GREAT EATS!!! NYC RESTAURANT WEEK SELECTIONS (c) By Polly Guerin

NYC Restaurant Week’s 20th Year Celebration lets you select from over 300 restaurants in the Big Apple and a chance to sample some of the gourmet fare at some of the toniest restaurants in town. The price is right; three-course prix-fixe dining, Lunch $24.07 and Dinner $35. Monday to Friday, dining out till Feb. 10th. Book your reservations at nycgo.com/restaurant week. It’s the Best of New York my friends, read Polly’s picks of the week. Here’s the scoop!!!
FIREBIRD RESTAURANT once the fashionable home of a Russian gentlemen you lunch in the exquisite dining room adorned with exquisite china, crystal and family tokens and collectibles or dine in the library among shelves of rare Russian books and Russian Icons. As you enter you may expect to find turn-of-the-century St. Petersburg, instead you are on Manhattan’s restaurant row. Sample from 160 different vodkas, I choose Gold Standard and had a mouth-melting salmon while my companion had a meat specialty sitting in a delicious borscht soup. At 365 West 46th St. Tel: 212.586.0244. The gift shop is a treasure trove of unique Russian items.
LE PERIGORD, Restaurant Francais, is located in the tony East Side enclave of Sutton Place and for years I avoided dining there because it was so terribly exorbitant. Restaurant week opened up its doors to the ladies who lunch with a truly delicious sampling a la Francais. The Sole Anglaise Meuniere (Dover sole, lemon butter) was a gourmet treat while my friend had Rognons de Veau a la Moutarde (veal kidneys with mustard) an organ meat specialty that she raved about. The ambiance is chic, the service is pristine and the sun filtering through the windows warmed a rather chilly afternoon. The dessert wagon was tempting so I chose a truly exceptional berry tart with cafe espresso. Voila!!! 405 East 52nd St. Tel: 212.755.6244.
VILLA BERULIA Fine Italian Dining in Murray Hill section of NYC is a favorite local restaurant frequented by regular diners and welcomes many newcomers to its doors on the busy East 34th Street thoroughfare. The welcome mat is always open here and guests are usually greeted warmly and escorted to a table while waiters quietly bustle around carrying trays of delicious aromas. Italian fare is typical here, you’ll recognize your favorites, but even the simple spaghetti seems ultra special and the fish dishes do not disappoint, especially the salmon. 107 E. 34th St. Tel: 212.689.1970.
CUBBY is my dream answer as to what to do with my stuff as I make my appointed rounds in NYC. So instead of lugging heavy shopping bags or backpacks, suitcases or whatever CUBBY, a new concept for weary workers, daytime travelers, takes in your stuff and lets you unload those heavy things before going to the restaurant or other divine places. CUBBY, at 303 Park Avenue South @ 23rd St. is your bag check, luggage storage and personal courier all in one, open from 9am-10pm 7 days a week. Here’s how it works (1) Just walk right in to the store and drop your things off, or Cubby can pick your stuff up from you, wherever you are. (2) Cubby watches your things in a secure environment. (3) When you want them back, you can either: come back to pick them up or notify Cubby and they will send them right to you wherever you are. Prices: $7 small item, $12 large item, Pick-up or Deliver my stuff +$20. Holding prices are good up to 24 hours. www.gocubby.com Tel: 347.231.4159
Ta Ta darlings!!! I’m loaded down with bundles so I’m dropping off at CUBBY then I’m heading over to the Firebird’s Russian experience. Fan mail to: pollytalk@verizon.net. View Polly’s Blogs at www.pollytalk.com and click in the left-hand column links to the blog of your interest including: http://www.thefashionhistorianpollyguerin.blogspot.com.

RARE WORKS, THE BEST OF THE NEW YORK ART WORLD (c) By Polly Guerin

Where else in the world could you find such rare treasures as the Old Masters, Rembrandt among them, indulge your cultural senses at the Winter Antiques Show, revisit the view rare costume illustrations by celebrated artists of the Art Deco era? Only in New York my friends, it’s the very Best of the Art World right here in New York City. Here’s the scoop!!!
REMBRANDT’S WORLD: Dutch Paintings from the Clement C. Moore collection at the Morgan Library & Museum, presenting over ninety drawings by some of the preeminent artists from the seventeenth century, is a testament to the concentration of talent in the Dutch Republic during the Golden Age. Although the period is associated with Rembrandt, there were many other extraordinary artists working at the time including van Rijn and his followers Ferdinand Bol, Abraham Bloemaert; and Jan van Goyen to name a few. Image: A Bird of Paradise by Johannes Bronckhorst (1648-1727) who had ample opportunity to study the exotic taxidemied birds imported into the port city of Hoorn. Other works include portraiture, marine views, landscapes, biblical and mythological narratives, genre scenes, and the natural world fueled their creative imaginations and will encourage you to take a magnifying glass to view this rare collection. Image: Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691), Windmill by River, with a jetty in the foreground ca. 1640. Exhibit extends through April 29th. http://www.themorgan.org/.
YOUNG COLLECTORS NIGHT at the 58th annual Winter Antiques Show on Thursday January 26 is an exciting high energy evening for new collectors, art and design enthusiasts and emerging philanthropists. This year’s event includes an exclusive “Meet the Designers” reception with New York’s most illustrious interior designers, and Wendy Goodman, Design Editor of New York Magazine. A wealth of treasures on view include specialists in 18th and 19th century folk art paintings, 17th through 19th century American furniture, early American arms and armor, 20th century furniture and decorative objects, 20th century fine art and tribal art. The 2012 loan exhibition, Celebrating Historic Hudson Valley at 60: Rockefeller Patronage in Sleepy Hallow Country, marks the 60th anniversary of John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s founding of Sleepy Hallow Restoration, now historic Hudson Valley. At the Park Avenue Armory, 67th Street and Park Avenue, through January 29, 12:00 to 8:00 daily, except Sundays and Thursday, 12:00 to 6:00 pm. General admission $20. Young Designers tickets may be purchased online at www.winterantiquesshow.com.
COSTUME DESIGN: FANTASY INTO FASHION at LEONARD FOX RARE BOOKS is on view February 2-29 with a special ‘open to the public’ reception on February 2nd, from 6-9 pm. Early in the 20th century fashion periodicals reported on dance and theater, performers were known for their influence on contemporary dress, and original costumes designs offer insight into the creative process and the interconnectivity between the artistic fantasy of the stage and the dynamic commercial world of fashion. These rarely exhibited original works exemplify the rich creative exchange, international character and diversity of theatrical design documented by some of the most significant fashion illustrators of the Art Deco period including works by George Barbier, George Valmier, Charles Martin and Umberto Brunelleschi. At Leonard Fox Ltd., 790 Madison Ave. Suite 505. http://www.foxrarebooks.com/. T 212.879-7077.
THE ZIEGFELD SOCIETY/A WINTER MUSICAL BRUNCH is just the ticket to a Saturday afternoon’s entertainment of old world favorites, remembrances of the best of Ziegfeld’s songs on Saturday, January 28 from 1-4 pm at Café Loup, 105 West 13th St, just west of 6th Ave. Discard winter’s chill and plan for a delightful afternoon. Paid reservations are highly suggested. $30 members and $35 non-members. Pay online at http://www.theziegfeldsociety.com/.
Ta Ta darlings!!! I’ll see you at the Ziegfeld Brunch and I might sing a song or two myself. Send Fan mail, always welcome at pollytalk@verizon.net. To visit Polly’s Blogs just click on the link in the right hand column on http://www.pollytalk.com/.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY SHOWCASING ART AND ANTIQUES(c) By Polly Guerin

An eclectic mix of art and design, gallery openings and the American Antiques show all settle down in the Big Apple this week. It’s the Best of New York my friends, the very Best of Cultural Diversity to bring you indoors and warm up the chill of January. Here’s the scoop!!!
DUNCAN PHYFE Master Cabinetmaker in New York Renowned in his lifetime for his elegant design and superior craftsmanship, Duncan Phyfe remains America’s most famous cabinetmaker and the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a rich and storied tribute to his oeuvre. Born “Duncan Fife” in northern Scotland he immigrated to New York in the early 1780s where he apprenticed to the cabinetmaking trade. The earliest mention of his presence at 2 Broad Street (image above) occurs in 1792, when he was elected to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. In keeping up with societal preference in 1794 he changed the spelling of his name from “Fife” to Phyfe,” which suggested a more elegant, classical derivation. On view in the galleries are stunning examples of furniture, documented and firmly attributed and produced in the Phyfe workshop from Grecian style to English Regency designs and American Empire. Through May 6, 2012. http://www.metmuseum.org/.
THE WORLD OF DUNCAN PHYFE – The Arts of New York 1800-1847 at the Hirschl and Adler Galleries in New York City opens a multi-media exhibition developed as a complement to the metropolitan Museum of Art’s winter exhibit Phyfe as Master Cabinetmaker. The exhibit is comprised of work made by Phyfe and his contemporaries in New York City. This exhibit will succeed in expanding your understanding of Phyfe’s contribution to the world of 19th century fine furniture and decorative arts. Free and open to the public from Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and by appointment on Mondays. This show is a rare opportunity to purchase works of museum-quality to enhance one’s personal and work space with grace, beauty and distinction. Exhibition Though Feb. 17, 21 East 70 St. 212.535.8810.
THE METRO SHOW’s royal roster in the Collector’s Circle includes Mario Buatta, Ellie Cullman, Timothy Van Dam and Bunny Williams to name a few. The show introduces a strong list of prominent dealers at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street in Chelsea in a four-day showcase of art and antiques opening on January 19 to Sunday January 22. The Metro Show has expanded its range of offerings to include mid-20th-century design, ethnographic material, applied and decorative arts, photography, and modern paintings. The by invitation only preview is held on opening night January 18th from 6 to 7pm. The Public preview begins at 7pm with tickets are available at the door at $75. The show opens to the public Thursday, January 20 and general admission is $15 per person. For more info visit http://www.metroshowny.com/.
WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW Celebrates its 58th Year as America’s most prestigious antiques show with Six New Exhibitions and a Loan exhibition from the Historic Hudson Valley. This extraordinary venue provides museums, collectors, dealers, design professionals and first time buyers with opportunities to see and purchase exceptional pieces showcased by 73 exhibitors. This year, specialists in 18th and 19th century folk art paintings, 17th century through 19th Century American furniture, early American arms and armor, 20th century furniture and decorative objects, 20th century fine art photography, 20th Century American fine art, and tribal art join the Show in a wealth of venues to warm your collecting taste for all things beautiful and historic. The opening night party to benefit East Side House Settlement in the South Bronx is on Thursday, January 19th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For Tickets call 718.292.7392. The show from January 20-29 is held at the Park Avenue Armory, 67th St. & Park Ave., New York City. Daily admission tickets $20 can be purchased on line at http://www.winterantiquesshow.com/.
Ta Ta darlings!!! I’m making a dual pilgrimage to Duncan Phyfe and revel in the great works of the master cabinetmaker. Fan mail always welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. Visit Polly’s Blogs at www.pollytalk.com, just click in the right-hand column to any of the links that interest you.

CULTURAL EVENTS WITH A GALLIC FLAVOR(c) By Polly Guerin

Matisse: Harmony in Red

The Francophile influence in cultural events from films to exhibitions there’s a plethora of venues permeates with a Gallic flavor to warm up one’s intellect right here in the Big Apple. Its’ the Best of New York my friends, the very Best of cultural events in the world. Here’s the scoop!!!
PRINTING FOR KINGDOM, EMPIRE and REPUBLIC, Treasures from the Archives of the Imprimerie Nationale at The Grolier Club presents more than 200 objects spanning the history of France’s official printing works, whose origins date back to 1538. Drawn from the ancient, vast, and comprehensive archives this rare and fascinating exhibition documents the significant influence of the press, not only on printing and book arts, but also on French. Punches, plates and other tools of the trade share the spotlight among them the royal folios from the reign of Louis XIV and artist’s books by Bonnard and Miro. Through Feb. 4th. FREE admission. Lunchtime Tours January 17, 18, 19 at 2 pm. 47 East 60th St. www.grolierclub.
REEL FASHION at the French Institute Alliance Francaise and the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology hits the silver screen during the New York and Paris fashion weeks. A series of four behind-the-scenes documentaries about Fashion include Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, a witty portrait of Marc Jacobs balancing his roles as artistic director of his own American line and the French house. In The Day Before: Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld prepares for a show in Milan of Fendi Furs. For Proenza Schouler Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough prepare to debut their Fall 2009 line. A rich exploration of ELLE magazine is offered in Et ELLE Crea la femme (and Elle Created Woman). For more information and ticket prices for FIAF films visit www.fiag.org and The Museum at FIT, fitnyc.edu. Feb. 21 through 24.
CINEMA TUESDAYS at FIAF kicks off the 2012 Cinema Tuesdays series with Jacques Perrin: Renaissance Man, Jan 10th, with a selection of highlights from the veteran actor, producer and director’s career among them Jacques Demy’s delightful musical The Young Girls of Rochefort (1970) and the popular animal documentaries Microcosmos and Winged Migration. In February, the fashion focus includes Carte Blanche with Agnes b., an assortment of films hand-picked by the designer, whose wardrobe credits include Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. The lineup of Roger Vadim’s selections includes And God Created Woman, and Jean-Luc Godard’s Pierrot le Fou. Screenings are held at FIAF’s Tinker Auditorium. Members FREE, guests purchase tickets at www.fiaf.org.
THE STEINS COLLECT Paris was once the center of the cultural universe and to be invited to the Steins’ salon was a highly coveted affair. Pictured above Alice Tobias and Gertrude Stein in their salon in Paris. By buying works of art from artists at their crucial first years, the Steins’ befriended their creators and welcomed them into their homes along with the celebrated cognoscenti of the day. Gertrude Stein and other members of her family advanced modernism both in their adopted home of Paris and abroad. The Steins Collect: Matisse, Picasso, and the Parisian Avant-Garde exhibition unites some 200 masterworks once owned by these influential art patrons and provides a rare opportunity to view their collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Family photos, correspondence and other archival material enrich the experience. Through June 3rd. www.metmuseum.org.
Ta Ta darlings!!! I’m off to improve my French intellect taking in all these Francophile venues this week. Fan mail welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. Visit Polly’s Blogs at www.pollytalk.com and click on the links in the right-hand column.

THE NEW YEAR USHERS IN CULTURAL BONANZA (c) By Polly Guerin

While Auld Lang Syne reverberates with sentimentality and resolutions, 2012 ushers in a year rich in cultural diversity with a plethora of venues to fuel our intellect. It’s the Best of New York my friends, the very Best in New York City the cultural capital of the world. Here’s the scoop!!!
ROBERT BURNS and the CREATION OF “AULD LANG SYNE” a song that over time has become a globally shared expression of friendship and longing. The Scots world for “old,” “long,” and “since” combine a phrase that translates loosely as “time goes by,” “old time’s sake,” or, in some contexts, “once upon a time.” The old Scots phrase so gracefully evokes a sense of nostalgia that it has been embraced throughout the English-speaking world. While the song has become indelibly associated with New Year’s Eve, according to the Caledonian Club, it remains an anthem of friendship and remembrance. A centerpiece of the exhibition at the Morgan Library and Museum are rare printed musical scores, printed books and manuscripts, including Burn’s letters. Though February 5. An audio guide allows visitors to listen along as they view the exhibition. www.morganmuseum.org.
DIEGO RIVERA: MURALS FOR THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART reunites, for the first time in 80 years, five “portable murals,” freestanding frescoes with bold images addressing the Mexican Revolution and Depression-era New York that Rivera created for the Museum for his 1932-1932 MOMA exhibition. Working around the clock with three assistants, Rivera produced five portable murals,” large blocks of frescoed plaster, concrete, and steel that feature bold images commemorating Mexican history. For the 1931“Agrarian leader Zapata” image here, Rivera depicted the Mexican revolutionary leader leading peasant farm workers. Additional works related to the 1931 commission are also on view through May 14. MOMA 11 w. 53 St. www.moma.org.
GOOD HUMOR at the MET—Infinite Jest: Caricature and Satire from Leonardo to Levine on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art explores humorous imagery from the Italian Renaissance to the present, including sheets by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Francisco de Goya, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec along with artists James Gillray and Honore Daumier, Al Hirschfeld and David Levine. The works on display show how artists employed exaggerated faces and physiques, showed people as animals and objects. In the purest form these caricature—from the Italian carico and caricare, “to load” and “exaggerate”—distorts human physical characteristics and combines with various kinds of satire to convey, personal, social, or political meaning. Through May 4. www.metmuseum.org.
TRANSITION TO CHRISTIANITY, Art of Late Antiquity, 3rd-7th Century A.D. at the Onassis Cultural Center presents more than 170 exceptional objects on loan from Greek museums, Cyprus and the United States. These outstanding works of art, including recently discovered works that are being exhibited for the first time, reveal a period of extraordinary creativity in the Greek World in an era known as Late Antiquity. The exhibit highlights the vibrant and complex life of the Eastern Mediterranean during a time of reinvention and renewal. These poignant fragments of a long-lost age speak to us directly of what it was like to live through an era of might transition. At Olympic Tower, 645 Fifth Ave. entrance on 51st or 52nd St. Adm. FREE Guided Tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m. www.onassisculturalcenter.com.
Ta Ta darlings!!! Auld Lang Syne is still ringing in my ears so I’m wishing you all a Very Happy New Year with Health, Happiness and Inspiration. Looking forward to hearing from you. Fan mail welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. Visit Polly’s Blogs, just click in the left hand column for direct links at www.pollytalk.com.