by ThallenBLiving on January 3, 2012
I finally got reservations to Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. The restaurant has been open for over a year now, and it’s still a little difficult to get reservations during prime time. This would lead you to believe that the food is so delicious people just can’t stay away. However, in line with many other reviews of Red Rooster, I found the ambiance and service to be nice, but the food a bit lackluster… We started off with crab cakes and cornbread as appetizers. The crab cakes were flavorful and delicious. The cornbread was served with a whipped butter and a tomato jam. The tomato jam had a “unique” flavor, but it wasn’t bad. I preferred the cornbread with just the whipped butter. Hubby and I were very excited about what was to come since the first course started off so promising… However, we were both disappointed with our entrees–the Fried Yardbird (fried chicken) and the Blackened Catfish. I felt that despite the eclectic use of garnishes, the food was terribly bland. Our waiter told us these were the most popular dishes, so I can’t imagine anything else on the menu tastes better.
In spite of our intuition, we decided to order dessert– Sweet Potato Doughnuts. Yet again, this dish lacked flavor. If “sweet potato” had not been in the name, I never would have known it was an ingredient. It was basically yeast rolls will sugar sprinkled on top.
At the end of the meal, I looked at my hubby and said “I should’ve had a V-8!”
Have you been to Red Rooster? How was your experience?
by ThallenBLiving on November 10, 2011
For those of you in NYC and in the mood for a Broadway (or off-Broadway) show, the TKTS Booth is one of New York’s best-kept secrets. This is how it works: On the day of performances, plays/musicals that have not yet sold all of their tickets send them to the TKTS booth to sell them at a discount. For us, this means that we can get tickets for up to 50% off the normal cost of tickets.
If you don’t mind waiting in a long line, and are not terribly particular about the show you see, this is a great resource for a last-minute bargain.
The TKTS Booth has three locations– Times Square, South Street Seaport, and Downtown Brooklyn. Each day they update their window signs to show which tickets are available. As the shows sell out, they take them off of the window display. There are separate signs for Broadway (Yellow) and Off-Broadway shows (Red).
I’ve never had bad seats for a play, but I have been to a TERRIBLE play that was recommended by a TKTS employee. She said is was a “clever whodunnit”… instead it was dry, the actors fumbled through their lines, and half the audience left at intermission! Whatever you do, don’t see “A Perfect Crime!” Take this as a reminder to do your research before you go to the TKTS booth and not rely on their recommendations. To help with this, the TKTS website has a listing of plays from the previous week. iPhone also has an app that shows you what is currently available at the booth.
What’s your favorite Broadway show? Have you ever used TKTS before?
*10/14 UPDATE: I was contacted today via Twitter by TKTS. Apparently, the person who recommended A Perfect Crime to me does not work for TKTS. She has possibly been hired by low selling shows to encourage people to buy tickets. TKTS employees will be wearing a uniform and badge. Please beware of anyone else who says they work for the company.
by ThallenBLiving on November 9, 2011
(That’s me on the far right)
This year I’ve made good on my new year’s resolution to get in better shape. One of the most rewarding activities I’ve done is running with Black Girls RUN! BGR is a group of ladies who get together in their respective cities across the country to run. In NYC we run throughout the week in Central Park, Prospect Park and other neighborhood trails. There really is something for everyone– from beginners to marathon runners. I was not a runner when I joined the group, having never run more than a mile before. However, I quickly became a runner with the support and encouragement of other group veterans. There’s something so motivating in knowing that you’re running with a group and that people are cheering for you at the finish line. I encourage everyone to try out a local walking or running group. It’s the easiest and cheapest form of exercise, seeing as how you’re already standing on the equipment!
What’s your favorite way to exercise?
by ThallenBLiving on November 8, 2011
Well Hockadoo! For those of you who have already seen the musical “Memphis” you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, then get to Broadway (or Netflix) immediately!!!
My Mom and I went to see Memphis on her most recent visit to NYC. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee, so my expectations for the musical were probably higher than normal. I’m almost certain I was a bit more critical of the accents, references, and portrayal of my dear city than most other theater-goers that night. BUT, I can say that I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained!
I don’t want to give it all away, but I will say this: The musical is set in pre-civil rights era Memphis. The premise is that a white radio DJ tries to change race relations in the city by playing black musicians’ songs on the radio. There is lots of singing and dancing… fist-fighting and romance. I laughed, I cried, I got my money’s worth! I think it’s a quality show that may spark interesting post-show dinner conversation. If you’re in the mood for an entertaining, thought-provoking performance, I highly recommend
by ThallenBLiving on November 7, 2011
On Thursday, I had the honor of attending the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Annual Dinner. It was an extravagant event held at the Hilton Hotel in midtown NYC. The room was filled with attorneys and other professionals supportive of the NAACP’s mission. My guest for the evening was a lovely Public Relations executive, Tiffany Winbush of Discovering PR. It was a pleasure to be in the company of a PR guru to help me network in a room full of strangers. Tiffany is a pro at breaking the ice and together we managed to exchange business cards with a dozen of the dinner’s participants. Here are a few of my takeaways for making the most of a networking event:
- Approach people who are standing alone. It’s often tricky to break into a conversation that’s already in progress, but if someone is standing alone it is the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation. They are probably hoping that someone will come up to them!
- Listen more than you talk. People love to talk about themselves. At networking events, get people to tell you all about what they do, their background and experiences by asking open-ended questions. This will allow you to gather information and make mental notes about the similarities you share.
- Tell them how you can help. A common mistake is to ask someone for help, advice, etc. before you show them what you bring to the table. Mention the experience you have in a particular area, and let them know that YOU are someone that THEY should know… As long as you’re not cocky about it
- Don’t be afraid to move on. After you’ve chatted with someone for a while, exchanged cards, and promised to follow-up, don’t be afraid to excuse yourself from the conversation. A great exit line is “It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, but I see someone I’ve been trying to catch up with for a while now.”
How do you network?
by ThallenBLiving on November 3, 2011
Can you believe that this is the 100th post on Thallen B. Living?! I’m so excited to reach this milestone 
As a token of my appreciation to all of you, I have decided to do a giveaway! The gift is a (drumroll please)… $25 Sephora gift card!!! Here’s how you enter to win:
- Subscribe to receive Thallen B. Living email updates by entering your email address in the box on the right. Don’t forget to verify by clicking the link in the first email you receive. If you’re already subscribed, no need to subscribe again.
- Next, comment on your favorite Thallen B. Living post, telling me why it’s your favorite.
- Then, tweet or facebook your favorite post. Make sure to “@ThallenBLiving” in your message to notify me.
I’ll select the winner on Monday, November 14. It’s as simple as that! Thanks for reading, and hopefully the $25 Sephora gift card will be YOURS!
by ThallenBLiving on October 31, 2011
Last week I attended the New York Junior League’s Fall House Tour! This is my third time attending this event (it’s held in both the Fall and Spring). Each time I participate, I fall more and more in love with the beautiful homes in New York City.
In case you haven’t heard of House Tour before, let me explain: The Junior League gets the owners of beautiful homes and model apartments in the city to open their doors for self-guided tours. Junior League volunteers get up-to-speed on all the interesting facts about the homes and share this info as participants come through. That’s right, people open up there homes to thousands of complete strangers! But I suppose that if you’re living in the lap of luxury, why not show it off!
The day always begins with breakfast at the Astor House on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Then participants are given a map of all the featured homes, and have the day to tour them. The Junior League provides a lovely lunch, a Champagne & Strawberries pit stop, and a post-tour cocktail reception to keep spirits high!
If you’re in the NYC area, keep an eye out for the Spring 2012 House Tour. It’s definitely an event you won’t want to miss!
by ThallenBLiving on October 18, 2011
After breakfast at La Bombonera, we strolled around Old San Juan to see the sights and browse the gift shops…
The streets are made of bright blue cobblestone…
A friend suggested I start the tradition of picking up Christmas tree ornaments from all my vacations. I LOVE Christmas tree ornaments so I thought this was a marvelous idea! This is the ornament I purchased in Old San Juan… It is a clay ornament with a painted depiction of the three wise men! I can’t wait to put this on our Christmas tree this year. (Sidenote: Every year since we’ve been married, my husband and I buy an ornament with the year on it. I think vacation ornaments are a marvelous addition to this tradition!)
by ThallenBLiving on October 17, 2011
There are many amazing restaurants within walking distance of the La Concha Renaissance Hotel in Puerto Rico… any of which I would recommend. For a little more adventure, we went into Old San Juan (a very short cab ride… regulated at $13.50). We had dinner there one night at Dragonfly– a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant. The food is mostly tapas and so flavorful! I had Rock Shrimp Tempura Tacos and Peking Duck Nachos… AMAZING!
The next morning, we ventured back into Old San Juan for breakfast at La Bombonera– the second oldest restaurant in all of San Juan, established in 1902.
La Bombonera is famous for mallorca and fresh squeezed orange juice. Mallorca is a Puerto Rican pastry topped with powdered sugar. I had one with ham, cheese, and egg… Boy oh boy was it delish!
Stay tuned for Puerto Rico, Part III tomorrow!
by ThallenBLiving on October 16, 2011
I just got back from a much-needed vacay in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I would HIGHLY recommend Puerto Rico to the American traveler looking for a tropical getaway without a lot of hassle. It’s in the Caribbean, but since it’s a U.S. territory, you don’t have to worry about passports or converting money. The people of Puerto Rico are friendly, helpful and have a beautiful spirit! This is “southern” hospitality at its finest I stayed at the La Concha Renaissance Hotel, which is owned by Marriot. It is a beachfront property with several pools, hot tubs, and cabanas. The hotel is very chic and reminded me a lot of South Beach.
For those of you who like a little pampering (like me!) there is a spa across the street that provides services to hotel guests. My friends and I had deep tissue massages on the beach… there is truly nothing like it! For 55 luxurious minutes, I had a relaxing massage while the crashing waves and wind provided the perfect soundtrack!
I have a couple more days of updates on my Puerto Rican vacation… Stay tuned!!!
I finally got reservations to Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. The restaurant has been open for over a year now, and it’s still a little difficult to get reservations during prime time. This would lead you to believe that the food is so delicious people just can’t stay away. However, in line with many other reviews of Red Rooster, I found the ambiance and service to be nice, but the food a bit lackluster… We started off with crab cakes and cornbread as appetizers. The crab cakes were flavorful and delicious. The cornbread was served with a whipped butter and a tomato jam. The tomato jam had a “unique” flavor, but it wasn’t bad. I preferred the cornbread with just the whipped butter. Hubby and I were very excited about what was to come since the first course started off so promising… However, we were both disappointed with our entrees–the Fried Yardbird (fried chicken) and the Blackened Catfish. I felt that despite the eclectic use of garnishes, the food was terribly bland. Our waiter told us these were the most popular dishes, so I can’t imagine anything else on the menu tastes better.
