Movie Review: The Social Network

Raychel and I decided to walk home from work together on Friday night and along our way we figured, "Why not stop for a bite and a movie?"  After consulting Raychel's Blackberry for movie times, that's precisely what we did.  After a glass of wine and a cheese plate at Academia di Vino, we went to the theater to see The Social Network to learn all about how Facebook came to be.

The movie was great.  True, it does not paint Mark Zuckerberg in the best light, but it was cool to see the picture at all.  It is unbelievable to realize that Mark Zuckerberg and I were in college at the same time, but while I was doing goodness knows what at UGA, he was drunkenly creating the greatest social media site of all time.  The impact Facebook has had on all our lives after only being in existence about 7 years is incredible.  The fact that it was so easy, even more so.  The cutthroat piece of it (Did he steal the idea?  Is he that nerdy and still that mean?) just ads a nice little zip.

Happy at Hecho

After Blood Manor, I headed to the East Village to celebrate Matt's 26th birthday.  When it comes to your best friend, missing a birthday is simply unacceptable; so although I would be late due to the previously mentioned haunted house and bar activities, I knew this was something I couldn't skip out on.  I was right but not just because it was important to be there for the b-day celebration.  It was necessary I go to dinner so I wouldn't miss a great restaurant and the opportunity to tell y'all about it.

Hecho en Dumbo is sort of a misnomer because the restaurant is no longer in Dumbo and now resides at 4th and Bowery.  I had heard nothing but good things, so I commended Matt on his choice.  The menu is not overwhelmingly large, yet it was still difficult to make a decision because everything looked so good.  Thankfully I had consulted the menu online while at work, so my mind was already working on a decision.  We ordered a few apps for the table.  All were good.  Please don't make me choose a favorite:

• Picaditas de Jaiba: corn cakes topped with crab, avocado, and jalapeno oil
• Tostadas de Ceviche: Halibut ceviche on crispy corn tortilas 
• Queso Fundido de Huitlacoche: served with tortillas 

For my entree I went with Mole Coloradito de Pato (duck in mole sauce).  The duck was cooked to a perfect medium rare with a nice crust and I was happy to find tortillas on the side for mopping up the extra sauce.  I also really enjoyed the risotto I found under the duck.  It was filled with duck confit and squash and reminded me that we are officially on the Fall season.

After experiencing it for myself, I am happy Hecho en Dumbo decided to migrate to the better borough.  Now that it's easy to get to, I need to make another trip to try the lunch menu that Matt claims is different but equally awesome.

Blood and Beer

Halloween is probably my favorite holiday.  I always get into the costumes and parties, but this year is markedly lamer than others.  Everyone is going out of town and there are no big celebrations to speak of, but that doesn't mean I'll throw all celebrating out the window.

On Thursday, Emily, Wendy, and I went to Blood Manor, the city's main haunted house.  Now, I don't watch horror movies and I am easily startled, which means I love Halloween minus the fear factor.  I was terrified to go through a haunted house, but I pulled it together so I could say I did it (albeit by gripping Wendy's arm the whole way).

This haunted house is serious.  At one point, we were handed 3D glasses - for just one of the many themed rooms.  By the end, I realized it was more fun than scary and a definite must for Halloween.  If you're smart, not only will you visit Blood Manor next year, you'll go grab a drink at nearby Half King, my go-to bar if I'm ever all the way over on the West side.

Gleecap: Diva-meter - 10/26 Episode

Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of my favorite Halloween traditions.  Unfortunately, I don't think it made for the most diva of all Glee episodes, but there were still some great bits so let's get into this week's recap:

• Why is Mr. Shue always eating cookies he brought from home in the break room?  No grown man eats that many cookies out of ziplock baggies.  -1
• Brittany is going to be a peanut allergy for Halloween.  +1
• Mr. Shue already assumed Artie would play Dr. Scott because he's in a wheelchair.  +2 because he probably just made Artie feel really bad about himself but doesn't care - very diva of him.
• +1 because Finn didn't get Inception.  
• Sue's Corner is back!  +2  According to Sue, without fear children will try frenching grizzly bears and consider living in Florida.  Plus another +1 because Florida is just as heinous a place as Sue insinuates.
• Barry Bostwick and Meatloaf!  It wouldn't be Rocky Horror without them so +1.  However, -2 for not giving them anything to sing.  John Stamos' Hot Patootie was cute (he's come a long way since Jesse and the Rippers), but the Meat's original version was much more Rock and Roll. 
• +2 for the local news guys being most scared of Mexicans overrunning the town.  That probably would be an Ohioian's biggest fear.
• Overall song review: +1 They did a great job performing the songs (especially Finn in "Damnit Janet", Kurt and Quinn in "Time Warp", and Mercedes' re-invention of "Sweet Transvestite"), but for some reason I just wasn't blown away.  Perhaps it was because very little plot was advanced this episode and it seemed like they did it just so they could say they did a Rocky Horror episode.
• Why does Artie only use 2 lb weights?  -1 because his legs may not work, but that doesn't mean his arms have the strength of 7 year old girl.
• Why is it ok for half the cast of Rocky Horror to be teachers and people who don't even work at the school?  -2 

Total --> 5.This episode is the diva equivalent of Mandy Moore.  Back when she was singing "Candy" and trying to be all diva but was eclipsed by the other up-and-coming stars of the time.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 10/25/10 Episode

The end of tonight's episode had me screaming WHAT?!  But this whole Colin the Cab Stealer turned teacher being behind everything is one humongo unanswered question that I can't really begin to tackle.  For now, let's work on those confusing moments that I can at least begin to wrap my head around:

• Why were none of my professors that hot?
• There's a prison literacy program?  And Nate believes this?
• Since when does Rufus name-drop a restaurant like Babbo instead of suggesting game night and waffles?
• All that time away and Jenny didn't get a toned down sense of style?  You finally come back and that's what you decide to wear for your big re-entrance?
• Holy boobs!  No question there just...wow, Serena.
• Can you just call a prison and ask about inmates?  I feel like when you're dealing with hardened criminals, the rules are not so lax.
• When did universities start leaving their buildings open that late?

I'm hoping we'll get a few more answers next episode though the teaser says it's all about sex, which I can't really complain about.

It Ain't Over til the Fat Lady Sings

Yesterday, I received the news that Sarah will be moving back to Atlanta in a couple weeks.  Great for Sarah because she's got a new job she deserves; sad for me who will miss her terribly.  After delivering the shocking blow, she told me about her bucket list.  She doesn't have much time in the city but wants to make sure she leaves no stone unturned before moving back to Georgia.  Topping her list was a trip to the Opera.  I told her I would be game to join her because I had never been.  A few hours later, she and I were getting all dolled up to head to The Met.

Going to the opera was a special experience.  It was refreshing to see that everyone still gets all dolled up.  The glitz and glam of the outfits were matched only by The Met itself.  The theater is grandiose - from the fountain out front to the opulent chandeliers and red staircase.  It is a Manhattan sight to see.  The Opera may seem out of reach, but we managed to get our tickets for $27.  Granted, they were standing room only in the nosebleed section of the nosebleed section, but it was worth it.  Tip: wear flats or bring a pair in your bag because you'll be on your feet for three hours.

We saw La Boheme - a perfect choice because we had seen Rent together on Broadway.  It was also a good pick because, as a rent-head, I am very familiar with the story.  I knew Rent was based on this opera but I had no idea just how closely it followed the storyline.  Freakily (is that a word?) similar.

True, each person has their own subtitles  on a mini screen in front of them, but that's a lot of work.  It was in Italian and all the songs seemed to run together.  I think I need to see one in French so I don't have to focus quite as hard on the subtitles.  No matter, the performers were so unbelievably talented.  I can't believe they can produce those sounds from their diaphragms.  There were no fat ladies, but there were some serious divas and their arias were divine.  The sets were also over-the-top.  At one point, they walked a real horse across the stage.

The whole thing felt very glamorous and "old New York".  Opera may not be up everyone's alley, but it is definitely something that should be tried.  I will leave you with one of the most memorable opera quotes, from Pretty Woman, of course:

Old Lady at Opera: Did you like the opera, dear?
Vivian: It was so good, I almost peed my pants!
Edward: She said she liked it better than Pirates of Penzance.

Let's Hear It for the Girls

A big thank you to Sarah Rabin for making me aware of this vid. We all thought the "Jizz in My Pants" SNL Digital Short was cute, but I'm a big fan of the ladies' response: "Puke in My Mouth". It's remarkably well done and the lyrics are great. Sometimes a guy is not quite as fly as he thinks an it causes a little vom to creep up. We've all been there, am I right gals?

Just in Time

If you never made it to Madison Square Park in the last month for their outdoor food and crafts market, then I feel bad for you because today was the last day and you seriously missed out on some phenomenal food.  I can't believe I almost missed it!  These were not your typical street vendors.  Some of the city's best restaurants set up shop right next to one of the prettiest parks.  It's not often I get to cross several restaurants off my list simultaneously, but I did just that this afternoon.  When I saw all the good restaurants that had arranged booths, my eyes grew wide and the fat girl living inside my belly tried to punch her way out.

First up: Pies 'n Thighs.  Since I moved to NYC, I've heard about this place as everyone claimed I would find Southern fare to rival that of home.  I've always been intrigued but never wanted to trek to Brooklyn only to be disappointed to discover that nothing compares to the food of South Georgia.  Now I can say I'm willing to take the trip to Williamsburg because those were some quality collards.  They put a spicy bbq sauce on top that gave 'em some personality.  With all the vendors, I decided to pace myself so I just got the one side and moved on, but I'll be ready to try more of their food soon.

Next up: Ilili where I picked up bekaa markook (tortilla type wrap filled with yogurt, cucumber, tomato, olive, mint and labne).  I can neither pronounce or define half those words, but I can tell you it was delicious.  While there, I also picked up a green lemonade.  I had to ask what it was that made it green and the answer prompted me to buy: cucumber, mint, and ginger.  It was so much better than I expected.  Fresh-tasting from the cucumber and mint with a slightly spicy aftertaste from the ginger.  The best part was that it was fully strained so I didn't have to deal with any little bits floating around (yes, I also detest pulp in my OJ)  The lemonade perfectly washed down the third and final course...

Another Brooklyn restaurant I've been looking to test out is Fatty 'Cue, which blends Southeast Asian and BBQ.  How can such a combo not peak your interests?  I tried the brisket sandwich that came topped with chili jam, aioli, pickled red onion, cabot cheddar, and lettuce.  It was sweet and super smokey.  I must make it to Williamsburg to try every other item on their menu.  It wasn't Southern.  It wasn't Asian. This is a new breed of food.

The shops were also cute, but I'm guessing they'll all make an appearance at the Union Square Holiday Market in November and December, so I didn't bother with them.  The food was delicious and it was a beautiful Fall day.  I was in such a happy place, I didn't even mind having to stare at the couple sitting on the bench across from me sucking face for 20 minutes straight.  If I were you, I would start praying this food and crafts market was not a one-time thing because you'll want to experience it next year.

Tangled Up in Me

Call me a snob, but I'm rarely in the Upper West Side - UES all the way for me.  Last night, however, was an exception as I went up to 81st and Amsterdam to meet Jared for a glass of wine.  Typically, I wouldn't be so accommodating, but Jared's a newbie to the city so I figured I would make things a little easier for him.

There's a nice little strip of bars in the 80s and Amsterdam; but if you're over Gin Mill and Brother Jimmy's, The Tangled Vine is a great alternative.  Don't get me wrong, I love me some Gin Mill, but every once in a while I like something a little calmer and a tad less "just out of college".  The crowd is a mix of young and old, funky and conservative.  There's a great wine list as well as a food menu filled with the kind of apps you want with a glass of vino (aka: crostini, cheese, etc.).

To be honest, I'm not sure when I'll next head to the UWS, but it's nice to have this place in my back pocket when someone drags me over there.

Home Sweet Athens

Ok time for Part Deux of my Atlanta/Athens weekend post:

I can not even begin to tell you how amazing it feels to drive into Athens after a significant period of time away.  Wide eyed, I'm unable to quell the squeals as I recognize all the landmarks I've missed.  Don't get me wrong, Atlanta is great, but I was born and raised in Georgia's low country, so it's not my home.  Athens, on the other hand, was my home for four glorious years and it felt great to return.

I would venture to say the two boys in our carpool to the game were not as giddy as I was since they were a little too hungover to enjoy it.  On Friday night, after pregaming a bit, we headed to Johnny's Hideaway.  The fact that we went to this bar should give you an idea of how drunk we were.  Johnny's Hideaway is known as Atlanta's premiere cougar bar and I was ready to see some of these wild animals in their natural habitat.  It's an interesting scene that I'm pretty sure looks the same as it did when my Daddy used to go there back in the late 70s/early 80s.  I believe everyone should go there at least once, preferably after you've already had a few drinks so you'll have no qualms about joining the cougars on the dance floor with the great tunes.  It was hard to pull ourselves away, but we decided we needed a little rest so we headed home for 3 hours of sleep.  As mentioned, the boys were not feelin so hot on Saturday morning, but Patricia and I have well-trained livers so all we needed was the mandatory stop at Chick-Fil-A for a chicken biscuit and we were ready to hit the road.

It was a noon kickoff, so there wasn't too much time for tailgating but we got in a few early morning beers before walking to the stadium.  It was a must to get to Sanford Stadium early because this was not just any football Saturday; it was Uga VIII's first day on the job and we wanted to watch the passing of the collar ceremony.

New Uga!

I fell right back into all the Uga traditions: "Teenage Wasteland" playing in the stadium as the crowd files in, old footage shown on the jumbotron to the tune of a single trumpet player in the stands, and the alma matter - it was like I'd never been away.  Making it even sweeter was the fact that we beat Vandy in a blowout.  It's no secret that this hasn't been our best season, but I was happy to see we didn't lose to the Commodorks while I was around.

The Konter fam bleeds red and black

After the game we walked around downtown Athens, grabbed a drink at one of my favorite restaurants, East West, did a little shopping, and ran into tons of people.  I have come to the conclusion that I will be incapable of staying away from Athens for more than a year in the future.  That means, I'll be repeating this experience every football season.

I was heading back to Atlanta with my parents but Mark and Allison had to make the four hour drive back to Savannah so we grabbed an early dinner at Calientitos, a phenomenal BYOB Cuban restaurant.  I couldn't decide what to get so I ordered my usual cuban (this time with chorizo instead of chicken) AND a fish taco.  I typically prefer grilled over breaded fish in my tacos; but although this was fried, it was one of the best fish tacos I've had.  The plantains were also perfectly fried.  My parents and I drove back to Atlanta with the intention of going out for dessert or drinks, but by the time we got there, we were so full and tired, we just went to sleep instead.  Some may wag their fingers at me for not rallying, but I say being that tired is the sign of a great weekend.  I'll see you in a year, Athens.

   

Flip For It

It is nearly impossible for me to stay away from Athens for an entire football season, so I planned a trip to GA for Homecoming.  I was also way past due for a visit with my Atl buddies so I headed down on Thursday night for a little quality time with Patricia and Miesh.  Since Patty took Friday off work, we went to Dark Horse Tavern in Virginia Highlands for a drink and a little Yacht Rock.  If heading to a bar in aviators and a Hawaiian shirt to listen to cruise music sounds like fun (and really, how does that not sound like fun?!), then this is the place to be on Thursday night.  Big fan.  I'm not a crazy Thursday night partyer [anymore], but I was on vacay so I went with it and so glad I did.

I had one restaurant request, so after spending Friday shopping and hanging around, we headed to Flip for some burgers.  If you're an avid Top Chef watcher like me, you may remember chef Richard Blais from the Chicago season.  He was the super inventive one, so I was dying to try his creative burgers.  It was just as good as my brother told me it would be.  I'm embarrassed to tell you how much we ordered, but at the risk of sounding like an extreme fatty I'll give you the full report:

• Po Boyger: shrimp, old bayo, lettuce, tomato, tobasco, and a fried lemon - the fried lemon was unexpected and provided the necessary balance to the spicy sauce.  I lump this in the sandwich category more so than with burgers, but for a sandwich it was dang good.
• Ossobuco: veal, braised veal breast, gremolata mayo, braised ketchup, crispy fried onions - so moist.  It tasted like a full Italian dinner in patty form.
• Chorizo: spicy pork sausage, romesco ketchup, hash browns, fried egg, manchego, and smoked mayo - unbelievable.  The egg broke to cover the burger with a creamy sauce that tamed the spice of the chorizo.
• Two orders of herbed fries - they're served with ketchup and smoked mayo which are great, but we also ordered some beer honey mustard for dipping and I recommend you do the same.
• The milkshakes are also the talk of the town so we had to order one of those as well.  They make them earlier in the day and then freeze them with liquid nitrogen just prior to service.  We went with the Krispy Kreme, which tasted just like a frozen doughnut.  I'm not a milkshake person, but I fell in love with this.  

Keep in mind, we ordered all this food for just 2 girls.  It sounds a little crazy but I didn't want to miss anything on the menu.  I loved it all and am still debating which was my favorite burger.  The place is hopping, but if you don't want to wait for a table, I recommend ordering for pick-up because these burgers are too good to miss.

Chorizo

Ossobuco

Po Boyger

Gleecap: Diva-meter - 10/12 Episode

So much going on this episode that I'm not quite sure where to begin.  Too many emotions - confusion (girl on girl), love (duet choices were fab), annoyance (Kurt really doesn't understand no means no) - still trying to sort through, so I'm going straight to the Diva-meter:

• I don't get it?  Why did they write off Puck for an episode?  Don't they realize staring at him is one of the biggest reasons I watch this show.  The new guy is cute, but Puck is...Puck.  -4
• We should play a drinking game for how many times they said Breadstix this episode.  +1 to me for coming up with this idea but -1 for not thinking of it while I was actually watching the show.  
• Lesbian action?  No plus or minus points here because I'm still not sure about how I feel about this scene.  I do, however, always love hearing Santana calling Mercedes Weezy so +1 to her.
• In the end, Rachel reaches out to Kurt which means she does something for someone else without any ulterior motive, even if it wasn't the thing she originally had in mind.  +1
• This episode was all about Other Asian, which earns it a +2
• Brittany wants to get Artie in a stroller: +1 because that broke new ground in the fetish category
• First Asian camp, now Asian couples therapy: +1
• Kurt: "I thought you said no one pushes the gays around?!" +1 because this could be the new "Nobody puts baby in a corner"
• Kurt's little jump on the piano when introducing his Victor/Victoria number was almost as good as his performance: +1
• The whole Santana adding an "s" to the end of words was cute when first introduced the Britney episode but is now old.  -2 because we get you're the ghetto one, stop forcing it down our throats.
• 
  

Total --> 6: This week's diva equivalent is Elton John.  Always a little wacky, but there's so much heart underneath all his songs and this super sweet, "aww" inducing episode was all about putting the heart back into the New Directions crew.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 10/11/10 Episode

Phew!  We finally have confirmation that Jenny will return via the preview for next week's episode.  That's one major question answered.  But there's no point thinking about next week when we have so much to discuss this week:

• What professor texts his students?  Serena may have scheduled a meeting with him, but why does a Freshman teacher have the cell phone number of student he's never met?
• Is Serena's cab cutie always at the St Regis?  I mean, I know he told her they made a good red snapper (?), but what are the odds that they both just show up at the same time when they had made no plans to meet?
• I know Serena is supposed to dress all sexy and stuff, but the top of her dress at the Hamilton House event was pulled so tight that there were gaping holes around her boobies.  Wouldn't you have picked something slightly more demure when trying to have a serious meeting with your professor?
• Speaking of the Hamilton House event...I thought that was supposed to be a super exclusive club with their keys and everything.  Why does it seem like every person who has ever walked the streets of New York shows up at this party?
• Does Juliet own anything that's not beige or gray?  Seriously, her wardrobe is getting tired.
• Prisoners don't have such easy access to phones and definitely not cell phones that would enable texting.  How is this creepy guy always in touch with Juliet?

And I think that wraps up the biggies for this week!

F.M.Ltrain

What a great Sunday.  The weather was perfect.  Just cool and breezy enough for boots but warm enough for a light top - no jacket required.  After lazying around in bed, I got up, picked up a copy of the Sunday Times and went to my favorite local coffee house, Orchard House for a cup of java.  If you live in the lower 60s/upper 50s and like coffee, this is a great spot.  Plenty of tables, good music, and neighborhood folk who also find it to be a great place to read a book or do work.  Oh, and the coffee is really good, too.

From there, I headed to the subway to meet some work buds for brunch at Brother Jimmy's.  On my way, I made a nice discovery: Financier Patisserie is opening a branch right next to the subway and perilously close to my apartment.  It will be so nice dangerous finally having a bakery in the neighborhood.

After a delicious BLT made with fried green tomatoes, a side of collards, and a bloody mary, I made my way to Matt and Jen's.  Usually, this wouldn't be a big deal.  Since I was leaving from Union Square, their Williamsburg apartment should just be a hop, skip, and jump away.  Unfortunately, the MTA thinks it's ok to shut down the L train for the entire weekend essentially marooning all Williamsburgians.  Did you know the MTA spent all this money to change all train station signage displaying the train lines F M L (in that order) because they realized people would make the connection to the now infamous website?  Maybe they could have saved that money and when construction was needed, there would have been alternate routes to get to Brooklyn from Manhattan.  Once I couldn't take the L train, FML took on a whole new meaning.

It took just over an hour to get there, but the meal that awaited me made it worth it.  Matt made white chicken chili with broth from scratch.  It was delicious.  What goes better with soup than sandwiches?  Nothing, so as a side dish we ate ooey gooey grilled cheese made with white cheddar, gruyere (or maybe gouda...I can't remember much other than the fact that it was buttery, crispy, comforting, and the 2nd cheese started with a "g"), and tomato.  It was such a satisfying fall meal, and I must give Matt major props for being a stand-up hubby.  The boy can cook and then even cleaned the kitchen.  I need to find one of them.  I didn't think boys like that existed.  Either he's truly a great guy or Jen has some serious dirt on him that merits blackmail.  I've known Matt for about 8 years...so I'm gonna go with the blackmail theory.  For dessert, we took turns dipping our spoons into a pint of white peach and ginger Ciao Bella sorbet.  By the time I left, Lola the crazy puggle even decided to calm down slightly.

The best part of this Sunday?  It's like a Saturday because my office is closed tomorrow for Columbus Day!

Revelation

You know you need to get a love life when your Sims have a better love life than you.

Scratch that.  You know you need to get a life when you're playing The Sims.

Gleecap: Diva-meter - 10/5 Episode

Praise Cheesus!  It was so refreshing to see this show return to its core.  No more imposed songs all by the same singer (sorry, Britney) and more of the quirk I love so much.  Bravo, Glee writers for tackling one of the more controversial subjects out there - how risque!

• When Kurt is telling his Dad he would rather go to the Sound of Music sing-along over Friday Night Dinner, his excuse is "but I'm a teenager; Friday nights are kinda important to me."  -1 because no teenager ever refers to himself as a teenager.  By the time they're 16 they already think they're full-on adults.  
• Kurt references Suzanne Sommers' belief that skipping breakfast is suicide.  +1 because I just know that means he also owns a Thigh Master, and I can just picture him using it.
• Rachel singing "Papa Can You Hear Me?": +4.  Hard to find a better fit for the occasion.
• Kurt singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" earns +3 because I couldn't have imagined a version of this song that wasn't happy-go-lucky, but he nailed it.  Also liked the relevance of the song to John Lennon's would-be 70th birthday this week. 
• Rachel's boom box is bedazzled: +1
• The baby Kurt montage was a little cheesy, but that child was a dead ringer.  +1 to the casting director.
• Mercedes addresses the congregation by saying, "Hi, Church": -1
• -2 for Finn eating Grilled Cheesus at the end of the episode.  That sandwich would have been disgusting after a week of sitting in the football locker room.

Total --> 6.  This Glee episode is the Diva equivalent of Bette Midler.  Why?  Because this episode was all Kurt and the gays love Bathhouse Betty and she, too, handles her [Jewish] religion in an unconventional manner.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 10/4/10 Episode

Ok, so I'll overlook how disturbed I am by all this live-streaming video on the Gossip Girl website (a little too Big Brother for me) just long enough to review this week's unanswered questions:

• I love the juxtaposition of B and S's red and blue evening gowns in the last scene.  Could this be a reference to their political leanings?
• Eva, you're a former prostitute but it's absurd to you that Chuck would doubt you for a mere moment?  Get over it.  Even Richard Gere made Julia Roberts feel like a hooker for a split second in Pretty Woman and he wasn't half as rich as Chuck Bass.
• Why is Vanessa so upset that Dan is acting like a teenager?  Newsflash: you're ALL teenagers.  Hold the lecture about "what adults do" until you are one.
• Why is Vanessa making pancakes for Dan's intervention breakfast?  Doesn't she know the Humphrey's is a waffle household?
• Speaking of the breakfast, why didn't Eric join?  That would have been right up his alley and then perhaps we would have gotten more Jenny information.
• Wouldn't there be pictures or something in Juliet's fake apartment identifying the real owners?  I don't mean to be a buzzkill, but I don't think even Nate is that stupid.

So this wasn't a crazy episode, but something tells me things will be heating up soon enough, and I'll be ready.

Pistou and Pasta

I spent all day today by myself.  It was weird but not awful.  It was well past time for me to check out the new UES Shake Shack so I had a little lunchy on my own.  Wonderful as always, though I would have preferred better company than my magazine.

After that indulgent lunch, I needed to tone it down a bit for dinner.  Last night's amazing meal inspired me to try out some new, lighter Italian recipes.  I needed more of that fresh pasta (really, it was like a "must have now" sort of thing) so I headed to Eataly to pick some up.  Eventually, the following meal came together:

• Prosciutto and cheese ravioli - I topped it with a homemade zucchini pistou (zucchini, walnuts, basil, garlic, and parmesan blended into a pesto-type sauce)
• Brussels sprouts with shallots and oyster mushrooms in red wine
• Prosciutto-wrapped swordfish

I had to give myself a nice pat on the back for this meal.  I'm also happy that I have so much of the pistou leftover because I'll be putting it on everything.

Sweet Sorella

After yet another disappointing UGA game, I headed to a late dinner with Matt, Karina, and Karina's roommate.  I am happy to proclaim Sorella is a new favorite for tapas and pasta.  The wine list is supposed to also be great, but I was feeling just fine after downing several Jack and Diets at the bar during the [depressing] game, so I didn't sample any of the vino.  Oh well, just one more reason to go back.  But let's get back to the stuff I did try.

We started with a few appetizers:

• Anchovies with hazelnuts on flatbread - I know anchovies are the butt of all pizza delivery jokes, but this was quite tasty
• Meat plate - Particularly good because it included lardo 
• Duck fat english muffin bread topped with chicken liver mousse, egg, and candied bacon - unbelievable and a really good portion size.  Order this when you go; it's the chef's specialty.

We all ordered pasta for our entree.  The portion size of the pasta is not equivalent to a full entree, so I would do what we did and order some apps, too.  I ordered the ricotta gnudi with a sweet corn sauce.  The dough was incredibly silky.  It was my favorite pasta of the four with Matt's gnocci with brown butter pears coming in at a close second.  

I loved how the narrow bar area opens up into a glass covered garden dining room.  It was intimate but still spacious.  The desserts looked great - especially the gelato - but it was getting late and we were perfectly satisfied (not too full but zero desire to raid the fridge back at home) so we passed.  Next time.  And there will definitely be a next time.

Cute note sent from the chef with the check - every table gets a different one

Wine Week Win

Wine Week.  Wow.  When I was told this was a shit show, I shrugged and said "whatever".  Now that I have experienced it for myself, I can tell you that it is absolutely nuts.  First of all, I can't think of any better way to spend my Friday than by leaving work early to enjoy steak and barrels of wine at Smith and Wollensky's.  I know most people love Smith and Wollensky's, but - although delicious - it's not my favorite steak (usually overcooked) and creamed spinach in the city.  The atmosphere, particularly during Wine Week, is an entirely different story.  This event does wonders for the restaurant's reputation in my book.

While downing my first few glasses of wine, I munched on fried zucchini and onion rings and a very good caesar salad.  Thankfully, I got some food in my system early on because the next thing you know, I've had six glasses of wine, two Jack and Diets, and something called a Fandango.

Anne Marie described the Fandango as "a punch in the face".  To me, it just tasted like a delicious coffee drink.  Apparently, that delicious coffee drink had around 6 liqueurs in it, cost $80, and resulted in madness.  They mistakenly placed our table right by a gong, which (after downing a couple of these suckers) was struck many many times over the course of lunch.  Next think you know, our maitre d' is singing.

After a loooong lunch, we headed to the bar area to mingle with the rest of the now sloshed Midtown workers who decided to cut out early and celebrate Wine Week.  I think I'll have to train before next year's event because by 9:45 PM, I was well into my REM sleep.

Fandango!

VICTORious

My co-workers and I are stupid.  I say this because for years we've been staring at Victor's Cafe and not once had we ventured there for lunch until last Monday.  When I think of all the amazing Cuban food I have missed out on, I am ashamed.

We started with the massive sampler platter.  It had fritters, yuca fries, plantains, and more.  We also ordered extra tostones and maduros.  By the time my entree came, I was already stuffed from all the appetizers, but the sauce that came on my jumbo shrimp and sweet white potato mash was just so good for dipping that I couldn't stop eating.  Next time, I'll have to remember that the appetizers were by far my favorite part.

There are not too many Cuban restaurants in the city so I am very happy that a good one is right next door to the office.  If you just want a cheap Cuban sandwich, this isn't the place; but if you're looking for solid Cuban food with a little extra refinement, this is a good place to go.  I won't make the mistake of overlooking it again.  

Gleecap: Diva-meter - 9/28 Episode

And the episode we've all been waiting for finally came and went this week.  Glee went all Britney on us.  There has been a ton of buzz surrounding this episode, so let's just dive right into the Diva-meter:

• Overall, the Glee kids did a phenomenal job with Brit's music.  Heather Morris (aka: The Better Brittany): wow.  +5 for your skills - you're a diva all the way.  -1 because I'm not sure if you were actually singing.  If she's had those pipes all along, why would the writers not exploit them?  
• "Toxic" in particular was great.  They changed it up just enough to make it their own: +2.  However, I was a little creeped out by the loser kids screaming sexual phrases at their teacher: -1
• A Sue Sylvester dig that referenced Blossom.  +3 and please bring on more vest jokes.
• Emma said Will looked like a cast member from Kids Incorporated.  +1 because I loved that show.
• Best line from the episode: [Santana] "My dad's a doctor and a real one, not a 'tooth doctor'" +3
• Although I'm glad they channeled Britney this week, my biggest complaint of this show always comes up when it seems the writers are no longer writing the show and then choosing songs that work but are instead force fitting a song.  None of the Britney songs had anything to do with the storyline -4.  The one exception was "Stronger"; however, this gets another -4 because it was a fantasy.  Artie didn't have to be in a wheelchair.  Furthermore, while it's nice they want to show how all outcasts can fit in, it's just too much of a stretch to have a kid in a wheelchair playing high school football.  Sorry.
• Artie calls Tina and Other Asians blossoming relationship "Asian Fusion". +2
• I'm about to embarrass myself, but did anyone else notice that one of the dancers in "Baby...One More Time" was Rachele Brooke Smith, star of Center Stage straight to TV sequel Center Stage: Turn It Up as well as the 97th Bring It On sequel.  +1 to me because I'm impressed I caught that.

Total: 7 -->  That makes this week's episode the Diva equivalent of, well, Britney Spears.  It's Britney, bitch.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 9/27/10 Episode

I looked at the calendar and suddenly realized it's almost time for the next GG episode and I haven't even recapped this week's episode!  Time to get on it so here we go:

• Did GG costume designers go to college?  Why do they keep dressing the scheming Katie Cassidy (Juliet) character in suits and heels?  Nobody walks around campus like that.  I know they like to show off the latest fashions, but there's nothing special about her wardrobe of boring beige blazers.  When I was in college, I was heading to class in a sorority/fraternity t-shirt, with last night's alcohol literally seeping from my pores.
• When did GG get video capabilities?!  
• Now that GG has stepped into the 21st century by having a website with video [see above], will the characters finally replace their flip phones with Blackberries and iPhones?  I think my middle school aged cousin has a blackberry.  There's no way these princesses would be using old school technology.
• Why - after trying on gown after gown after gown - did Eva show up at Fashion's Night Out in one of the re-usable grocery shopping burlap sacks?
• For a secret club, it seems like a lot of people and their mothers know about Hamilton House.  Who else was hoping for something more Skulls-like?

Phew!  So glad we're all caught up!  Now we only have to wait 3 more days for the next episode when we will hopefully find out more about this orange-clad prisoner.  Though they may string us along for a while before elucidating us on that character.  After all, we still haven't seen Jenny yet this season...