Corporate Jet-Setting Phat Cats

    While defending his need to raise taxes and spend yet even more money on entitlement programs to raise the Debt Ceiling to save the economy so the country doesn't collapse on August 2nd (it's not), the Big O mentioned a few of the culprits that need to be taxed and a new sub breed of them...the dreaded Corporate Jet Owners. Who exactly are these evil CJO's? Are they the same guys on Wall St and throughout Corporate America that donated money to help get Obama elected? Are they the Wall Street fat cats that blew off his recent fundraising  dinner in New York? Are they the Studio Heads and Stars of Hollywood that give him money and use award events to bash prior Presidents while praising our current POTUS? What about the Hedge Fund guys that paid 10's of thousands for one of his recent dinners, do they count or are they off the hook because they are not part of a GE like corporation?

    How about when the First Lady jets off to Spain with her entourage...is she a Corporate Jet using Phat Cat? Is Ms Pelosi who racked up more mileage then any other Speaker of the House flying all over the place on our tax dimes a Phat Cat? What about when POTUS goes golfing, to fundraisers, photo opps with the WNBA is he a Phat Cat Corporate Jet user? Or do they not count because they are using Government property that is funded by taxes? What is really sad here is that all this will raise is a few billion that adds up to about half of 1 percent of the deficient. In other words, Big O needs to find another 200 of like places to tax to even things up. Maybe he should consider some other options to save the economy.

    There are many who fear that we might see riots like we have been seeing in Greece. While others say not likely, I think the opposite is true. Just how difficult do you think it would be to set up a protest with like riots and clashes with Police here? Greece in it's heyday was the worlds "Superpower". It was the Greeks who gave us Democracy and much of our culture. It was Greek Spartans who stood at Thermopylae and held off the Persians. The Greek Athenian Navy that then counter-attacked and routed  Xerxes forces at Salamis and then finished them off at Plataea (hmmm the West fighting off Persians...sound familiar fellow History buffs?). However, it is not the United States having to face the problems of the Greece of today that concern me. It is the Rome of yesterday that I fear we may become. Another Superpower of it's time, a society that lost it's core values and gorged on itself amid public spectacle (again, any of this sounding familiar?). Rome in the end fell as it spread itself to thin, became fat, happy and stupid and was conquered and crushed by Barbarian hordes. That seemed to work out pretty well for Mankind now didn't it (hint...the Middle Ages)?

    This country wasn't founded on a few hard working families while the rest sat waiting around for handouts. It was founded by people working together to create a better life for themselves and their children. We are not going to get out of this mess by over-taxing high achievers nor by enabling those who refuse to contribute to society. This country offers the potential to better yourself and move up from the circumstances one was born into. It does not guarantee a better easier life. It is a combination of hard work and yes some luck to live the American dream. It is something one must earn...no one is entitled to it.

    Big O might want to brush up on his history (classes he obviously skipped along with Economics) and keep in mind that the reason we decided to separate ourselves from Mother England was because we didn't want to be ruled by an unelected King who calmed Divine rights nor be taxed to death. Not to be repetitive...but any of this sounding familiar?

"Borghild Project" Nazi's Attempt to "Master Their Domain"

    File this one under, so bat-shit crazy it is likely true. While working on a book on the evolution of the Barbie Doll, Author Graeme Donald stumbled upon a secret Nazi project code-named "Borghild". As it turns out, the biggest problem the German Army was facing in Paris was not the loss of soldiers from enemy fire, but the loss of soldiers from STD's! Not only were the women of Paris "offering their services" to the invading Hun, but with not a whole lot of Frenchmen around to cater to their needs they were more then willing to sleep with the enemy...
   
    To solve this problem, some Nazi Super Scientist came up with the idea of equipping the soldiers with "dolls" to take care of their needs. Supposedly this was a failure since the soldiers were worried if captured...the embarrassment would kill them. I could not find any pictures to confirm this, and the claim is most were destroyed. However, the reason I believe this is that the Japanese some years ago came out with "companions" for their scientists who work in inhospitable areas with little to no human contact. For the record, the NY Post had an article on the Borghild Project in the paper today & I read about the Japanese project in either Wired or Playboy. Which kind of scares me...because if I'm finding about about this stuff in legitimate news sources...what the hell is out their in the "Underground" & "off the radar" sources?!?

High Line Phase II Photo Safari

    If you liked or as in my case absolutely loved the High Line Phase I, then you are really going to fall for phase II. Kudos to the team who put this together, they really knocked it out of the park, while building one up in the air. I'm going to tell the bulk of this story via photo's with just a quick briefing. The new park starts in the early 20's and currently ends at 30th (there are plans for a phase III). At 30th street you have Rainbow City, a balloon park that is not just for the kids (there is a Coolhaus truck and a Kelvin Slushee truck). From there you have the Highline Lot that is comprised of food trucks on one side, the Lot on Tap bar on the other and long wooden bench tables to sit down for lunch or a few cold brews.
  
    In the park I grabbed a Slushee from Kelvin. You choose from three base flavors and then add fresh fruit purees and/or herbs. I went with Spicy Ginger for the base and added White Peach puree and mint. It actually was as yummy as it sounds...I may be addicted. The Kimchi Taco's are what I call a "God Bless America" moment. Cooking styles and flavors from two cultures separated by thousands of miles and oceans come together with home grown American produce for a taste-bud sensation.

    The new section has a grass lawn to lie out, bleachers to chill out, and the Woodland Flyover for a stroll in between. It can get busy, so try to go early or off hours to enjoy it best. Of special note: while there are no Lions, Tigers or Bears stalking the park, there are many of the dreaded Digitalslraraus* about, both local and foreign.

*Someone with an SLR they have no idea how to use, sports a huge telephoto lens, stops every three seconds to take pictures and never ever looks at what's going on around them. OK, now time to enjoy my pics.

Best Williamsburg Restaurants

    When most New Yorkers are asked which is the best steak in the city, true carnivores and foodies answer Peter Luger's with a yeah, but it's actually in Brooklyn. That's kind of how I see Williamsburg, one of my favorite neighborhoods. It happens to be remarkably easy to get to and in many cases easier to get to then some neighborhoods in the city.

    I do bring this up because a friend who is a resident pointed out that most people only know what's by the L train and not the "real" places in the 'hood. Fine, for the most part guilty as charged. Getting called a B&T by someone from the Midwest who now lives Brooklyn, where I was born – priceless! The following places are a mix of places to check out to get you acquainted with Williamsburg if you're not and to check out if you have not done so already.

Peter Luger's - Best Steak House Restaurant in Williamsburg 
The aforementioned Peter Luger's is an institution. You go there for their Porterhouse, make sure you get a piece of their slab bacon (not sure if it's on the menu) and so good, a client/friend once ordered it for dessert. For dessert you get  the apple strudel with the slag (heaviest whipped cream ever. Put it in your coffee).

Fette Sau- Best BBQ Restaurant in Williamsburg
Need some BBQ, head over to Fette Sau. The menu varies daily and It's self serve Texas cafeteria style. Last time I had pulled pork, sausage and some sort of shank that was awesome. Now on the one hand their baked beans may have been the best I've had, but otherwise they need a better selection of sides. Problem is they have an amazing selection of bourbon which is why I didn't have ribs, they ran out and my friend and I got caught up trying the various Bourbons. Loved the Noah's Mill.

Fatty 'Cue - Best Asian Fusion BBQ in Williamsburg
You can't decide between all the Asian restaurants or BBQ no prob, you go to Fatty 'Cue. High end meats done up with Asian flavors. With whatever else you order, get the Beef Brisket in Bao with the works and the Heritage Park ribs. To drink it down get one of their shot, pickle back, can of beer Recession specials.

Khao Sarn & Sea Thai - Best Thai Restaurant in Williamsburg
When I first started coming here it was almost all Thai and Japanese places with a random Latin joint. For Thai I like the lunch specials at Khao Sarn which for $6 to $7 your main comes with a starter. Sea Thai Bistro has a like menu but it's a buck or two more. It is a much nicer bigger space with a koi pond and a Buddha. At night for this place cranks hip hop and gets a club like crowd, so if that's you're thing go for dinner. I prefer more of a Zen thing with my Thai.

Tacu Tacu & El Almacen - Best Latin Restaurant in Williamsburg
Now for Latin. Tacu Tacu is one of my favorites (actually a mix of Peruvian, Nuevo Latin, and Vietnamese). I love the ceviche's to start and for my main go with the Cau Cau del Marisco a combo of seafood cooked with mint or one of their Paella's (please note these are muy grande much like the space).

El Almacen is a bit more low key and has a nice backyard garden. To start I either go with one of their seafood taco's or a ceviche and I always seem to get the Entrana steak that comes served on a cross section of a tree with chimichurri sauce, salsa and a poblano puree. Dining companions have enjoyed a variety of main courses that they have always been happy with, but their Paella while tasty is very small...they use very little rice. So great for your girlfriend maintaining her yoga/Pilate honed physique...not quite as good for your 200 pound male cousin that thought a steak wasn't going to be filling enough.

Shocu and Surf Bar - Best After Dinner Drinks in Williamsburg
For an after dinner drink/liquid desert I like the flavored Shocu's and mixed drinks at Bozu (their menu of rolls and "bombs" looked good. I need to check it out). My must stop for at least one is the Surf Bar's frozen Mojito's – slushee's for adults. They load 'em up with mint and are delicious. Just don't drink them too fast or "brain freeze"! The place looks like it belongs on the beach. There's sand on the floor, boards on the ceiling and a backyard.

Best Restaurants in Williamsburg
Bozu: 296 Grand St., bet. Havemeyer & Roebling Sts.
El Almacen: 557 Driggs Ave., at N. 7th St.
Fatty 'Cue: 91 S. 6th St., bet. Berry St. & Bedford Ave.
Fette Sau: 354 Metropolitan Ave., bet. Roebling & Havemeyer Sts.
Khao Sarn: 311 Bedford Ave., at S. 2nd St.
Peter Luger's: 178 Broadway, near Driggs Ave.
Sea Thai Bistro: 114 N. 6th St., bet. Berry St. & Wythe Ave.
Surf Bar: 139 N. 6th St., bet. Berry St. & Bedford Ave.
Tacu Tacu: 134-6 N. 6th St., bet. Berry St. & Wythe Ave.

William Bennett Gallery Exhibiting Dali's Zodiac Bas-Reliefs

    Do you dream about owning a Dali, Picasso, or Miro? Truth be told that while purchasing an original may be out of most of our pockets, but owning a limited edition work is not necessarily as far out of range as one may think. The other night a few friends and I attended the William Bennett Galleries opening for the introduction of bronzed bas-reliefs of Dali's famous "12 Signs of the Zodiac." Along with these were a number of rare prints and limited editions from various Dali collections on the main floor. (Miro's, Picasso's and the like were on the lower floor and well worth seeking)

    For those of you not familiar with the works of Dali he was a master and driving force of surrealism. Think back to art classes in high school or college and does the image of "melting clocks" come to mind now by any chance (see picture below)? Dali had a mind numbingly incredible imagination and was gifted with the ability to transpose what was in his mind's eye onto a number of mediums to share with the world (Dali produced paintings, sculpture, graphic arts and even film).

     One of the great things about NYC is the ability to see these wondrous works for free in the incredible selection of galleries throughout Manhattan, especially SoHo. For information on how long this show goes and inquiries on acquiring pieces please contact the gallery.
* Works start as low I believe in the 2K range (please do not quote me) and go up and up from there...hey I did say affordable, these are not poster prints...

William Bennett Gallery: 65 Greene St.,  bet. Broome & Spring Sts.

Best Summer Salads in SoHo, 2011

    Summer is nearly officially here and you are already looking so hot/buff in your bikini/board-shorts that you almost feel sorry for all the hearts you will be breaking...though not quite. Thus, to stay mean and lean sometimes you are going to want a nice healthy salad to get you through the day. However you are no rabbit and need more than leaves and carrots. You need some protein in that salad to keep your glutes/pecs/quads buff from your weight/Pilate's/yoga/swim workout.The following are some of the better, tastier ones I've found. Now please keep in mind I'm not Jenny Craig nor am I weighing what I should be watching, so these are not the lowest calorie least fattening necessarily.

    The Octopus Salad at Rubirosa is one of my favorite new dishes altogether. Delicious octopus with fava beans, mini potatoes, olives, and the now not-so-secret ingredient of mint, make this a winner. I supplement this with a slice of their Vodka pizza (this may explain why I don't have so much a situation for a waistline, but more of a dilemma).

    At L'Asso, the Arugula Salad is loaded with, pear, pancetta, candied walnuts (amazing!), ricotta salata in a white wine vinegar and honey drizzle. Add chicken for $3 to turbocharge it (the salad in the picture is their Pianura).

    The Aroma Special is a combo of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, hard-boiled egg, black olives, and your choice of tuna or feta cheese (get it with the tuna). Have a cup of their really good coffee to rev you up (plus it comes with a piece of chocolate to calm down your sweet tooth).

    The Carpaccio Di Salmone Affumicato E Melo at Epistrophy  consists of smoked salmon, arugula, apples, black pepper and parmigiano cheese in extra virgin olive oil. Epistrophy always has a very good-looking crowd, many of them being thin and yoga-lean pretty girls. I mention this because portion wise, the food is geared more towards their caloric needs then mine.

    For those of you who like a little beef with your greens check out the Ensalada Novecento made up of grilled skirt steak (Novecento is Argentinian after all), French fries, baby mixed greens, avocado, and capped with a raspberry balsamic vinaigrette (Full disclosure: If I come here I'm not getting a salad. I go for their prix fixe lunch and get the Entrana and Fries for my main while starting with the spinach (see green!) and cheese empanadas. Now can you see my dilemma?.

    At Felix the Le Steak Tartare (I get it spicy) comes with French fries and salad. You can request no fries, double salad, thus a large salad with raw beef and egg for protein (I might not have been the best person to write a piece on salads come to think of it) You of course could go with one of their two versions (seared fresh tuna or a la canned) of the Nicoise salad.

    Most of the salads listed above average between $15 to $20 and come with bread, fresh no calorie NY State mountain spring water (or tap for short) and of course great service.


Rubirosa: 235 Mulberry St., bet. Spring & Prince Sts.
L'asso: 192 Mott St., at Kenmare St.
Aroma: 145 Greene St., at W. Houston St.
Epistrophy: 200 Mott St., bet. Spring & Kenmare St.
Novocentro: 343 West Broadway, near Grand St.
Felix: 340 West Broadway, at Grand St.