Upcoming Performance: Bronx Opera's La Traviata

    Hello once again! As I have previously mentioned, I am currently singing in the chorus and covering Annina in Bronx Opera’s upcoming production of La Traviata. I thought I would share more details about the performances with you all since opening weekend is fast approaching.

  

     If you'd like to come see me party it up onstage, you can attend the opera in either the Bronx or Long Island. The show is double cast, so if you want to see Andy singing the role of Germont (and believe me, you definitely do), he will be onstage for the May 10th and 18th performances.You can find more information about the casts, etc. on Bronx Opera’s website: http://bronxopera.org/

Bronx Opera's La Traviata Performance Dates and Locations:

Friday, May 9, 7:30 pm @ Lovinger Theatre, Lehman College, The Bronx

Saturday, May 10, 7:30 pm @ Lovinger Theatre, Lehman College, The Bronx

Saturday, May 17, 8:00 pm @ John Cranford Playhouse, Hofstra, Hempstead, Long Island

Sunday, May 18, 5:00 pm @ John Cranford Playhouse, Hofstra, Hempstead, Long Island

More info on how to order tickets here: http://bronxopera.org/buy_tickets.html

     There are discounted tickets available for the performances at Lehman College ONLY. Please message me if you are interested, and I will share with you how to purchase discounted tickets.

     It’s a great production, and we are singing in English so you won’t have to worry about reading subtitles to understand the plot. La Traviata is a classic, touching story, and it is my favorite Verdi opera. All the lead singers are talented and passionate performers, and whichever cast you end up seeing will be sure to pull you into the tragic tale of love and loss.  

     I'm really enjoying being immersed in opera on a regular basis once again, and I’d love to see any of you at the performances.Feel free to comment or message me if you have any questions about the shows.

     On a somewhat related note, I've had a couple auditions recently, and I will be sure to keep you all posted if/when I hear anything. Fingers crossed!

Cupcake Crawl: Sweet Revenge

     I know! I'm a total slacker when it comes to blogging. In my defense, I've been pretty well booked with opera rehearsals and work this month (not to mention trying to take care of an ailing Andy this past week). I like to think that those are all valid excuses... To assuage, my guilt, however, I have determined to finally update the blog!

     Now I know that this is technically a Cupcake Crawl post, but my latest cupcake venue discovery has made a complete addict of me. Working down near the West Village has its perks and dangers, and I consider Sweet Revenge to fall in both categories.

     The danger lies mainly in the fact that the bar is a mere block away from work, making it far too tempting to drop in during my lunch for a coffee and meal or during happy hour for a cupcake.

     The perks, of course, are all the readily available and delicious bake goods that I can procure on my way to the subway whenever I so choose. How can a girl with a sweet tooth complain about that?

     Sweet Revenge has found the perfect combination of two of my great culinary loves: booze and cupcakes. They even have a happy hour that caters to this with a beer/wine and cupcake combo deal in the evenings! I mean, I'm all for sipping on a latte or cocoa with my dessert, but a post-work potable makes for a way more satisfying compliment to a sweet treat.

     The menu is even specially tailored for pairing drinks with cupcakes. On the front, there is a detailed list of the four standard cupcakes as well as all the specialty flavors. On the back, however, there is a thorough chart which lists a wine and beer pairing for every individual cupcake. Examples of such pairings can be found here.   So far the menu hasn't led me astray when it comes to choosing the right drink to balance my baked good of choice.

     Aside from the awesomeness of booze and dessert combos, Sweet Revenge would have won me over for the cupcakes alone. They have a moist consistency that I love, and I enjoy that there are signature flavors I can fall back on as well as a multitude of new specialty flavors to discover.

     So far I have tried the Pure, the Dirty,the Cafe Mocha, the Dulce de leche, and the Black & Tan, as well as tasted Andy's favorite and the bar's signature cupcake the Sweet Revenge (aka peanut butter). All were delicious, and I can't wait to try more flavors in the future.

Cafe mocha cupcake with a chocolate stout. Decadence!

    Aside from getting my sugar fix at Sweet Revenge, I've also found a nice little lunch spot where I can cozy up with a latte and a light meal for an hour. I love sitting in the sunny window seat and getting out of the office for a little while.

     One of the first things that intrigued me about the bar was their chalkboard sign out front that enticed me with a never before seen brunch item: RED VELVET BELGIAN WAFFLES. Um...I love red velvet cake...and I love waffles...so YES PLEASE.

     I finally treated myself to this decadent red delight for my birthday lunch (or in reality, Andy made a surprise appearance during my lunch hour and treated me to some birthday waffles), and it was everything I hoped it would be. I'm making myself hungry just looking at this photo again!

    Well, I think perhaps I have gushed about Sweet Revenge enough for one entry, but they got me. I'm a total addict. I foresee many waffles, wine, cupcakes, and beer in my future. Feel free to join me sometime!

    More posts to come in the near future I swear! Our performances with Bronx Opera are swiftly approaching, and I promise I will share more details about La Traviata as we get closer to those dates.