Book of Mormon, Peanut Bourbon, & Puerto Rican Parade

New York doesn’t sleep because it’s bionic. No matter how many things you’d like to do or places you’d like to visit, it’s ready. I visited Manhattan twice in the past couple of weeks. Here are some highlights.

The Book of Mormon
We had the absurd fortune of seeing The Book of Mormon at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway. This satiric gem is eternally sold out for a reason: It pantsed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through wide-eyed innocence and historically accurate details, it spews piercing bits of truth about the derangement of organized religion. In your face, Mitt.

JBird Cocktails
The Upper East Side finally has a speakeasy-style establishment where Chuck Taylors outnumber popped collars and no one’s yammering about the Hamptons. My Honey-Nut Old Fashioned with roasted peanut bourbon was crackerjack, I say. Plus it has barkeeps who act like they’ve known you since middle school. Mildred Pierce would approve.  

Central Park Zoo
Maybe I was inspired after recently seeing Madagascar, but after years of passing through it, I made time to actually walk around the Central Park Zoo. Its setup is more intimate than traditional zoos, which helps you feel more connected to the animals. The puffins were chummy and we saw a very stealthy snow leopard, but the sea lion show prevailed. They played Frisbee and everything.

Asia Society
I can’t get enough of this museum. This time, we explored ink paintings by renowned artist Wu Guanzhong and watched a politically sparked three-channel video installation by Wang GongXin.

National Puerto Rican Day Parade
The 55th annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade took place on Sunday along Fifth Avenue. Bursting with energy, color, history, and respect, it honors Puerto Rico’s four million inhabitants and the more than four million people of Puerto Rican heritage living in the United States.

Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
If you like Italian food, as in tastes-like-you’re-in-Italy-while-you’re-eating-it-and-you-can-feel-the-Tuscan-breeze-on-your-face-and-everything-is-somehow-more-beautiful-than-in-real-life-and-how-do-people-get-to-live-in-Italy-anyway?-no-fair, this newish Bowery eatery is for you. The olive oil alone is worth the trek, but the house-made Ricotta, mint leaves, and chopped hazelnuts would make you convert to Mormonism. Almost.

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