Hill Harper Launches Letters to a Young Sister in NYC

In a curious turn, I attended an event that involved a major prime-time network actor.   I must confess that I have never seen any of his work as an actor. However, I've always been in awe of his role as a tireless advocate for young people.

Last night, I went to a book signing and reading by author, and actor Hill Harper from the hit CBS show, CSI: NY.  He made an appearance to promote and launch his latest book, Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny.  There was a standing-room-only crowd at Harlem's Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe to hear the lecture.

Hill Harper has been on my radar for a couple of years, but mostly for his stellar entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and mentoring accomplishments.  He first came to my attention, as a major investor in one of my favorite boutique hotels in New Orleans, International House. He also co-owns another hotel in the city, Loft 523, and has several restaurants in California.  In his off-time, Hill Harper volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles.

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NY Botanical Garden Presents: Moore in America +Slideshow

Henry Moore, Hill Arches (1972-73) is 8,800 pounds 18' in length and 12' high. It is now on display at the NYBG
I've never known the New York Botanical Garden to be a real hotspot for attracting crowds on a typical Memorial Day weekend.  However, with escalating gas prices, families seemed to have stayed close to home.  The NYBG became a daytrip destination extraordinaire, as admissions lines were long, parking lots reached maximum capacity, and people picnicked throughout the grounds.  Cloudless, sparkling blue skies, and blazing sunshine created the perfect backdrop for spending time outside with thousands of other NYBG admirers.

The "Moore in America" exhibition also opened on May 24 at the NYBG.  As part of the members’ preview weekend, I took in some (not all) of the show, courtesy of a guided tour given by a New York-based sculptor named Adrienne.  She led a group of us through five, of the collections 20 major pieces from England, now on display.  These magnificent works were positioned throughout the Garden's 250 acres and among its 50 gardens and plant collections and will remain on view through January 2009.

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Spring in Brooklyn- both bold and beautiful

 

I had an opportunity to take in spring this year at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.  This was the first time that I had a chance to see the cherry blossoms, magnolias, and daffodils in all of their glory.  The most unusual part was that it was 80 degrees outside.

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Urban By Design: My New Orleans Notes

Image: Tulane University

Yesterday, I received my quarterly alumni letter from Dr. Scott Cowen, the President of Tulane University in New Orleans. I'm still very much tied to the city, as evidenced too many times from posts on this blog. I've had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Cowen, when I was a student at the school. He is one of the most dynamic, personable, and committed administrators in higher education anywhere in the country.

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Around the Net: The Brooklyn Bridge Turns 100

One of my random photographs that I snapped a few months ago.  The Brooklyn Bridge as seen from Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in DUMBO.  The bridge turns 125 this weekend.  [AP]

A day trip to...Montclair, New Jersey

I had a chance to visit the hip, diverse, and beautiful Montclair, New Jersey for the first time on Saturday. The Essex County township, is known for its incredible historic architecture, significant arts scene, and an abundance of restaurants, a mere 12 miles from Manhattan . There were a few stops on the whirlwind tour before I visited my family in nearby Maplewood.

The first destination was the charming Watchung Booksellers to meet author Lori Tharps. Ms. Tharps is the author of Kinky Gazpacho, a memoir about her experiences in Spain, that the Washington Post raved is "an unforgettable and deeply affecting book." Earlier this month, Ms. Tharps made an appearance here in Mount Vernon, but I missed her due to a previous commitment. The event was at Harmony Designs Furniture & Interiors, the delightful home furnishings emporium at 115 South Fourth Avenue. Ms. Tharps praised both the gracious hospitality of Harmony's owner, Robin Harmon-Myers, and the gorgeous store. She described the "really great audience" who attended, and called it one of her best events! Ms. Tharps was really super nice, and it was a pleasure to meet her!

Next on the tour was a walk around Downtown Montclair, known as Montclair Center. It was a hub of activity, as people gathered to settle into outdoor tables that lined the several cafes along Church Street. The day was bright, and I had the perfect brunch at Raymond's Restaurant. It's a neighborhood institution known for its translucent pastel colored soda bottles. The chicken curry salad was as terrific as the service. Next to the wall menus touting their New York Egg Creams, was a large board that listed all of the arts events in Montclair- ranging from live theater, dance and a musical. Truly innovative.

Before departing, there was a brief detour over to Gimme Jimmy's Cookie Bar which has amazingly delicious chocolate chip cookies, and an abundance of other desserts, including red velvet cake.

A few doors away was Dolls in the Attic [47 Church Street, 973.746.3966]. I've collected dolls for many years, and their selection was pretty phenomenal. A wonderful saleswoman mentioned that they often stock Black dolls from France and Germany too, which are always top sellers.

Montclair was a spectacular place to spend a late spring afternoon. I look forward to returning one day.

Upper West Side: Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery recently opened an additional store on the Upper West Side on Columbus Avenue @ W. 69th Street. Its original West Village location, is well known for lines that wrap around the corner.

 

While the lines were not flowing out the door on Sunday, there was a standing-room only crowd, scooping up the famous cupcakes with the buttercream frosting, and other bakery treats.  One fun fact is that there are only a dozen permitted per customer.  However, one is certainly enough.