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Swedish troupe Cirkus Cirkörat BAM’s Next Wave Festival
Legendary Pixies celebratethe landmark albumDoolittleSpecial
Guideto Fall
Events!
Penélope Cruz Starsin Broken Embraces
NOVEMBER 2009 • NEW YORK • WWW.ENCOREMAG.COM
© 2009 Continental Airlines, Inc.
®
GET A MEAL,NOT A SONG AND
DANCE.
The competition has nothing to show but cutbacks. That’s not the casewith Continental. We’re still providing you with free meals at mealtime.
For us, it’s all about giving you good service, not dancing around it.For reservations and information, go to continental.com
or call 1-800-523-FARE. TTY customerscall 1-800-343-9195.
Still serving free meals at mealtime.
Is your aunt’s condition keeping her from doing the things she loves?At Partners in Care, we ask this question and more in order to provide the
best care for your loved one. We ask things like: Does she need help walking
in crowded areas? Does she prefer matinees or evening shows? Does she
have trouble sitting for long periods of time?
Your answers will help us find the home health aide who best fits your needs.
Combine that with an individual plan of care supervised by a registered nurse,
and you can be sure you’re getting the best care for your situation.
To get started, call 1.888.9.GET.HELP or visit PartnersInCareNY.org.
A part of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
with
CRAIG BALDWIN TINA BENKOBILL CHRIST MARK H. DOLDANDREW McGINN DYLAN MOORE LUIS MORENO DION MUCCIACITOMICHAEL POTTS STEVEN RATTAZZI STEVEN SKYBELL ELLIOT VILLARGRAHAM WINTON FINN WITTROCK
From WILLIAMSHAKESPEARE’STROILUS & CRESSIDA andTHOMAS HEYWOOD’SIRON AGEAdapted & Directed byBRIAN KULICK
Photo: Joan Marcus
Engagement runsNOVEMBER 6 thru DECEMBER 13
$10 TICKETS! SPECIAL PREVIEW OFFER!For performances November 6 - 22 Only!
This CSC Audience Development Initiative is made possible through generous underwriting byThe Angelson Family Foundation.
866-811-4111136 EAST 13TH STREET (BETWEEN 3RD & 4TH AVE.)
Artistic Director Brian Kulick Executive Director Jessica R. Jenen
Tues – Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2Additional Perfs: Sun, Nov 8 & Sun Dec 6 at 7
Bound for Broadwayhosted by Liz Callaway
Sneak peeks of five new shows
MON, NOV 16, 2009 8PM
TICKETS: $40
Broadway Close Up
NEXT UP: Gerard Alessandrini creator of Forbidden Broadway
MERKIN CONCERT HALL at Kaufman Center 129 W. 67th St.
ENCORE PRESENTS
Much AdoAbout Autumn
Encore
Encore Insiders
is your ticket to see some of the best performing arts
events for free. This fall, through our , newsletter
you could . Theater, dance, music,
film—the free performances change from week to week.
Also follow us at
win dinner and a show for two
twitter.com/encoremag.
Enter now at for your chance to win.encoremag.com
NOVEMBER 2009 NEW YORK •• WWW.ENCOREMAG.COM
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Tom Holmes
Lisa LeeKing
Olga Belogolova
Helen Cooper
Debra Griboff,
Melynda Fuller, Williams R. Cole,
Laura Scott, Brian Schimpf,
Mary Staub, Meryl Cates,
Sarah Shanok, Todd Simmons
John B. Fakorede
Katharine Sherman, Ben Voldman,
Janice Olson, Thea Karas
Erin Gleeson
Natasha Huang
Jonathan Valdez
Nery Solorzano
1
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tkts www.tdf.org
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TOP REASONS CLEVERTHEATREGOERS USEtkts®
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DON’T MISS PATRICE CHÉREAU’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION THAT TOOK EUROPE BY STORM.
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“1OO MINUTES OF SHEER PERFECTION” –Financial Tımes
“MOMENTOUS ACHIEVEMENT” –� e Guardian
“STUNNING, SHOCKING BEAUTY” –Telegraph
PRODUCTION PHOTO: ROS RIBAS/WIENER FESTWOCHEN
Leoš Janác ̌ek
FROM THE HOUSEOF THE DEADNOV 12, 16, 21 eve, 24, 28 eve DEC 2, 5 mat
metopera.org | 212-362-6000
SHOPPINGSHOPPING
The Holiday HostessTara Grey shares tips on hosting a holiday soiree!
BY LISA LEEKING – We’ve attended parties
our whole life. Whether it’s a special occasion
or a coveted NY guest-list only event in the city,
all parties must contemplate the same few things;
guest list, location, décor, food and drink. Since
the thought of throwing a holiday-themed
get-together can seem overwhelming, we turned
to Tara Grey, the Event Director at Alto, a Northern
Italian restaurant that was recently awarded two
Michelin stars. Combining Grey’s hospitality ex-
perience along with her baking skills, we thought
she would be the perfect person to offer insight
on planning and throwing a memorable party in
your home.
What’s the first step in party planning?
The first thing and most important is putting the
guest list together. So the night will be as drama
free as possible, make sure that your invited group
will get along.
I think themed-parties work best—finger
foods or cocktails—any other menu ideas?
Food themed parties are a lot of fun as well. If
you have a couple of friends that are in really in to
cooking and want to get together, you can do an
“Iron Chef” type dinner. With every course con-
taining one same item you really get to try a lot
of dishes!
If you don’t have time to cook and hiring a
personal chef is out of the budget, what are
the host’s options?
I love to cook everything myself, but I know that
a lot of people don’t have the time. One option
would be to order take out and claim it as your
own, or you could go to an area cooking school,
students are always looking for some extra loot!
> More online at www.encoremag.com,
including recipes of Tara’s original dishes
>
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Me and Orson Welles Explores Moment in History
BY HELEN COOPER – In a modern age when
the movie industry has taken over as the king of
entertainment, it isn’t often that we are remind-
ed of a time when theater was the biggest kid
on the block. Richard Linklater’s Me and Orson
Welles gives moviegoers a glimpse into a week
in 1937—a historical precipice that in hindsight
would act as the last gleam of theater’s reign before
tinstletown took strong hold in the 1940’s. In
the film, Orson Welles (who himself would ride
the movie wave four short years later, making
Citizen Kane, the film many critics regard as the
best film ever made) is presenting the Broadway
premiere of Shakespeare, a re-envisioning of Ju-
lius Ceasar.
After casting the determined young actor
Richard Samuels (Zach Efron) as Lucillus, Welles
(Christian McKay) proves himself equally
charismatic and cruel, a sort of svengali of the
stage, as he attempts to stake his place in the
world of directing. The movie gives viewers a
behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the
preparation of a theatrical production. It is as
much coming of age love story (along the way,
Efron’s Richard falls for Sonja Jones, a gung-
ho older production assistant played by Claire
Danes) as it is long poem to the theater. Movie
viewers have rarely been given this kind of a
peek into the world of the stage, and to grant-
ed access into a seminal moment in American
Theater.
Beyond the breadth and depth of the
historical context, the acting in the film is
truly captivating. Christian McKay, discovered
while portraying Welles in a one-man stage
show, is spot-on as the legend—watching his
passion and prowess is like being transported
in a time machine. Danes is infectious as the
unapologetically determined Sonja. And Efron,
most well known for his turn in the Disney fran-
chise High School Musical, is effective as a lead-
ing man.> Me and Orson Welles will be released in
November 2009
>
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Broken EmbracesPedro Almodóvar reunites with Penélope Cruz in noir tale
BY BRIAN SCHIMPF – With a movie within a
movie and many of his on screen regulars, Span-
ish auteur Pedro Almodóvar’s Broken Embraces
opens this month in New York. Lluis Homar plays
Mateo Blanco. Blanco was left blind and without
the love of his life after an accident. Soon after he
changes his name to Harry Caine, which had up
until that point only been his writing pseudonym,
in an attempt to kill his former self, Mateo Blanco.
Penélope Cruz, in her fourth film with Almodóvar,
plays Mateo/Harry’s lost love, Lena.
Living life actively, despite his blindness, Harry
continues to write screenplays while he is assisted
by friend and former colleague Judit (played by
Blanco Portillo who was previously seen in Almodó-
var’s Volver) and her son Diego. One night Diego
inquired why Harry has left behind his former self
behind and thus the story of Mateo/Harry , Lena,
and their automobile accident is told.
Broken Embraces gives a nod to the world of
film as we see the leads making a movie called
Girls and Suitcases. The filming sequences act
as the back story to Mateo and Lena’s initial
falling in love. Girls and Suitcases, coinciden-
tally, is purposefully reminiscent of Almodóvar’s
earlier work Women on the Verge of a Nervous
Breakdown,even being filmed in the same studio.
Almodóvar has said this was not to pay homage to
himself but simply to work with humorous mate-
rial freely.
In this same vain of using other films to both in-
spire his work as well as appear in his work, there
is a scene where the classic Roberto Rossllini film
Viaggio in Italia is being watched on a television
set. Almodóvar freely admits to using this particu-
lar device of setting up the theme of a scene by
using a classic movie is one of his trademarks. Like
the director’s earlier work, Bad Education, Broken
Embraces is heavily influenced by the stylish film
noir genre of American cinema which populated
theaters in the 1940s and 50s. Penélope Cruz’s
character is heavily influenced by the actresses of
this era. > Broken Embraces opens November 20
>
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Inside Out at BAM
BY LAURA SCOTT – This is not the circus of your
youth. Modern, multi-disciplinary, and narrative
in presentation, Sweden’s Cirkus Cirkör puts on a
show with acrobatics, theater and live music, telling
tales about the human body and the human heart.
They encourage their audiences to think about
pushing the boundaries, trusting, and opening up
to love. The current show, Inside Out, comes to
BAM this fall as part of BAM’s Next Wave Festival,
an annual collection of cutting edge artistry.
Inside Out follows two isolated, unhappy people
who, upon crossing paths with a group of strange
and magical circus performers, find their world
changed. The show celebrates the circus’ unique
view of life. Cirkus Cirkör’s founder and Director,
Tilde Björfor says, “To circus artists, taking risks is
an everyday matter…Hanging ten meters above
the ground suspended by only by one hand in an-
other person’s hand…In these situations you can-
not pretend.”
To create the dazzling spectacle that is Inside
Out, the circus directors and seven multi-skilled
circus performers push themselves to physical and
emotional limits. The action is set to a live sound-
track by the band Irya’s Playground. And the superb
costuming and staging prove there is much more
talent to this circus than sheer acrobatics.
“Tired of dreaming big and living on a small
scale,” Cirkus Cirkör is a success story for big
dreamers. Formed in Stockholm in 1995 with the
goal of changing the world, the troupe now chang-
es hearts and minds at their school of circus arts.
The director, Tilde Björfors, teaches at Sweden’s
University College of Dance. From Sweden, the
popularity of this theatrical circus has spread across
the world. The Inside Out tour will have them per-
forming 58 shows in 7 countries: Finland, Norway,
Germany, Russia, England, USA and France. In the
US, they play exclusively at BAM.
Inside Out is appropriate for ages five and up. It’s
an artistic goal that is both ambitious and generous,
and Cirkus Cirkör meets the challenge heartily.> Inside Out runs November 12–15 at BAM’s
Howard Gilman Opera House
>
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LESLIEMENDELSON.COM RYKODISC.COM
Featuring “Hit The Spot” song FREE on iTunes (6/30-7/6)
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This New York native is “a sensitive tunesmithwith an uncanny knack for infusing even her
darkest lyrical insights with a sexy playfulness”
- ENCORE ONLINE
The Mint Theater Unearths So Help Me God!
BY DEBRA GRIBOFF – Until it’s staged, a play is
just words on a page. But in the gifted hands of
The Mint Theater Company, “worthy but neglect-
ed” voices from the past are brought to life. Since
1997, the troupe’s invaluable mission has been
to discover, produce and preserve past treasures.
The celebrated company has given life to obscure
works by A.A. Milne, Thomas Wolfe and Edith
Wharton, whose powerful dramatization of The
House of Mirth, seen on Broadway for only two
weeks in 1907, earned a praised revival.
Next up is the biting backstage comedy So Help
Me God! running Nov. 18 – Dec. 20. Directed by
Martin Platt, the farce pits a crazed diva against
her naïve but ambitious understudy. Heading up
the cast is Kristen Johnston a two-time Emmy
winner for Third Rock from the Sun and last seen
in New York in The Women and Anna Chlumsky,
whose film work includes My Girl and My Girl 2, as
the understudy.
The comedy was originally slated to hit Broad-
way in the fall of 1929, but the stock market crash
prevented its move from the “Subway Circuit” of
Queens and Brooklyn theaters. Playwright Mau-
rine Dallas Watkins was undaunted. She headed
to Hollywood, where her talent spanned several
genres.
Of particular note is her stage and screen adap-
tations of true-crime tales. A Chicago newspaper
reporter, she covered the sensational 1924 mur-
der trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaetner, who
Watkins transformed into the murderers-turned-
celebrities Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly of Chicago
fame. The play debuted on Broadway in 1926,
directed by the formidable George Abbott.
That same panache is part of the Mint’s
charge. It carefully selects plays the public hasn’t
seen for decades, but merit attention. Two of
their finds had won Pulitzers and many received
glowing reviews when first produced. Visit
www.minttheater.org for more information.> So Help Me God! plays November 18 –
December 20 at Lucille Lortel Theater;
121 Christopher St.
>
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The Legendary Pixies on Tour
BY TODD SIMMONS – When the Pixies first sur-
faced on the scene, there were a slew of bands
emerging from the shadows of mediocrity at the
tail end of the 1980s that were powerful, some-
how oddly familiar and yet utterly unique. Nirva-
na, Jane’s Addiction, and Nine Inch Nails were just
a few of the groups that were destroying the ex-
pectations of everything from hair metal and rap
to pop rock and new wave. The record industry
was under siege.
When I first heard a Pixies record I mistakenly
thought they were a Mexican punk band. A friend
of mine in Hollywood was listening to Surfer Rosa
in 1989, and when the Spanglish acoustic freak out
“Vamos” came on, I stopped cold and paid rapt
attention. It was darkly amusing but was certainly
no joke. The combination of lurid anecdotes de-
livered with sweet female backing vocals and Lou
Reed-like sing speak, yelping, and blood curdling
screams from Black Francis made me feel uneasy
yet exhilarated. The music was both smooth surf
rock and franticly riotous punk that pulsed, skit-
tered and combusted in three minute vignettes.
By the time I realized that the Pixies were actually
a mostly white band from Boston that looked like
they were dressed for a college lecture, I was al-
ready hooked. So when Doolittle came out I was
waiting for it eagerly and it exceeded my expecta-
tions. It was the most dizzyingly original record I
had heard in years.
And now here it is in 2009, all grown up at
twenty years of age, still ahead of the curve. The
band that was inspiration to both Nirvana’s Kurt
Cobain and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood is
celebrating the anniversary with a special edition
Doolittle tour. It disembarks at the Hammerstein
Ballroom November 23 for four sold out concerts.
The tour kicked off in Dublin, Ireland and featured
B-sides from that era and Doolittle itself, from
“Debaser” to “Gouge Away.”
If you missed the scene the first time around,
don’t miss this chance to salute the mad genius of
Doolittle when the Pixies come to town.> Visit ilovepixies.com for more information
>
The DJT Fine Art Gallery in Chelsea
Mark Rapp jamming the night away
Candice Beckmann from Carnegie Hall and Dave Charest from Case Ace Copy enjoying
some Campari signature cocktails
Fall Season Launch Party>
Campari sponsor and bartenders by Choice Productions
Encore Magazine gift bags
Party Guests enjoying the night
The start of the night. Emily Holmes and Natasha Huang, Marketing Manager,
both from Encore Magazine.
>
The Mark Rapp Group
Emily Holmes and PublisherTom Holmes smiling for the camera
Emily Wade and Jonathan Valdez, blogger of Orange Juice and Biscuits
Party guests taking some time to smile for the camera
Stephanie Doucette and Meredith Duvall,owners of clothing line Doucette Duvall
Fall Season Launch Party
Many thanks to Chef Jose Gonzalez and Sabor X Catering, who did a wonderful job with the delicious appetizers for our event!
Gift giveaway of a brand new Macbook, courtesy of TekServe
A Celebration in Three ActsThe Nativity Triptych comes to Carnegie Hall
BY HELEN COOPER – A triptych is typically a
set of three paintings, produced by the painter
to create three separate artistic statements, as
well as exploring an overall theme. The triptych
is especially useful when attempting to examine
one subject matter through the transition of time
or space. The Nativity Triptych at Carnegie Hall
uses this method of three-work-tie-together to
celebrate the sacred holiday music created
throughout history to commemorate the birth
of Christ.
The Triptych, which runs for an entire weekend
in December (December 11–13), utilizes the musi-
cal perspectives of three very different composers
in order to offer a cohesive look at musical choral
perspective of the holiday. First, on the evening of
December 11, is a presentation of George Frideric
Handel’s “Messiah.” The piece positions the na-
tivity within the larger context of Jesus’ life. On
Saturday, December 12, Carnegie Hall will feature
Johan Sebastian Bach’s 1735 “Christmas Orato-
rio.” Bach’s piece contains six cantatas, each with
a featured chorale, all depicting the birth of Jesus.
Both of these pieces will feature acclaimed cham-
ber orchestra Les Violons du Roy, choir La Chapelle
de Québec, and Music Director Bernard Labadie,
together with soprano Rosemary Joshua, coun-
tertenor David Daniels, tenor Jan Kobow, bari-
tone Joshua Hopkins, and bass-baritone Andrew
Foster-Williams.
The last of the chorale pieces, presented on
Sunday, December 13 is a modern piece by John
Adams. The nativity oratorio entitled El Niño
draws on English, Spanish, and Latin sources rang-
ing from pre-Christian prophets, Martin Luther’s
Christmas Sermon, passages from the Gospel of
Luke, several gnostic gospels from the Apocry-
pha, and mid-20th century Hispanic women writ-
ers including Rosario Castellanos. El Niño will be
performed by the Orchestra of St. Luke’s,
conductor John Adams, and the Westminster
Symphonic Choir.> All chorales are presented at 8:00 p.m. Visit
www.carnegiehall.org for more information
>
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BY CHRISTY HALL – It’s getting close to five
o’clock in the evening and the office of New York
City’s Top Shelf Staffing is still buzzing away. “I just
got a last minute call,” Vincent says with a grin.
“They want five models over 5'11" and they need
them by tomorrow.” As strange as this request
may seem, Vincent barely bats an eye as he begins
working diligently to fill the order. “You wouldn’t
believe some of the calls I get,” he laughs. “But
it’s their party. So they should have whatever they
want. I mean, at the end of the day, good staff
makes the best parties.” And from what I’ve al-
ready seen at some of these events, Vincent is ex-
actly right.
With the countless openings, corporate events,
premieres, and private parties springing up daily
all over New York, it isn’t surprising to learn that
the need for staffing agencies is great. Yet, not all
agencies are created equal. “Oh, I’ve worked for
places that barely knew my name,” one of Top
Shelf’s model staff recalls. “But not with Vincent.
Not only does he know everyone’s name, but he’s
aware of their strengths as well. When Vincent
calls you tup, it’s because he believes you are exact-
ly what the client is looking for. And he really does
want to make the client happy and have them en-
joy their own party.”
It is incredible, as you look around Top Shelf’s
offices, just a block away from Herald Square in
Manhattan, that after twenty years of staffing ex-
perience, owner and founder, Vincent Braccia, still
personally works with every client. Most calls ask
for general wait staff and bartenders, but every
one out of five seems to require something unique;
from Daisy Duke look-a-likes to men that have a
classic Italian appearance. And whatever the client
wants, no matter how seemingly uncommon, the
client gets it every single time.
Top Shelf Staffing provides experienced person-
nel for all types of special events, promotions and
private parties, matching you with some of the
best servers, bartenders, and model staff in New
York City and surrounding areas. > Learn more at www.topshelfstaffers.com
>
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A Community Within a CommunitySomething is always happening at Prospect Park Residence
BY KATHY AZBELL – At the crossroads of Union
Street and Prospect Park West stands a grand nine
story residence located within walking distance of
the Brooklyn Public Library, Botanic Garden and
Brooklyn Museum of Art. Park Slope boasts a vi-
brant community life with a bustling green market
as well as a variety of boutiques and restaurants
on nearby Fifth and Seventh Avenues.
Meet the neighbors: Its residents themselves
that make Prospect Park Residence what it is. This
Senior Living Residence’s elegant setting provides
a warm and engaging environment. Upon ar-
rival, Resident Ambassadors offer a welcoming
presence and peer perspective with answers to
questions and introductions to neighbors. Diverse
backgrounds, world travels, and rich personal his-
tories lead to unexpected and fast friendships.
Something’s happening: Whether din-
ing with new friends, attending educational
programs, visiting museums, or getting in
touch with your artistic side, something is al-
ways happening at Prospect Park Residence.
Full service: A concierge greets and screens visi-
tors, delivers newspapers and accepts packages.
Apartments feature individual climate control,
kitchenette, satellite television and an emergen-
cy call system. Housekeeping, laundry and local
scheduled van service for errands, medical ap-
pointments and social outings are also included.
Support when it is needed: Regular wellness
checks and screenings help identify health issues.
A licensed home health agency is located on-site
for personal care with 24/7 compassionate nurs-
ing oversight.
Supporting care givers through respite
services: No matter where responsibilities or
travels take you, a respite stay provides peace of
mind for residents and caregivers alike. Respite
takes many forms, but in encompasses two basic
concepts: sharing responsibilities for care giving
and getting support for oneself. And as with many
decisions, an informed choice is the best choice.> For more information about Prospect Park
Residence call 718.622.8400
>
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ST. LUKE’S CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Divine Spark: Young SchubertOctober 18-24, 2009
Magical History TourFebruary 27-March 5, 2010
Love NotesApril 21-25, 2010
The Morgan Library & Museum
3-concert series, Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:30pm
Brooklyn Museum
3-concert series, Saturdays at 2pm
Dia:Beacon
3-concert series, Sundays at 2pm
Tickets & Information at OSLmusic.org
or call 212.594.6100
ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S
Presented by Carnegie Hall3-concert series, Sundays at 2pm
El NiñoDecember 13, 2009John Adams, Conductor Dawn Upshaw, Soprano
Beethoven 9February 21, 2010Sir Roger Norrington, Conductor Westminster Symphonic Choir
Christian ZachariasMarch 21, 2010Christian Zacharias, Conductor and Pianist
Tickets & information at CarnegieHall.org
or call 212.247.7800
3 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y S E A S O N
2009.2010
ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S
330 West 42nd Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10036
DININGDINING
Simply Sabor
BY HELEN COOPER – Jose Gonzalez learned to
love food before he ever dreamed of being a chef.
Raised in Washington Heights by parents who had
emigrated from the Dominican Republic to try and
provide a better life for their children, Gonzalez
grew up around good family—and good food. His
mother’s cooking was always a central part of the
family’s day, and remains a strong influence on
both Gonzalez’s craft as a chef and his drive to be
better. “I can make this hangover helper soup—
it’s better than hers,” Gonzalez says with a sly
smile like he’s just won a prize. “But her beans—
her beans are better than mine.”
Gonzalez’s family not only taught him how
to make food, but the value of ingredients, and
cooking a meal for someone. Eager to occupy
their son’s time and teach him of his cultural his-
tory, Gonzalez’s parents sent him to the Domini-
can Republic each summer, where he stayed with
relatives and learned their customs.
As Gonzalez came into adulthood, he tried on
many career hats. He was waiter, a songwriter and
business manager, and even an event promoter.
At one event, he found himself without a ca-
terer and stepped in to do the job. By the end
of the night, he had been named the Executive
Chef of the company. He had also found his call-
ing. Gonzalez enrolled into French culinary school
and learned the techniques to back up his passion
and food knowledge.
After graduating, he formed Sabor X-Catering.
As Gonzalez explains, “Sabor means flavor in
Spanish. The ‘x’ represents the client as the vari-
able and I am the constant.”
Gonzalez works with the concept that each
event, each meal, ought to be catered to the indi-
vidual client’s needs and tastes, just as his mother
created individualized meals for her children in his
Washington Heights home. This philosophy is sure
to make his whole family proud.
>
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87 Lafayette Ave. • 718.624.9443
Voted top wine bar in New York City two
years running by Zagat’s Night Life Guide,
the Stonehome Wine Bar is conveniently
located just two blocks from BAM.
Stonehome “gives the culinary as much
attention as the oenonoligal” ( )
with a seasonal new American menu and a
200 bottle list. 35 wines are offered by the
glass. Dinner reservations are recommended
(open daily at 5pm).
New Yorker
278 Fifth Ave. • 718.369.9527
This Park Slope treasure is a favorite for
chicken wings, catfish burgers, beef-on-weck,
pulled pork, microbrews, hot sauces, and
sports games. Tasty vegetarian dishes are also
available. Come enjoy the best burger in town
in a fun, friendly atmosphere. ( )Citysearch
246 Dekalb Ave. • 718.789.2778
iCi has the open-all-day, everyman appeal of
Balthazar, the streamlined style of Bouley.
( Magazine). The menu changes with
the seasons, using exclusively fresh, naturally
grown ingredients of the highest quality from
the local farms and markets.
New York
56 5th Ave. • 718.636.4385
Alchemy is a pub-style restaurant on the north
end of 5th Ave. in Park Slope with a small, cre-
ative menu, seasonal specials and outstanding
selection of beer, wine and cocktails. We provide
a warm, welcome atmosphere to enjoy anything
from a relaxed pint to a four course meal.
171 Lafayette Ave. • 718.643.7003
A short walk from BAM, this stylish and relaxed
restaurant features Tapas, a raw bar and salads
and Entrees from across the Mediterranean. San-
grias, an interesting and affordable wine list, full
bar and friendly, professional service have made
this a neighborhood favorite. Open seven days.
86 S. Portland Ave. • 718.643.0000
This local Fort Greene spot respects the simple
things, like getting chicken tortilla soup, salads,
tacos and enchiladas just steps from home. It
also respects that a fresh lime margarita, offered
frozen, on the rocks, salted, or flavored with
fresh fruit, could just make your night.
248 Fifth Ave. • 718.783.4565
“Fantastic,” savory cooking at relatively gentle
prices explains why this oh-so-popular Park
Slope Venetian is always packed. ( )Zagat
773 Fulton St. • 718.797.3494
Aqualis Grill is a Mediterranean-inspired sea-
food restaurant that serves a variety of seafood
starters and main courses. In addition, Aqualis
offers a Prix-Fixe menu that includes a three-
course meal with wine for only $25 between
5:00 and 7:30 pm. Closed Monday.
76-78 St. Marks Ave.
718.622.3276
Born from the desire to forge
a pleasant and friendly dining establishment
with fresh, locally grown produce, Flatbush Farm
features an eclectic selection of ales, wines, and
spirits. An endeavor of wonderful simplicity: eat
heartily, drink merrily. Lo, now is come our
joyfullest feast!
386 Flatbush Ave. Ext.
718.852.5257
World-famous restaurant
for over 55 years. Voted No. 1 “The Best
Cheesecake in N.Y.” Overstuffed deli sand-
wiches, skyscraper desserts, blintzes, broiled
steaks and fish, 10 oz. steakburgers and more.
Open daily: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DINING
PH
OTO
:H
uck
leberr
yBar
Imbibing With James Endicott
From my first encounter with James Endicott it was
obvious that not all wine experts are created equal.
He’s the cool, educated guy at the party who can
rock a handlebar mustache and show up with a
good bottle of champagne. Since parting ways with
Per Se, he’s been staying busy raising capital to start
his own venture, doing some consulting, and
training to run a marathon. When we spoke, he was
about to ail his aching feet with something from the
fridge; a bottle of Beaujolais or Prosecco, perhaps.
Oui oui, I can Prosecco all after-
noon!
I
drank nothing but white until about two weeks ago.
Now, I’m really craving reds, but I think it’s about the
temperature outside.
But I’m
more of a T Rex/Marc Bolan fan than either of the
others, which pegs me for pink champagne with a
Jim Beam back, if I’m not mistaken.
The Marqués de Gelida
is a close approximation to NV Champagne. It’s
champagne-like with bready yeast notes, but a
vinous vein throughout. It’s very good, but not as
simple and easy as Prosecco.
I love red with a chill. I love rosé too.
During our first summer at Allen & Delancey, I had 15
rosés and almost all fairly unique and distinctive. In
fact, I always have a few bottles of Beaujolais in the
fridge for daily drinking.
Cru Beaujolais is definitely a great food wine. I’m a
big fan of Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes
Morgons; they need a couple years in bottle, at least,
You’re a man who can drink for breakfast
and call it work!
I often compare wine drinkers with music
lovers. If you listen to the Beatles you’re
probably a white wine drinker, whereas a
Rolling Stones fan is more likely to enjoy red.
So maybe my theory does hold true?
Pink champagne, I love Spanish cava, do you
have a recommendation?
What’s your opinion on chilled red wines
and rosé?
Beaujolais can sometimes have a bad rap.
Former Per Se sommelier shares which bottles he’s enjoying now
63 Lafayette Ave. • 718.852.1100
Scopello, named after a small village in Sicily, is a
place you can immerse yourself in a spectacular
natural setting, ancient history and delicious
wholesome foods. Our menu features the fresh-
est produce, fish and meats, homemade pastas
and bread, with ingredients imported from Italy...
25 Lafayette Ave.
718.222.5800
The wunderbar authentic
Viennese dishes at chef Thomas Ferlesch’s
charming Fort Greene Austrian bistro are
worth traveling for; it recalls a homely corner
of old Europe, and the location and person-
able service are both perfect for a BAM night.
to really strut. And Domain Michel Tête is making
bangin’ Juliénas.
I do love Rioja, like really,
really love Rioja. Muga’s Prado Enea is aromatically
fascinating.
I think
about the food we’re going to have and if we are
only having one lonely bottle, what would fit
reasonably well throughout.
For good quality to price
ratio, I tend toward off the map regions—
Languedoc and Southern France, the regions no one
knows from Spain—Bierzo, Montsant, Alicante, and
of course, Italy!
In Brooklyn, I’ve been
recession-ified! I’m often at Diner or Marlow &
Sons for wine. Roberta’s offers a lean list, but good
wines. The Richardson Bar and Huckleberry Bar
have great wines by the glass, almost unheard of in
a bar.
Cork may always have a place in the very
upper echelons of wine, but Stelvin and increasingly,
boxes, are finding the company of good wine. I’m
saying by 2020, almost all everyday wines will be in
box or screw cap.
I really only give
champagne—it, by its very nature, suggests
celebration. Most people like it and can enjoy it
without being wine-geeks. I’m a fan of Gosset, and
Jean Milan’s Terres de Noel—a too obvious choice
for Christmas, but oh-so-good, and Jacques Selosse,
if you can find it and have a wine geek to impress. In
the words of Joe Strummer, “there’s never a bad
time for champagne.”
I’m partial to Rioja.
When you eat out, what factors do you
consider when ordering a bottle of wine?
Suggestions to finding a great value on a
restaurant’s wine list?
Where can we find you enjoying a glass of
wine around town?
Any idea by what year the cork top will cease
to exist?
Also, with the holidays approaching people
often give wine. Any tips to impressing the in-
laws, a boss or good friend?
Read more online at www.encoremag.com
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TEKSERVE
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Season 2009–2010
Tickets start at $12
David H. Koch Theater Box Office(63rd & Columbus)
Photos: © Magnum Photos, © Rachel Papo, © Christopher Morris
weisgall
Esther “Esther has melodies that soar and choruses that thrill.”—The Star-Ledger
Hugo Weisgall’s electrifying Estherreturns for the first time since its sold-out world premiere in 1993. Audience favorite Lauren Flaniganstars as the brave young queen. Based on the Biblical tale, Esther abounds with political and spiritual resonance for our times.
Sat, Nov 7 at 8Fri, Nov 13 at 8Sun, Nov 15 at 1:30
Tue, Nov 17 at 8*Thu, Nov 19 at 8*added due to popular demand
new production
mozart
don giovanni
Sun, Nov 8 at 1:30 Tue, Nov 10 at 7:30Thu, Nov 12 at 8
Sat, Nov 14 at 8 Fri, Nov 20 at 8Sun, Nov 22 at 1:30
“Okulitch gives a bravura performance.”—USA Today
Visionary director ChristopherAlden reimagines this masterwork in a thrilling new production explor-ing the intersection of dark eroticism and strict Spanish-Catholic tradition in the early 20th century. Rising star Daniel Okulitch makes his City Opera debut as the notorious antihero.
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