bruta continues at the Daryl Roth Theatre (101 E. 15th Street). Tickets are available online or at the box office. $20 cash only rush tickets are also available at each performance. For more information, visit: http://www.fuerzabrutaNYC.com. For a sneak peek at the fun, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SvN4miHo3s
Theater Review: RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL
It is a herculean task to create a show that maintains a consistent humorous rhythm, but thanks to Joel Paley and Marvin Laird, this effort has not only been achieved; it has surpassed all the standards one expects in a musical comedy.
Ruthless!, which recently opened at the St. Luke’s Theater starts with a ludicrous premise and continues to get even more delicious throughout it’s well crafted, 90 minute duration.
Taking its cues from classic movies like The Bad Seed and Gypsy, Ruthless! tells the story of Tina Denmark (Tori Murray) a precocious elementary school child who is hell-bent on getting the part for the school musical, Pippi in Tahiti. Everyone loves Tina Denmark–or at least that’s what her prim and proper mother, Judy (Kim Maresca) believes. Sylvia St. Croix (Peter Land) , an unscrupulous talent scout (who might be the thinnest and tallest female impersonator to have ever ruled the boards) sweeps in, notices Tina’s incredible skills, and feeds her insatiable urge for stardom. When her dream role goes to Louise Lerman (Tracy Jai Edwards), Tina plots a path to her destruction. A variety of other characters, in true camp fashion, add to the already kooky blend of personalities.
Musical theater queens and nerds probably know that the role of Tina Denmark was originally played by a then unknown Laura Bell Bundy, when the show first bowed Off-Broadway in the early nineties. Brittany Spears and Natalie Portman were also cast as the show’s understudies. The “where are they now” mystery has been solved for the three aforementioned ladies, but it is exciting to see where Murray and Edwards’ careers will take them. Both actors in this current production are wonderfully attuned to deliver the deadpan laughs that the piece demands.
Ruthless! comes complete with Laird’s catchy music, a surprise cameo, and stellar performances under Paley’s direction. But wait! There’s more! Who would have thought that such an over the top comedy could deliver important moral lessons on ego and parenting? Leagues of savvy theater-goers–that’s who. Since the original production, the piece has found a solid fan base, where it continues to be mounted in regional theaters and playhouses around the globe. No doubt that the show’s construction and spirited energy are directly linked to the creative team’s off stage lives . Paley and Laird have been professional and personal partners for 38 years and opening night, they proposed marriage to one another. The only ones plotting destruction at that news is Rick Santorum and his ilk. Sorry, Rick. Love wins.
Where was I? Oh right! The show. Well, the only real question left to ask is this: Is it too unscrupulous to eighty-six someone for a ticket to the summer’s most entertaining stage comedy?
Ruthless! is now playing at St. Luke’s Theater on W. 46th street between 8th and 9th. For tickets, visit the box office or online: https://www.telecharge.com/Off-Broadway/Ruthless-The-Musical/Schedules-Prices
Celebrate National Scotch Whiskey Day With The Famous Grouse
New Yorkers take their variety of alcoholic beverages very seriously, especially when it always seems to be 5PM throughout the day. With today being National Scotch Whiskey Day (yes, it actually exists) Scotland’s favorite whisky The Famous Grouse has come up with two delicious recipes for you and your friends, colleagues and loved ones to enjoy. Check out the delicious concoctions they have come up with and for more information check out their official site.
The Front Porch Punch
Created by Eryn Reece, Death & Co.
2 oz Chai Tea Infused Famous Grouse*
.5 oz Lemon Juice
.5 oz Pineapple Juice
.75 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Soda Water
Using the chai tea infused Famous Grouse as the base, combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain onto fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with lemon wheels
*To Make Chai-Tea Infused Famous Grouse:
Add 4 tablespoons loose leaf chai tea to a 750 mL bottle of The Famous Grouse. Let sit for at least half an hour and strain desired amount.
The Front Porch Punch (Large Batch – Serves 5)
Created by Eryn Reece, Death & Co.
10 oz Chai Tea Infused Famous Grouse
2.5 oz Pineapple Juice
2.5 oz Lemon Juice
3.75 oz Simple Syrup
5 oz Soda Water
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl or large pitcher. Stir gently and top with lemon wheels. Serve in rocks glasses over fresh ice.
All The “Tea” About Bear Week 2015 In Provincetown
Ahh, summertime. The weather is warm, the Mister Softee trucks are everywhere, and the bears no doubt spend one fabulous weekend flocking to Provincetown, Massachusetts for its 15h Annual Bear Week which just occurred between July 11th through the 18th. Seeing as last year was my first year experiencing Bear Week in all of its glory (see more of that write up here), I decided to give it another shot with the full understanding of what I was going into. Last year was a lot to take in, and I’m not just talking about the variety of men at the PTown Inn Pool nor the Dick Dock (or as I lovingly refer to it- the gay Dunkin Donuts). I was aware of what the week had in store for me, yet this year seemed to be quite different from last year in many different ways.
This time around, I decided to relax a lot more and not stress the need to be at every single event and be out from 8am to 2am every single day. That concept can catch up to you pretty quickly and your batteries will burn out by day three most likely. The other thing I promised myself was to cook a lot more and eat at home as the restaurants (although fantastic) can get pricy and run up quite the bill for yourself by the end of the week. I kept both promises and had a much more laid back, not so expensive week that actually turned out to be quite the positive for me.
This year’s Bear Week was chock full of fun times, great parties and a wonderfully organized event that really made its 15th Anniversary one of its best years to date. The amount of men that came up this year seemed to have doubled from last year, and the general consensus that I got from this year like I did the last is that everyone for the most part has such a friendly disposition and really enjoys the level of getting to know each other at such a great capacity that it is nearly impossible for you to not enjoy yourself. Some of the fun events that I really had fun at was the Boston Ironsides Charity event, Comedian Peter Bisuito’s hysterical comedy show, Bear Week’s very own Furball, The Fireman’s Ball and of course the daily Tea Dances happening at the world famous Boat Slip Resort right on Commercial Street. Oh and anytime spent with my favorite guy George Unda (Detective Marcus Martinez on “Where The Bears Are”).
Before and during my time at Bear Week I was a member of the “Bear Week In PTown” Facebook page which sort of lost track of what the page was supposed to be about. Eventually it turned into a catty posting session of men being angry at each other for throwing shade about a “Did I Bring Too Many Clothing Options” post to the ferocious taking down of selfies that people would post on the page (myself included. Peter Griffin voice- GUILTYYYYYYYY.) The reason why I bring this matter up is I feel content like that would make someone not want to go based on a complete strangers reaction to a simple post that in the long run really shouldn’t mean too much. Is Bear Week overwhelming? To some, yes. Can you go the entire time without feeling that way? Absolutely. As I said in last year’s post, it really is what you make of it. I will say that if you do go alone it is is a little harder to penetrate (giggity) the field that is Bear Week, however as I ant to go nsaid previously there are so many amicable people there that it is hard to really justify any negativity at the actual event. Just go, find what is right for you, and enjoy the heck out of the entire thing. It is exhausting, exciting, liberating, sexual, boozy, hilarious and so many other adjectives all wrapped in eight days or less. It is up to you though to determine which adjectives you leave with.
Want to go next year? Check out the Bear Week page for official registration dates and more.