Volume 2. Christmas Week in New York

Reports are in and the snow is coming down in New York City. Because of this and because of the infinite number of things to do there, I've decided to feature the Big Apple for my Christmas Week edition of Global Around Town. I think if I were visiting right now I'd don my mucklucks and make time for a warm stroll by all those beautiful decorations with that someone special . Down the avenue, arm in arm, amidst all that color, I know we'd be tempted indoors by a number of things.

A performance of Massenet's Thais at The Met featuring Thomas Hampson and a svelte Christian Lacoroix attired Renee Fleming would exert a strong pull. Both are fine artists, and the reviews have all been very good, for this opera that has not been performed here in 30 years.

Before or after the opera we might want to fortify ourselves with a little nibble. What then could be nicer, amidst all the festivities, than some blini with caviar? With the snow coming down all around you, you just might want to make your way to The Russian Tea Room. Humming "Laura's Theme," you can pretend you're Dr Zhivago, a Czar or an Oligarch. If you feel like staying for dinner there's also Poached Maine Lobster, plates of Herring, Apple and Beet Salad, and Black Cod pan seared with a Vanilla Parsnip puree.

Another restaurant that always seems to take superior care of their patrons is Red Cat. There, on this wintry eve, you just might dine on something like this, if you're lucky:

Proscuitto Wrapped Trumpet Royales

sauteed savoy, tomato butter

Calves Liver Au Poivre

bacon, swiss chard pie, melted tomato

Plum Clafouti

mascarpone cream, dry sherry plum sauce

And if all this seems a bit too fancy schmancy, you can always take your haimish ponem on down to Katz's, for a pastrami sandwich piled high to the sky! While you're at it, bring me a babka!

Obviously there are many diversions for you in this magnificent city. For music in a more modern vain visit the ever hip (Le) Poisson Rouge.

The museums are chock full of exhibits worthy of your attention. At MoMA you'll have to decide between Marlene Dumas, Joan Miro, and Van Gogh! Over at the Whitney you can view Alexander Calder - The Paris Years - 1926-1933.

For those of you who can't make it to NYC for this Christmas Week, you still can pretend you're at The Met by listening to this recent recording by Renee Fleming. It includes "Ah! Je suis seule, seule enfin" from Act. 2 of Thais, as well as Strauss' Four Last Songs, and more.

Me, I'll be cuddled up in my Womb Chair with a warm cup of Sri Lankan Ratnapura. Amidst the warmth and the glow of Chopin Nocturnes gently burnished by Ivan Moravec.