Friday, December 31, 2010

MMX Wrap Up

A final wrap up of my favorites of the year.

FILM*
- A Prophet (debatably a 2009 film)
- The Social Network
- Exit Through the Gift Shop

honorable mentions
- The Fighter
- Boogie Woogie


TELEVISION
new:
- Boardwalk Empire

returning:
- Entourage, season seven
- Gossip Girl, season four (can't resist the clothes and drama)


MUSIC
songs:
Bodyaches by Sugar & Gold
Bulletproof by La Roux
Fuck You by Cee Lo Green
I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc
Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
Tighten Up by The Black Keys
Swimming by Florence & the Machine

albums:
Broken Bells by Broken Bells
Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons
The Orchard by Ra Ra Riot

remixes/mashups:
Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix) by Florence & the Machine
Downtight (Chambaland Mashup) by Stevie Wonder vs. Jay Sean featuring Lil' Wayne
I Hate College by Samuel Adams
Golden Ghostwriter (Jurassic 5 vs. RJD2) by Tone-E


((*disclaimer: i still haven't seen Black Swan or The King's Speech))

2010 Pop




NOT QUITE AS GOOD AS DJ EARWORM'S 2009 MASHUP, BUT HIS 2010 MIX IS A GOOD OVERVIEW OF THE BIG POP SONGS OF THE YEAR.
CHECK IT OUT IN THE LAST HOURS OF THE YEAR.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Avett Brothers - Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise


Undeclared




Since I was thirteen when the show aired, I'll excuse myself from not knowing of Judd Apatow's "Undeclared." Though that doesn't quite excuse the fact that those annoying previews for movies and shows on OnDemand is what introduced me to this gem. The show follows college freshman, specifically one group of geeky guys, on their exploits to get girls, pass their courses, and avoid getting beat up. It's seriously hilarious. Personally, I don't think it's quite as good as "Freaks & Geeks," but I'm not complaining.

The cast includes Seth Rogan, Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder), Charlie Hunnam (Greenstreet Holigans), and the glorious Jason Segal. A decade later, it seems college hasn't changed much...well, except for floppy disks.

Watch now on IFC OnDemand!

Green Fall, a film by APB


this may be a shameless plug (it definitely is), but here is the short film i made a couple months ago. an homage to the fall foliage.

Monday, December 27, 2010

The Gigante Bean





My mother added gigante beans to her antipasto platter at Thanksgiving, and I had no idea what to expect. This is a bean that originates from Spain and Greece, and is in the white bean family. It's much larger than a normal bean and carries a full creamy, sweet taste. I have yet to try cooking with it on my own, but love the ones from Whole Foods (found in their antipasto salad bar). The marinade is simple, fresh, and still allows the bean's own flavors to really come through. Definitely my favorite bean of the moment.

so, how 'bout it then?

i know it's terrible, but i constantly wish that i grew up in the 60s. i am fully confident that my parents did not take advantage of it the way i would have, i've been obsessed with the icons of the 60s at a young age, and the thrill of the then burgeoning rock & roll thrills me (even though i am approximately forty-four years late. i would love to streak on thick top liquid eye liner and maybe some falsies, grow long bangs and straighten my hair with an iron, and wear polyester mini-dresses. i think a lot of this has to do with the energy and excitement of the changing social landscape of the sixties. people seemed vibrant, willing to make a difference, and there seemed the possibility of creating something fresh and cutting-edge. it's hard for me to have a clear view if this is being done by my generation now. the new york times magazine things it is.

so, maybe i'm wrong. this is all brought on because i just watched pirate radio for the first time. all i can say is that i want big hair, bright mini skirts, and music to be as meaningful as it was to rock radio.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

sigh no more


i only recently got Mumford & Sons' 2009 album "Sigh No More," and i can't stop listening.
above is a live recording of one of my favorites.

Pop Culture Pencils









Pencils that ask the important questions in life.
$8 for a pack of 8 from Greenwich Letterpress.

sleep until 11, you'll be in heaven.


Put away your Juicy jumpsuits and don your flannel. I've always wanted to visit Portland, Oregon and even though a trip West doesn't seem in the cards for me any time soon, luckily I get to see the city Fred Armisen's way. IFC launches a new television series called Portlandia this January about quirky life in Portland, where life seem stuck in the 90s and it's like "Gore won" and the Bush presiden
cy never happened. The show is created by, written by, and starring Armisen.

Premiers Friday, January 21, 2011
10:30pm



Also, Portland continues to show off it's coolness with this vintage store that's inside a 1965 double-decker bus.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

potomac boys club remix


Winter Solstice Cake

With snow falling just in time for the winter solstice and nothing else to do, I decided to make Thomas Keller's pink grapefruit cake. I used the recipe, which was posted on Playing House. The cake was incredible. A perfect combination of tart grapefruit flavor with the sweetness of traditional cake. It's a heavy, moist cake so I paired it with a light dinner of soup, to insure no one was too full for dessert. The recipe can be found at Playing House and in Ad Hoc at Home, Keller's cookbook.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson







This extremely long named musician is from Oregon and now based in Brooklyn. His 2009 album Summer of Fear is a combination of folk, jazz, and indie rock, and simply mesmerizing.

Perfect holiday present for a friend, family member, or loved one? Yup!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

quick links




review of howl. -- jhu newsletter


In The Mix // November 2010


ROLLING IN THE DEEP // ADELE

VAMPIRE // FRANCIS ROSE

NOT IN LOVE // CRYSTAL CASTLES (FT. ROBERT SMITH)

YOU ARE NOT A ROBOT // HOODIE ALLEN

COSMIC LOVE (SHORT CLUB REMIX) // FLORENCE & THE MACHINE

MY BODY // YOUNG THE GIANT

SOMETHING I CAN DANCE TO // THE KNOCKS

Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Liberty London

my favorite department store in london now offers video tutorials on how to tie scarves for the less creatively inclined, like me.




also love:

Friday, October 15, 2010

EveryGuyed - Iconic Movie Style



Men's website EveryGuyed recreated ten movie posters whose characters and fashion choices have become not only iconic, but also changed men's fashion. The movie posters are part of their "Dress the Part" collection, which tutors men on how to dress in certain filmic styles or how to imitate certain actor's. Some include "Dress the Part: Great Gatsby" and "Dress the Part: Marlon Brando."

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Lissie from Illinois


I'M STARTING TO THINK THAT EVERYTHING AWESOME COMES FROM ILLINOIS: JOHN CUSACK, OBAMA, MILES DAVIS, MY ROOMMATE. AND LISSIE.

I CURRENTLY HAVE HER SONG 'IN SLEEP' ON REPEAT.

GOTTA LOVE A POWER BALLAD.




did you grow up with hip-hop?

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

september to october


FUCK YOU - CEE-LO GREEN
I L U - SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS
TEENAGE DREAM - KATY PERRY
SHARK IN THE WATER - VV BROWN
GHOST UNDER ROCKS - RA RA RIOT
KING OF SPAIN - THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
THE RADIO - GET FAR



Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Osborn Design




Not buying a pair of Osborn shoes at BK Flea is my biggest regret of the summer...okay, maybe that's a bit melodramatic but I passed up getting a pair of the raddest shoes I've ever seen!

Osborn Design is located in Guatemala. The shoes are completely handmade with fair trade and locally sourced materials. The company has strong ethics rooted in the belief that it is important to know where your materials are coming from. The co-founder Aaron Osborn's family actually owns and runs the biggest orphanage in Guatemala.


"Osborn's vertically integrated manufacturing practice sets them apart, establishing a work environment that is sweat-shop free, worker driven and brand focused. Each shoe is signed by its maker, as a testament to the sense of pride for the maker, as well as its wearer."

Early birthday present to me?

Agas & Tamar



I fell completely in love with Agas & Tamar's rings this summer when unassumingly walking by their Mott Street store. The chunky, somewhat unfinished roughness of the metal with the smooth stones is funky, yet classy.

www.agasandtamar.com

The Social Network

Originally published by The Johns Hopkins University News-Letter

The concept of Facebook is known by everybody today. But how the addicting Internet community came to infiltrate nearly everyone’s lives is mostly unknown. The Social Network, directed by David Fincher, aims to reveal the story behind the birth of Facebook and uncover the creator of it all, Mark Zuckerberg.

Though the film was heavily advertised before its release, and the trailer seems to promise a melodramatic story of fame, money and their consequences, The Social Network delivers far more than just that. Instead of an over glamorized account of Zuckerberg’s rise to Internet monopoly, the film offers a darker, sympathetic portrait of the world’s youngest billionaire, albeit not the most flattering depiction. Jesse Eisenberg, who plays Zuckerberg, finally breaks his character mold of an awkward but funny teenager, and performs as a snarky, socially inept genius.

As a sophomore at Harvard, Zuckerberg gets attention for being an incredible computer programmer, and three upperclassmen ask him for his help on a website idea they have – a site that allows Harvard students to create profiles and connect with one another. Zuckerberg agrees to help them but delays their project and creates TheFacebook.com instead. With the help of his best friend, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) they launch a website that grows faster and becomes more popular than they could have hoped for. It’s the coolest thing there is.

Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin’s Zuckerberg isn’t concerned with the money the site could make, but instead with its social popularity. From the beginning of the film Zuckerberg has a tunnel vision obsession with Harvard’s “Final Clubs” and belonging to a higher social echelon. Eisenberg’s eyes widen at the idea of becoming popular and his few smiles (really they’re more like smirks) are seen only when he knows he’s “made it.” He’s ready and willing to become famous. Enter Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), the creator of Napster, who with appletinis and stories of stardom and billions of dollars sells Zuckerberg, whisking him away from Harvard and into Silicon Valley.

Just as the audience is being swept away with the clubs, music, and promise of success, Fincher takes them back to reality, more precisely into one of three conference rooms where Zuckerberg is in the midst legal deposition and being sued. Within these scenes lies the heart and tragedy of the film. Here it is learned that Zuckerberg has betrayed his best (and only friend), Eduardo. Here Eisenberg is stone cold, answers questions with brutal honesty and haughtiness. Garfield looks at him pleadingly with wet eyes, but Zuckerberg remains in a darker light, devoid of emotion, an almost expressionless face.

Is it surprising though that a person so completely disengaged created a website that both connects and isolates people?

The pacing of the film is extraordinarily zippy, never lagging too long on one scene, and often cutting quickly to juxtapose Zuckerberg’s computer programming fixation with the world that surrounds him. Take an early scene in the movie that cuts between Zuckerberg creating a website that rates Harvard women’s “hotness” and a party of booze, bowties, and half-naked women at one of the University’s clubs. This is the world he ultimately wants to belong to, but never really can.

Sorkin’s writing is quick, biting, and smart. The dialogue moves from the lofty tones of Harvard students to the manipulative monologues of Parker to the bitter, hateful Eduardo to sardonic Zuckerberg seamlessly. Sorkin displays great emotion in his writing, which is often performed subtly but powerfully by the actors.

The film is actually so well paced that the two hours go by as fast as one. The audience is struck by the ending and epilogue so quickly that it comes across as far too abrupt and even disconcerting. There is hardly any resolution. And maybe that’s the point. Given the popularity and expansion Facebook is still experiencing there is no clear ending.

This is not a cautionary tale and is free of moralistic undertones. It is instead an open-ended commentary on the role that online social networks play in life today. There is an inherent power and danger within the Internet, but how it will manifests itself is unknown. Perhaps it is a question too great for Fincher, so he leaves the viewer refreshing their webpage waiting to see what’s next.

The Social Network releases nationally on Friday October 1st.

Sunday, September 5, 2010


“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants.”
Bob Dylan
http://theimpossiblecool.tumblr.com

(the sunday club)

Evolution of the Man Bag

First it was the man purse, then the messenger bag. Sometimes even a duffle bag. The idea of a bag for a man who carries more than his wallet and cell has created numerous complications and discussions. When a briefcase is out of the question, men struggle to find the proper accessory to compliment their style while maintaining some semblance of masculinity. Which brings me to the newest trend: man totes. Women all cherish their totes and usually have a favorite. They're great for using as grocery bags, gym bags, beach bags, everyday bags, or even as school bags. But when a man hikes up his canvas tote around his shoulder and struts around I get a bit confused. Have straight men embraced the utilitarian ease of the tote too? Has the man purse gained a hipster flair? And is American Apparel responsible for creating this unisex wave?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Dumb Bandz

Possibly the most annoying and dumbfounding trend of the summer that has pushed its way into September is undoubtedly "Silly Bandz." Silly Bandz are simply thin rubber bands that resemble animals, words, and an assortment of other shapes. At some point these neon bands of plastic became extremely popular for kids to collect and wear on their wrists. Soon children were trying to collect them all, wear as many as possible, and even trade some with their friends.

The point of rubber bands in different shapes though makes no sense because when stretched to wrap around something (remember, their original function is utilitarian) they lose all design. But kids will be kids, and we all remember our own generation's bizarre and pointless trends. Yet somehow Silly Bandz climbed the age ladder, something most trends that start with children don't end up doing.

Now teenagers, 20-somethings, and even adults wear these bands (even more than one at a time!). Why!? They don't look good and are far too childish. Should we go back to collecting stickers too? Can someone please tell me what is going on with this fad? Where did it come from and when will it go away? And with more and more research showing the dangerous effects of low-grade plastic is really a good idea that people are covering their wrists in this cheap excuse for a cultural wave?

GO AWAY NOW!

SEPTEMBER & BACK

Back from my August hiatus with a goodie from DJ Tiesto.
More more more to come this week!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

in need of color.

someone showed me this and i thank them

Mark Ronson & The Business INTL "Bang Bang Bang" from Warren Fu on Vimeo.

Fine Clothing


Everyone has jumped on the Mad Men bandwagon now that the fourth season has premiered (myself included, but I've been riding since the beginning). But what's impressed me more than anything is how the fashion and style of the show has taken over. Every magazine has had an article on how to dress like the characters on Mad Men. How to look bodacious like Joan, suave like Don, or elegant like Betty. Even the displays of Banana Republic have been fashioned to resemble the show in hopes of attracting more customers. And as I strolled by the giant face of January Jones in one of these Banana Republic windows, I thought about the true differences between us and them. Everyone on Mad Men is impeccably put together (granted that's due to their skilled wardrobe staff), not a cufflink or necklace is out of place. Collars are starched, dresses are wrinkless, and not a hair is dares to misbehave. I think the biggest difference is that people today just don't care about looking so pristine. Now styles are even anti-perfection. It's hip to look messy yet put together, to look like you just-threw-this-on though it's a planned outfit. We all have the potential to look like Roger or Peggy but this fashion ideology is a generational gap that I don't think can be breached.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

radio's not dead.

I've currently been suffering from music ennui. Nothing can satisfy me and I feel as I've heard it all, I crave something new and electrifying. My playlists bore me and I am constantly pressing next. When in this state I have recently decided to leave it to the professionals. The radio artists. Sometimes I desire Top 40 (the poppy goodness that this country was built on), so I'll stream Baltimore's Z1043, but my recent savior is 89.3 The Current from Minnesota Public Radio. I may have my preconceived notions about Minnesota, but I cannot lie, this station rocks. Just stream it on your computer and it's all taken care of for you. Broadcasted from St. Paul, they boast "the best authentic new music alongside the music that inspired it, from local to legendary, indie to influential, new to nostalgic." What's better than that? I get my kicks from songs I already know and keep a pen and paper nearby to write down new songs that I like. The best part is the eclectic variety of songs they choose. For example, The Black Key's "The Only One" just played and now it's on to Buck Owens' "Act Naturally." Earlier today I heard some Prince, Bowie, Mumford & Sons, and Rhymefest.

If you're feeling some summer music blues try 89.3. Another good radio station I suggest (that can be streamed through your iTunes) is KEXP 90.3 from Seattle.

vintage

Some people love vintage shopping, finding retro clothes that were worn with love and have personality. Some hate it, "why would I pay that much for someone's old clothes?" After perusing some vintage stores in New York, I think I belong to both categories. I found some awesome, radical shirts (a white tank with neon writing) and pants (ripped up acid wash jeans) but then I looked at the prices...$22 and $65 respectively...GAH! I ended up buying an awesome vintage Red Sox tank top for $18...the owner of the store assured me it was a bargain because it was originally $28 (real reassuring...). I think the top was worth it but when is vintage clothing worth the money and when is it just better to buy something new?

For those who can't kick the habit, check out these stores:
Zachary's Smile
9 Greenwich Ave, NYC
Star Struck Vintage Clothing
47 Greenwich Ave, NYC

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Sky, One More Time

Sky Ferreira's newest song and music video, "One."
This song comes of what is to be her new album, but still waiting to hear when that will be released. She promises the album will be a sampling of different types of pop songs. I guess in the meantime we can get our fix from these singles and keep admiring her hair.


Sunday, July 4, 2010

the new it accessory?



Lately I've noticed a large number of people caring around umbrellas at the slightest hint of rain. Sure this is logical, but I usually stuff my small umbrella into my purse and hope I don't have to use it. Instead, it seems that people are proud of their umbrellas and want to flaunt them. These umbrella lovers are not ashamed and don't hide them in their bags, but carry them in their hand. Men in lux suits carry long black umbrellas with curved handles, the euro-savvy tote clear domed umbrellas, hipsters hold neon colored or patterned umbrellas, the chic carry plain black or navy umbrellas, and tourists clutch their bright yellow or royal blue umbrellas because they don't fit in their fanny packs (they are unknowingly part of this trend). I can't say if this demographic is hoping for rain to show off their brellies, but either way the umbrella is becoming a new must-have accessory.

Get yours:

keep on runnin'

Sunday, June 27, 2010

By Marco Pierre White

THE DEVIL IN THE KITCHEN
BY MARCO PIERRE WHITE


I highly recommend this autobiographical account of one of the world's most influential and successful chefs. Marco Pierre White, the youngest and first British chef to ever win three Michelin stars, recounts his journey as a chef. From beginning outside London and being influenced by both his mother and father's cooking to becoming a rockstar chef, this book is detailed in unimaginable ways. I was continually impressed by the detail with which White described almost every dish he had ever made, and the extreme thoroughness that went into his recipes and restaurants. White's writing is biting, thoughtful, and honest. He portrays himself accurately, always including his severe tactics that made him a "devil in the kitchen." This in an interesting piece of nonfiction, and the recipes included at the end are fascinating, but also prove that not everyone can be the cook White is.

Fabiane's Cafe & Pastry Shop - Williamsburg

Type: AMERICAN, BAKERY
Food: 6
Ambiance: 8
Service: 5
$$

LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO SIT OUTSIDE AND ENJOY SOME EGGS BEFORE SHOPPING ONE SATURDAY MORNING I CAME ACROSS THIS PARISIAN-ESQUE RESTAURANT. THE SEATS OUTSIDE AND AWNING REMINDED ME OF THE CAFES THAT LITTER THE STREETS OF PARIS SO I THOUGHT I'D TRY IT OUT. I ORDERED BAKED EGGS WITH TOMATO AND FETA, AND AN ICED LATTE. MY EGGS WERE OVERCOOKED, HARD AND NOT RUNNY, BUT THE SAUCE THEY WERE BAKED IN WAS GOOD AND COMPLIMENTED THE BREAD THEY WERE SERVED WITH WELL. MY LATTE WAS GOOD TOO, BUT TOOK FAR TOO LONG TO GET. THE BEST PART OF THIS RESTAURANT WAS THE LOCATION AND AMBIANCE. RIGHT ON BEDFORD AVE, IT WAS GREAT FOR PEOPLE WATCHING AND SITTING OUTSIDE IN SOME SHADE WAS THE BEST WAY TO SPEND THAT MORNING. INSIDE SEEMED NICE TOO, WHITE WALLS AND HIGH CEILINGS, IT HAD AN AIRY, LIGHT FEEL. IF I WENT BACK I WOULD EITHER STICK TO COFFEE OR TRY ONE OF THEIR SALADS THAT LOOKED GOOD. GIVIN MY INCLINATION TOWARD GREAT SETTINGS AND BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A CAFE THAT I CAN SPEND HOURS SITTING AND READING, I'LL DEFINITELY BE TRYING FABIANE AGAIN.

142 NORTH 5TH STREET
BETWEEN BEDFORD AND DRIGGS AVE.
WILLIAMSBURG, NYC

The Rassle

THE RASSLE.
REAL GOOD.
DOWNLOAD FOR FREE.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

lazy sunday


It is a truly lazy Sunday for me today, as Sundays should be. So I am going to give a quick rundown of my latest finds and suggestions for you.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
A rock musical about US president Andrew Jackson
425 Lafayette St, NYC


Father of My Children
French film by Mia Hansen-Love about the pressures of success and a family that is forced to cope with them.


The Neistat Brothers
The new HBO miniseries about two experimental filmmakers


Garden Court Cafe
A pleasant and delicious restaurant housed in the Asia Society museum - I recommend the chicken curry salad
725 Park Ave, NYC


Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
A new IFC documentary about the legendary comedian and pop culture icon. Even if you hate her shtick and all her plastic surgery, you'll like this movie. Completely honest and hilarious.


evil woman remix


DOWNLOAD THIS NOW.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

OY, GAGA!


I DIDN'T REALLY KNOW WHAT THE SONG WAS ABOUT AND I KNOW EVEN LESS WHAT THIS VIDEO IS ABOUT.


Monday, June 7, 2010

Lusting for Fjallraven

when i became set on getting myself a fjallraven backpack, it seemed that the swedish company was set against me having one. i couldn't order one online, when i hunted down stores in europe for them they were out of stock or not selling the right daypack. i was heartbroken, thinking the only way i'd get one of these awesome packs was by flying to sweden. i would be teased sporadically when i'd see some chic man or woman toting one around. i forgot about my dream, moving on to different bags and carrying choices. but recently my appetite grew, something jogged my memory of the backpack i once longed for. this time i set out online to find my love. well i was completely and utterly flabbergasted to find out that not only can i now order my sweet kanken through the company's website, but also that jcrew is selling them as part of their designer collection...oh and there is a solely fjallraven store in manhattan. when did this happen!? this week i will visit that store and i'm sure my jaw will drop, there may be drool involved. i cannot wait to get my fjallraven on!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Bombay Bicycle Club


I have been meaning to post something about this band for months...actually since I first heard them while in London in November. Bombay Bicycle Club is an indie rock band from London of four. While the song that got me hooked, "Always Like This," has some lighter Vampire Weekend-esque beats, most of their music is a bit heavier (I use that word hesitantly). Each dimension from the vocals to bass is detailed, adding depth to their music. They also won Best New Band at the NME Awards...beating out other newbies like La Roux, Mumford and Sons, and The XX. Not too shabby.

Listen:

Thursday, June 3, 2010

it's the summer, full of color baby


i literally cannot stop listening to this song.
cool video to accompany by ian stevenson.


Stare Into The Sun from Ian Stevenson on Vimeo.

Los Hermanos - Bushwick, Brooklyn

Type: MEXICAN
Food: 8
Ambiance: 4
Service: 5
$

I HESITATED TO GIVE LOS HERMANOS SUCH A LOW AMBIANCE RATING AND DON'T WANT IT TO SCARE ANYONE OFF, SO LET ME EXPLAIN. LOS HERMANOS IS LOCATED IN A FACTORY IN BUSHWICK. THE INTERIOR OF THE RESTAURANT IS QUITE NARROW AND THERE ARE ONLY A HANDFUL OF SEATS INSIDE, THE REST ARE IN THE GARAGE. THIS IS A PERFECT SPOT TO ENJOY YOUR TACO OR BURRITO ON A WARM DAY. YOU GET FRESH AIR BUT ARE SHADED FROM THE HEAT. LOS HERMANOS IS FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS REALLY GOOD MEXICAN FOOD, DOESN'T NEED FRILLS, AND LIKES TO SAVE MONEY. THE TORTILLAS ARE FRESH AND DELICIOUS, MADE ONSITE. THE TACOS ARE GOOD AND CHEAP (ONLY $2), BUT THE QUESADILLAS AND PICADAS ARE BETTER, PILED HIGH AND SO DELICIOUS (ONLY A BIT MORE EXPENSIVE...$3-$5). BE CAREFUL THOUGH, THESE GUYS PACK MUCH MORE PUNCH THAN THEY APPEAR TO. AFTER INDULGING YOU'LL MOST LIKELY SLIP INTO A DEEP FOOD COMA. LASTLY, IT GETS EXTREMELY CROWDED AROUND LUNCH SO BE WEARY OF WHEN YOU GO.

271 STARR STREET
(BTWN WYCKOFF AVE & ST. NICHOLAS AVE)
BROOKLYN, NY 11237

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

june first sounds like



Power - Kanye West ft. Dwele
Pressure - Quadron
Heart of Chambers - Beach House
Bulletproof (Nacey Remix) - Majer Lazer and La Roux
Honolulu - The Last Dinosaurs
Airplanes - B.O.B. ft. Hayley Williams
Anna - The Beatles
Shooting Stars - Bag Raiders

THE BROOKLYN SALSA COMPANY


The Brooklyn Salsa Company launches its innovative, fresh, organic, and local salsa today. A product that is unlike any other salsa on shelves today, it's a must try. And once you do try it you won't go back to those other watered down, bland brands.

The BK Salsa Company produces five flavors, one for each borough. My favorite flavors are Queens (the tropical) and Brooklyn (the hot), but it's hard to say because they're all so good. Today they launch in 11 groceries stores, mostly in Brooklyn but two in Manhattan, and online. Go out and get your sauce and apparel today!


2010 Summer Collection from The Brooklyn Salsa Company on Vimeo.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Candela Candela - East Village

Type: CUBAN AND ITALIAN
Food: 8
Ambiance: 8
Service: 8
$$

CANDELA CANDELA MAY GET LOST AMONG ALL THE OTHER RESTAURANTS ON 2ND AVE THAT HAVE SIMILAR OUTDOOR SEATING AND FACADES, BUT TAKE NOTE. CANDELA CANDELA ISN'T LIKE THE OTHERS. FOR STARTERS, IT HAS A DOUBLE SIDED MENU, ONE SIDE CUBAN DISHES AND THE OTHER ITALIAN. STRANGE, BUT PLEASE. FOR THOSE LESS ADVENTUROUS TO TRY CUBAN, THEY CAN STICK TO PENNE A LA VODKA OR SOMETHING SAFE. I SUPPOSE I WAS WITH A MORE ADVENTUROUS GROUP AS WE ALL WENT FOR CUBAN. STARTING WITH A SAMPLER PLATTER OF SORTS THAT CONSISTED OF EMPANADAS, CROQUETTES, AND TOSTONES - A PERFECT WITH TO PREPARE OUR PALATES FOR OUR ENTREES. EACH OF US WAS UTTERLY SATISFIED WITH OUR MEALS. I ORDERED THE CHURRASCO, GRILLED SKIRT STEAK SERVED WITH A FRESH TOMATO-ONION SALAD, PLANTAIN CHIPS, AND RICE. IT WAS EXCEEDINGLY FRESH AND BURSTING WITH FLAVOR. THE PORTIONS WERE PERFECT TOO, NOT OVERWHELMINGLY LARGE BUT DIDN'T LEAVE ME HUNGRY. OUR DISHES ALL CAME QUICKLY AND OUR WAITER WAS EXTREMELY AFFABLE. THE RESTAURANT ALSO BOASTS A MOJITO BAR, WHICH I DID NOT TRY BUT IT LOOKED LIKE MANY OF THE CUSTOMERS SITTING OUTSIDE WERE ENJOYING THEIR DRINKS.


92 2ND AVE BETWEEN 5TH AND 6TH STREET
NEW YORK, NY

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Broken Bells


After hearing "The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells, I did something uncharacteristic. I bought their whole album, Broken Bells. I was craving new music, sick of the same songs I listened to over and over again all spring, and thought this album may be able to fulfill me. It has. Glad I splurged on it. Though buying albums on iTunes is uncool, if you do you get the iTunes exclusive song "An Easy Life," which is awesome. Get this CD!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Mark Bittman, Culinary Crush

After reading the headlines of the New York Times, I go straight to the Style section. Some scoff at this, but it's in my nature! The fashions, the gardens, the homes, and the food captivate me! Above all others, the Dining & Wine section is by far my favorite. Last summer I stumbled upon what I found to be the most amazing list of recipes I had ever seen. New York Times columnist Mark Bittman (writer of The Minimalist) had compiled a list of 101 simple recipes for summer dining. These recipes are literally so simple that anyone could make them, and incredibly delicious. My summer staple became a shrimp and white bean dish (see below). As the lazy, muggy days have begun to descend, I am excited to turn back to Bittman's list. I have not gotten anywhere close to reaching all 101, but with my slower summer schedule maybe I'll get closer.

Check out Bittman's column for more delicious recipes, and his website for cooking tips and the like. Bittman has a way of making everyone feel like they can cook something great...which I happen to believe is true.

Fresh Summer Staple:
Open a can of white beans and combine with olive oil, salt, small or chopped shrimp, minced garlic and thyme leaves in a pan. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are done; garnish with more olive oil.

- I like to serve this over whole wheat spaghetti or a big bed of lettuce
- Adding some halved cherry tomatoes gives it a brighter color and some more flavor; also good with sliced mushrooms or kalamata olives