MEMPHIS the Musical Worthy of a Tony and Sweet Treats on a Wintery Afternoon in NYC

Musicals have always held a special place in our hearts. When we were little, we were obsessed with CATS and STARLIGHT EXPRESS.  As teenagers it was PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MISS SAIGON, and LES MISERABLES.  And during the college years we loved RENT.  Sadly it's been a couple years since college for both of us, but also sadly we seemed to see several just OK or disappointing musicals.  This Christmas we continued our tradition of going to a play or musical and got tickets to MEMPHIS - keeping our expectations in check.  We were pleasantly surprised by this soulful musical that tells the story of "a white radio DJ trying to change the world and a black club singer waiting for her big break." We loved it and found ourselves enthralled and singing some of the songs the next day - always a good sign.  Memphis restored our faith in musicals and is definitely deserving of it's four 2010 Tony awards! 

We emerged from the show into a blustering New York blizzard and with our Broadway buzz on weren't quite ready to hibernate at home.  We headed back to Soho and stopped in at MarieBelle on Broome Street for something sweet.   While it is mostly known for being a gourmet chocolate shop, their stylish Cacoa Bar/Tea Salon is the perfect, cozy spot to warm up on a cold winter afternoon. 

Their hot chocolate is out of this world and they also have an impressive selection of teas, delicious grilled sandwiches, and dessert crepes that we had to sample!  MarieBelle is also the perfect place to get a beautiful box of chocolates or toffee to bring as a little gift for a dinner party or any occasion.  Definitely try a hot chocolate too there if you are just stopping in to shop!