Eddie Varley Cartoon!

My New Year's resolution. (She even looks a bit like me!)

http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/sex_when_do_i_sleep_with_him/sassybean

I think this was done by Eddie! What a glorious picture!

I want this to happen to me in 2008! Adore, cartoon by Eddie Varley!

MATCHED IN MANHATTAN!

I wanted to give tell you to watch this clip! My friend, Eddie Varley is in this new show. He does the adorable cartoons of me on my blog and site.

Hope the show does well. I love ya, Eddie! Now, help me make one of my New Year resolutions come true. I want to find my mate in 2008! HA!

http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/matched-manhattan

Watch this and help my pal, Eddie!

xxoxoxo

The Nightlife Awards 2008!

A Corine pick event not to be missed.

212-307-4100
The Town Hall 123 W. 43RD ST
NOON TO 6PM EVERYDAY BUT SUNDAY


Scott Siegel Presents…The 2008 Nightlife Awards hosted by Bruce Vilanch! No acceptance speeches! All the winners perform! There is no other awards show like it. The press pick the best performances in the cabaret, comedy, and jazz clubs of New York, and the winners don't make acceptance speeches; they perform to show why they were chosen.

It's bang, bang, bang entertainment from the best performers in New York (arguably making them the best performers in the world!) and they're all on one stage for one night – for you! The voting is going on right now. Winners will be announced in January.

If you get your tickets now, you'll get the best seats available before the rush when those great names are published. Consider who has performed at the Nightlife Awards in the past and you'll get an idea of who you might see on the Town Hall stage on January 28th...Brian Stokes Mitchell, Elaine Stritch, Eartha Kitt, Raoul Esparza, Keeley Smith, Donna Murphy, Paula West, Kristin Chenowith, Bill Charlap, Alan King, Betty Buckley, Robert Klein, Maureen McGovern, Judy Gold, Karen Akers, Greg Giraldo, Ute Lemper, Jim Caruso, John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, Scott Coulter, Andrea Marcovicci, Tom Wopat, James Naughton, Cecil Taylor, Lea Delaria, and more!Celebrity presenters have included: Patti LuPone, Robert Altman, Liza Minnelli, John Selya, Tony Danza, F. Murray Abraham, and more!.

It's a show not to be missed! One Night Only!For more information call 212-365-4345 or go to SiegelPresents.comSchedule: Monday, January 28th at 7pm

HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES!

DEARDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDSDDSDSDS

I wanted to wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

2008 wishes by Corinescorner.com!

1. World Peace.

2. Love and an end to the current war.

3. Health.

4. Happiness.

5. Sex without the risk of AIDS!

6. A cure for all diseases.

7. Homes for the homeless.

8. A talkshow for me ;-)

9. More readers on this site!

10. A new location for Raku sushi!

Kisses and hugs,

Corine Cohen

New Feature: FOOD BLOGGER UNDER COVER!

Hello,

This was an idea from several readers. They wanted me to go undercover and report on restaurants when I was not expected. I did this today and what I found was very distrurbing.
During the past several months all my neighborhood, casual and affordable sushi hangouts have closed. I live on the Upper West Side. Lenge, Rikyu and Hunan Park are closed. I was looking for a quick bite before seeing a show at Lincoln Center. I should have stopped into Sushi A- GO- GO, but decided to try something new. I went to DAN Japanese Restaurant between 68/69th and Broadway.

The results were alarming. I had the worst sushi that I have ever tasted in my entire life. But, sadly everything was bad. I ordered a two roll sushi box which came with miso, salad and two rolls. The miso was edible. The salad was horrendous. They did not serve it with ginger dressing and the salad was filled with black pepper. It was terrible. I did not say a word. IT GETS WORSE!

The sushi: I ordered a shrimp roll with spicy sauce on the side and an Eel roll. The rice was hard. The shrimp roll was so small you could hardly see anything. It tasted like a rice roll.
This was truly the worst sushi meal I have ever experienced. It tasted like it came from Food Emporium before the end of the night. It was hard, stale rice with specks of fish.

I will never eat there again.

Dan Japanese Restaurant 68th and 69th and Broadway.

The O'Neill Festival. Marian Seldes!!!!

Marian Seldes- The nicest lady of the theater! (Maryann Lopinto photo)

The O’Neill Festival at Ten
10 Nights of FREE Readings, Screenings and Musical Events
Featuring
Zoe Caldwell, Charles Durning, Brian Murray, Natasha Richardson,
Marian Seldes, KT Sullivan and Barbara Gelb

The Playwrights Theater, sponsored by Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library’s O’Neill at Yale project, will present The O’Neill Festival at 10, ten days of free readings, screenings and discussions as well as a musical revue to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the O’Neill. From January 4 – 13 this O’Neill celebration will take place at New York University’s Provincetown Playhouse (133 MacDougal Street). Reservations can be made online at www.eugeneoneill.net.

The film retrospective begins January 4 with Long Day’s Journey Into Night, starring Katherine Hepburn and Jason Robards. Successive evenings will have Geraldine Fitzgerald in Ah,Wilderness! (January 5), William Bendix in The Hairy Ape (January 6), The Long Voyage Home with John Wayne (January 7), Desire Under the Elms with Sophia Loren (January 8), Greta Garbo in Anna Christie (January 9) and finally, A Moon for the Misbegotten with Jason Robards (January 10). All movie screenings begin at 7pm.

Jan 11 at 7:30pm begins the live performance aspect of this festival. Tony winners Zoe Caldwell and Marian Seldes mark the 10th Anniversary by reading excerpts from plays where America’s only Nobel Prize winning playwright draws on his own mother for some of his most memorable characters. The evening, entitled O’Neill: Playwright and his Mother will conclude with a post reading discussion conducted by Barbara Gelb, pre-eminent O’Neill scholar.

Since this is the Festival’s 10th anniversary, January 12 at 7:30pm marks the return of The O’Neill Revue, an evening of parlor songs and sea chanties, the same program which launched the festival in 1998. Cabaret stars Steve Ross, KT Sullivan and actor Kristoffer Poluha will reunite to sing the songs heard in The Iceman Cometh and Ah!, Wilderness. Tony winner Charles Durning will make a guest appearance. Also featured is The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus from Yale, where this biographical concert is performed annually.

In 1998, the O’Neill festival commenced with the purpose of staging the playwrights’ complete canon, in chronological order, 50 works in all. His first 17 have been staged to date as either readings or productions. In The Zone and Ile will be the 18th and 19th plays to be performed.

Do You Have Plans For New Year's Eve?

A SAKE SANGRIA- Corine's Pick!

Special Performance by
the latin Diva
Mirkala Crystal
Enjoy a Holiday dinner for two
(regular menu is also available)
Spicy Tuna Tartar wrapped with Avocado Crown and 9 pieces of Sashimi
with Two Rolls:
*Flaming King Crab Roll
*Volcano Roll
$38.00

Champagne Toast at Midnight and lots of fun!

ARTE CAFE! $25.00 or less before Tax and Tip!

My favorite dish! (3.9 out of 4 stars) A Corine's Pick!
Cavatelli con Sugo Di Cinghiale braised wild boar, porcini mushrooms and chianti wine.

Pollo Parmigiana with mashed potatoes. (3-4 stars)
Caesar salad. (3 out of 4 stars)

I am now starting a new column $25 dollars or less. In NYC, Dining is very expensive. So finding, a three course lunch or dinner is difficult to find for $20-$25 dollars a person.



Arte Cafe:
http://www.artecafenyc.com/html/plunch.html



I asked the waiter what is the most popular dish on the prix fix menu. . He suggested Pollo Parmigiana served with fedelini pomodoro. It was tasty and filling. It could have had a bit more sauce. The chicken, a Southern Italian favorite was prepared in a Northern Italian way. I would give it three out of four stars. They were accomodating and allowed me to try the mashed potatoes instead of the pasta. Sadly, the potatoes arrived cold and not satisfying but they did take them back and serve them at room temperature.

The salad was also three out of four stars. I choose the Caesar. It was the perfect size portion for a starter. My friend had a green salad. I tried both and preferred the Caesar.



The cost for this meal before tax and tip was $13.00. I would suggest a glass of the Redwood Creek Pinot Noir for $10.00 a glass (it was 4 out of 4 stars) the total would be around $25.00, but very good value!



Arte Cafe is a beautiful restaurant with a warm and comfortable feel. The atmosphere is inviting and charming. It is the perfect place for a romantic date . It has a romantic atmosphere. The food is good, inexpensive and satisfying and the staff are attentive and charming.
http://www.artecafenyc.com/html/flash.html


Pros: Atmoshere, friendly service, reasonable cost.

Cons: The potatoes were served cold: They did correct it when I asked for them to be served at room temperature. The dish came with pasta and sauce but they did substitute the potatoes (I was interested in another guests potatoes. Sadly, they were nothing special. My advice order the pasta. )

With wine and the other two courses the lunch would come to a bit under $26.00 a person. It was well worth it and I plan on going back soon.

They also have a prix fix dinner menu for a few dollars more and a prix fix brunch menu on the weekends with unlimited bellini's and champagne for an additional $10 a person.

A moderate place to take a date or a nice place to go with friends. You can also go there if you are attending the Beacon Theater as it is only a few blocks away.

Photos and written by Corine Cohen

Holiday Wonders is currently playing at the Beacon Theatre.

Dine For $20 Dollars Or Less!

Dear Readers,

Thanks for all of the letters this past year. In the past month I have recieved a lot of requests for places to dine that have affordable pre theater menus. I have decided to start a new column featuring places that have great deals under $20 for a complete meal.

First up: Arte Cafe.

It will be up later today.

Seasons Greetings From Corine's Corner!

Photos of Macy's window by Maryann Lopinto.

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

Party at Puccio Gallery.

Valerie Smaldone, Lucia Giudice, Adriana Toman, Amy Coleman

Italy is the #1 travel destination in the world, and many New Yorkers usually head to Toscany, or Positano.

But the next big thing in Italy is Calabria! Adriana Toman, proprietor of Foresta Sottana, from Calabria, Italy traveled to NY to meet representatives from the Italian American Community at the famous Puccio Gallery(the world famous Puccio Gallery (home to Picasso's, Calder's, Miro's, and Oprah Winfrey's favorite sculptor, Paul Puccio).

The link to the website is;
http://pucciogalleries.com/
for a reception thrown by Valerie Smaldone and Amy Coleman. The about to launch Italian American Channel was on hand, as was Corine's corner, of course!

Wine served by La Tunella, and catered by Broadway's favorite restaurant, Tony's di Napoli!
For information on this beautiful Inn in the still undiscovered region of Italy go to:
http://www.forestasottana.it/

http://www.tonysdinapoli.com/ -You must try his famous frozen bellini, it is my favorite sweet drink in NYC!

Photo by: Michael Portantiere

Jack of Tarts Benefit!

http://www.myspace.com/thejackoftarts

TART AUCTION and PERFORMANCE
at
The Cutting Room

19 West 24th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Monday, January 14, 2008, 8pm - 11pm
Donations appreciated. (Give you're wallet)
the debut production of
The Jack of Tarts - A Bittersweet Musical
by Chris Tanner and Eric Wallach
Music by Paul Johnson Directed by Eric Wallach
opening on January 31, 2008
at
La MaMa E.T.C.

The Jack of Tarts - A Bittersweet Musical is throwing a benefit party on Monday night, January 14th at The Cutting Room to raise money for its inaugural production at La MaMa E.T.C.
Manhattan chefs are putting their tarts to the test for a Tart Auction, led by Flloyd, that will benefit The Jack of Tarts - A Bittersweet Musical. Contributing chefs include: Matt Hutchins of Tompkins Square Bakery, Patty Jackson of Centovini, Tony Liu of August, Julie Taras of Little Giant. The cast of The Jack of Tarts will be performing numbers from the show including, Love Is A Slippery Slope, Today’s the Day and Tarts.
The night kicks off at 8 PM and performances will continue until 11PM. Don't miss this opportunity to quench your appetite for the musical that has everyone’s mouth watering!


Be the first to get the new Tarts!
For more information go to http//www.myspace.com/thejackoftarts

CHARLES BUSCH- DIE MOMMIE DIE!

Photos: Carol Rosegg.

Last Evening, I was fortunate to see DIE MOMMIE DIE, a second time. You need to see Charles Busch in the role. He is magnificent as Angela Arden!

The man is over the top and stunning to watch. You need to see his stares and facial expressions to appreciate his genius.

DIE MOMMIE DIE, is camp to the highest degree. It is a must see for people who enjoy camp and farce (and in this case B movies!)

DIE MOMMIE DIE is playing at New World Stages.

It is a Corine's Pick!

212-239-6200

This show is for adults 21 and over. There are some scenes that are not appropriate for children. The rating is five large enemas. (But Charles deserves five stars!)

West Side Story Finale- Gypsy Of The Year- Broadwaycares!

The original cast of WEST SIDE STORY:

Chita Rivera: Anita
Carol Lawrence: Maria
Mickey Calin/Callan Riff
Ken LeRoy:Bernardo
Jamie Sanchez: Chino
Reri Grist: Consuelo
With: Pat Birch, Genii Prior Charnin, Marilyn Cooper, Grover Dale, Carole D'Andrea, Frances Elizabeth Taylor Davis, Harvey Evans, Marilyn D' Honau, Gene Gavin, Bill Guske, Lowell Harris,
Alan Johnson, Ed Kresley, Ronnie Lee, Sandy Leeds Mulligan, George Marcy, Tony Mordente, Julie Oser McLeod, Liane Plane Marooney, Noel Schwartz, Gina Trikonis and David Winters.

To all of you, I salute you. The performance was award worthy.

Hoping they will bring WEST SIDE STORY back to Broadway where it belongs.

Photos: Maryann Lopinto
Comments: Corine Dana Cohen

The original cast of West Side Story

The original cast of West Side Story

Bob Saget, Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa!

SARDI'S WINS AWARD!

New York, NY, December 18, 2007 -- The National Museum of Patriotism, a nonprofit research center for exploring the development of patriotism through educational displays and exhibits, founded in July 2004 in Atlanta, GA, presented one of its 2007 Patriotism Awards to the legendary Sardi’s Restaurant in New York City at a special ceremony at the restaurant this morning (Tuesday, Dec. 18). The award was accepted by Sean Ricketts, great grandson of Sardi’s founder Vincent Sardi, Sr. and grandson of Vincent Sardi, Jr.


The award was presented to Mr. Ricketts by Nick Snider, founder of the museum which is dedicated to promoting the history of patriotism in the United States. This will be the 22nd Patriotism Award given by the Museum to individuals, organizations and corporations who have demonstrated their loyalty and allegiance to the United States through their deeds and actions. Sardi’s is the first restaurant to receive this prestigious award which is being bestowed to celebrate Sardi’s support of the American theatre and for becoming an integral part of the fabric of America ever since the restaurant opened its doors


Mr. Ricketts, who now manages the family restaurant, first began working in the Sardi’s kitchen when he was just 17 years of age. “On behalf of the entire Sardi family, I am thrilled to accept this award,” he said. Both my late grandfather and great grandfather were patriotic Americans and they, too, would be excited by this tremendous honor.

The National Museum of Patriotism is the only Museum of its kind in America and the Patriotism Award is the highest honor it bestows. The most recent recipient of the award was Brian Kilmead, a host on Fox Cable News’ Fox and Friends morning show. Other past recipients included Delta Airlines, U.S. Congressmen and other civilians who have demonstrated loyalty to the country through their actions.
In announcing the award, Nick Snider said, “Sardi’s is a great example of having a vision and fulfilling that great American dream. Broadway would not be BROADWAY without Sardi’s.

Photo Coverage Part 5. Broadwaycares Gypsy Of The Year!

Mr AHMAZING, Seth Rudetsky. He wrote Googie's hysterical number in The Ritz!
He is indeed a Broadway and Off Broadway treasure.

PUTTING ON THE RITZ- Cast of The Ritz!

MAMMA MIA- Madonna is fabu!!!!!!

Legally Brunette?

Legally Blonde -Costumes by MP!

Legally Blonde - Laura Bell Bundy- OMG YOU GUYS!

Whoever Madonna is (he is fabulous-) Mamma Mia skit




Photos by Maryann Lopinto!

GYPSY Of The Year- SPELLING BEE! Part 4 Photo Coverage Broadway Cares!

This number IS SO FUNNY!!!!!

The BITCH OF AGING! Sung and danced to Spring Awakening, which was great since they didn't perform in the show.

The cast of Spelling Bee do a skit on the BITCH OF AGING! Very funny! My favorite skit of the night. All of them were funny but this was in my top three.

Photos by Maryann Lopinto

Comments: Corine Cohen

GYPSY Photo Coverage- Part 3! Frankenstein!

Hunter Foster who wrote this hysterical skit! Hoping to see him on Broadway where he belongs!

Hunter Foster and cast members of Frankenstein
Leading Man Hunter Foster

The Off Broadway cast of Frankenstein

Photos by Maryann Lopinto.

Comments: Corine Cohen

I adored this skit. I found the writing to be very clever. Hope to see the talented cast of Frankenstein in a better production soon!

GYPSY PHOTO COVERAGE PART 2! Avenue Q!

HMS and Mary Faber

HMS and Mary Faber (And Rod)

The cast of Avenue Q including ROD!

Mary Faber, Howie Michael Smith, Christine Daly, ChristianAnderson

Aymee Garcia, Howie Michael Smith, Christian Anderson.

Avenue Q- 7:30 On West 45th Street

A hilarious number about tourists making traffic.

Mary Testa

Jackie Hoffman

Jackie Hoffman strikes a pose and shows off her Assets!




Photos by Maryann Lopinto

Comments: Corine Dana Cohen

Broadway Cares Photo Coverage Part 1- WEST SIDE STORY Tribute!

The legend- Chita Rivera!

Opening number: West Side Story

Chita Rivera and Carol Lawrence

Chita Rivera does the "MAMBO" It was breathtaking and made me want to dance on the kitchen table....

The original cast of West Side Story

Chita did a fabulous "Mambo" with the Gypsy dancers and I sat in awe of her grace and style. This number was breathtaking. If you can get a ticket today, you need to see this show. The opening was what the Gypsy Of The Year is all about. Passion!!!!!

You might even fight back tears as it was such a moving experience. It made me want to dance on my kitchen table!

Comments Corine Cohen

Photos: Maryann Lopinto.