several things i was not fond of this weekend

• Cinderella at ABT.  I suppose there are many possible interpretations of this story, but I did not like this one.  It seemed to be attempting a modern class commentary, using costumes from somewhere between the nineteenth century and a clown college's castoffs.  The choreography reminded me of early-midcentury musicals, and although I did rather like Cinderella's solos, I frequently felt like there wasn't much happening onstage.
• The Frying Pan.  I suppose I would like this place, if I were 24 years old and enjoyed walking in puddles of dirty water and cheap beer.  I like the idea of this place, but the execution is clearly designed for hardier (or drunker) souls than myself.
• Sarabeths West.  I have been to Sarabeth's East once and liked it, or anyway really wanted to like it.  And, again, I like the idea of the place.  I like the menu, I like the outdoor dining area, I like the friendly wait staff.  I'm not thrilled with the huge mob at all reasonably brunchlike hours.  I'm okay with spending $15 on an omelette, but then it should have detectable amounts of all advertised fillings, and the muffin it comes with should be identifiable as the requested type (my pumpkin muffin was, I'm pretty sure, an apple-cinnamon muffin, and not a terribly good one at that).  I can handle spending $4 on coffee, but $6 for juice seems a little steep, even if it is organic or free-range or whatever it is.  On the whole, I'd be just as happy at the greasy diner 10 blocks south, where I'd pay half as much for better food and prompter coffee refills.