RICH CULTURAL VENUES IN THE BIG APPLE (c) By Polly Guerin

Astonishing archaeological discoveries, monumental art works, rich cultural venues right here in the Big Apple, plus Polly's Picks in restaurant and theater. It’s the Best of New York, my friends, the very of Best in New York. Here’s the Scoop!!!
HISTORIC IMAGES OF THE GREEK BRONZE AGE A breathtaking visit to the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, focuses on the work of Swiss-born Emile Gillieron (1850-1924) and his son who were among the foremost art restorers of their time. The installation of exquisite reproductions of the "Ladies in Blue" pictured above and “Throne of Minos” at Knossos includes original works and numerous watercolors. The restored frescoes created by the Gillierons’ are a tribute to their creative ability to recapture the past. Curator Sean Hemingway, an archaeologist in his own right, cites the fact that the installation draws from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s own collection of Gillieron works, which is the largest in existence. Immerse yourself in the exquisite terracotta and the dulcet blues that are as translucent as the Aegean Sea itself. Though November 13, 2011 www.metmuseu.org.
RYOJI IKEDA the transfinite Not to be Missed!!! Japan’s leading electronic composer and visual artist Ryoji Ikeda unveils ‘the transfinite’ an immersive sonic and visual environment that subsumes visitors within abstract expressions of digital information and binary code on a scale that defies comprehension. Breathtakingly provocative black and white projections are keyed to a tightly synchronized musical composition that explores how data defines the world we live in. At the Park Avenue Armory’s Wade Thompson Drill Hall, 643 Park Ave. at 67th St. For information and ticketing, visit www.armoryonpark.org or call 212.933.5812
A LITTLE JOURNEY BY RACHEL CROTHERS, Polly’s Theater Pick of the Week features a stellar cast in a heartfelt human comedy, circa 1918, when ten strangers on a train take the ride of their lives on a 4-day trip westbound for the Coast. The story unfolds with love and sorrow showcasing an eccentric and charming array of unforgettable personalities traveling on a Pullman style train in the round (very much like a merry-go-round) as it moves into different vignettes and the multi-faceted stories unfold with passenger interaction. At the Mint Theater, 311 W. 43rd St., 212.315.0231, www.minttheater.org.
‘ELSEWHERE’ Polly’s Restaurant Pick of the Week is affordable and quaint right in the heart of Theater Row at 403 W. 43rd St. Brunch is a value and the maple soaked French toast ($15) is divine. I had eggs Benedict ($12) and Coffee ($3) and a Rhubarb Cobbler ($7) that was as delicious as grandmother made. Libations are separate. Lunch is not pricey, nor is dinner. It’s a ‘find’ and there’s cozy dining in a little glass-ceiling enclosed garden room. Call 212.315.2121 www.elsewherenyc.com
Ta Ta darlings!! I’m going to immerse myself in “The Transfinite,” and define my role in the digital age. Fan mail welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. For Polly Blogs go to www.pollytalk.com and in the right-hand column click on the link to the Blog of your interest.