Who's at the Front?

  You may wonder what Doctors and Restaurants could possibly have in common. Listening to an interview the other day with Joan Hamburg on WOR radio and Todd English ( the renown Chef) got me thinking. Joan asked Todd, "who's at the front?" What she meant was who "mans" the phones for reservations and the reception desk as patrons enter his restaurants? She commented on her frustration of calling NYC restaurants and only being offered either a 6pm reservation or a 10:30pm reservation. "Unless you use pull, getting into the "hot" restaurants is difficult", she stated. And she is sick of it, and so am I. In this economy, you wouldn't think restaurants would turn away business but surely this happens ALL the time. The first impression you get can sour the whole experience for the rest of the evening. I would rather go to a restaurant that treats me well from beginning to end, then go to a four star establishment that has an attitude.
  I think the same is true for Doctor's offices. I have always based a great doctor not totally on his intelligence, but rather who he intelligently selects to service your needs at the front desk. If you are sick and need to get in that day, or if your child needs surgery asap and you need a referral as quickly as possible, you do not want to be greeted with an attitude or resistance. So many times a doctor can be a great diagnostician, compassionate, and spend quality time with his patients, but his front desk exhibits a nasty attitude and/or impatience. In those cases, it is just too stressful to deal with the staff ,and I can't endure the idea of going back to a doctor if I have to do battle with his staff time and again. Usually, I will  let the doctor know of my experience because he is not aware about what is going on  "at the front" while he is in an examining room being kind to his patients.
  The point being - Joe Shmo should have the same rights as Tom Hanks, whether it is at the doctor's office or at the chic new restaurant down the block. Slots should not be reserved for those that the staff at the front deems worthy.A kind welcome should be extended to each and every person that walks through their doors. After all, they are both (the doctors and restaurateurs) relying on their income, reputation and popularity solely from word of mouth. They should keep this in mind-it should be their mantra. The customer (and the patient) must always come first-not the staff.  We are all created equal and thus, should be treated that way at all times. Treat others with the respect that you would want shown to you.

Diamond Deb

"Diamond Deb"-that is what my grand nephew, Grayden calls me. Yes, I totally confess. I am an addict of all things pertaining to jewelry. Since I was a very little girl, I have collected pieces. To this day, I actually own every item ever given to me. I can't wait to pass these treasures onto my daughters and future grandchilden. With a size 3 finger, I will not have to wait very long until they can proudly wear these heirlooms and have them be a perfect fit!
 And actually, I have no preference for high end real, fashion real that is moderately priced, costume, or low end trinkets. If it sparkles, I am enticed.
    Never a major fan of  Van Cleef, Bulgari, Hermes,Tiffany, David Yurman or Judith Ripka; I seek out pieces the rest of the world isn't donning. Don't get me wrong-I would not pass up a gift from one of those establishments. However, if given a choice, I would request a gift from Fred Leighton, H.Stern or Bochic. Emeralds and diamonds work......
    Some other fun designers that aren't as pricey and definitely worth a nod are MCL, Stephen Webster, Marco Bicego, Dana Kellin, and Ippolita. I DO feel that Bicego and Ippolita are expensive, and not necessarily worth their price. It also doesn't help that every suburbanite is wearing 7 Ippolita bangles to Shop Rite. That being said, I wouldn't turn away a gift from this designer either!
   At the next level of jewelry, which is costume but sometimes designed with genuine stones, there are hundreds of recommendations. Check out Jennifer Miller(store on 3rd ave,nyc),Alexis Bittar (Broome St., Madison Ave, Bleeker St), and Kara Ross(in Bergdorf and Neiman's), and of course, J.Crew.
   Finally, if you just want to bling up your outfit and only have 5 or 10 bucks to spare, run(don't walk) to Forever 21. I am totally serious. Their jewelry is amazing and everyone can find a great accessory piece for any occasion.
  Remember-you don't need to spend alot on clothes, shoes, or purses. Just put on that one fabulous pair of jeans and a great white shirt. Let that be your blank canvas for a sensational pair of earrings or an eye-catching pendant. Trust me-you will feel like a million bucks.

 

  
 

Christmas Dinner for the Jews and Barney's windows

Where do the Jews go to eat on Christmas Day? That's easy-usually we are all at a local Chinese Restaurant. This year we had a great alternative: We had a delightful dinner at Kutcher's Tribecca. It is located at 186 Franklin Street and just opened a few weeks ago.
   From the moment we entered the restaurant, it was a pleasant experience. The hostess station was welcoming and there was no condescending attitudes. At the bar, "Torres" was helpful and friendly and guided us through their innovative drink menu. We were seated on time, and at a lovely table. The decor was super cool and the restaurant has a great vibe.
   Now for the menu-it was an array of fabulous options: Salads, latkes, knishes, matzo ball soup, artichoke appetizers were all great starters.  Entrees included chickens, fish, short ribs, meatballs and many more choices. My family especially loved the skirt steak, mushroom and ricotta stuffed kreplach, and the pastrami/chopped liver platter with fresh rye breads! By the time we ended the meal, we all were too full to try dessert but judging from the rest of the meal, we are sure they will be delicious. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant. All in all, it was a terrific meal and lots of fun for the whole family. Go-you will leave with a smile on your face and a full belly!
       Next stop: Always a must see during Christmas Season, is Barney's Windows. Unlike Kutcher's Tribecca, this was disappointing. In past years, Barney's iconic window displays have never let us down. Last night, I am sorry to say, they did. The windows created by Dennis Freedman were frankly boring. Two of the three were exactly the same. The one intriguing window was of  Gaga's Boudoir which was created totally with hair. Very cool and amazing.....
     If you have a little time, stop by Lord and Taylor and Saks. Their windows are always a must see.
     Happy Holidays!

Christmas Weekend with the Family!

The best thing about Christmas for me is that I get to spend it with my family. If we are lucky to have a few days together, we try to combine a little cooking, do some dining out, and see a few movies along the way.  This past weekend our schedules cooperated for all of the above: the  homecooking, restaurant dining and some good,but not great movies.
  On Friday evening, we saw The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I recommend you go see it. I am probably the only person in the universe who did not read this book. Coming into the movie with no expectations, I felt the acting by Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig was quite good. The plot held my interest, but I feel it could have been edited better and would have benefitted from some minutes shaved. For those who read the book, my future son-in-law thinks you will be quite disappointed in the character development. But either way, you will be entertained.
   The second movie was Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. There isn't alot to say except that if you like action, and you like Cruise, you will have a good time. For me, Cruise's wardrobe and Jeremy Renner's wardrobes were a bonus. Watch for Tom donning an amazing blue suit, and a fabulous navy tuxedo.
   Paula Patton is also easy on the eyes. Check out her earrings in the formal evening wear scene. They totally rock! The fashion stylist on this movie wins my award.
    The third movie we saw: We Bought a Zoo. The general consensus on this was: stay home! Unless you are between the ages of 7 and 14-then you may enjoy it.
    Accolades to the little girl who played Rosie-she did a great job.
Finally, at 2 am last night(actually morning), I watched the best movie of my weekend. Grand Canyon, directed and co-written by Lawrence Kasdan, has always been a favorite of mine. This movie was made in 1991, and I can remember the first time I watched it was in a hotel room with my two girls and husband while we were away on vacation.
   This is a movie that explores race, urban life, and midlife issues. The ensemble cast of Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Steve Martin, Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodward , and a very young Jeremy Sisto (now the star of Suburgatory) make this a fabulous movie.  I recommend renting it if you have never seen it.
  So,as my weekend of movies comes to an end, I will quote Steve Martin in Grand Canyon:
                       "All of Life's riddles are answered in the movies."
  Stay tuned for our dinner in NYC on Christmas Day!

Shopping in nyc for women's fashion

First stop: Check out Monika Chiang on Prince Street. She has gorgeous woman's clothing, but her shoes are off the charts! I highly recommend her pumps and ballet flats(with a small wedge). Shoes are reasonably priced and gorgeous.
Second Stop: C wonder! location: 72 Spring Street. Great hostess gifts and many options. Especially like the Monogrammed cutting board. This is one stop shopping where you can buy gifts for everyone on your list.
Third Stop: Joes  110 5th Avenue. Best spot for velvet jeans in various colors. Lots of beautiful clothes and reasonably priced.
Fourth stop: Top Shop (Broadway and Broome) for great sequinned options: blazers and adorable tops which will make you the hit of the season. One piece is all you need. Check it out- go from day to evening with one amazing piece!

My Week With Marilyn

Bottom line: I liked this movie alot. The plot revolves around a young man, who becomes third assistant director on an actual film called, The Prince and The Showgirl. Eddie Redmayne plays the third assistant director who acquires this job, fresh out of college. The film stars Sir Lawrence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) and Marilyn Monroe(Michelle Williams).
  Unfamiliar with any of Redmayne's previous work, I have to say he was mesmerizing. He so adored Monroe and conveyed his attraction  perfectly. Michelle Williams turns out an academy award winning performance as Monroe. She portrays Monroe as a childlike woman, a goddess that is insecure and wants only to be loved. She plays a depressed, alcohol and pill dependent creature that is so tragic, she is hard to watch at times. And Kenneth Branagh as Sir Lawrence Olivier is just superb. He has no patience for Marilyn's antics but yet is infatuated with her beauty and abilty to light up the screen.
  Supporting roles by Dame Judi Dench and Zoe Wanamaker deserve equal acclaim.
Go see this movie-I think it is well worth the price of admission.

The Descendants

Reading stellar reviews for this movie, my family decided to go check it out on the day after Thanksgiving. Although, the acting was good (especially the actors playing Clooney's kids), the movie was not. Alexander Payne's previous movies, Citizen Ruth, Election Day, About Schmidt, and Sideways were far more enticing.
  The fact this movie revolved around a marriage that was failing and that was filled with unhappiness and infidelity was unrealistic for me. Suddenly, now that Elizabeth is in a comma, Matt(Clooney) the husband is shocked into wanting to "try again" at saving this marriage.
    And, if I had to look at Elizabeth's closeup, laying in a hospital bed, one more time, I was going to vomit.
The fact that Clooney and his children go to Hawaii, as they are about to "pull the plug" on their mother seemed ridiculous.
   The best scene in the movie is played by Judy Green, the wife of  Elizabeth's lover. Clooney's part is boring and for the best looking man in Hollywood, he looks like a shlump! So it is not even worth the price of admission to just have a look at him.
   Most people have enjoyed this movie, so disregard my opinion, and go see for yourself. Let me know what you think.