Shall We Dance?

"Do you dance?" he asked.

"What do you mean, like in general?" I asked. "Yeah, I dance."

"Do you dance to this kind of music?" The music playing was 30's, 40's & 50's swing, jazz and blues.

"No, I've never danced to this."

He extended his hand, "Shall we?"


After the Holiday Shops Opening event, that is how I ended my Thursday evening in Bryant Park under a crystal clear sky and waxing gibbous moon. He looked harmless enough, Ray did. That's his name. Ray. I didn't get a last name. Black gentleman of 60. He led me through the basics of the Lindy Hop and foxtrot. An audience formed, some snapping photos of us. When I caught on to the steps, he added kicks and spins. "Some times the man flips the woman over his head..."

Talisman Chill Out at the Southwest Cookout

Talisman plays at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park

Last night, I took a trip to Spain, the south of France and stopped over in Italy.

I was at the Cookout at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park located in the southwest corner of the park (40th and 6th for those of you who need specifics). The cookout was sponsored by Southwest Airlines and they served fancier but still tasty versions of burgers, hot dogs, pork belly sandwiches and drinks from ’wichcraft.

I opted for a burger served on chiabatta bread. My guest's burger was a bit too rare for her tastes and she requested a new one, well done. On the second go-round, she was more than satisfied. They also served cookout staples, coleslaw and potato salad. We also munched on ancho chile and lime popcorn. Southwest Airlines will be hosting a weekly cookout at the Porch all season long! Will I be back? Oui. Care to join me?