I should try to get the article because I am dying to know who waved at the man dressed as a Snickers bar, the woman in the sumo wrestler suit or her ex-girlfriend. Pronouns can be so confusing.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Too Good Not To Share
My friend, Chris, sent this to me and I thought it was too good not to share:
I should try to get the article because I am dying to know who waved at the man dressed as a Snickers bar, the woman in the sumo wrestler suit or her ex-girlfriend. Pronouns can be so confusing.
I should try to get the article because I am dying to know who waved at the man dressed as a Snickers bar, the woman in the sumo wrestler suit or her ex-girlfriend. Pronouns can be so confusing.
Friday, June 25, 2010
No More CNN
Good Lord, CNN has been going down hill for a long time, but I thought they were starting to improve when they got rid of Lou Dobbs after his program became more of an anti-immigration rant than a bonafide news program.
Then today I turn on their morning news show only to be presented with a lengthy promo for a future piece by Soledad Obrien about, well, this is a bit confusing. A gay couple, two men, who want to have a baby and have found a woman who is willling to donate her eggs so they can fulfill their dream. I guess there must be a surrogate mother somewhere in the mix.
Now I don't object to the subject matter of Gary And Tony Have A Baby, and if Soledad O'brien wants to tell the story of "a gay couple's journey to have a baby," so be it. I probably won''t be tuning in though because the subject matter is of little interest to me. Oh, and by the way, I am sure after all of the coverage their child will, of course, have a perfectly "normal" life. Anyone see a reality show in the works?
What I do object to is a large part of CNN's morning news show being a Soledad O'Brien interview (repeated over and over) with the couple. The interview was obviously just being used just to promote the show at the expense of real news. CNN's morning show used to be one of my favorite news shows to watch, but now it has devolved into something considerably less, in my opinion.
Then, in the What can they possibly be thinking? department, CNN has decided that it would be a good idea to have Elliot Spitzer co-host an evening program. You might remember Elliot Spitzer, he resigned as Governor of New York as a result of his escapades with a prostitute coming to light and then being threatened with impeachment. Why CNN thinks this is some kind of a positive addition to their staff is beyond me, but I can assure you that I will not be watching this program, which airs during prime time.
I might still tune into The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. I can never get enough of Jack Cafferty. But I can watch that on CNN's International station which is much better. And I love Richard Quest on Quest Means Business.
Then today I turn on their morning news show only to be presented with a lengthy promo for a future piece by Soledad Obrien about, well, this is a bit confusing. A gay couple, two men, who want to have a baby and have found a woman who is willling to donate her eggs so they can fulfill their dream. I guess there must be a surrogate mother somewhere in the mix.
Now I don't object to the subject matter of Gary And Tony Have A Baby, and if Soledad O'brien wants to tell the story of "a gay couple's journey to have a baby," so be it. I probably won''t be tuning in though because the subject matter is of little interest to me. Oh, and by the way, I am sure after all of the coverage their child will, of course, have a perfectly "normal" life. Anyone see a reality show in the works?
What I do object to is a large part of CNN's morning news show being a Soledad O'Brien interview (repeated over and over) with the couple. The interview was obviously just being used just to promote the show at the expense of real news. CNN's morning show used to be one of my favorite news shows to watch, but now it has devolved into something considerably less, in my opinion.
Then, in the What can they possibly be thinking? department, CNN has decided that it would be a good idea to have Elliot Spitzer co-host an evening program. You might remember Elliot Spitzer, he resigned as Governor of New York as a result of his escapades with a prostitute coming to light and then being threatened with impeachment. Why CNN thinks this is some kind of a positive addition to their staff is beyond me, but I can assure you that I will not be watching this program, which airs during prime time.
I might still tune into The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. I can never get enough of Jack Cafferty. But I can watch that on CNN's International station which is much better. And I love Richard Quest on Quest Means Business.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What A Sport
I headed out to Staten Island the other day to see my beloved Coney Island Cyclones fall to the hated Staten Island Yankees. Oh well, the day was nice, the food was almost free, and the beer wasn't bad. They had Blue Moon which is a credible Belgian White style brew, but I couldn't find any Brooklyn Brewery products, even though I saw a couple of their signs.
After the game I stopped at the nearby Ruddy And Dean.
Ruddy And Dean
Having already filled up on "free" (well, included in the price of the ticket) food at the game I was able to resist ordering here. They do have a display of aged beef, and a few people were chowing down on tasty looking steaks. I just sidled up to the bar and tried to blend in with the crowd as I had a Margarita with neon-green radioactive looking salt.
Just Blending In
I like wearing this outfit when I go to a Cyclones game, especially if my little neice is going to be there. She is a die-hard Staten Island Yankees fan and it embarasses her to be seen with me, for some reason.
Yesterday I headed out early to watch the World Cup. I had planned on going to Brazen Head, which usually opens early for these events.
Brazen Head
I had scouted the place earlier when I went to pick up the morning papers and they were pretty explicit about saying they would be open at 9:00 AM.
No Ambiguity Here
At about ten minutes to nine the door did open and I started to enter saying that I would be the first customer of the day. Well, no. They were just cleaning up and I was told that they wouldn't be opening until 10:00 AM. When I pointed out the sign I just got a shoulder shrug and was told the bartender hadn't showed up and the sign was wrong.
It Was Not To Be
Oh well, I knew a couple other bars not far away that would be showing the game and opening early. I opted for The Atlantic Chip Shop where a crowd was already gathering.
The Early Crowd
It looked kind of like a methadone clinic, but I guess an addict is an addict and these people were obviously World Cup addicts. Well, except for the Mysterious Chinese Woman who was just keeping an eye on me.
As the crowd grew and became more lively the methadone clinic ambience quickly faded.
Showing Their Colors
Not that I am a big England fan, but I opted to have my picture taken with the prettier of the flag bearers.
She Even Had A Cute British Accent
The Chip Shop didn't open until 9:30 AM, but that was still half-an-hour earlier than Brazen Head. And I got here early enough to get a place in the crowd close to the dooor.
At Least Their Sign Was Correct
And the crowd did continue to grow.
Lot's Of People Skipping Work
They were showing both the England/Slovania and the U.S.A./Algeria games. To the owner's of Chip Shop's credit, they did relegate the England game to the screen in the back. Not to their credit were the fact that all of the seats at the bar and at the tables closest to the TV's were reserved for their friends or regulars. Oh well, we had pretty decent seats so no real complaints.
A Full House
Given the limited staff that was on duty the service was quick and efficient. Especially so because a lot of people were having breakfast and beer. I opted for a heathy sausage sandwich and a Scotch egg, a hard boiled egg coated with a lardy sausage and served cold. I figured the beers would cut the chloresteral. And I had a Speckled Hen followed up with Tetley's Ale. Two mighty fine brews, even if they were served in plastic pint glasses.
The game was pretty exciting and it almost looked like the U.S.A. was going to get hosed again by a bad call. They had one goal called back due to a non-existent off-sides. But despite a lot of shots at the goal, other than that one nothing was going in.
And then, pandemonium. In those minutes that somehow mysteriously get tacked on to the clock, Landon Donovan kicked one in and the U.S.A. was on its way to the next round.
Man Hugs All Around
It was pretty exciting, too. England had already won their game and if the U.S.A. had just tied they would have been eliminated. Now I will grant you that "soccer" is still catching on in the United States, but this was as passionate a crowd as I have ever seen watching a sporting event at a bar.
It was just a bit past noon and the Waterfront Ale House, which didn't open early for the game, was open now. That seemed like a good place to wind down with a beer and shot of Van Gogh double espresso.
Just Chillin' Out
It was a very good day and the Mysterious Chinese Woman said she was glad she followed me around. Probably because she got to order chicken wings.
On Saturday there will be a bit of a dilemma. I am supposed to be going to Chinatown for dim sum to celebrate a Mysterious Sister-In-Law's birthday. Then a whole crowd is coming back here for an ice-cream cake. Somehow, watching the game with a house full of ice-cream cake hyper-energized little kids and in-laws won't be quite the same as catching it at a bar.
After the game I stopped at the nearby Ruddy And Dean.
Ruddy And Dean
Having already filled up on "free" (well, included in the price of the ticket) food at the game I was able to resist ordering here. They do have a display of aged beef, and a few people were chowing down on tasty looking steaks. I just sidled up to the bar and tried to blend in with the crowd as I had a Margarita with neon-green radioactive looking salt.
Just Blending In
I like wearing this outfit when I go to a Cyclones game, especially if my little neice is going to be there. She is a die-hard Staten Island Yankees fan and it embarasses her to be seen with me, for some reason.
Yesterday I headed out early to watch the World Cup. I had planned on going to Brazen Head, which usually opens early for these events.
Brazen Head
I had scouted the place earlier when I went to pick up the morning papers and they were pretty explicit about saying they would be open at 9:00 AM.
No Ambiguity Here
At about ten minutes to nine the door did open and I started to enter saying that I would be the first customer of the day. Well, no. They were just cleaning up and I was told that they wouldn't be opening until 10:00 AM. When I pointed out the sign I just got a shoulder shrug and was told the bartender hadn't showed up and the sign was wrong.
It Was Not To Be
Oh well, I knew a couple other bars not far away that would be showing the game and opening early. I opted for The Atlantic Chip Shop where a crowd was already gathering.
The Early Crowd
It looked kind of like a methadone clinic, but I guess an addict is an addict and these people were obviously World Cup addicts. Well, except for the Mysterious Chinese Woman who was just keeping an eye on me.
As the crowd grew and became more lively the methadone clinic ambience quickly faded.
Showing Their Colors
Not that I am a big England fan, but I opted to have my picture taken with the prettier of the flag bearers.
She Even Had A Cute British Accent
The Chip Shop didn't open until 9:30 AM, but that was still half-an-hour earlier than Brazen Head. And I got here early enough to get a place in the crowd close to the dooor.
At Least Their Sign Was Correct
And the crowd did continue to grow.
Lot's Of People Skipping Work
They were showing both the England/Slovania and the U.S.A./Algeria games. To the owner's of Chip Shop's credit, they did relegate the England game to the screen in the back. Not to their credit were the fact that all of the seats at the bar and at the tables closest to the TV's were reserved for their friends or regulars. Oh well, we had pretty decent seats so no real complaints.
A Full House
Given the limited staff that was on duty the service was quick and efficient. Especially so because a lot of people were having breakfast and beer. I opted for a heathy sausage sandwich and a Scotch egg, a hard boiled egg coated with a lardy sausage and served cold. I figured the beers would cut the chloresteral. And I had a Speckled Hen followed up with Tetley's Ale. Two mighty fine brews, even if they were served in plastic pint glasses.
The game was pretty exciting and it almost looked like the U.S.A. was going to get hosed again by a bad call. They had one goal called back due to a non-existent off-sides. But despite a lot of shots at the goal, other than that one nothing was going in.
And then, pandemonium. In those minutes that somehow mysteriously get tacked on to the clock, Landon Donovan kicked one in and the U.S.A. was on its way to the next round.
Man Hugs All Around
It was pretty exciting, too. England had already won their game and if the U.S.A. had just tied they would have been eliminated. Now I will grant you that "soccer" is still catching on in the United States, but this was as passionate a crowd as I have ever seen watching a sporting event at a bar.
It was just a bit past noon and the Waterfront Ale House, which didn't open early for the game, was open now. That seemed like a good place to wind down with a beer and shot of Van Gogh double espresso.
Just Chillin' Out
It was a very good day and the Mysterious Chinese Woman said she was glad she followed me around. Probably because she got to order chicken wings.
On Saturday there will be a bit of a dilemma. I am supposed to be going to Chinatown for dim sum to celebrate a Mysterious Sister-In-Law's birthday. Then a whole crowd is coming back here for an ice-cream cake. Somehow, watching the game with a house full of ice-cream cake hyper-energized little kids and in-laws won't be quite the same as catching it at a bar.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Nothing Says Beer Like...
Well, like Oktoberfest and Australians. And what could be better than drinking beer with a bunch of Australians at Oktoberfest?
I have mentioned the Thirsty Swagman before in this blog. They sponsor what one can only say are extreme beer drinking experiences. And they have one coming up with room for another two or three people. If I hadn't already made plans for a river cruise that includes visits to Berlin and Prague early in September I would seriously consider going myself.
Kenneth Hart, one of the organizers, sent me an email saying they had openings for two or three more people, so this is your chance to have what might be the ultimate Oktoberfest experience.
Check it out at http://oktoberfestpubcrawl.com/
I have already decided that I am going to be joining them next year. The Mysterious Chinese Woman isn't so sure, but I have the vague feeling she wouldn't let me go alone.
Even if you don't plan on going you should check out the Thirsty Swagman website, it is a hoot. And if it doesn't make you thirsty for a beer there is something wrong with you.
http://www.thirstyswagman.com/
There is a fairly new Australian bar not far from me, Sheep Station, that I popped into the other day for a nice Coopers Sparkling Ale. Australian beers, other than Fosters which is about as Australian as Budweiser, are not that easy to find so I look forward to visiting Sheep Station again in the not too distant future. The food looked good as well and the people at the bar I talked to said it tasted as good as it looked.
The bartender, obviously Australian himself, was very friendly as was the crowd. I would have liked to have lingered longer, but the Mysterious Chinese Woman tracked me down and hauled me out so we could meet my neice and a couple of her friends across the street for dinner at Ghenet, an Ethiopian restaurant.
I have mentioned the Thirsty Swagman before in this blog. They sponsor what one can only say are extreme beer drinking experiences. And they have one coming up with room for another two or three people. If I hadn't already made plans for a river cruise that includes visits to Berlin and Prague early in September I would seriously consider going myself.
Kenneth Hart, one of the organizers, sent me an email saying they had openings for two or three more people, so this is your chance to have what might be the ultimate Oktoberfest experience.
Check it out at http://oktoberfestpubcrawl.com/
I have already decided that I am going to be joining them next year. The Mysterious Chinese Woman isn't so sure, but I have the vague feeling she wouldn't let me go alone.
Even if you don't plan on going you should check out the Thirsty Swagman website, it is a hoot. And if it doesn't make you thirsty for a beer there is something wrong with you.
http://www.thirstyswagman.com/
There is a fairly new Australian bar not far from me, Sheep Station, that I popped into the other day for a nice Coopers Sparkling Ale. Australian beers, other than Fosters which is about as Australian as Budweiser, are not that easy to find so I look forward to visiting Sheep Station again in the not too distant future. The food looked good as well and the people at the bar I talked to said it tasted as good as it looked.
The bartender, obviously Australian himself, was very friendly as was the crowd. I would have liked to have lingered longer, but the Mysterious Chinese Woman tracked me down and hauled me out so we could meet my neice and a couple of her friends across the street for dinner at Ghenet, an Ethiopian restaurant.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Katie's Visit Continues
First, a bit of a flashback. Before we left Coney Island we stopped at Footprints for some mighty fine Caribbean food, some of the best in the city, in my opinion. A nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Coney Island proper.
I can't remember all of what we had, the Zombie that I started with might have had something to do with that. I do know we had fish fingers.
Who Knew They Even Had Them
They came with an assortment of condiments and Katie really like the pickled red cabbage. They were nice enough to bring her an extra side of it, too. Just be careful of the habanaros. They are deadly.
Obligatory Embarassing Picture
If you are ever at Coney Island and are getting a bit tired of the beach food I urge you to give Footprints a shot. Beach food of a different kind.
Later that evening we decided to pop into the Greek Orthodox street party just down the block from where I live. Great stuff, much of it cooked by the church ladies so it is the real deal. And they have great gyros too. Always a lively time.
Party In The Street
We Settled For The Gyros
They used to have Retsina, a Greek wine with a decidedly pine taste to it. But, alas, they haven't had that beverage here since, oh, for a couple of years, at least. I settled for an Ouzo.
The next day we headed to Chinatown for dim sum. It was Katie's first time and she was quite impressed by the variety of food that was available.
Loading Up Our Table
Digging In
Katie seemed to like most of the stuff, but there were a few things she wasn't quite sure about.
Monkey Paws Or Chicken Feet
Afterwards we took a stoll down Mulberry Street to grab a desert at Ferrara, a somewhat touristy Little Italy institution.
A Couple Of Heads With Cones
Eating your way through New York when you visit is kind of a tradition. While, actually, drinking your way through New York is more up my alley, but I was sensitive to Katie's delicate condition.
I've got a few more pictures of her trip, and I will try to get them posted tomorrow. Katie visited the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens with The Mysterious Chinese Woman and she took a bunch of pictures. Maybe I will throw some of those up as well.
I can't help but thinking that Tony Hayward, BP's CEO, is one of the most obtuse people in the world when it comes to public relations. The only thing that can be said in his defense regarding his yachting around this weekend is that BP's Chairman Carl Henric-Svanberg has decided to push Hayward aside and turn over his duties to BP Managing Director Robert Dudley. Still, you would think someone would have advised him to just lay low and not provide anymore fodder for a press looking to hang him out to dry.
Of course if I had been President Obama's PR guy I would have suggested he spend the week-end down in the gulf, not playing golf.
It is funny that nobody has hired me, considering all of the great ideas I have.
I can't remember all of what we had, the Zombie that I started with might have had something to do with that. I do know we had fish fingers.
Who Knew They Even Had Them
They came with an assortment of condiments and Katie really like the pickled red cabbage. They were nice enough to bring her an extra side of it, too. Just be careful of the habanaros. They are deadly.
Obligatory Embarassing Picture
If you are ever at Coney Island and are getting a bit tired of the beach food I urge you to give Footprints a shot. Beach food of a different kind.
Later that evening we decided to pop into the Greek Orthodox street party just down the block from where I live. Great stuff, much of it cooked by the church ladies so it is the real deal. And they have great gyros too. Always a lively time.
Party In The Street
We Settled For The Gyros
They used to have Retsina, a Greek wine with a decidedly pine taste to it. But, alas, they haven't had that beverage here since, oh, for a couple of years, at least. I settled for an Ouzo.
The next day we headed to Chinatown for dim sum. It was Katie's first time and she was quite impressed by the variety of food that was available.
Loading Up Our Table
Digging In
Katie seemed to like most of the stuff, but there were a few things she wasn't quite sure about.
Monkey Paws Or Chicken Feet
Afterwards we took a stoll down Mulberry Street to grab a desert at Ferrara, a somewhat touristy Little Italy institution.
A Couple Of Heads With Cones
Eating your way through New York when you visit is kind of a tradition. While, actually, drinking your way through New York is more up my alley, but I was sensitive to Katie's delicate condition.
I've got a few more pictures of her trip, and I will try to get them posted tomorrow. Katie visited the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens with The Mysterious Chinese Woman and she took a bunch of pictures. Maybe I will throw some of those up as well.
I can't help but thinking that Tony Hayward, BP's CEO, is one of the most obtuse people in the world when it comes to public relations. The only thing that can be said in his defense regarding his yachting around this weekend is that BP's Chairman Carl Henric-Svanberg has decided to push Hayward aside and turn over his duties to BP Managing Director Robert Dudley. Still, you would think someone would have advised him to just lay low and not provide anymore fodder for a press looking to hang him out to dry.
Of course if I had been President Obama's PR guy I would have suggested he spend the week-end down in the gulf, not playing golf.
It is funny that nobody has hired me, considering all of the great ideas I have.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Say What???
Now I normally like Dave Barry and consider him to be one of the funniest humor writers around. However, in a recent recent issue of AARP he was talking about his recent colonoscopy and said "I like the drug they give you - propofol, I think it's called. I think it should be part of my day, really."
Given Micahel Jackson's recent death as a result of abusing propofol, I am surprised he would say such a thing. And I am equally surprised that AARP would publish his comment.
Oh yeah, another reason I am not going to the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island today; last year, after spending who knows how much on beers at Ruby's Bar & Grill, they charged $1 to use their bathroom. I still think that, in addition to being morally indefensible, this might actually be illegal. I think that in New York a bar has to provide a restroom for their customers. And I don't think they are allowed to charge you.
Speaking of restrooms, Montero's, as many of you know, is one of the last waterfront dive bars in my neighborhood. However, it is also the closest place with a bathroom to the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge Park area at the foot of Atlantic Avenue. As a result, young mothers and nannies taking their toddlers to and from the park seemed to think it was perfectly acceptable to use Montero's as a public restroom. To Montero's credit they quickly put a stop to this by posting signs saying that their restrooms are for customers only.
When you start to see strollers in Hank's Saloon and Montero's you know the world has turned upsidedown.
Given Micahel Jackson's recent death as a result of abusing propofol, I am surprised he would say such a thing. And I am equally surprised that AARP would publish his comment.
Oh yeah, another reason I am not going to the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island today; last year, after spending who knows how much on beers at Ruby's Bar & Grill, they charged $1 to use their bathroom. I still think that, in addition to being morally indefensible, this might actually be illegal. I think that in New York a bar has to provide a restroom for their customers. And I don't think they are allowed to charge you.
Speaking of restrooms, Montero's, as many of you know, is one of the last waterfront dive bars in my neighborhood. However, it is also the closest place with a bathroom to the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge Park area at the foot of Atlantic Avenue. As a result, young mothers and nannies taking their toddlers to and from the park seemed to think it was perfectly acceptable to use Montero's as a public restroom. To Montero's credit they quickly put a stop to this by posting signs saying that their restrooms are for customers only.
When you start to see strollers in Hank's Saloon and Montero's you know the world has turned upsidedown.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Coney Island Boardwalk A Mess
Yesterday I posted about how I probably wouldn't be going to the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island this Saturday beause the boardwalk is so torn up and the place looks so grungy. I guess I am not the only one to notice this because today's New York Daily News had a column headed BOARDWALK TRASHED.
It seems that because the Boardwalk is so torn up that half of it is closed, trash cans have been removed to relieve congestion on the half that is still open. In the words of Diana Taft-Shumate, who does promotions for Ruby's Bar and Grill, "It almost looks like a tornado hit the Boardwalk. It's really gross."
Only in New York can you turn a Boardwalk that recently won top honors in Travel & Leisure magazine's list of best boardwalks into a trash heap by removing trash cans. And just in time for summer. Perfect timing.
Just In Time For Summer
Under The Boardwalk
You may have heard that Ozzy Osbourne has been asked to donate a sample of his blood to Knome, a research company that is going to map out his genetic code in an attempt to figure out how he survived all those years of abusing drugs and alcohol. What you may not know is that they asked Ozzy only after I turned them down.
It seems that because the Boardwalk is so torn up that half of it is closed, trash cans have been removed to relieve congestion on the half that is still open. In the words of Diana Taft-Shumate, who does promotions for Ruby's Bar and Grill, "It almost looks like a tornado hit the Boardwalk. It's really gross."
Only in New York can you turn a Boardwalk that recently won top honors in Travel & Leisure magazine's list of best boardwalks into a trash heap by removing trash cans. And just in time for summer. Perfect timing.
Just In Time For Summer
Under The Boardwalk
You may have heard that Ozzy Osbourne has been asked to donate a sample of his blood to Knome, a research company that is going to map out his genetic code in an attempt to figure out how he survived all those years of abusing drugs and alcohol. What you may not know is that they asked Ozzy only after I turned them down.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Neice Katie's Visit
My neice, Katie, came for a nice little visit last Friday. She recently finished up her course-work in Alaska where she earned a degree in environmental science. She also served as the only intern at the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. She did her undergraduate work at Southwest Minnesota State University and was recently featured on the cover of Focus, a magazine for alumni and friends (you can't get this if you still go there, I guess).
Katie, The Cover Girl
As any good uncle would do, I took her to my favorite neighborhood place for dinner on her first night in town. And you can probably guess where that was.
Burgers And Beer At The Waterfront Ale House
Now, to be honest, Katie only took a sip of the beer. She is preggers so she was behaving herself. I am not sure, but I think she might even have had a veggie-burger.
The Mysterious Chinese Woman Went For The Ribs
I had the crab sandwich again and a Brooklyn Brewery Buzz Bomb Ale. This is a bit of a different brew in that it uses wildflower honey for 25% of its fermentable sugar. They also throw in a bit of orange peel for a citrus punch. It isn't a sweet beer, by any means, coming in at a more than decent 8% ABV.
The Buzz Bomb is bright gold, kind of like honey held to the light, and, despite the citrus honey flavor has a very dry finish.
Buzz Bomb Ale is kind of a throwback to braggot, a combination of mead and ale that has a long history. In fact it is mentioned in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and definitely worth tracking down.
The next day we headed out to Coney Island and, of course, once again I had to introduce Katie to one of my favorite haunts, Ruby's.
World Famous Ruby's
My favorite bartender, Willie, was still pouring the brews, although she said this would be her last year. She is retiring to Florida at the end of the season. Her husband retired last year.
Katie, Willie, And The Mysterious Chinese Woman
Spot The Difference
A Burger And ARoot Beer
I was a bit dismayed to see that the boardwalk is pretty torn up for repairs. You really would have thought they would do all of this work before the start of the summer season. There was actually a chainlink fence separating Ruby's from the beach and a torn up stretch of the boardwalk.
Next week is the Mermaid Day Parade but it was such a bummer last year with confusion over the route and bad weather that I will probably just skip it this year. Quite frankly, despite all of the hoopla about the "new" Coney Island it still looks pretty desolate and torn up.
Speaking of desolate and torn up, we had to stop by Hank's Saloon on the way home so I could show Katie my favorite neighborhood dive honky tonk.
No Visit To New York Would Be Complete...
There is, of course, more to this visit, but it shall have to wait.
Katie, The Cover Girl
As any good uncle would do, I took her to my favorite neighborhood place for dinner on her first night in town. And you can probably guess where that was.
Burgers And Beer At The Waterfront Ale House
Now, to be honest, Katie only took a sip of the beer. She is preggers so she was behaving herself. I am not sure, but I think she might even have had a veggie-burger.
The Mysterious Chinese Woman Went For The Ribs
I had the crab sandwich again and a Brooklyn Brewery Buzz Bomb Ale. This is a bit of a different brew in that it uses wildflower honey for 25% of its fermentable sugar. They also throw in a bit of orange peel for a citrus punch. It isn't a sweet beer, by any means, coming in at a more than decent 8% ABV.
The Buzz Bomb is bright gold, kind of like honey held to the light, and, despite the citrus honey flavor has a very dry finish.
Buzz Bomb Ale is kind of a throwback to braggot, a combination of mead and ale that has a long history. In fact it is mentioned in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and definitely worth tracking down.
The next day we headed out to Coney Island and, of course, once again I had to introduce Katie to one of my favorite haunts, Ruby's.
World Famous Ruby's
My favorite bartender, Willie, was still pouring the brews, although she said this would be her last year. She is retiring to Florida at the end of the season. Her husband retired last year.
Katie, Willie, And The Mysterious Chinese Woman
Spot The Difference
A Burger And A
I was a bit dismayed to see that the boardwalk is pretty torn up for repairs. You really would have thought they would do all of this work before the start of the summer season. There was actually a chainlink fence separating Ruby's from the beach and a torn up stretch of the boardwalk.
Next week is the Mermaid Day Parade but it was such a bummer last year with confusion over the route and bad weather that I will probably just skip it this year. Quite frankly, despite all of the hoopla about the "new" Coney Island it still looks pretty desolate and torn up.
Speaking of desolate and torn up, we had to stop by Hank's Saloon on the way home so I could show Katie my favorite neighborhood dive honky tonk.
No Visit To New York Would Be Complete...
There is, of course, more to this visit, but it shall have to wait.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Lil' Him Comes Up Big
My neice Katie is here for a visit, so I don't have a lot of time to post, but I had to say that Nate Robinson did himself proud again last night as the Celtics evened the series by beating the Lakers 96 to 89 last night.
Nate put in 6 points and 2 assists in the fourth quarter as the Celtics overcame a 2 point deficit to get the victory. He had 12 points for the game, just one less than Kevin Garnett.
Something tells me David Lee wishes he were still playing with Nate, but obviously not for the Knicks.
Nate put in 6 points and 2 assists in the fourth quarter as the Celtics overcame a 2 point deficit to get the victory. He had 12 points for the game, just one less than Kevin Garnett.
Something tells me David Lee wishes he were still playing with Nate, but obviously not for the Knicks.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
This Is Embarassing
Who would ever think that I would live to see the day that New York grovels before a single man, even if that man is King James. And if this isn't the most pathetic groveling I have ever seen, I don't know what is.
Okay, LeBron is probably going to be a billionaire one day and he is already worth hundreds of millions of dollars. So what is New York's big plan to lure him here? Gene Lemay, CEO of Moishe's Moving and Storage (their motto is "Our Rates Are Low, But You Better Tip The Movers Well") is parking a trailer outside of Madison Square Garden so fans can fill it with gifts for LeBron.
So now New York is in the position of begging someone to come play here, and donated stuffed toys, T-shirts and toys are going to be used as a lure. On the other hand, this might be a good place for my New York Jets Brett Favre jersey. Oh, wait, that might be too painful a reminder of what happens when you get what you beg for.
How far the mighty have fallen.
And what makes it so much sadder is that there is seldom this kind of outpouring of generosity to help those who are truly in need.
On a vaguely related topic, Avery Johnson has reached a verbal agreement with the Nets to be their next coach. Avery, you might remember, compiled a 194-70 record over three seasons with Dallas. That is the hghest winning percentage of any coach in NBA history. Not good enough for Mark Cuban, though, who fired him in 2008.
And I happen to think Avery is one of the funniest men in basketball. If this doesn't work out for him, he should defintely try stand-up comedy.
Oh, and totally unrelated, but with all the news lately about Kim Basinger, How many of you remember what is arguably the creepiest video ever made - Mary Jane's Last Dance with Tom Petty? It just happend to be playing on VH1 Classic as I was writing this. Kim doesn't really emote too much.
Okay, LeBron is probably going to be a billionaire one day and he is already worth hundreds of millions of dollars. So what is New York's big plan to lure him here? Gene Lemay, CEO of Moishe's Moving and Storage (their motto is "Our Rates Are Low, But You Better Tip The Movers Well") is parking a trailer outside of Madison Square Garden so fans can fill it with gifts for LeBron.
So now New York is in the position of begging someone to come play here, and donated stuffed toys, T-shirts and toys are going to be used as a lure. On the other hand, this might be a good place for my New York Jets Brett Favre jersey. Oh, wait, that might be too painful a reminder of what happens when you get what you beg for.
How far the mighty have fallen.
And what makes it so much sadder is that there is seldom this kind of outpouring of generosity to help those who are truly in need.
On a vaguely related topic, Avery Johnson has reached a verbal agreement with the Nets to be their next coach. Avery, you might remember, compiled a 194-70 record over three seasons with Dallas. That is the hghest winning percentage of any coach in NBA history. Not good enough for Mark Cuban, though, who fired him in 2008.
And I happen to think Avery is one of the funniest men in basketball. If this doesn't work out for him, he should defintely try stand-up comedy.
Oh, and totally unrelated, but with all the news lately about Kim Basinger, How many of you remember what is arguably the creepiest video ever made - Mary Jane's Last Dance with Tom Petty? It just happend to be playing on VH1 Classic as I was writing this. Kim doesn't really emote too much.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
A Bit Of A Change
Last Sunday was a pretty nice day, kind of hot and humid, but no rain. The Mysterious Chinese Woman found a restaurant over in the Greenpoint Fort Greene area, not too far from where we live. It is just on the other side of Monsignor McGolrick Park, not that I have ever heard anyone call the park by this nam. Fort Greene Park. Everyone just calls it Greenpoint Park and I doubt if anyone knows who Monsignor McGolrick is anymore.
It is a very nice little park though with playgrounds for the kids and, very unusual, restrooms that are both open and clean. People in the neighborhood like to sit on the benches around the park and just lounge around or catch up with their friends, often times with a bottle of vodka.
Abistro, just a block away, is an easy place to pass by. It is right around the corner from Myrtle Avenue, a fairly busy commercial strip, but sits on a largely residential block with brownstones.
Abistro - Look Sharp Or You Will Miss It
This really is very small place. I think it might sit about 25 people maximum and at one point while we were there I counted 23 in the place. Nothing at all fancy here but the food is very good and it is obviously very popular. Most of the people eating here seemed to be regulars, but the people were so friendly that we kind of felt like regulars too.
Small, But Comfortable
The food is kind of a combination of West African and French. The owner and his wife are Senegalese which explains the West African influence but they also had mussels and steak frites on the menu. We saw the brunch menu and that didn't have either of those. But a few of the in-the-know customers ordered the mussels anyway. They looked delicious and I may have to make a return trip to check them out.
The Mysterious Chinese Woman and I decided to split the Senegalese fried chicken and it was plenty for the two of us.
A Mighty Fine Brunch
The chicken sat on two jasmine rice cakes that were flavored with pineapple. They were delicious and you could easily eat them as a desert. The rice cakes sat on greens of some sort that were also quite tasty. And the chicken was very good. Nice and spicy, and I did break a bit of a sweat. I think that was the Senegalese salsa on top.
Abistro is a BYOB place and almost everyone in there had a bottle or two of wine. A couple of people had a bottle of Proseco and were mixing it with grapejuice. A variation of a mimosa, I guess. I regretted not bringing a bottle myself, but not enough to go across the street to buy one.
The Bottles Are Handy
While we were eating some kind of a bicycle rally went by and there must have been well over a thousand people peddling away. Kind of like Rolling Thunder, only quieter.
No Playing Cards In The Spokes
We had a most enjoyable brunch and will certainly get back here again. I really liked the coffee, too. It had a nice cinnamon flavor.
I strongly recommend popping in here, as out of the way as it might seem to be. You will be pleasnatly surprised. Oh, the owner, he used to be a sous chef at Aureole, one of the top restaurants in Manhattan. Although he doesn't work the stove anymore he still hovers around and his cooks says he still sneaks "secret spices" into the dishes when they aren't looking.
I was a bit disconsolate about not bringing a bottle to brunch so I decided to stop into Thomas Beisl for a beer. I had a bad dining experience here one New Years Eve, but I still like their beers.
Thomas Beisl
It looks bigger than it is from outside, but is kind of narrow inside. They do have a little kind of outside eating area under the red awning. They don't have a large selection of beers, but the ones they have I do like.
Small Selection, Big Taste
And do check out the little reflections in the silver beer station. Another artistic picture.
I had a Czechvar which is brewed by Budweiser Budvar Brewery in Germany. Yes, the original Budweiser. You can't get the Budvar Budweiser in North America, only the Czechvar. And, for reasons that are too tangled for me to untangle here, Anheuser-Busch markets Budvar Czechvar in the United States.
Complicated, But Good
The beer is a nice golden color with a small head. Not a lot of an aroma and kind of a typical light Czech lager. A nice change from a Pilsner Urguel, but a lot harder to find, at least here in the United States.
The Mysterous Chinese Woman opted for a Gosser, an Austrian beer in the Marzen style. It was a nice golden yellow and quite refreshing, but nothing particularly disquishing in terms of flavor.
Went Down Nice, Though
Both of these beers would have gone really well with my Senegalese chicken, though.
Oh, and read the comments. I had my Greenpoint and Fort Greene confused, as well as the name of the park.
It is a very nice little park though with playgrounds for the kids and, very unusual, restrooms that are both open and clean. People in the neighborhood like to sit on the benches around the park and just lounge around or catch up with their friends, often times with a bottle of vodka.
Abistro, just a block away, is an easy place to pass by. It is right around the corner from Myrtle Avenue, a fairly busy commercial strip, but sits on a largely residential block with brownstones.
Abistro - Look Sharp Or You Will Miss It
This really is very small place. I think it might sit about 25 people maximum and at one point while we were there I counted 23 in the place. Nothing at all fancy here but the food is very good and it is obviously very popular. Most of the people eating here seemed to be regulars, but the people were so friendly that we kind of felt like regulars too.
Small, But Comfortable
The food is kind of a combination of West African and French. The owner and his wife are Senegalese which explains the West African influence but they also had mussels and steak frites on the menu. We saw the brunch menu and that didn't have either of those. But a few of the in-the-know customers ordered the mussels anyway. They looked delicious and I may have to make a return trip to check them out.
The Mysterious Chinese Woman and I decided to split the Senegalese fried chicken and it was plenty for the two of us.
A Mighty Fine Brunch
The chicken sat on two jasmine rice cakes that were flavored with pineapple. They were delicious and you could easily eat them as a desert. The rice cakes sat on greens of some sort that were also quite tasty. And the chicken was very good. Nice and spicy, and I did break a bit of a sweat. I think that was the Senegalese salsa on top.
Abistro is a BYOB place and almost everyone in there had a bottle or two of wine. A couple of people had a bottle of Proseco and were mixing it with grapejuice. A variation of a mimosa, I guess. I regretted not bringing a bottle myself, but not enough to go across the street to buy one.
The Bottles Are Handy
While we were eating some kind of a bicycle rally went by and there must have been well over a thousand people peddling away. Kind of like Rolling Thunder, only quieter.
No Playing Cards In The Spokes
We had a most enjoyable brunch and will certainly get back here again. I really liked the coffee, too. It had a nice cinnamon flavor.
I strongly recommend popping in here, as out of the way as it might seem to be. You will be pleasnatly surprised. Oh, the owner, he used to be a sous chef at Aureole, one of the top restaurants in Manhattan. Although he doesn't work the stove anymore he still hovers around and his cooks says he still sneaks "secret spices" into the dishes when they aren't looking.
I was a bit disconsolate about not bringing a bottle to brunch so I decided to stop into Thomas Beisl for a beer. I had a bad dining experience here one New Years Eve, but I still like their beers.
Thomas Beisl
It looks bigger than it is from outside, but is kind of narrow inside. They do have a little kind of outside eating area under the red awning. They don't have a large selection of beers, but the ones they have I do like.
Small Selection, Big Taste
And do check out the little reflections in the silver beer station. Another artistic picture.
I had a Czechvar which is brewed by Budweiser Budvar Brewery in Germany. Yes, the original Budweiser. You can't get the Budvar Budweiser in North America, only the Czechvar. And, for reasons that are too tangled for me to untangle here, Anheuser-Busch markets Budvar Czechvar in the United States.
Complicated, But Good
The beer is a nice golden color with a small head. Not a lot of an aroma and kind of a typical light Czech lager. A nice change from a Pilsner Urguel, but a lot harder to find, at least here in the United States.
The Mysterous Chinese Woman opted for a Gosser, an Austrian beer in the Marzen style. It was a nice golden yellow and quite refreshing, but nothing particularly disquishing in terms of flavor.
Went Down Nice, Though
Both of these beers would have gone really well with my Senegalese chicken, though.
Oh, and read the comments. I had my Greenpoint and Fort Greene confused, as well as the name of the park.
Monday, June 07, 2010
I Laughed So Hard...
After visiting Pacific Standard for a few pints I decided to head to Pete's Waterfront Ale House for a little lunch. I passed Hank's Saloon on the way and was pleased to see it looked as disreputable as ever.
Forever Seedy
I am glad to see there are still a few bars around here that aren't cluttered with strollers.
This has nothing to do with anything, but I thought it looked kind of cool. It was sitting outside a store on Atlantic Avenue that sells all kinds of neat old stuff, from a pinball machine to old LPs.
The Cock Of The Walk
When we got to Pete's the dining area was packed. It looked like there were at least two large groups celebrating something and then the rest of the tables were filled with people just stopping in for lunch. No big deal because I like to have a beer or two at the bar before sitting down at a table for my meal.
I started out with a 21st Amendment Golden Doom, a strong - 7.8% ABV - Belgian style golden ale. Very good, crisp and spicy and very refreshing. Maybe I should have had this at Pacific Standard because 21st Amendment is a California brewery. Actually, I don't think they had it there.
After finishing my beer and chatting a bit with Gaid, the World's Friendliest Bartender, the Mysterious Chinese Woman and I found a table and sat down for lunch.
I ordered a Blue Point Rasta Rye to go with what I had hoped would be my Duck Burger with Ginger Onions. The beer was good, another strong one at 7.5% ABV and a nice coppery color with a creamy white head. Similar to the Golden Doom in that it was also a bit spicy but with a little more hoppy bitterness. Quite good and very quaffable.
Unfortunately the large lunch crowd beat me to the Duck Burgers, they were all gone. But they still had the Soft Shelled Crab Sandwich so that is what I had.
One Of The Best
Went Well With The Beer
The Mysterious Chinese Woman said something funny and I laughed so hard I had a crab-leg come out of my nose.
Milk Is Bad Enough
The Mysterious Chinese Woman seemed to think this was most amusing. Especially after I reminded her that crabs that are just about to molt and could have the hard outer shell peeled off are called snots. Crabbers used to brake a joint of the claw leg to see if the crab was developing a second skin underneath, in which case it could be peeled. The term snot comes from the fluid that emerges at the break.
She Laughed Until She Cried
The Mysterious Chinese Woman had Chicken Wings and I am glad to say she had no mishaps.
Dynamite Wings
She seemed to be very pleased that she got through the meal with no bones coming out of her nose.
So Proud Of Herself
The wings here are always good, and you get a really nice portion. But it is hard to pass up the crabs when they are in season. I still wish I had been able to get the Duck Burger.
And my man Nate Robinson shot two for two including a three pointer and made both his free-throws to put up seven points (one more than Kevin Garnett) in the fourth quarter as the Celtics evened the series last night.
Forever Seedy
I am glad to see there are still a few bars around here that aren't cluttered with strollers.
This has nothing to do with anything, but I thought it looked kind of cool. It was sitting outside a store on Atlantic Avenue that sells all kinds of neat old stuff, from a pinball machine to old LPs.
The Cock Of The Walk
When we got to Pete's the dining area was packed. It looked like there were at least two large groups celebrating something and then the rest of the tables were filled with people just stopping in for lunch. No big deal because I like to have a beer or two at the bar before sitting down at a table for my meal.
I started out with a 21st Amendment Golden Doom, a strong - 7.8% ABV - Belgian style golden ale. Very good, crisp and spicy and very refreshing. Maybe I should have had this at Pacific Standard because 21st Amendment is a California brewery. Actually, I don't think they had it there.
After finishing my beer and chatting a bit with Gaid, the World's Friendliest Bartender, the Mysterious Chinese Woman and I found a table and sat down for lunch.
I ordered a Blue Point Rasta Rye to go with what I had hoped would be my Duck Burger with Ginger Onions. The beer was good, another strong one at 7.5% ABV and a nice coppery color with a creamy white head. Similar to the Golden Doom in that it was also a bit spicy but with a little more hoppy bitterness. Quite good and very quaffable.
Unfortunately the large lunch crowd beat me to the Duck Burgers, they were all gone. But they still had the Soft Shelled Crab Sandwich so that is what I had.
One Of The Best
Went Well With The Beer
The Mysterious Chinese Woman said something funny and I laughed so hard I had a crab-leg come out of my nose.
Milk Is Bad Enough
The Mysterious Chinese Woman seemed to think this was most amusing. Especially after I reminded her that crabs that are just about to molt and could have the hard outer shell peeled off are called snots. Crabbers used to brake a joint of the claw leg to see if the crab was developing a second skin underneath, in which case it could be peeled. The term snot comes from the fluid that emerges at the break.
She Laughed Until She Cried
The Mysterious Chinese Woman had Chicken Wings and I am glad to say she had no mishaps.
Dynamite Wings
She seemed to be very pleased that she got through the meal with no bones coming out of her nose.
So Proud Of Herself
The wings here are always good, and you get a really nice portion. But it is hard to pass up the crabs when they are in season. I still wish I had been able to get the Duck Burger.
And my man Nate Robinson shot two for two including a three pointer and made both his free-throws to put up seven points (one more than Kevin Garnett) in the fourth quarter as the Celtics evened the series last night.
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