Looking Back As You Go Forward

When you find yourself on the verge of a new direction, life has a way of reminding you of the journey it took to get there. Lately, I’ve enjoyed a few unexpected strolls down memory lane.

Junior’s Restaurant: Lunch at this Times Square eatery with an old friend kicked off my week of reminiscing (photo courtesy: chowtimes.com)

It began last week, during a delightful lunch with my former Fox News colleague Frankie. Though Frankie and I hadn’t seen each other since I left Fox nine years ago, we picked up right where we left off, reminiscing about the hilarious stunts we pulled in the name of TV production (including one involving "Star Wars" costumes). He asked me if I wanted to come back, and I was grateful to be reminded that some doors never truly close.

A few days later, I was at a deli on my lunch break when I ran into former “Days of Our Lives” actor Matthew Ashford. Having grown up watching Days, I was genuinely excited to see Matthew again (our last encounter was during the ’04 Daytime Emmys) and to hear about his new gig – playing one of the dads in a national tour of “Mamma Mia.”

As we talked about the shifting TV landscape and uncertain future of daytime dramas, I thought about how soaps were to my teenage years what “Sex And The City” has been to my thirties. It’s surprising and sad to think of the genre eventually being no more.

Speaking of surprises, the third one of the week happened at home when I was going through boxes of childhood mementos. Turns out one of the boxes was mislabeled, so I was floored to open it and find a collection of dolls that I assumed were lost in a move years ago. What a welcome flashback.

Yes, there’s definitely something to be said for the occasional backward glance. In the course of just a few days, I reconnected with three very different periods of my past – all of which have contributed to the woman I am today. As I take stock of where I’ve been, I feel even readier to embrace what comes next.

Girls Night In: Williamsburg

Wednesday night, my good friend Caroline and I headed out to Brooklyn for an evening of fun and fabulous food at our Quinn & Co. galpal Morgan's abode.

Girls Night In: Caroline, me and Morgan

Nestled in the hipster hamlet of Williamsburg, the apartment that Morgan shares with France-born hubby Arthur is a perfect reflection of them -- chic, inviting and warm.

One of the most well-matched, likeable couples you could ever hope to meet, Morgan and Arthur treated us and a handful of friends to a scrumptious homemade meal that included two kinds of quiche, chocolate pie and, bien sur, plenty of wine and cheese. It's no accident that the French are renowned for their hospitality.

Joined by Morgan's lovely galpals Prune and Judith, we toasted with a round of cosmos before settling in for the evening's main event -- a "Sex And The City" marathon.

Cheers: (from left to right) Judith, Morgan, Prune, me and Caroline

The men played cards as we curled up with season one of SATC which, outdated hair and fashion notwithstanding, holds up surprisingly well a decade later. Or maybe it's just, now that I'm a mid-thirtysomething single, I relate to Carrie & Co. on a more visceral level than I used to.

Whatever the case may be, one thing's for sure. Like a pitcher of cosmos, laughter and good food are infinitely more enjoyable when experienced with your girlfriends.

When Desire Trumps Etiquette

In this post-Sex And The City era of dating, it’s not uncommon for etiquette to take a back seat to physical desire. I couldn’t help thinking about this during a recent conversation with fellow single thirty something Ujji.

Ujji mentioned a guy that told her it was over because she wouldn’t perform a certain sexual request of his -- on date #4. Her tale prompted me to share the now-infamous story of H, a 40-year-old real estate attorney I dated briefly with a libido as large as his ego.

H’s inappropriate antics began with sprawling out naked uninvited on my bed at the end of a singles party I hosted -- and continued with repeated attempts to push the envelope physically.

“With anyone else I’ve dated, I would have had sex ten times by now,” he said about 10 days into our ill-fated dalliance.

Later that night at my place, I returned from the bathroom to find H sitting on my couch -- without his pants or underwear on. I was aghast, not to mention anxious from a hygiene standpoint (who knows if scotchgard covers bodily fluids?). The evening was our last for nearly a year, until H resurfaced, exhibiting much greater restraint.

When it comes to physical intimacy, everyone has their own idea for how quickly it should unfold. Call me old fashioned, but I much prefer a timetable that allows plenty of room for romance. Or, at the very least, doesn’t damage the furniture.

A Night Out At SD26

Wednesday night, I headed down to SD26 in NYC’s Flatiron District for galpal Rachel’s 29th birthday celebration.

Cheers: Rach and me at SD26

Located opposite Madison Square Park, SD26 is the perfect combination of swank and low-key friendly charm -- as Rach and I discovered when we informed affable bartender Renato it was her birthday.

He immediately concocted a round of delicious Bailey’s and vanilla vodka-infused shots, insisting they were on the house. Nice.

After a celebratory toast, Rachel and I joined about a dozen of her friends in a cozy anteroom.

IT trainer Angela told me how envious her friends are that she resides in New York, that she has to disabuse them of the notion that life in Gotham is always as it appears in “Sex And The City.”

I also chatted with Noam, a friendly environmental lobbyist-turned-physics professor. We talked about our respective stints in small town USA -- Noam spent years in Maryland while I’ve lived in Bangor, Maine and Southern Illinois. We agreed that New York tends to spoil you for living anywhere else.

There’s still nowhere else I would rather be.

Meet The Filmmakers: SJP And Hugh Grant

Tuesday night, I headed down to the Apple Store in SoHo for an evening about "Did You Hear About The Morgans?" featuring co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant and director Marc Lawrence.

Rom Com Dream Team: Director Marc Lawrence, SJP and Hugh Grant

Part of the store's ongoing Meet The Filmmakers series, the Q&A session was moderated by USA Today entertainment reporter Donna Freydkin.

SJP said she’d longed to work with Grant on a romantic comedy after the two appeared together in "Extreme Measures," a little-seen thriller 13 years ago. She raved about his approach to acting.

“He’s incredibly conscientious,” she said. “He takes rehearsal more seriously than most actors I’ve worked with and was always good. Always completed invested [in each take].”

Hugh reciprocated the praise, and had both his co-star and the audience laughing with his razor-sharp observations.

“She’s tiny and yet she eats more than any woman I’ve ever met,” he said of SJP. “I think she’s half woman, half locust.”

SJP and Hugh Grant: the co-stars bantered playfully with each other

Grant, with his acerbic, self-deprecating wit and charm, was the evening’s true star. SJP seemed spent from her earlier appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” while director Lawrence didn’t have that much to say.

When asked about shooting romantic comedies, all three agreed that they’re the hardest kind of movies to make.

“There’s only a handful of truly great ones,” Lawrence said.

“Comedy is harder,” agreed Grant. “It should get the [award] prizes before the deep, dark serious stuff.”

Favorite rom coms? Sounding very much like Carrie Bradshaw, SJP said “The Way We Were” should be viewed at least 2-3 times a year. Grant is now hooked on “Sex And The City,” having watched late-night reruns while filming “Did You Hear..” in New Mexico.

“I would email [Sarah Jessica] and say ‘Like your heels tonight, worried about Big.’ But I don’t like when they talk about stuff boys should be talking about.”

Grant also joked about the movie’s on-set diva – Bart the bear.

“He was the biggest prima donna I’ve ever worked with,” he quipped.

"Did You Hear About The Morgans?" opens nationwide tomorrow. A free podcast of the entire Q&A is available on the iTunes store. For more info about Apple’s Meet The Filmmakers series, click here.

Calling All SATC And Gossip Girl Experts

If you’re an expert on “Sex And The City” or “Gossip Girl” with a comedic flair, On Location Tours has the job for you.

SATC: On Location Tours is looking for ladies to lead their tour of NYC hotspots featured in the series and film.

The tv and movie tour company is looking for guides to lead their popular SATC Hotspots Tour and “Gossip Girl” Sites tours.

“We are looking for extremely outgoing, personable, fun actresses in their 20's and 30's,” says Meagan of On Location Tours. “Stand up comedy experience a plus.”

Tours are approximately 3.5 hours in length. Position is part time -- three or four tours per month, and candidate must be willing to obtain New York City tour guide license.

If you're interested in either position, please email acting resume and headshot to paulineg@onlocationtours.com. Only attach your headshot, cut and paste your resume in the email and indicate which tour you're applying for in your subject line.

You can read more about On Location Tours on the company’s website. And don’t forget Single Gal In The City readers receive a 10% discount when booking either o the Hotspots tours. Click here for more info.

The Small World Of Online Dating

When you live in a city where single women outnumber their male counterparts by 200,000, it often feels like the universe of available men is a finite one – especially the universe of online dating.

After posting a recap about the singles party that I recently hosted, I heard from a reader who was curious about one of my guests -- JDate.com member and radiologist Jacques, whom I went out with once last spring. It turns out that, six years ago, she also dated Jacques briefly after meeting on a singles trip.

My friend Andrea had her own experience of what a small dating world cyberspace can be. During a night out in Central Park, she ended up sitting next to three girls talking about dating. She overhears one of the ladies mention by name a Match.com guy that Andrea herself had gone out with a few times the month before.

“I just start laughing hysterically,” Andrea says. “She had the same thoughts about him as I did. I so wanted to tell her to go with her gut, but I kept my mouth shut.”

The longer you’re part of the online dating marketplace, the more you find yourself running into the same cast of characters. I’m hoping there won’t be any familiar faces when I make my long-awaited return to speed dating tonight.

The one significant other that I met through speed dating tied the knot last weekend. As I do all of my other exes -- well, most of them anyway – I wish him all the best. Even though it means the pool of old flames whom I can beat to the altar is almost officially dry.

Rationally speaking, I know it shouldn’t be a competition. But, to paraphrase something Sex And The City’s Samantha once said, there’s always a competition with your ex. What’s rational thinking got to do with it?

Single Gal Meets Neal B In NYC

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow blogger and “Sex And The City” diehard fan Neal Bennington.

Bloggers and SATC Fans Unite: Neal and me in Central Park

Neal has attracted a big following for his fabulous photos and videos from the set of “Sex And The City 2.” He’s been profiled in the New York Daily News and recently appeared on “The Wendy Williams Show.”

We caught up at Lincoln Square on NYC’s Upper West Side, where we talked about the crazy crowds that SATC 2 is generating -- and our shared goal to score invites to the movie’s premiere next spring. Neal also interviewed me on-camera for his new blog, Neal B In NYC.

You can watch the video here or head on over to Neal’s blog to see his complete post about SGITC. His site is a fun read covering everything from celebrity dish and what’s happening in NYC to, of course, the latest about SATC 2. He’s definitely a rising star in the blogosphere.

Coming up…an appearance on “The Dr. Oz Show” and up close and personal with “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd.

Central Park Date

There’s a classic moment on “Sex and the City” when Carrie and Big fall into the lake in NYC’s Central Park. Thankfully, I managed to avoid a similar fate here last weekend during my first date with Ali.

The Lake in Central Park: Carrie and Big got waterlogged at this romantic spot

The afternoon got off to a bumpy start when Ali turned up 45 minutes late -- without being too apologetic. Tardiness is one of my major pet peeves, but I opted to get past it given Ali’s two-hour trek in from New Jersey.

Following a quick snack, we rented a boat for a few hours. Along with learning that rowing isn’t as easy as it looks, I found out quite a bit about Ali.

A former resident of Canada and Colorado, Ali is into outdoor activities (skiing, tennis, water sports) and photography (he shoots weddings). We discovered a mutual affinity for working out. Ali said he struggles to gain weight. I admitted I would love to have that problem.

After our leisurely boat ride, we strolled around the park before parting company.

“You’re nice and I like spending time with you,” Ali said.

Even better, Ali said he won’t be late next time. We’re going out again next Sunday.

An Evening With Two Chick Lit Authors

Last Tuesday, I headed over to the 92nd Street Y to listen to prolific chick lit authors Jennifer Weiner and Candace Bushnell.

Chick Lit Queens: Weiner and Bushnell charmed the sold out crowd

Longtime friends, the two ladies talked candidly about their life experiences and their passion for writing.

With self-deprecating wit, Weiner told the crowd that anything is material as a writer – from teaching her 21-month-old daughter to say boobies to her mother coming out as a lesbian at age 54. All of us in the audience laughed as Weiner recounted the awkwardness of sharing her debut novel’s title, Good In Bed, with her mother.

A newspaper reporter for 10 years, Weiner always wanted to be a writer. Bushnell had five completed novels in her drawer when she started writing her legendary “Sex and The City” columns at age 34. Her favorite subjects—

“Focusing on what makes me uncomfortable and on people’s choices. I’m fascinating by the choices people make and what they do to get ahead.”

With a draft of her latest work – Carrie Bradshaw’s high school diaries – due next week, Bushnell also shared her observations about life as a teenager.

Candace and me: The author signed copies of One Fifth Avenue after the lecture

“When you’re young, you look for tools to help you understand the world,” she said.

“You go through it skinless,” Weiner added. “Everything hurts more. That time is so fraught and intense.”

My favorite quote of the night – Weiner describing friendship as an opt-in sisterhood. DNA-induced ties notwithstanding, it's usually the best kind of sisterhood to be a part of.

A Star Studded Week

If you’re the kind of person who gets starstruck, New York is an ideal place for indulging this particular inclination. For me, that’s never been more true of my hometown than over the last seven days.

From spotting the “Sex And The City” gals in action and meeting SATC author Candace Bushnell to saying hello to famed Chicago chef Tony Mantuano and fashion royalty, it’s been quite a week.

My favorite celeb encounter? Meeting 90210’s Kelly Taylor, the lovely Jennie Garth.

Jennie Garth and me at the premiere party for Candace Bushnell’s new webisode series

Jennie stars in Bushnell’s new webisode series, "The Broadroom." Coming up…more about that and my eventful week -- including a surprise visit from an old flame.

Drinks With A Smooth Security Chief

During my visits to the set of the “Sex And The City” movie back in ‘07, I became friendly with security chief K. Last week, I had the pleasure of catching up with K over drinks at the Gansevoort Hotel’s swanky rooftop bar.

A showbiz security veteran who guards A-list stars, K is currently working on the sets of “Gossip Girl,” “Ugly Betty,” and the new Harrison Ford/Rachel McAdams movie “Morning Glory.”

A man of many passions -- travel and entrepreneurial ventures among them -- K is quite the charmer.

“My business is my pleasure and my pleasure is my business,” he said seductively.

As he filled me in on his recent romantic exploits, he leaned in real close. I told him he’s so smooth, you can almost hear a medley of Luther Vandross tunes playing in the background.

We talked at length about the question of when to become intimate with someone you’re dating. K says the timing depends upon the person you’re with -- and that he’s found most women are surprised if he doesn’t make a move on the first date.

I teased him about the way he once described his, ahem, prowess in the bedroom--

“It’s like Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July all rolled into one.”

Sounds like quite the threesome.

Coming up…rediscovering the pleasures of NYC’s other boroughs and returning to the Windy City for a big female powwow.

Maybelline's Colorful Contest

As someone who works in PR, I always appreciate a great marketing idea. Maybelline has launched a fun and fabulous contest, Colorful Life, that’s worth checking out.

Maybelline’s Colorful Life contest offers some fabulous prizes

The cosmetics giant is looking for “colorful women” to submit their stories for the chance to star in a Maybelline New York short film, win a trip to NYC and meet “Sex And the City” author Candace Bushnell at her Webisode Premiere Party.

According to a member of Maybelline’s marketing team, here’s the kind of women they’re looking for--

“Maybe you’ve started your own business based on a personal passion, or you’re a community leader everyone looks up to. Perhaps you’ve dedicated time and energy to a cause, or use art as a means of creative expression.”

The contest deadline is June 30th. Click here for more information.

Friday Night Out With An Old Flame

Friday, my old flame Steve and I braved the downpour to enjoy a night out in Times Square.

Our first stop was The Perfect Pint, a lively pub with charming bartenders who know how to mix a great cosmo. Steve filled me in about potential work-related travels in his future (Europe, the Middle East), which got us to talking about our mutual affinity for Sydney. I admitted that if Sydney was situated a little closer to home, it would be hard to resist the urge I felt back in January to move there again.

Saju Bistro: One of my favorite French restaurants in NYC. Delicieux!

Next, we walked over to French bistro Saju, where we shared a sublime plate of escargots in garlic and butter sauce and I enjoyed skirt steak cooked to perfection with pomme frites. Saju never disappoints, serving with panache French provencal fare so authentic that I wasn’t surprised to hear the couple next to us speaking en Français.

Over dinner, we talked about the enduring appeal of “Sex And The City,” and Steve laughed when I told him I only started watching the show during its sanitized TBS run. We agreed that, of the fabulous four, Samantha was the most over the top and the one we’d be least likely to share a cocktail with. After all, there’s only so much risqué talk you can take.

Up next…Tony Award winner Geoffrey Rush dazzles in “Exit The King,” and a friend makes the case for Botox.

SATC 2: The Countdown Begins

Ever since the big screen sequel to “Sex and The City” was confirmed, there’s been much speculation about what comes next for Carrie Bradshaw & Co.

While the guessing games continue, I’m excited to report some official news about when and where filming for SATC 2 will take place.

New Yorkers -- myself included -- excitedly watched as SATC: The Movie filmed in the Big Apple back in ‘07

I learned today that the two-month shoot kicks off in NYC on August 19th. And that cast and crew will also spend two weeks filming in the United Kingdom.

What will take the fabulous four across the pond? How will Carrie and the girls express their passions for labels and love during an era of mortgages instead of Manolos? I can’t wait to find out, and to be front and center when they take over the streets of NYC once again.

Catching Up With My Soul Sister

Last night, I caught up with my cousin and soul sister Alexandra.

A month had passed since we last got together -- Alexa is busy juggling two jobs and classes toward a degree in music education -- so we were happy to enjoy some quality female bonding time.

We headed around the corner to Beach Cafe, my favorite neighborhood bistro, where we were greeted affectionately by lovable manager and Ricky Martin lookalike Chris.

While enjoying a two-course meal (crab and avocado salad, pork tenderloin) complimented by a heavenly glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, I told Alexa we have to start planning our annual girlfriends getaway.

Smiling In Sin City: Alexa and I enjoying a Vegas vacation, November 2007

I also shared my frustration with fruitless online dating and my excitement over a possible reunion with an old flame. She filled me in on Easter with her boyfriend's family and freelance gigs as a makeup artist.

After dinner, we curled up on the couch and watched a classic episode of "Sex And The City" ("Secret Sex"), oohing and ahhing over a very young looking Chris Noth. Like everything else, mooning over Mr. Big is a lot more fun when sharing it with a best friend who just happens to be family too.

Auto Show Gala Preview: Part Two

Thursday night, the final hour of the Auto Show gala preview took a surprising turn.

As I mentioned in Friday’s post, Chris – one of three guys from UBS I’d met earlier in the evening – asked if I needed a drink. I soon learned that Chris was married and his newly-arrived friend Ted was engaged, while European-born colleagues Cedric and Patrick were both single.

Chris and I exchanged tales of wine-related travel (he and his wife favor Bordeaux and Napa, I recommended Australia’s Hunter Valley region). Then, the five of us headed into the showroom. Though I had already done a lap around it, I suspected doing one with men in tow might offer a different perspective.

Sure enough, each of the guys were boyishly smitten as they took a seat in several of the floor models. Patrick invited me to join him in a Viper convertible, where he launched into a 10-minute soliloquy about the merits of driving a stick shift.

Behind The Wheel: Patrick gushed about stick shifts while trying out the new Viper convertible

When we caught up with the rest of the group, talked quickly turned to dinner and reservations at Buddakan. Chris invited me to join them and I happily accepted.

For once, being unable to find a cab proved to be a good thing. We ended up leaving the Javits Center in a limo instead (economically priced as just $6 per person).

During the short ride down to NYC’s Meatpacking District, I found myself next to Cedric, who moved swiftly into flirting mode. He took my face in his hands and leaned in to kiss me.

“I’m not going to make it that easy for you,” I said coyly, pulling back.

He quickly got over my (temporary) rebuff, poking his arms through the limo’s open rooftop and waving at passersby.

Upon arriving at Buddakan, we were shown to a corner table downstairs, just past the Chinoiserie where Carrie and Big’s rehearsal dinner was held in “Sex And The City.” The sexiest part of the evening was still to come.

Up next…Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke rock MSG and pre-tax day imbibing.

Friday Fun On The LES: Part Two

Friday night, the celebration of work galpal Katie’s move to the burbs continued at Boss Tweed’s Saloon on the Lower East Side.

Katie and me enjoying cocktails at Boss Tweed’s on the LES

We opted to skip the beer pong and concentrate on enjoying the action-packed crowd, which included about a dozen of us.

Conversation quickly turned to the evening’s main attraction -- the mechanical bull at another LES nightspot, Mason Dixon’s. By the time we got there, I was more than a little anxious about climbing aboard. Especially when I had to sign a waiver and present my ID to the very menacing bull operator.

Yikes: Getting ready to ride at Mason Dixon’s

Katie, a mechanical bull veteran, advised me that the best way to avoid injury is to just go with the inevitable fall when it starts. I kept her wise words in mind as I entered the bullpen.

With the supportive cheers and applause of friends and strangers alike, I straddled the mechanical bull and hoped for the best.

$5 well spent: Riding the bull. Yee hah!

Though I didn’t feel unleashed like Miranda on “Sex And The City” (nor did I feel inclined to rip open my top), I enjoyed my 20 seconds or so of writhing around. And the fall on my rear end was only marginally terrifying. The ride was also a great mini workout, as I discovered from the burning sensation in my thighs afterward.

Katie, roommates Beth and Jon, and former Quinn & Co. staffer Juliann all took turns riding the bull before we decided to move onto the next destination, Piano's.

It turned out the bar had reached capacity and was only admitting women. Contemplating the favorable guy-girl ratio inside, I was thisclose to parting company from Katie & Co. I chose instead to head back with everyone to Katie’s abode, where she filled me in about her long history with boyfriend Connor, who she’ll soon be residing with in Connecticut.

Their parents are good friends and it was love at first sight for Katie when she met Connor at the age of 15. A few years later, when she finally professed her feelings, he responded with a kiss. And, a long distance scenario notwithstanding (Katie lived in Florida for awhile), that was that.

As Katie gushed about her beloved beau, I couldn’t help thinking about the fickle finger of fate -- how some people find happily ever after straight out of the gate, while the rest of us end up taking more than a few detours to get there.

Despite the seeming randomness of it all, I took great comfort in Katie’s tale. It reminded me of the times that I've felt head over heels -- and how much I’m looking forward to the day when I feel that way again.

Flying Solo For A Night

For as much as I love an evening out with friends, sometimes it’s fun to fly solo and see where the night takes you. Last night, it took me down to NYC’s hip Meatpacking District.

After a quick bite at Chelsea Market, a vibrant arcade of food, wine and dessert shops, I went next door to Buddakan, the dazzling restaurant that hosted Carrie & Big’s rehearsal dinner in “Sex And The City.”

Carrie and Big: Like me, SATC’s star-crossed couple enjoyed a night out at Buddakan

As I sipped on a perfect cosmo at the bar, I found myself sitting next to a cute but frazzled-looking derivatives trader. He was anxiously checking his Blackberry and when seven of his clients appeared a few minutes later, I understood why. In this economy, if you’re lucky enough to have a job, it’s even more important to bring your A-game to it.

From Buddakan, I jumped on the subway and headed up to Midtown, where I strolled past a few women camped out (literally – with tents) in front of Barnes & Noble, hoping to secure admission to a Miley Cyrus book signing the following day. More power to them in this nippy weather. I would do the same to see my beloved Ricky Martin, though the longest I’ve lined up for him so far is 5 hours.

At home, following a 30-minute chat with the Match.com guy du jour, I continued watching the SATC movie with commentary from writer and exec producer Michael Patrick King. I smiled when the DVD cued up to none other than the aforementioned scenes at Buddakan. Filming for SATC 2 is scheduled to begin this fall – let the groupie activity begin!

Coming up…co-hosting happy hour at a hot Lower East Side nightspot and celebrating a friend’s birthday with a spa-dinner-karaoke trifecta.

Mardi Gras In Manhattan

Tuesday night, I caught up with my cousin and soul sister Alexandra for a spontaneous girls night out.

Our evening began at delightful Upper West Side eatery Pappardella, where we enjoyed a three-course prix meal for $25 – butternut squash puree soup, sauteed salmon and dessert (TiramiSu for Alexa, strawberry and cream filled pastry for me).

Pappardella on NYC’s Upper West Side serves up tasty and traditional Italian fare with a hospitable staff

Over dinner, Alexandra and I dished about favorite recessionista bargains (Kohl’s and H&M top the list) and our love lives. She said she’s taking it slow with an on-again off-again old flame, while I filled her in about a few promising Match.com prospects – one of whom, if his picture is any indication, bears a resemblance to “Sex And The City” hunk Chris Noth.

From Pappardella, we headed down to the Empire Hotel for a Mardi Gras party benefitting Mercy Ships, a global charity that operates hospital ships in developing countries. Held at the hotel’s swanky rooftop bar, the soiree featured a live jazz band and interesting crowd of professional types.

Most of the men in attendance were either wearing wedding rings or engrossed in a guys night out, so we concentrated on people watching with cocktails in hand, and talking about plans for our annual girlfriends getaway. Still, I was happily surprised when a tall drink of water stopped me on our way out to ask for my number.

With a date tonight and plans tomorrow that might result in another, it seems that my romantic fortunes might be changing. Who knows? Maybe 35 is the new 25 after all, encroaching crow’s feet notwithstanding.