(watering)holes - Barcade Part 3 - the Interview

the Taps; Newark and Barrow

With a very busy opening weekend still on many minds and more than 1500 Facebook friends to chat about it, Barcade JC has certainly made its presence known. Touting 24 brilliant taps, joysticks a step away and enough space to stretch out the sudden hand cramp, Barcade JC is a good reason to let your game-geek show over some great beer. If you've been following my blog you know that I've attempted to use this platform to get a "press pass." It worked. Paul Kermizian, co-owner and director of the documentary American Beer, took a few minutes out of his wild schedule to answer some of my questions. If on main page click read more just below.

(FYI)nformation - Spring Trimming: a Massacre

Before the Chainsaw; 8th and West Hamilton

A walk around any of the 6 Wards in JC will sure to be filled with budding trees and blooming tulips. On a recent cycle through Liberty State Park I saw beds of various colored flowers in perfect rows and the fenced off area growing like an untouched wilderness. Spring has certainly taken a lot longer to arrive this year but after this past weekend I think it's safe to say it has sprung. Highs in mid 70s (23Cº) arrived just in time for the holiday. The return of spring means the return of many JC staples such as Groove on Grove, Dancing Tony's Sports Tournaments, Bike JC Group Rides and Earth Day in LSP. It's also a scary time to be a tree. Every spring, just when the local trees have begun to bud and add some much needed color, the JC Department of Public Works arrives with chainsaws and what one can only believe to be men with wonky eyes and a vengeance. (If on main page, click read more just below.)

(chow)down - on Search for that Slice - Helen's Pizza

a Downtown Staple; 183 Newark Avenue

After tallying the suggestions of pizza shops worth a visit I realized a downtown staple was not once mentioned. Helen's Pizza, a long survivor of Newark Avenue's non-99¢ store curse, has been family owned and operated since 1968. I have a long history with Helen's Pizza as they delivered the slices used in my grammar school's Wednesday lunch. I was also in the same class as the owner's daughter and she was, from what memory serves me, my first crush. I'm saying this not only as some weird need for full disclosure, but I also think it's important to show the staying power of this family business. I can't deny that I have fond memories of Helen's slices, but my palette has certainly matured since my days as a careless prepubescent. (if on main page, click "read more" just below.)

(watering)holes - Barcade Part 2

After much Delay; Newark and Barrow

After months of construction, delays, city bureaucracy, and even more delays, the doors will finally open and taps will begin to flow at JC's very own Barcade. While getting some ink done yesterday the topic of Barcade, an often discussed and debated one, proved to be a great distraction from the pinches of pain occasionally flowing through my arm. It was here that someone said they seemed set to go. After a few Google searches I can confirm that we are exactly one week away from getting to blow quarters on something other than our local Laundromats. On Friday, April 22nd a much-needed addition to the local scene will open its doors. Barcade Jersey City will have 33 vintage video games and 24 craft beers and microbrews on tap. My fingers are crossed for Southhampton Ale. Unlike Barcade Brooklyn, ours will serve food and also supply seating on the ever-interesting Newark Avenue. Great place to people watch; talk about consumption with a view. Though I wrote Barcade Jersey City to try and score some inside photos and insider information, I have not heard back and can only assume my blog has yet to qualify me for a press pass. I'm working on it. I can confirm that Barcade Jersey City will have a rare cockpit version of Star Wars, as well as old favorites like Spy Hunter and Burgertime. So mark your calendars, stack your quarters and I expect to see you all next week. 

Play Time; Newark and Barrow

(night)crawlers - Musings at Midnight

Timeless Chic; 3rd and Monmouth

Quickly becoming my favorite spot for (night)crawler showcasing, 3rd and Monmouth provides the beautiful white light and background a studio would offer; minus the expense and wicked equipment. While I imagine those living around the spotlights do not think of them so kindly, for me, it's the absence of color waiting to be filled with the stylish threads of JC (night)crawlers. It's also a good reason to stop by Abby's for a quick pint and smoke. It was here that her timeless chic caught my eye.  I respectfully complimented, smiled, glanced and stared, all while enjoying 2 pints of Yuengling and an ever amusing flow of chat. A sudden dearth of tolerable tunes was the perfect opportunity to suggest we take our intimate antics elsewhere. It also provided a moment to team the power of compliments with the power of suggestion. Perfectly posed on the white brick wall, my muse and occasional partner in crime rocked an amazing Italian leather patchwork jacket found at the Salvation Army. Black sleeves and outline surround the rich orange and yellow, highlighting the slim cut. Complimenting the 70s jacket was a pair of modern, skintight jeans and Baker shoes. Due to the fluctuating temperature layers were essential. Resting on her upper back was a dark blue hoody, while her sleeves frilled with 90s plaid. Finally, she toped it off with a purple headband, adding a touch of the 60s. While each item may connect with an era, the combination certainly does not.

Parker meets Baker; 3rd and Monmouth

(chow)down - on Search for that Slice

Living most of my life in the NYC metro area has had a huge influence on my style, politics, interests, and palette. As a kid, a slice of pizza was sure to be the highlight of school lunch. While that might say more about my school's menu than it does pizza, the perfect combination of cheese, tomato sauce and dough cannot be denied. A slice is my idea of comfort if it's cooked to a crisp with a healthy dose of cheese. With that being said, I often look at the pizza options in JC with ambiguity. While I can read off a list of slices one must have while in Manhattan or Brooklyn, I struggle to find a slice in JC that I can stand behind 100%. After a few discussions with friends and reading over pizza threads on JC List, I thought it was time to put JC slices to the test. Over the coming weeks I will happily ingest as many slices as my wallet can afford, documenting each pizza shop and slice for all to read. A quick glimpse in the yellow pages provides the addresses of way over 100 spots to choose from. I do not have the time, energy, funds or abs to hit them all. That's where the folks of Chilltown come in. While I already have a few spots on my hit list, I am looking for suggestions in helping me find the best slice. If you think your local joint needs to be reviewed, leave a comment so I can check it out. I'm not doing this quest alone. As I prefer my slices plain, I am bringing a meat lover and a veggie lover along for the ride. So hit me up with suggestions, spread the word and check back for what will hopefully be a successful quest of ingestion.

(the)Skinny
All slices will be rated on the quality of cheese, sauce and dough. Any variation in slice i.e. meat, veggie, deep dish etc will be highlighted and rated separately. I doubt the best slice is in downtown, so be sure to tell me of other joints worth a visit.

If you're in Manhattan or Brooklyn and in need of a slice, here are 4 suggestions not to be missed.
1. Co. - 230 9th Ave. (at 24th Street) Chelsea
2. Ben's Pizza - 123 MacDougal Street
3. Grimaldi's - 19 Old Fulton Street Dumbo, Brooklyn
4. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria - 1 Fifth Ave. (at 8th Street)

(watering)holes - Thirsty Thursday at the Lamp Post

Thirsty Thursday has become a ritual amongst myself and many of my fellow Velvet Undergrounders. I enjoy hanging on a Thursday night far more than Friday mostly because you can avoid the "9-5" Friday crowd. Friday is overwhelmed by weekend warriors ready to let loose all the angst that a "real" job has left them to drink away. If you're out on a Thursday night there is usually something more liberating about your schedule. This distinct group of (night)crawlers are usually students, artists, insomniacs, musicians, bohemians, eccentrics, hipsters, addicts of some sort, and the unemployed. This past Thursday was no exception. As mentioned in my recent blog, FYI(nformation) - 2 of 4-day Catch Up, a lot went on. The night was able to begin after I finally admitted to both myself and friends that I would attend Inked magazine's party at Lucky 7s. Much to my horror it was more than full. I am not one for tight spaces, especially if I have yet to loosen up with some booze. Unable to move or escape constant brushes against my lower body, I quickly planned my escape. Best idea ever. My roommate and I headed to the Lamp Post for some much needed personal space and beer. The crowd was a cool mix of locals and random strangers; a welcome change from a scene often littered with familiar faces. Bands were set to play and all seemed hyped to give a listen.

The first band had no problem filling the space with sound, but struggled to make a connection. While their guitar riffs were certainly catchy, the lead vocals left something to be desired. His voice often fell flat and off key from what I believe was a mixture of nerves and an inability to hear himself. Set to follow were a group of young guys who call themselves "The Embracers." With a sound that brought together a dance-worthy combination of rock, country, blues, and funk, The Embracers performed with energy and maturity. Matt Condon, the lead singer, had a voice that demanded attention. The only analogy that comes to mind is if Bob Dylan and Conor Oberst had a lovechild. Condon even offered up some well-sung harmonies with Mike Neglia, the band's talented drummer.

Vocal Harmony; 2nd and Brunswick

(the)Skinny
The Lamp Post provided some much needed refuge in what was an overall chaotic evening. While 7s was surely a sight filled with tattooed beauty, the Lamp Post came with no attitude and some good tunes.  Though the Lamp Post overcharges for Yuengling ($5 a pint, get real!) they match 7s with cans of PBR for $2.50. If you need a break from the everyday hubbub, this might be your spot. Especially if you luck out with a live music act like The Embracers. A lot should be said for a young band that can stand out in a room that often drowns those playing in it. The Velvet Undergrounders and I were on our feet before they broke into a jamming cover of the Grateful Dead's Casey Jones. It's one thing to know your music, it's another to know your crowd.

(day)breakers - There's the Sunshine

Spring Casual; 8th and West Hamilton

Besides allergies, there is little that doesn't excite me about the coming of spring and summer. Due to this past winter's fury, I find the slight uptick of mercury in the thermometer overly exciting. Last week the temperature, albeit just for a day, hit 70°F (21°C). The parks exploded with humans of all ages, taking in the heat and doing something that has escaped us for months; soaking in some vitamin D. With the change in season, comes a change in style. All wear less, girls tend to get tighter. Though recent male trends have embraced form-fitting t-shirts and cut skinny jeans. I applaud and certainly partake. Seems to be the democratic way. Now all, no matter of gender or orientation, can enjoy the tightening and disappearance of clothing. So to hell with wool and tweed; bring on the cotton, spandex and glimpses of skin. We thoroughly deserve it.

Cole Haan meets Jegging; 8th and West Hamilton

I have yet to develop a solid way of stopping someone in the street when they catch my eye. On the positive side, all who I have asked were game. Negative side, I'm painfully awkward. I think it's the compliment and camera that seals the deal. I first saw this fashionista reading in Hamilton Park. I was test riding 30+ bikes and couldn't help but steal peaks as I rode by. I'm sure my constant change in bike was baffling. I was drawn to how casual, yet stylish she looked. Especially when reading a book in the setting sun. Not to interrupt her reading, I waited until she left the park to make my request. Think more respectful and less creepy stalker. She was chill and wished me luck. I did the same.  

FYI(nformation) - 2 of 4-Day Catch Up

As you may (or may not) have noticed, there has been a 4-day pause in posts. I've only been doing this for a little over 2 weeks now, but this lax in writing was my first break. I lacked the discipline to sit down in front of the computer and get my words onto the page. Besides content and readers, there's not much else to it. Perfecting this discipline is a work in progress. Not for the sake of excusing, but for understanding, my slip in focus was caused by a bit more work, partying, healthy human interaction, unhealthy human interaction, visits from mates I never see, highs, lows, alcohol, reading, watching, smoking, attempts at intimacy, laughter, good food, depression, high fives, low fives, facebook use, and madness. While I will break each occurrence down throughout the coming week, here are the first 2 of my 4-day catch up. For the proper literary effect, please read with speed.

(wednes)Day 

Work from 9 to 9 and should of been more tired than I felt. Got a text from a friend I see way too sparingly and invited him over. We laughed, smoked, and laughed some more. His bike tire popped. Bummer. We ate empanadas cooked by my roommate. Delicious. He got tired and suggested 1 beer at a local pub. Hit 7s, high-fived the bouncer, cracked open a PBR. Had to pee but the queue was less than tolerable. Laughter, loud music, great conversation, a sudden (in)flux of fake fur. 4 beers later and I knew we were out for the night. More laughter, more good music, apparent intoxication. 2am and it's time to go. Friend disappeared into a taxi before saying ciao. Look around and follow a line of people into a flat. Laughter, strange visual stimulation, I begin to poke an attractive friend annoyingly. Time to go home. Get a text while walking, so I make a pit stop. 40 minutes pass and I make my exit. Sleep. 

(thurs)Day 

Work until 8 with rumbles in my stomach, so I make a salad with grilled chicken. Promise myself I'm going to sit and write. Read a little, check facebook, and jump in the shower. Get asked about Inked magazine's gathering. Deny I'm going. Think about going. Say I'm going. Have a beer while I get dressed. Purposely attempt to look tops. Think about sex. Leave the house and head to the magazine's party. Walk in, sweat, and feel overwhelmed; way too many people. Quick face signal to my roommate and we bounce. Head to the Lamppost. Laugh, dance, listen to live music. I look at randoms with intrigue. Get impressed by one of the bands. Realize I’m paying too much for Yuengling, so switch. Other friends arrive. So does she. I stare for a moment and order a PBR. I flirt. I dance. I sing to an amazing Grateful Dead cover. Roommate gathers the troops and we head out. Couches get thrown. I witness this and walk back to the bar. Closing time. I read. Think. Sleep.