Dreamgirls

Beauty And The Beast

Lady Gaga : Now Playing : Alejandro (Music Video)

Lady GaGa Monster Ball Tour

 

Hello Lady GaGa. 

Had a wonderful time at her show was a long Monday night but well worth it. She really shows she has a true love for her great fan's. She also had a great opener the Semi Precious Weapons.

When Lady Gaga was a little girl, she would sing along on her mini plastic tape recorder to Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper hits and get twirled in the air in daddy’s arms to the sounds of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. The precocious child would dance around the table at fancy Upper West Side restaurants using the breadsticks as a baton. And, she would innocently greet a new babysitter in nothing but her birthday suit.
It’s no wonder that little girl from a good Italian New York family, turned into the exhibitionist, multi-talented singer-songwriter with a flair for theatrics that she is today: Lady Gaga.
“I was always an entertainer. I was a ham as a little girl and I’m a ham today,” says Lady Gaga, 23, who made a name for herself on the Lower East Side club scene with the infectious dance-pop party song “Beautiful Dirty Rich,” and wild, theatrical, and often tongue-in-cheek “shock art” performances where Gaga – who designs and makes many of her stage outfits -- would strip down to her hand-crafted hot pants and bikini top, light cans of hairspray on fire, and strike a pose as a disco ball lowered from the ceiling to the orchestral sounds of A Clockwork Orange.
“I always loved rock and pop and theater. When I discovered Queen and David Bowie is when it really came together for me and I realized I could do all three,” says Gaga, who nicked her name from Queen’s song “Radio Gaga” and who cites rock star girlfriends, Peggy Bundy, and Donatella Versace as her fashion icons. “I look at those artists as icons in art. It’s not just about the music. It’s about the performance, the attitude, the look; it’s everything. And, that is where I live as an artist and that is what I want to accomplish.”
That goal might seem lofty, but consider the artist: Gaga is the girl who at age 4 learned piano by ear. By age 13, she had written her first piano ballad. At 14, she played open mike nights at clubs such as New York’s the Bitter End by night and was teased for her quirky, eccentric style by her Convent of the Sacred Heart School (the Manhattan private school Nicky and Paris Hilton attended) classmates by day. At age 17, she became was one of 20 kids in the world to get early admission to Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Signed by her 20^th birthday and writing songs for other artists (such as the Pussycat Dolls, and has been asked to write for a series of Interscope artists) before her debut album was even released, Lady Gaga has earned the right to reach for the sky.
“My goal as an artist is to funnel a pop record to a world in a very interesting way,” says Gaga, who wrote all of her lyrics, all of her melodies, and played most of the synth work on her album, The Fame (Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope). “I almost want to trick people into hanging with something that is really cool with a pop song. It’s almost like the spoonful of sugar and I’m the medicine.”
On The Fame, it’s as if Gaga took two parts dance-pop, one part electro-pop, and one part rock with a splash of disco and burlesque and generously poured it into the figurative martini glasses of the world in an effort to get everyone drunk with her Fame. “The Fame is about how anyone can feel famous,” she explains. “Pop culture is art. It doesn’t make you cool to hate pop culture, so I embraced it and you hear it all over The Fame. But, it’s a sharable fame. I want to invite you all to the party. I want people to feel a part of this lifestyle.”
The CD’s opener and first single, “Just Dance,” gets the dance floor rocking with it’s “fun, L.A., celebratory vibe.” As for the equally catchy, “Boys Boys Boys,” Gaga doesn’t mind wearing her influences on her sleeve. “I wanted to write the female version of Motley Crue’s ‘Girls Girls Girls,’ but with my own twist. I wanted to write a pop song that rockers would like.”
“Beautiful Dirty Rich” sums up her time of self-discovery, living in the Lower East Side and dabbling in drugs and the party scene. “That time, and that song, was just me trying to figure things out,” says Gaga. “Once I grabbed the reigns of my artistry, I fell in love with that more than I did with the party life.” On first listen, “Paparazzi” might come off as a love song to cameras, and in all honestly, Gaga jokes “on one level it IS about wooing the paparazzi and wanting fame. But, it’s not to be taken completely seriously. It’s about everyone’s obsession with that idea. But, it’s also about wanting a guy to love you and the struggle of whether you can have success or love or both.”
Gaga shows her passion for love songs on such softer tracks as the Queen-influenced “Brown Eyes” and the sweet kiss-off break-up song “Nothing I can Say (eh eh).” “‘Brown Eyes’ is the most vulnerable song on the album,” she explains. “‘Eh Eh’ is my simple pop song about finding someone new and breaking up with the old boyfriend.”
For the new tour for this album, fans will be treated to a more polished version of what they saw (and loved) at her critically acclaimed Lollapalooza show in August 2007 and Winter Music Conference performance in March 2008. “This new show is the couture version of my handmade downtown performance of the past few years. It’s more fine-tuned, but some of my favorite elements to my past shows – the disco balls, hot pants, sequin, and stilettos – will still be there. Just more fierce and more of a conceptual show with a vision for pop performance art.”
It’s been a while since a new pop artist has made her way in the music industry the old-fashioned/grass roots way by paying her dues with seedy club gigs and self-promotion. This is one rising pop star who hasn’t been plucked from a model casting call, born into a famous family, won a reality TV singing contest, or emerged from a teen cable TV sitcom. “I did this the way you are supposed to. I played every club in New York City and I bombed in every club and then killed it in every club and I found myself as an artist. I learned how to survive as an artist, get real, and how to fail and then figure out who I was as singer and performer. And, I worked hard.”

Gaga adds with a wink in her eye, “And, now, I’m just trying to change the world one sequin at a time.”

Help is on the way XVI

 

http://reafeventphoto.shutterfly.com/1721

Dinner at the Spotted PIG "Birthday Dinner"

In addition to his own dining establishments, Mario is a partner of April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman in their restaurant, The Spotted Pig, one of New York's most sought after dinner experiences. Located at the corner of Eleventh and Greenwich streets, the pig as its worshipers tend to call it, features English and Italian cuisine that relies on the best local, seasonal, organic foods. It is frequently hailed as one of the original gastropubs in America, a traditional pub that focuses on high-quality food, a trend that has taken the nation by storm. In 2007, owner and chef, April Bloomfield, was named one of the 10 best new chefs in America by Food and Wine Magazine.

Had a wonder full dinner with one of my best friends Dan Spahr and loved the food here is a sample of the menu and a bit about the chef.

Bar Snacks

Deviled Eggs $ 3.00
Devils on Horseback $ 7.00
Marinated Olives $ 3.50
Roasted Almonds $ 3.50
Roll Mops $ 7.50
Pot of Pickles $5.00
Chicken Liver Toast $ 5.50

Plates

Beau Soleil Oysters with Mignonette 6 for $ 18 / 12 for $ 36
Smoked Tomato Soup with Peekytoe Crab $16
Radish Salad with Parmesan & Basil $16
Market Greens with Ricotta Salata $14
Greek Salad $16
Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Gnudi with Basil Pesto $15
Buffalo Mozzarella with Eggplant & Chili $17
Steamed Mussles & Cockles with Tomato & Duck Fat Fried Bread $16
Grape, Romaine & Tarragon Salad $15
Crispy Pig's Ear with Lemon Caper Dressing $15

Entrees

Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Tomatoes & Saffron $28
Grilled Skirt Steak with Roman Zucchini $28
Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort Cheese & Shoestrings $ 17
Seared Squid with Panzanella $24
Vinegar Braised Lamb Shoulder with Mustard Greens $28

Sides

Minty Potatoes $8
Swiss Chard $8
Roasted Carrots $8
Market Beans with Tomato $8
Summer Succotash $8
Shoestring Fries $7
Plate of Five Vegetables $24

Desserts $8

Walnut, Chocolate & Amaretto Cake
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Lemon & Lime Tart
Crème Caramel
Cheese Plate 2 for $ 10 / 3 for $ 15

  

Critically acclaimed chef, restaurateur, award-winning author, and television personality, Mario Batali is arguably one of the most recognized and respected chefs working in America today. Together with his business partner Joe Bastianich, the duo have created an uber- successful restaurant and culinary empire in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Singapore.

Mario and Joe’s flagship restaurant is Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca, an award-winning Greenwich Village dining establishment, where Mario has seamlessly combined traditional Italian principles with intelligent culinary adventure since it opened in June 1998.  A gastronomic superstar from its inception, Babbo was honored as “The Best New Restaurant of 1998” by The James Beard Foundation, and Ruth Reichl at the New York Times hailed it with three stars.  Six years later, a re-review by Frank Bruni maintained Babbo’s three-star status and its excellence among New York City’s finest restaurants.

Mario is also the chef/owner of Lupa Osteria Romana - a Roman-style trattoria opened in 1999 and Esca, a southern Italian seafood trattoria, opened with chef/partner Dave Pasternack in the Theater District in April 2000. In January 2003, Mario and Joe opened another downtown eatery, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, located around the corner from historic Washington Square Park. Casa Mono and Bar Jamón, both opened in December 2003, are adjacent to Gramercy Park. Casa Mono is a Spanish-style taverna featuring wines, sherries, tapas and traditional entrees. Bar Jamón, just next door to Casa Mono, is a bustling tapas bar with wonderful Spanish cheeses, hams and small plate specialties. In December 2005, Mario opened Del Posto with Joe, Lidia Bastianich and Mark Ladner. This spacious restaurant in New York City’s meatpacking district features modern Italian cooking in a luxurious and comfortable setting.

The first west coast venture, in collaboration with Nancy Silverton is Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles. Sharing the corner of Highland and Melrose Avenue, the former features a center island mozzarella bar, where fresh mozzarella is made all day, every day. Just last year they added Mozza’s take-out location - Mozza2Go and Scuola di Pizza, Mozza’s new intimate event venue.  And in their first-ever overseas venture, Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza will be soon opening in Marina Bay Sands Resort Casino in exotic and gorgeous Singapore.

Mario and Joe recently journeyed to Las Vegas to open B&B Ristorante and Enoteca San Marco in the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. Just a year later, In January 2008, they opened Carnevino Italian Steakhouse in the Palazzo Hotel, adjacent to the Venetian.

In their first suburban venture, Mario and Joe traveled just outside the Manhattan to Westchester County. The Tarry Lodge, in Port Chester, NY, is the site of their new authentic trattoria and Tarry Market will open in the fall.

Along with partners Lidia Bastianich and Oscar Farinetti, their next big undertaking is Eataly, a 50,000 foot marketplace. Located at 200 Fifth Avenue in New York City, Eataly will be the city’s ultimate destination for food lovers to shop, taste and savor the seasonal and authentic foods of Italy. This gourmand’s delight will feature cured meats and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fresh fish, handmade pasta, desserts and baked goods and coffees as well as five new small restaurants and a rooftop alpine beer trattoria.

Raised in Seattle, Mario studied the golden age of Spanish theater at Rutgers University. Soon after graduating, he took his first bite of culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in London, from which he withdrew almost immediately due to a "lack of interest." An apprenticeship with London’s legendary chef Marco Pierre White and three years of intense culinary training in the Northern Italian village of Borgo Capanne (population 200) gave him the essential skills and knowledge to return to his native U.S., eager to plant his orange-clogged foot firmly on the behinds of the checkered-tablecloth Italian restaurant establishment.

Among his many accolades, Mario was named "Man of the Year" in the chef category by GQ Magazine in 1999. In 2002 he won the James Beard Foundation's "Best Chef: New York City" award, and in 2005 the James Beard Foundation awarded Mario "Outstanding Chef of the Year". Mario is also one of the recipients of the 2001 D'Artagnan Cervena Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America, a prestigious lifetime achievement award.

Mario has authored Simple Italian Food (Clarkson Potter, 1998), Mario Batali Holiday Food (Clarkson Potter, 2000); The Babbo Cookbook (Clarkson Potter, 2002); and Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes (Ecco, 2005); Mario Tailgates NASCAR Style (The Sporting News 2006); Mario Batali - Italian Grilling (Ecco, 2008); and Spain…A Culinary Road Trip (Ecco 2008) which was co-authored by Gwyneth Paltrow and a companion cookbook to the PBS prime time series, "Spain…On the Road Again". In the spring of 2010, Mario’s eighth cookbook hit the shelves. Molto Gusto (Ecco 2010), based on the classic and celebrated dishes of Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, showcases what the world loves best about Italian food – pizza and pasta! With over 100 recipes that cover antipasti, pizza, pasta and gelati, Molto Gusto is the definitive, must-have cookbook that brings the best-loved Italian recipes to your kitchen.

As a TV personality, Mario has hosted a variety of television shows for The Food Network, including Ciao America, Molto Mario and Iron Chef America. In fall of 2008, Mario’s PBS series with co-stars Mark Bittman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols aired. Spain…On the Road Again followed the foursome’s adventures as they traveled and ate their way through Spain. Mario is also a frequent guest on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, MARTHA and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Mario recently appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Charlie Rose.

In 2008, Mario started the Mario Batali Foundation, with a mission of feeding, protecting, educating and empowering children. To learn more Mario’s mission, visit www.mariobatalifoundation.org.

Mario splits his time between New York City’s Greenwich Village and Northern Michigan with his wife Susi Cahn of Coach Dairy Goat Farm, and their two sons.  To learn more about Mario and his many ventures, visit www.mariobatali.com. 

La Cage Aux Folles

Great Show to see American Idiot.

A Night At The Addams Family.