We headed to the immersive pop-up “Spectacular Costumes From Stage and Screen” exhibit in Times Square featuring more than 100 of the industry’s most beautiful and complex garments. This exhibition offered close-up looks at Hamilton, The Lion King, The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel, Moulin Rouge and more. The proceeds from this exhibition raised money for the Costume Industry Coalition Recovery Fund, an alliance of over 50 NYC-based independent artisans and small businesses.  If you missed it, keep an eye out for next year’s opening of the Museum of Broadway.

After the exhibition, we walked a couple of blocks south for lunch at Boqueria for some Spanish fare. We sipped their Sangría Rosada, made with rosé, tequila and cranberry & pomegranate juices ($48 per pitcher).

The menu described the brunch paella ($26 a small; $42 medium) as “Bomba rice, roasted chicken, Piquillo peppers, chorizo, kale, topped with three farm eggs.”  Our thoughts: 3 people, 3 eggs, perfect.

When Tim — our attentive waiter —  suggested ordering a tapas to enjoy with our sangría mentioning the paella takes at least 35 minutes. We took his suggestion, ordering patatas bravas, crispy potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce drizzled with a garlicky aioli to eat with our libations.

When the paella arrived, it had only two eggs and was missing the menu-mentioned kale. We mentioned the missing egg to Tim, who returned with two additional ones mentioning how the chef was new, not as familiar with the menu as he should have been.

I would recommend a visit, especially if you’re looking for a place to dine near Times Square.

Boqueria West 40th Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Times Square
260 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
212.255.6047
boqueriarestaurant.com/tapas-bar-nyc-west-40th/