Friday, May 6, 2011

El Camion...Muy Bueno RevisiĆ³n!

    While celebrating Cinco De Mayo last night and making our way through the East Village to catch up with some friends (but in need of some food to soak up the few or so Margarita's we had in us) my cousin and I stumbled....though not literally into The Truck...aka El Camion. My cousin is in Real Estate and primarily handles the East Village. On more then a few occasions he noticed some new place on the corner of 12th and A that was always busy with a good looking crowd but never caught it's name (El Camion has no sign, I'm not quite sure exactly why...they do have floor to ceiling windows and I'm don't think they can put a sign on the building....thus they only have a small paper sign on one of the front windows). Regardless it's kinda hard to miss having the address.

     When we went in it was rather lively and the crowd was quite good-looking (especially the group of girls celebrating one of their birthdays). El Camion has quite a few Tequila's, a variety of  Margarita's (The Vamparita...a Margarita topped w/Sangria sounded interesting) and Latin cocktails as well as a nice selection of beers. It was on that list that the Michelada* that caught our attention which was quite tasty.

    The food menu itself on the one hand is full of the usual suspects of Taco's (Achiote Chicken, Carnitas, Chipolte Shrimp, etc) Fajita's, Burrito's and a variey of typical Mexican starters ie Nachos (Tinga, Chorizo, Shrimp..etc...), Guacamole, and Tamales along with Mexican twists on traditional pub grub ie Calamari w/poblano dipping sauce and Chicken Wings w/tamarind bbq glaze. However quality and taste wise what we had was a cut above most places. They also have some really good sounding main plates such as Achoite Salmon, Mango-Habanero Tuna, and Steak w/poblano rajas that stood out.

    We split the Nachos Grande w/Chorizo which was really good. The Chorizo was great, the jalepeno's nice and hot and really good Guac and crema to balance out the nachos that stood up to the toppings and did not turn into soggy messes like most. We followed that with muy bueno Steak Fajitas that were marinated in Chimichurri sauce which I love (yes...it's not Mexican it's Argentinian Pesto...but it is a Cilantro version....more importantly hey we live in  its Nuevo York...multi-cultural blending is a good thing...one of the great things about this city...and works in food as well as dating and mating...). The steak came with poblano chile (which really kicked this dishes flavor up a notch),sauteed onions, roasted red peppers, and queso fresco. All the Fajitas came w/Black Beans, Rice, Pico De Gallo, Guacamole Sour Cream, and flour tortilla's(comes w/4...it could use 6).

    All in all this really hit the spot and I look forward to coming back here for dinner and to check out their awesome looking brunch menu.

*Michelada - If you have yet to try these they are great and one of my favorite summer drinks. You fill a tall salt-rimmed glass with ice, add a few ounces of fresh lime juice, some hot sauce and of course cerveza (sometimes I like to go dark with Negro Mondelo and sometimes a bit lighter with Pacifico or Sol...my advice, experiment). Pour in some beer...drink...continue until the can/bottle is finished. Repeat as necessary...but please drink responsibly

El Camion is located at 194 Avenue A on the corner of 12th Street

The Osama Bin Laden Bartender Guide 2011 Final Edition

    This piece was inspired by the article on pages 8 & 9 of the NY Post today about celebrating the death of Bin Laden and some drinks local bars came up with. The first 3 drinks are from the article the last three I came up with on the subway this morning. Now before we get to the drinks...take a step back from the bar for a second...more then enough to go around...I need to make one thing perfectly clear...while generally the death of someone should not be celebrated we are not dealing with a Human Being here. Usama Bin Laden was a sick twisted monster who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of men, women, and yes children. Nationality, nor race, nor religion meant anything to this creature. He has blood on his hands from all around the world. A man was not killed, a foul slimy deformed creature that slithered under rocks in caves was.

    There is no correlation here whatsoever with Americans cheering in the streets for the demise of a monster with Islamic fanatics cheering in the street when a pregnant woman and her children are gunned down in their car, when a family is knifed to death in their sleep, or when guests at a wedding are blown to bits. Please note these are all real events that have happened and continue to do so. There is no moral equivalent here and if you think there is then you are either a kinder gentler soul then I am or a total lunatic (it's the later:)) OK...now I'm guessing you need a drink...

The Double Tap - 2 shots of any American Whisky w/a splash of water


The Osama Bin Shot - Shot of Vodka w/a splash of red grenadine


The Bloody Terrorist - 1 shot vodka, 1 shot gin,1 shot tequila, Tomato juice w/a splash of Tabasco


The Geronimo - Fill a pint 3/4 with a Wheat Beer brewed in NY[Twin Towers], Penn [Flight 93], or Virginia/Maryland [Pentagon] add a swirl of Blood Orange juice and depth charge a shot glass of American Whiskey...drink...then shout...VICTORY!!!


The ISI (Pakistan's Intelligence Service) Fill a glass with one part each of Cognac, Dark Rum, Kahlua, Ouzo, Tomato juice, Cola, Red Wine, Olives, cherries, and bitters. No ice...stir. This sounds like a mess...why would I come up with such a disaster that would taste horrible, likely get you drunk but hungover at the same time you ask? Did you not see who the drink is named for ...Pakistan's ISI...a total disaster that while they help sometimes...constantly give us grief. In other words...best to avoid this one.


The Navy SEAL - Named for our real American Hero's...1 part each of Silver tequila, Everclear, Absinthe w/a splash of Lemonade. These guys are made out of steel so I'm guessing they are going to need a hardcore combo just to give them a buzz...plus being real good ole boy Americans they must love their Lemonade...


    Please note, I choose 6 for the number of drinks vs top 10 in honor of my Dad. 6 was his number. He served his country in the US Army and was an NRA instructor. He would have absolutely loved that Usama was taken out up close and personal with a bullet to his head.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Best of Soho Mother's Day Special Shopping Edition

    They say that you can choose your friends but not your family...well in regards to parents I got pretty damn lucky. My Mom's an olde school Jewish Mom and all that implies. However, as I have found in life...everything is a double-aged sword. You see why on the one hand she is not the woman who has everything...she is also the woman who doesn't really want for anything. This translates to when it comes to gift-giving events when I ask what she would like she inevitably responds "whatever you get me I 'll be happy with...you always get me such nice gifts" (my Father on the other-hand...would state exactly what he wanted and in some cases would buy the item and hand me a receipt...I guess there something to opposites attract). Sounds great right...just get her whatever...but I freely admit I'm a Momma's-boy (thought definitely my Fathers Son as well) which translates to...the pressure is on! What am I going to get her this time?!?

    Now the key here is to know your audience. What does your Mom like, her interests, hobbies (again my Dad...thousands...my Mom none). Next is the Mom in question, is it your Mom, your wife's, your wife, her mom, grandmother etc... I break the gifts down into beauty products/perfume/creams/Spa (don't worry guys a metro-sexual guys guide to product is forth-coming), clothing, bags(what's wit the never ending need for bags and purses?), and of course Chocolate. Again if you have to shop...enjoy Soho while your at it...

    Let's start with what beauty products...more or less the no-brainer Mothers Day gift...you can hit Bloomingdales for Jo Malone's perfumes and creme's (my neice who is 7 thinks this stuff smells really nice), Kiehl's dept(great for travel related products as well as daily use) and the Space.NK.apothecary dept. Good luck if you want to try your luck in their huge clothing department. For high end scrubs, soaps, cremes for the "Green" Mom hit LUSH, Molton Brown for soaps and candles and you can't go wrong with stuff from Fresh's Sugar or Sake lines. For a day at the Spa check out Great Jones Day Spa (they have a "Water-Lounge"...hot tub, sauna, eucalyptus sauna, cold plunge pool, chairs and lounge chairs) or Bliss (also have their own product line).

    For clothing you have plenty of usual suspects...everything from A.P.C.(basics with a high-end French twist) to Zara (International flair or so an ex used to say). For sweaters and "tops" you have James Perse, Lacoste, Polo and Vince. I recently picked up my Mom stuff at Icebreaker...sounds crazy since she doesn't exactly ski or hike but their clothing is high end Merino wool... can a girl of any age ever have enough sweaters? Across the street Patagonia for pullovers, sweaters and rain-jackets (also good for bags for the beach or carry-on the plane) as well to keep her cozy and dry.

    Why and how companies can charge the same for canvas and nylon as they do for leather is beyond my comprehension. However...Mom's like their bags, purses, grandma wallets...etc so you have your standard bearer Coach for the above mentioned goods, Kate Spade for a little more flair and if you really want to step up due to your big commission check, bonus, tax-refund go crazy at Mulberry or Chanel (also great for it's perfume lines).

    Everyone...well almost everyone loves chocolate. You can't go wrong for truffle's, bars, chocolate covered fruits etc at any of these...Jaques Torres(truffles, chocolate covered cherries and mixes to make w/for grand-kids) , Mariebelle (truffles w/illustrations on them, Fruit Bars), Kee's (from blood orange to lemongrass to saffron flavored truffles and macaroons) or Vognes (Exotic flavored truffles made with flowers, herbs, spices, fruits, champagne etc, awesome bars and mixes for baking).

    In closing...please keep in mind your siblings and other assorted famlily members will be trying to score points this day with Mom. Rise to the occasion...this is your time to shine by crushing your competition while making Mom happy and feeling special! Go forth and shop...Oh... if brunch for Mom is in the plans check out my  article http://newyork.nearsay.com/nyc/soho-tribeca/restaurants-best-brunch-dos-caminos-boqueria-aurora-cupping-room-jane-novocento-angelika-steve-roberts 

A.P.C. is located at 131 Mercer Street
Bloomingdale's Soho is located at 504 Broadway
Chanel is located at 139 Spring Street
Coach is located at 445 West Broadway
Fresh is located at 57 Spring Street
Jacques Torres is located at 350 Hudson Street
James Perse is located at 60 Mercer Street
Kate Spade is located at 454 Broome Street
Kee's Chocolate is located at 80 Thompson Street
LUSH is located at 529 Broadway
Marie Belle is located at 484 Broome Street
Molton Brown is located at 128 Spring Street
Mulberry is located at 387 Bleecker Street
Polo is located at 379 West Broadway
Vince is located at 16 Prince Street
Vosges is located at 132 Spring Street
Zara is located at 580 Broadway

Monday, May 2, 2011

Geronimo*!!! Osama Bin Laden DOA!!!

THEN (my view)

   
    It was a beautiful Tuesday morning...a bright blue sky with the sun shining. Looking out my window I was wishing I was going to the beach and slapping on some board shorts...but I was getting into my suit...off to work I go. Then on the radio I heard that a plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. I looked my window (at the time I had an amazing view of downtown & the towers in particular...a view I would always show off to family, friends, and girls) and so at the very top of one of the building there was a fire. At the time it looked like a small plane must have hit the top. I grabbed my digital 1mg camera & took a few shots...but had no zoom. So I went for my Nikon with the telephoto lens and some film. A few minutes later I saw a fire on the other tower. It was bad, but again it was just the top floors. I finished the roll and left for working thinking and hoping was just a bad accident.
  
    I dropped off the film roll and tried to get into the Met Life building but could not. Upon heading home on my beeper went off...a friend said the Pentagon was hit...that hit home... hard... this really was a terrorist attack. When I got home and looked out my window one of the towers was down. I couldn't believe it. I turned on my TV and watched a tower starting to go down...when I noticed that it said LIVE in the corner of my TV...I turned...looked out my window...and saw the other tower go down in what looked like a Hiroshima like mushroom cloud...one of those sights that burns through your retina into your brain...

NOW (Bin Laden's)



     It's been 10 years and they still haven't got me. That crazy Cowboy said he'd get me Dead or Alive. Well I'm alive, healthy, not in a cave...but living large in a million dollar home down the block from a major Military installation with high ranking Military for neighbors (will take this up on a later blog). The new guy talks like he plays nice...but he's doing the same damn things the Cowboy did. Hmmm...what's that sound...Choppers????
   
    What did Bin Laden think...just the usual Pakistani military choppers...did he even hear them in the first place? He must have heard voices in Arabic...the sounds of things falling down...gunshots but likely those of his guards...Did he think the ISI or Pakistani Military turned on him? Some other group who wanted the reward money? Did he think that the US actually sent a team in on choppers onto foreign soil to come for him...do the infidels never learn? Why didn't his "friends" notify him of this? Did they not know...did the Americans really fly thru foreign airspace without permission to launch an attack?
  
    The voices are getting louder and full of anxiety and pain...God is...!!! He didn't say great...Did I just hear English? This is getting closer...Are they in the next room?!? That is English...worse yet...it sounds American...CRASH...screaming...bodies falling...armed men enter the room...they move in unison...like some bizarre dance of death...how are none of our bullets hitting them!?! I grab my wife as a shield...she convulses...then crumples against me...I have others...I look up...I see a muzzle...I see eyes locked on to mine...my legs weaken and feel warm and wet...I can't see...clearly...I've lost balance...I see...nothing...I hear screaming...is it mine...some others...Have I stopped breathing...am I still here in the compound...am I somewhere else...
  
    GERONIMO*...I repeat GERONIMO* is down...Yes Sir...Confirmed kill...Gunshot to the head Sir...Yes Sir we are taking pictures and running the facial recognition algorithm. We are taking a sample for a DNA test. Yes Sir we believe it's him. Yes Sir...Thank you Sir...

    Most likely we will never know exactly what happened and will never know who the brave members of Seal Team 6 and the CIA Operatives that went in with them are. We will learn some details. It was a tip off gleamed during the Bush administration that started the process and cumulated with a direct order from President Obama to go through with the mission and to use ground forces vs a missile to confirm the kill. It was the combination of at least CIA operatives interrogating Guantanamo detainees who were likely water-boarded at some point that led years later to a team of Navy Seals and CIA hitters flown in by Army Helicopter Pilots that took Usama down with orders to kill. We may never know the birth name of the Seal who pulled that trigger and sent Bid Laden to Hell...we know his name nonetheless...it's Captain America and he was backed by his fellow Avengers! God bless them and God bless America!

*Geronimo - The codeword used for Usama Bin Laden for the mission

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Peter Lik: Timeless Land

This past Thursday I attended the unveiling of Peter Lik's latest work Timeless Land . Peter Lik is a world renowned multi-award winning photographer who specializes in panoramic photo's of natures beauty and wonders. His well known works include volcano's erupting off the beach in Hawaii, vistas of the Grand Canyon, Atolls off the water of Australia, and the like.

    In a way, Peter Lik is the Warhol of Photography from a business point of view. He has over a dozen galleries in the US & one in Australia. His works are owned by a number of famous people and his limited editions generally sell through rather quickly. He has done a great job of marketing his works also based on the frames he uses and the photo printing process he uses (more on that below)

    Peter Lik Fine Art Photography Gallery has been one of the galleries that I have regularly stopped in over the years. I have always loved his work and since I'm into photography I have generally used his work as inspiration for my own, but held off from getting a piece myself. That changed this past summer when my brother saw some of his work and asked me to stop by to look at them and get measurements and pricing. As luck would have it, they were unveiling a new piece called Imagine. I was drawn in by not only the fantasy of the deserted island it depicted but more so for the emotion that it invoked. You can read all about my experience at  http://hunter-funemployment.blogspot.com/2010/07/oh-yeahstay-in-tonightrelaxjust-pop-by.html

   Of special note I do want to point out that many who see Peter Lik's work think that the galleries have the photo's back lit or some special lighting arrangement to make them look more spectacular then they are. For the record, that is not true whatsoever. The galleries are equipped with special viewing rooms to highlight the colors of the photo's. However what gives them their "pop" is the photo printing process used. The lighting in my apartment has much to be desired...but when I put Imagine up and started playing with my blinds I couldn't get over how much the change in light truly affected the picture.

    His latest piece Timeless Land is part of his "Arch" series (see photo above). In it he uses an incredible arch located in the South West as the framework for a canyon filled with flat-topped mesa's and snow capped mountains with a multi-hued blue sky. In all fairness while I generally prefer his ocean focused pieces this one is pretty spectacular. You can see it and many of Peter's amazing works at his gallery in Soho. Ask for Gabby and tell her I set you...


Peter Lik Fine Art Photography is located at 419 West Broadway