The Viceroy in NYC

When you want to be close to Central Park and don't want to break the bank, The Viceroy is an EXCELLENT choice. This 29-story onyx tower opened its doors on 57th Street on October 9, 2013. "We're in love with New York, but not the new New York," says Stephen Alesch, who designed the space with his wife, Robin Stander. Their firm, Roman and Williams, also created the reimagined Royalton, the Standard High Line, and the lobby of the Ace Hotel. They wanted to create a building that was timeless, where you couldn't tell if it opened yesterday or a hundred years ago, and they definitely succeeded. In fact, I looked up to see what The Viceroy was before it was remodeled...and found it wasn't just a remodel at all.



The lobby includes a mural by Thomas Hart Benton. Making the painting his own, Alesch stenciled a blueprint for the hotel onto it.



Fresh flowers brighten up the check-in desk:



The area surrounding the concierge desk is a sleek and richly paneled library.



How does the staff do? Damn well. They gave the personalized service you would hope to get with a boutique hotel. When an unexpected fire began (thanks to an idiot who flicked a cigarette near the conference rooms), the staff was attentive to guests who had to wait outside.



I was returning from my photo shoot in Grand Central Station with Julius Anthony Rubio and was blocked from getting back to the hotel...where he had left quite a bit of his wardrobe. Ugh. As soon as the hotel was marked "safe" for return, we were told the elevators still needed to be checked.



The staff allowed us to use the stairs. Although it was a bit of a hike up to the 17th floor, the alternative they offered was greatly appreciated, as I had a lunch reservation to make!



LOVED the room! Like the lobby, it was warm and sleek all at the same time.



And how about that view of Central Park?!?



The bathroom wasn't huge, but more than functional:



No pool, but a fitness center:



The Rooftop Bar has incredible views...as one would expect:



The bar itself:



And the view. Sigh...



The downstairs restaurant, the Kingside, had the perfectly retro vibe that I love.



A quick countertop meal can be had...



or a more leisurely one in a plush booth:



Be sure to check out the Viceroy on your next NYC trip!

See more photos at my main website.

Escape to Margaritaville

I'm not a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, so when my friend Julius said he was in the Broadway musical "Escape to Margaritaville" I somewhat cringed. Still...it's a Broadway show, and he was able to get me front row tickets. Can't bitch about that!



To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. The music of Buffett was seamlessly woven into the fun tale of two couples who meet on a tropical island vacation and find their lives unexpectedly changed. Naturally it was awesome to see Julius perform!



That's a trite summary of a VERY fun show that has a few good messages but doesn't use a sledge hammer to hit you over the head with them.



Paul Alexander Nolan and Alison Luff have the perfect chemistry as the romantic leads, and Luff's voice is phenomenal.





Eric Petersen and Lisa Howard play the second couple with just as much chemistry as their costars.



Will Lisa's character get to eat that cheeseburger in Paradise or will she go back to her fiancee at home who wants her to stay on a diet of carrot juice and a handful of seeds?





How many times do you get acknowledged with a wink from a Broadway cast member?



We got to go "backstage" after the show as Julius gave us a tour around.



I can't thank him enough for a fantastic evening and the red carpet treatment for me and my friends.



Get your tickets before it's too late; the show closes July 1: http://escapetomargaritavillemusical.com

See more "Escape to Margaritaville" photos at my main website.

Dancing in Grand Central Station

I was slightly apprehensive when Julius Rubio (one of the ensemble dancers from "The Greatest Showman") suggested we shoot in Grand Central Station. The name of that building always represented complete chaos to me, which is not exactly how I like to work. Still, the idea intrigued me.



Beautiful architecture, plenty of details...



Zodiac murals, historic light fixtures...



OK, I'm game. Let's give it a try.



One should always warm up first to avoid injury.



The pose...



and then the leap.



I cropped out the mess of gawkers. This is not something you typically see here as people rush to catch their trains.

Today celebrates the 12 year anniversary of when I first started this blog. That's a lot of gray hair and wrinkles. Thanks to all who have enjoyed the journey with me.

See more New York City Grand Central Station photos at my main website..