But life's little mysteries have a way of playing tricks on you.
My glamorous Latino, born, breed, raised and educated in Buenos Aries, had never placed either of his feet - on the dance floor either in a club or on a street corner - to step out and tango.
It was one bitter-sweet lesson!
This cute Argentinean had asked me to join him on a Friday night at the centrally located, just off Union Square venue, which every Friday invites you to tango with the best of the Argentinean talent. As a preamble to the evening, beginners are taught the basics and I quickly found out that Fabiano was 'basically'.....a complete beginner.
As we joined in on a tango class at the fabulous La Belle Epoque, SHOCK HORROR, as he stepped (out )on my feet !
But not all was lost. Alongside an eclectic melting pot of other beginners, we all closed our eyes to sway to the melody of the tango. And the atmosphere was so great that to my surprise all at once we felt that we were lighter on our feet and authentic, romantic Latino lovers.
La Belle Epoque is a jewel in Manhattan. Located in a 19th century building, it served as an artist's studio in the mid-20th century (Willem de Kooning worked there for years). In 1981, Howard Kaplan redesigned the space, and for ten years it was available for private parties only. Today, it is open to the public.
Real Paris Metro signs, French cafe chairs, dim lighting and a great bar and dance floor make this the ideal choice for the local Argentineans to hold their weekly Tango night.
It's one of the those Manhattan 'must go see how to add instant magical romance to your life' experiences.
I recommend the restaurant, (the menu, changes weekly, and features an eclectic mix of French, Creole, and American dishes) and the bar from where you can watch - from a safe distance - the amateur talent at around 8.00pm on a Friday night. As the evening progresses, the real dancers take to the floor and you are then treated to music- often live; dancers - often excellent; and the romance of a terrific bar/restaurant on Broadway between 12th and 13th Streets.
See you there.
And by the way, Fabiano is practising for his first public, professional performance. You can catch it in the year 2010. Until then.............................
La Belle Epoque 827 Broadway
