Wishing you, your friends and your family a very safe and Happy New Year.
2010 is over, so it’s time to look forward and start fresh.
neighborbee is going to launch a new site in early 2011… Stay tuned for more details!
All the best,
-neighborbee
Tags:Happy New Year
Wishing you and your family a very happy and safe Holiday!
Tags:Happy Holidays 2010
PRESENTS
IN
H.G. WELLS’ THE TIME MACHINE
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY DAN BIANCHI
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!
DECEMBER 12-29 @ THE RED ROOM
Blast off with the Drama Desk nominated Radiotheatre and their new live stage version of the most influential science fiction story of all time…H.G.Wells’ THE TIME MACHINE! Complete with a great cast of storytellers, an elaborate soundscape, and an original orchestral score!
THE TIME MACHINE will feature Frank Zilinyi and Aleksandra Sczczepanowska with Original Music and Sound Design by Dan Bianchi and Sound Engineering by Wes Shippee.
The production, presented by Horse Trade Theater Group and Radiotheatre will play at The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery), December 14-19, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 at 8pm with matinee performances December 12 & 19 at 3pm. Tickets ($20/$15 students & seniors) are available by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.horseTRADE.info.
Tags:Horse Trade Theater
Lara is also founder and editor of Grits in the City
I recently signed up to opt on for Foodbuzz’s Tastemaker Program for Hickory Farms for the chance to try some of their gift basket selections. I’m sure you’ve had Hickory Farms, haven’t you? Smokey summer sausage? Variety of basic cheeses? An edge added to the above by a perfect hot mustard?
The week prior to the week of Thanksgiving, a massive box arrived into my office, the contents of which I was quick to hide to ensure they didn’t mysteriously disappear. Inside, I found three logs of summer sausage, two mustards (honey pineapple and hot and spicy), two boxes of crackers, and four cheeses:
I’m not sure about you, but Hickory Farms is a name I know well. I remember being five years old, bright-eyed, watching people hustling around during the holidays, and off in the distance, I’d see the Hickory Farms store. At the time, there was actually a large store in the mall – something which has since been replaced by a stand in the center of the mall. I loved the store for its smell. It’s bright displays and friendly workers. And, of course, the abundant supply of free samples. What can I say? They won my heart for life. If I think of a log of summer sausage, I think of Hickory Farms.
And so what did my family and I snack on over Thanksgiving? Hickory Farms beef and cheese. What have I been using as a snack and/or dinner after holiday affairs until Christmas (confident I don’t truly need to buy groceries until after)? You got it. Hickory Farms.
Gotta love a company that continues to deliver over the years! I have to say, think my favorite is the cheddar/havarti blend and that spicy mustard. Add a sliver of beef, and it’s just perfect.
Tags:food reviews nyc, FoodBuzz, Grits in the City, Hickory Farms
Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing: Remember seeing this in theaters? Click to view.
Spike Lee is stopping by The powerHouse Arena to sign copies of Spike Lee: Do The Right Thing, a new book that celebrates the 20th anniversary of the film’s seminal debut. Spike Lee: Do The Right Thing is an unprecedented, insider’s look at the film, with behind-the-scenes visuals and interviews celebrating the impact of Do The Right Thing on American culture.
Do The Right Thing remains one of the most controversial films of its era. Employing Lee’s hometown of Brooklyn as the essential setting, this explosive film masterfully explores race and class relationships.
Both a critical and popular success, Do The Right Thing became a landmark film that brought serious issues in the African American community to light and established Lee as a major director in American cinema. Lee also wrote the screenplay, produced, and even starred in this deeply personal film, which was applauded for its commanding visuals provided by cinematographer Ernest Dickerson, intense performances by an all-star cast, and an assertive soundtrack featuring Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.”
The film is even credited with bringing President Barack Obama and the First Lady together on their first date!
Spike Lee appears at the powerHouse Arena Bookstore (37 Main Street, Brooklyn) on Thursday. December 16 at 7:00 p.m. Pre-order your signed copy here.
Tags:Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee, The powerHouse Arena
Lara is also founder and editor of Grits in the City
A Southern friend of mine was in town this week for a meeting, so I figured it was a perfect time to try Mason Jar. Armed with my 30% off code from Blackboard Eats, I made us reservations. For Monday. Monday night. As in Monday Night Football. No, I don’t watch professional football. I don’t care about NFL. I care about three other letters – SEC, as in Southeastern Conference (not Securities and Exchange Commission). If you are like me, MNF is not the right time to go to a restaurant like this, which is basically more of a sports bar.
They did have an excellent selection of Southern cocktails. There was their Arnold Palmer, which was sweet tea vodka, sour mix, and a splash of soda. There was the Mint Julep, made up of Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves. I was also intrigued by the Mason Jar Manhattan, which was Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, raspberry liquor, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The specialty drinks were $10-$11. Their Mint Julep was good, but a tad on the watery side. I liked the crushed ice, but the mint was a tad to subtle for my liking. Hard to knock them though since they at least offer it at all – and in a mason jar to boot.
Fried Pickles – The Mason Jar
We started off with some appetizers. I’d been gazing longingly at the fried pickles, so those were a must have, as were the pulled pork egg rolls. They were the more unique offerings they had available. The fried pickles were my favorite. I’ve only ever seen them at Southern Comfort on the Upper East Side. Mason Jar’s version was very lightly breaded, cooked to a point where they were slightly crispy. They were also very thin and were of varying degrees of thickness – confirming what I suspected. Homemade. Served with Ranch dressing, how could they not be amazing? (Note: the menu noted horseradish mayo. Perhaps we lucked out, because we definitely weren’t served mayo). The pulled pork eggrolls were pulled pork in a homemade BBQ sauce with scallion & a hint of jalapeño. There were four pieces, just perfect for sharing. The pork was nicely seasoned and the BBQ sauce had a smoky flavor contrasted nicely to the jalapeño.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken – Mason Jar
For our main dishes, we ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and the mac ‘n cheese. I’d read good things about the fried chicken, which was served with buttermilk gravy, mashed potatoes, and jalapeño cornbread. Sadly aside from the cornbread, I wasn’t impressed with any of it. The chicken had no flavor. Instead of being juicy, it was watery and plain runny. The breading had no flavor, which was the same for mashed potatoes. I prefer mine to be slightly less salty, but I question if their kitchen had salt. Not usually a fan of gravy, I was left questioning what the white drizzle was – because that wasn’t gravy. I understand it was made from buttermilk, but so is my mama’s… this version? No flavor. Just a mechanism to further water down the chicken. Very disappointing.
The mac ‘n cheese was made using elbow macaroni which was tossed in a beer cheese sauce, then baked with panko bread crumbs. The portion size was very generous and overall, I’d say the dish was very cheesy. As opposed to most of the versions I’ve had lately, the cheese was not light and milky. It was definitely of a thicker, heavier variey – something which I’ve yet to encounter. It was actually a nice change. it seemed a very appropriate choice for a bar twist on the standard. In some parts, the bread crumbs were downright burned, but for the most part, it was just light-to-medium browned, adding the perfect topping to the dish. I’d definitely say skip the chicken and go for the mac (or maybe something else on the menu?).
While I expected the restaurant to be more bar than high level restaurant, I was expecting a bit more from the menu. I’ve been very impressed with the level of food you can find in many bars in the city (kudos to the likes of the Redhead). By the end of the evening, I was disappointed by not only the food but the inability to conduct a conversation without yelling at my friend. I’d probably come back again to watch a football game as it’s relatively open and well set-up for that. I’d have some fried pickles (or another appetizer, since that’s where Mason Jar really excels) and find a seat at the bar. However, this might be my one and only dinner outing here.
Mason Jar – 43 East 30th St (b/w Park & Madison Aves) – 212.213.3587
Reservations Accepted
Tags:Dish Buzz, lara ruth, Mason Jar, midtown, Restaurant Reviews NYC, southern, Sports
Attendees at the dot429 Networking Brunch.
I was running late as usual. To add insult to injury, the Q train detoured to the R line, so that added 6 more stops before reaching Canal St. I was already a bit apprehensive about going to one of those “professionals networking things,” so the detour made it worse. I bought a ticket to the Dot429 gay professionals networking brunch to maybe make some contacts and further a catering design business aspiration. I was out $35 bucks so I had better make the most of it!
I made my way to the Tribeca Grand Hotel, but for someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time in that area, I wasn’t sure where I was going. The building address is 2 Avenue of the Americas, but there’s no clear marking. I passed it twice before I realized I was in the right place. I walked in and was immediately greeted by someone who asked if I was there for the brunch. I thought to myself, “it’s that obvious huh?” but gave the guy my coat and proceeded to where the shindig was jumpin off.
Part of the spread
They had quite the spread. For someone involved in catered events, I was impressed. There was everything from lox and bagels, to an omelet and fresh waffle station to shrimp cocktail and oysters on the half shell. In order to get up the nerve to chat with people, I figured I would chow down first. I made a plate and sat right in the middle of where a group of guys were talking. There was barely enough room for my plate and the few empty glasses already there.
Leave it to the booze to get the party started. I was going to get rid of the empty plate and passed someone who looked very familiar and had a very familiar looking name-tag. Belly full and with one good sangria down
Sangria
the hatch, I had no problem going right up to him to tell him I would be back to talk once I had gotten rid of the plate. Turns out I had been chatting with this fella named Todd (my name too) on one of the social sites for weeks. It was the first time I’d ever seen him in person. That started the ball rolling.
My new buddy Todd (shaved head & glasses)
After we got acquainted, Todd introduced me to this cute Brazilian guy named Helios that has a new catering business with his boyfriend called Indulge by Bene. How’s about that! I got what I came for. I won him over with my stories of visiting Brazil during Carnival season and my samba skills. We made plans to meet sometime the following week. I continued to exchange biz cards and chat with lots of different guys from different lines of work but the catering hook-up was the most relevant for me.
Since I had achieved what I came out for, I figured I would have fun the rest of the time – afterall, there were some pretty choice dudes in attendance. So I grabbed another sangria and got busy. All I really had to do to was put myself in the circle where Todd and some other guys were standing. I had already tried the stationary brunch spread, now I could just stand there and sample from the passing man buffet before me.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
The party started to whine down, so I wanted to take advantage of the great dessert spread available. The whole circle shifted to the dessert table so I could continue to schmooze. I had forgotten to get a fork so Todd went and got one for me. I gave him a little ‘thank you’ peck on the cheek. Think I’ll stay in touch with that one.
Properly schmoozed and boozed, I grabbed my coat and told everyone on the way out, “what a great time I had.” Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon window shopping around Soho with a great buzz and a job prospect.
Tags:canal street, dot429 networking brunch, Q train, tribeca grand hotel
The Big Hawaiian – Posto
Lara is also founder and editor of Grits in the City
Posto, oh Posto,
With your perfect thin crust.
I know when I plan an outting to you,
Your delivery will never be a bust.
Starting with a salad, I know,
The spinach is a must.
Unless it’s the summertime when you get all seasonal,
Before you return back to the staple I know so well & trust.
For the main, it’s a toss up.
What will the day bring?
The Big Pineapple is always a hit,
Though cheese with the spicy sausage? ‘Tis my favorite thing.
And if I need a little extra something something
To add a little more zing
It’s hard to pass up a glass (or a bottle, if need permits)
Of their Montepulciano – at only $20 a bottle, even your wallet will sing.
Not always, but sometimes,
You’ve got an insatiable urge to end the meal with something sweet.
Once you’ve tried their warm chocolate brownie or warm Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Your willpower will have nothing to do but admit defeat.
-
I’ve posted a review of Posto before on here, but couldn’t resist sharing the above I just submitted over on Yelp. A pizza poem. Who doesn’t like that?
Tags:lara ruth, Pizza, Poem, Yelp grits in the city
