A Delightful Dinner At Rue 57

Last night, I met up with London-based longtime family friends Charles and Diane at Rue 57 in Midtown.

Rue 57: One of Midtown NYC’s best bistros

One of my favorite restaurants, Rue 57 serves up an expansive menu of pasta, steak and seafood (including sushi) in an inviting bistro setting. The wait staff is always friendly and swift, the food delicious.

Over a delightful dinner (potato crusted salmon with crimini mushrooms and Barolo sauce for me), we talked about cruise travel, shopping in NYC and the various phases of romance.

Charles and Di will celebrate their 35th anniversary later this year, while their son Kane is in the throes of true love with his girlfriend of eighteen months.

The young lovebirds are navigating the interfaith terrain -- he’s Jewish, she’s Protestant. We all agreed that, as my late and beloved parents demonstrated so beautifully, a religious divide needn’t be an insurmountable obstacle. And that if it is, you tend to know early on (like, for example, the JDate guy awhile back who bolted after 60 minutes upon learning I’m Catholic).

I also shared with Charles and Di my Grand 2010 Plan, and they shared my excitement about what lies ahead during this decade-launching year. Stay tuned for details, including how Single Gal In The City readers will be a big part of the fun.

Coming up…a record-breaking singles event and a Broadway smash gets a cast makeover.

First Date: Dinner, Dialogue And Dr. Oz

Last Sunday, I went out with human resources consultant and fellow Upper East Sider Jeremy.

Jeremy and I attended a fascinating roundtable featuring (from left) Dr. Oz, Elie Wiesel, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Mayor Cory Booker

Jeremy and I had met at ADL’s Imagine Gala a couple of days before, and discovered we both had tickets to another amazing event – a roundtable on Jewish values and current societal problems featuring legendary writer and humanitarian Elie Wiesel, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, medical expert Dr. Mehmet Oz and popular rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

Dr. Oz was just as gracious as he was when I filmed a segment of his show a few weeks ago

Held at stunning Central Synagogue in Midtown NYC, the 2.5 hour roundtable was a lively, intelligent conversation that covered everything from health care and celebrity culture to social responsibility and the power of one person to make a difference.

I was especially riveted by Mayor Booker’s soft-spoken eloquence. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, don’t miss it.

Biggest surprise during the Q&A – attention seeking reality star Jon Gosselin asking the esteemed panelists for parenting advice. Only in New York.

After the event, Jeremy and I headed over to cozy restaurant and lounge Opia.

Over some Sauvignon Blanc and a delicious dinner (hanger steak, fries and truffled salad), we talked about how inspiring the panelists were, what we like about living on the UES and the importance of family mealtime when you’re growing up.

As Jeremy spoke at length about Judaism, I couldn’t help thinking of my interfaith background. Dad was Jewish and Mom was Catholic, and so am I.

My parents managed to navigate being of different religions so that it didn’t come between them. They taught me differences don’t have to be an obstacle to enduring love. It’s a lesson I’m looking forward to applying with my future mate -- whatever his spiritual bent happens to be.