I am apparently one of the few people who have never had either Five Guys and or Shake Shack. I am proud to say I can now check Five Guys off my list. These types of up- and- coming burger chains were never really my thing, even though I heard about how delicious they are. I actually only finally caved in and went to one because it was convenient and I was curious. What I didn’t realize was that I was entering into a whole new world that I was not prepared for. I thought I would just get a burger, take a picture, and leave. But there was…how shall I put it…a learning curve. When I ordered a cheeseburger with mayo, lettuce, and mushrooms, that’s what I thought I was getting. Instead, I got a double cheeseburger inside the foil package. The burgers were fused with cheese and now one with each other. It was so hot the cheese was melting and pouring off. I didn’t know Five Guys was taking a page from Starbucks and creating their own language here, with “little” meaning just o...

If you ever wondered how to spend a couple of hours in Queens, NY, I have your answer. It is the Museum of the Moving Image. Two weeks ago an exhibit on Jim Henson’s life, work and of course puppets, opened there. That was enough to draw me in. But, to my surprise it was not what kept me in there and for far longer than I planned. The cost of the museum is $10 and for that price you have full access to two floors of sites. This museum is not as grand as a Smithsonian but it did have a lot of items that were well laid out. Upon making my way up to see the Jim Henson exhibit, I was derailed by all of the movie memorabilia there was. It never occurred to me that the moving image meant anything but the equipment and techniques used to make them.   As I stumbled upon items from movies that I love like Silence of the Lambs, I was literally squealing with delight.  I enjoyed seeing the combination of old and new movie magic. I was even a happier camper when I ...

When I was six years old I was obsessed with two things: New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) and Debbie Gibson. It was the eighties and they were all the rage.  I had everything NKOTB: curtains, stickers, and of course the big button that doubled as a picture frame. I even tried to teach my baby brother all of their names. As for Debbie Gibson, my affinity for her began because my older cousin adored her. Actually, adore is too mild of a word. She worshipped Ms. Gibson and still does to this day. Since I always wanted to be like this cousin, I believe I loved Debbie Gibson music even more because it was something we shared. This is how I ended up going to see the current Debbie Gibson tour, which Tiffany (yes that Tiffany) is opening for. Tiffany was a popular mall touring teen that mostly sang other people’s hits. Her most famous was a version of “I Think We’re Alone Now”.  I still love that song, it’s too catchy not to want to sing out loud when I hear it on my iPod. The con...

Do you ever crave something sweet, salty, crunchy, filling, and ultimately satisfying?? Well do I have the perfect treat in mind for you! It is a doughnut unlike any you have ever had. The Doughnut Plant in NYC has mastered the art of what a doughnut should be. After eating one of these, I am afraid you will be ruined for all others. I found out about this little gem thanks to a little show I swear by called “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” on the Food Network. It is in the episode called “Sweet Tooth.” Here’s a clip of how they hooked me in: Once I added this to my 2011 to do list, I found out that friends of mine had these treats without me!! After my rage subsided, I was pleased to hear it was worth all of the hype and then some. To be sure, naturally I had to go and see for myself. The store is small and you wouldn’t necessary notice it if you weren’t looking for it. The outside certainly doesn’t scream, HEY COME IN FOR THE TREAT OF YOUR LIFETIME, I guess that’s how they man...