Strand Books Haul!

I've been on spring break from school this week, and happily had the opportunity to spend some time reading for fun. It's not often that I get to do that, so I took advantage of my vacation and quickly whipped through three books. Today, the weather here in NYC was beautiful, so I decided to make a trip to Strand Books to peruse the outdoor book racks. I picked up a few goodies, and thought I would share them with you.

Strand Books in NYC

If you're a book lover, you need to head on over to Strand. It is a magical bookstore with new books, used books, antique books... you name it! Inside there are three floors filled with winding shelves, but my favorite part are the racks outdoors. On those racks you will find a variety of different books for very little money. They can be about any topic, for anybody, and in any condition. Most of them are gently used, but I have found some that appear brand new. My friend once found a signed copy! The best part, of course, is that these books are priced at mostly $1-2, with some as cheap as 48¢!

Today I grabbed three books for under $4 including tax. How can you beat that?! The books I got are:

• Devil in the Details: Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood by Jennifer Traig – $2.00
• In the Bag by Kate Klise – $1.00
• Angels and Demons by Dan Brown – 48¢

I was so excited to find Angels and Demons for just 48¢! I really enjoy Dan Brown books, and haven't read this one yet despite it being the first Robert Langdon book. Once I found that gem, I headed straight to the register! 

I can't wait to read these books, and I hope to find more time to read as school starts up again on Monday. If you would like to see book reviews here on OpenLetter2NYC, please let me know in the comments! I would be more than happy to share more about what I'm reading with all of you. 

Be sure to let me know if you visit Strand Books! For more information on the store, visit its official website HERE.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival 2014

This past weekend I attended the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival with my friend Gina of CHARMNOMGO. I'm a pescetarian, and she's a foodie, so we knew this event would be both fun-filled and food-filled. Tickets were $30 each, but I scoured the internet and found a 50% off coupon code. Always do a coupon search before you check out online – it's worth the Googling!

The festival took place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, and featured dozens of vendors, speakers, and free samples! Gina and I walked booth to booth tasting out all kinds of vegan goodies. My favorites were the Three Cinnamon Tea from Pukka Tea, the Chocolate Macaroons from One Lucky Duck, and the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Cedar's. While we did fill up on samples, we also enjoyed lunch from La Crepe C'est Si Bon. I got the sweet crepe with fresh fruit and sunflower seeds. It was definitely delicious, but a bit on the expensive side at $10. My favorite crepe place in the city is Vive la Crepe, so I think I'll stick with them from now on (let me know if you'd like a full review!).

Sweet Crepe from La Crepe C'est Si Bon

In addition to the amazing food, there were a variety of other vendors at the festival. I love checking out homemade skincare, and was impressed with The Fanciful Fox's booth. If I didn't already have tons of soaps stocked up from Christmas, I would have purchased some. They also had lip balms, body butters, shampoos, and more. I'll be ordering online at some point in the future!

The Fanciful Fox Soaps

The most exciting part of the day for me was meeting the amazing Kristina of FullyRaw. I've watched her YouTube videos for months now, and she is just as sweet and bubbly in person! I really appreciate her taking the time to say hello and pose for a picture. If you're interested the raw vegan lifestyle, I highly recommend checking out her videos. I've learned so much from her!

Meeting Kristina of FullyRaw (left)

Overall, I had a wonderful time at the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival! This event only happens once per year, so make sure to visit the festival's website HERE to find out when the 2015 festival will take place. I'm sure I'll be heading there again! Until then, I hope to find other fun events to attend. If you have any suggestions, let me know in a comment!

Broadway | Bronx Bombers

It's rare that I see a play on Broadway (though if you're a new OpenLetter2NYC reader you may have been deceived by my recent No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot post). Nonetheless, I had the opportunity to catch the show Bronx Bombers yesterday, and wanted to share my thoughts as soon as I could since it's closing this Sunday, March 2nd. If you're able to read this post before the show is closed, I hope you find it helpful!

Bronx Bombers is a play all about the New York Yankees. A mix between reality and fiction, the story centers around Yogi Berra and journeys through the Yankees organization from the days of Lou Gehrig to those of Derek Jeter. Peter Scolari plays Berra, and is joined with a great cast of other actors including his real life and onstage wife, Tracy Shayne. If you are a Yankees fan, baseball fan, or simply a fan of the theater, I think you would have a great time at this show! It's funny, touching, and a solid play.

I did enjoy my Bronx Bombers experience, though I can understand why the show has had such a short Broadway run since opening on February 6th of this year. The story is a bit confusing. Maybe it's because I'm not a native New Yorker and thus not well-versed with all things Yankees, but I felt a bit lost at times despite the great acting. I think the show also struggled because the diehard Yankees fans that would enjoy the show aren't usually the first to head to a Broadway play. I will mention that the audience was an interesting conglomerate of retirees and teenagers, but perhaps that's the normal Wednesday matinee crowd.

If you have the chance to catch Bronx Bombers this weekend, I would recommend doing so, especially if you're a Yankees fan. (I know I've repeated that already, but it's true!) The show is good, and I'm really glad I had the chance to see it. Bronx Bombers is playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre, where every seat is good, and you're never more than a few rows away from the action. For more information about the show, check out the Bronx Bombers official website HERE.

Bite of the Apple | 9/11 Memorial

What: 9/11 Memorial

Where: World Trade Center

Price: Free, $2 service fee for online reservations; donations accepted

About: Visit the site of the Twin Towers to see the tribute built in honor of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. In the spring of this year, a museum will be opening at the site as well. Currently, the memorial consists of two reflecting pools, with the names of the fallen inscribed on panels around each pool. There are also informational computers that share more about the memorial, and allow you to locate a name on the panels.

Sweet or Sour: The memorial is a place for quiet reflection, and I would label it as somber rather than sweet or sour. The site is beautiful, and something I recommend visiting at least once to spend a few moments in quiet remembrance. The view of the Freedom Tower is also remarkable.

Seeds: I highly recommend visiting the memorial's website before you go, as there are several security regulations (understandably), and it's easy to reserve your ticket in advance. Also keep in mind that you will be going through airport-like security before entering the memorial, and that the memorial is all outdoors.

Core: If you plan to visit lower Manhattan, take the time to visit the 9/11 Memorial. The length of your visit is up to you, but the emotional experience is profound.

Official Website: http://www.911memorial.org

Broadway | Chicago

For whatever reason, I've never been too excited to see Chicago on Broadway. Maybe it's because the movie wasn't my favorite, or because it's one of those shows that will most likely be running until the end of time. That all ended this past weekend when I got the opportunity to sit in the third row and enjoy the action up close and personal. I'm so glad I finally saw this Broadway classic!

Most of you probably know a bit about Chicago already, but for those of you who don't, it's a musical set in the 1920s that tells the story of two murderesses both hoping to break out of jail and make it big as vaudeville dancers. Filled with big dance numbers, catchy show tunes, and scantily clad performers (leave the kids at home, folks), Chicago is lots of fun. I highly recommend it for NYC newbies who are looking to get the full "Broadway experience" for the first time. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my night at the Ambassador Theatre, but Chicago isn't the best Broadway show I've seen. It has that razzle dazzle (see what I did there), but there's just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. I will say that Bianca Marroquin, currently starring as Roxie Hart, is phenomenal. She is truly hilarious, and has a great interaction with the audience. The rest of the cast, including Bebe Neuwirth, is wonderful as well. Like I said, Chicago is a great Broadway experience, but now that I've seen it, I can cross it off my Broadway bucket list. 

I have no stage door tips for you this time, as it was just too snowy and cold the evening I attended. The door, however, is conveniently located just to the left of the main entrance to the Ambassador, which is definitely on the small side of all the Broadway theaters I've been to (with the exception of the Helen Hayes, where Rock of Ages plays). 

Chicago does have general rush at $37 per ticket, but this time around I actually stood in line for TKTS. You'll definitely get a better deal if you're up to the rush line, but I can't shed any light on where your seats will be located. I loved my third row seats! Any time I can hear the actors singing without the aid of microphones I get really excited! 

Overall, Chicago is a staple Broadway experience, and I recommend everyone see it even if you didn't enjoy the movie. You can get more information on the show's official website HERE.  

Bite of the Apple | Radio City Stage Door Tour

Welcome to the first edition of Bite of the Apple, a new series where I'll feature some of the tourist attractions that I visit around the city. NYC locals often stay away from tourist traps, but as a New England native, I love visiting the unique places that New York has to offer whenever I can. Back in March of 2011, I learned that it is okay to be a tourist sometimes, and I definitely still believe that today. Whether you're visiting the city, or simply looking for something fun to do, I hope you'll enjoy my Bite of the Apple posts!

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What: Radio City Stage Door Tour

Where: Radio City Music Hall

             1260 Avenue of the Americas

Price: $19.95 ($15 with your student ID!) 

            20% off coupon HERE

About: Learn all about Radio City Music Hall's history, as well as the theatre's unique features on this hour-long tour. You'll be taken all throughout the building, including areas such as the Rockette practice rooms, that are not typically open to the public. You'll also get to meet a Rockette as a part of the experience! 

Sweet or Sour: Sweet! I really enjoyed this tour! If you love the Rockettes as much as I do, this is definitely for you. I learned a lot on this tour, and really enjoyed it. Plus, my tour guide was very nice, and answered any questions we had honestly and to the best of her ability. The one sour point of the tour was not being able to take our own photo with the Rockette we met. Radio City, of course, wants you to purchase a print for $30 (twice what I paid for the tour itself). 

Seeds: This tour includes a lot of stairs. While our tour guide informed us that anyone who couldn't climb the stairs could take an elevator, you might end up missing out on some of the fun. Plus, the staircases are lined with great photographs, and even some Rockette costumes. Just something to keep in mind. 

Core: The Radio City Stage Door Tour is money well spent, and a great way to escape the elements for a while if NYC weather's got you down. 

Official Website: http://www.radiocity.com/tours/stage-door-tour.html 

Broadway | No Man's Land & Waiting for Godot

It was back to Broadway for me this past weekend when I finally saw my first shows of 2014! My friend was in town, and we made plans to rush No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot at the Cort Theatre to see none other than Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart on stage. Our rush experience was interesting – read all about it HERE – but we were able to snag front row seats to both shows. Was it worth the three hour wait in the cold? You bet! 

It might be helpful to explain a bit about how this Broadway experience differs from other plays. Instead of performing the same show eight times a week, the cast is putting on "two plays in rep" and performing No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot four times each per week. Audience members can catch both shows in one day on Wednesdays and Saturdays by attending both the matinee and evening performances. So if you're in town for just the weekend, have no fear – you won't have to choose one play over the other! 

On Saturdays, No Man's Land is up first for the matinee, with Waiting for Godot on at night. Both plays are quite different, yet have parallel themes running throughout. They're mysterious, they're funny, and they make you think. The experience of seeing McKellen and Stewart perform together live is truly magical. Along with cast mates Billy Crudup and Shuler Hensley, they put on a performance that demonstrates the art of acting to the fullest. 

I won't say much about each show as I don't want to divulge much about the story lines, but I will say that you will leave the theatre entertained and wanting more. Being in the presence of such renowned actors is a privilege, and I will always cherish my memories of seeing these shows from the front row, just feet (sometimes inches!) away from McKellen and Stewart. 

If you're wondering about the Stage Door experience, here's the good news: the actors all graciously come out and will sign Playbills. McKellen will pose for a picture with you (and Stewart allows you to take photos of him). The bad news is the barricades get filled up quickly, and if you've rushed the show you may have to sacrifice an autograph for the front row. Unfortunately we missed out on Crudup's signature, but got autographs from the rest of the cast. 

Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart signing Playbills

For more information on No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot, visit the official website HERE. The show is finishing its limited engagement on March 30, 2014.