(Part I here)
5. Be inspired by modern masterpieces at MoMA
This picture needs no introduction, but believe me, this is not the reason why anyone should visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). I personally found Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone (at Musée d’Orsay) a lot more inspiring. Instead, it is for the very extensive and well-represented collection of modern and contemporary art that makes MoMA a must-see. Featuring many world-famous paintings, as well as photographs, architecture and design, there’s definitely something for everyone at MoMA.
As excited as I was to see my favourites by Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein amongst others, personally, I was most captivated by this piece from Italian artist Umberto Boccioni entitled Dynamism of a Soccer Player.
Unfortunately, the photograph does absolutely no justice to this work of art. But trust me, the colours were dynamic and the brushwork was spirited.
Don’t forget to stop by the MoMA store when you’re done. You won’t leave empty-handed. Heh.
6. Tantalise your taste buds with a divine lunch at Le Bernardin
I’d never known the true worth of a Michelin star, let alone three, until I visited Le Bernardin. We didn’t know much about it except that it’s on this list and is overly-fancy since it’s a jacket required kind of restaurant. We’re generally not too keen on chi-chi restaurants but its name kept popping up on Zagat whenever I did the research, so I told Dia that we had to try it.
It did not disappoint.
Salmon Rillette with Toast
Warm Crab Cake with Tequila Guacamole and Potato Crisps, Aji Pepper-Lime Emulsion
Nantucket Bay Scallop
Poached Striped Bass with Wild Mushrooms and Baby Turnips, Rich Peking Duck Broth
Baked Cod with Artichoke Barigoule, Perigord Truffle Butter
Citrus Cheesecake with Concord Grape Spheres, Pine-Nut Sablé
Cinnamon Caramel Cream with Green Apple Foam, Candied Walnut, Red Wine Caramel
I can’t even begin to describe how satisfying this meal was, and how it gave me such feelings about food. It was, for the lack of a better word, orgasmic. ;) The experience was further enhanced by our servers who were incredibly friendly and were far from haughty, something I believe to be essential in good restaurants.
If, like us, this is as much fuss as you can handle, make reservations for lunch. It’s cheaper too (ours cost about US$120 per person, inclusive of tips).
7. Discover real heart amid all the irreverent humour in The Book of Mormon
Figuring it may never hit Singapore, we decided to catch a modern-day all-American Broadway musical making fun of what else? Religion. Entirely written by the same creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon is an offensively hilarious satire that has ridiculously catchy songs, annoyingly lovable characters and a heartwarming storyline underneath it all. So it may not sit well with everyone, but if you’re willing to give it a shot, be prepared to be highly entertained. :p The musical only opened in 2011 so it definitely has a good number of years left on Broadway.
8. Put on your skates or people-watch at Bryant Park
This picture didn’t capture that magical Christmas spirit in the air but we really did have a lovely time unwinding by the rink listening to great Christmas standards and watching people mock us with their fancy skating moves (both of us can’t skate to save our lives). It may not be as famous as the Wollman Rink in Central Park, but there was a certain winsome charm that appealed to us so much that we stayed there for almost two hours (also, we were dead tired from all the mad walking we did that same day). Check out the Holiday Shops just behind the rink before settling yourself cosy in a chair.
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Song of the Day
Baby, It’s Cold Outside, by Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer
