I am neither blessed with the 40 suit/32 inch waist physique of a male model nor cursed with a pear shaped flat butted beer belly of a pregnant guy. Yet it seems that these are the two types that the Menswear industry seems to cater to. Of course I'm sure many if not most of you buy your suits off the rack with some alterations & have physiques that are far from average. The thing is I simply cannot ...have not been able to since shortly after college. I cannot take advantage of a certain purple colored dinosaurs namesakes bi-annual sales, nor a guys-house-o-guys outlet. Nope...due to a combo of genetics & some time in the gym I'm more suited to wear chain-mail, w/a round shield strapped to my back with a battle-axe slung over my right shoulder. Not exactly ideal for meetings in Corporate America.
For many years I had a great tailor...but he was no young pup when I started going to him & most of his staff were also of a past generation. In time he & his partners retired & one of my longest & deepest relationships came to an end. Just finding another tailor is not a no-brainer...while there are many to choose from you really need to find the right fit so to speak.
It was through a combo of Google & guts that I came upon Michael Andrews Bespoke. Something about the website, what it said they were about & the fact that they were on one of my favorite streets at the time Clinton in the LES (due to the success of the business Michael has re-located to Soho) said I need to check this place out. When I came upon the address I rang the bell & descended down a flight of stairs & found myself in a blue walled labyrinth & thought I stumbled unto a secret entrance to the Bat-Cave. When the door opened I felt like I was transported to small high-end Men's store on Madison Ave.
After a meeting to discuss what I was looking for Michael the owner decided that he was going to need to build me "mock-suit" to figure out how to best work with my "challenges" (not H-back of Notre Dame issues but sloping shoulders & deep pecs are not a good combo for a suit). After some work, trial & error & a lot of patience on Michael & his teams part he totally nailed the suit & it fits like a glove. Aside from it's great fit it is also the attention to detail like working button holes, metal buttons, a checkered interior & winged lapels (suits start at $895 & up...my range including all the extras was on;y $1195) which make MAB suits such a great value while fitting & looking so damn good. I mention these because Michael caters both to those of us who need custom cut & those that do not need it, but want a better fit & things like choice of interior, pockets, buttons, lapels, etc... Michael also does great shirts ($165 & up) with again your choice of collars, cuffs, colored buttons, etc... In addition Michael carries ties, cuff-links, socks, etc...& also does custom shoes out of Italy($850 & up).
I am currently awaiting my new gray "Mad Men" suit (my midnight blue suit is my Bruce Wayne suit) & instead of getting Spring shirts from my usual spots will be going custom. Also of note is the decor of MAB that has a modern upscale Men's club look which is cooler then most lounges & has a far better stocked bar to mull over which pattern & colors to go with...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Comic Book Justice
Where do we get our sense of Right & Wrong...? Our parents & family of course...School, Religious Institutions...a combination I'm sure...but why do some of us embrace Rule of Law while others myself included have more of a sense of Justice. They are not one & the same.
Law - is a system of rules and guidelines, usually enforced through a set of institutions"Law should govern"
Justice - is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics
To help put this in perspective do you think someone like Mohamar Qaddafi should be arrested & tried by International Law & face incarceration & rehabilitation or do you think his palace should be stormed & that he & his sons should be strung up in public?
While watching an interview of Nathan Filson (Castle, Firefly) he mentioned how he read comics as a kid & they gave him this strong sense of right & wrong...an "overdeveloped sense of justice" his world formed by "comic book justice". Being a comic book "geek" I guess I must have picked up some of that as well. My Dad was more the type who believed in justice & I have noticed that my Niece & Nephew have always been fascinated by good guys vs bad guys (I tackled this in one of my earlier blogs http://hunter-funemployment.blogspot.com/2009/10/anakin-skywalker-conundrum.html) Maybe a strong sense of justice is something hard-wired into some of us...while evil or wrong is in others. For those of you who thinks comics are for kids & geeks...you clearly never read any. They are written at the college level vs. the NY Times which is written at the Jr High level. No worries if you can't tackle the big words & literary & historical references...you'll be waiting on line this summer to watch movies based on them. Furthermore, while not a devout religious person...many of the stories in the Bible center more on Justice then rule of Law (plus is the origin of Superman anything more then a retelling of the story of Moses in the basket & how many Jesus resurrection stories are there...) I'm not knocking the Rule of Law & it's importance in our society. It's just that laws & legal systems can be manipulated while Justice requires moral conviction. It's maybe why when W made comments like "with us or against us", Axis of Evil" &"Wanted Dead or Alive" I agreed with him & saw what he meant. It's why when I hear Eric Holder make comments about trying 9/11 Islamic Terrorists as criminals in civilian count in New York City I light on fire...
Law - is a system of rules and guidelines, usually enforced through a set of institutions"Law should govern"
Justice - is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics
To help put this in perspective do you think someone like Mohamar Qaddafi should be arrested & tried by International Law & face incarceration & rehabilitation or do you think his palace should be stormed & that he & his sons should be strung up in public?
While watching an interview of Nathan Filson (Castle, Firefly) he mentioned how he read comics as a kid & they gave him this strong sense of right & wrong...an "overdeveloped sense of justice" his world formed by "comic book justice". Being a comic book "geek" I guess I must have picked up some of that as well. My Dad was more the type who believed in justice & I have noticed that my Niece & Nephew have always been fascinated by good guys vs bad guys (I tackled this in one of my earlier blogs http://hunter-funemployment.blogspot.com/2009/10/anakin-skywalker-conundrum.html) Maybe a strong sense of justice is something hard-wired into some of us...while evil or wrong is in others. For those of you who thinks comics are for kids & geeks...you clearly never read any. They are written at the college level vs. the NY Times which is written at the Jr High level. No worries if you can't tackle the big words & literary & historical references...you'll be waiting on line this summer to watch movies based on them. Furthermore, while not a devout religious person...many of the stories in the Bible center more on Justice then rule of Law (plus is the origin of Superman anything more then a retelling of the story of Moses in the basket & how many Jesus resurrection stories are there...) I'm not knocking the Rule of Law & it's importance in our society. It's just that laws & legal systems can be manipulated while Justice requires moral conviction. It's maybe why when W made comments like "with us or against us", Axis of Evil" &"Wanted Dead or Alive" I agreed with him & saw what he meant. It's why when I hear Eric Holder make comments about trying 9/11 Islamic Terrorists as criminals in civilian count in New York City I light on fire...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Best Brunches: Sedate Soho Edition
As promised from my last piece on Sunday Brunches...welcome to partie deux. Now that you know where to go with friends for the best Bloody drink deals w/good food in parte dos we are looking at a somewhat more sedate meal...not the one with the pre-football group but the new date, nice spot for significant other, her Mom, your Mom, your friends friend from out of town with wife who wants to be near some prime shopping (no...I'm not making this up...) These places all offer ambiance, good service, great food & of course a well made beverage or two...
Aurora Soho - Rustic looking Italian place with a brick walled interior. There is a cute little bar up front & a small porch with a few tables. Brunch entrees are $15 & come with a cocktail (refills are only $5) Favorites include the Heritage smoked bacon, portobello mushrooms w/2 eggs & the Baked egg skillet w/smoked salmon, avocado & goat cheese...Mangiare Bene!
Boqueria - Spanish Tapas joint that has a great brunch with lots of different & unique choices. The entrees average $15 & my favorites are the egg scramble with Shrimp & Guindilia peppers on brioche bun & the Steak & eggs w/blistered peppers. The Sangria comes in Red, White & Rose for $8glass/$34 pitches, Bloody Marys are spicy & made w/Guindilia peppers for $10 & Mimosa' are made w/Cava & Blood Orange Juice $10 Muy Delicioso!
The Cupping Room - Classic American, place with a rustic interior comprised of exposed brick walls, high tin ceilings, a pot-belly stove & fresh cut flowers. They also have a nice long bar to to a drink while waiting for your table...this place is popular & gets busy. Cupping room has a very large menu that run the gamut from benedicts, omelette's, pancakes, waffles to sandwiches & salads. Entrees average around $15.95 & are served w/hash browns & a side salad. I come here for the great green apple & cheddar cheese omelet & the Pancakes w/blue or straw berry's. They have a full bar & make a great Bloody Mary.
Dos Caminos Soho - Nuevo Mexican with a nice spacious interior (though very small bar) with a great outdoor patio. Full brunch menu with entrees averaging $14 that come with a drink (go cactus pear margarita) & coffee/tea. My favorites include the Chorizo con Huevos, The Cuezla, & their Carnitas Taco's. Start your meal with some great table side made Guac ($14-24) & go spicy!
Jane - New American food that always seems to have a great lucking crowd. The interior is comprised of brown, orange & avocado to create a warm feeling along with pictures of & fresh flowers. Entrees average $15 & come with a cocktail (bloody, mimosa, etc) They have a number of benedicts & omelette's. My favorites include the Salmon Scramble comprised of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, chives, & imported Italian mascarpone cheese & the Benedict Jane -poached eggs, crab and crawfish cakes, spinach, covered in tarragon hollandaise sauce.
Novecento - Argentine spot with a nice long copper topped bar to drink your bloody, mimosa, or mojito. Kinda has a Parisian feel. Entrees vary from $11 for an omelet to $23 for steak frites & is a la carte. My favorite dish on the menu that is perfect or sharing is the Picada Criolla tasting platter of grilled skirt steak, chicken, chorizo, beef empanada, chimichurri sauce for only $23.00. Get a table by the window for the fantastic people watching on West Bway.
West Broadway is loaded with Art Galleries to stroll through, my favorites being Martin Lawrence(tell Alyson I sent you), Pop International Gallery (send my regards to Brian) & Peter Lik (say hello to Gabrielle) Check out all the great art on either side of the street, hit the Angelika for a movie & of course do your part to boost the economy my melting your credit card in all the great stores...!
Aurora Soho - Located at 510 Broome
Boqueria Soho - Located at 17 Spring Street
The Cupping Room - Located at 359 West Broadway
Dos Caminos Soho - Located at 475 West Broaday
Jane - Located at 100 Houston Street
Novecento - Located at 343 West Broadway
Aurora Soho - Rustic looking Italian place with a brick walled interior. There is a cute little bar up front & a small porch with a few tables. Brunch entrees are $15 & come with a cocktail (refills are only $5) Favorites include the Heritage smoked bacon, portobello mushrooms w/2 eggs & the Baked egg skillet w/smoked salmon, avocado & goat cheese...Mangiare Bene!
Boqueria - Spanish Tapas joint that has a great brunch with lots of different & unique choices. The entrees average $15 & my favorites are the egg scramble with Shrimp & Guindilia peppers on brioche bun & the Steak & eggs w/blistered peppers. The Sangria comes in Red, White & Rose for $8glass/$34 pitches, Bloody Marys are spicy & made w/Guindilia peppers for $10 & Mimosa' are made w/Cava & Blood Orange Juice $10 Muy Delicioso!
The Cupping Room - Classic American, place with a rustic interior comprised of exposed brick walls, high tin ceilings, a pot-belly stove & fresh cut flowers. They also have a nice long bar to to a drink while waiting for your table...this place is popular & gets busy. Cupping room has a very large menu that run the gamut from benedicts, omelette's, pancakes, waffles to sandwiches & salads. Entrees average around $15.95 & are served w/hash browns & a side salad. I come here for the great green apple & cheddar cheese omelet & the Pancakes w/blue or straw berry's. They have a full bar & make a great Bloody Mary.
Dos Caminos Soho - Nuevo Mexican with a nice spacious interior (though very small bar) with a great outdoor patio. Full brunch menu with entrees averaging $14 that come with a drink (go cactus pear margarita) & coffee/tea. My favorites include the Chorizo con Huevos, The Cuezla, & their Carnitas Taco's. Start your meal with some great table side made Guac ($14-24) & go spicy!
Jane - New American food that always seems to have a great lucking crowd. The interior is comprised of brown, orange & avocado to create a warm feeling along with pictures of & fresh flowers. Entrees average $15 & come with a cocktail (bloody, mimosa, etc) They have a number of benedicts & omelette's. My favorites include the Salmon Scramble comprised of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, chives, & imported Italian mascarpone cheese & the Benedict Jane -poached eggs, crab and crawfish cakes, spinach, covered in tarragon hollandaise sauce.
Novecento - Argentine spot with a nice long copper topped bar to drink your bloody, mimosa, or mojito. Kinda has a Parisian feel. Entrees vary from $11 for an omelet to $23 for steak frites & is a la carte. My favorite dish on the menu that is perfect or sharing is the Picada Criolla tasting platter of grilled skirt steak, chicken, chorizo, beef empanada, chimichurri sauce for only $23.00. Get a table by the window for the fantastic people watching on West Bway.
West Broadway is loaded with Art Galleries to stroll through, my favorites being Martin Lawrence(tell Alyson I sent you), Pop International Gallery (send my regards to Brian) & Peter Lik (say hello to Gabrielle) Check out all the great art on either side of the street, hit the Angelika for a movie & of course do your part to boost the economy my melting your credit card in all the great stores...!
Aurora Soho - Located at 510 Broome
Boqueria Soho - Located at 17 Spring Street
The Cupping Room - Located at 359 West Broadway
Dos Caminos Soho - Located at 475 West Broaday
Jane - Located at 100 Houston Street
Novecento - Located at 343 West Broadway
Friday, February 11, 2011
Best Brunches:Bloody Mary Edition
The first Sunday after the Superbowl is always the worst. After 5 months of Sunday Football bliss...no more football. Now if the end of Football flowed into Summer weather like the end of Summer flows seamlessly into Sunday football...but alas it does not. It ends in freezing February. So what is one to do? Yes of course you could go skiing/snowboarding, work around your home, visit relatives....all sorts of other fun stuff...but for every weekend for the next 4 months until you can hit the beach, your/someones pool/the Park...?!?
No what you need is Sunday Brunch (Saturday Brunch is OK as well) to make it through to Spring. Now for this piece I'm going to highlight places that have Bloody Mary Brunch Specials (please note most if not all offer a choice of drinks usually including Screwdrivers, Mimosa's or Sangria). These places are more geared towards groups & hitting a movie or something after. In my next Edition: Soho Brunch I will write up places more geared towards taking your significant other, your Mom/Aunt/Sister, significant others family/friends, etc...Now on with the show...
Esperanto - Latin American spot with a funky brightly multi-colored decor, great music playing & a $9.99 brunch that comes with a drink. The Spanish Omelet & their Poblano Quesadilla's are hits. Additional B Mary's are only $6 bucks. 145 Avenue C
Essex - The space is large, the crowd is a bit young & loud but that might just be what you are looking for. For $20 you can choose from over 25 entrees & wash your choice down with 3 Bloody Mary's (while waiting for a table B Mary's are under $5 at the bar). You can choose from a number of Benedict's, Burgers, Cubans, to Corned Beef Hash w/pancakes & even Mexican Matzoh Brei...120 Essex Street (Rivington)
Poco - Another great Spanish influenced Latin spot & one of my favorite places in the city offers for only $22.95 an entree (highlights include the Benedict's on arepa's, Sliced Steak Salad, & the Lobster Mac n Cheese) w/side salad & potato hash, coffee or tea & 3 Bloody Mary's (though some of my friends are fans of the red & white Sangria) Again drinks are under $5 while waiting at the bar. Reservations are highly recommended this place is mid-sized & very popular. I prefer the main level but the downstairs lounge area is pretty cool. Fantastic people watching & one of the best staff's across the board make this place stand-out 33 Avenue B(3rd Street)
Sunburnt Cow/Bondi Road - Down South below the border but in this case Down Under & East... G'day mate & get yourself for $18 at these sister restaurants unlimited drinks (as long as you can hold them & show that you can) & a choice of entree. Again good choice of Benedict's, a nice sliced steak sandwich & of course my favorite the Burger w/the Lot (egg,bacon,beet,pineapple,cheese, etc) 137 Ave c (8th & 9th)/153 Rivington
Yuerba Buena - Nuevo Latino food which I would say is a notch above most of it's competition. This location & it's sister restaurant in the West Village (1 Perry/Greenwich Ave...different menu) are fantastic. Entrees average $12 with the Tres Arepas (short rib, chicken tinga, pork belly on egg) & the house Benedict consisting of Berkshire ham & suckling pig topped with smokey hot & tasty jalapeno salsa. Sides are $5 & the chorizo sausage is my favorite in the city. And yes...for $12 unlimited Jalapeno Bloody Marys, Mimosa's or Bellini 23 Avenue A
Are you starting to notice a Latin thing going on here with the Bloody Mary specials...if not you're cut off since you've had a few too many already.
As an added bonus I'm going to add another very good brunch spot...they just do not have a B Mary Special. Barrio Chino @ 235 Broome Street has great food & usually a very good looking crowd. Entrees average $9-12 with my favorites being the Chiliquiles & the Enchiladas. Side are only $3 & the ground Chorizo & Copa Mexicana (jicama, cucumber & watermelon w/lime,salt & chile) stand out. The highlight here are their awesome margarita's especially the spicy fruit flavored ones. These are not girlie fruity drinks & the Grapefruit Habernero...well try it at your own risk if you have what it takes...word of caution...it is muy caliente!
No what you need is Sunday Brunch (Saturday Brunch is OK as well) to make it through to Spring. Now for this piece I'm going to highlight places that have Bloody Mary Brunch Specials (please note most if not all offer a choice of drinks usually including Screwdrivers, Mimosa's or Sangria). These places are more geared towards groups & hitting a movie or something after. In my next Edition: Soho Brunch I will write up places more geared towards taking your significant other, your Mom/Aunt/Sister, significant others family/friends, etc...Now on with the show...
Esperanto - Latin American spot with a funky brightly multi-colored decor, great music playing & a $9.99 brunch that comes with a drink. The Spanish Omelet & their Poblano Quesadilla's are hits. Additional B Mary's are only $6 bucks. 145 Avenue C
Essex - The space is large, the crowd is a bit young & loud but that might just be what you are looking for. For $20 you can choose from over 25 entrees & wash your choice down with 3 Bloody Mary's (while waiting for a table B Mary's are under $5 at the bar). You can choose from a number of Benedict's, Burgers, Cubans, to Corned Beef Hash w/pancakes & even Mexican Matzoh Brei...120 Essex Street (Rivington)
Poco - Another great Spanish influenced Latin spot & one of my favorite places in the city offers for only $22.95 an entree (highlights include the Benedict's on arepa's, Sliced Steak Salad, & the Lobster Mac n Cheese) w/side salad & potato hash, coffee or tea & 3 Bloody Mary's (though some of my friends are fans of the red & white Sangria) Again drinks are under $5 while waiting at the bar. Reservations are highly recommended this place is mid-sized & very popular. I prefer the main level but the downstairs lounge area is pretty cool. Fantastic people watching & one of the best staff's across the board make this place stand-out 33 Avenue B(3rd Street)
Sunburnt Cow/Bondi Road - Down South below the border but in this case Down Under & East... G'day mate & get yourself for $18 at these sister restaurants unlimited drinks (as long as you can hold them & show that you can) & a choice of entree. Again good choice of Benedict's, a nice sliced steak sandwich & of course my favorite the Burger w/the Lot (egg,bacon,beet,pineapple,cheese, etc) 137 Ave c (8th & 9th)/153 Rivington
Yuerba Buena - Nuevo Latino food which I would say is a notch above most of it's competition. This location & it's sister restaurant in the West Village (1 Perry/Greenwich Ave...different menu) are fantastic. Entrees average $12 with the Tres Arepas (short rib, chicken tinga, pork belly on egg) & the house Benedict consisting of Berkshire ham & suckling pig topped with smokey hot & tasty jalapeno salsa. Sides are $5 & the chorizo sausage is my favorite in the city. And yes...for $12 unlimited Jalapeno Bloody Marys, Mimosa's or Bellini 23 Avenue A
Are you starting to notice a Latin thing going on here with the Bloody Mary specials...if not you're cut off since you've had a few too many already.
As an added bonus I'm going to add another very good brunch spot...they just do not have a B Mary Special. Barrio Chino @ 235 Broome Street has great food & usually a very good looking crowd. Entrees average $9-12 with my favorites being the Chiliquiles & the Enchiladas. Side are only $3 & the ground Chorizo & Copa Mexicana (jicama, cucumber & watermelon w/lime,salt & chile) stand out. The highlight here are their awesome margarita's especially the spicy fruit flavored ones. These are not girlie fruity drinks & the Grapefruit Habernero...well try it at your own risk if you have what it takes...word of caution...it is muy caliente!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Funemployment or what to do on your unplanned extended vacation
With a new year upon us and the job numbers still not exactly too good out there if you find yourself recently without a job, still out of work or know someone who has recently faced a reduction in their employment (with 1 in 10 out of work on record and more like 7 in 10 not working full time you likely know someone) this may be for you. Now I faced this myself back in 09 after a run of good luck in a bad market I got hit. It happens. Recently a relative whose employment was nullified asked me advice on being Funemployed and what to do. The first thing you need to do is confirm you are actually Funemployed in the first place. The definition of Funemployment is that you lost your job and can afford for the next 6-9 months live as if you are working. In other words you have cash saved that you can burn through without liquidating your assets. If you can afford the 6-9 months it's going to take to find a job (in this economy this is the average) then you are Funemployed...if you are in debt, live month to month, have to start selling your stocks/bonds/home to get by you are not.
Now if we established that you are not screwed and you can ride this bump in the road and can enjoy yourself while your at it we can get down to business. Now it's important to keep in mind it's going to be hard to find a job so you need to reach out to everyone you know and their brothers ex-girlfriends 3rd cousins neighbor along with far more recruiters then you ever thought were out there...but you will do things that you enjoy while you're at it. The key here is to allocate X amount of time per day to do some job hunting while doing things you enjoy. The key here is to be productive. Sitting around watching TV hungover while stuffing yourself with frozen pizza while feeling sorry for yourself is for losers....not the Funemployed. The Funemployed do things that they always wanted to try, don't do as much as they used to, like to do & do more of. When I was Funemployed I was busy all day long....as a matter of fact I was busier then many of my working friends.
I can't tell you what to do but I can give some examples of what I did. I started my day looking for jobs and doing follow-up while keeping on top of what was happening in the market ( I sell Technology to Financial firms) this kept me sharp for both interviews and when taking to people who can help get me one. I actually started writing this blog because while I felt I was strong presenting to people verbally I felt my writing skills were lacking when I had to do cover letters and proposals. From the feedback I received this experiment has been very beneficial. I started on 2 short stories and now write for the online blog http://newyork.nearsay.com/blog/steveroberts (yes shameless plug...did I mention I'm in Sales?) I used to love to draw as a kid....so I went out and picked up a bunch of colored pencils, a pad and started drawing again. I'm into photography so I purchased the new Olympus EP-2 and went on Photo-Safari's around the city (big ticket purchases are not too wise here but 1 or 2 won't kill you...but hey you know your budgets and the ramifications of what this will mean...you don't want to reduce your number of months). I worked out pretty much every day and during the summer did laps most days. I also read a load of books...some were business and plenty for pleasure.
To help keep costs down you may want to make some changes to your social life and spending habits. I made my own coffee in the morning w/eggs or oatmeal and cooked most of my dinners. It was lunch where I let myself have a decent lunch (this means $15 all in not $50 w/drinks). I spent a lot of time learning all the little spots in my favorite hoods. Coffee shops w/Wi-Fi are great and a easy inexpensive way to bounce around, check your e-mail for jobs and flirt. Just don't be one of those idiots who park themselves for an entire day off a $2 cup of coffee. It's a break for up to an hour then get a move on. Happy Hour is your best friend. I like it as is and at least in NYC there are plenty of places w/great drinks deals and even good food. Now is not the time for $17 rooftop martini's...it is a great time for 2 for one drinks w/half price food where y can have a night out including dinner for $30 bucks or less. Also get yourself a Metro-Card if you live in the city or boroughs...you will need it for appointments and bouncing around the city. There is rumour of the 2-1 movie but again going to see one movie and then somehow seeing another is mere unfounded rumour. Art Galleries are great if you're into it and many Museums have free days.
I went on not one but 2 vacations during my Funemployment. With the technology we have at hand you can can be following up on jobs and doing over the phone interviews (this is now common practice....HR will do an over the phone and often times either the first interview with the Hiring Manager will be on the phone to screen you before you are let in. Subsequent meetings may be as well due to geography). I even did some of these from the beach...as long as you have the mind set to be on and it's over the phone do you really need to be in a suit/pant-suit sitting at a desk?
If you manage this right and seriously and sincerely look hard for a job you can turn what could be a depressing dificult time into a great time where you get to do loads of fun stuff that you enjoy. The secret is nothing more then keeping yourself busy and taking advantage of the time to better yourself vs being self destructive and self loathing. I can do w/o being out of work again for so long...but when I look back on it...I consider myself lucky and made the most of it. What will you do?
Now if we established that you are not screwed and you can ride this bump in the road and can enjoy yourself while your at it we can get down to business. Now it's important to keep in mind it's going to be hard to find a job so you need to reach out to everyone you know and their brothers ex-girlfriends 3rd cousins neighbor along with far more recruiters then you ever thought were out there...but you will do things that you enjoy while you're at it. The key here is to allocate X amount of time per day to do some job hunting while doing things you enjoy. The key here is to be productive. Sitting around watching TV hungover while stuffing yourself with frozen pizza while feeling sorry for yourself is for losers....not the Funemployed. The Funemployed do things that they always wanted to try, don't do as much as they used to, like to do & do more of. When I was Funemployed I was busy all day long....as a matter of fact I was busier then many of my working friends.
I can't tell you what to do but I can give some examples of what I did. I started my day looking for jobs and doing follow-up while keeping on top of what was happening in the market ( I sell Technology to Financial firms) this kept me sharp for both interviews and when taking to people who can help get me one. I actually started writing this blog because while I felt I was strong presenting to people verbally I felt my writing skills were lacking when I had to do cover letters and proposals. From the feedback I received this experiment has been very beneficial. I started on 2 short stories and now write for the online blog http://newyork.nearsay.com/blog/steveroberts (yes shameless plug...did I mention I'm in Sales?) I used to love to draw as a kid....so I went out and picked up a bunch of colored pencils, a pad and started drawing again. I'm into photography so I purchased the new Olympus EP-2 and went on Photo-Safari's around the city (big ticket purchases are not too wise here but 1 or 2 won't kill you...but hey you know your budgets and the ramifications of what this will mean...you don't want to reduce your number of months). I worked out pretty much every day and during the summer did laps most days. I also read a load of books...some were business and plenty for pleasure.
To help keep costs down you may want to make some changes to your social life and spending habits. I made my own coffee in the morning w/eggs or oatmeal and cooked most of my dinners. It was lunch where I let myself have a decent lunch (this means $15 all in not $50 w/drinks). I spent a lot of time learning all the little spots in my favorite hoods. Coffee shops w/Wi-Fi are great and a easy inexpensive way to bounce around, check your e-mail for jobs and flirt. Just don't be one of those idiots who park themselves for an entire day off a $2 cup of coffee. It's a break for up to an hour then get a move on. Happy Hour is your best friend. I like it as is and at least in NYC there are plenty of places w/great drinks deals and even good food. Now is not the time for $17 rooftop martini's...it is a great time for 2 for one drinks w/half price food where y can have a night out including dinner for $30 bucks or less. Also get yourself a Metro-Card if you live in the city or boroughs...you will need it for appointments and bouncing around the city. There is rumour of the 2-1 movie but again going to see one movie and then somehow seeing another is mere unfounded rumour. Art Galleries are great if you're into it and many Museums have free days.
I went on not one but 2 vacations during my Funemployment. With the technology we have at hand you can can be following up on jobs and doing over the phone interviews (this is now common practice....HR will do an over the phone and often times either the first interview with the Hiring Manager will be on the phone to screen you before you are let in. Subsequent meetings may be as well due to geography). I even did some of these from the beach...as long as you have the mind set to be on and it's over the phone do you really need to be in a suit/pant-suit sitting at a desk?
If you manage this right and seriously and sincerely look hard for a job you can turn what could be a depressing dificult time into a great time where you get to do loads of fun stuff that you enjoy. The secret is nothing more then keeping yourself busy and taking advantage of the time to better yourself vs being self destructive and self loathing. I can do w/o being out of work again for so long...but when I look back on it...I consider myself lucky and made the most of it. What will you do?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Beer Bourbon & BBQ...oh my!!!
After reviewing my notes from this Saturday afternoon's Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival's "Bacon Bash" afternoon session I can't believe I actually ate & drank as much as I did. The key I guess was a combo of small to moderate sampling while being in constant motion (w/the exception of the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Class) thus burning calories & alcohol along the way. Much like Dorothy I started this adventure caught up in a maelstrom & deposited in a fantasy world. Once arrived I converted to the Lion...but one with courage as I made my way from one Beer, Bourbon BBQ sample to the next. Along the way at times I alternated from turning into the Scarecrow as my brain melted away into a blissful bourbon & beer fueled haze then into the Tin Man as all the Bacon & Pork hit my heart (I think my heart is either contemplating suicide or throwing a coup de'etat it's so mad at me right now). In the end I persevered & even survived a Zombie Apocalypse with the T-shirt to prove it!
Before I describe my journey into bourbon beer hog heaven...let me share a little tip. When you attend like events during the winter & need to bundle up...wear a ski shell & polar-tech that you can stuff in a back-back. You don't lose time waiting forever on line to check your jacket in & wait even longer to get it back. At the end, pull your jacket out...fill backpack w/events treats...go on your way....
My journey begins with a sample of INNIS & GUNN oak aged rum cask beer, a shot of Jones Soda Bacon Soda (w/ a good dark rum or bourbon this would make an interesting substitution for cola), great apple hickory smoked baby back ribs from the Southern Hospitality Group (yes you can get gets ribs in the UES!), then onto my first samples of 4 different bacon's...Maple Bacon & Everyday Bacon...OK I need something green & healthy so a quick stop at Best Pickles for some Red Flannel(w/red peppers & Horseradish pickles to clean the palate. A brief break from food is taken while I sample Blue Point Winter Ale followed by some Mama's Little Yella Pils from Osker Blues Brewery...time to soak up the beer...w a delicious mini pulled pork w/cole slaw slider from Bubby's and a Speakeasy Prohibition beer...which was right next to the Wild Turkey booth for some American Honey bourbon...yummy...oh look Kloby's (my understanding is that they supplied the bacon stands) has a pulled pork sandwich...great plus the pork was on only the botton half of the mini role...carb conscious BBQ! Now what do we have here...a table full of hot sauces from Torchbearer Sauces of PA. These were awesome & what I really like about their product was that they were very hot...but flavorful. I sampled quite a few & made it all the way to the 2nd hottest bottle called Zombie Apocalypse made w/ the Bhut Jolokia aka Ghost Pepper (if you like heat http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_Jolokia_pepper). I saved their Rapture sauce made from Trinidad Scorpion and the Ghost Chili for the end once my taste buds were a bit more numb. It was still very hot & I like hot. From there I hit South Houston for some Bacon Meatballs in bourbon apple sauce, BLT soup, & some crazy awesome bacon bourbon brown sugar popcorn! That was all washed down with the help of some Black Cannon beer from Heavy Seas Brewery. Whew...ok time for some more healthy greens in the form of collard greens with smoked hamhock from Bourbon Street Grille. At this point I needed to find some redemption from my gluttony & I found some in the form of Redemption Rye & Bourbon. I tried some of Dirt cajun seasonings sample in dip form & then sipped some Cabin Fever Maple Whisky (thinking this would be nice in some coffee & better in some hot chocolate). Time for some more food...something rib sticking (no-pun intended) to soak up the beverage samples...Mara's Homemade bacon jalapeno cheese grits washed down w/Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA.
Now was time for a quick break so I sampled from Bourbon Trace some Benchmark, Buffalo Trace & Blantons before I went to their Master Distiller Session. As I got to the section I hear them counting off 80 something & with a few in front I figure I'm in....wrong! 83...line ends here. I figured I'm good so why push past anyone. Well dear reader...patience paid off...the Ladies working the session kept checking for seats & there was one left (I made sure it was clear I was up first & it turned out last). Aside from picking up yet another nickname "Writer-Guy" I learned the following. For instance Moon Shine, White Lighting, White Dog is pretty much corn mash before it's aged. So you can kinda think of it as the egg in the womb before it gets "treated" by some good hard wood....generally from the Ozark Mountains & ages into yummy Bourbon. Now most Bourbon is made out of Corn, Rye, & Malted Barley. There is also what is known as Wheated barley which substitutes wheat for Rye. For the class we had 4 samples to smell, taste, swirl, & repeat...also remember you swallow...don't spit. The Master Distiller was pretty serious on this point as you would well imagine.
Now that I had been sitting down enraptured in Bourbon & it's lore it was time to try some more samples with the hour I had left. As best as I remember I got a sample of Goose Island Pepe Nero & sampled Jalapeno Bacon & Bourbon Bacon. All the bacon was great but the Bourbon was best...yes I know...shocking. Palm Wit Ale was followed by Stiegl of Austria Franziskaner...some more of that South Houston popcorn & then some La Trappe Trappist ale. I then sampled some Brunswick Stew from The Little Red Pig w/some Abita Andygator & Butternuts Heinnieweisse (makers of Pork Slap). I had spied High West's booth earlier but was thrown off when I saw it is made in all of places ...Utah. While their bourbon was good it was their Silver that was one of the festivals surprises. I figured it t be moonshine but when a guy next to me was raving about it I figured I'd try it. Think the bourbon equivalent of a very good Silver Tequila like Patron or Milagro. I believe at this point I had a Smuttynose Bown Dog followed up by another High West Silver. With the show over....well sated with a good mellow buzz I pulled my jacket out from my backpack, filled it with my Torchbearer Tarnatation & Zombie Apocalypse hot sauces & t-shirt and walked right by the giant line of fellow Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival enthusiasts waiting for their coats & went on my merry way.
If dear reader you have any interest in any of the products sampled please look them up on the festivals website http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/show-info Of special note, I was able to speak with a lot of the chefs & vendors & everybody was great, friendly & very knowledgeable. Remember all... you can enjoy all the above as long as you do so in moderation...while staying in motion with few breaks...
Before I describe my journey into bourbon beer hog heaven...let me share a little tip. When you attend like events during the winter & need to bundle up...wear a ski shell & polar-tech that you can stuff in a back-back. You don't lose time waiting forever on line to check your jacket in & wait even longer to get it back. At the end, pull your jacket out...fill backpack w/events treats...go on your way....
My journey begins with a sample of INNIS & GUNN oak aged rum cask beer, a shot of Jones Soda Bacon Soda (w/ a good dark rum or bourbon this would make an interesting substitution for cola), great apple hickory smoked baby back ribs from the Southern Hospitality Group (yes you can get gets ribs in the UES!), then onto my first samples of 4 different bacon's...Maple Bacon & Everyday Bacon...OK I need something green & healthy so a quick stop at Best Pickles for some Red Flannel(w/red peppers & Horseradish pickles to clean the palate. A brief break from food is taken while I sample Blue Point Winter Ale followed by some Mama's Little Yella Pils from Osker Blues Brewery...time to soak up the beer...w a delicious mini pulled pork w/cole slaw slider from Bubby's and a Speakeasy Prohibition beer...which was right next to the Wild Turkey booth for some American Honey bourbon...yummy...oh look Kloby's (my understanding is that they supplied the bacon stands) has a pulled pork sandwich...great plus the pork was on only the botton half of the mini role...carb conscious BBQ! Now what do we have here...a table full of hot sauces from Torchbearer Sauces of PA. These were awesome & what I really like about their product was that they were very hot...but flavorful. I sampled quite a few & made it all the way to the 2nd hottest bottle called Zombie Apocalypse made w/ the Bhut Jolokia aka Ghost Pepper (if you like heat http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_Jolokia_pepper). I saved their Rapture sauce made from Trinidad Scorpion and the Ghost Chili for the end once my taste buds were a bit more numb. It was still very hot & I like hot. From there I hit South Houston for some Bacon Meatballs in bourbon apple sauce, BLT soup, & some crazy awesome bacon bourbon brown sugar popcorn! That was all washed down with the help of some Black Cannon beer from Heavy Seas Brewery. Whew...ok time for some more healthy greens in the form of collard greens with smoked hamhock from Bourbon Street Grille. At this point I needed to find some redemption from my gluttony & I found some in the form of Redemption Rye & Bourbon. I tried some of Dirt cajun seasonings sample in dip form & then sipped some Cabin Fever Maple Whisky (thinking this would be nice in some coffee & better in some hot chocolate). Time for some more food...something rib sticking (no-pun intended) to soak up the beverage samples...Mara's Homemade bacon jalapeno cheese grits washed down w/Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA.
Now was time for a quick break so I sampled from Bourbon Trace some Benchmark, Buffalo Trace & Blantons before I went to their Master Distiller Session. As I got to the section I hear them counting off 80 something & with a few in front I figure I'm in....wrong! 83...line ends here. I figured I'm good so why push past anyone. Well dear reader...patience paid off...the Ladies working the session kept checking for seats & there was one left (I made sure it was clear I was up first & it turned out last). Aside from picking up yet another nickname "Writer-Guy" I learned the following. For instance Moon Shine, White Lighting, White Dog is pretty much corn mash before it's aged. So you can kinda think of it as the egg in the womb before it gets "treated" by some good hard wood....generally from the Ozark Mountains & ages into yummy Bourbon. Now most Bourbon is made out of Corn, Rye, & Malted Barley. There is also what is known as Wheated barley which substitutes wheat for Rye. For the class we had 4 samples to smell, taste, swirl, & repeat...also remember you swallow...don't spit. The Master Distiller was pretty serious on this point as you would well imagine.
- Weller 12yr - This is a wheated bourbon that while smooth & tasty had the most burn of those sampled
- Blantons 7yr - Single Barrel - This was very good, little fruity w/some nice spice to it
- Buffalo Trace - 8yr This was my favorite from this group. It was smooth with a nice spicy fruity carmel flavor that had a great nice slow burn that smoldered on your tongue in a good way. The name by the way comes from the pathway called traces left by Buffalo crossing the Kentucky River (I was in Scarecrow mode at this point...hope I got this right)
- Eagle Rare 11yr - was very smooth & tasty...yet I like the Trace & it's slow burn best
Now that I had been sitting down enraptured in Bourbon & it's lore it was time to try some more samples with the hour I had left. As best as I remember I got a sample of Goose Island Pepe Nero & sampled Jalapeno Bacon & Bourbon Bacon. All the bacon was great but the Bourbon was best...yes I know...shocking. Palm Wit Ale was followed by Stiegl of Austria Franziskaner...some more of that South Houston popcorn & then some La Trappe Trappist ale. I then sampled some Brunswick Stew from The Little Red Pig w/some Abita Andygator & Butternuts Heinnieweisse (makers of Pork Slap). I had spied High West's booth earlier but was thrown off when I saw it is made in all of places ...Utah. While their bourbon was good it was their Silver that was one of the festivals surprises. I figured it t be moonshine but when a guy next to me was raving about it I figured I'd try it. Think the bourbon equivalent of a very good Silver Tequila like Patron or Milagro. I believe at this point I had a Smuttynose Bown Dog followed up by another High West Silver. With the show over....well sated with a good mellow buzz I pulled my jacket out from my backpack, filled it with my Torchbearer Tarnatation & Zombie Apocalypse hot sauces & t-shirt and walked right by the giant line of fellow Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival enthusiasts waiting for their coats & went on my merry way.
If dear reader you have any interest in any of the products sampled please look them up on the festivals website http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/show-info Of special note, I was able to speak with a lot of the chefs & vendors & everybody was great, friendly & very knowledgeable. Remember all... you can enjoy all the above as long as you do so in moderation...while staying in motion with few breaks...
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