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During the past week, I bought tix to see the upcoming performance of Little Shop of Horrors, with Ellen Greene (she originated the role of Audrey), saw Hedwig (again), and made an unplanned stop to Marie's Crisis Cafe, where I sang my little musical theatre heart out, including a duet of Suddenly Seymour. I was also reminded of this gem, from Avenue Q. Musical theatre was a huge part of my life for so long, and although it's not as much in the forefront these days, it's always in the background, deep in my heart.

Photo by Amanda Schuster

Looking for a spot to grab a drink tonight? I highly recommend Mace.

My love for dogs goes waaaay back. Paprika (or Pappy for short) was a Puli, a Hungarian Sheepdog (she's got her summer haircut in this pic). She was with me from birth until probably age 14 or so. #TBT

Love, love, LOVE this article in this week's food section about the beauty that is the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese sandwich.  That said, I take issue with one phrase: "in the classic and possibly highest formulation: bacon, scrambled eggs and cheese on a roll."  I always thought the classic was a fried egg, but maybe that's because I always get it that way. My perfect deli/cart BEC is a fried egg over medium with American cheese (yes, American cheese), and well-done bacon on a roll. Perfection.

Was reading this thread about people's personal takes on the "Eater 38" -- essential NYC restaurants. Here's mine, in no particular order. What did I miss?

1. Pearl Oyster Bar
2. Joe's Pizza
3. Momofuku Ssam Bar
4. Momofuku Noodle Bar
5. Porchetta
6. Caracas Arepa Bar
7. Hearth
8. Otto
9. The NoMad/NoMad Bar
10. Uncle Boon's
11. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
12. Red Farm
13. Blue Hill at Stone Barns
14. Prime Meats 
15. Bobwhite Counter
16. La Nacional
17. Taim
18. Banjara (nowHaveli/Banjara)
19. Mother's Ruin
20. Crif Dogs
21. Blue Ribbon
22. Kanoyama
23. Village Yokocho
24. Great Jones Cafe
25. Blue Smoke
26. Minetta Tavern
27. Old Town Tavern
28. Katz's Deli
29. Di Fara
30. Maison Premiere
31. Eleven Madison Park
32. Bar Veloce 
33. Frankies (Bklyn)
34. Russ & Daughters (the store)
35. Fried Dumpling (Mosco St.)
36. Jing Fong
37. White Bear
38. Mayahuel

Enough said.