Dinner and a Show

Where are these people headed behind the curtain of the posh Parker Meridian in New York City?

Here's a hint.

If you haven't guessed, it's the not-so-secret "secret" Burger Joint. This place is always packed with people catching a show at Radio City, tourists, and locals unwinding after work.

Vegetarians will find a cheeseburger (hold the burger). Sadly no veggie burgers. A bag of fries, $4, pickle, $1.50, and Coca-Cola, $2.50. Health food? No way. But that's not the point of coming here.

Kitschy posters and writing adorn the walls. Hey, here's one of my favorite food films! Ratatouille! Note the "Go veggie" writing on the left of it.

Fun for a night out to share fries, a soda or beer, and get married? Hmm, they'd have to start offering vegan burgers, soy cheese and non-dairy milkshakes.

On to the show. For my November birthday, I asked for a ticket for The Swell Season's concert at Radio City Music Hall. The day arrived!

Not bad seats for a change.

I'm usually in the last rows way up here. The Brooklyn Vegan was closer, with some amazing shots of Glen, Mar and the gang.

Glen Hansard can tell a story that will make you laugh and bring you to tears, sometimes at the same time. I love his howling vocals.

"I'm feeling so small, against that big sky tonight."


While Marketa Irglova's songs are like dreamy lullabies for the soul.


I'm so glad their music is part of the soundtrack of my life. I still find inspiration in Marketa's Oscar acceptance speech:

"It's just the proof that no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And...fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are."

The chorus of Falling Slowly reminds us: "Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice." Here's hoping we continue to foster a world of hope, for animals and all that is sacred to us, and that our dreams for a better world do come true.