(watering)holes - the Bar that Could

a Little Patience; Newark and Barrow

After months of whispers and speculation, the much anticipated Barcade seemed set for an opening at the end of this month.  I myself could not hold back the slight delight I felt as I walked past its location and saw the sign going up. That was weeks ago and the end of the month is in t-minus a day. Stories of the Brooklyn-based bar making its way across the Hudson started many months ago and have since turned into its own urban legend. Similar to that of the supposed Whole Foods that has yet to grace us with its presence. A fellow Velvet Undergrounder, who may have landed a job at Barcade, told me recently that it was set for an April 3rd opening. That too seems to be in question after reading this on Barcade's facebook page:                                     

Barcade 

Dear friends,
 We were very close to being ready to open but we were told to add some additional sprinklers. Consequently, our architectural plans and calculations need to be re-drawn and then approved by the city, which takes time. Hope to resolve this setback soon.

(the)Skinny

I'll leave the City bureaucracy to speak for itself. On the flipside, when it does finally open, it will be a sweet addition to the local scene. Similar to that of its BK sibling, the bar will offer all American craft breweries on draft. I'll have a Southampton please. Delicious. 

Though they have yet to announce their game lineup, an owner has been quoted as saying that there will be 33 games, all from the 70s and 80s. You'll know as soon as I do; or vice versa. 

(spot)light - Vinyl for the Taking

Soul Searching; 1st and Brunswick

Thanks to a late night tweet from Dancing Tony and an afternoon reminder from one of my fellow Velvet Undergrounders, I was able to peep the vinyl giveaways that Iris Records had for the taking. 13 postal boxes were filled with discarded titles, assuring gems within the rubbish. One problem... it was close to 1pm and the street cleaner was lurking around the hood. I quickly double-parked and made a dash as the distinct roar of the useless machine passed Newark Avenue. This countdown of sorts made for a game show enthused search that ended way too quickly. Within 8 minutes of rummaging I scored some disco, bluegrass, spanish dance, Madonna, and the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Quite the eclectic mix of freebies. So cheers to free vinyl and the friends who remind you about it. Jeers to the street cleaner and its hidden purpose.

I'll give (the)Skinny on Iris Records in a future post, but be sure to peep the shop (it's an amazing space)  at 114 Brunswick Street. Recently re-opening their doors, it's still loaded with great finds and cheap prices; only now with more organization and less cat hair. They can also be found at Creative Grove every Friday.

Up for Adoption; 1st and Brunswick

(day)breakers - Sunday Bumday

Hobo Chic; 8th and Coles

After a night of disco dancing at Barrow Mansion for Art's Sake, it's great to find people recovering in comfort. Our Pajama Partier was hanging out on her stoop, soaking in the sun and sweating out the booze. Surrounded by a troop of those recovering from Saturday evening's Art Strike, their clothes tell us all we need to know about their current physical and mental states.

Art Strike may have started off a bit slow, but it quickly turned into an evening of great JC debauchery, with sprinkles of psychedelic insanity. An eclectic mix of artists, hipsters and JC originals dancing to disco, rocking to serious guitar riffs, and bowling in lanes not equipped with machines. Characters of all sorts filled the halls to help raise money for two essential parts of the JC Art Community. With that being said, it was worth every penny plus the hangover. Peep and support 58 Gallery and Creative Grove.

Not yet Changed; 8th and Coles

(FYI)nformation - Here Hipster

Thought this picture was too good not to share. Actual set-up found by an editor on the streets of NY. This take on street art is hysterical and definitely a great piece to suddenly walk upon. I'm guilty of 2 out of the 4; which would make me 50% hipster. Though I do have Wayfarers, just not in pink and mine are $10 knockoffs from Canal Street. That still might just take me over the edge. Peep the much applauded full article, "Artists vs. Hipsters: Who’s Winning the Battle of the Bohemians?" here. It's short, filled with pictures and might just be your reading highlight of the day.
Have an idea for a trap you'd like to set? I'm down to shoot the shit and see what comes out. Lets get silly.

(spot)light - the Rise of Whiskey

I am not one to deny the fact that I enjoy a shot of Whiskey to accompany my beer. Others have taken notice, as my parents recently brought me a large bottle of Whiskey back from their travels, and I've been blamed for some friends newly acquired appreciation. I always much preferred Scotch over Whiskey, which my years living in Scotland surely cemented. Nothing beats drinking my favorite Scotch, Oban, in Oban. But I don't live in Scotland anymore and the price for an Oban is ludicrous. So enter Jameson. More often than not, there will come a point (usually after the 2nd beer) when one of my fellow Velvet Undergrounders will start buying rounds of Whiskey. Much to my surprise, we're not the only ones. Irish Whiskey, which all but disappeared in the 1960s, is one of the fastest growing alcohol exports around the world. Sales in the U.S. grew 22 percent last year. The Irish government, which recently had to borrow $90 billion from the EU due to its debt and ailing economy, welcomes the news and calls it an integral part of their exports. Distilleries are expanding, bringing much needed jobs to the Cork region.

(the)Skinny

Nothing beats the warmth of a nice Whiskey to follow the bitter chill of a PBR. If my love of an alcohol can help a struggling economy, all the better. So hit the local pub and do your good deed of the day... fill your shot, say cheers and let the Jameson taste that much sweeter. 

Looking for a recession special? To avoid paying between $6 and $9 a shot, hit up The Keyhole. It's worth it. 

Scotch and Whiskey are not the same. Read my quick summary of their differences and impress your local alcoholic. 

1. Scotch is whisky made in Scotland, while Whiskey can be made anywhere in the world.

2. For Scotch the word Whisky is always spelt without the alphabet e.
3. Scotch must be made as per the standards laid down in The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009.
4. Scotch is generally lighter and smoother in taste than other whiskies.

(spot)light - Clever Boys

Tactless; Grand and Bates

While driving down Grand Street Tuesday morning, I was fortunate enough to have been cut off by "masculinity" on wheels. I quickly thought about how badly I wanted to promote Greater Northern Paving on my blog, and proceeded to follow them into the McDonald's parking lot. What struck me most about this company, besides my assumption that they weren't locals, was their interesting attempt at a slogan. Far more sad than funny, I'm sure this was the cause of many high fives and repeated illusions of grandeur. I can't figure out who they're marketing to. Maybe a fraternity has decided to get some serious cementing done? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure some find it hysterical. I just think, or maybe hope, it turns more off than on.

Just so we're clear, this has nothing to do with liberal (though I am) PC bullshit. It's about the rejection of thoughtless mediocrity. Greater Northern Paving's website does not work, denying me additional rant material.  

(night)crawlers - Aging with Grace

Levi meets Ralph; 3rd and Monmouth 

On a recent stumble between one (watering)hole and the next, I bumped into my nephew who's 5 years my junior. We both enjoy drinks in smoke-filled rooms, so we proceeded to have a pint at Abbys. My nephew is stylish but does it with ease. He rocked a pair of Levis and Ralph Lauren boots - Bench made; both of which were worn-in and aging gracefully.

Recently entering my 30s, I get excited when people think I'm 20 something. I don't ever feel old until that happens; my mind's admission of its desire to be young(er). I have no interest in fighting the inevitable but I do wonder how it's going to go down. Will I age like a pair of Jordache or Levis? I'm hoping for the latter.  I guess it all comes down to good genes.

In case you're following, all posts entitled "(night)crawlers" will chronicle the style worn by other creatures of the night.

(chow)down - Baking to the Bank

If Carlo bakes it, they will queue; 1st and Washington 

On a recent ride through Hoboken, the supposed birthplace of baseball, I passed a line of people that lasted two blocks long. Much to my horror they were waiting for dessert. Not just any dessert, but those baked by The Learning Channel's "Cake Boss." In its 4th season, the reality show has obviously had a dramatic effect on the store's popularity. Curious about the folk standing single file, I stopped and inquired. Not only was the average wait to enter the bakery 2.5 hours, but most of those waiting were tourists just in town for a snack.

(the)Skinny
There are few things I would wait 2+ hours for, and a better than average cannoli is not one of them. Standing on the sidewalk for a couple of hours because the family in front has an addiction to reality TV and dessert is ridiculous. Period. Full stop. This place isn't for locals anymore; neither are the prices.  
Still craving a cannoli and other damn good Italian-American desserts? Head towards Journal Square and treat yourself to Monteleone's Bakery. Half the price, minus the wait and silly Americans looking for a photo and a dose of "reality." More importantly, it's just as good (if not better), without all the inconveniences. 

For future reference, all posts entitled "(chow)down" will chronicle reviews of local eateries found on the converging streets of JC.

(spot)light - the Strokes came to Chilltown

Photo by Dean Luis

Critically-acclamied NYC locals and all around cool guys, the Strokes, stopped by Loew's JC Theatre for a music video shoot that lasted 17hrs on February 16th. The band, one of my favorites since their explosion onto the scene in 2001, will release the much anticipated album "Angels" on March 22nd. The music video is for the Strokes' single "Under Cover of Darkness." I read in a local paper that Colin Egan, the theater director, called the shoot "organized chaos." Chaos is my favorite type of organization.

To be honest, I'm not sure what I dig more, the song or how amazing Loew's Theatre looks on film. Either way, it's true listening and viewing gold. Grab your headphones, pump up the volume, sit back, and check it. For a behind the scene pic, additional ramblings and a link to the music video, click "read more." It can be found just below the facebook "like" button. While you're there, click that too. It'll be worth it... reading is (fun)damental.

(day)breakers - Post Office, Parcels, Pregnant and... Stilettos?

You might think it strange that my second blog post would highlight fashion, especially with the intensity of the current news cycle. It was always my intention to cover the garbs that dawn JC locals and it's times like these that call for some mindless observations.

It’s quite apparent why our mother-to-be caught my eye. While some might scream in horror over her homage to MC Hammer, I find the juxtaposition of her baby bump and stilettos quite satisfying. 

Just another day at the (Post) Office

Fire Island Fierce; Montgomery and Washington

Just in case anyone's reading, all posts entitled "(day)breakers" will chronicle daytime fashionistas of every sort and style on the converging streets of JC.

JC (in)Flux - So it Begins

Living in the shadows of what is arguably the greatest city in the world can be daunting and up until somewhat recently, economically and culturally debilitating.  JC has been my home for a significant part of my life, and I have seen the worst and best of what this city has to offer.  JC has served as little more than a route to and from NYC for many; but now a scene continues to grow and a voice finally registers. With a camera, an opinion and an ethernet connection, I will bring the good, the bad and the ugly of both myself and JC to the web.  A voyeur of sorts, with an opinion often expressed passionately, I will narcissistically document my daily sights, tastes, feelings, and interactions. Whether it be food, fashion, nightlife, art, debauchery, random rants, local/world events or human interaction; this blog will serve as my documentation of a person and city (in)flux.

I kindly ask for patience as I juggle freelance gigs, owning a business, everyday BS, functioning addiction(s), and a new blogging venture. Please check back often, subscribe/comment when you can and spread the word.