13th Street Repertory Company, Gene's and Bar 6

13th Street Repertory Company: (http://www.13thstreetrep.org/) 

Cute, divey, old, funky playhouse.  Run by Edith, a grand dame of the theater since she graduated college and left the midwest for summer stock on Rhode Island.  She made her way to NYC, leased the building with a small theater downstairs, eventually bought it and has been going strong ever since.  Her daughters are actors as well.

We came on Saturday night to see "Line" a play written in the 60's but somehow timely.  I felt updating could be done, but that's just my opinion.  Our friend Angelo was in the play and he was great.  The other actors portrayed their characters completely.
If you're in the neighborhood, or just need an hour or so of stage time, go, you'll be glad you did.

Gene's (http://www.genesnyc.com/):

When you go for dinner with 16 people it's difficult to accurately judge service, food, etc. in a restaurant.  But I'll try.  Saturday night we went to Gene's with 16 people :) Our table was ready and waiting.  We sat at the bar and had a drink while we waited for everyone to arrive.  The bar area is up front and is so old school it exudes charm.  The bartender is out of a movie, as is the whole place.  I was enamored!

We were seated, drink orders taken, appetizers brought, dinner brought, dessert and coffee served all with no complaints.  The rest of the customers might not have liked our exuberant manner, but what can you do?

They have a prix fixe menu and also a huge a la carte menu.  I had soft shelled crabs that were some of the best I've ever had. No yucky stuff in the middle at all.  Pastas were good, fish was good.  I would definitely return with a smaller party (maybe just 2 or 4) another time. 

After the show, we migrated, actors and all, to Bar 6.  A cute bistro joint, good cheese plate and sangria. 

It was a totally fun evening!

Nan Xiang Dumpling House

I don't know why people complain about long lines, we've never waited for a table. Maybe lucky I guess.  Soup dumplings (called steamed pork buns) really are great!  Better than Joe's Shanghai and Shanghai Cafe.  Not that much better, I would eat them at all these restaurants, but they are good and local.  Small menu, don't expect the usual Chinese fare.  I found most dishes to lack flavor.  But the scallion pancake with beef is really tasty and sweet, also the cold cucumber with garlic is just perfect with this heatwave.

Spa Nordstrom

This review is for Spa Nordstrom, not the store in general.  Firstly, there is no manager.  That's a problem going around lately.  Secondly, they are barely accommodating to their guests.

Last year my husband gave me a Spa Nordstrom gift card for Christmas.  I made my appointment, was early and was kept waiting past my scheduled time. I was led into the spa room, given a robe, undressed and then led to a small alcove for a foot soak and a beverage (tea or water).  They put a warm wrap around my neck and shoulders.  Not 3 minutes later, I was whisked out of the chair and back to the spa room.  Not very relaxing.  The massage was good, not the best, but far from the worst I've had.  A 3 star massage.  Afterwards, I wanted a quick shower to rinse off the oil so I wasn't a greasy mess in the store and the mall.  But no, why should a supposedly upscale spa like this one allow their guests to clean up.  But wait, they do.  But only if you've had certain services.  I guess a $100 massage doesn't count.  Maybe they don't mind their guests leaving greasy and trying on clothes in their dressing rooms.

So, this Christmas, my husband gives me another Spa Nordstrom gift card because he knows I love a massage and it's been a stressful year.  This time I figure I will help myself.  I call to make an appointment and specifically ask if I can shower afterwards.  Of course, I was told no.  There isn't any time for a shower.  Funny that there is time if you pay for a different/more expensive service.  It was decided that I could forgo the foot soak (hardly a miss since it was only 3 minutes) and that time could be used for a shower at the end.  Again, no manager in sight.  Maybe they should make their appointments 5 minutes longer to accommodate their guests, maybe not.

I mulled over this situation for several days and decided to drop the whole affair.  I cancelled my appointment this morning and I will use the gift card for extra Christmas presents.  And then we'll be done with Nordstrom.  I can certainly spend my money elsewhere and get better service.  I was fooled by their reputation, but they don't live up to it.

Amber Steak House

Didn't honor reservation which was confirmed via email. Waited at bar for an hour and a half for a table ! How crazy is that? Finally we ordered appetizers, but by the time they arrived we had just been seated. I must say that the food was really good. Beet carpaccio, Steak tartare and fried calamari were all great. Dinner was Amber seafood platter (all food, no pasta or rice fillers, sauce amazing), French onion soup (best we've had in a long time) and a 16 oz NY Strip with peppercorn sauce. Creamed spinach on the side.

The 2 star rating is NOT for the food. Food would get it a 4. Even the service was good, believe it or not. Anita, at the bar, and a waitress, and a hostess, was filling all these positions at once because there is NO MANAGER in sight. And that's where the problem is. Why bother having a reservation system on line when no one bothers to check it. I even received an email confirming our reservation, but it was no where to be found, and the response was "oh you must have booked on line, you really should call."

I must say that there was a huge party going on in the front of the restaurant which left less tables for regular customers, but if there were a MANAGER, he or she might have been able to handle the logistics of a party and regular customers on the same evening.

After all was said and done, they comped our bar drinks and appetizers which was very nice and the least they could do. It was our 24th wedding anniversary after all...

Totally Slacking Off

That's what I have been doing with this blog.  I admit my laziness.  It's summer. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

We've been out to eat tons:  Lobster Joint in Greenpoint, Sunswick in Astoria, Sato in Forest Hills, Agora Taverna in Forest Hills, Keuka Kafe, a wine bar, in Forest Hills, Don Peppe on Lefferts, Dirty Pierre's in Forest Hills, El Quijote in the city, Gypsy Wolf Cantina in Woodstock, Cafe Ole in Astoria. 

Especially liked Keuka Kafe, it's on Queens Boulevard past Ascan Avenue towards Union Turnpike.  Nick, the bartender/host/waiter was great.  Jill and I sat at the bar, had wine and appetizers and loved it.  Salmon carpaccio with mango salsa was totally yummy.  I must have more.  So much on the menu I want to go back and try.

Grilled octopus at Agora Taverna is still my favorite.  Went to dinner with Jesse and he loved it also. I had shrimp saganaki appetizer and he had seared scallops.  We shared octopus, salad and soup too.  Fun!

Tonight I am going with Jennie and Barbara to Barosa, then we are going to the casino at Aqueduct.  Never been and hope to strike it rich at the penny slots :) :)