Sunday, October 02, 2005

Before it gets buried in my subconscious where I keep everything else important.....

Brian and I got duded up on his birthday and went to the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel in midtown. I surprised him with dinner and a performance by Maude Maggart, a young cabaret singer whose focus is on songs of the 1920’s and 30’s. She has an unbelievable voice. We originally saw her last year when I took Brian to see Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor at Town Hall (he comes every Christmas).

Going to the Oak Room felt like a trip back to the Manhattan of the 1940’s. The room is dimly lit, with beautiful dark wood along the walls, deep red cushioned seats and crisp white table clothes topped with little lit lamps. I was waiting for Dorothy Parker or Tallulah Bankhead to stroll in and light up a cigarette.

It’s such an intimate performance space with the grand piano and mike stand just feet away from the guests. We both ordered cocktails, kicked back and had a wonderful time.

I don’t care how much it cost because my husband’s happiness is worth it. And he was very happy indeed.

6 comments:

ellesu said...

Well....I'm so jealous I can't see straight. :) Yes,a happy hubby is a nice thing.

I wish we could fly back to NY and see Woody Allen at the Carlyle. Talk about making your husband happy!

Glad you guys made a fantastic memory.

Julie Marsh said...

I never did make it to the Algonquin when we lived there. I love Dorothy Parker though, so I will make it a point to check out the place on one of our future trips.

Sounds like you had a wonderful evening.

Kranki said...

Sounds like a perfect night. Cool.

Dr. Deb said...

Oak Room. On my list for next NY visit.

~Deb

JT said...

Ellen! That sounds fantastic! My first thought, of course, was who did you get to watch Benjamin??? Cuz that's what's been keeping me from going all these years.

You rock--I have never done anything that kick ass for Avram.

east village idiot said...

ellesu - don't be jealous! You just get yourself up here and do it too.

MG- I LOVE Dorothy Parker and have always been a bit intimidated by the Algonquin Hotel for that very reason.It a very low key, old NY, polished place. You can even go in for just a drink to see if you like the place.

Kranki - it was a perfect night. and one day I hope to be able to pay for it.

dr. deb - you've totally got to visit the Algonquin - bet you'd love
it. Have you seen paul mccartney yet? or did he just get into town?

Hey Julie
thanks for your vote of support. Sometimes it's nice to go to midtown
and do something completely different. It was so amazing to see how much Brian enjoyed the venue - a
big switch from his playing at cbgb's. He's a big fan of the music and vocalists of the 20's and 30's.
Maude Maggart is great. You should check her out.