Rehearsal for 2010

Even though Miss Tea thought she would never EVER do this, she found herself smack dab in the middle of Times Square today for her "rehearsal" in preparation for the New Year's Eve 2010 celebration.

WHAT?!

Yep, Miss Tea was in Times Square getting prepped for her appearance on the Nivea Kissing Platform to promote "Love, Hugs and Kisses" ... so appropriate for Miss Tea as a resolution to do all of the above more often in 2010. :o)

Anyhoo, here are some prep photos. Hopefully Miss Tea will have better ones tomorrow! Also, Miss Tea was told she might be seen on TV (ABC or NBC) during performances by Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Lopez. Mind you, Miss Tea will probably be in the back...way, way back. LOL



Here is our space during all the revelry, where the ball will drop behind us. Other pic is of our film crew. "All right, Mr. DeMille. I'm ready for my close-up."

Save a horse, ride a cowboy!

Just when Miss Tea thought she knew every spot in NYC, along comes something new ... to Miss Tea, that is. Sure, you've all done it...but do you talk about it?

Miss Tea is talking about that rambunctious mechanical bull housed at Johnny Utah's Restaurant and Bar. The dark, underground arena was filled with strapping, young men and sassy, young women, all drinking to their hearts content while cheering the latest victim of The Bull and waiting for the Shot Rounds when Miss Tea was present. What a perfect place to bring family.

Miss Tea needed some liquid motivation before getting on that thing so natch, we had bottle service (Prosecco $40). After struggling with mounting The Bull, Miss Tea held on for dear life, worried that she might break a nail. Sure enough, as the The Bull moved quickly, she slid slowly (and pathetically) down the side until she just let go of the rope. She glanced at the announcer/controller with a sheepish "I tried" look, to which he pointed at her to get back on The Bull, saying "You're not done." Sadly, Miss Tea tried again, only this time to be thrown off again as the bull spinned around. Trust, Miss Tea did not look sexy in front of the gaping audience.

On the other hand, Miss Tea's cousin, Miss KB, stayed on for a good 5-6 minutes. With one hand on the rope and the other in the air, Miss KB's agility to ride the bull in a rocking motion was quite impressive. It figures, the young ones know how to do this sort of thing.

Ah youth, come back. Miss Tea misses you.

Miss Tea vs. The Bull.

Save Santa a sleigh ride - be naughty!

Miss Tea saw that little gem on her friend's Facebook page - rather clever!

As some of you know, Miss Tea took a little vaca to Buenos Aires in early December and has had to pay for it ever since returning to work. Wrapping up the end of the year in a rush makes Miss Tea very fussy.

Of course there are tons of things Miss Tea would like to talk about but with the holidays creeping up, family and friends to see...we'll just have to start up again next week.

However, Miss Tea will leave you with 2 movie reviews (in case you're bored with the fam and need an activity that doesn't require interaction...not that it happens in Miss Tea's family).

Avatar

To all the naysayer critics, shame on you. So what if it took 15 years to make this flick? It's pretty friggin' cool. Miss Tea has heard criticism that the story is weak, there are too much special effects, and yes, Miss Tea has some trouble understanding Sam Worthington's mumblings. But overall, the film is impressive as a fantasy film and delivers. Plus, Miss Tea likes the Mother Earth (or in this case Mother Pandora) theme of appreciating nature.

Premise: Jughead Jake Sully takes on a mission in Pandora in place of his super-smart but now dead twin brother to assist in the mining of a special mineral. An indigenous tribe (Miss Tea forgets what they're called...Naboo?? oh wait, that's Star Wars) sits on one of the largest mineral deposits and the Earthlings (that would be us) need to "nicely" evict them from their home. Sully becomes part of the tribe through an avatar to learn their ways in order to peacefully get them to leave. Of course, nothing's ever "peaceful" with James Cameron so conflict ensues.

At one point, Michelle Rodriguez's character says, "You're not the only one with guns, b*tch." For some reason, Miss Tea this is the one quote Miss Tea remembers from the film with fond affection and humor.

Anyhoo, go see Avatar: www.avatarmovie.com

P.S. It is preferable that you see it on IMAX, over 3D. But you have the IMAX 3D combo, even better.

Sherlock Holmes

Well, pubLiZity did it again! Last night, she and Miss Tea went to see a pre-screen of Sherlock Holmes. Robert Downey Jr. brought his Ironman charisma to the title character while Jude Law played an "alternative" Dr. Watson. Don't know about you, but Miss Tea always thought Dr. Watson was a stodgy old fellow...til now. Or maybe it's because it's Jude Law. Hmm. Doesn't matter. The point is, Downey and Law have chemistry and it shows onscreen in their "bromance" relationship. Rachel McAdams also does a great job as a tough Dame Adler, bringing in some clever, feminine spunk.

Premise: It's complicated. If Miss Tea tries to describe the plot, it may deter you from watching the film. So you're just going to have to see it.

Director Guy Ritchie also did a great job in keeping the film fast-paced, providing clues and keeping the audiece in suspense. Think Old English meets Rock N Rolla. The film is SMA-ART and the story is interesting enough to keep you enthralled. The only pisser for Miss Tea is when the story leaves you as if a sequel is in the works. Sigh.

Sherlock Holmes is definitely a go-see: www.sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com

Have a Happy Holiday Season everyone! Write to y'all next week!

Movie Review: New Moon

"OMFG! I die! I die!"

That might as well have been what the girls were thinking every time they squealed over a pair of pretty pecs (and there are many) in New Moon.

So what the heck was Miss Tea doing in a movie theater with a bunch of teenage twits? Darling, please. If someone placed in front of you a chocolate ice cream sundae, swathed in hot fudge and sprinkled with walnuts, with a ripe cherry on top, wouldn't you have stopped yourself to take a look? Don't lie.

For many of the young viewers (and Miss Tea), the "hunk" factor seemed to be the memorable highlight of New Moon. But was it better than Twilight? Eh.

In fact, Miss Tea thought everything (film, story, "teen angst" acting) was on the exact same level as Twilight. Where the first film focused on Edward, New Moon focuses on the awkwardly flirtatious Jacob, thus putting Bella in quite the pickle (lucky hussy). New Moon moves at a decent pace (better than Twilight) and has impressive animation, although the werewolves look more like oversized Shiba Inu puppies than ferocious predators (what? they look soooo cute! I want one!).

Overall, Miss Tea enjoyed the flick and as she said before, it's the fluff needed to get to the good stuff...which would be Eclipse and Breaking Dawn (read the books - don't worry, it's at a 3rd grade reading level, you'll finish all four in a week).

There is one scene that will throw almost all viewers off and if you've seen the film, you know exactly which scene Miss Tea is talking about: the Hansel and Gretel scene. WTF is that? Did the producers run out of $$$? For such a dark moment in the film, why does the director think we need to cut to a frolic in the woods, skipping along as if we are off to grandmother's house? Ugh.

Another New Moon peeve of Miss Tea's is the main character Bella, annoyingly portrayed by Kristin Stewart. Not that Miss Tea expects any of these three to hit the Oscars for their acting chops, but ... is Kristin even acting? After watching a few interviews of Kristin au natural, it doesn't seem like it. Miss Tea would like to smack the stutter out of her. Hopefully Bella will be different when she turns into a vampire.


This picture sums up the visual for New Moon. It's almost like 300, but for teens.

Some people may be disappointed that Edward is hardly in this film. But if you give a fair chance, you might not mind.





Hence, the debate tearing fans apart: Team Edward or Team Jacob. What team is Miss Tea on? She'll never tell. ;o)

PS: For those of you who are clueless on the Twilight Saga, visit: http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

New Moon Friday

Don't get Miss Tea all wrong. She is not a cougar twi-tarte. But of course Miss Tea will go out tonight and see New Moon, the second book of the four-book Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.

The premise is basically this: Edward kindly dumps Bella for fear of putting her in danger with his vampire clan. Bella turns her attention towards the comforting Jacob of the werewolf clan. Miss Tea believes this is the fluff you have to get through in order to get to the good stuff (Eclipse and Breaking Dawn). Critics are panning this flick but that's okay because it's for the countless fans out there (Miss Tea included). And if you haven't figured out that there's going to be some hunk in the film, check out these posters!

Miss Tea has only one word: DAMN!

Boys didn't look like this when Miss Tea was in high school. Shoot.

New Moon opens Friday, November 20. Good luck getting a ticket! :o)

Tapas in Union Square

It's been awhile since Miss Tea saw her dear friend MLS and last night we finally met up! Of course, Miss Tea was in the mood for something new to dine and catch up. Big thank you to Miss Lala for suggesting Pipa Tapas y Mas, at Union Square. It's the restaurant that's part of the ABC Carpet store.

With an abundant amount of dimly lit chandeliers (and price tags hanging down in case you had an urge to splurge) spread throughout the room against the brick walls and dark wood, the restaurant is definitely 'muy romantico' and, judging from the crowd last night, definitely popular. Thank goodness Miss Lala told Miss Tea rsvp ahead of time.

The menu has a few sopas, a few ensaladas and a lot of tapas. Miss Tea and MLS both started with the Maiz Dulce (Hot) which is sweet corn and milk soup. MLS had the patatas bravas while Miss Tea nibbled on the crispy calamari with smoked paprika aioli, a little sweet but delish nonetheless. Miss Tea also had a glass of the Torrentes from Argentina.

Miss Tea definitely liked the vibe of this resto and wouldn't mind coming back just to hang out at the bar because of the Village crowd. Pipa is a welcomed addition to the list of USQ standbys: Heartland Brewery, Republic and Coffee Shop.

Incidentally, for those of you who have not heard, my beloved Pamplona hangout has closed. Wah! So Miss Tea must search for her next neighborhood hangout. Courage!

Visit www.pipa-nyc.com for reserverations, directions and menu. Ciao-ciao!

The Garden at Four Seasons NYC

Well, hello you!

That is probably what Miss Tea sounded like after a glass of the Ruinart champagne, served during the opening event of The Garden, the new restaurant and wine bar to hit the Four Seasons Hotel in New York. Luckily Miss Tea was able to bring a few plus ones to enjoy the event with her! Miss Lala, Rocky and Pdizzle were all in tow and mingled with the suits and high-maintenance chicks that cruised this "swanky party" (as Pdizzle would say). We also had the pleasure of meeting other people on the Manhattan Magazine circuit, and then some. ;o)

Aside from the bottomless glasses of champagne, we nibbled on serrano ham, machego cheese, goat cheese and flatbread crackers while waiters served passed apps of prociutto-stuffed and salami-stuffed dates, breaded risotto balls, spicy shrimp skewers and pate on top of toasted bread.

On top that, each of us got $50 off dinner to boot! How you doin'!

The Garden Restaurant and Wine Bar can be found on the lobby level of the Four Season Hotel.

http://www.fourseasons.com/

Random Stuff

Look! It's the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck!

Okay, so Miss Tea took this photo when it was much warmer in NYC and the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck was in hanging out in Union Square. Rocky Stillwell bought Miss Tea ice cream because she escorted him to the the discount Ricky's store that no longer exists...Lessons people: if you see anything that sounds like a good discount, or practically free, don't wait. Jump on that sh*t ASAP.

Anyhoo, Miss Tea got her vanila ice cream with peanut sprinkles (tastes just like the stuff from the straight ice cream truck but with much friendlier service) so she was satisfied with the trip to the Square. Clearly, she has the makings of a cheap date. (Shut up Rocky!)

Now, for Friday, October 16th, the movie Law-Abiding Citizen is coming out with Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler. This is Miss Tea's goal for Friday night - to simply watch this movie. Though Miss Tea invited Natasha 98 and DRNY, she WILL watch GB with or without 'em. Ha!

Don't worry kids, this looks better than Gamer. Swear!

Tuesday Night

Sigh. Just when the unpleasantries of life get Miss Tea bogged down, along comes Tuesday night when Miss Tea's life is nothing but surreal.

It started with a slew of invitations (okay, not a slew - more like four invites) to step out in NYC. pubLiZity invited Miss Tea to cocktails at the Soho Grand Penthouse Loft where she would be with colleagues. There was also a pre-screening of the film "The Invention of Lying" starring Ricky Gervais, which is coming out on Friday, October 2nd. Then Miss Ivy came along with a chocolate and wine tasting at Equinox uptown, and an event at the St. Regis. It's so hard to choose when everything is free, which is usually how Miss Tea tiers her options. This recession has not improved for the Miss Tea just yet.

Anyhoo, Miss Tea chose to go with Miss Ivy tot eh St. Regis. Apparently Miss Ivy did not care to read the invitation or what she RSVP'd for. To our surprise, the St. Regis cocktail turned out to be dinner at Alain Ducasse's resto, Adour. Gasp!

After a few glaring, tight-lipped smirks at Miss Ivy, we engaged in conversation with out table host and two other gentlemen (not single). Miss Tea thought everything was fabu, and our companions were gregarious enough to ease the preliminary awkward silence.

This was my menu:

Citrus Marinated Hamachi

Hearts of Celery, Corander, Preserved Lemon

Tender Ricotta Gnocchi

Sauteed Lettuce, Wild Mushrooms, Crospy Proscuitto

Baked Loup de Mer

Baby Fennel, Zucchini, Rivera Sauce

Chocolate Leaf

Chocolate Cremeux, Ornage Sorbet/Ginger Sorbet

Wine:

Selection Alain Ducasse Champagne N.V.

Parr Selection, Chardonnay, 'Sanford & Benedict VYD,'

Sta. Rita Hills 2006

Betts & Scholl, Grenache, 'The Chronique,'

Barossa Valley 2006

Chateau Tirecul La Graviliere, 'Les Pins,'

Montbazillac 2003

To wrap up the night, out "goodie bag" was a Belvedere vodka box set in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Bloody Mary cocktail, which originated at the St. Regis New York in 1933.

How am I not on reality TV? All this, and I can sing better than Heidi Montag.

The Not So Fairy Godmother

Yes, it's been too long since Miss Tea scribbled down here. Sorry folks! But Miss Tea has some wonderful news: Miss Tea is a godmother to little Dylan Michael.

Just to give you, dear reader, a preview as to what kind of godmother Miss Tea will be, let me paint the picture of the christening. As we (me and four other godparents) stood over baby D, the priest lectures us on what it truly means to be a godparent.

"It's not about the money (Miss Tea smirks), or the gifts (Miss Tea smiles) or any of the materialistic things of this world. You are responsible for him should anything happen to the parents, to guide him spiritually (Miss Tea: hmmm) and as a person. You must help him, if he's hanging on the street, doing drugs, if he's drinking (Miss Tea: whoa, no drinking?! )..."

At this point, Miss Tea gets a terrible case of the giggles and covers her mouth with her hand, trying desperately not to laugh in front of the priest while getting evil eye glares from JR and the other godparents. Thank goodness there are five godparents in case one of us (Miss Tea) should fail.

Whatever. At least I've got the godmother title, giving me license to spoil him rotten. I'll be the cool godmother who gets him to all the hottest concerts. :o)

Do Some Good

Woo hoo hoo! Welcome back everyone! Hope you had a nice long Labor Day weekend like Miss Tea did! Now that the NYC kiddies are back in school and September is in full swing, it's time for you to do some good. So if you're going to be in the NYC area, check out Safe Horizon's A Night Under the Stars presented by the organizations Junior Council. Not to mention that this event will be held at one of Miss Tea's favorite joints - Empire Hotel Rooftop. Enjoy the weather while it lasts! Before you know it, we'll be shivering in our shoes...brrr. Well, maybe just you guys. Miss Tea is planning yet another adventure somewhere warm!

Impulse Shopping

Dammit, Miss Tea has gone and done it again. After swearing off spending due to her upcoming trip to Cancun with Rocky, she decided her one-piece was just not good enough for the scattered T-storms predicted by The Weather Channel. It's all about the positive thinking to change that storm to sun...so Miss Tea went out and made a totally unnecessary purchase of a second mix-and-match tankini halter (in coral blue) and black bottoms. So now Miss Tea has two swimsuits for a four-day vacation. Lovely.

Unfotunately, Miss Tea (much like many women) can't just buy one thing when shopping. And what does Miss Tea like to buy every time? Cocktail rings and shoes. This time, it was shoes. Yes, Miss Tea responded to the call of that shoe siren herself, Jessica Simpson, drawing closer to the leopard-print, fabric-covered pumps. Actually, Miss Tea was also looking at the horse hair, leopard-printed pumps by Cole Haan, but it just looked so been-there-done-that. Anyhoo, Jess' heels have platforms. Let's face it, we all could use a couple of inches. :o)

Of course, Miss Tea went throught the questions. You know, the questions one asks herself to help decide whether she should splurge or save before vacation (hence the reason women take so long to shop). Picture Miss Tea asking these questions while looking at these shoes:

Does this look good on me?

What could I wear with this?

Where could I wear this? Work or upcoming party?

Do these shoes make my feet look fat or scrunched up?

Does the color suit my skin tone?

Do they feel comfortable?

Do they look good from the front, back, left side, right side?
Can I walk further than three yards in these shoes?

Let me tell you, Miss Tea answered all of the above questions with just two words:

fuck it.

Miss Tea's impulse buy is now your lesson in shopportunity.

Sexy, sexy!

Schmoozing...well, sort of.

Miss Tea is fatigued today because of last night's soiree. pubLiZity and Miss Tea received an invitation to Manhattan Modern Luxury Magazine's celebration of their Restaurant Issue (July/August 2009). Unfortunately, pubLiZity couldn't make it last minute. Luckily Miss Tea found three friends to replaced her. Yes, it takes three people to replace the illustrioius pubLiZity. Also, Miss Tea likes having an entourage.

Off to the Poliform showroom Miss Tea went, with Natasha 98, Miss Lala and P.Dizzle in tow. Thankfully, the list-checking, crasher-kicking bouncer chicks let Miss Tea through with her, uh, plus three. (Honestly Lala, Miss Tea just gave her name and the woman crossed out the plus one and changed it to three. Miss Tea's reputation precedes her perhaps? Nah.)

When the elevator door opened to the 6th floor, we were greeted by several handsome/beautiful servers who offered us champagne - now that's how you say hello to a guest! Manhattan Mag certainly knew how to throw a swanky party, complete with DJ, a Leblon Rum-stocked bar and some of the restaurants featured in the magazine.

First stop was Anthos, where Chef Michael Psilakis served us his Greek sushi (and almost slaped Miss Lala for taking her plate before he was done putting the toppings on it). Next stop was Jean Georges, where the master chef himself served us breaded shrimp laid on a a special dipping saunce. Our last stop was Bouley, where Chef Isao Yamada served a lobster treat. Throughout the night we sipped on Leblon Sangria Blanco and enjoyed watching all the beautiful people, servers and guests alike, like us.

Here are more pictures from the evening. The Poliform showroom worked well as the backdrop for this event. Miss Tea wishes she had some of these closets and kitchens in her own house.

Miss Tea needs to create a T-shirt that reads "I HEART food." P.S. Were the chefs really there? Um, yeah! But Miss Tea did not take pictures of them, because she was starting to embarress her entourage.

Breach of the Cancun Diet

Miss Tea would like to apologize to Rocky Stillwell for the breach of agreement made regarding the Cancun diet. Despite her attempts to maintain said diet by attending three Bikram yoga classes and feasting on fish for the past week, Miss Tea lost all discipline during dinner at Agua Dulce, a new restaurant in Hells Kitchen. Within the compounds of this "Havana beach club," the initial neglect of compliance occurred with an order of one passion fruit mojito at the bar with Miss Ija.

After being seated and joined by fellow cohort Miss Charly, the infraction continued with appetizers of warm tortilla chips and freshly made guacamole, pulpo gallego (galician octopus, smoked paprika, arbequina olive) and salmon citrus cerviche.

By the approximate third mojito, the ultimate injuction manifested in the dish of churrasco skirt steak with chimi churri, sea salt and roasted potato. All parties present also engaged in the allotment of one smoked tea braised beef short rib with soy charred string bean and crispy ropa vieja. Miss Tea is guilty of partaking in such excessive and exquisite dining, as she admitted such remarks to Chef Ulrich Sterling upon visitation of her party's table.

Such insubordination three weeks prior to the Mexican sabbatical may still be amended if the original purpose of the Cancun diet is reinstated and motivation is reinforced on a visual level. Thus, Miss Tea must review the analysis of the muffin top:

Exhibit A

All this work just to look good while lounging on a beach. Sigh.

Oh yeah, that's my man!

As many of Miss Tea's friends know, she is a faithful follower of Gerard Butler since watching Dear Frankie, and has pretty much seen every movie's he's done during his entire acting career to date. Yes, even before the sweaty, sexy six-pack feature 300. Though Mr. Butler supposed keeps an apartment in NYC (in Chelsea, we think), Miss Tea has yet to stalk, er, meet this fine male specimen. After all, much like Bikram yoga, Miss Tea will need to mentally prepare for her "chance" meeting Mr. Butler, to avoid drooling and muttering silly things. All Miss Tea wants is a photo with him. Un-PC, you can probably guess what she really wants. ;o)

Anyhoo, imagine Miss Tea, shocked, when she received an email from pubLiZity, sent to shake Miss Tea's fanatic faithfulness in her man, GB. Here is the photo Miss Tea received with comment written by gossip columnist Perez Hilton:

Yes, that is Miss Tea's man, right there. Just goes to show that even an ideal man is flawed. Thankfully, this has forced me to lower my standards in men, in general.

Go see The Ugly Truth and Gamer, both films coming to a theater near you! Miss Tea promises no digging in these films...well, hope not!

Swing of Things

Do-ba-do-bop-bop-bop...

Miss Tea spent a beautiful night under the stars at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, the location of their Midsummer Night Swing ...a series of evening dancing all summer long.

In honor of Lincoln Center's 50th anniversary, the Young Patrons of Lincoln Center (YPLC) held the "Swing of Things" Summer Event where Miss Tea, Miss Ija and Miss Charly sampled summer creations of area restaurants and specialty cocktails. The vibe was all summer mellow. Despite the fancy food and fancy fashion (the women obviously went home to don their best, shiny cocktail dress and strappy sandals), everyone was incredibly friendly and chatty...not your typical NYCer.

It was a pity that there were much more women that men at this event. If you were a single guy at this event, you seriously had your pick .. and we all looked good.

The folks at Arpeggio served mushroom-topped crostinis with a cream sauce while Vermillion served spicy duck on a polenta cracker (interesting cuisine of Indian-Latin fusion). Miss Tea also tried the pork belly and veal cheeks served by Seasonal. All of it was delish and kept Miss Tea in line for seconds. Other interesting discoveries were Bulldog Gin ("Definitely Delicious. Authentically London" and Starr African Rum - perhaps because the servers weren't as stingy as the ones at the main bar who served a shot glass of wine per person. Boo!

Of course the 3 gals had to inquire about the Young Patrons of Lincoln Center, young professsionals dedicated to celebrating and supporting the performing arts. While Miss Tea is teetering on membership, she is interested in the Fall Masquerade Gala on October 29th.

Because, you know, Miss Tea can't resist the glam...all she needs are swing lessons! :o)

For more information, please visit www.lincolncenter.org.

Move Your Body, Girl

It's official - Miss Tea has a countdown of 5 weeks before hitting Cancun! So this week, Miss Tea has been experimenting with various forms of exercise. Yes, Miss Tea is going to endure all it takes, just for 4 days on the beach. Miss Tea does not want to strut the muffin-top tankini look. Mercy!

On Monday, Miss Tea headed to Planet Fitness for a run...not bad after a little hiatus from the gym and from running in general. There's nothing that can clear your mind better than running 5K in a gym, randomly watching TV and hoping that the person next to you is not looking at how fast you're really going. Miss Tea doesn't mind having people around her when she runs/stretches/sweats because it forces her to do everything with heart (or at least fake it)...for fear of looking awkward or clumsy. Yes, pride and vanity are very good motivators.

By the way, Planet Fitness (www.planetfitness.com) is offering member for ONE YEAR for $99. Offer ends today so chop-chop people!

On Tuesday, Miss Tea tried Bikram Yoga for the first time. This is the 26 yoga postures done twice in a super-heated room for 90 minutes. Luckily, Rocky Stillwell and Miss Lala came to the class with Miss Tea for support. Now, perhaps Miss Tea did midjudge the whole concept. Not so bad in the beginning. Heat was bearable. Balancing was a little issue, but ok, Miss Tea was not alone in that. Miss Tea could even handle the puddle she created from her sweat. Soon the class became challenging. Miss Tea attempted some kind of camel back position and was hit with a strong dizzy spell. After 2 bottles of water and every attempt to achieve every position with some form of decency, Miss Tea had to lie down for a break. She turned to Rocky, lying next to her, and panted, "Are we almost done?!" To which he replied, sadly, "No." And the class just kept going and going and going.

Finally, the class did end. Miss Tea went home and peeled her soaked clothes off her skin. Though she felt better at the end, Miss Tea needs to be much more mentally prepared to do this again. In fact, Miss Tea will go back on Thursday with Rocky (so that he gets his "money's worth").

While there are other studios in NYC, Miss Tea went to Bikram Yoga Union Square (www.bikramyogaunionsquare.com).

Today, Miss Tea is sore and is weary of the Swing Dance Event at Lincoln Center this evening, which she planned to attend with Miss Ija. Forgive her, but Miss Tea may not be dancing, swinging or swaying tonight. Miss Tea will be happy if she gets through the night without spraining any part of her body.

Mum's the Word

Miss Tea and Miss Ija hit the town Wednesdsay night to try out a new, hush-hush, Japanese restaurant called Bohemian. Miss Tea had been rejected before by the GM because she didn't have a reservation, but at least she got a bizcard. The whole concept of this resto is to keep it low-key, hence the Spanish Inquisition when inquiring or reserving seats at the speakeasy.

This small, one-room restaurant is simply decorated with beautiful skylight, a paint-brushed design of the world on white and an alcove Zen garden. Miss Tea guesses there are about 20-24 seats (armchairs and sofas here) plus seating at the counter. The soothing ambiance would make any diner focus on their dishes and the conversation at hand.

If you happen to come across Bohemian and are granted an reservation (seriously, reserve 1-2 weeks in advance to get a seat), Miss Tea highly recommends the Tasting menu...go ahead and spend the money - it's worth it! Miss Tea sampled six dishes, all of which were amazing. They don't have a liquor license so BYOB. Miss Tea brought a yummy bottle of Yellow Tail Chardonnay from Australia (compliments of Lala - thank you Lala!). Hmmm, Miss Tea has started to choose Chardonnay over Pinot Grigio lately. Must be the change in weather...

If you happen to use the restroom, be warned. It is the typical Japanese toilet with remote control on the side. Thankfully Miss Tea has already been to Tokyo and experimented with each of those buttons to know that she should "look, don't touch."

After din-din, Miss Tea and Miss Ija went off to Wine Bar where we had a couple glasses of Chablis and Viognier. Though we didn't order anything, Miss Tea can vouch that the food at Wine Bar is incredibly good for noshing and all those wines lined up against the brick wall just put a smile on Miss Tea's face. There's outdoor seating and the seating is "community table" style inside. Miss Tea prefers coming here at night when it's dark and cozy and full of people.

Ahhh...there's nothing like spending a night out filled with food and wine, accompanied by a good friend who will bitch with you about everything else. :o)

To find out more about Bohemian, visit www.urbandaddy.com (New York) and search for "Bohemian."

To visit Winebar, visit www.winebarnyc.com.