Sep 1
A Summer To Remember
With Labor Day weekend here and the first hint of fall in the air, I find myself thinking not only about how quickly this season has gone by—but what a special one it has been. Summer is about reconnecting with the outdoors and taking time to recharge. I’ve been fortunate to do plenty of both.
Nothing is more quintessentially summer than feeling sand between your toes. I enjoyed that heavenly sensation several times. First, during July 4th fireworks with family on beautiful Wells Beach in Maine. Then, a picture perfect sunset stroll at Point No Point in Washington State with my sweet Benji and friends Lisa and Deane.
And most recently, during my first-ever visit to New York’s Fire Island. On a bright, breezy afternoon, my beloved cousin Carla and I took the ferry out to this popular hamlet, indulging in lobster rolls at Maguire’s overlooking the water, ice cream at Scoops and a walk along Ocean Beach. 
Summer days don’t get any better.
Speaking of perfection, my five days in Colorado visiting dear friend Lisa B. was exactly that. In addition to quality time spent catching up, indulging in delicious meals and being couch potatoes, we took in her home state’s majestic beauty. From an old-fashioned train ride through the mountains to evening walks with Benji under a sky full of stars, it was everything vacation should be…except too short!
Here at home, I savored how my city comes alive when the temperatures rise. I partook in street fairs, dining al fresco at neighborhood favorites (thank you, Beach Café and Five Napkin Burger) and for the first time in years, the US Open and one of NYC’s most popular annual traditions, Shakespeare In The Park. The musical production of the Bard’s comedy Twelfth Night was witty, charming and colorful. Mother Nature clearly agreed, as the forecasted rain didn’t begin until the talented cast had taken their final bow.
I think she may also be a fan of Perrine at The Pierre’s Summer of Rosé series. For Smash Bash, our final outdoor event of the season, the weather held out as we celebrated tennis with food, wine, music and 2017 Wimbledon Champion Garbiñe Muguruza.
Three hours later, at exactly our scheduled end time, the heavens started to open up. Everyone took cover under the hotel awning and immediately started dancing up a storm (so to speak). DJ Neil Nice capped off the night with a medley of Empire State of Mind and New York, New York, the latter sparking an impromptu chorus line. As I kicked up my heels, it hit me that Sinatra’s ode to the Big Apple is again finally what it is supposed to be.
For too many years, I dreaded hearing the timeless song — because it was my late mother’s favorite and a painful reminder of her loss. But on this #PerfectlyPierre night at my dream job, surrounded by friends and colleagues I love, the timeless tune made me smile. It once again became an affirmation of my good fortune to live in the world’s greatest city–a place that I will forever adore and be so proud to call my hometown.
May 26
My Fabulous First Year At The Pierre
This month, I am celebrating one year of my dream job. And what a year it has been!
From producing special events to managing TV and magazine photo shoots, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting projects of my career, with colleagues who represent the best of both hospitality and humanity. It takes a lot to deliver five-star service every day. And that’s exactly what The Pierre does.
With my boss Ernesto and General Manager Francois at The Pierre’s 70s-themed holiday party
Following the great example set by our leadership team, everyone at The Pierre is guided by the dual principles of doing what’s right and what is true to the DNA and 90-year history of the hotel. One year later, I am still in awe of the kindness, dedication and excellence of my coworkers. Going above and beyond is the rule here rather than the exception. Often when I’m speaking with guests, they express gratitude for the genuine warmth and caring of The Pierre team. I feel the same way. In these turbulent times, it is such a blessing to spend my days in a place that brings out the best in people.
Valentine’s Day selfie with colleagues (from left) Kim, Deb, Jackie and Vanessa
Of course, it’s no surprise that a hotel of this caliber attracts quite an extraordinary clientele. And it has given me the chance to meet iconic figures from so many different fields. I’ve had afternoon tea and talked about “Downton Abbey” with handsome, witty UK actor David Robb (Dr. Clarkson). I coordinated segments for two national morning shows, including one with legendary anchor Jane Pauley and the utterly charming, hilarious Bill Murray. Fun fact: an ex-boyfriend of mine went on an archeological dig in Cyprus with Bill. Laughing with him about this and sharing our experiences of working Down Under in Sydney with Jane was sublimely surreal.
In the hotel’s iconic Rotunda with Jane Pauley & Bill Murray
Perhaps closest to my heart, I’ve had the privilege to launch Broadway At The Pierre, a cabaret series that revisits the hotel’s long tradition of showcasing musical theater’s brightest stars (The Pierre hosted a similar program back in the 1940s and 50s!). Broadway was a big part of growing up in the Big Apple so working with its extraordinarily talented and equally gracious performers means a great deal to me.
Broadway At The Pierre: Kicking off the series with WICKED alums Hayley Podschun (Glinda), Jennifer DiNoia (Elphaba) and Musical Director Benjamin Rauhala
Just a few weeks into year two, the momentum continues. I have managed photography of celebrity departures for the prestigious MET Costume Gala — including the exits of Uma Thurman, Anne Hathaway, Kris Jenner and Shawn Mendes.
Uma Thurman exiting the hotel on her way to the MET Gala
I coordinated a TODAY Show segment filmed in The Pierre’s beloved Two E lounge. I had the pleasure of listening to Michelle Obama speak about balancing motherhood with life in the White House. And I witnessed an epic Mother’s Day performance by the three incredible leads from The Phantom of The Opera. As I shared with them that night, it was the first time since losing my mom almost 20 years ago that I actually looked forward to the holiday. Words can’t describe what a turning point this is for me.
All smiles on Mother’s Day (!) after PHANTOM’s epic performance
An acquaintance observed that my face always lights up when I talk about this extraordinary hotel. My dear friend Sara’s mom says I have finally found my home. I couldn’t agree more. The Pierre anchors me every day, continually inspiring me to evolve and grow.
Dream job? Job of a lifetime!
Feb 6
A Celebration of Whitney
One of the most fun and rewarding parts of my job at The Pierre continues to be working with the Broadway community. Their talent, generosity and grace never cease to amaze me–as it did last Monday at Kevin Smith Kirkwood’s Classic Whitney: Alive!
The evening at Joe’s Pub began with a delightful dinner at signature restaurant The Library. Though I’ve been to Joe’s Pub many times over the years, this was my first visit to The Library and it didn’t disappoint. Good friend Lori and I loved the cozy, inviting vibe. I chose from the three-course $42 Winter Restaurant Week menu (cleverly described as Acts I, II and III). The salmon tartar, cauliflower cassoulet & gala apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and caramel were all excellent. Restaurant Week runs through February 9th and The Library is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Whitney as channeled by Kevin!
Our satisfying meal was the perfect preamble to Kevin’s dazzling show. From the moment the lights go down and he enters the room wearing angel wings and declaring, “Whitney is in the building!” you are transported to another time. A time when Whitney was deservedly the queen of pop.
After opening with a rousing rendition of “Joy To The World” (from the movie, The Preacher’s Wife), Kevin dons a patriotic track suit as he belts out “One Moment in Time,” Whitney’s majestic anthem for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Then, slipping into a sparkly one-piece jumpsuit, he raises the roof with classic hits like “Saving All My Love For You,” “I Have Nothing,” “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” and “Exhale (Shoop, Shoop).”
Kevin rocked this one-piece Whitney-esque jumpsuit
That Kevin not only loved the late, great Miss Houston but has studied her most memorable performances is apparent throughout his 90-minute set. He infuses his soulful singing with Whitney’s distinctive mannerisms and on-stage banter telling her story. Having had the great good fortune of seeing Whitney at the height of her career in 1993, I can honestly say that Kevin becomes the very essence of her during the show. With his powerful pipes and glamorous fits-like-a-glove costume changes—and brilliant support from Musical Director Drew Wutke– Kevin transcends impersonation and makes you forget you’re not actually watching Whitney.
Some of the night’s best numbers are when Kevin is paired with backup singers playing key people in Whitney’s life (including mother Cissy and brother Gary). One showstopping duet—“When You Believe,” as performed by Whitney and Mariah Carey at the 1999 Grammys. The gal portraying Mariah nailed the diva’s vocal trills and melodramatic gestures.
Encore, Encore! The grand finale (photo credit: Neal Bennington).
The evening ended with “I Will Always Love You” and an encore of “I’m Every Woman.” Kevin pulled out all the stops for both songs, garnering a well-deserved standing ovation.
Afterward, Lori and I had the pleasure of congratulating Kevin and Drew. They both spoke of how Classic Whitney: Alive! was created with love to be a joyful celebration of the beautiful music and memories she gave us.
Mission accomplished.
For more info about Kevin’s upcoming shows, visit his website. Future Whitney dates are in the works!
