Thursday, October 22, 2015

{#TheatreThursday} Check out this @SoRmusical interactive 360° #Video for School of Rock - The Musical! #Broadway #ad

This post is sponsored by The 7th Chamber

Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock, Photo Credit Timmy Blupe
Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe
School of Rock - The Musical will begin preview performances at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on Monday, November 9, 2015 - with an opening set slated for Sunday, December 6, 2015

And guess what? You're In The Band! Based on the 2003 film of the same title, School of Rock, the Broadway Musical will feature music from the movie in addition to an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater.

The film was hailed by The New York Times as an 'irresistible comic postscript to the rock revolution." and went on to gross more than $130 million WORLDWIDE. Those are some impressive numbers!

ABOUT:

School of Rock - The Musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

FIRST OF IT'S KIND 360° MUSIC VIDEO OF "YOU'RE IN THE BAND" FROM "SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL"



This video was shot in an actual New York City classroom and was designed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and School of Rock book writer Julian Fellowes utilizing 360° technology that lets you navigate all angles of the classroom - so you can bring a bit of Broadway directly to you in an immersive, engaging and interactive way!

Other Ways to Watch:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - On Your Mobile or Tablet (YouTube): goo.gl/vr/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Watch on Facebook via Mobile or Tablet:  fb.me/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Watch on YouTube via your Desktop - the video embedded in this post or you can go directly to YouTube here: goo.gl/vr/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To watch via Facebook on your Desktop: fb.me/sor360


Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe
Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe
Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram your Experience and connect with the show on Instagram HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tag @SoRmusical and use the hashtag #YoureintheBand
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Say hi on Facebook

MY TAKE:

I was super surprised when I first heard this was in development, for some reason I just couldn't imagine it adapted for Broadway so I am looking forward to seeing this show and seeing how they adapted the movie for the Broadway Stage! The 360° video is certainly a unique way to promote it and I am glad I got the chance to see it and share it with you today!

Readers Sound Off: Did you see School of Rock - the movie? Will you see the Broadway Version? What do YOU think of the interactive 360° technology that was used to create this video?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this is a Sponsored/Compensated Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

{#Photo Highlights} from @WeddingSalon New York City #BridalTradeshow {#WordlessWednesday} Don't miss the November Show!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City


Bridal Tradeshows are NOT just for Brides ladies! This summer I got a chance to the attend the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow in New York City, the show comes back to NYC again this November, in a different venue and whether you are #TeamSummer or #TeamWinterWhite Wedding, the Wedding Salon Expo has a little something for everyone!

Here are my Photo Highlights:

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City

Above: As soon as you enter, you see amazing dresses!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Nicole Miller Wedding Dress

Above: The lace detail, the stunning exposed back, the pink lighting! This is super 'girly girliness' in all it's bridal glory!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Violinist

Above: A violinist! She is the first person you see when you get off the elevator to the event, such a wonderful way to be greeted.

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Nicole Miller Wedding Dress

Above: OK I had to resist the urge to nip in the top part so the mannequin wouldn't have that 'saggy boob' look but I was afraid to touch anything!

Nicole Miller Wedding Dress at the Wedding, Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City

Above: Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses look good 'coming and going' right? (Maybe it's a trick of the lighting and the way the dress falls, but I see a heart shape and a bit of 'butterflyesque' wings too!)

Nicole Miller Wedding Dress at the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City
Above: I promise there are other dresses in addition to Nicole Miller, I took pictures in the order I proceeded through each room.

Nicole Miller Wedding Dress at the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City

Above: You guessed it, another Nicole Miller!

Glamour Closet Designer Wedding Dresses at the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City

Above: I got to meet the team from Glamour Closet who sell Designer Wedding Gowns up to 75% Off Retail - it's like a sample sale everyday! I got a close up on the price tags on both of the above gowns for you so you could see the savings for yourself! Left: Carolina Herrera Sample Gown from Glamour Closet and Right: I am living for this Lazaro Sample Gown!

Carolina Herrera Sample Gown from Glamour Closet Designer Wedding Dresses at the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Sticker, Price Tag

Above: For Brides on a Budget who still want to knock em dead with a gorgeous designer gown, but only pay a fraction of the cost for it, Glamour Closet is definitely for YOU! This is a close up of the price of the dress on the left side of the dual dress photo! This Carolina Herrera Sample Gown is literally a STEAL!

Lazaro Sample Gown from Glamour Closet Designer Wedding Dresses at the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City

Above: This is the price on the dress on the right. I was particularly fond of this Lazaro Sample Gown, now all I need is a Fiance! ROFLMAO


Above: She's a bit more 'frou frou' than my usual, but a mermaid style is super flattering!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Diamond Dust Potraits, Park Slope Press

Above: Needless to say that the Diamond Dust Portraits by Park Slope Press immediately caught my eye (and everyone else too!), I was born in April, and the birthstone for April is 'Diamond' - A Diamond Dust Portrait? FABULOUS (picture me yelling Fabulous in my best Oprah at Christmas Holiday Voice!) I WANT one of these. Heck I want one of me and my mom too, I think this would make a beautiful Mother's Day or 'anytime' gift for that matter, not just weddings!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Alessandro from I Know You Can Dance

Above: It's Alessandro's warm, bright smile and sunny disposition that drew me to his exhibitor booth, I Know You Can Dance offers Dance Lessons for the couple and can also craft father/daughter or mother/son dances either in a studio or at your residence!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, DanielaRodriguezNYC Bridal Hair&Makeup, #DanielaRodriguezNYC

Above: Gotta love those 'instagramable' moments (please don't use this tag now, I'm sure the contest is over!)

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, DanielaRodriguezNYC Bridal Hair&Makeup, #DanielaRodriguezNYC

Above: DanielaRodriguezNYC Bridal Hair&Makeup was on hand to offer makeup touchups, be sure to check out her online portfolio of Beautiful Brides!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Guitarist
Above: Mid-way there was a musician switch!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, The Royal Hideaway Playacar Hotel, Honeymoon Destinations, Destination Wedding Resorts

Above: Honeymoon and Destination Wedding resorts are a very popular choice, and there was a ton of resort and tourism boards to choose from, The Royal Hideaway Playacar Hotel definitely had a pretty set up!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Athena Entertainment, Champagne Diva, Strolling Tables

Above: Athena Entertainment definitely turned heads with a living 'Champagne Diva', and this is just some of what they can do for your next bash - wedding or any type of event or party for that matter! Seriously check out their 'Strolling Tables', Greeters, Face and Body Art as well as Specialty Acts, I'm sure you will be blown away!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Sandals Resorts, Honeymoon Destinations, Destination Wedding Resorts
Above: I have to confess I have yet to visit Sandals Resorts, looks like I am going to need to get on that and get out there as soon as possible, I'm overdue for some fun in the sun since I worked through the summer!

Carlo's Bakery, Cakes and Sweets, Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City
Above: I am sure most of you are familiar with Carlo's Bakery home of the Cake Boss, Buddy Velastro.  They cater, and they put together a really delicious assortment of just some of what they can do. Most people went back several times to enjoy the delectable array of cakes and sweets, myself included!

La Maison Du Chocolat, Chocolate, Macaroons, Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City
Above: Not to be outdone was La Maison Du Chocolat with a delicious spread of chocolate and macaroons!

Ben & Jerry, #benjerryweddings, Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City
Above: Ben & Jerry was in attendance and that ice cream line was LONG, the struggle is REAL! LOL Some of the New Jersey Ben & Jerry Franchisers were there to promote #benjerryweddings

Fratelli Saraceni, BLUMOND, Splendia - Matilde, Sparkling Wines, Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City
Above: And for that 'something blue' the folks at Fratelli Saraceni have got you covered with 'BLUMOND' - the Italian Blue Sparkling Wine made from Prosecco grapes with an added flavor of fresh, sweet Peach. We also got to sample Splendia - Matilde - an Italian Sweet Sparkling Wine made from Merlot Grapes with an added hint of strawberry. Perfect companion to a Spa Day as well as your big day in my opinion.

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Joyce Kutty Designs
Above: Joyce Kutty Designs - Her backstory is truly an awesome one - In 2011 Joyce realized her passion and artistic vision could also touch lives. During her studies at Rhode Island College she became aware of neutropenia, and abnormally low count of white blood cells - common among oncology patients going through chemotherapy treatment. These patients cannot have real flowers because of the bacteria in the flowers that are detrimental to a patients health, particularly during chemo. She explored the traditional Japanese art-form of origami (the art of folding) and with her background in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design she began creating origami floral arrangements. They reference real flowers as inspiration and any patient can have these in their room. When I read her backstory it truly touched me, during my Medical Crisis in 2011 I could not have flowers in my room. I remember visiting the Nurse's Station to see them enjoying my flowers (often times not even telling me they were there!) I wish I had heard about Joyce Kutty Designs sooner! All patients should experience the joy of a beautiful bouquet, and now they can! (passing you a tissue, I know you want one - isn't this the most touching backstory for a brand you have read in awhile?) With every order over $100, Joyce Kutty Designs donates a Bouquet to a patient at Rhode Island Hospital.

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City, Maps by A.JAFFE, Diamonds, Jewelry
Above: Last but certainly NOT least is Maps by A.JAFFE - They are definitely a 'save the best for last' moment in this recap, These Jewelry Maps allow you to honor the places you hold dear, each custom made piece can be engraved with any location in the world and a Diamond marks the spot of a favorite memory. They resonated with me on so many levels I don't know where to start. At heart I am and always will be a Gypsy, a Nomad, a Wanderer. Stillness feels like death to me. I love to travel and roam, I love the idea of being able to capture the map of a favorite place and wear it as a necklace near my heart forever. I was born in April, us April babies are lucky enough to call Diamonds our 'birthrights' - ahem I mean 'birthstone'. So the fact that instead of an 'X' on the map you can commemorate a special place with a Diamond as the marker is just so, well...ME!!!!

MY TAKE

Butterflies, I presented a mere fraction of what was there, it was a full house and many times I couldn't get solid exhibitor booth shots, there were quite a few other tourism boards there, including one that holds a special place in my heart, Puerto Rico, but I couldn't get a booth shot of them.

While I work on creating my own Pinterest Board for the event, I will point you to Wedding Salon's Pinterest Board for this event, which can be found HERE (their board includes photos of the ginormous Gift Bag that you get on the way out!) and for a list of upcoming Bridal Shows you can attend, click HERE.

BLOGGERS: Leave us a comment with a link to your Wordless Wednesday posts so we can check out your photography too! (just no giveaway linkies here please, Wordless Wednesday Only)

Which brand featured above caught your eye? Are you single and ready to mingle, engaged or married?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I received Press Passes to the Wedding Salon Bridal Expo/Tradeshow for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

{#TheatreThursday} The Rhythm is Gonna Get You! Go see @OnYourFeetBway #OnYourFeet #Broadway


On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, Play, Plays, Theatre, Theater, Broadway, Musical, Musicals
Photographer: Chad Griffith
Remember when I shared that I have been stalking the new Broadway Musical On Your Feet!? If you don't remember, check out my post HERE! - I finally got to see it - and I have to tell you, The Rhythm is Gonna Get You!

Each year I can't help but pick a play that was my favorite, last year it was Kinky Boots! 

On Your Feet!, The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, is a Musical directed by two-time Tony Award Winner Jerry Mitchell of Hairspray AND KINKY BOOTS! (Three-time Tony nominated Scenic Designer, David Rockwell also worked on Kinky Boots - you can check out my review of Kinky Boots HERE). I left On Your Feet! feeling as uplifted and happy as when I left the theatre after seeing Kinky Boots and I have a strong feeling that On Your Feet! is going to be my front runner for my favorite play/musical of 2015.

Even mega fans will find this is the story that they both know and DON'T know, it is touching, heart-warming and triumphant, everything a Broadway experience should be! ~ Ascending Butterfly
Making her Broadway Debut is Ana Villafane as Gloria Estefan (Ana looks so much like Gloria). Josh Segarra (who may you know as Billy Cepeda in the comedy series 'Sirens' on the USA network), plays Emilio, both were hand selected by Gloria and Emilio respectively. Alexandria Suarez plays 'Little Gloria' (her voice is AMAZING by the way - she is going to be one to watch!) and Eduardo Hernandez plays both Little Emilio and Nayib (Emilio & Gloria's son). Alma Cuervo (whose NYC credits include: Allegro, Road Show, Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, The Heidi Chronicles and more) also put in a strong performance as 'Consuelo' (Gloria's Grandmother/abuela) - honestly there really isn't a 'weak link' in the cast, everyone truly 'brought it'.

MY TAKE:

I have been following the progress of this show since I first heard about it, and well before I was even approached to consider writing about it. It definitely lived up to my expectations and I hope to see it soar. To finally see not only Latinos on stage, the story of a Latino power couple no less that overcame tremendous obstacles to see their music done their way - but most importantly a Broadway show for Latinos BY Latinos for me will always be absolutely priceless, and the joy of watching fellow members of the audience of ALL ages and races dancing in the aisles, singing along to every word, and even watching people be moved to tears during the more sentimental moments is something I won't soon forget. I highly recommend On Your Feet! (It is certainly an amazing date night experience or just a girls night out! And for my fellow cocktail lovers, there are signature drinks for the show you can enjoy, my personal fave was the "On Your Feet A Rita" which includes Sauza Tequila!)

"The American Dream" doesn't come wrapped in a cute box with a pretty bow, it is something that often comes with great sacrifice and struggle, while our faces may be different, our dreams are very much the same - wanting a better life for our families, wanting to enjoy creative self-expression and personal and professional fulfillment. The Estefan's road to the American Dream comes with many relatable highs and lows. There were moments that brought the audience to tears (a touching scene with Gloria and her Father), and moments that are incredibly heart-warming (the wall of thousands of fan letters that were written to Gloria after her horrific bus accident while she was on her road to recovery) and triumphant ones (When Emilio gets in the face of a record company Executive who thought they should stick to the 'Latin Market' and he exclaims: "This is what America looks like." - there were literally people cheering out loud!).

What I wrote on the My Take for my pre-coverage of this show very much still stands:

"THIS is exactly the story about our culture that we want out there, that we are passionate, focused, driven men and women with so much to contribute. Let's put aside the where a Latino/Latina is from nonsense - the country of origin separation thing does more to hurt our community than help, that's not what is important, this is a human story, an inspirational and powerful story, and one we should rally around seeing be told, and being told BOLDLY on the Broadway Stage no less." (I normally don't quote myself so much in a piece, but I couldn't quite help myself this time!)

I have two small 'cons'

(1) I suggested a Latino/Latina Bloggers themed night, particularly since the show is still in previews, but I never got a green light, I think a Q&A with the cast and the Estefan's by NYC based Latino/Latina Bloggers would have been amazing!

(2) They don't yet have a show soundtrack (I am hoping that post previews this will be remedied!) - there are two songs in the musical that are original to the show and I want them so I hope a soundtrack is coming.

On Your Feet! is currently in previews at The Marquis Theatre in New York City and opens November 5, 2015.

****I do hope to be able to bring you all a tickets giveaway as well, so please stay tuned!****

In the meantime get social with On Your Feet! The Musical here: and don't forget to use the hashtag: #OnYourFeet

Twitter - @On YourFeetBway 
Facebook - On Your Feet The Musical
YouTube - On Your Feet Bway
Instagram - OnYourFeetBway

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical? Do you have a favorite song from Gloria Estefan, if so which one?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received, however ALL opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

{#WordlessWednesday} Farm to Table - Fall Harvest Bounty {#Photography} #Foodie #LifestyleBlogger


If you are thinking this Fall Harvest Bounty Goodness looks familiar it was on the table when I met Chef Matt Abdoo (of New York City's well known eatery Del Posto Restaurant) for the New York Botanical Garden Family Dinner Series, if you missed that post click here! I just thought this one is so perfect for fall it deserved a day in the Wordless Wednesday Spotlight all to itself!

May YOUR Harvest be equally fresh and bountiful this Fall, in EVERY area of your life! Happy Wordless Wednesday, Bloggers feel free to link up by posting your WW link with your comment (remember NO Giveaway links here, Wordless Wednesday ONLY)

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I received Press Seating to the Family Dinner for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, October 5, 2015

{#MotivationMonday} Ready for YOUR Shift? #butterflies #empowerment #inspiration

I posted this photo via our Social Media over the weekend but thought it would be perfect for Motivation Monday as well!

Are you ready for YOUR shift?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, October 2, 2015

{#FarmtoTable} @NYBG Family Dinner with @DelPosto Chef @mattabdoo #FoodieFriday

New York Botanical Gardens Family Dinner With Del Posto Restaurant Chef Matt Abdoo
Global Gardens - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden
Global Gardens - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

If the Farm to Table Movement is a lifestyle you wish to adopt, then do I have a Foodie Friday for YOU!

The New York Botanical Garden offered a series of Family Dinners this summer that featured Eataly Chefs for an outdoor three-course family meal made by some of the finest chefs New York City has to offer!

The Edible Academy at New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York
The Edible Academy at New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York
Gourmet meals with a twist that even kids could enjoy were on tap featuring chefs from Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's restaurants to support the NY Botanical Garden Edible Academy. Thanks to a recent donation drive in honor of CEO Gregory Long's 25 years with the nonprofit, a $28 million dollar donation to the board allowed the garden to establish a year-round Edible Academy, teaching 80,000 families and children about gardening and nutrition onsite!

The dinners allow attendees to learn from the pros with cooking demonstrations, crafting and gardening activities. I got to attend the last dinner in the series with Chef Matt Abdoo of Del Posto Restaurant and Chef Melissa Rodriguez in New York City.

Photo Highlights:

The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden
Before the dinner was served there was various stations to keep everyone engaged before the cooking demonstration and sit down dinner outdoors.

Decorate a Chefs Apron at The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden
There was a create your own Apron Station! (I skipped this one, I have a ton of them and I never use them!) But kids really seemed to dig this station and it was fun watching them at work.

Make A Take Home Italian Salad Dressing at The Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden
There was a create your own Italian Dressing Station (chock full of Garden Fresh Herbs!)

Pot up a basil plant to take home station at The Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden
There was a Plant your Basil Station (I LOVED this! My Great-Grandmother was the one with the hand for Gardening, and doing this made me think of her) - And I am Proud to report my Plant is doing fine and well so far! When I cut my first pieces from it and incorporate it into a recipe I will post a photo for sure!

Potted basil plant The Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden
I will bet this Basil will always taste sweeter because I planted it myself!
The path towards the event showed off various gardens and I just had to nab shots of those!

Korea Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden
Korea Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

Ireland Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden
Ireland Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

Italy Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden
Italy Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

I got shots of AND with Chef Matt Abdoo:

Chef Matt Abdoo of Del Posto Restaurant in New York City leads Family Dinner Cooking Demonstrations at New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York in support of The Edible Academy
Above: Chef Matt Abdoo of Del Posto Restaurant in New York City leads Family Dinner Cooking Demonstrations at New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York in support of The Edible Academy. A shout out to Whole Foods, they were one of the event sponsors!


Above: Stoked that I could nab a shot with the chef! (I arrived super early in hopes that I could)

Annie Novak of The New York Botanical Garden

Above: Annie Novak of The New York Botanical Garden kicked off the dinner. And I have to add that her Frida Kahlo socks are ON POINT!!!

Above: Had to nab a shot of my place setting of course!

The Menu:

First Course (Primi)

Above: Grilled Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Burrata Salad (this was AWESOME, I so wish 'Tastovision' was a thing!)

Second Course (Secondi)

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Verde
Yukon Gold Potato Salad
Slow-Cooked Rainbow Chard

Dessert Course (Dolci)

Tiramisu (We discussed an 'adult version' where you soak the lady fingers in alcohol that I am TOTALLY going to try for myself! Well technically when the idea came up that you don't just have to just soak the lady fingers in coffe, I may have ASKED directly about soaking mine is a certain Spirit instead (I'm not naming it until I try out the recipe for myself! Stay thirsty my butterflies!)

The Wine Pairings:

Of course I have to share the wines that were offered to pair with the meal:

Leone de Castris Verdeca Bianco Messapia 2009, Red Wine




































Above: Leone de Castris Verdeca Bianco Messapia 2009, Red Wine - You guys know I have trouble with finding balanced Red Wines that aren't so tannins heavy that they make me have that suck the roof of my mouth reaction to it, this one was PERFECT. I finally found a red I truly enjoy! The waiter was sweet enough and patient enough to hold all the bottles up so I could nab a shot of them!

Altesino Toscana Rosso 2013, White Wine




































Above: Altesino Toscana Rosso 2013, White Wine

2014 Brancato Rosato Il Poggione Rosato di Toscana, Rose Wine





































Above: 2014 Brancato Rosato Il Poggione Rosato di Toscana, Rose Wine

MY TAKE:

A Family Dinner isn't fun without family, so I brought Mama Butterfly along:

Above: Left: Mama Butterfly and Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly enjoying a beautiful Family Dinner at New York Botanical Garden, for those fashionistas who want to know, the blouse is by Calvin Klein and the necklace is by Silpada!

It was so perfect that I got to attend the final dinner in the series, it was a bit after Fashion Week and it was the perfect way to wind down from a chaotic week. If you arrive well before the dinner, you can stroll the Garden, hit the gift shop and check out what the Garden has to offer. This is actually a limited seating event, so you want to book early and if you are a big group, arriving early would help ensure that your party is seated together. Because they allow children and we all know children have short attention spans, be patient and try to sit up front if you can, but know they may 'roam the aisles' if their parents allow them to (I wish parents wouldn't allow the kids to roam around during the demo). I have to give special props to Chef Abdoo, he is incredibly patient/good with children! Next summer I hope the entire series lines up with my schedule!

And if they are reading: As a single girl in the city with no kids, I wouldn't get mad at a 'singles' version of this dinner. A no kids allowed version, just saying......

Call to Action/Readers Sound Off: Where do you stand in the Farm to Table Movement? Do you already or would you consider growing your own food?



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