Restaurants »Mighty Quinn’s

At Smorgasburg

If you’ve been to Smorgasburg you know Mighty Quinn’s. It’s the one with the huge smoker and – invariably – the longest line.

So when we got to the fair super early we had to take advantage of its relatively short line. Sure, it meant a brisket sandwich for breakfast but, wow, what a brisket sandwich!

Tender, flavorful, meaty with a sauce that has the perfect balance of tang and smoke. It’s a cross between vinegar and tomato based owning influence to no one particular region. No wonder its such a favorite.

The chefs take a lot of pride in their food (and look at those forearms!) and are happy to chat BBQ with their eager customers.

Next time I’ll even brave the longer lines to try their lamb which is only available later in the day. It’s sure to be worth the wait.

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Posted on April 25, 2012

Spend a Couple Minutes »Educo My Creative Cookery Club

Perfect Toddler Kitchen

A couple months ago I started to notice that Van wasn’t as interested in his old toys. As he makes his way into toddlerhood, things that rattle just aren’t as cool as grown up gadgets. So, I started to look for some play grown up toys.

I found this adorable wooden kitchen from Educo that is as lovely to look at as it is enthraling for Van.

Great for small spaces and small kids, it’s not as elaborate as some I’ve seen but perfect for our needs.
Van hasn’t been as involved in playtime as is with this for a while.

It comes with toy utensils, dishes, and food and is relatively easy to assemble.

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Posted on April 25, 2012

Restaurants »Cafe Mogador

133 Wythe Ave

Cafe Mogador in the city has been a long time favorite, always packed, always teaming with famouses like Jake Gyllenhaal and Chloe Sevigny.

It owes its popularity not just to it’s scene, however, but to flavorful, unique Moroccan food.

I was happy to hear it was opening a Williamsburg branch but feared it would be overcrowded. While a steady stream of eaters came and went, it’s not crazy though (at least not yet) and a large back patio and a bright airy space makes it more accommodating than I expected from the somewhat cavernous Manhattan spot.

The food hasn’t suffered from the move either. It’s great to have alternatives to the usual Benedict’s and French toasts. In my case, I opted for a flavorful but light halumi tomato and egg dish.

Sides are great to share. Spicy carrots, yogurt sauce and hummus were all hits at the table.

Service is friendly and efficient and even welcoming to toddlers (which can make it break a meal for us). We will be back to try the dinner menu soon.

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Posted on April 22, 2012

Spend a Couple Minutes »Carved Candles from Enchantments

424 East 9th Street

You might be surprised but one of the coolest purchases I’ve made in the city came from an East Village magic/witch/head shop called “Enchantments“.

Like any subculture establishment, you may feel out of place when you first arrive or at least as though you might be intruding (like the familiar feeling of a woman entering a gaming shop, hearing the Magic the Gathering game come to a screeching halt as she patters by in high heels).
But the key, as really in any place you expect costumer service, is to be polite and respectful.

I was looking for a magic candle. I burned one for good luck while pregnant with Van from the Pharmacia Millionaire in Los Angeles and he turned out awesome so, of course, I wanted one for my new pregnancy.

Unlike my experience in LA, Enchantments will hand carve a candle for you, depending on your needs. It is then decorated (in my case with gold glitter and bronze) an encantation is performed (mine involved pennies, honey and inscense) and you walk away with a pretty sweet looking item for your house and superstitious mind.

Skeptical at first, my accompanying friend decided she may like one for herself to bless her upcoming wedding. It’s a much more satisfying experience than I had even hoped for.

Enchantments is also your source more any witchcraft needs including herbs and talismans.

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Posted on April 22, 2012

Style Icons: Male »Levon Helm

RIP

The Band was one of the most effortlessly cool groups in rock and roll ever and one that is still influencing musicians and men who aspire to a sort of timeless hipness that grows from American roots that is hard to capture (but oh so relevant, especially today – look at any mustached bar keep or farmer-chic butcher).

The heart of the band was the charismatic drummer and singer Levon Helm. He played backup for Bob Dylan, had a solo career as musician and actor (notably in Steven Seagal’s Fire Down Below, and continued making music out of Woodstock, NY).

After a long battle with cancer, Helm passed away a few days ago but his legacy lives on and his work is fondly remembered by those who knew him and those who were moved by his music.

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Posted on April 22, 2012

Albums »Autobahn

by Kraftwerk (1974)

Like practically every art school nerd type person in New York City, I failed to acquire Kraftwerk tickets but not for lack of trying.

Though I’ve seen images and heard tell of the performances I still prefer to sulk a little with Autobahn – an album I would describe as a soothing video game journey of sound.

Ah! I feel soothed already just listening to a few times.

The word “soundscape” in relation to music doesn’t always conjure up wonderful images to me. I usually see boring performances by friend’s boyfriends one might be guilted into seeing – but here it means great things.

It’s a shimmering, sunny day album that takes you to glossy imaginary landscapes.

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Posted on April 20, 2012

Style Icons: Female »Daphne Oram

Electronic Musician

Lots of rock sub genres seem to be dominated by men (where are the ladies of prog rock??) but electronic music has more pioneering women in its history than you might know.

Daphne Oram was a composer who not only experimented with the way music sounds but how it’s made. Her technique called Oramics involves drawing on 35mm film to make sounds.

She’s a pretty awesome lady.

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Posted on April 20, 2012

Hunks »Ricky Nelson

Poor Little Fool

Ricky Nelson isn’t necessarily remembered as a hit maker, even though he was as popular as Elvis on the charts for a time.

He’s also forgotten as a heartthrob even though he’s clearly down right adorable.

Maybe it’s that squeaky clean Ozzie and Harriet image that makes people omit him in their remembrance of hunks past.

Though, a perusal of his bio proves it was only that – an image.

His life was filled with affairs, illegitimate children and drugs not to mention sons who went on to become Nelson.

The images though are of classic boy next door good looks. There’s a slight mischievousness in his smirk but overall the boy looks wholesome and heartbreakingly cute.

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Posted on April 19, 2012

Style Icons: Male »Dick Clark

“America’s Oldest Teenager”

So long Dick Clark. His influential American Bandstand introduced America to rock and roll. Here are a few favorite moments to watch in his honor: Cyndi Lauper, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Doors, DEVO, Buddy Holly, Berlin, Blondie, and The Big Bopper.

The passing of such a nice man (and the 20,000 Dollar Pyramid host -let’s not forget!) is very sad news. Almost as sad is the fact that New Years will, going forward, be associated with Ryan Seacrest instead.

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Posted on April 18, 2012

Restaurants »Noodle Lane

20120414-223700.jpgat Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg is back! I’ve been looking forward to it for months and I will bringing you my favorite bites through out the season. Today I give you Noodle Lane and their Dan Dan noodles.

It seems I’m becoming a bit of a Dan Dan noodle connoisseur and these rate high. The ingredients were fresh and there was no holding back on a serious spicy kick – even if you don’t opt for the extra spicy version – so grab a couple extra napkins for brow wiping.

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Posted on April 16, 2012