(chow)down - on Search for that Slice - 3 Guys from Italy

New Digs; JFK Boulevard

It's been years since I've had much reason to head to Journal Square. Once the heart of this growing city, the Square personifies what could have been. And while the revitalization is often spoken of and pictured in numerous artist renditions, the Square has ways to go. The last time I ate in the Square was at the delicious and terribly missed Canton. But everything deserves a second chance and with the Loews Theater continuously playing great flicks, I had to take my search for the perfect slice to this area. That's where 3 Guys from Italy comes in. I remember when 3 Guys was nestled on a dodgy ally above the bus terminal; the ally often littered with trash, dime bags and drunkards. With no tables or chairs offered it was the epitome of a joint to grab a slice and go. I had fond memories of the pizza but could easily write that off to a serious case of misguided teenage munchies. With this bit of history in mind and current calls from readers to give it a try, I could not avoid 3 Guys. (If on main page, click read more just below.)

(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.

(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. 

(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

(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.

(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.