NYC Subway Station Stairs

The NYC transit system is finding more and more ways to annoy me, but I actually am surprised at how little I've been angry at it lately. Sure, now trains wait for others across the platform, service changes derail getting to places in a timely fashion, but for some reason, the G train I think runs fairly well.

I think the one thing that bothers me irrationally about subway stations is the size of the steps on the stairwells. It's not the stations' faults, it's a combination of my height the depth of the steps. They either aren't deep enough, not shallow enough. When I run up one by one, I feel like I'm getting nowhere and expending too much energy for stairs. Maybe it's the bouncing from step to step in a straight line and with each step because they are a hair too small you're like, "when am I ever going to get to the top?"

Going two steps at a time is good though, but I feel like I've had a couple of pairs of ripped jeans solely because of that. Maybe I should just take my time on the stairs and walk slow, that way the pace matches the actual progression up the stairs.

Yet, I've been caught too many times going up or down the stairs behind someone who I determine is walking TOO slow. What is too slow you ask? Tough question, but part of my perception correlates to if I think the person in front of me is capable of moving with a little more speed and just is being leisurely or incredibly safe. I dunno. All I know is if I'm charging up step by step and a person is taking their time, those two put together make me feel like I'm running in place even more. The bigger the stairs the better I feel actually, such as Atlantic-Pacific.

Slow news week? Yeah you guessed it.

Photo courtesy of APP.com. If you click on that link, it's a pretty awesomely weird story. I dare you.

Evenin' Guv'ner - Meatopia 7.11.10

Eh ra, juicy. Succulent pork. Chicken Sausage. Spicy brisket, Fizzy Lizzy. Bacon ice cream, chopped up ribs, BBQ, Bike N Roll. The fact that you wait a gazillion minutes for a 80 second boat ride to Governor's Island (we could have swam) is pretty hilarious but those Furman Street apartments have a lot going for them.

Anywho, Meatopia was going on, and it was raging within the first hour it started. It was kind of disorganized as the stations were not clearly marked (if you want to give people an easy map, you might as well put the station numbers NOT on the ground) and the lines were a mess. On top of that several stations ran out of food within an hour or two, and the whole event didn't even last to 5pm. The rain was somewhat nice, especially while biking around the island. You could definitely see a private school movie being filmed here, or something scarier like a Shutter Island or something.

The food at Meatopia was pretty awesome though; you got tasting tickets that were marked off as you went through the stations, and we tried not to overstuff ourselves and had a couple of nice picks, including the wonderful Abe & Arthur rib, complete with bawdy/edgy white-Asian racism as the chef was BBQing and the Asian dude was chopping it up. It was packed with juice and just amazing. Six Point was all over this with beer, as they seem to be with every event within striking distance of Brooklyn.

I kind of half expected someone from PETA to go undercover and then throw a huge bucket of paint to destroy stations, but that didn't happen. I also witnessed a nasty PR lady who was talking about me in front of me as if I wasn't there. She did the whole mutter under her breath like a 6 year old child. Real mature lady. You're not curing cancer. And you should concentrate on organizing a better event.

I found the island stunning. The buildings were interesting to me, abandoned but still intact. Since NYU will actually have some sort of campus by taking this place over, it's just like a nice little time capsule of a sort of Federal time, a few roads, almost no cars, and very little signs of industry (with no retail it retains a certain residential quality). We went into a gallery where there were paintings inspired by the island. Old school New York American houses, and the meat stations and whole roasting lambs and pigs added to the effect. Here are some pictures.

This guy looked pissed that well his paddle boats went around in a pond-sized area.

Maple Bacon Ice Cream from The Bent Spoon. Tasting ticket not eligible, but damn good ice cream.

FAH Q. Countess LuAnn For Recording TWSE: The Worst Song Ever

I admit it: I watch both the NY and NJ versions of Real Housewives. I actually got started on Orange County when I got the first season of that on DVD for free when I was at New Line. It was pretty tame, nobody fought with each other or anything.

This PMS fest in New York goes to show that the darkest places of New York exist in the condos of the Upper East Side.

Countess LuAnn has enough retard moments this season and especially tonight's episode This episode tonight proves a couple of things. First, music producer and 24/7 indoor sunglasses donner Chris Young may produce gems like the World Cup theme and contribute to has been pop stars and goddamn Crystal Method, but I know he's laughing on the inside when auto tune can't even save the horror that is "Money Can't Buy You Class", an unfocused lyrical manifesto with random etiquette tips that just don't make sense at all.

I'm sorry I just saw Kelly make a total fool out of herself. I should have done something ridiculous when I saw her on Lafayette the other day but whatevs.

Back to LuSer. So besides the massacre that is her song, she almost ruined Apotheke in Chinatown when she brought that James Cameron meets Bon Jovi lookalike in to give each other awkward pecks on each others' sliver lips.

Yes I watch this show. Does that make me a masochist?

You may recall I mentioned Crystal Method before. Remember this gem from The Replacement Killers? I'll remember for you.

Time Out New York Issue Does One Thing Right, One Thing Lackluster

The recent Time Out New York issue with the "best movie theaters in the city" feature gets one thing right and one thing wrong.

Let's start with the right: at least listing Funayama in the print edition and also honoring it in the online feature for "best all you can eat deals". Funayama has been my favorite sushi place for about 7 years now; you won't be able to convince me otherwise that it's the best combo of price and quality. Chinese run but undeniably fresh fish, coupled with the huge portions (bigger isn't necessarily better, but in this case, go for it) makes for a great time. Their menu is cheap and their spicy mayo has yet to be matched. In fact, since many of the sushi restaurants are Chinese or Korean run in the city, it's time the good ones get their due. Funayama infiltrates my dreams.

I just hope that it doesn't get too crowded and trendy; Frank and the gang there I think would rather keep it simple. For the Time Out feature, go here, and for the official site, go here.

Speaking of sushi though, I can't always make it to Funayama. For my best bet, and there are plenty of options in my area of downtown Brooklyn; if you're new to the area I would suggest Kyoto and the two places on Montague; there's also a cheap option in Iro Sushi, a fairly new joint on a bare block on Columbia; it's the kind of place you have to root for as a small business even though it's not the best (but certainly for the price serviceable).

Here's what the Time Out issue doesn't explore in-depth enough: the movie theater feature. They profile a handful, several of them multiple times, and mention only one or two out of the way gems (best for Bollywood and they list a multiplex just because there's Indian food in the area?). They go through some fringe series (which is fine, but there are more) and an ok where-to-get-dinner-before-or-after-movie kind of section. A part of movie theater experiences is the convenience of location, especially for many non-drivers in the city. I agree that the Court Street UA 12 theater is rowdy (which can be hilarious or annoying, depending on the film) but I'm not sure if it's really the best comparison to a grindhouse experience.

I just think they left some out, and that's really the only bone to pick I have with it. What about the Pavilion theater by Prospect Park? What about the big Astoria UA Kaufman theater? Cobble Hill's hilarious intro theme? Fringe theaters and societies like the Kings County Cinema Society? Come on Time Out.

Since Time Out doesn't seem to know it's theaters enough to really dig deep, the KCB takes some time with T.I.:

Not Doing Anything This Weekend? OpenHouseNewYork still has FREE awesome tours

So openhousenewyork every year has an amazing set of tours across the city, allowing you to really appreciate a day long stay-cation by taking in architecture, history, and amazing touristy things in a non-touristy way for zero bucks.

List of Sunday Oct. 11 tours, some booked, some still open!

There are all sorts of programs available, from the Chrysler Building to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, so choose anything and you'll come out with a better understanding of the city. Tours like the Atlantic Tunnel are all booked currently, but there's always next year.

If it's one thing that is incredibly cool, you can't get any better than this. From the Bronx to the farthest reaches of Brooklyn, Ellis Island to Queens, kids tours and more, it's a weekend of insane knowledge, so drop it like it's haaawt.

Even if you miss out, openhousenewyork has year round events and tours, so give your support to keep it free and fun. Go to their official site to learn more.

The Bouncing Souls with Lifetime and None More Black at Webster Hall 8.20.09

The Bouncing Souls have been around for 20 years. I'm not going to pretend that I've invested as much time as their tried and true fans (they almost are older than me). I have always like The Bouncing Souls, and add to that Lifetime, a favorite band of mine, plus None More Black (who I have not seen but I have seen Paint It Black several times, more on my confusion later), a couple co-workers and I decided to catch the Souls at their 20th anniversary point at Webster Hall last night.

None More Black includes ex-Kid Dynamite lead singer Jason Chevchuk's previous band. They are not to be confused with Dan Yemin's Paint It Black (Dan is part of Lifetime AND was part of Kid Dynamite). Dan's kind of a beast; the last time I saw Paint It Black they came to Brooklyn to play a night show after playing a day show in Philly.

Anywho, None More Black immediately conjured up a lookalike familiarity. Jason looks like Dave Lieberman from Food Network's Good Deal With Dave Lieberman. The bassist looks like my co-worker Jean. The lead guitarist looks like a cross between Jack Black and Michael Pena. I figured the drummer could pass for MMA fighter Nick Diaz, but then I thought more closer to MMA fighter Joey Villasenor mixed in with Geoff from Ace of Cakes. Of course, I wasn't in the pit for this one so I wasn't super close, and when I took a look at their mugs online, I wasn't quite sure of my assumptions. Anywho, the long, headbanging hairs of the guitarist and bassist reminded me of the bassist from Unwritten Law. Good thing or bad thing?

It was NMB's first show in NYC in 3 years. The crowd was pretty tight for an opening band, and None More Black actually warmed up as they shot through their set so by the time they were done people were revved up. Great for Lifetime, I was into it though and wouldn't have minded an extra song or two from all the bands (leave it to Webster Hall to have tight curfews on certain nights, although at least it prevents the bands from taking too much time between sets). Jason's voice is really cool, he's known for his sing-along "whoa, oh oh" tendencies but he's got this funky combination of hoarse and nasal tones to his vocals that gives the songs a particularly scrappy flavor. Sure Ari from Lifetime is somewhat similar, but he sounds more like he has a cold (in a good way, don't worry I would never bad mouth them). Jason sounds like he just ate a shitload of Pop Rocks.

After getting another 5 dollar PBR (well they open the can for you, so tack on an extra 3 doll- yeah no that's terrible) we were ready to throw down in the pit for Lifetime. It wasn't as raucous as the last time I saw them probably, but by throw down I mean we prevented ourselves from getting more than a bruise or two.

The great thing about Lifetime is they have a very, very assured presence. No smiling. Deadpan. Serious thank yous. When they mention that it's great that there's no barrier set up between the stage and that the crowd should pick up the pace and get the pit going, but in a really nonchalant way, you know they know they're the shit. Calm violence? I guess that sounds creepy. It's not a pretentious thing, it's just a quiet confidence that shines through. Their music kind of acts the same way: sure they are fast and loud but not for the sake of being fast or loud. It feels more like a real form of expression than many similar bands, and their lyrics are as low key as any, direct and simple. It was great to see them again (they are playing with Bouncing Souls this weekend in their home state of Jersey).

Ole, ole ole ole. We decided to stay in the background for Bouncing Souls, but in the end I believe it would have only been right to get in the mix for at least part of their set (they played what seemed to be a short set for a 20th anniversary show). Speeding up the pace a bit, they blazed through favorites like "Hopeless Romantic" and "Fight To Live" and lead singer Greg Attonito has a wonderful lazy chanting/shouting quality that really gets the crowd moving. Even with that, there were a couple of stage divers, and I'm not sure why, but punk fans whenever they steal the mic for a bit, they are NEVER in tune. Not that it would really matter, it's the heart that counts, but still, c'mon people! Oh, and the stage diving was kept up full steam but an interesting thing happened when a man, in his wheelchair, was hoisted up and brought from all the way in the back to the front of the stage...twice. He didn't quite make it the second time, but props for him actually keeping upright on the first try.
7 full albums and 20 years is a long time to be so consistent and well received by the community. Their melodies are tried and true and is instantly accessible, there's a lightness to their songs, whether it's the fun, almost nice lyrics, or the runner's pacing that they instill, or maybe it's just the trademark button down/wacky tie combo that Greg always wears and the wife-beater scrappiness of bassist Bryan Kienlen. Who knows. They are a fun band to watch, without the machismo of snottier bands. Kind of like a real men wear pink thing. Or maybe I'm just being silly.

More thoughts to come. Or maybe not.

Update: Some great photos on Brooklyn Vegan were posted yesterday from the Tim Barry/7 Seconds second night at Webster with The Bouncing Souls. Check them out here.

New Kitchen Conspirators all week on Food2 or Those Hipsters Are At It Again With Their Expensive Menu

Hi all! Last week was quite busy so I didn't get to shower you with wonderful tidbits. The friends at Food2 are doing up this week Kitchen Conspirators style, premiering a new episode every day covering their High Society party which was filmed a while back I imagine.

High Society? They'll be working off an old menu, older than "vintage" so I'm pretty excited. Considering the trend of speakeasies and going back even farther, Victorian charm here in New York over the past year and a half, it's very fitting and looks to be a pretty damn awesome menu and distinctly American which intrigues me for some reason.

This segment seems better produced than their first outing (or inning, since this whole thing is built up as pretty mysterious and exclusive). My good friend Mr. Simon has known them for a long time and says they are always up to much good, and that's a good sign. Hipsters with skills without the word "designer" in them are kind of not hipsters in my opinion; they are productive people.

Check out the first video where the gang sits with a MacBook and goes over their menu:



For more, go to Food2.com.

For more on hipsters and/or much of north Brooklyn, go here.

Williamsburg is getting pretty attractive from last times I went. Maybe it's not hipster anymore, but glamster?

Lunchtime Justice: J&R Santa Fight - New York Justice? I THINK SO!!!

I've shopped at J&R many a time, especially when I was living down on Water Street (which I hear is really getting lively around the seaport, in a good way, less tourists, more real establishments other than that number one selling Abercrombie store).

I picked up a lot of good DVDs for cheap, and it's like Sam Ash in that they separate things into different sections and you have to kinda strip mall yourself into different mini-stores. It's still the only DVD section where I've actually found Crime Story Season 1. Anywho, there are computer parts that I've bought that have lasted me to this day, but it's also sort of uncouth, for lack of a better word.

Anywho, as a New York establishment, and since Christmas shopping comes once a year but starts about now, here's a classic Lunchtime Justice commercial from last season. Instead of our God is better than your God, it's our Santa is better than your Santa, because we have an additional elf throwing knee strikes.

Oh and the "spit" at the end is a nice wet touch.



For all your electronics needs and a healthy dose of cramped New York style (but not cramping your style), go to J&R's official site for their latest deals.

NYC Casting Call: Food2's $12 Challenge reality dating show. aka getting 100 dollars to admit you're love lorn AND can cook

So the friends at Food2 are doing a casting call this summer (episodes will probably film in the East Village where the first three episodes take place) right here in New York City promising more blowtorches and irons, you basic tools of the trade to make a meal on the street with 12 bucks and 2 hours to spare. They'll be filming all during August, a mouthful of episodes so I would suggest going here to sign up: 12 Dollar Challenge Casting Call

Did I mention cast members will get 100 clams? That's right, I read the fine details. With a 50/50 chance of winning on each episode, chances are if you're charming enough your date will actually go out with you after the filming/eating is done. You can also use that Benjamin to go to Flash Dancers. Or get really wrecked.

The episodes so far have progressed into fun 5 minute low budget treats, not much romance but plenty of fun. Blowtorches are really key, check out the second vid for that:

Camera Obscura @ Webster Hall 6.24.09

I'm a fan of Camera Obscura because they remind me of a throwback 60s style pop (I'm a huge fan of the Pipettes as well). They also throw in different elements evident on all their albums, a kind of slow, reflective, dreamy pop with some lush instrumentals but with cuts like "If Looks Could Kill" firmly rooted in a Phil Spector-ish sound. Instantly I think of fellow Scots like the Delgados and Belle & Sebastian (Stuart Murdoch produced their first record, Biggest Blue Hi-Fi).

Lead singer TracyAnn Campbell (with a big-ass flower hair piece) smiled about 6 times during the show (I know that's what you all were wondering). Maybe 8 max. The music may be fairly cheery but lyrically they are earnest and pretty heartfelt, sometimes downtrodden.

One thing's for sure, I enjoyed the show at Warsaw a couple years ago more than this one at Webster Hall. Don't get me wrong, it was great. A couple things got me in a rut: a couple cut right in front of me with only inches to spare and kind of annoyingly nudged into other people's spaces. Why? Too much PDA. Way too much. Licking earlobes, etc. To boot, the guy was 6'3" and kept moving his position to block mine every other second. On top of that, the girl was trying to whisper to the dude that I wouldn't budge from my spot, but I could totally hear them. Whisper fail.

Second point is to people at concerts in general: I think it's okay to yell out stuff. It's an ice breaker sometimes. However, stop yelling out song titles that you want the band to play. Most bands have what's called a set list (granted, some have room for mixing it up, including taking an audience request WHEN THEY CLEARLY STATE IT TO THE CROWD). You can whine and moan about them not playing your favorite song afterward, but it's really no use to scream it every 10 minutes. TracyAnn picked up on this, but my favorite was Piebald way back when, as people requested songs, they threatened to not play any songs that people were shouting out if they kept it up.

The band is can be kind of twee pop; I love their sound, as I stated it's very lush and there's lots of wonderful lead hooks coming from the guitar as well as the keyboardist Carey who was probably rocking out the hardest. I was not quite as impressed last night with TracyAnn's vocals compared to when I saw them at Warsaw, although it was very humid at Webster Hall and I'm sure it takes a toll in little ways. Her voice was still great but I had a small sense that she struggled a little more this time around. Again, their sound live, even though they were missing the big string sounds on plenty of their songs, what really anchored the performance were the rumbling drums and warm basslines, almost overpowering at some points even.

I really enjoyed the Bruce Springsteen cover of "Tougher Than The Rest," which they played during the encore for the first time live. It was a great choice of an older artist with a long list of credentials in pop and rock, and I feel like nobody really covers The Boss because well, he's The Boss. Some people don't like him that much either, so that contributes to it.

With several cuts from each album filling their hour plus set, people really reacted the strongest to all the songs from Let's Get Out Of This Country. I feel like that's the case often times, people cheer stronger whatever a song from the next to last album is played, unless that was a slump and the newest album is better.

Webster Hall provided great sound as usual, and exiting was a bitch, as usual. The flashes of lighting show wasn't really necessary, although the band doesn't get too many points for stage presence, so all those greens and blues were a nice enhancement.

I apologize for the lack of pictures as I try to get my camera up and running a'gin. You can find Camera Obscura at their official site.

Very Beach Boys here:

Cage Potato has the rundown on Bob Reilly (update: MMA bill passes first test!)

Today is the first of hopefully many steps toward legalizing MMA in New York, and the one man to beat I think has his work cut out for him, although nothing is certain. Cage Potato has all the relevant information you need to sort out Bob Reilly's argument; I understand it's not for him, but when you have boxing as a huge draw at places like Madison Square Garden, why is mixed martial arts given the special beat down? It's simply the mix of disciplines, the Western bias (probably) against other types of combat sports, and overall different look that I guess gives this man no choice but to stand his ground.

Check out the list of ignorance here: Cage Potato - The Many Fallacies of Bob Reilly

The look of love is in her eyes, photo by Cage Potato.

Update from CP, it passed! Here's their article:

"The New York State Assembly’s Tourism, Arts, and Sports Development Committee finally voted on bill A02009 this morning – known to you jokers as the thing to move MMA towards legalization in New York State – and it passed with a 14-6 vote. The bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for another vote, which means MMA is now closer to being sanctioned in New York than ever before.

The bill still has to make it past the Codes Committee and a vote by the State Assembly, but at least it survived the opening onslaught by Assemblyman Bob Reilly, who reportedly tried to sway other committee members yesterday in a twenty-minute presentation on the brutality of the sport and the unsavory nature of its proponents with a video featuring Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture, Corey Hill’s broken leg, and Dana White’s video blog tirade against Loretta Hunt.

The bill passed anyway, suggesting that just maybe those fourteen members of the committee thought Lesnar/Couture was a pretty decent little scrap. We now raise our celebratory flutes of champagne or, failing that, a can of Miller High Life (the champagne of beers), and toast a small, though important victory for our side. Salud, Potato Nation."

Food2 Presents: a NYC cocktail that has a bunch of ingredients that I wouldn't know how to get my hands on

Chinatown bars, what an anomaly. Enter Apotheke, whose mixmaster (ok ok ok mixologist) Orson Salicetti (sounds like he should be north of Canal) has something that will put a spring in your step and all around, put the spring in spring, and involves "dust" that isn't from drugs or Peter Pan.

Picture and ingredients taken from the friends at Food2:

"Ingredients:
1 oz. Navan Vanilla Liqueur
1 oz. Ice Wine
1 oz. Fresh Honeydew Juice
1 oz. Honey Lime
Honeydew and Madagascar Vanilla Dust Garnish"

I have none of these things. Which is why on my way to pick up some noodles, cheap seafood, oyster sauce, and other assorted Chinese things, I'll make a stop.

MMA In New York: Hearing to push a bill to a committee who hands it to another committee who submits it for a vote

Cage Potato has the breakdown of the push for a MMA regulation bill for the state of New York. For those who are out of this political loop, New York, for example, has laws and commissions set in place to regulate boxing, but MMA has yet to be included in the discussion. According to the original MMA Weekly story, this hearing on June 3rd, if it turns out favorably, will allow a draft of the bill to enter into the committee process (both legal and financial) before getting put to a vote (if it gets that far).

To check out the story, click here.

Bringing MMA to New York: I Don't Like Bob Reilly

"Kickboxing...sport of the future"
- Lloyd Dobler

Really, who is to say anything against Lloyd Dobler? The man is DA MAN. Say Anything could be a perfect movie.

The friends at Cage Potato have been covering the Bob Reilly factor when it comes to sanctioning MMA in New York. There has been much debate and talk over this issue but as a excitable MMA fan The KCB doesn't like the logic that Mr. Reilly uses in his arguments. Sure it's not for everyone but to deny a sport that would bring millions of dollars into the local economy (say if there were cards at MSG) and also totally ignore how the sport has developed into a legitimate enterprise really shows how idiotic Reilly is being. I'm all for arguments even for stuff that I enjoy or back, but none of the words coming out of this guy's mouth remotely make sense or show that he did his homework (which often comes from very staunch 'opinions' that don't respect MMA as much and therefore have a skewed view, such as ESPN or Sports Illustrated). Dinosaurs....

What's worse is that he represents Albany, the area from which I'm originally from. That sucks. Next time I'm up there I'll let him know that he has illegitimate reasoning. And then I'll go to the track to mullet-watch.

Anywho, CP is suggesting a bridging of Reilly's political interests with his lack of support for MMA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) more specifically. Check out the article here.

Such is a tricky situation if this is the chain that leads to Reilly's perspective on MMA in New York. In the end greed sort of wins out on either end, and that's sad, because as a fan you hate to see an intellectual argument (or not) to validate the sanctioning of MMA in this state pared down into political and financial tug-of-war.

Real Housewives of New York Fah Q: Ramona

Ramona, you're bat-shit crazy. And you pick some really weird battles with the rest of the gang. But since they at least live in Brooklyn, I would have to defend Alex and Simon from your odd bias against them that miraculously clears up a little bit at the last minute of the show's season finale. You looked normal with your husband coming out of the Mission Impossible: 3 press screening, but I have to give you a big Fah Q. for being really annoying and nonsensical.

I have been an avid Real Housewives watcher, I'm not sure why. It's probably because I picked up the first season of the Orange County edition when I was at New Line for free and decided on a Sunday afternoon to plow through Slade and Jo's wonderfully backwards romance.

Can't wait for New Jersey next Tuesday. It's like Christmas come early, if I celebrated. The biggest problem is, even more so than other shows, they set up potential disasters and cat fights and it all gets quelled within 30 seconds. I'm hoping the Jerz keeps it real....

And Fah Q Bravo for not focusing on more juicy tidbits from the New York crew (Kelly and courthouses? Countess no more?). It's the reason why even though I hate MTV, I still love True Life.

Here's a remix of one of Ramona's more idiotic moments from the season finale. Tutu and fru fru AAAAARGH FAH Q:

Lunchtime Justice: Gangs Of New York - New York Justice? I think SO!!!!!

Here, Bill The Butcher gives a dose of his mind and his cruel, blunt object to Walter McGinn, played by the awesome Brendan Gleeson. No justice for Walter, unless you take the view that he doesn't live to see Daniel Day-Lewis sing in a musical directed by the mediocre Rob Marshall.

It's Begun!

So what do you get when you have 50+ bloggers and editors in a room with tons of food, fancy music, and fancier drinks? Food2 Freebie Friday.

It's mid-way through and friends from The Music Slut and Yelp have shown up early to try the mutton sliders and arepas. People are digging the vibe including The Amateur Gourmet and Taste As You Go Blog chat it up with folks from all over the city.

Greasy Guide is in the house! And Aleta Meadowlark from Omnomicon, a contributing Food2 blogger. Jason from Me So Hungry is enjoying the festivities, as Whitney Matheson from USA Today chats with Scripps about Food2.

All photos credited to Mark Kwan at NYC Movie Screenings!

Ah Food At the Ballpark

Our friend at NYC Food Guy is lookin' sharp in the black (stains won't show as easily!). He gives an excellent tour of the bites at the new CitiField, home of the Mets. Check it out!

Have nothing to do this weekend? Open bar in Greenpoint: Getting "a couple chapters into the novel"

Don't worry folks, it's really not a novel. In fact, it's more like a photo book. Which is great because when I have several cocktails in me, I can't read straight either.


Abrams Books is on a bit of a hot streak, with some fun stuff in the works but the streak really consisting of Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, which has reached the hearts of 5th graders everywhere. Graffiti Kings looks really interesting especially when said graffiti was and is such an integral part of the urban vibe. I remember a terrific documentary called Style Wars (click on the link to watch the entire film on Google Video) about the graffiti culture made in 1983 , a sound bite of which ended up on the Dillinger Four record, Situationist Comedy. "Is that an art form? I don't know, I'm not an art critic. But I can sure as hell tell you it's a crime."

Come on, it's classic hip, it's an integral part of the urban culture of New York, and there's free drinks. Afterward you can walk to the Levee or something.


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New Yorker Films distribution company finito!

Indiewire has updated their story about New Yorker Films closing its doors. A New York establishment in promoting and distributing independent fare, it will be missed after 43 years of business.

To read the article, click here.

To see New Yorker Films website, go here.

From the article:

"Founded in 1965 by Dan Talbot, New Yorker has a legendary legacy, boasting a long-standing track record in international film distribution, bringing a staggering number of international auteurs to this country’s movie theaters over more than four decades. The company’s crucial role in establishing a lasting film culture in this country cannot be underestimated. A New York Times profile in 1987, marking a 14-week salute to the company at New York’s Public Theater, listed an illustrious roster of filmmakers whose films were released by the company: Ackerman, Bertolucci, Bresson, Chabrol, Fassbinder, Fellini, Godard, Herzog, Kieslowski, Malle, Rohmer, Rossellini, Sembene, Wenders, Schlondorff, and many others."