Style Icons: Female »Valentina Shlee

Elegant Dressmaker

While the name Valentina Nicholaevna Sanina Shlee (she was commonly referred to as simply Valentina) is not the most widely remembered of her time, from the late 20s to the 50s the Russian born beauty was a highly skilled, dramatic dressmaker who was as stylish and remarkable herself as her simple and gorgeous creations. She was designer for the stage and dressed the rich and the famous of the era. One of her clients was Greta Garbo, who once had an affair with Valentina’s husband. The fued between them resulted in an elaborate leaving and entering schedule so they’d avoid each other in the halls of  the ritzy apartment complex they both lived in. The Museum of the City of New York had a retrospective of her career last year that I am sad to say I missed.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Restaurants »Mesa Coyoacan

372 Graham Avenue

I think most of us grew up on Americanized versions of ethnic cuisines. Not to say that what many of us think of as “Mexican” is necessarily a bad thing (I still sneak away to Taco Bell now and then) but it takes restaurants like Mesa Coyoacan to open ones eyes to a whole other side of authentic flavors. Chef/owner Ivan Garcia grew up in Mexico City and says he’s brought the recipes of his grandparents with him.

I started my first visit with beef and avocado tacos and sampled Jim’s smoked pork chop tacos. Both were truly excellent and worth ordering again, though with a menu that offers so many intriguing options, I’ll probably prefer to try them all first. They offered a refreshing Jamaica agua fresca, which I was just introduced to last week but the special jalapeno infused margarita was screaming out for me (the baby in my belly won out though and I stuck to the juice).

It was too dim to take any decent photos, which is a shame because they would have made your mouth water. It’s worth noting that this will cost you more than your average Mexican joint (though with good reason) and the exterior is a little off putting but don’t be discouraged.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Spend a Couple Hours »32nd Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow

at the Queens County Farm Museum

The 32nd Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow has been on my calendar for about a year since I first heard about it. The costumes and performances did not disappoint and I was especially psyched for the kids that were carrying on the tradition. All the costumes were hand made and really stunning and incredible: neon quilting, huge feathers, intricate beading (in one instance, a tweety bird), and bell covered dresses, oh my. The dance ground was surrounded with booths that sold everything from Horseradish Pickles to a great chest plate necklace I was very, very tempted to splurge on.

This was my first visit to the Queens County Farm Museum, a lovely little place that hosts several events throughout the year. We rushed out as the weather got wild leaving behind the horseradish pickles unpurchased and a snack that will be on my mind until next year (or if I can find them elsewhere).

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Spend a Couple Minutes »Bright Socks at Uniqlo

546 Broadway

Take note bold men of fashion: Uniqlo is currently selling the most adorable bright, sometimes neon sock and I think you should get some. Four pairs for ten dollars, how can you resist? Especially since it’s always tough to add a touch of color to men’s outfits in a great way.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Places to Visit »Jacob Riis Beach

Rockaway Beach Blvd. at Channel Dr.

Jacob Riis was a fearless photographer who used muckraking tactics and his camera to enact major changes in the slums of New York City. The beach named for him is a lovely stretch of south shore sand in the Gateway National Recreation Area that is a quick drive out of the city. It’s popular with families, boom box toting kids, and an eclectic crowd of sunbathers.

One of the parks most popular attractions are the barbecue fields that were absolutely swarming with grilling sausages, bananas (what a great idea!), and burgers and large extended families making the best of the hot summer. Come early if you want to claim a spot.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

TV Shows »Breaking Bad

on AMC

Many television shows lately are called “hard hitting” and “relentless” but Breaking Bad, which is far from the Weeds-like drug dealing comedy one might expect truly deserves these descriptors. I am shocked then, that no one really talks about how, well, crazy this show is. I’ve heard it’s good, but without a mention of melting human bodies and an extremely depressing subplot about dying from cancer.

That all the severe tension and heavy stuff mixed with totally gruesome events can result in anything called entertainment is impressive, but Breaking Bad does one better and offers high quality entertainment due in no small part to the cast and the writing. It took me a couple episodes to be on board, but it’s strangely compelling once you’re into it.

You know I love Bryan Cranston and even more so now with his demented adventures and bald head. I am also glad to see he is type cast as an extremely horny man with plenty of sex scenes with his wife who is played by the uptight school teaching wife of Bullock on Deadwood (her name). Also stolen from Deadwood? the nearly identical theme song making the short lived foul mouthed show possibly the least watched by viewers and most revered by casting agents and producers.

I’ve only seen the first season and look forward to the rest, which fans say only get better.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Laughs »Fat Booth

Iphone App

Like this week’s recipe, this silly app comes to my attention via Shaun. It’s called Fat Booth and it shows you what you would look like if you were morbidly obese (apparently I’d gain it all in my chin and become cross eyed). Do enjoy!

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Recipes »Dutch Babies

Puffy Pancake

Puffy and slightly custardy, my friend Shaun bakes a mean Dutch Baby, a breakfast treat that we concluded must be simply called “Our Children” in Holland. While Shaun’s recipe is his own, you could probably safely start with this Alton Brown one then add in any fruits you desire – we had fresh blueberries.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Songs »If I Told My Baby

by The Paupers (1965)

I discovered this fun little song, If I Told My Baby, while posting a sweet photo of the band, The Paupers over at Rotating Corpse.

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Posted on July 18, 2010

Hunks »Montgomery Clift

Tragic Hollywood Star

The incredibly handsome Montgomery Clift was nothing if not tragic. His gradual decline after a face altering accident was called “the longest suicide in Hollywood history” which was fueled by alcohol, bisexual affairs, and drug abuse. Certainly not the most sunny life, but his career included some searing performances which he brought an element of internal turmoil to. I have always loved the movie A Place in the Sun and his performance (along with the amazing Shelley Winters and Elizabeth Taylor) is spectacular and quietly intense. Other stand outs are Suddenly, Last Summer and Judgement at Nuremberg and he was supposed to play the lead in Sunset Boulevard (the role went to William Holden due to scheduling conflicts).

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Posted on July 18, 2010