IRVING THE THEATER NUT! Book Launch with author Gregory G. Allen

Greg Allen and his latest book, Irving The Theater Nut!

Last night, October 10th, marked not only the launch date of Gregory G. Allen's newest book, Irving The Theater Nut!, but also the 5 year anniversary of the publication of his first novel, Well With My Soul. Allen, an actor, director, playwright, and filmmaker is also the Arts Manager of the Irvington Townhall Theater in Irvington, NY. And a run in with a rogue squirrel in the theater triggered off this creative man's imagination and before any of us could blink, Irving was alive and well and ready to leap off of bookshelves. 

Appropriately held at the Drama Book Shop, a wonderful and enthusiastic turnout fueled a great talk and reading of the book by Mr. Allen. To quote the author, "It was at my current job  . . .  when a squirrel got into the theater that I decided to write a story about a squirrel that wants to be a performer. He watches the children rehearsing and wishes he could do the same. There are many messages in the story about teamwork, following your dream and yes . . . even diversity."

Charmingly illustrated by Morgan Swofford, she clearly discovered the spirit and joy that makes this book soar. The intimate performance was held downstairs of the bookstore in a blackbox theater - that I didn't even know existed.

Upstairs the author signed copies of Irving The Theater Nut! and delicious cupcakes were provided by Angela Indovina Shafer of 2 Sweet, which is named after her twins.

 Pictured below is Angela with one of her sweeties, Kaitlyn.

Angela and Kaitlyn

Irving The Theater Nut! can be found online at IndieBound, Amazon, and BN.com and indie bookstores worldwide.

In line for my signed copy.

And of course, my own endorsement!

Congrats Greg and Break-A-Leg Irving!

Going Gypsy Book Launch, The Library Hotel and an Appetizer Crawl!

I had the great pleasure of being invited to Veronica and David James' book launch for their newly released Going Gypsy.

The byline almost says it all. . . One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest At All. But what you'll discover in this charming and adventurous book about Veronica and David's travels throughout the world is a breezy conversational style of writing coupled with a huge dose of self-deprecating sense of humor. Two of my favorite mixes.

Arthur, David and Veronica

Reading their book feels like they are sitting down with you and telling their hilarious adventures over a couple of smart cocktails.

Rooftop Garden at the Library Hotel

Held at the Library Hotel's rooftop garden - it was a little rainy - but attached to it is their covered sunroom which was a delightful venue for their party. And a party it was. No stuffy formal book launch here. Wine and h'orderves paired with a gathering of really cool people . . . choreographers, publishers, writers, singers, dancers and Arabian horse breeders!

Talking to Veronica's dad, Indy, about his Arabian horses.

And it was a total joy to meet writer/director/producer Anne Flournoy of the hysterical The Louise Log comedy web series.

Anne Flournoy

And how many book signings do you attend where you can win a trip to Costa Rica plus you leave with a gift bag of goodies?

After the book event I walked a few doors up Madison Ave and slipped into the Mediterranean restaurant Pera  - located at 303 Madison - 212-878-6301 - dinner menu - for a quick bite to eat.

Pera

Dizzy Note: For those of us with vestibular disorders Pera is a very comfortable restaurant. It's open and has a very neutral colored pallette and even when it got busy, the sound level was never a problem.

I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered their tasting plate of various mezes (appetizers) which included homemade stuffed grape leaves, zaalouk - roasted eggplant, hummus, giant white beans and so much more. Served with toasted pita triangles there was not a morsel left on the platter.

Chef's Meze Sampler

I can't wait to go back to Pera for a traditional dinner.

It was when I joined in on a weekly chat Wednesdays @ 8pm Eastern time on Twitter with the group #FoodTravelChat where I met Veronica and David. Surprisingly, it was there that I had won a signed copy of their book. As much as some people curse the internet, it's also a great opportunity to meet talented and very embracing people like the James.

Veronica and David James

   Travel on!