The Republic of Kalen

Back in the day I lived in the republic of Chinatown NYC on Grand and Forsyth. I rented a cozy not so cozy tenement apartment overlooking a park filled with Tae Chi-ers and Chinese men clustered together smoking, snorting, spitting and possibly talking about the days "fresh" fish. Coming home from a long days work uptown, I retreated into my own republic of Kalen. I did not have to worry about construction workers cat calling "Mami, heyyy Mami, I love you" or having to look presentable in the least. Instead, I appreciated the comforts of the best but probably most unhealthy food that NYC has to offer. My two favorite restaurants reside in this area. One of which New Green Bo but changed to Nice Green Boe after I left has the best scallion pancakes, sesame cold noodle, Sesame Chicken (white meat!) and soup dumplings. You must go, it drives any tastebuds into toothsome heaven. I hear it's not as good if you're vegetarian so I would drop the schtick for one day and try it. It's BYOB and most of the time you get this waitress who looks like she's landed from Mars.

I probably should have done two posts because it's far too lengthy and you've given up reading this by now. BUT my other favorite restaurant is Pho Grand on Grand and Forsyth. I feel amazing, sheltered, cozy, and safe when in the presence of Pho Grand. The lemongrass tofu (#94) is the bomb even if you aren't a tofu lover. This is what I miss most about my Chinatown digs. Not the mouse ridden apartment but the superfluous flow of greasy laden food filled with cats and MSG and everything in between.

Sammy's Roumanian Steak House

It's windy and spitting rain out but slightly enjoyable. I'm inside, full as can be after cooking heuvos tostadas but I can't stop thinking of this, but why? I don't recall enjoying the meal in the least but the Bar Mitzvah vibe throughout is priceless (especially the entertainer who plays endless Fidler on the Roof tunes). I think it's just nostalgia, it ain't what it used to be, thinking of one of the few times I've felt like myself. Don't go for the food whatever you do (it's salty, overcooked and tres cher) but the atmosphere is unbeatable.

More Lykke Li

My dear friend Annie introduced me to LaBlogotheque and I am forever grateful for this find!

A sad day...

I foolishly stumbled up the subway steps last night causing a pile up on my poor foot and yes I was stone cold sober. It is now swollen, bruised and mangled and I have to wear a ski boot type device for four weeks!! I'm in need of a cheer up.

I want

to eat these all day and night!

http://burprecipes.blogspot.com/2008/10/whole-grain-pumpkin-pancakes.html

Autumn Appreciation Awareness Day

I had a happy dose of Autumn Appreciation day with some buds at Storm King Art Center. Well worth the hour and a half drive to observe the leaves turn with modern sculptures speckled throughout the 500 acre landscape. Thanks Jeff via Daniel via Brandon for the best Autumn tunes I've heard in a long while: Download Forest Fires- Survive!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jnt/

Maiden Hong Kong

I got these high wasted Hampton's shorts here. It's a few blocks south of Metropolitan filled with vintage items for young ladies and gents. The dressing room is a must see as far as ambiance and decor go (I'm being honest, I usually don't think twice about how a dressing room is going to look). The owner always gives off a relaxed quiet vibe in comparison to an employee at the Bodyshop or Gap only hungry for a sale.

Calling all burroughs!!!

It's time...no matter where you live to take the L train out to the Jefferson stop to North East Kingdom. You can make a night of having cheap delicious beers (the Hop-Obama) or a long five course meal at a very decent price (entrees average around $18). It entertains the carnivores and the vegans with dabbling in between. Jeff and I sat at the bar and received wonderful customer service by the staff. After having a meal there it becomes clear that not only do the clientele want to wine and dine in a laid back sophisticated atmosphere but the staff are equally as excited to be apart of this. Their menu changes with season because they receive all of their produce from a farm up the Hudson. One of my top favorite places in NY...go go go.

Who rocked the party?

We rocked the party...in VIP.

http://perezhilton.com/2008-10-14-what-are-they-smoking

Delicatessen

Booooo for the it new comfort food of soho. My halibut tacos with kimchi sour cream in a wonton wrapper sounded delightful on the menu but tasted like an old tuna fish sammy in my mouth. The cheeseburger spring rolls should be called meatloaf springrolls (barf) and the chicken in a bucket was eh. We thought we could redeem wing night with the black and white cookie sundae dessert but it made matters worse. Overall, I'm lying in bed with a belly ache vowing not to go back to this way too trendy spot. To make matters worse at the end of the meal I went downstairs to the toilet which had leftovers overflowing from the toilet. That's all.

Stitch up my hole please.

Stitch boutique is a fantastic Chicago boutique run by my friend Maggie. Even though I have not been in the actual store itself, I love love love their Fall bag collection. Maggie provided me with stellar customer service via phone and I could not be more excited to shop there again. They have an unusual eclectic mix of accessories, jewelry and housewares. I'm happy it's far away because my wallet would be forever empty.

Wombat

I'm not sure why I've been avoiding this spot but last night Jeff and I took the plunge down under and boy oh boy were we pleased with the results. Our waitress was the friendliest midwesterner there ever was who kept calling me "me lady" and informed us that Stella Artois is from Medieval times! We started with mussels (always good) and an arugula, goatcheese, pistachio and pomegranite salad. The fish and chips was a great entree but my heart was with the goat cheese salad. We were immediately seated on a Friday night at 8pm and we enjoyed free dessert on the house for just being us.

Off the hook...

and totally off topic but if somebody buys this for me I will give foot massages for life...

http://www.oaknyc.com/women/shop-by-brand/lindsey-thornburg/lindsey-thornburg-mid-red

5 Friends Uncensored

Moto Mama

It's good, simple, cheap and there are no snears if a glass breaks. The unmarked restaurant hangs out under the JMZ with a bicycle hanging below the front door and inside is a European apothecary feel. Moto seems like a great retreat in the winter days even if it's two hours of coffee binging and soup slurping. Although I have never been in the winter I like to plan ahead.