Young, Scrappy, and Hungry
September 28, 2019
With all that is happening in the news today, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to reflect on our roots. Living in the birthplace of America, surrounded by history, has helped me gain a better understanding of the intricacies of our country, the founding fathers, and the Constitution.
When my parents came to visit last week, I wanted to show off Philadelphia in a way that paid homage to its history while exploring the city’s prevalent culture and arts. I hoped to show them how magical Philadelphia can be outside the typical tourist landmarks. It just so happened that the Forrest Theater has all of that and more with its current performance of the renowned musical Hamilton.
“Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit, I'm helpless!” - Eliza Schuyler
That is exactly how I felt watching the play except instead of being helpless I was speechless. To describe how incredible this play is, you just have to experience it for yourself.
As the first operatic type rap that brings to life its namesake's "young, scrappy, and hungry" American hero, Hamilton is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Despite listening to the soundtrack since its release, nothing could have prepared me for the amazing talent of Lin Manuel Miranda‘s lyrics and the Broadway cast. The play was inspired by historian Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton (next on my list of audiobooks).
My sister and I agreed to surprise our parents with the tickets. They had no idea, I told them we were going to an “arts and history event.” They were stunned in the best possible way!
So if you have not seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Act now or, as Hamilton would say, don’t throw away your shot! Click HERE for tickets - available until November 17. If you get a chance, definitely listen to the soundtrack.
Welcome to Downton
September 22, 2019
“I don’t argue, I explain.” - Violet Crawley
This was just one of my favorite quotes from the new Downton Abbey movie:
Last weekend I surprised my parents with a signature afternoon high tea in true British fashion at the lovely Mary Cassatt Tea Room in the posh Rittenhouse Hotel.
Located at the western corner of Rittenhouse Square, the tea room lives up to the prestigious Impressionist artist of its namesake. We found ourselves in a luxurious and relaxing oasis complete with a harpist. The seats overlooked a charming garden terrace too. The menu offered so many delicious smelling teas, from a creamy Earl Grey called Duchess First Love to a classic organic Chamomile. I chose their new Azul tea, which with a lemon squeeze changed color from blue to purple in a fascinating chemical reaction with the butterfly pea flower tea ingredient.
Of course, what is tea without some crumpets? We thoroughly enjoyed the assortment of canapés and tea sandwiches curated by executive chef Jon Cichon of the hotel’s restaurant Lacroix. Selections included tuna tartare, egg salad, a trio of scones (with strawberry jam, Devonshire cream, and lemon curd), verbena raspberry tart, and more. Needless to say, we were quite satiated afterward.
But while our stomachs were full, our hearts were still yearning for the characters of our beloved show, Downton Abbey. Lucky for us, the tea included three advanced screening tickets to the movie!
We had a blast watching the revival of our favorite story lines. The show ended so beautifully we worried the movie might not live up to the rest of the series and we were happily proven wrong.
If you are a Downton Abbey fan, which if you aren’t you should be, then do not miss this movie! And for the full experience, check out the Rittenhouse Hotel’s Afternoon Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room.
If you are a Downton Abbey fan, which if you aren’t you should be, then do not miss this movie! And for the full experience, check out the Rittenhouse Hotel’s Afternoon Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room.
(PS: thank you to my friend Mimi for the recommendation)
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