Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Tipsy Parson

Tipsy Parson! Yay! A wonderful addition to the Manhattan Foodscape!

Guy and I feasted on a two salads last evening. I opted for the Country Ham salad with thinly sliced ham as the base of the salad and then a big bed or arugula on top. Delicious lemony mustard vinaigrette on top. Guy had the Celeriac Salad. We both had the fish dishes on the menu and chose well with the mac and cheese (with bacon-a must) and spicy grits!

Food is just as good at the bar. Service, attentive.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Hello from Long Island

Hello everyone,

Thank you for keeping up with my posts. I know I haven't put anything up in almost a month. This is the time of year when I recharge my soul at the beach and take pictures, try out new recipes, talk, laugh and love at the beach on Fire Island. This year Guy and I took a half share in a house in the Fire Island Pines. Have met so many interesting new friends and plan to meet more when I return on Saturday the 15th.

Friday, August 14, 2009, marks my sister's fifth wedding anniversary and the wedding of my dear friend Sharon to Karim. They are celebrating at the Giraffe Hotel (26th and Park Avenue South) with a party under the stars. Cannot wait to see what a beautiful bride she will make and how happy Karim will make her as he continues to do each day.

Saturday, August 15, 2009 is the return to the beach. Having breakfast with a buddy at 7:30 at Nussbaum and Wu before an 8:23 train to Sayville to connect with the 10:30 ferry to the beach.

Two weeks ago, met a group guy by the name of Bret Koehler who may help me out with my next venture in life. Thinking beach side cooking show. Starting out at the Pines and then travelling around the country and possibly the world. Post your comments.

Until then, I am writing to you from the beautiful campus of Adelphi University in Garden City where I work with 400 international students for an orientation to the United States of America with PAX (Program for Academic Exchange). pax.org

Have a great rest of the week.

Until the next time, keep your toes in the sand and allow for the sea breeze to keep your spirits high.

SMB

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Angelina's Pizza Bar

Broadway between 104 and 105, July 21, 2009.

815 pm. A sizable crowd of varied you and old, singles, families and a nice buzz throughout.

I ordered a gin and tonic (T&T) to start and perused the menu. Yummy selections for an anti paste, salads, pasta and then pizza both personal and regular with a choice of traditional or extra thin.

I chose the tomato salad which was described on the menu as having tomatoes and vidallia onions, basic and cucumber (vidallias were red onions tonight-but it was still delicious) a little salt, a little red paper flake and the seasoned olive oil that dressed the plate came to life. The basil made the dish. Surprise on the plate is what seemed to be toasted brioche as the toast points. While surprising delicious and decadent, not what I would suspect in a PIZZA shop!

As the crowds came and went, the atmosphere at the bar changed with a couple of "businessmen at the end having a Patron (tequila) on the rocks and an Absolut and Cranberry-both in wine glasses. I wanted to ask, "Who are you hiding from.

At approximately 850 music emerged above the chatter of the crowd as I waited for my personal, thin crust Nonna (mushrooms, artichokes). I ordered my second T&T.

Said to be their most popular pizza, the Nonna does not disappoint. Although it would have been better had the artichokes been baked on the pie, rather than tossed on as an after thought, the cheese was perfectly melted, the sauce perfectly balanced and the crust, as it should be in a wood burning oven, charred with flavor! A little parm, some red pepper flakes and a touch of salt, brought out the flavor in every bite. The bartender suggested the house red, a sangiovese which was a great compliment to the pie.

Let's look at dessert...

Dessert? Canoli's of course! Amazingly stuff and served with raspberries, blueberries, cocoa power, chocolate sauce and whipped cream! A nice short rocks glass of Frangelico accompanied my final course!

Met a lovely lady visiting from Perth, Australia who just happened to be in the neighborhood and staying by herself. She stumbled upon the establishment and came in for the lasagna. She thoroughly enjoyed it. As did I.

Off to home and bed. Well fed

Sunday, July 19, 2009

July 19, 2009, Fire Island Pines

Oh, the day was amazing yesterday. Started at the beach and finished at the beach. Just an amazing day. I have no other words to explain the day. XXOO GUY!!!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Fire Island Pines

Woke up this morning with my friend INSOMNIA and took my but to the beach. Check out the pictures on my facebook page of the sun rising over the houses on the East End of the Pines. An incredible start to what will be a good weekend. Missing my GUY on Fire Island. Please come and play with me.

XXOO

One Year Anniversary for Guy and I

Yay! WE made it to one year! Guy and I met at ELMO to celebrate our one year anniversary. Hello FROZEN POMEGRANITE MARGARITAs! Yummy. We secured a table out front and had a wonderful dinner after having been away from each over for almost a week. There is an unresolved issue that is affecting his time at the beach with me. But, let's focus on the current topic.

Sat down and mentioned to the manager that we were celebrating our one year anniversary and he sent his congratulations. The server asked us if we needed some time or had any questions. We ordered the Spring Rolls, deliciously wrapped vegetables with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Followed by two fish dishes from the menu, Guy: the roasted Mahi Mahi and Steven: Crab Salad on focaccia with FRENCH FRIES-you know I cannot resist them. Followed by a pecan chocolate brownie with pecan ice cream. Delicious. The manager sent over two glasses of prosecco to help us celebrate our anniversary. What a great dinner.

We will be back soon.

Then we went out and got our drink on and ended up at THE VIEW having frozen margaritas until 2 am. Ugh

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

July 4th Weekend, 2009

Just returned from seven glorious days at 590 Fire Island Boulevard in the Fire Island Pines. If you haven't visited or know anything about the Pines, it is a community comprised of homes inhabited by gay men who escape from the confines of city life and search for laughter and companionship.

Guy and I have taken a half share this summer. That means ten weeks during the summer alternating every other beginning Memorial Day. The weather this past weekend was incredible and we could not have asked for more. Guy chose to stay in the city and watch the fireworks over the Hudson River-commemorating the 400th anniversary of its' discovery.

I arrived on Thursday at 11:50 off the ferry after a quick express train out from Penn Station to Sayville. A quick five dollar/five minute shuttle ride and on the ferry I went. I arrived at the house with my ingredients to make the house snack: GUACAMOLE! Yummy. No cilantro in my, and lots of extra lime just to keep an extra day. Thursday night was low tea and then home to cook.

Friday was a day of leisure. A little shopping in town, some consuming of cocktails in the afternoon around the pool, pre tea and then enjoying the fantastic weather that was offered for us to enjoy our time out. Some other housemates joined on Friday and made for a night big meal at night.

Saturday (JULY 4th) the 34th annual Invasion of the Pines took place. In history, as I have heard it told, a group of drag queens boarded a ferry and hijacked it over from Cherry Grove to the Fire Island Pines on July 4th, 1975. The INVADED the all male gay clubs and caused a scene with their outlandish outfits and attitudes as big as their wigs. It was a blast. This year I did not attend. After so many years of hanging out in the harbor, I needed a break and relaxed by the pool at the house and took in a little reading. In the evening though, a housemate and I wearing the same t shirt invaded tea and had a blast saying LET'S HUG IT OUT! Lots of fun. Saw lots of familiar and STRANGE faces. And, some faces I have not seen in a really long time. RIBS for dinner late-I think we sat down around the table at 11:30 and laughed and ate until almost one a.m.

Sunday, Rick's birthday celebration cocktail party in the afternoon. About 2:10 in the afternoon there was a pull on the door and the gate opened to reveal friends with smiles and bathing suits reading to enjoy a libation around the deck outside the house. TEA followed and then dinner back at the house. Hello Sip N Twirl!!! Just went for a drink or two and to talk with some friends. Then back to bed.

Monday, a glorious day under the sun, allowed for another day of relaxation, reading and some pre coverage of the Michael Jackson Memorial Service that was to take place in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Nap time! A dip in the pool, a soak in the hot tub, show and then off to TEA for one drink and back to the house for dinner. Yummy.

Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm warning with heavy rain and winds up to 60 miles per hour. Watched the VIEW for a while and then outside to read until the storms present. Bright sun and then clouds until about 3 p.m. after hanging around the pool. Pack up the blackberry, my book, the cushions and bring down the umbrella before heading inside to catch the last few minutes of the Michael Jackson service. Touching. Symbolic. DEAD.
After the storm, which was really just rain for the most part, passed, a housemate and I walked down to the harbor to grab a drink at TEA and take a picture or two at sunset. Amazing sunset after a rainstorm. There are always clouds still in the sky. Took our drinks to CROWN and hung out with some friends and laughed about the events of the weekend. Then, back to the house to pack, heat up some leftovers and make time for sleep before catching the ferry in the am. I did manage to squeeze in a little pool before bedtime. Didn't win, but had a blast.

6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 time to get up. Put the egg dish in the oven and go back to bed for an hour. Up at 7:42 and a housemate had already helped themselves to the first piece. Not my best work by far, but needed a little nourishment before the long ride home. Closed up the house, said "SEE YA LATER" to the pool and headed down to the harbor. Ferry departed at 8:55 back to Sayville and was nicely returned to Manhattan by 11:10 by a housemate. We laughed and tried to get ready to return to reality.

Fire Island PINES: PARADISIO!!!!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Bistro Ten 18

After a long day at school and then working on the campus of Bank Street College of Education, one of my colleagues and dear friends from PS MS 31 in the Bronx with whom I work, surprised me in the technology office after her interview for the new Autism Program at BSC. We chatted for a while and then decided to grab something to eat. The Upper West Side, really? For food? I hopped on Opentable.com and checked out the offerings in the area. Every day, while taking the M4 bus from 110 and Lenox to Broadway I pass by Bistro Ten 18, which I always assumed was the address. Here is what we had.

A great experience. We were greeted at the front door with a smile and a chuckle. After reading my preferences, the server noted that they do not have any booths, but did offer a comfortable table by the window which we accepted. Menus and wine list were presented immediately and water was poured before asking preference-not a critique, just an observation. Rochelle and I looked over the menu and decided we were hungry but not famished. We decided on three items from the charcuterie (aged, dried Lamb, Ham and Chorizo) and the Mac and Cheese to have as our appetizers. Cornichons, pearl onions and olives with a spicy mustard (ala deli) accompanied the meats and delicious, warm bread arrived at the table.

Our main course consisted of a Gorgonzola burger on brioche with two sides: beer battered onion rings and their spiced fries with a spicy aioli and ketchup as dipping sauces. Delicious! For dessert, even though we shouldn't have, we ordered the Bistro Brownie Sundae with Vanilla Gelato, Chocolate Sauce and Rum Soaked Cherries. Yumo! Get there sometime soon. It was the perfect accompaniment to the laughter and conversation we shared over dinner. Energetic space with enough background noise to conceal your conversation and feel comfortable talking to the person next to you. If I tell you, I might have to kill you! Only kidding. Go there.

Bistro Ten 18
1018 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
Cross Street: 110th Street
212.662.7600

p.s. I left my water bottle for the gym behind and will be going back there before class tonight to retrieve it. Good times.

Monday, June 1, 2009

ROBBERY

After coming home following a long day at school, I made some guacamole and then decided to head to the gym (CRUNCH, West 83rd Street). Perhaps I will not go again on a Friday evening.

I entered the gym shortly after 7:00 p.m. Undressed, put my belongings in the locker and locked my lock. Hard workout:2 hours. At shortly after 9:00 p.m. I entered the locker room and took over my sweaty clothes and walked over to get a plastic bag to place them in before putting them in my JACK SPADE bag. I bumped into a guy in the locker room wearing a black button down shirt, dark pants and holding what looked to be an empty gym bag. He said excuse me and walked past me. I looked him straight in the eye. While I was placing my belongings in my locker, he was loitering in the back of the room, but I paid him no mind. I went to shower and came back to the lockers.

I noticed my shorts were wedged between the mirror and the bench and thought that was odd, since I had placed them in the locker before going to shower. I looked at my locker. The lock was torn off, the latch was busted and upon further observation, my debit card, blackberry and $300 in cash were missing. I know, stupid me for having that much cash, but I honestly forgot to leave it at home and it was in a safe place, so I thought. The police came and took a report. ATT was great about suspending my service and sending me a new phone (I SHOULD BE BACK IN BUSINESS TOMORROW (tuesday)). Citibank was great about sending me a new card and blocking my account.

Thank you Detective Galan for your help and hard work. I hope we get an arrest sometime this week... Now, I am wearing a fanny pack at the gym. NOT SO MUCH! Good times.

Spring Carnival, Bronx, NY (PS MS 31)

The staff of PS MS 31 in the South Bronx hosted the third annual Spring Carnival to celebrate our school community on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 12:30-5:00. The event was well attended by students and their families and staffed by school teachers, aids, school counselors and employees of the Department of Education who work at the school. I was proud to have my parents attending this year. What a blast!

Steven

Havana Central, Union Square

I made a reservation on OPENTABLE.Com to celebrate the belated birthday of my sister (30 years old) and to get a chance to to OUT with my sis. It was an amazing night. We had 7:15 reservations, so of course, as those of you know me, I was early. I sat at the bar and had an amazing Blackberry (boy do I miss mine-story to come) Margarita while I waited for sister to arrive. She arrived promptly at 7:15

We sat and as we are both creatures of habit, we had both looked at the menu the night before on line. Good times. We are definitely related! I ordered a blackberry mojito and my sister a cranberry and ginger ale-she was driving although she did have a taste and enjoyed my sugar cane stick! We decided on the lobster stuffed avocado and plantains and guacamole to munch on before our main courses. Sandi ordered the Paella and the Oxtail Stew for myself. Yumo! (YES, I CANNOT STAND RACHEL RAY!).

Then, when we were finished, we considered looking at the dessert menu. And waited... And Waited... AND WAITED... INTRODUCE SINGING AND CANDLE AND FLAN! I had mentioned in my opentable reservation that we were celebrating my sister's birthday. Four servers came out and sang at the top of the lungs-embarrassed? Not a chance. Have you met my sister and I? LOL!

The bill did not break that bank and we had a great time. Head to Havana Central when you have a chance. The Upper West Side location in the West End building has live music and a great bar scene. Union Square has a small bar in the window/entrance and the Times Square location is also busy. Check it out!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Saturday May 16, 2009

After surviving the night at REM for a sleep study to address my snoring and perhaps the presence of Sleep Apnea, I headed downtown to have breakfast at the University Diner on University Place and East 12th Street down the street from my gym: CRUNCH. Smoked salmon, pickled peppers, black olives, shaved Spanish onions along with sauerkraut and cream cheese were perfect accompaniments to the toasted bagel. Two poached eggs were added to the dish: I WAS HUNGRY.

I am back on my arm and back/butt regime at the gym. They will hurt tomorrow, just in time to walk for AIDS Walk NYC. Wish me luck.

Brunch at LIPS tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Stay tuned for pictures and a review to follow.

All my best,

Steven

Friday, May 8, 2009

TRESTLE on TENTH, NYC

GO GO GO!!!

The mussels in a garlic, gruner broth were amazing. I could have had another bowl and called it dinner.

The HALIBUT with fiddlehead ferns. YUMMY

Drinks were good, attentive and responsive staff and a great vibe. Let's plan a party here.

Steven

KLEE, NYC

In as few words as possible: JUST RUN!!!

We waited 27 minutes for a round of cocktails and then the waiter wasn't even interested in taking our order. The couple seated next to us said they waited almost 40 minutes for their sorbet. When it came, it wasn't what they ordered.

We downed our drinks, paid the check and went to TRESTLE on TENTH for dinner.

YUMMY

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Glad it is May

May means so many things to me:
The true beginning of Spring and then comes summer
Less than 40 school days until the beginning of summer recess
The end of the spring semester of Grad School
My BIRTHDAY! (MAY 14th)
Mother's Day-the day I was born
The beginning of the summer share at the beach (590 FIB, Fire Island Pines)
Love is in the air.

What about you?

Please add your comments on what the month of May means to you.

Looking forward to your comments.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Counting Down the Days

Hello all,

It has been a crazy few weeks with school projects and papers coming due at the half semester mark. Today I officially begin the 5 day countdown to my departure to the south lands. Looking forward to relaxing, sticking my toes in the sand and enjoying some LOW COUNTRY SOUTHERN cooking with Guy.

XXOO

GUY!!!

Mr. B

Thursday, March 12, 2009

ALMOND, NYC

Hello all,

Welcome back! Monday night Guy and I had a wonderful dinner Monday night at Almond, a friend's restaurant of the same name as the one situated on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton, New York. Just as we love it there, we love it here.

We started with a drink at the bar, after I was a little late because of skip stop subway fiasco. Maker's Mark Manhattan before I sat got the edge off before dinner.

Eric came over with a big smile after having returned from the movies and then we were seated at a great table in the corner of the restaurant. Pomegranate Martini's started the meal before we ordered.

Appetizers: Steamed Artichoke with Four Dipping Sauces and Salt Cod Fritters. Both yummy.

Entrees: Grilled Scallops and Roasted Monkfish with Manila Clams and PEI Mussels.

No dessert this time, but wait until we come back; SOON!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

BOTTINO with DINE OUT WINE OUT

Looking forward to joining the boys for a prix-fixe dinner tonight at BOTTINO. There will be a review of the evening and possibly some photos to follow tomorrow. Please stay tuned!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Revolutionary Road

Amazing psychodrama. What would happen to you if you bought into the theory or thought that life has to end in the suburbs and you have to 'settle down?" Some of us might commit suicide while others of us may try and escape to a place where we can "feel alive" again and truly "experience life" on all that it is supposed to be. What is next for us all? Life? Living? Depression? Isn't it wonderful to be able to say what is on your mind all of the time than wrestle with your emotions to save face? I think so. Go and see this movie is you are a citizen of the world and have a need for clarity in your life. Do not wait and do not collect $200 dollars when you pass go this time around. Get yourself to the movies and see Revolutionar Road. You will not be sorry.

I truly enjoyed the struggle of the man with his temptations both physical and inhis career. Although Kate Winslet will be up for an Academy Award for her performance as the troubled housewife, Leonardo DiCaprio performan an equally compelling role as the perplexed husband wanting to provide for his family while working with the boys cluib at work. Bravo to both!!!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Tutto Il Giorno, Sag Harbor

Upon a second visit to this Sag Harbor village gem, I felt the need to put fingers to keys and pen a review for all to know. Driving north on Rt. 114 from East Hampton to Sag Harbor, you pass miles and acres of farm land, pine trees and homes, mostly empty because of the weather and time of year. When you arrive in Sag Harbor, just over the hill into town, you notice Christmas tree decorations, movement and the hope of some kind of human activity. We found this activity at Tutto Il Giorno on the Eve of New Year's Eve.

I noticed the lights on the sign hanging on the front of the building and said to Guy, "MAKE A LEFT!" We turned around and made our way to a welcoming sight; people laughing, a roaring fireplace and a few friendly faces who would bring us wonderful food and wine during the next ninety minutes.

Dinner started with rock shrimp and calamari lightly fried with a marinara dipping sauce and beef carpaccio with caper berries, cheese crisp and shredded zucchini. Entrees included grilled swordfish with caramelized cauliflower and micro greens and the wonderful rigatoni with sweet sauce, peas, carrots in a light red sauce. Yummy. Dessert complimented the meal with a light, fluffy pana cotta served coated with raspberry sauce and chiffonade of fresh mint. Yummy. Find this place and go. TAKE US WITH YOU!

Happy New Year!

From Mr. B in NYC!