The Return of Rococo Party: A Baroque Bash!
Where: teneleven, 171 Avenue C (btw. 10th and 11th Streets), East Village, NYC
When: Saturday, November 13, 8pm, performances at 9pm
The extravagance of 1770 rococo Paris meets the eclecticism of 2010 underground New York nightlife.
Think Amadeus, Marie Antoinette, the Marquis de Sade, etc… but with a thoroughly modern twist.
This 8th installment of the Party will feature fire-dancing, wire-walking, burlesque, performance art, feats of endurance, spectacles, live art, and live techno baroque rock music.
Powdered wigs, powdered faces, candelabras, masques, and big hair will all abound at the most baroque ball since the guillotine came down!
Featured Performances by:
Diviana Devour – Burlesque (www.divanadevour.com)
Anna Leah – Fire Dancing (anna.Jacobson.net)
Mike Richter – Wire-Walking
Adam the First Real Man - Human Blockhead (Facebook: Adam RealMan)
Miss Vivian – Burlesque/Performance Art (www.vivalavivian.com)
Snazz Mammoth – Electronic Baroque Cello Rock and Live Art (www.myspace.com/snazzmammoth)
Colorform - Music and Live Art (www.virb.com/colorform)
…and More!
10$ is the Cover. 5$ with Costume. Masks will be available.
BEST COSTUME wins a Prize!
Costumes encouraged, but certainly not required!
Check out pictures of previous parties:
By Gabi Porter, of Metromix:
http://newyork.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/essay_photo_gallery/return-of-rococo-a/1609240/content
By Lucas Jackson, of Reuters:
http://in.reuters.com/article/RCOMIN_ENT/idINRTXDEM8
By Eric Harvey Brown, of Time Out New York:
http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/tonyblog/2010/07/photos-return-of-rococo-party/
By Miss Maro, of the Village Voice:
http://www.villagevoice.com/slideshow/view/240565
By Ben Deibert:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjames/sets/72157613218215913/
For More Information:
www.returnofrococo.com
www.myspace.com/snazzmammoth
Tags:
costume,
East Village,
Nightlife
Lara also is founder and editor of Grits in the City
Homemade Eggplant Parmigiana with Pesto – Paprika
I’d been curious to try Paprika for a while. I was craving Italian, as well as something a little more gentle on the wallet, so Paprika was a perfect option. Somehow though (sadly) I missed an even better option – their prix fixe menu. Offered only from 5-7PM, you have an option of an appetizer and a main course. The appetizer selections include the soup of the day, tomato, mozzarella and basil, or arugula, pears, walnuts, and goat cheese. For your main course, you can choose from gnocchi with tomato and mozzarella, penne with braised vegetables and tomato, grilled chicken with arugula and tomato, and roasted Arctic char with spinach. Duly noted for the next visit.
Homemade Gnocchi – Paprika
To start, we shared the homemade eggplant parmigiana with pesto. The serving of eggplant was very generous, smothered in a tomato ragu topped with a thin touch of cheese. For mains, we each elected to order something different so we could try more of the menu. One friend ordered the butternut squash ravioli. I liked that the pasta was very thin and larger than typical ravioli, making the pasta less overwhelming in the balance of the dish. However, I did not find the butternut squash and its accompanying sauce to be especially flavorful or memorable. I would be curious to try other ravioli offerings they may have in the future. Another friend ordered the gnocchi, which was served with prosciutto, sage and a tomato sauce. I oftentimes find gnocchi to be too chewy and served too cold to boot. I really enjoyed theirs though. It was just the right consistency – somewhat soft and moist, but not a rubber-like texture. The sage paired nicely with the tomato sauce, giving it a bold, rich flavor.
Penne – Paprika
My favorite item though was my dinner selection, which sadly seems to not be listed on the menu and I’ve been unable to get them to confirm the exact name. The pasta is prepared fresh locally daily. It essentially was a basic penne prepared with a light tomato sauce, garlic, and chicken (click here for another view). I was originally torn among several other items on the menu when the server recommended this as her favorite. She said though it sounded simple, it really was her favorite thing on the menu. From our conversation, it seems the servers try most of the items on the menu – which is always helpful to customers looking for assistance in ordering. I think it was the simplicity that made this dish so good. The sauce was nothing crazy – no rare flavor combinations or odd ingredients present. But what it was though was extremely fresh – the flavor was very strong and natural. It was perfect when paired with a heaping portion of garlic (I love garlic, and this dish had slivers of garlic peppered throughout). The chicken was in very small bits, so you almost forgot it was there and it just blended into the pasta. Definitely a lesson that sometimes simple is the way to go.
Paprika – 110 St Marks Pl (between 1st Ave/Ave A) – 212.677.6563
Reservations Optional (Suggested at Peak Dining Hours)
Tags:
Accepts Reservations,
East Village,
Grits in the City,
Inexpensive,
italian,
lara ruth,
prix fixe,
Restaurant Reviews NYC,
St Marks
My First Shave
From 2000 – 2010, I’ve had my hair cut in one place: Astor Place Hairstylists. You descend the stairs into the basement of a building at 2 Astor Place, you tell the guy at the front desk you want a haircut, he looks around the large room for an open seat, points you in the right direction, you sit down and listen to the buzz of the hair trimmer for ten minutes while your locks fall to the floor, then you get a paper receipt that you bring to the front, and they charge you $15 bucks. It’s efficient, it’s cheap, it’s easy.
In contrast, my friend recently took the subway uptown and spent $80 at a trendy salon to get his head shaved. Shaved! I would have gladly done it for $40. Then again, I would have probably buzzed a funny word into the back of his head.
But last weekend, my girlfriend told me about a little place she’d heard good things about, somewhere between the chop shop and the palace of hair. Neighborhood Barbers, a men’s hair only joint on 9th street in the East Village. We walked up to it and I peered inside. Only a few chairs lined up in a place the size of a boxcar.
Normally, trusting my hair to somebody new would make me more nervous than a cat in a cactus patch, but the kudos posted on their window, from Playboy magazine and other respected men’s publications, gave me confidence. I felt even more at home when I discovered the latest Playboy magazine among their reading material. Kelly Brook = Hot. Although she’s way hotter in the movie Survival Island.
I felt so comfortable, in fact, that when I sat down in the barber chair and saw the guy next to me getting a shave with a straight razor… I asked my barber, Mike, for one too.
If you’ve never had another man’s soft, smooth fingers massage your face, you’re really missing out (this is not a sentence I thought I would ever type). I could feel years of tension melting away as the barber wrapped a hot towel around my face, took it off, and rubbed a cool shaving cream all over my furry chin. This must be the pleasure that women feel when they get a nice hot wax.*
*Update: I’m told that female hair removal is not as pleasant.
The idea of the barber holding the straight razor against my neck, having the power over my life, made my heart race, but eventually, I let the fear go, feeling a sense of peace overcome me after I finally trusted freely.
Mike did offer up a “facial massage machine,” for extra, but I thought that sounded a little sci-fi for my tastes. I’m just not comfortable with robots touching my face for some reason.
About the only thing I did wonder was how much everything would cost. I didn’t ask at the beginning.
I was shocked when the barber said $24 bucks. $24, for all that? Suddenly, Astor Place seemed expensive. Indeed, a regular cut was only $14 dollars here.
I was left with a good haircut and a chin as smooth as the day I was born, both things the girlfriend appreciated.
I think I found a new barber.
Tags:
barbers in nyc,
East Village,
haircuts,
hot shave
Lara also is founder and editor of Grits in the City
Seemingly just a few steps west on East 7th from another recent fondue fave, you’ll find my original go-to fondue location in Manhattan – the Bourgeois Pig. I’ve been here several times, the time prior being to take advantage of their special at the time (half priced bottles of wine from 5-7PM on Sundays). This time there was a new reason for returning – the promise of frozen fondue.
Cheese Fondue – Bourgeois Pig
We arrived as they opened at 6PM, which is my favorite time to go. The seating is cozy and if you arrive later, it can feel like you’re being squeezed in (if you’re lucky to find a seat at all). I’ve learned this is the best way to maximize your experience here. While it straddles the restaurant/lounge line, the atmosphere of the Bourgeois Pig is definitely more on the lounge side. The lighting grows dim as the hours wear on and the set up affords you the opportunity, if you are so lucky, of even dining up in their small elevated faux second tier in plush seating. All they need is a fire-place and it would be the perfect place to hole up come winter.
We started with their seasonally appropriate watermelon sangria. It was ceylon infused white wine, fresh watermelon, and cumin syrup. The combination made for a crisp light blend between fruit juice and wine, a nice occasional variation from the heavier brandy-based sangrias. We went with their Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan And Romano cheese fondue, which was prepared with rosemary, thyme, and oregano served with toasted bread, herbed potatoes, and a variety of vegetables (squash, red pepper, brussels sprouts, carrots) and fruits (grapes, strawberries, apple slices). The portion size was more than sufficient for a party of two and their herbed potatoes, naturally combined with the cheese fondue, is spot-on.
Death by Frozen Fondue – Bourgeois Pig
For dessert, we couldnt’ resist taking advantage of two of their seasonal dessert offerings - the ”Death by Frozen Fondue” and their champagne float. The frozen fondue was a dark chocolate “fondue” ice cream on top of thick cubes of chocolate cake, served with melted dark chocolate fondue topping, nuts, chocolate chips, fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream. It was very different from standard fondue – more of an upscale variation of a mix-and-match sundae. The dense chocolate cake was a nice addition and it still kept that customizable feel of fondue, even though there wasn’t a whole lot of dipping going on. While I definitely enjoyed this addition to the menu, I think next time I’d vote to return to the traditional melted chocolate version.
What was absolutely amazing though was the champagne float. It was literally champagne sorbet floating in a sea of champagne – with a strawberry strategically situated at the center. It was as if it were a root beer float, but forget the coke. Why not go straight to champagne? We spoke more with the manager on duty, inquiring as to how exactly one freezes champagne, and learned that the provider is actually a small local operation currently only supplying the Bourgeois Pig with their product. So the answer was we’re not telling.
Champagne Float – Bourgeois Pig
It’s this same provider who they source their sorbets for another seasonal offering, their frozen wine flight. This includes a flight of four wine sorbets - pinot noir, rose, champagne, and cabernet sauvignon – accompanied by grapes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, and blackberries. The provider, name unknown, may eventually be expanding but in the interim, I suggest giving the champagne float a try at the Bourgeois Pig. Perfect for this crazy summer heat we’ve been having. It seems this was originally a seasonal option but with the response they’ve had, who knows. Perhaps it’ll be around to stay.
Bourgeois Pig – 111 East 7th Street – 212.475.2246
Reservations Not Accepted
Tags:
Bourgeois Pig,
Cheese,
chocolate,
dessert,
East Village,
Fondue,
Grits in the City,
Restaurant Reviews NYC,
romantic,
Seasonal Menu,
Special Occasion
Where: teneleven, 171 Avenue C (btw. 10th and 11th Streets), East Village, NYC
When: Saturday, July 10, 8pm; performances at 9:30pm
Description:
The extravagance of 1770 rococo Paris meets the eclecticism of 2010 underground New York nightlife.
Think Amadeus, Marie Antoinette, the Marquis de Sade, etc… but with a thoroughly modern twist.
This 8th installment of the Party will feature burlesque, fire-dancing, feats of endurance, magic, juggling, belly-dancing, spectacles, live art, and live techno baroque rock music.
Powdered wigs, powdered faces, candelabras, masques, and big hair will all abound at the most baroque ball since the guillotine came down!
Check out pictures of previous parties:
By Gabi Porter, of Metromix
By Lucas Jackson, of Reuters:
By Miss Maro, of the Village Voice
By Ben Deibert
Featured Performances by:
Shane Gillen – Magic
Anna Leah – Fire and poi dancing
Kat Mandu- Burlesque
Serafina – Belly Fire Dancing
Miss Vivian – Burlesque/Performance Art
Snazz Mammoth – Electronic Baroque Cello Rock and Live Art
Colorform – Music and Live Art (www.virb.com/colorform
…and More!
10$ is the Cover. 5$ with Costume. Masks will be available. BEST COSTUME wins a Prize!
Costumes encouraged, but certainly not required!
For More Information:
www.returnofrococo.com
www.myspace.com/snazzmammoth
Tags:
Baroque,
East Village,
event,
Return of Rocco,
Teneleven
Taureau – East Village
Lara also is founder and editor of Grits in the City
I’ve already disclosed that East 7th Street between Avenue A and 1st Avenue is my favorite culinary stroll in the city. When I heard a new restaurant, Taureau, had been added into the mix, I couldn’t wait to try it out. Located only a mere few steps east from a fellow fondue establishment, the Bourgeois Pig, I was curious to see how this restaurant would differ. First of all, I learned that Taureau actually means “beef” in French, so clearly the beef fondue must be amazing. I was unfortunately there with my sister who doesn’t eat red meat, so I’ll have to save that for a subsequent visit. However, I can attest that the scent aggresively permeating the sidewalk in front of the restaurant’s doorway would indicate it can’t be anything but amazing. Read more »
Tags:
Beef,
Cheese,
chocolate,
dessert,
Didier Pawlicki,
Dish Buzz,
East 7th Street,
East Village,
Fondue,
french,
Grits in the City,
lara ruth,
NYC Restaurants,
reservations,
romantic
Where: teneleven, 171 Avenue C (btw. 10th and 11th Streets), East Village, NYC
When: Saturday, April 17, 8pm (peformances start at 9pm)
Description:
The extravagance of 1770 rococo Paris meets the eclecticism of 2010 underground New York nightlife.
Think Amadeus, Marie Antoinette, the Marquis de Sade, etc… but with a thoroughly modern twist.
This 7th installment of the Party will feature burlesque, fire-dancing, sword play, feats of endurance, magic, juggling, spectacles, vocal cartooning, live art, and live techno baroque rock music.
Powdered wigs, powdered faces, candelabras, masques, and big hair will all abound at the most baroque ball since the guillotine came down!
Check out pictures of previous parties:
By Gabi Porter, of Metromix:
http://newyork.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/essay_photo_gallery/return-of-rococo-a/1609240/content
By Lucas Jackson, of Reuters:
http://in.reuters.com/article/RCOMIN_ENT/idINRTXDEM8
By Miss Maro, of the Village Voice:
http://www.villagevoice.com/slideshow/view/240565
By Ben Deibert:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjames/sets/72157613218215913/
Featured Performances by:
Katy Antoinette – Juggling (www.myspace.com/katysandomenico)
Miss Em - Burlesque
Honor Amongst Thieves – Swords, Fire, Bed of Nails, and More! (www.HATsideshow.com)
Anna Jacobson – Fire and poi dancing (www.anna.jacobson.net)
Kat Mandu- Burlesque (www.myspace.com/kat_mandu22)
Pandora – Burlesque (www.myspace.com/pandoraburlyq)
Paula K - Burlesque/Performance Art (www.paulakohatsu.wordpress.com)
R. J. Williams – Mentalist (www.middletonowhere.com)
Zero Boy – Vocal Cartooning (www.zeroboy.com)
Snazz Mammoth - Electronic Baroque Cello Rock and Live Art (www.myspace.com/snazzmammoth)
Colorform - Music and Live Art (www.virb.com/colorform)
…and More!
10$ is the Cover. 5$ with Costume. Masks will be available.
BEST COSTUME wins a Prize!
Costumes encouraged, but certainly not required!
For More Information:
www.returnofrococo.com
[email protected]
www.myspace.com/snazzmammoth
Tags:
Baroque Bash,
East Village,
Events,
nyc,
The Return of Rococo Party
Permanent Brunch - East Village
I’d been hearing rumors of a new restaurant. It would be a magical land Manhattannites had only ever dreamed of where brunch never ended. None of this Sunday-maybe-we’ll-give-you-Saturday-but-that’s-it business. All week long. Nothing but brunch. Refreshing. But delays upon delays, it seemed to be an urban foodie myth until voilà! Out of nowhere, an opening date was set for the restaurant, Permanent Brunch, and it was definitely time for a visit.
I’d originally wanted to visit at brunch time on Friday, as part of the allure of the restaurant (to me) is brunch on your schedule. I was bummed to see no daytime hours on their schedule during the week. Only the weekend. How, dare I say, standard. But no worries, as I was still very curious. They are open until 11:30PM Monday through Wednesday and Sunday or until 3am on Thursday through Saturday. Read more »
Tags:
Bacon,
Bloody Marys,
Breakfast,
brunch,
Dish Buzz,
East Village,
lara ruth,
Late Night,
Manhattan,
Permanent Brunch
Matilda - East Village
A friend of mine had walked by Matilda and thought it looked like a cute spot to check out for brunch. We went ahead and made reservations, although it didn’t seem necessary when we arrived on that Sunday. I went online as I usually do to read a little about the restaurant and I just fell in love with the concept. The restaurant is owned by a couple and the menu is a cross between Tuscan and Mexican cuisine, based on the respective heritage of each the owners. The restaurant’s name, Matilda, is that of their daughter since they say on the website that they view the restaurant as their second “daughter”.
Read more »
Tags:
brunch,
coffee,
East Village,
Fusian,
italian,
latin,
Manhattan,
specials,
Tuscan
Awash, East Village
I’d only had Ethiopian food once in DC, but I instantaneously loved two things about it: the spicy nature of the foods, and the fact that eating with ones hands was not only allowed … but mandatory. Some friends and I opted to try Awash, a restaurant with one location downtown in the East Village (where we went) and one further uptown, close to Columbia University.
Read more »
Tags:
Appetizers,
Awash,
Dish Buzz,
East Village,
Ethiopian,
good for groups,
Inexpensive,
lara ruth
