Alan Ilagan

Last month, before we attended the Carol Burnett show at Proctor’s, Andy and I had dinner at the Bangkok Bistro in Schenectady for the first time. Friends of mine have been recommending it for a while, and we finally got to see why.

The above is their “Schenectady-tini” – a name which doesn’t quite roll as easily off the tongue as the drink does down the throat. It’s basically a pear martini, and a pretty potent one at that.

But the big hit for me was this pad Thai, which I don’t order as much as I should.

If you’re in the area, or seeing a show at Proctor’s, this is worth a stop. The food was amazing, there’s a full bar up front, and a sushi bar in the back.

Is there anything lovelier than a margarita in a mason jar, rimmed with salt? This was from last night, prior to seeing Spring Awakening.

Thank God Matt Baumgartner was good enough to open a Bomber’s across from Proctor’s.

Last night’s 1st Friday exhibition at the Romaine Brooks Gallery went splendidly, and I was glad to see so many friendly and familiar faces. Now it’s back to the weekend wedding grind, as I begin to churn out a bazillion intricately-detailed wedding invitation packages. There may or may not be tulle involved – I haven’t decided yet.

Andy has managed to come up with amazing seats for Spring Awakening when it comes to Proctor’s this month. (I think we’re fifth row center – after Wicked we decided front row at that theater was sorrowfully over-rated.) I actually purchased the Spring Awakening soundtrack when it debuted on Broadway a few years ago, but after one or two half-hearted (and half-heard) spins in the CD player it went onto the rack and never surfaced until this morning. I was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) by how much more I liked it this time around. It’s just further commentary on second chances, first impressions, and blah, blah, cliched blah.

Next weekend I’ll be back on the road, resuming the 21st Century Renaissance Tour down in New York City with Suzie and Chris. Until then, it’s all work and little to no play.

There was snow in the sky last night, but it turned to rain before we had to head into Amsterdam for a family dinner. This Thursday we’re taking my parents to see ‘Wicked’ at Proctor’s Theater. Somehow Andy managed to score front-row tickets for the four of us. (I know, it’s not the best show for front row, but I’ve already had the good fortune to see it twice on Broadway with the original cast, so this will present a new view - namely up Elphaba’s dress when she takes flight.)

So if you care to find me, look to the Western sky!