DRINKS
A Civilized Watering Hole
Warm up with a classic cocktail at the Pegu Club—a new SoHo drinking den with low wooden tables, comfy couches, Asian-inspired decorative window grilles, and nooks for private conversations. Drinks are served with a collection of droppers—with ingredients like fresh lemon or lime juices, simple syrup, and bitters—so you can adjust your cocktail as you see fit. The lounge also has two circular banquettes for a semiprivate feel in a partially enclosed space.
BITES
A Taste of Spain
Lovely square-shaded chandeliers cast a moody light over the dining room and bar at Barça 18—chef Eric Ripert’s foray into Spanish cuisine with restaurateur Steve Hanson in the space that housed Hanson’s Park Avalon. The casual, elegant new look includes rich red and pale yellow banquettes, dark woods, and a large red, abstract painting above the intimate bar, and goes well with the array of tapas, Spanish wines, sherry, sangria, and cocktails.
Four Stars in Private
Thomas Keller’s well-reviewed Per Se is only open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. But you can have the place to yourself Monday through Thursday—the 64-seat restaurant is now offering private three- or five-course lunches.
South of the Border, South of Midtown
Whether you want to sip tequila or toss back margaritas in the boisterous bar, or have a relaxing dinner in the dining room, the new Rosa Mexicano near Union Square is a big open space, with cheerful decor—orange walls and water cascading over blue tiles and little figurines of divers (like the Lincoln Center outpost). The rear portion of the dining room can be closed to create a private space that seats 150.
CULTURE
New Look at the Old Country
With work that spans more than eight centuries, the blockbuster “Russia!” exhibition at the Guggenheim (up through January 11) features commanding historical portraits, gold-embellished religious icons, statements on Communism, and complex conceptual works. For special treatment, book a one-hour guided tour for as many as 20 people (for $160, plus admission), or beat the crowds with a private viewing for 20 or more guests with a trained specialist when the museum is closed to the public (for $40 per person). (For tour requests: 212.423.3636)
The Art and Flavors of Vienna
The Neue Galerie is showing more than 150 paintings and drawings by the early 20th-century Viennese expressionist Egon Schiele, whose distinctive style is pervaded by a raw, sensual mood. After the exhibit (which runs through February 20), head to the museum’s Café Sabarsky, operated by Wallse’s Kurt Gutenbrunner, which highlights traditional Austrian fare.
Teatime With Van Gogh
Relax with a leisurely stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is showcasing a collection of more than 100 of Vincent van Gogh’s drawings from collections throughout the world through December 31. The museum is also offering a special Dutch-style afternoon tea with a selection of 10 teas, served with choices of savories and sweets in the Petrie Court Café (212.570.3964) for $24 per person.
SHOWS
A Musical for Grown-Ups
The revival of Stephen Sondheim’s dark musical Sweeney Todd—a gory tale of a murderous Fleet Street barber and his piebaking accomplice—opened to raves. This stripped-down version uses only 10 actors (including Broadway vets and Tony winners Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris), who also play all the instruments. (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49th St.; Tickets: Telecharge.com, 212.239.6200; Group sales and meet-the-cast requests: Broadway Inbound, 212.302.0995)
Oprah's Choice
The musical version of The Color Purple—first a Pulitzer-winning book by Alice Walker, then a Steven Spielberg film—got mixed reviews for its premiere in Atlanta. But with extensive revisions and Oprah Winfrey on board as a producer, it could be a hit when it opens on Broadway December 1. (Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway; Tickets: Telecharge.com, 212.239.6200; Group sales and special requests: Broadway Inbound, 212.302.0995)
—Mark Mavrigian
Photos: Alexander Deineka, "Collective Farm Worker on a Bicycle," 1935, Russian Museum, St. Petersburg © Estate of Alexander Deineka/RAO, Moscow/VAGA, New York ("Russia!"); Courtesy of Pegu Club; Paul Kolnik (Sweeney)
A Civilized Watering Hole
Warm up with a classic cocktail at the Pegu Club—a new SoHo drinking den with low wooden tables, comfy couches, Asian-inspired decorative window grilles, and nooks for private conversations. Drinks are served with a collection of droppers—with ingredients like fresh lemon or lime juices, simple syrup, and bitters—so you can adjust your cocktail as you see fit. The lounge also has two circular banquettes for a semiprivate feel in a partially enclosed space.
BITES
A Taste of Spain
Lovely square-shaded chandeliers cast a moody light over the dining room and bar at Barça 18—chef Eric Ripert’s foray into Spanish cuisine with restaurateur Steve Hanson in the space that housed Hanson’s Park Avalon. The casual, elegant new look includes rich red and pale yellow banquettes, dark woods, and a large red, abstract painting above the intimate bar, and goes well with the array of tapas, Spanish wines, sherry, sangria, and cocktails.
Four Stars in Private
Thomas Keller’s well-reviewed Per Se is only open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. But you can have the place to yourself Monday through Thursday—the 64-seat restaurant is now offering private three- or five-course lunches.
South of the Border, South of Midtown
Whether you want to sip tequila or toss back margaritas in the boisterous bar, or have a relaxing dinner in the dining room, the new Rosa Mexicano near Union Square is a big open space, with cheerful decor—orange walls and water cascading over blue tiles and little figurines of divers (like the Lincoln Center outpost). The rear portion of the dining room can be closed to create a private space that seats 150.
CULTURE
New Look at the Old Country
With work that spans more than eight centuries, the blockbuster “Russia!” exhibition at the Guggenheim (up through January 11) features commanding historical portraits, gold-embellished religious icons, statements on Communism, and complex conceptual works. For special treatment, book a one-hour guided tour for as many as 20 people (for $160, plus admission), or beat the crowds with a private viewing for 20 or more guests with a trained specialist when the museum is closed to the public (for $40 per person). (For tour requests: 212.423.3636)
The Art and Flavors of Vienna
The Neue Galerie is showing more than 150 paintings and drawings by the early 20th-century Viennese expressionist Egon Schiele, whose distinctive style is pervaded by a raw, sensual mood. After the exhibit (which runs through February 20), head to the museum’s Café Sabarsky, operated by Wallse’s Kurt Gutenbrunner, which highlights traditional Austrian fare.
Teatime With Van Gogh
Relax with a leisurely stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is showcasing a collection of more than 100 of Vincent van Gogh’s drawings from collections throughout the world through December 31. The museum is also offering a special Dutch-style afternoon tea with a selection of 10 teas, served with choices of savories and sweets in the Petrie Court Café (212.570.3964) for $24 per person.
SHOWS
A Musical for Grown-Ups
The revival of Stephen Sondheim’s dark musical Sweeney Todd—a gory tale of a murderous Fleet Street barber and his piebaking accomplice—opened to raves. This stripped-down version uses only 10 actors (including Broadway vets and Tony winners Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris), who also play all the instruments. (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49th St.; Tickets: Telecharge.com, 212.239.6200; Group sales and meet-the-cast requests: Broadway Inbound, 212.302.0995)
Oprah's Choice
The musical version of The Color Purple—first a Pulitzer-winning book by Alice Walker, then a Steven Spielberg film—got mixed reviews for its premiere in Atlanta. But with extensive revisions and Oprah Winfrey on board as a producer, it could be a hit when it opens on Broadway December 1. (Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway; Tickets: Telecharge.com, 212.239.6200; Group sales and special requests: Broadway Inbound, 212.302.0995)
—Mark Mavrigian
Photos: Alexander Deineka, "Collective Farm Worker on a Bicycle," 1935, Russian Museum, St. Petersburg © Estate of Alexander Deineka/RAO, Moscow/VAGA, New York ("Russia!"); Courtesy of Pegu Club; Paul Kolnik (Sweeney)
Pegu Club
Barça 18
"Russia!"
Sweeney Todd
