Gotham Gal

Best Music of 2005

Music comes and goes in our house like water.  Today I asked the kids what did they think the best CD's of 2005 were?  We were basically in sync.  The list is longer than I thought it would be, but here we go. 

Death Cab for Cutie, Plans.  The ultimate alternative band.  Love their sound and past albums.

Nada Surf, Weight If A Gift.  Good follow up to their last album.  Mellow, good sound.

Coldplay, X & Y  It wasn't their best but it was still really good.  A bit over produced but it's Coldplay.

Josh Rouse, Nashville  Love his sound.  I can not get enough of this CD.  It has been on the top for at least the last 6 months.

Rogue Wave, Descended Like Vultures  Love the dark sound. 

Portastatic  One of my favorites of the year.  Great sound.  Upbeat, smart, clever. 

Goldspot, Tally of the Yes Men  Classic.  I listen to this over and over and over again.  Top CD

The Shout Out Louds, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff  Happy, fun and also with a great edge.  Love this CD!

Jack Johnson, In Between Dreams  Good surfer, beach music. 

Mike Doughty, Haughty Melodic  Huge fan.  Love his voice.  Different sound.  Catchy.

M Ward, Transistor Radio  Scratchy voice with great instruments.  Another winner.

The Eels, Blinking Lights and Other Revelations  Nothing else sounds like the Eels. One of the most interesting, musical concerts I have seen in years.

The Shore, The Shore  This was on heavy rotation when it first came out.  Melodic rock. 

The Decemberists, Picaresque  Clever song writing.  Listened to over and over and over.

The Magic Numbers  Catchy, clever, great sound

Spoon, Gimme Fiction  Good guitar, good sound.  Another winner

Bright Eyes, I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning  Listened to Oberst for years.  Talented.  Bob Dylan of our generation?  Great album

Ben Lee, Awake is the New Sleep  Love Ben Lee.  I have listened to him since his first album.  Pop music at it's best.

Crooked Fingers, Dignity and Shame  Dark, intense sound.  Good songs.

There were others that we considered like U2  but the CD's above, although there are plenty, we got our fill of them all.  Fantastic music.  Highly recommended.  Enjoy!!

9 Weeks of Boot Camp

I just finished 9 weeks of boot camp.  3 days a week, I couldn't deal with 4, one hour a day.  It is guaranteed the best work out you will ever have.  I signed up to continue the torture through next year.  I met some great people.  There is camaraderie in the group.  Everyone is devoted to getting through the hour and making the most of it.  After all, that's why we all are there.  I wouldn't wear a 30 lb. harness over my shoulders to walk up 12 flights up stairs, I won't use a bar that is heavier than need be.  Just a few things to insure that I won't absolutely destroy what is left of my knees and arms.  Otherwise, I am in excellent shape.

This picture is of the obstacle course.

When I started, I was pathetic.  I could barely climb over the walls, but now I have mastered that.  The most exhilarating thing that I have mastered is the monkey bars.  Remember when you were a little kid and just flew across them?  Well, that isn't so easy when you get to be older.  The first time I did them, I almost cried.  My instructor, Reuben, who is really great and pretty hardcore, literally shoved me up there and made me finish them.  If he hadn't held my  knees, I wouldn't have made it past the second rung.  He'd scream, "come on Wilson,  do it"!  Obviously easier said than done.  But then something happened.  I got up on those monkey bars and did all three groups, 30 rungs in all, without any help.  I owned them.  That is truly an incredible feeling.  I guess that is why I am returning next year for more.

The picture of the monkey bars is on the right, below is of the walls.

Transamerica and Brokeback Mountain

This has been a good Fall season for movies.  What a bonus.  There are a few I really wanted to see before we bolted on vacation.  Both were worth seeing if you have a list for the Holiday season.

Transamerica.  A true slice of America, probably more than you realize.  Felicity Huffman plays a women, who is about to undertake surgery to complete the transformation from man to woman.  She is brilliant.  She finds out that she is father to a 17 year old boy.  She ends up meeting with her son, taking a cross country trip with him and actually reuniting with her parents.  Clever, funny and really well done.  Kevin Zegers is wonderful.  More to come from him..

Brokeback Mountain.  Everything you have read is true.  This is a wonderfully acted movie.  It is a beautiful yet sad love story.  As my best buddy put it, this is an incredibly movie on so many levels.  She's absolutely right.  The photography is also stunning.  So glad I saw this film and that it lived up to the hype.

Del Posto

I had the pleasure to peak and eat at Del Posto last week.  I promised not to blog until today.  The restaurant should be opening tomorrow if not on Friday. 

First of all, the restaurant is incredibly beautiful.  You feel special the minute you walk in the door.  The only other restaurant that has the intense warm high class feeling is the Four Seasons Grill room.  Warm colors, great light.  Everyone will look beautiful.  There are few things that they did which were very clever.  There is a large foyer down the middle of the restaurant which leads to a staircase and behind that is a glass enclosed kitchen.  I would bet that 200 people could cook in there at the same time.  It's enormous.  On the right hand side there are tables for groups of 2-4 people.  On the left side of the restaurant is the bar area which has sweet couches and a long sweeping bar.  Up the stairs, on the left is seating for parties of 6 or more.  In essence, the loud parties can't bother the intimate dinners for 2-4.  Very clever. 

The menu is quite large.  It is very similar to Babbo.  Eclectic Italian.  Starters, pastas, main and dessert.  It will probably take awhile to fine tune the menu considering how large it is.  The desserts, which is a much more scientific cooking, the same every time, we're spectacular.  We had a pasta with your classic meat sauce that was out of this world.  Mario always does top pasta.  The rest was good but will probably get better with age.

They are looking to get the top stars here.  The atmosphere certainly deserves it.  Truly gorgeous.  I can hardly wait to just go back and sit at the bar.  The food, well, let the doors open and judge for yourselves.

Books of 2005

I'm a list girl.  I have a list for everything.  It is my organizational skills at work.  So, no surprises that I love the end of  year lists that appear everywhere.  Best books, best music, best videos, etc.  I have decided to compile my own book list.  My favorites of 2005.  I'm a voracious reader, so god knows, I've probably forgot a few that might have hit the list, but I hope not.  It would be fantastic if Amazon just compiled the list of everything I bought this year like my American Express card does, but perhaps next year's programmers will come up with that one.  So, here is my list, attempted in order.  (note some of these books might have come out in previous years but I read them this year)

A Million Little Pieces, James Frey.  Excellent.  Couldn't put it down.  Must read.   His second book, My Friend Leonard,  is not as good but it was worth completing the read.

The Company You Keep, Neil Gordon.  Well written, great character development, interesting story with great twists and turns and insight.  One of my top favorites of the year. 

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer.  I have always enjoyed books that are written through a child's eye.  I literally weeped when I finished this book.  Perhaps it hit closer to home than I realized, but this is an A+.

Saturday, Ian McEwan.  First of all, Ian McEwan must have words flowing from his brain.  I have read a few of his books.  This one is brilliant.  Post 9/11 fears bubbling to the surface.  Smart. 

The History of Love, Nicole Krauss  Really enjoyed this book.  Well written, interesting original characters.  I also enjoyed reading this because she is married to Jonathan Saer Foer and although their writing is different, the story line is similar.  My guess is they work off each other, so it is insightful to read.

The Ha Ha King, Dave King  First novel.  Written through the eyes of a man who can no longer communicate from a war injury in Vietnam.  His relationship with the son of a girlfriend of his past.  It reminded me of one of the best anti-war novels ever written, Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo.  If you never read that book, it is something everyone should read.

The Icarus Girl, A Novel, Helen Oyeyemi  Impressive first novel.  Young 8 year olds imagination runs wild, or does it?  My guess is we will continue to see more novels from this young writer.

The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion.  Her ramblings about the grief she is going through are insightful and powerful.  As we enter an age where the first baby boomers are dying and leaving behind spouses, lovers or partners for another 20/30 years, it gives us all a reason to step back and think.  We all die but no one ever talks or writes about the grief.  Bravo. 

About the Author, John Colapinto.  This came out a while ago, but my brother recommended it.  Wow!  Great thriller.  Taking over someones identity.  Really good!

Hypocrite in a White Puffy Dress, Susan Jane Gilman.   Hilarious look at growing up in NYC in the 70's.  I roared. 

Dry, Augusten Burroughs.  This was good to read after A Million Little Pieces.  Augusten Burroughs is a true laugh out loud.  His first book, Running with Scissors is also a good read.  It is truly amazing the guy can walk and talk at the same time.

I am sure there were more, but these were the most memorable, to me. 

Christmas Cards

We have been sending out Christmas cards now for 18 years.  They have changed over the years.  One year we sent out a top 10 list, others we sent out pictures inserted in cards and with notes.  Now I have moved into the Shutterfly card, nothing inside but what I had printed.  Not that personal but I do like the ritual.  It's fun to get the cards in the mail and see how everyone has changed, particularly people I haven't seen for years.  I get to see their kids.  So, today was the day of the lick, address and stamp.  I think I might have short changed the number this year.  I always mean to send out more than I do.  Organization of Christmas sort of ends the minute we go on vacation and then comes back sometime the following December.  Hmmm, maybe my New Year's resolution this year.  Fix the Christmas list.  I prefer my yearly, lose 10 lbs. 

This year our Christmas card was taken at the Rolling Stones concert this fall.  The inside says "wishing you a rockin' 2006".  My Mom suggested, wishing you a stoned year.  Funny but probably not appropriate.

So, to all of you, a rockin' 2006, and enjoy the holiday season.

Panettone French Toast

Our friends gave us a Panettone loaf that I saved for Sunday breakfast, after our Christmas dinner.  I made french toast with it which was really good.

I took the loaf and cut off all the crust.  Then, cut the loaf into pieces that were about 3 inches each.  In a bowl, I beat up 6 eggs, 1 cup milk and 1 cup cream, 2 T. vanilla and about 1/4 cup of sugar.  Mixed this all together.  Pre-heated the oven to 350.  I used a large non-stick frying pan and melted 1/4 stick of unsalted butter.  I took the pieces of bread and dipped it in the creamy concoction and then grilled the bread until it was browned on each side.  The trick here is not letting the bread soak up too much liquid otherwise it becomes like an egg bread.  Once each side was browned, I put it on a baking tray that I lined with parchment paper.  Stuck all the bread in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the breads became puffy.  Then, I sprinkled confectioners sugar on top (through a sieve) and served with warm syrup. 

Just another addition to the holiday calories.  At this point, why not.  This was a serious treat.

Christmas Cake

It is getting to be that time of the season where my clothes are getting tighter.  I'm also exhausted and in need of checking out for a few weeks. 

This weekend we celebrated Christmas.  It is actually nice to celebrate the holiday on a different day than the rest of most people.  After all, for us at least, the day is really about getting together as a family, exchanging gifts and spending some time together.  In some ways, it extends the season.  Everyone has different plans on the exact day of Christmas.  This way, we can celebrate our own special holiday. 

This group is basically a bunch of traditionalists, although we are not traditional about the date.  There is a rule to opening up the gifts, youngest to oldest.  We also have a holiday meal which I just try and tweak a little bit each year.  I don't want to upset the apple cart.  Brussel sprouts seem to be something everyone looks forward to.  They like mine.   Also, the dessert is key.  Peppermint and chocolate are important.  I have made a peppermint chocolate ice cream cake the past 2 years and opted for something different this year.  My niece was a tad disappointed but all and all, I think everyone was happy with the results.

I made a rich double layer chocolate cake and created a butter cream frosting with crushed peppermints to ice the cake.  Pretty easy. 

Chocolate Cake

1/2 c. unsalted butter
2 c. granulated white sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 c. water
1 t. baking soda
3 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 t. vanilla

2 c. flour
1 t. b. powder
1/4 t. salt

Melt the chocolate with water.  When this is cooled, add in the baking soda until smooth.  Cream butter and sugar.  Add one egg at a time into butter/sugar mixture until incorporated.  Sift together the dry ingredients (flour, b.powder, salt).  Add the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar mixture alternating with the sour cream.  Mixing in thoroughly each time.  Add in the chocolate and vanilla, beat until completely mixed.

Bake at 350 in 2 cake pans until done.  About 40 minutes.  You can also bake this in a 9 x 12 baking pan.

Frosting

2 stick unsalted butter   
8 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 - 1  cup cream or milk
1 cup of crushed peppermints

Beat the sticks of butter until creamed.  Add one cup or so of the confectioners sugar until completely incorporated.  Then add 1 -3 T. cream.  Keep this going until all the cream and sugar are gone.  I used more cream than I thought.  The frosting was just too thick.  Then at the end I put in the peppermints that I had crushed in a Cuisinart.  I put the frosting in the refrigerator to put the cake together the next morning.  The next day, the frosting had really gotten thick so I took out a beater, added some milk and softened it up.

I also used more crushed peppermints for decoration.   One big peppermint patty.  My mother-in-law actually had a piece for breakfast the next morning.  Can't beat that.

French Onion Soup

Damn is it cold outside!  We are in the midst of celebrating the season based on our traveling schedule.  Last night was Hanukkah.  The once a year making of latkes.  I could still smell them in my  hair when we went to bed last night.  This weekend is Christmas.  The entire family comes in.  We figure it is all a state of mind, not a state of the calendar. 

Tonight, I made a french onion soup because it was the easiest thing to make in the midst of all the chaos.  Delicious, warm and good.   This serves 5-6 people but not huge portions.

1 stick of unsalted butter
6 Vidalia onions - sliced
6 cups of beef broth
1 cup of white white
1/4 cup white granulated sugar

Gruyere cheese
One Baguette

Melt the stick of butter in a large soup pot.  Add the onions and cook at a medium high heat until they are totally soft.  Toss in the sugar and continue to cook.  The onions should start to get softer and they should begin to stick to the bottom of the pot.  Not totally caramelized by just a bit.  Now, add the white wine and all the brown bits should come loose into the pot.  Let the white wine boil down until it is almost gone.  Continue to mix the onions and they should start to turn almost a light brown.  I actually tossed in a bit more sugar at this point and through in a small shot of cognac.  Not necessary but I really wanted the onions to be flavorful.  Add all 6 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil.  Add salt and pepper for taste. Then, simmer for about 10 minutes.  At this point you can serve it.  I turned it off and let it sit on the stove for a few hours before dinner.  This could probably stay for at least 3 days in the refrigerator too.

When I was ready to serve the soup, I reheated it until it was really hot.  Sliced the baguette into small pieces and shaved the Gruyere cheese.  I put 3 pieces of the baguette at the bottom of the soup bowl, layered it with shredded Gruyere cheese and then ladled the soup on top.  This immediately melts the cheese and softens the bread.

Serve.  Really really good!

The New Internet Age

During the rocking late 90's, there were Internet parties galore.  Granted I was about 15 years older than the majority of the people in the room, but it was a really wild time.  There was a constant card swap.  Everyone was on the move.  We all felt that we were part of something big happening.  Each day was like a week, each month seemed like a year.  It was really exciting.  I could tell stories and stories. 

I recall being at an event that was put on by the company I was working with, Silicon Alley Reporter.  We had a big bash after the week we spent at the Javits Center at an Internet Trade show.  I was hanging out with my friend Brian, who was working for one of the big Accounting firms involved in the industry.  He said that the vibe in the room was reminiscent of the early 70's in the music industry.  The minute he said that, I thought to my self, we just peaked.  I was right.  Times are now a changing.

Last night I went to a party put on by Riffs.  A new start-up in the next Internet generation.  There was blog chatting, there were cards being swapped, but it was a different vibe.  The people who are now in the industry are the long-term players.  People who are really using the new world on line.  It was fun to listen to the conversations. 

I'm glad that I was part of that first wave.  It was truly a moment in history that I doubt I will see again in my lifetime.  I'm thrilled to see the Industry mature on round 2.  I guess my blogging is my small part of being connected in the second stage.  It is fun to watch the next round of entrepreneurs create the next wave.  Nothing like watching those synapses fly.