FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com THE COURIER SUN • DECEMBER 29, 2016 27 A night at the opera to end an exciting year vschneps@ gmail.com As I enter the new year, I'm counting my blessings – grateful for my family , friends and colleagues. As a big believer in hard work I also believe in taking time to "play.” This past weekend, I had the great fun of going to the majestic Metropolitan Opera House where an enormous Marc Chagall impressionist painting adorns the three story high windows at Lincoln Center, the largest opera house in the world. I always feel the awe of sitting in the opera house auditorium looking up at the grand tiered balconies and sparkling crystal chandeliers that rise to the ceiling as the show begins. I purchased these seats from my high school buddy, who sometimes sells me his unwanted opera tickets from a subscription his parents have had over the last 50 years. He calls me the girl who launched a thousand faces because he photographed by Sweet Sixteen, then got dozens of jobs afterward, enabling him to launch a career in photography. The seats are spectacular: the center of Row B, just behind the conductor of the orchestra enabling me to look at the musicians close up. One, the harpist, played at my wedding! Being so close to the stage makes me feel I'm in the action. I love seeing the whites of the artists eyes. This week I saw “Salome,” a Richard Strauss opera that debuted in 1905 and was written for the stage by Oscar Wilde as a vehicle for the celebrated star Sarah Bernhardt. In dramatic fashion, unexpectedly, the star Salome strips naked as she seduces her stepfather with a seductive dance, and then demands the head of a spiritual leader. The story is derived from accounts in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew in which a young princess of Judea dances and beguiles her stepfather, King Herod. Her demand as a reward is the head of the prophet John the Baptist. Ironically, I had just finished reading the detail filled historical novel “Killing Jesus” by the prolific and powerful writer, Bill O’Reilly. His many historical books like “Killing Reagan,” “Killing Kennedy,” and “Killing the Rising Sun” are dramatic page-turners that are deeply detailed and researched, making for very compelling reading. O’Reilly’s book on the crucifixion of Jesus had led Our waiter with the Chagall painting behind him at the Grand Tier restaurant in the Metropolitan Opera House me through that powerful time, and here I was, seeing an opera based on that time. Before the opera, my guest and I ate dinner at my favorite elegant dining experience: the Grand Tier restaurant, located inside the opera house. The view from our table, number 36, overlooks Lincoln Center Plaza on one side and the spectacular Chagall impressionist painting on the other. When I was seated, I looked up to see the curtain drawn over the Chagall. I immediately called it to the maitre’d’s attention and the glory of the colorful artwork was revealed. It's the best gift to dine there and experience their chef Richard Diamanté's artfully presented and tantalizing menu. There was a prix-fixe three course meal that night. The appetizer that was a winner was smoked salmon with chopped egg, caviar and onions accompanied by pumpernickel seeded crackers. My main course my forever favorite Bronzino fish presented moist with crispy skin and stuffed with cous cous. It was remarkably delicious. My friend had a perfectly cooked salmon topped by what looked like white suds – a concoction of whipped egg whites and ..... But the piece de resistance was the dessert. Mine was a dome of dark chocolate with a fudge mousse filling beautifully presented with a gold stamp. My friend had an outrageously lip-smacking Baked Alaska; sorry, no flames in the presentation. It was all brought to us by Fernando, a 20-year employee at the restaurant who lives in Astoria! How cool! For me it was a powerful way to end a year filled with growth in our company. My children and grandchildren are also flourishing, and it’s been a healthy year. A program on PBS last week that featured Dr. Daniel Amen, who is a recognized expert in brain health, talking about building your brainpower. He shared research that impressed and reinforced many things I've practiced. I’d like to share with you some of his findings: • Floss your teeth like your life depends on it. • Drink organic green tea daily. Patricia Racette, who brilliantly sang the role of Salome • Eat colorful foods and plenty of protein, but in multiple small quantities. • Eliminate sugar and products like corn that are packed with sugar. After all, he explained, the feed cows corn to get fat! • Use multi-vitamins and natural products like cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg and oregano. • Practice a 12-hour fast after dinner. If you eat dinner at 7 p.m., don't eat again until 7 a.m. Here’s a thought about holiday gifts which I received from a friend; To your enemy: forgiveness To an opponent: tolerance To a friend: a helpful hand To a customer: excellent service To a child: lasting support To all: charity To yourself: respect I wish you all a healthy, happy, joyous and prosperous new year. May all your dreams come true! Happy new year! Victoria’s Secrets Victoria SCHNEPS-YUNIS tweet me @vschneps What a delectable chocolate mousse dessert Dynamic $1500 off Lumineers $500 off Invisalign DENTAL WORK CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION THE INVISIBLE WAY TO SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY STRAIGHTEN TEETH Third Generation Dentist 175-15 Jamaica avenue, Jamaica 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106
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