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

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GET A MEAL,NOT A SONG AND

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The competition has nothing to show but cutbacks. That’s not the casewith Continental. We’re still providing you with free meals at mealtime.

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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.

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Tues – Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2Additional Perfs: Sun, Nov 8 & Sun Dec 6 at 7

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MON, NOV 16, 2009 8PM

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Tom Holmes

Lisa LeeKing

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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

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Natasha Huang

Jonathan Valdez

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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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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

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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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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.