Gotham Gal

Space NK

I have a long history with the cosmetic world. 

Once I finished my 3 month training program at Macy's, I was sent to work in the Brooklyn Kings Plaza store to run their cosmetic department.  It was a strange placement but perhaps because I had worked in retail before and had degree in retail/finance finance, the powers that be thought it would be a good fit. 

When I went to the first meeting of the managers across the chain, I realized that I was the only non-professional manager.  I had to be the youngest by 25 years and at the same time I was running the largest cosmetic department outside of Macy's NY on 34th street.  Yikes.

 Needless to say, it was a fantastic opportunity and a real experience.  First off, I never wore cosmetics so the staff got a big kick out of that.  But, I rolled up my sleeves, figured out the business and cleaned it up.  Each line worked directly with a rep who would make the rounds monthly to each store.  Each line had a head who worked in each inidividual store, for Macy's, that would order what they needed and I would have to sign off on that.  That was a part of the monthly buy for the main buyer in the Herald Square store although I had to stick to my monthly budget because it plugged into theirs.  Where I was really able to make an impact was cleaning up the huge amount of old inventory (return to vendor) and teaching the staff to rotate their inventory and how to keep a certain supply on hand (generally 3 times) based on the turn of the product, etc.  This way we became a leaner department, made more profit and had a better bottom line.  As much as I loved turning the profits around and getting to know the products, I loved the ladies.  They were a mixture of women from all over Brooklyn who each wanted to take me under their wing from the young girls who worked at nigh to the older ladies who worked the floor during the day. It was memorable.  As I grew up through Macy's (got promoted after a year in cosmetics to another job), I always came back to visit.  It was a mutual love affair.  They loved watching me grow through the company. 

Truth is, the frenetic feel of a cosmetic floor was fun to work in but I never enjoyed going to one to make the purchases.  Once a year or sometimes twice, I stop by the cosmetic floor somewhere and get a redo or get what I need but I never really enjoy it.  I have attempted to buy at Sephora, mostly on line, because being in that store gives me an anxiety attack.

My Mom told me about the store Space NK.  This might be my spot.  There are four locations around the area - one in Soho on Greene Street which is my location.  They come out of the UK where they first opened in 1993.  The store is serene. Mostly high end products that are the latest and greatest.  They carry everything from gels to shampoos to soaps to candles to cosmetics.  Some I knew of and others I never had.  One stop shopping.  Also available are facials. 

The minute I walked in and took a look around, I vowed to return for my seasonal make over. Experienced sales staff and not pushy in an environment that makes you feel peaceful instead of the insanity you find in most cosmetic stores.  I think Space.NK might have finally got it right.  Of course if you still can't deal, you can always shop their store online.

New York Mets...a piece to take home

We (that would be Josh, Fred, Jessica and Emily since I could care less) are Mets fans.  Fred told me that they were selling off the chairs as the stadium is closing down.  He thought we should really buy the chairs.  A bit of nostalgia.  I got online and bought 2 green chairs.  The orange were already sold out.  They are really for Josh, the biggest fan of them all. 

Sort of a funny thing to own but in the end, I am glad we will have a little bit of the Mets to call home.

Pureed Carrots

This is so simple and it is an easy dish for the side.  Could be making an appearance again at Thanksgiving.  You could actually add sweet potatoes to this and give it a whole different flavor. 

2 lbs. of carrots peeled and coarsely chopped
3-4 cups of seltzer
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. chopped parsley (or another herb to give a different flavor)

In a large saucepan, put in the carrots and cover with the sparkling water.  Bring to a boil, stir in the butter and salt.  Reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.  The seltzer should reduce about 3/4 and carrots should be really tender. 

Transfer the whole thing to a food processor.  Let it cool a bit before blending.  Then blend until smooth.  I let it go for a few minutes.  Added in some more salt for taste and the parsley.

Voila.  You can always add more butter to the process at the end but it isn’t necessary.  It is really best served right after made.  I put it in a saucepan and reheated before dinner.  If you have to, it isn't the end of the world but it is definitely better to serve immediately and deal with the mess later.

Braised Pork

This time of the year I am never sure if I want to cook a last meal of the Summer or opt for the first meal of the Fall.  I went with the Autumn theme. 

I got this recipe out of Food and Wine’s October issue.  Sounded delicious.  As always, I didn’t exactly follow the recipe but that’s the beauty of cooking.

One 4 lb. pork butt (with bone) and skin – the bone isn’t necessary but I think it makes for a juicier piece of meat
2 ½ cups of thinly sliced shallots
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp powdered mustard
¾ cup Champagne vinegar
2 cups sparkling white wine
2 cups chicken stock
2 sage sprigs
1 lb. red grapes (stemmed)
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tbsp. snipped chives

Preheat the oven to 300.  Using a super sharp knive score the pork skin in a crosshatch pattern.

In a large cast iron casserole (I prefer Le Creuset pots) cover the bottom with olive oil.  When it is really hot, put the skin side down until really browned and then brown the rest of the meat by turning.  It takes about 15 minutes for the whole thing.  Take out the pork.

Add the shallots to the casserole and bring the heat to low.  Stir until browned.  Add in the cumin, coriander and mustard until incorporated.  Add the vinegar and scrape the entire bottom of the casserole with a wooden spoon to move around any brown bits that have stuck.  Add the wine, stock and sage and then bring to a boil.  Put the pork back in and cover.  Put in the oven for about 3 hours or until very tender.

Take the pork out when done and cover with foil.  Put the casserole bottom over high heat and bring to a boil.  The liquid should begun to thicken.  Takes about 10 minutes or less.  Add the grapes and boil until they begin to soften and pop.  Another 8 minutes or so.  Remove from heat and stir in the parsley and chives. 

Slice the pork and pour the vinegar sauce over and serve.  This picture doesn't give the dinner justice.  It was delicious.  To be made again. On the side I served Brussels sprouts and pureed carrots.

Soccer has begun

Sports season has begun.  Josh is playing weekend soccer and soccer for the school.  The weather is beautiful now but come November it is a bit harsh standing outside for 2 hours watching the games.  But, hey, that's what Moms do.  

We had to buy cleats the night before the first game.  Took Josh and his friend to Paragon where they discussed the virtues of each pair of cleats.  It was quite hilarious.  You would have thought the boys were discussing the latest designer.  It must be innate.  Might be a different fashion statement but a fashion statement none the less. 

In the end, we got a pair of cleats, new shorts, shin pads and soccer socks.  The look was down.  His feet are huge.  They won the game.  Big success across the board.

Artisinal

I have been to Artisinal a handful of times over the years.  Once for fondue, one for a private party and once for dinner.  I had lunch there again this week.  I met someone for lunch who I had never met before.  Fred set me up on a date with someone he thought I'd really like.  He was right.  We gabbed from the minute we sat down. 

When Artisinal first opened, about 10 years ago (maybe less), I thought the location was strange.  It is located the corner of 32nd and Park.  A neighborhood that hums during the day with professionals but is pretty quiet at night.  A lot has changed, as has many areas of the city.  Madison Avenue has changed from 23rd and up as more apartment buildings have come in.  Fifth Avenue has changed in the same area and you can see those changes seeping over to Park Avenue and beyond.  Artisinal who has a steady clientele might find themselves busier than ever as the neighborhood continues to grow. 

Walking into Artisinal is like taking a stroll through a Paris bistro.  An entire section devoted to cheese.  Gotta love that.  Just simple well cooked classic food.  I admit, I am not a huge fondue fan.  It is one of those things where my eyes are bigger than my stomach.  After one or two pieces, I have had my fill.  It sounds better than it is. 

For lunch, I had a yellow fin tuna carpaccio with shaved fennel and a plate of asparagus topped with a simple vinaigrette.  Perhaps irrelevant but the green tea I had after the meal was delicious.  Not sure which leaves they use but it was rich and nutty...just like I like it.  The food came quick, the service was good and food was really good.

As I am always being asked where to go for dinner or trying to come up with something for myself, I might have to make my way back to Artisinal for dinner.  Lots of the latest and greatest restaurants are just latest but not greatest.  I have a feeling that this Fall I will find myself returning to places where I know the food is just really good.  There is a reason that Artisinal, although in a strange location originally, has survived for many years. 

15 East

When 15 East first opened, I believe I dined there about 3 times in the first two weeks.  I have continued to return and return. 

Marco Moreira started his small empire on 15th Street with Tocqueville.  A beautiful serene restaurant with delicious food, lunch and dinner.  Marco expanded next door with 15 East.  15 East is Japanese cuisine and sushi.  I think it is one of the best sushi restaurants in the city.  Fresh soba noodles, fresh fish, creative concepts.  Love it. 

Friday night, I went to a private party at 15 East.  The space worked beautifully.  The food was absolutely delicious.  Service was excellent.  A really lovely night. 

As the night wore on, and everyone gabbed and drank more, it was hard to appreciate the food.  I plan on returning in the next week so I can enjoy a quiet evening in the tranquil dining room and savor the delicious food.

The next generation

Last weekend, I went to a board retreat for our kids school where I sit on the board.  We do this yearly, roughly at the same time, in the city on a Saturday morning from 830-230.  The topics change annually but are chosen with the thought that the board will think bigger about the institution.

This year, Joel Westheimer, came in to speak to us about Educating the "Good" Citizen:  The Politics of Teaching Democracy.  Joel is an incredible speaker.  Articulate, knowledgeable and passionate about this topic.  He is a professor at the University of Ottawa and research Chair of Democracy in Education. He grew up in New York and taught at NYU for many years.  Joel has written a variety of books but the one that we were really discussing was his latest, Pledging Allegiance, the Politics of Democracy in America's Schools.

I have been thinking about the conversations we had all week.  Watching the markets crash this past week made me think even more about our discussions. 

Basically, we are at odds in education.  In the last 7 years, through the policies of the Bush administration such as No Child Left Behind, many states have passed laws that have stopped promoting critical thinking, conversation and discussion.  Teachers have been suspended when kids in their classroom were asked to give an analysis and opinion about the war in Iraq, kids have been suspended for being anti-war.  A political discourse has run into the education system.  That is the public education system.  There is a believe that our public school teachers should be teaching math, English and only one perspective of history that is based on fact, science is still being debated in regards to evolution.  In essence, no multiple perspectives which give no foundation for critical thinking.  Pushing our children not to learn, think or question but just take in what is predetermined by the educators or the politicians. 

It was many hours of conversation which is difficult to compress into a paragraph but in essence I believe that this sort of direction is bad for our country on so many levels.  How does this type of education ( that would be without the arts, music and little phys ed) create the next Jasper Johns, the next Einstein, the next Jesse Owens, the next Martin Luther King.  Have we been so blinded that we have allowed this administration to create a Totalitarian Government? 

What we are creating is a bigger divide between the rich and the not rich.  Children in private schools, such as ours, which is a very progressive independent thinking school that embraces critical thinking, embraces kids that question authority ( in a respectful manner ).  That type of critical thinking allows for teachable moments. 

The lack of controls and accountability the Bush administration has given to the Banks and Insurance companies is the polar opposite of schools.  Heads of the supposed blue chip institutions of our country have gone bankrupt.  The leaders of these companies have taken huge salaries regardless of the poor decisions they have made.  Bad investments, poor decisions and a serious lack of leadership has gone on.  Corporate America at its worst. 

Let's fast forward 20 years from now.  Who will be running these companies?  If our public education system is creating laws so that teachers are not allowed to teach social justice, create room for encouraging creative discussions, not allowing for multiple perspectives of thought, not embracing dialogues for any subject and essentially creating a structural impediment what will America's future look like? 

Are we creating a country of people on cruise control?  Look at what has happened over the past week.  Why on earth would our Government want to control what is being taught in the class with the lesson it is my way or the highway type of learning.  This sort of teaching doesn't necessarily happen in private schools because they are not publicly funded and don't have to follow the formats that have been handed to them to make sure they get money. 

I just don't get the Bush administration.  Let the companies run free, spend all our money abroad not at home, structure our education system to the point where there is no room for multiple perspectives.  This Totalitarian way of thinking in a democracy creates havoc in the long run because people in the US can only stay in power for 8 years.  Although certainly the Supreme Court judges can be long lasting but educating our children is eternal.  What these laws are doing is creating an even broader separation between the wealthy and not wealthy, public and the private.

This whole week has shown us yet again how much of our financial industry relies on people feeling secure.  The heads of corporate America have raped the American public.  There is no confidence.  Separating our country from the haves and have-nots in education will make America weaker not stronger.  

Education is the key to life.  Education which embraces free thinkers is even more important.  Without that, who will be our leaders of tomorrow?  Will America just become a place where the leaders only end up being kids who grew up in the private school system?  Is that the type of America we want our kids to have?  It isn't the type of America I want to live in.  I want to live in a place where we can agree to disagree at at least have the wherewithal to debate through critical thinking. 

Alaskan anti-Palin protest

My friend sent me some pictures of an anti-Palin/McCain protest in Alaska.  Some great posters.  From one picture it appears to be a pretty big turnout considering it isn't a heavily populated area.

 

History of the web

This afternoon I attended the Web 2.0 Expo conference for the only reason to see Fred give the keynote speech.  Granted, I am biased, but it was a fantastic speech.  There is definitely a talent in getting up in front of a large audience and speaking fluently and confidently about a topic.  The history of the web, in NYC, is a topic Fred is very familiar with.

It was fun discussing the past, the successes, the failures, the players prior to the speech.  Although I have always been involved through Fred, I was involved professionally in Silicon Alley (a label that Fred hates) starting in 1996 too.  I rode the crazy roller coaster on many levels for quite a few years.  Instead of using a sporst analogy, I will use a child rearing analogy. I think of the first round of the web like the baby years.  Constant change, ridiculous hours, begging for attention while trying to make your mark.  Like a baby through the early toddler years. 

Web 2.0 is a bit more grown up.  It is the kids and the teenage years now.  A broader age of kids.  I could say that the Internet industry will never move into the adult stage but then again, I guess that is what Yahoo and Google are...adults. 

Fred's speech was about 25 minutes.  There has been many books written about the topic.  I always think I will write a book through my eyes.  My birds eye view is not only an intimate look at many of the companies, people and of course parties,  the success of the Internet changed our lives. 

I can't believe that so much time has passed and how much has been accomplished.  I'll keep thinking about that book.....