(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

(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.

(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.