(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 - 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.)

(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.

(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