Chocolate NYC: 25 Decadent Experiences for the New York Chocoholic

Little known fact, I’m not just obsessed with magic, I’m also gaga over chocolate. And, I’ve spent years exploring the NYC chocolate scene, from obscure boutique chocolate crafters to surprisingly luscious imported-cocoas, buried unsuspectingly in the fray of products at some of the largest eateries and stores in New York.

In fact, it’s not unusual for me to slip into one of these purveyors of edible magic after a show for a quick bite of heaven […]

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“Charming” Hermes necktie, Alfred Hitchcock, and the Rope Trick

Here’s a whimsical Hermes necktie that I like. I can’t think of an occasion that I’d actually wear it, but I admire the snake-charmer print for some reason. Also in this post, I review a book, “The Rise of the Indian Rope Trick,” which examines a legendary trick from the subcontinent that has never been verified as fact. One of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock photos is […]

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Hermes necktie with magic theme

About one year ago, I spotted a gentleman at my show wearing a handsome Hermes necktie. It was royal blue, and decorated with magic rabbits jumping out of top hats. During the show, I complimented the man on his tie. “Appropriate for a magic show,” I mentioned with a wink. After the show was over, I was surprised when he walked up to me, undid the knot, and handed it to me as a gift. […]

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John Lobb shoe addiction

During my performances, I like to wear shoes that have a tall heel, since it improves the posture and forces you to lift your body frame. I know some male entertainers who wear boots with an extra high heel (like cowboy boots) during their performances, since they feel that it makes them more conscious of their bodies, and therefore they move more gracefully. [more…]

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“Oil” magnate

Once you’ve flown on a private jet, there’s no going back. I just landed in Cancun, on a Bombadier Challenger 605. And it’s all thanks to card tricks. My flight bag is loaded with six decks of Tally-Ho cards, a purseful of antique silver dollars, one red silk hanky and two false thumbs. Try explaining […]

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Dubey & Schaldenbrand

The famous French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin started out as a clockmaker, and became a magician. I think I’m going in the opposite direction. At Chamber Magic last weekend, a lovely couple sat in the front row, and the husband was wearing this wristwatch. I actually stopped the show for a moment so I could […]

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