A Crowded Celebration of Flavors

The organizers of the Malaysian Night Market in Chelsea grossly underestimated the crowds that would flock to sample the varied flavors of region. Of course, by cramming in many vendors, live entertainment and Jeremy Piven (who I sadly, did not see) into a tiny triangle block, without any streets getting blocked off, it would seem that they expected a crowd of about ten. It was jam packed, shoulder to shoulder making the pungent laksa (spicy noodle soup with fried little fish) from Fatty Crab one of the least wise picks for eating ease, but it was the winner taste wise of the night. They never shy away from flavor at Fatty Crab and this dish was exquisitely bold. The other tasty treat was a chicken sandwich (sorry, not sure which booth it came from). I was less impressed with other bites (fish balls, fried rice, and filled crepe) but Jim was happy with the milder flavors.

The crowded event has the dubious distinction of possibly being my last major outing – the tradition of offering a seat to a very pregnant woman doesn’t apply to the rough streets of the Meatpacking District – in fact, several ladies held empty spots with purses… but I knew the day would come when my stamina for long outings would end temporarily, and at least it included tiny fried fishes, really spicy chiles, and a glimpse of a dapper Lewis Dodley (who Mike recognized first from his baritone, silky voice).

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See more: Spend a Couple Minutes Asian Festivals/Conventions Food

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Posted on September 18, 2010

at Madison Square Park

We’ve braved the long lines (that actually go very quickly) and major crowds many times now to enjoy the outdoor Big Apple BBQ, which features pitmasters from around the country. We went in with a plan this year. We came when the festivities began to help ease some of the crowding and made for two specific places. First, 17th Street Bar and Grill, the Mike Mills Illinois based stand that featured baby back ribs and baked beans. I’d heard so many raves about the cue, that constantly, throughout the festival boasts incredibly long lines. There’s a reason – these are incredible! Slightly sweet, but mild, but flavorful and moist, I was thoroughly impressed. The baked beans that featured a variety of beans beyond the basic haricot beans.

Second, we made our way to the sandwich that we look forward to eating once every year – the whole hog from Ed Mitchell’s Pit. Perfectly, subtly vinegary and incredibly moist, like always it didn’t disappoint. I am psyched Van got to develop such good taste for BBQ so early in his life – I was hoping there’d be a baby onesie among the merchandise but no such luck.

There were less sweets than other years, only Blue Smoke offered them (we got the rootbeer float) and I was bummed to see there was no Brunswick Stew, but all in all, despite all the grumbling I heard and the crowds, I always love the Big Apple BBQ and look forward to it annually.

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Posted on June 13, 2010

at the Metropolitan Pavilion

I hadn’t been to Manhattan Vintage in years, but am glad I made it to this months event if not to gawk at amazing gowns, jewelry, and hats, then to be surrounded by sometimes fellow lovers of vintage (sometimes kind of famous ones at that). The place is certainly not for bargain hunters (which I am, I admit) but the selections from an array of dealers are not bargain bin either. You will find well curated clothing and accessories that after a couple hours will make you spin with want.

I’d recommend it for lovers to browse, designers to find inspiration, the very wealthy, or those looking for a special something for an occasion where they don’t mind spending a little extra for a one of a kind piece. Of course, I could hardly leave empty handed and with my own special ability, managed to root out an beautiful Egyptian inspired necklace that was sold for about a third of the price most booths averaged. It came from Fool’s Gold and I love it dearly.

I also dearly love my good friend Stacy and her shop Exquisite Costume, which boasted an impressive spot full of incredible pieces.

While this season’s show is at an end as I speak this, the next one will be October 8-9. Then you can see for yourself as I neglected/was too scared of the vendors to take photos.

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Posted on April 25, 2010

As is our yearly tradition, today we traveled to the New York woods for the Renaissance Faire. There was glorious weather, costumes galore, and plenty of beers enjoyed in the shaded forest with bestest friends.

Perhaps because of the sunshine, the place was packed with revelers and the money they've racked in has been put to good use. The usual spots, like one of our favorite places in all of New York to beer it up, The Blue Boar and shopping stalls like M'Ladies Panties, shone in a new coat of paint, while other attractions, like the rotten tomato toss and the huge traveling bell machine were brand new.

Jim splurged on some amazing completely customized moccasins from Catskill Mountain Moccasins. They make an actual cast of the foot and take several months to complete the shoes by hand. Shaun and Mike were a bit more conservative with their spending and went home with a souvenir mug and a skull crystal on a rope.

But the fair is more than the souvenirs you go home with, it's an experience that you really should try if you haven't already. The last weekend of the season is coming up, so get your tickets (buy online for discounted prices), throw back some mead, and enjoy a joust or two before it closes!

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Posted on September 14, 2009

I actually missed the memo Spike Lee was hosting a Birthday Bash for Michael Jackson at Prospect Park. From the many flickr photos and the selection of images posted on gothamist, it looks like I missed an Off the Wall good time.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours Festivals/Conventions Park Slope

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Posted on August 31, 2009