Gotham Gal

Fifteen minutes of fame

Reverend Wright couldn't be more American by making sure he grabs his fifteen minutes of fame.  The media has done a fantastic job highlighting non-issues throughout the campaign asking about wearing the American pin on your lapel to questions about the candidates past relationships and memories instead of not making it about about the issues.  After all, reality TV has taken over our living rooms why not continue what sells to the Presidential campaign.  The Bush administration has taken spin and marketing to a new high without ever focusing on the real issues.  The media has been the hand that feeds the Bush administration for the past 7 years so why would it be different now.  Why ask the hard questions. 

Now we get to discuss Reverend Wright in our living rooms.  Let's consider how many relationships we have each had in our past or even in our present lives that are questionable. Who are other people to judge why.  Those past and present relationships don't define my views or who I am.  Those are relationships I had for reasons that I might not be able to explain today.  Time and place.  The question is, who is Obama today and is he the best candidate for President. 

Obama went to a church where he found comfort.  Perhaps he found the services and conversations intellectually challenging.  They made him think.  Ends up his pastor is a hate monger which Obama might have missed or might not have but it is apparent through his campaign (and his past work) that he is a uniter not a divider vs. our esteemed President who used the same words and was lying through his teeth.

What is interesting about this Rev Wright is how the press has jumped on it and made it an issue.  An issue that I was worried about from the very beginning which is race is a bigger issue than any one wants to admit.  My concern is that people won't pull the lever for a black man because he is black, no other reason.  He might be the best choice but there are a large group of Americans who can't look past his color.   Sad but true.

The media, who has gone down a road that is so ugly and unattractive, should use the opportunity of Rev Wright's fifteen minutes of fame (he seems to think the election is about him) to discuss race relations, to discuss where we are as a country and where we have come from.  Instead, they have used race as something to create fear, hate and a division among voters.  There is no doubt that Wright does not represent Obama whatsoever but the media has attempted to link the two.  Why?  It is no different than the last CBS debates which were like watching Entertainment Tonight.

Our country voted in George Bush because he was a guy people could see having a beer with.  He ended up being a guy to have a beer with who lies to your face and stabs you in the back.  Nice.  Why aren't we  and the media focusing on the issues in this country with the attempt to get voters to vote on the most qualified person who can pull our country out of this mess that it has slowly fallen into over the past seven years.

Here is a saying that the media should be talking about because Obama knows this better than any of us....never trust too pious a man. 

Quick dinner

Thought this up today for a one meal dish.

Arugula - one box
Shrimp  - pan fried or grilled (1/2 lb. per person) and then sliced in two after cooked
Strawberries - one lb., sliced
Goat Cheese - one small log crumbled
Caramelized Walnuts - I used the Spanish variety - already made
Scallions - 3, white part only thinly sliced

Dressing - classic  vinaigrette
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil

Sorry no pictures but it was a big hit. 

Sunday night dinner

Josh had baseball at 430, Jessica had a college event from 6-8 so dinner was going to be late.  I also had to make it in advance.  Granted we ate late and the dinner wasn't really warm but it was a winner.  Easy and delicious.  Sorry about the awful picture.

10 chicken thighs (there are 5 of us)
1 lbs. dried chorizo cut into 1" slices
2 tbsp. chopped oregano
1 large yellow onion chopped
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups long grain brown rice
1/2 cup white wine
3 roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded and cut into thin strips ( you can get these already prepared at most grocery stores)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas

Heat the oven to 400.  Season the thighs with salt and pepper.  Cover the bottom of a heavy dutch oven with olive oil  ( I use a large Le Cruset  pot) and cook the chicken until browned and then put on a separate plate. Should take about 6-8 minutes if not less.  Drain the fat and juices from the dutch oven.

Add the chorizo and cook, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the chorizo is browned.  About 5 minutes and with a slotted spoon, take out the chorizo and set aside.

Add in the oregano, red pepper, onion and bay leaf.  Stir occasionally until the onion is soft and browned.  About 6-8 minutes.  Add the rice, stir for about 2 minutes until fully incorporated.  Add the wine, bring to a boil and reduce in half.  About 2 minutes.  Put the chicken and chorizos back into the rice mixture.  Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil and cover.  Set in the oven for about one half an 15 minutes. 

Remove from the oven, stir in the peas, cover and let sit for about 10 minutes and serve.

Delicious.  Chorizo is the key.

Let's go to the MOMA

Josh has been learning how to write code.  He is totally into it.  Currently at the MOMA (only 3 weeks to go) is an exhibit called Design and the Elastic Mind.  Josh asked me if we could go and while we were there we should check out the color block show and the Olafar Elliason exhibit too.  Is this my kid? 

We went up to the MOMA today to check all the exhibits out with Josh's friend.  They both really enjoyed all three exhibits. 

Design and the Elastic Mind is all about technology.  It is very cool.  Fred took some very pictures which you can check out on his blog.  My favorite part was a real time map showing all the IP traffic flowing into NYC from all over the world.  It is worth checking out.

The other exhibit is Color Chart.  48 different artists ( I believe ) from the 1950's to today were put together to show how color is used.  Some incredible pieces from Gerhard Richter but my favorite, hands down, were the two paint by number pieces by Andy Warhol.  I knew about them but am not sure I have ever seen them in person until today.  Those two pieces alone were worth the trip. 

The last exhibit we saw was the same exhibit we saw at the San Francisco MOMA of Olafar Elliasson.  Josh loved it particularly the lights that make everything and everyone seem colorless, just black and white.  I actually preferred the exhibit in San Francisco where there were some other installations but don't miss it.  The name of the exhibit is called "taking your time".  Each installation is about perception.  His work is thought provoking and uses science and math to create his art.  Fantastic.

The best part is always going to a museum and seeing the art through your kids eyes.  Glad Josh asked to go and great to take him. 

The Plaza

The Plaza, a New York institution built in 1907, has gone through a serious transformation over the past few years.  The Plaza changed hands.  The new owners created high end condos with full concierge service and kept some floors to continue as a hotel.  They are still under construction.  The basement is going to become a small shopping plaza with stores that have been chosen as the "best" in their particular trade.  Supposedly the best lingerie store from Amsterdam, etc.  The lobby is still under construction in certain areas ( I saw blue tape over some windows ) and there is now an area that is devoted only to the people staying at the Plaza vs. people just walking through. 

When you enter the Plaza and go straight to the back, is the Palm Court.  Landmarks, who have their hand in everything, made sure that this particular room remained the same as it has since 1907.  They just recently opened up the Palm Court again for service.  As cheesy as it might be or even as touristy as it might be, I made reservations for Jessica, Emily and me to have tea the Plaza today. 

There is something so regal about the room.  You feel like a princess sitting in the large blue chairs.  We had our jasmine tea from China and the small bite sized sandwiches.  Okay, certainly the food is not worth writing about but it is about the experience.  You begin with a handful of bite sized sandwiches, no crust of course.  The next course is a scone and a lemon madeline served with a small cup of potted cream ( that was top ) and a bunch of jams.  The next round is tiny desserts from a miniature eclair to a miniature lemon pound cake. 

We were probably the only people in the room that actually lived in New York City but it was an experience worth having.  It was great.  Will we go again, seriously doubt it, but memorable, for sure. 

Trucker at the Tribeca Film Festival

Every year since the Tribeca Film Festival has opened, I have seen at least one film.  This year I bought a bunch of tickets.  The first thing I saw was this past Friday afternoon.  The movie I saw was called Trucker.  It was really good.

Trucker is about a woman who leads a very simple life, driving a semi around the country, having one night stands and hitting the bars with random men.  In her past, she had a husband and child who she walked out on 10 years ago.  One day, her son, who is now 11, shows up at her door because his father has cancer and she is the only person at the time he can turn to.

All of a sudden, she is burdened with a responsibility that she has no interest in.  The story unfolds. 

The movie is a small gem.  Not only is it well shot but each frame, although short, is quite seamless in telling the story over a period of time.  The main character, the trucker, played by Michele Monaghan, is honest and real.  Regardless of whether you support the decisions that she has made with her life, she wears everything on her sleeve and is very much in touch with who she is. 

There is absolutely an audience for this film outside of the film festival.  I hope that somebody picks up the film.  It would play well at the Angelica or the Quad.  A heartfelt film that touched me.  Looking forward to the rest of the films I got tickets to next week.

Bar Q

Josh got home last night after baseball practice and was wondering about dinner.  I told him we were going to Bar Q at 8.  He said, "Oh, Anita Lo's new restaurant?  They had a fire there a week or so ago".  He is obviously clued in.  I was impressed. 

Bar Q is in fact Anita Lo's newest addition to her expanding empire.  Anissa being the first and Rickshaw Dumpling being the second.  I see her walking through the neighborhood with her two pugs on occasion. 

Bar Q is a welcome addition to the ever transforming Bleeker Street.  The restaurant has been packed since the day the doors opened.   Two rooms and a back yard.  Good flow and a bar for about 6 people who just walk in.  Low ceiling, intimate. 

The menu is great.  There is a raw bar that serves oyster and four different types of sashimi which is all fresh and delicious.  You can order yourself an appetizer and a main or you can opt to order family style.  I am a big fan of sharing and tasting so we went for the family style.

We started with a trio of tartares.  Chopped tuna, salmon and hamachi, barely a teaspoon of each, served in a chilled avocado soup.  It was okay.  There wasn't the bite that I was hoping for.  We also had the grilled squid salad with hijiki.  Small pieces of char-grilled squid in a mound with hijiki on the side.  Missing something maybe a dressing.  Grilled tuna ribs served with a yuzu green chili combo.  Interesting concept.  Very little meat on the bones which is fine but they were so grilled that the taste of the grill is what came out not the flavor. 

Next out was our oysters and sashimi which were all fresh and tasty.  Meats came next.

We had the baby back ribs with mother's bbq sauce.  Good ribs.  Sticky and tasty.  We also went with the pork buns.  Spit roasted pork belly that fell apart and was really delicious with steamed buns on the side to create your own sandwich.  You can also order a side of steamed buns for other meats or fish to create your own concoction.  With this we had the grilled eggplant.  Japanese eggplants, split down the center, grilled and served with a sweet miso glaze.  Quite good.  The best was the tea smoked duck breast.  Well cooked, lots of flavor and delicious served with chilis and lemon.  I really liked this the best.

The staff, up front, seems a little bit unorganized but the waitress couldn't have been nicer.  I just get the feeling that they haven't got it together yet.   Over time the kitchen will play with the flavors in each dish.  I thought that grilled stuff could have had more flavor than the taste of the grill.  I really do like the menu.  Maybe Anita should spend more time with the chef in the back because Anissa is fantastic and the menu she has created at Bar Q tempts the palette.  Will be back but am going to give it some time to work through each dish.  They are almost there.   

Kate Nash

Round two at Webster Hall this week to see Kate Nash.  I went with Emily, her friend and Jessica (who showed up the last 20 minutes which couldn't have been more perfect timing to see the best part of the show).  Some times when you see an artist live it changes your perspective for either the better or the worst.  Not sure Kate Nash made me love her music more.

She is adorable and incredibly talented.  She comes out playing piano, moves to guitar, owns her songs, is beyond thrilled to actually be performing but she hasn't figured out how to play to the audience. 

Her audience is made up mostly of college age girls who know every song and sing to each other.  It was really fun to watch.  Kate told stories of how blown away that she gets to meet famous people. She is definitely in awe of what she is.  She met Whoopi Goldberg that afternoon and she could barely contain herself on how excited she was about it.  Very cute.  I also loved her neon Kate Nash sign behind her while she played. 

There were times of the concert where I thought about leaving.  Song after song had no edge but then all of a sudden she'd belt out something fun and rockin.  Near the end she did a song that was new where she screamed and pranced around stage like something out of the punk genre.  That was particularly interesting and I wonder if that is the next direction she will take.

There is no doubt that Kate Nash is one talented girl but I at this point I am only listening to the handful of songs vs. the entire CD. 

Bar Blanc

At dinner last night we were discussing that the location of Bar Blanc has housed a variety of restaurants over the years.  Based on last night, I think Bar Blanc will probably last a while.

We went with some old friends which was really nice.  It is nice to reconnect.  Conversation flows so easily and it as if no time has passed. 

Their friend put together the wine list for Bar Blanc, so we went.  The decor is very mod, very white.  The space is long, like a semi-wide tunnel.  The groovy decor makes it work.  Sort of reminds me of the hipster basements of the 1970's. 

A nice menu.  Creative and a variety of options.  I started with the jumbo asparagus salad.  More greens than anything combined with a few pieces of asparagus, boquerones (Mediterranean anchovies which I love but there were only 2),  a few pieces of shaved pecorino and walnut oil.  A tad garlicky but nice  - very light.  Fred had the organic seasonal mixed greens which was basically the same as mine except there were Lima beans and a different vinaigrette. 

The main courses were good.  I had a seared black cod that was served in a small oval container with pieces of spinach and a squid ink saffron mussel sauce.  I really liked it.  The fish was well cooked and the seafood flavorings brought out the taste of the fish.  Fred went with the monkfish that was served with asparagus, baby artichokes and sweet pea shoots.  Same idea but just different ingredients.   Easy preparation, roasted and served.   

For dessert we all split the beignets.

Both of us decided we liked it but wouldn't race back.  On the other hand, if somebody told me they had made reservations at Bar Blanc for our dinner next week, I'd be fine with that too.  A nice neighborhood restaurants that was rocking last night with a very groovy crowd.  Not sure I'd be included in that mix.

Whitney Biennial

I am a big fan of the Whitney.  Small, intimate, great collection and most of their shows are well curated.  The biennials are always hit or miss.  The biennial that was done the time before last was really fantastic.  This year was a bomb.

Not sure what the theme was.  I found the art uninspiring.  I felt like I was at a show for the freshman class at an art school.  Lots of video and installations.  There was only a few pieces of work from an artist that I really enjoyed which was a take on Richard Prince with clever sayings around the images.  Otherwise, a huge thumbs down. 

We walked past someone giving a tour of three statues made of dripping newspaper ( think paper mache ).  He was describing the thoughts behind it.  I believe it had to do with Los Angeles and the breakdown of certain areas and how the city was changing.  It was a stretch, at least for me.  Perhaps the curators should think about ways to stimulate the visitors and open their minds instead of creating a show that is so out there that it is almost pretentious. 

I am just too pedestrian.  I didn't get 90% of the show or enjoy it.