Fun, food and fashion … oh my!

Fun, food and fashion … oh my!

Pitching In For Kids Kick-off Celebration

It was steamy inside the annual Pitching In For Kids (PIFK) fundraiser both due to the temp and to a bevy of young and attractive men and women who were there to mix, mingle and support the charity.

It was a “who’s who” of Red Sox players as I arrived just in time to see hurler Tim Wakefield and catcher Jason Varitek on stage welcoming everyone as the hosts for the evening.  As I made my way around the room I spied some other Sox players like Clay Buchholz and Josh Beckett along with David “Big Papi” Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez inside the old Comedy Connection. Word had it that coach Terry Francona made an early appearance along with sluggers Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youklis.  Local comic Tony V. once again took to the stage for the live auction and comedy show. PIFK took over the top level of the Quincy Market Building in Faneuil Hall Marketplace with the night kicking off at Ned Devine’s Irish Pub with a great spread by The Capital Grille (which by the way included their mouth-watering fresh lobster mac and cheese).

While the rain poured down and bolts of lightning were flashing in the sky —  who knew tornadoes made their way to Massachusetts? -— the Texas Hold’Em Poker Tourney got underway with the players and fans competing to win a pot for the charity.

I couldn’t tell you the difference between an inside straight or a flush draw, but from what I saw, neither could some of the fans. It didn’t seem to matter much, as a boatload of money was raised to improve the lives of children across the New England region.

UnTamed

My imagination ran wild after I received an invitation to attend the world-premiere performance of UnTamed: The Wild Underground by Suspended Cirque at Cyclorama. I very happily rsvp’d to the event, which also included a VIP pre-show supper. There seemed to be something a little different about this night as art and theatre-goers mingled with actors, dancers and professionals of all backgrounds.

As always, I had to sample the food, and in addition to the duck they were serving, I noshed on this fabulous shrimp and rice dish. All that was missing was some catfish and po’boys. And the reason for the festivities was to honor Klare Shaw for her longtime championing and support of Boston’s art and cultural scene.  

Some of the folks that I caught up with that night included WGBH’s Chika Offorum, Company One’s Marketing Director Summer L. Williams, Panorama Magazine’s Josh Wardrop and The Boston Foundation’s F. Javier Torres.

After about an hour we were guided into the cavernous Cyclorama for a welcoming address by the executive director of the BCA, the lovely Veronique Le Melle.  Once the welcoming remarks were completed the doors were opened to the public for the much anticipated performance.  It was a magical night topped off with chocolate madeleines and chocolate covered strawberries.

The New Majority Comedy Tour

I was jonesing for a little laughter and attended the New Majority Comedy Tour at the Agganis Arena. On the bill were old friends Russell Peters, who had me dying in my seat along with my girl Lisa Lampanelli, the “Queen of Mean,” bringing her usual funny, raunchy and racy self to the show, along with Steve Byrne and Gabriel Iglesias a.k.a. “Mr. Fluffy” (who was awesome by the way). They did almost two hours of stand-up. Fantastic!

Alexander McQueen: ‘Savage Beauty’

I needed a change of pace so I headed down to NYC with my friend Dana to check out Alexander McQueen’s exhibit “Savage Beauty” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I can’t even fully describe to you his collection. The words bold, daring, stunning, eclectic and fabulous come to my mind.

The exhibit was alive. It was haunting from the music to the mood to the images. It’s what I’d imagine what one would feel and see if they were in the Highlands of Scotland.

Two of my favorite dresses were from the spring/summer 2001 and 2007 collections respectively.  The first was called “Voss” which was made of red and black ostrich feathers and glass medical slides painted red. This was the first dress on display entering the world of McQueen.

The man was an absolute genius.Who thinks of using medical supplies as art?  

The other creation that was absolutely breathtaking was the dress “Sarabande,” which was a nude silk embroidered with both silk and fresh flowers. Even though encased, the dress spoke volumes. I just wanted to reach out and feel the texture of this creation, but I didn’t want to chance that I’d be escorted out of the exhibit, after waiting for more than an hour in line as it snaked its way through the MET.  The exhibit was so well worth the wait. Long live McQueen!  

Afterward, we headed to Chelsea for dinner at Scarpetta which has been featured on the Food Network.  I was craving a simple but hearty dinner, and the whole meal was superb from beginning to end. We began with an heirloom tomato salad followed by the braised short ribs of beef with vegetables and farro risotto.  Magnifique!  It may seem ridiculous to order spaghetti at a restaurant but that’s just one of the items that Scarpetta is known for and I had to try it. It was the perfect portion. The pasta is homemade and the tomato and basil sauce was absolutely creamy and so flavorful.

Desert was a Mango Bavarian, which was basically a mango tart served with basil-scented strawberries and maple granola on the side with a balsamic reduction and dollop of fresh cream. It was light and airy and melted in my mouth. A cup of cappuccino completed the meal. By the end of the meal, I had to basically roll myself out the restaurant because I ate every bite on my plate.  If you’re in New York, a visit to Scarpetta is a must. It’s warm and inviting with soft lighting, so everyone looks fantastic and it’s the perfect place to meet up with friends  —  or on a date. 

Coming Up …

This Friday, June 17, Urban Fresh presents the play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf” at Hibernian Hall at 8 p.m.

Eddie Griffin brings his razor-sharp humor to the House of Blues on Saturday, June 18.

Also this Saturday, BalletRox “Springs Out of the Box” with a unique, one-night performance of a “potpourri” of brilliant dance creations from the BalletRox faculty and guest choreographers at The Strand Theatre in Uphams Corner with a matinee show at 1 p.m. and an evening show at 7 p.m.

Renowned singer-guitarist-songwriter-producer, Jonathan Butler performs two shows at Scullers Jazz Club at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, June 24.

Comedian/actor, Mike Epps returns to The Wilbur Theatre on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25.

The Institute of Contemporary Arts, Boston presents The Floorlords: Return the Burn, the 30th anniversary of Boston’s premier B-Boy/Girl Crew at the Barbara Lee Family Theater Foundation from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.

If you would like me to cover or write about your event, e-mail me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.