Schmoozing at Sammy's

It doesn't get much better than delicious Jewish comfort food. That is until you add frozen vodka, an unfiltered DJ and a dance party. Just imagine biting into a crispy latke, while "Shabbat Shalom" is playing in the background. Pretty much Jewish heaven. Well, thats Sammy's Roumanian Steakhouse.

As we walked into the hole-in-the-wall basement covered in old photographs, we instantly felt at home. Our only difficulty was deciding which plates to order amongst a varied and mouth-watering menu selection. We ordered latkes (naturally), stuffed cabbage, steak and of course a selection of alcoholic beverages. I mean, we we're celebrating. L'chaim!

We anxiously awaited for the "famous" DJ DANI LUV to begin his entertainment. But DJ DANI LUV doesn't simply entertain, he curses, banters and belittles. No remark is too snide or too controversial. Race, age, looks... nothing is too insulting to criticize. He asked Alex and I why "12 year olds were here." Typical. 

DJ DANI LUV in action

The dance party began and the entire restaurant did not hold back. From dancing the Hora around the room to lifting people in chairs, it was pretty much a mini Bar Mitzvah. We sang along to Billy Joel (because nothing says New York Jew like Billy Joel), and laughed along to the derogatory comments. As the night progressed, it went from Frank Sinatra to "Turn Down For What." And let me just say, no one was turning down. 

When you can't be lifted in a chair... use your resources

The dancing continued until 11 o'clock came and we noticed we were the last ones in the restaurant. What can I say, we're the life of the party. Religion aside, Sammy's is without a doubt a New York City must. Whether it's for the food, the party, or a little bit of both, you won't be disappointed. Prepare for lots of schmoozin', plenty of boozin' and ending the night saying, "Oye vey." 

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Everything is better on Broadway

For those who have bombarded with my incessant snap chats of playbills and Broadway performances, I apologize. But sorry, I really can't help it. My love for Broadway shows started as a little girl. Growing up with an aspiring actor as a brother, I guess you can say it's inevitable. While most would rather see a Jay-Z and Beyonce concert, I'd rather wait in the TKTS line for Pippin tickets. Okay, maybe Jay-Z and Queen B would be the exception.

During my unreal NYC experience, I have been able to see quite a few of my beloved Broadway shows. The first was Pippin. With unbelievable acrobatics and catchy songs, what's not to like? Seriously, I don't think "Magic" has gotten out of my head since I saw the show weeks ago. My only criticism of this show was that I am still pretty confused by the ending. I think Pippin needs its own SparkNotes, but hey that's just me.

Now, this is when things got interesting. An email popped up at work and the only word I saw was "complimentary." I knew this was something right up my alley. Obviously anyone that knows me knows free is my favorite word. I received two tickets to the show "Queen of the Night." I had no idea what this was, but I thought this was something my brother would love. Nope, probably not the best show for brother-sister bonding, but I didn't realize this until after reading the Yelp reviews. I was just excited to get dressed up and get a free meal, drinks and a show. This wasn't your ordinary sit-back and relax type of show though. We walk into an extravagant dinner-hall at the Paramount Hotel, greeted by actors providing cocktails and creepy winks. I swear I thought I was at a secret cult initiation. My eyes were captivated by the people hanging from the ceiling in all sorts of lavish costumes. There were people being being pulled by ropes and the some on stage with the Queen staring intensely into one another's eyes. At this point all Jeremy and I were trying to do was lay low so no actors would take us to some unknown territory. That was successful, but only for so long. What felt like forever of trying to camouflage into the crowd, we were seated for dinner and the show. Just when I thought I was in the clear, our waiter forced me to go away with him. Literally forced me, even when I stopped responding to him to pretend I couldn't hear. He then sweeps me away and carries me into a small room. At this point, if you know me at all I was freaking out and doing my nervous giggling. He takes me into a room with just one other actress. But this wasn't just any room. No, it was filled with knives and wires. They proceeded to touch me and stare into my eyes. Awkward giggling was still occurring at this point. They then ask me "Have you ever taken a risk or been in love?" Before I can answer he grabs me and holds me against him. Think this is weird enough? Just wait. Then before I know it the girl is throwing knives at the wall right in front my face. Yeah, that happened. Then they told me to never forget to take risks in life. Glad they had to do all that just for that one simple life lesson. After that debacle we were served dinner and more drinks. I needed them at this point.

The last two shows I saw were Cinderella and Rock of Ages. Most of the work I do are for these clients so it's clearly I deserve to see these shows, right? Gosh I love my internship. Cinderella was cute and surprisingly funny. At Rock of Ages, the hardest part was not standing up and singing along to the music. I actually did do that at some points. How could I not sing along to Don't Stop Believin'?

By now you'd think I'd have enough Broadway. Well, this again. For work I was sent to Broadway in Bryant Park to take photos of our clients, WICKED and If/Then. I had a press pass and everything. Quite legit. I was standing directly in front of the stage snapping photos on my iPhone alongside professional photographers with their professional cameras. The performers were practically serenading me. Not going to lie, probably one of my favorite work days.

If/Then

WICKED

Next on my list of shows to see are Cabaret and Of Mice and Men. (Pretty much so I can just stare at James Franco for two and a half hours).

My speil for today is inspired by the wise words of the creepy actors, "take risks in life." Just kidding, my real advice is to get an awesome job with perks. Trust me, spending the day watching musical performances is not too shabby.