Izzy (and Mama) Eat: The Gourmand Goes To College...

Tales of Empty Nest and College Boy Eats.. The Next Chapter

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Don't Miss it !: Ernesto Neto: Art Appeals to ALL


Today is the last day you can catch this fantastical show at the Tanya Bonakdar Gallery.  This exhibit appeals to both children and parents.  Spend an hour or so exploring this unexpectedly enticing world of colorful nets, all suspended from the ceiling in unusual configurations.  We went last weekend and we didn't want to leave!  Make it an afternoon and spend sometime exploring Chelsea and all it has to offer.


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Great Theater in Our Own Backyard!: Beauty and the Beast



Right here in downtown Jersey City, Art House Productions is hosting the musical,  Beauty and the Beast.


Dining in OUR backyard before the show

 Izzy and I went with friends last night and were bowled over by the talent of the young performers, as well as that of the accompanying musicians.  Katie W. was cast as BELLE and she does a phenomenal job.  The exuberance of the other performers shines through the evening.  A great opportunity for theater right in our own backyard and a perfect way to introduce your kids to the wonders of theater. Tickets may still available for tonight's performance although it seems that the others have already sold out.  If you can't catch this production, keep Art House in mind for upcoming performances.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Day On The Slopes - Izzy Skis

A few weeks ago,  Izzy and I joined his great friend J. for their first skiing adventure.  We went to a nearby mountain, Campgaw in Mahwah N.J.   There, Izzy and  J. maneuvered their skis on the ultra-easy, gradual bunny slope, perfect for the smallest of skiers.  After their first hour-long lesson the two of them were whizzing down the tiny hill with ease.  Although this was a good introduction to skiing, Izzy was eager to try something slightly more daring.


 I researched some other local options and this weekend we tried Tuxedo Ridge, perfect for us because you can get there from Hoboken via the NJ transit train.  Not only that but the resort offered to send a van to pick us up at the station.

We set out early this morning with a group of Izzy's classmates.  Everything went according to plan and we arrived at the slopes by 10:30.  This time, I got myself a snazzy, warm ski outfit so that I wouldn't spend my day shivering, sniffly and miserable as I did a few weeks ago. I couldn't ski that day as I didn't have warm enough clothing and wasn't feeling up to it.  This time I decided to do it right.  I even signed up for a lesson, along with Izzy and his classmates.

Our instructor was a sweetheart and he patiently provided basic beginner skills, such as putting on skis, stopping and turning.  Izzy was bored at first as he was eager to get moving, but I appreciated the review.  You see I haven't skied in 20 years, since my days on the slope with my old beau Mr. B who was quite the daredevil skier.   Back then he managed to get me on the black diamond slopes even though I had very little skiing experience at the time. 

Shadowing Izzy....

It was exciting to be out on the slopes after all these years and today was the perfect day for it.  At first glance,  the bunny slope at Tuxedo Ridge definitely appeared more challenging than the one at Campgaw and it had a real ski lift instead of the "magic carpet"(which is perfect for first-timers or little ones but less so for Izzy).  At first I couldn't imagine that Izzy or I would even attempt this bunny slope but after I taught him how to zig-zag, I decided he was ready ( and I hoped that I could manage it myself).   By the afternoon, the two of us were gliding down the slopes with ease, Izzy following my trails and eventually going up the lift on his own.

Both of us were thrilled with the experience and hope to return to Tuxedo Ridge soon and check out some other nearby ski areas as well.

If you go:

Campgaw 

pros: Bunny slope is ideal for first-time or very young skiers. The snow-tubing area is right next to the bunny slope. Close to NYC.
cons: Lodge is noisy, loud music.  Food didn't look great, crowded, no intermediate ski-area.

Tuxedo Ridge

pros: Close to NYC, easily accessible by public transportation. Snow tubing, patient instructors.
Nice-sized bunny slope. Low-key.  Two dining options.

cons: Bunny slope may be too challenging for little ones (kids 6 and under may find it difficult without a private lesson or a parent to accompany them).

Also,  I recommend packing a lunch and snacks.  We spent very little time eating as we wanted to maximize our time on the slopes.