tweet cloud

What does your tweet cloud say about you? Check out the application here. My top words in the past six months: Wall, Love, Party.

sunday errand tribeca, a photo series

swift--

lodging.

collective.

bouley.

a brunch at Onda

Wandering down the Seaport, I noticed a nearly empty bar with a sign offering $4 Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Bellini specials. I glanced at the menu: surprisingly engaging, as well reasonably, if not cheaply, priced. I considered moving on: cannot be that good. Then I noticed the 2010 Michelin Guide Recommended sticker. With one more glance, I stepped in.

I requested a Bloody Mary. The bar keep appeared to be Italian, though the menu at Onda is contemporary Latin American. He took his time with the cocktail. Soft conversation exchanged with the servers- all in casual clothes well-tailored to their frame. My first sip of the Bloody revealed a dominant lime flavor- a gentle nod to the Latin themed menu. The bar keep set a small bowl of house made chips before me.

As I looked over the menu, a short man with a humble smile offered me a plate of warm flatbread with white bean paste dressed in olive oil and paprika. The palate of spices and texture offered a particular comfort as well discouraged me from ordering a small plate before my brunch. Among those: gorgeous bruschettas, heuvos, cheeses, cured meats. Onda certainly lends thoughts of sharing the spot with a partner to nibble and sip wine.

For my entree, I requested the Colombian Arepa with poached egg, grilled Chorizo, creamed spinach and bacon. Onda certainly pulled together with this dish. I believe that a restaurant's "Benedict family" recipe is a an excellent indicator of the attention and affection for the food in the kitchen. The Arepa's texture: buttery perfection- unlike any other I had ever tasted. The Chorizo's firmness coupled with savory flavor offered balance to the creamed spinach. Each ingredient functioned as a unit that could certainly be appreciated solo, though together they are a seamless marriage.

Though I very much enjoy my occasional solo brunch- and was among other solo brunch diners- Onda is a place meant to be shared with someone you enjoy.

bldg's Post-Apocalyptic New York

Times Square at Night

W. 29th & Broadway

Garment District

5th Ave & 53rd

5th Ave & 35th

via bldg

Black Friday, a photo series

voyeur

street apparel

barter-

loot.

all things: considered.

from: The New Zealand Book Council

Wow. I'll be emailing this to my Cybernetic Fiction professor from years ago. There is a peculiar House of Leaves quality to it, no?

Abelardo Morell Photography

My apartment is simply decorated. There isn't a decoration on the wall. Inspired by Biesenbach, I like to come home to a clean slate after a day in the trenches of NYC grit and chaos. Setting that aside, I adore these photos from Havana born Aberardo Morrell. I'd be tempted to set up an incognito projector to fluctuate the decor in my apartment.

Lightening Strikes Dubai: Often.

At first glance, I thought this spectacular photo of the Burj Dubai was a painting. The absurdly ostentatious building is the tallest in the world; and the word is that lightening strikes occur often- given that the storms aren't exactly a daily occurrence.


via: Gizmodo

Robert McCall: NASA Space Art

If you've read 2001 A Space Odyssey, or licked a stamp with NASA art on it: chances are that you are familiar with Robert McCall. His paintings grew in popularity during the 1960's, after being featured in LIFE magazine. To me, his art communicates excitement, curiosity and a tinge of fear. Perhaps one of the more engaging qualities is found in the pieces that incorporate the American Southwest terrain, as if it is space.

The Russian Vodka Room

I simply couldn't turn down an invite to the Russian Vodka Room. The dimly lit dining space survives on regulars and youngish couples warm with affection. To boot, the bar is decent sized with sunken back tables behind curtains- all serenaded by a piano player that occasionally sets his head down to rest.

Large vats of in-house flavored vodka are served in 2 ounce pours for $6. I chose the dill & garlic, my company, the horseradish. Sipped on the rocks, both were gorgeous enough to request a second. To be honest, I haven't been able to shake my affection for the venue. I'm planning to return soon- maybe tomorrow. Perhaps I'll sample the eats at some point as well.

image: via

take an apertif at Ella

After a warm meal, I settled into Ella to close the evening. Although the empty ceilings left a empty feeling upon entering, the comfy couches and eclectic colors beg you to settle. I sipped on the LES Cocktail (it seemed appropriate!). Mint, muddled cucumbers, simple syrup, St. Germain and gin came served up to my table. The flecks of mint aimlessly floated in the martini glass: heaven. Head here after a good dinner with someone you'd like to squeeze.

a dinner at Yerba Buena

Falling out of a cab and shuffling into Yerba Buena, I found myself warmly greeted by a handsome man tucking me into a seat- as he removed my jacket. A good start. I ordered the Azteca- in waiting for my company to arrive. The sleek cocktail is composed of Lunazal tequila, St. Germain, yellow chartreuse and fresh lime juice. Absolutely divine. When my dining partner pushed in, he selected the Mojito: Flor de Cana 7 rum, mint leaves demarara syrup and fresh lime. It's difficult to shy away from well-selected liquor and top-notch juices. At mid-point through our cocktails, we requested a corner table.

For sustenance, we decided to share three plates. From the Frios: Ceviche Mixto with shrimp, octopus, crawfish, clams, red onion, rocoto, cilantro and maiz cancho. Superb in freshness and firm textures. The dish was appropriately served before our two Bontanas plates. Our second (shared plates) course involved the Empanadas and the Tacos de Pescado. The Empanadas came golden brown with chicken tinga, sirloin picadillo and chimichurri sauce for dressing. Without the sauce for garnish, the Empanadas would have been quite disappointing- regardless, my dining partner seemed satisfied. I found the Tacos de Pescado to be quite refreshing in their make-up of crispy tilapia, baja style jimica, cabbage and chipotle slaw. The crunchy and subtle jimica added a bit of interest beyond your typical fish taco.

Excellent Southwestern food is often difficult to come by, I certainly plan to return to Yerba Buena.

images: latina.com, cherry patter

In it, a photo series

differing-

taking-

tip topping-

justifying-

structuring

reaching

taking.

cornering-

discussing-

leaning-

gathering-

zesting-

deepening-

regarding-

hiding-

transporting-

sliding-