Peter Luger Steakhouse

One of my favorite things to do in NY is to see a great show and eat amazing food.  Well, I did eat amazing food, but the show was uh......okay, let's leave it at that.  So, getting 50% correct isn't bad, right? I will leave you with a photo of Times Square busting at the seams just an hour before curtain.  It's a sight that I will never tire of.

Fortunately, my total meat-fest at Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn more than made up for the show.  This restaurant has been around since 1887, so it is a total food institution in the outer borough.  You have to check your vegan diet at the door and indulge in the tender, juicy medium-rare Porterhouse steak.

Honestly, you don't need to read the menu.  Let your waiter order for you, they know the menu better than anyone.  Some of the items we indulged in that I forgot to take a photo of because I was too busy stuffing my face included:  jumbo shrimp cocktail, creamed spinach, Beefsteak tomato and onion salad, schlag, and an apple turnover.  I could have eaten a bowlful of the schlag AKA the Austrian word for "with whipped cream" all on my own.  Finally, don't forget to top it all off with Peter Luger's famous horseradish sauce. (just not the dessert!)  My mouth is watering just thinking about the meal....

Bacon, bacon, bacon was the complete topper to the Beefsteak and onion salad.  It was heaven.  Be sure to visit Peter Luger Steakhouse the next time you are in NY, don't forget to make a reservation, and bring cash, no credit cards accepted.

Shopping in New York

As you know from my previous trips here and here, NYC is my home.  I can't get enough of the sounds, the smells, the food, the theatre, and the shopping!  It took me only 32 minutes to make a dent in my wallet with a ring, pendant, and earring purchase, followed by my coveted Jessica Simpson shoe splurge.

I wasn't planning on buying any jewelry, but I stumbled into the place on my way out of my favorite NYC sandwich joint, Cosí.  It's called Secret of Treasures (488 7th Ave, New York 10018) and everything is approximately $2.99 and under, so it's a costume jewelry fan's dream.   I scooped up a Murano glass ring.

How can you resist?  This colorful pile of Murano glass pendants was so enticing.  I only picked up one, but I could have sorted through the pile for days.  I also grabbed a pair of earrings bringing my shopping total to $9.77 for three pieces of jewelry.  Now, that's what I call a bargain!

Finally, you know I have been coveting these shoes from Jessica Simpson.   The girl may be a mediocre singer and actress, but she has a billion dollar fashion empire.  Yes, I said BILLION.  These are the Dany shoes that department stores and online sites cannot keep in stock.  It is a huge 5" heel with a 2" platform heel, but they are comfortable and easy to walk in.  I wish it was warm in NYC right now so I could sport them to the theatre tonight.  I think I have finished with my shopping here in the city, but I still have another 12 days to go.........wish me luck!

Hey Soap Fans, This One is for You!

Last week, I wrote a post asking soap fans, "What the Heck Happened?".  After ABC's decision to cancel All My Children and One Life to Live, the viewers rallied across the internet, created petitions, and shouted loud enough for advertisers to respond.  After getting tremendous response to my post and capturing the voices of the daytime community, I finally gathered all of my material and wrote a lengthy article for Starpulse.  I also want to thank Spin's Vixenella on Twitter for spearheading all of the fans to come to Red Carpet Closet and share their thoughts on the cancellation.  Now, I want to know what you think of the article.  Remember,  I love to read your feedback!

Starpulse article


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Soap Fans, What the Heck Happened?

If you were hiding under a rock yesterday, you missed the big news that ABC Daytime cancelled the long-running and beloved soaps, All My Children and One Life To Live.  I am old enough to remember my mom ironing while watching the beginning stages of Tad and Jenny's romance or the antics of Opal on AMC.  I personally never latched on to the soap genre despite a brief flirtation with General Hospital during the Luke and Laura days.  I never found the story lines appealing enough to warrant programming our complex top-loading VCR back in the '80's.  Nevertheless, it is devastating news to the entertainment industry that the two shows were cancelled.  The loss of jobs and revenue to Los Angeles and New York were enough for the DGA, AFTRA, and the WGA to make official statements.

Now, I have a few questions for those of you who are soap fans because I want to understand more about this dying television genre.  Brian Frons, president of Daytime for Disney-ABC Television Group, has been vilified for years by the fans and based on the numerous "I Hate Brian Frons" forums, I bet yesterday's announcement that "Their time has come to an end" didn't win him any new friends.  The shocking thing is that under his tutelage over the last 9 years, the soaps have seen their lowest ratings ever.  So, how is it possible that Brian Frons is still employed?  Can anyone answer that question?  As for the fans, you have been dropping dramatically in numbers and ratings over the last decade.  Did you abandon the genre all together?  What would it take to bring you back?  Based on my recent interview (and the follow-up article with AfterElton.com) with Chandler Massey of Days of Our Lives, I know you are still strong in numbers.  Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Of course with today's big news, the rumor mill has started.  One of the biggest pieces of gossip was floated exclusively by Blind Gossip that perhaps Susan Lucci is joining the cast of Desperate Housewives as a series regular.  If true, this would bring a big boost in ratings to the flailing DH series.  The other great story floated about is that both soaps might wind up on the web versus traditional broadcast television.  I think the first rumor is a strong possibility while the second story would be far-fetched at this point, let's see if it rings true. Okay, soap fans, fire away!  I want your opinions on this whole breaking story.

Entertainment Hosts Play Musical Chairs

While trolling through Twitter yesterday, I came across the news on Deadline Hollywood that Showbiz Tonight anchor, Brooke Anderson, was replacing Lara Spencer on The Insider.  Now before Lara Spencer fans freak out, Lara is headed back to Good Morning, America, where she started her national network career.  Lara leaves The Insider after being passed over for the Entertainment Tonight anchor job that Mary Hart retired from late last year.  That gig went to former Access Hollywood host, Nancy O'Dell.  She left Access Hollywood in 2009 after it was rumored that her co-host, Billy Bush, drove her up a wall.  I don't blame her, he's a pesky personality.  Before the ink dries on your Hollywood entertainment show anchor chart, please remember, no one has been announced as Brooke Anderson's replacement on HLN's Showbiz Tonight.  How will this story end?

In the meantime, I send my personal "congratulations" to Brooke who is smart, kind, and perfect for her new role on The Insider.  I had the opportunity to interview her during Oscars Week.  She was one of the judges for the MTVu Oscar Correspondent Contest and I love her for giving me the exclusive on who designed her Oscar gown (A to-die-for designer!).  Here is my interview with her on Mingle Media TV:




Photo Courtesy of Mingle Media TV.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a little less lovable than New Orleans, but I have to say that Vegas knows how to build some really cool crap.  Yeah, I said crap.  It's all smoke and mirrors topped off with a vice den of gambling, strippers, and drugs, but I sure love the food, the shows, and the shoes.  Vegas in photos.........

 The MGM Lion hangs out in a boxing ring.  

 What's Vegas without a little bit of nudity?  You're welcome.

MGM had their lion-keeper sleeping with the lions.  I guess it is better than sleeping with the fishes.

 At the NAB edition of Digital LA at The Library/Club Marquee with Jen Friel and Kevin Winston.

Hanging at Digital LA-Vegas Edition with AJ Tesler and Matthew Troyer.

 Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan at City Center.

 It's tacky and pretty all at once.  Ah, Las Vegas!

 Sorry for my schmaltzy taste, but Barry is my dream concert.

 See?  Vegas builds cool crap.  The lobby of The Cosmopolitan Hotel.

On the balcony of The Library at Club Marquee while the people grind below.  Yep, I said grind.  

Photos 4 and 5 courtesy of Digital LA.

She's Pregnant!

.......but here at Red Carpet Closet we already knew that.  If you've been here the last few weeks, you know I made a visit to InvenTORI in Sherman Oaks.  Lucky for me, Tori and Dean were in 'da house and that is when I declared, "Don't be surprised if you read a Tori Spelling pregnancy article soon.  I can't be 100% sure since I am not her OB, but she sure looked like she might be sporting a baby bump. (Just remember you heard it here at Red Carpet Closet first!)"  Well, well, look who scooped Perez, People, and US Magazine.  Oh yeah, Red Carpet Closet!  That is a first for me and I am going to pat myself on the back for knowing a baby bump when I see one.  


Mazel Tov, Tori and Dean!
See the original article on InvenTORI from Tuesday, March 29th here.