Blame it on Brazil

Brazil....the name conjures up the sounds of drums, gyrating dancers moving to the rhythm, costumes and glitter glistening in the street lights and flashlights pulsing to the beat. Or Brazil could mean going for brunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon, celebrating birthdays and friendship. Or maybe it's both!


 I love this spot, S.O.Bs. I remember hanging out here when I just moved to NYC, and dancing samba for hours on Friday night until I got all sweaty and sticky. There was no better way to spend a Friday nite. That was until I heard the same set from the same house band four times in a row, and I was tapped out...and gone.

the bloods

So, it was kinda nice to go back on Sunday with 16 of my closest friends to celebrate a birthday, a weekend, and a brunch. The re-visit was worth it. Sunny Sunday, a long table, and live Bassanova in the background. This brunch was a little difficult for me, since I was day 7 into my 10 day master-cleanse. Yes, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup was all I had in my belly, so, I was HUNGRAY!

S.O.B didn't help in the hunger battle. The food looked divine, and everyone was super satisfied. First the deal - 29$ get you a three-course meal, with unlimited sangrias! SWEET! And totally worth it. Highlights were the Cheese and Spicy Beef Empanadas, Steak and Eggs, and Banana French Toast. For them, not for me! I enjoyed my liquid diet. Again. By myself.

Jena arrived for the birthday celebrations in her most Greta Garbo/Marilyn Monroe gorgeousness, and we sang many happy birthdays with the band playing along.

all the single ladies

Afterwards, it was off to wander the streets of the West Village, which led us to Cafe Noir for more cocktails and very raunchy discussions that only close friends can have. I don't know how we got on the topic of Tantra Workshops, but what started off as a simple question - would you go to one  - yes or no -  continued on to circumcision - good or bad, and ended up with, enhancing  staying power -  YES!

I learned probably more that I ever needed to know about my friends, and I'm sure they felt the same. Then, it was back to my apt, where we discovered peeps were hungry again, so back out to Lupa's for a final meal. And for me? Another glass of miracle lemon juice.

BRUNCH #43 - West Village

PLACE:   S.O.B

EATS:  Lump Crabmeat with Mixed Vegetables, Pepper Jack Cheese served with Sauteed Yucca & Onions and Grilled Linguica, French Toast with Streusel Topping & Warm Maple Syrup
DRINKS:  Unlimited Sangria!
TRACKS : Kansas - Dust in the Wind
OUTSTANDING QUOTE:  "Let's talk about sex"
OUTSTANDING WORD: HBP - High Brow Porm

Dim Sum for Jing Fong

we were hungry

I had to include Dim Sum in the mix, or else this would not be a project about brunches in NYC.   Although, since my criteria was BOOZY brunches, I don't really know of any booze dim sum affairs, but, oh well, we can always get the booze after, which we did!

Before we get to the Sum however, first, we must review the weekend, and the departing of one of our loved ones to Los Angeles.

Now, we know there has always been a competition between the Right Coast and the West Coast, from the beginning of time -  or at least Hip-Hop -  and there have been countless endless debates on which coast is the best. 

Far be it for me to even think of taking sides, even though I do currently live in the greatest city in the whole world, it's the only place where you say "the city", and everyone knows you are talking about NYC, and if they don't, then they don't know bupkis about said NYC...

Where was I?

That's right, our dearly departing friend had a blow out going way party on Friday, and we represented and hugged it out for a really long time.  It was great to be out earlier on in the weekend, as it still gives you enough time to recover and still be fresh and clean for brunch on Sunday, which we were!

yes, please

However, there were some of the crew who hadn't slept yet, and were very hungry for some Dim Sum.  I had originally chosen Nom Wah Tea Parlor because they have been around FOREVER, they offer lots of vegetarians dumplings AND it's pretty fucking cool... however, they don't take reservations... so when we started arriving, we were told that the wait was an hour! 

This did not sit well with the crew, so we took our cool asses somewhere else...  off to Jing Fong restaurant on Elizabeth St.  This restaurant had us seated and choosing unknown food items in less than 20 minutes, werd!  I'm telling you , this place is a story within itself.  First: it takes up a block in Chinatown.  Second: there is so much RED in there, that my eyeballs were burnt for days after.  Third:  smile, nod and point. 

steamy

Overall, Jing Fong delivered.  The table had to try the chicken feet, cause you have to try the chicken feet.  There were shrimp dumplings, and steamed chicken, and spare ribs and meat for daze.  For me? Over-fried spring rolls. Therefore, not a place for your veggie palate, but a place to sit quickly, to have nine - no, ten friends join, to not have a clue what you're eating, to think you have left NYC and ended up in HoiHai Lake in Beijing.   And with all that food we devoured, the meal was $18.00 each - yes -  that's right. 

We had the food on, had the crew, but not a bloody mary in sight.  After two hours of dim-stuffing, it was time to find a Bloody and we ended up at Odeon, where their bloodys are good, and not too expensive.  I could only stomach one though - what's happening to me? -  then it was homeward bound.

Got home, realised I was starving and ordered tacos.  Don't say it, think it, but don't say it.

BRUNCH #42 - Chinatown.

PLACE:  Jing Fong Restaurant

EATS:  Dim Sum - everything that had no name, and Chicken Feet.
DRINKS:  Tea.
TRACKS : The first, the last, my everything - Barry White
OUTSTANDING QUOTE:  Tony Dapaloto and his Happy Endings.
OUTSTANDING WORD: Yoganonymous

Harry loves Mappamondo

It was agreed upon indirectly yet quickly:   Pick a restaurant that is in the middle of Wall Street, say, Harry's Cafe, bring our motley crue to engage in unlimited drinks and savoir faire, then cruise over to OWS for a little protesting, while supporting with a bit of tongue-in-cheek action happening.

fontina

This did not happen, perhaps because the coordinator , me, didn't check to see that said Harry's Cafe - home to the Wall Streeters and general 1%ers, was actually closed on Sundays.  Yes, I don't get it either.  How can a restaurant be closed on Sundays?  I mean, this is New York City, you can buy pretty much anything at any time, and have it delivered to you, but a restaurant makes a choice to stay closed on one of the best days of the week.. Sunday? 

Oh well, a back-up plan had to be devised quickly, and before another email could be sent out, the choice was made: Mappamondo - chosen because I liked the look of the name, and also because it was close to my casa.

wheat

So, we were off like not-so-dirty underwear, to this charming Italian bistro in the West Village.  I must say, for the fast google decision, it wasn't a bad choice.  Lovely decor, a neighborhood feel, and a two-for-one drink special.

The challah french toast was decadent, the eggs benedict was unsurprising and  the spinach and goat cheese omelet was ok.  I will say this, the service was a bit spacey, let me explain.  Our group kept expanding and they said it was no issue, so they'd move us to larger area, being very accommodating, then they would forget to take our orders, to bring more water, or to stop by and say hello.  

a twofer

The conversations were much more interesting than the food, with talks about the latest DJs, Improv classes and Yoga Retreats.  We had some new additions, and I'm always good with that.


Finally, a smaller group of us went for tea, and talked about starting a business together of delivering wine and alcohol to homes.  We seriously discussed this, because it is another contention for me that you can't buy liquor after 11:00 pm in New York City.  Really crazy, because in Miami, they sell everything in supermarkets, and you get to drive home.

bene gangsta

At least in this city, if you go out an buy alcohol, you have a massive public transportation system at your disposal, or you are in your own apartment and not going out, just laying on your sofa, drinking wine at 5:00 am in the morning, by yourself.  What harm is that?  What was the question again? 

BRUNCH #41 - Greenwich Village

PLACE:  Mappamondo

EATS: Challah French Toast, Eggs Florentine, Mushroom-Bacon-Fontina Omelet,
DRINKS: 2 FOR 1 Mimosa Special
TRACKS : Brass Constuction - Movin On
OUTSTANDING QUOTE: Let's get our IPO on!

Yerba is Buena

Halloween is THE holiday for New Yorkers, not Christmas or Thanksgiving or even Independence Day. There really is no where else you would want to be, where you get a chance to really let your freak-ghoul-pervert flag fly along with all the other  freaks, ghouls, perverts, and pretty much all of New Yorkers to show who they really are, in full disguise, ya digg?

Photo by Nadak Havakook

This year's top creations ventured towards the one-percenters (funny) the two-percenters (cartons of milk...really?), Occupy Wall Street protesters, day of the dead aficionados, super heroes,  the Universe, and every other costume that was home-created, not duplicated and on display.

After much deliberation, I decided on Day of the Dead makeup, even though peeps kept telling me NOT to wear facial make up , cause who wants to make out with someone who looks like the living dead, and facial make-up tends to drip, and its just not sexy.  I think I did OK in that department.

Anyhow, Saturday nite was so much fun, with a pre-party at Fraggle Rock to celebrate a birthday, then off to Robot Heart for some ok music, but amazing venue... if you are in your twenties and/or needing to reminisce about that time you went to that rave and went home with that guy... but , yes, it was still a howlingly good nite.

Benedict Yerba Buena

It ended a bit early, around 6:00 am, then a quick snooze and finally, brunch at Yerba Buena.   Now, we knew it would be kind of a late start because of Halloween events, so I extended the brunch time to start at 2:30 pm, but didn't remember that Yerba Buena ends their brunch at 3:00 pm.  Great Scots!  What were we to do?  So, I arrived and had an amazing talk with the Manager who was so lovely, and so as we all arrived one by one, some in leftover costumes from the night before, some still looking ravishing, others tore up, we got to sit, eat, drink and yes, be VERY merry. 

The food is muy buena,  and the offer of unlimited drinks for one hour lasted as well.  I had the Huevos Rancheros, fast becoming a favorite meal, and the charred tomato sauce was exquisite.  Yes, also to the guac and arroz con frijoles.  Everyone was pretty satisfied, and the teeny weeny fries hit THAT spot alot.  On the libation side, I have to say the bloodys went down very well, as well as the sangrias, margaritas and mimosassss.

We got pretty loud, and didn't realise that the restaurant had no other clients, as they started to prepare for dinner menu.  However, no-one disturbed us, or asked us to leave, as if they could!

Huevos Rancheros

Anyway, our loud obnoxiousness demanded relocation and so we left, and descended (ascended ?) upon the James Hotel,  to the rooftop bar, where we continued our Halloween celebrations and bloody mary sampling, until I knew that stopping now was imperative to my health and non-smoking-ability.

And so it was, that I finally made it home and to bed, another Sunday brunch checked off.

By the by, quick note, Halloween was actually Monday , but I figured I had done enough damage to my liver, so I resolved to stay home.  I settled in to listening to peeps below my window as they stumbled by, their glittery hats, and tails and dress-up clothes in various states of disarray, and did not regret a thing.

Brunch #40 – East Village

Where: Yerba Buena

Eats: Huevos Rancheros, Benedict Yerba Buena, Frita Cubana, and Sangria, Jalapeno Margaritas,

Track of the Day:  Architeq - Daylight

Quote of the Day:

Word of the Day: J O fucking bravo B

Le pesky Pescadeaux

After two weekends of being out of my beloved city, I was set to settle in for a while, however, it had been over a month since I'd visited the folks in NH, so I felt obliged to make a journey up to Milford NH to see the mom and dad, fully intent on heading back to the city in time for a true CITY brunch for # 39.

This was why I chose Le Pescadeux; they offer an all-you-can-drink option for $16, they didn't need a major reservation blood-letting AND they were were on Thompson St, pretty close to my crib, so I would have enough time to get up early in NH, drive four hours back to the Village, drop the car rental off, book it home, drop of dogs, then make it to the reservation for 1:30 pm. Plan? Plan!

And yes, I did it, byatches, with like 5 motherfreaking minutes to spare, werd! OK, truthfully, I was 10 mins late, but seriously loves, with everything I had to do, I made it on time, ya digg? So, it was ladies brunch this time, with seven of us, including some faces not seen for a while, and we immediately got down to talk of sex, sizes, dates, visits, and all the lovely things that women talk about when we get together. Yes, it was happening.

I have to talk about the restaurant, however, and I was very happy with the choice made. It was not crazy Sunday-brunch crowded, they seated us before all parties arrived, and the food was really good. I had the omelet with creamy spinach, frites and a fresh salad, the benes were divine, and the bloodys got a thumbs-up from the ladies. I'm on week 3 of no SMOKING (that's rite!), so no bloody for moi.

I have to say the service was very French, which is not to say it was good or bad, it was what it was, and therefore , fine.

Then, it was off to Central Park for the first time in almost two years! (!) to meet up with more friends, then back downtown to have dinner with another friend at Les Enfants, my old cracked-out haunt, then back home for my eighteenth cup of tea for the day, and a fine end to a lovely day.

Brunch #39 – West Village

Where:  Le Pescadeux

Eats: Brioche French Toast, Fresh Berry Compote, Mascarpone Cream, Quiche Lorraine. 

Tracks: 

Quote of the Day: lambic pentameter

Word of the Day: new pasta - testerrony

Ye Country Home of Chatham

Chatham House

Another weekend spent outside the city walls. This time, we were invited to spend the weekend at our friend's country home in the bucolic hills of Chatham, NY. It was as different to last weeks hippy haven in the same way that the Tea Party and OWS supporters are different. In Long Island, you had a beautiful but aging home that welcomed doing any and everything to, as long as the stairs didn't collapse, you were a'iight.

Here, you had a beautifully preserved 'Country Home', built in 1830, with original everything, still in museum-like quality. I have to say, I enjoyed both weekends immensely, and i am so blessed to have such a great group of friends to experience both spectrums of the pendulum.

For this weekend, we had a much smaller crew of peeps headed out to hang with, and more sedate activities planned, which also included a bonfire, movies to watch, and food to be consumed.

Saturday night was super fun, with all seven of us in the kitchen, preparing pasta, sauteing vegetables, eating ice cream, and consuming a grandma-memory-reminiscing Brown Betty created by Jessica, with brown sugar, apples, more brown sugar, bread crumbs and warmly yummy goodness that we all died for.

We watched the fire burn, and fantasized about bringing Burning Man to these woods, but of course, just jesting (or gesticulating?).

polka dots

On Sunday, After much debate, we decided to check out one of the older restaurants in Chatham, the Chatham House Restaurant, which was built in 1859. They have a lovely all-you-may-consume   brunch for all of  $19.00. They used to offer one drink with brunch, however, alas, no longer.

We did get into a headed discussion on the Occupation of Wall Street protesters and we brought a little bit (ok, a lot) of city attitude to the quaint town. There were some four-letter words that flew around, that was NOT darn, but hey, what are friends without healthy debate? And, I'm sure the locals appreciated our honest words about Republicans and teabaggers and the 1% wall streeters.

crunchy

And the funny thing was that we were almost all wearing black. Not stereotypical New Yawkers at all. After brunch, when we were the only ones left, because brunch ends at 1:00 pm (WTF?) we rather sheepishly vacated the premises, apologizing if we offended anyone. Hey, i think they kinda liked having some color and then some colour in the 'hood. (yeah, i said it).

Brunch was.. good. The all-you-can-eat was fine, nothing spectacular, but the décor was certainly old-school with chandeliers and uniforms and large bay windows; it was like stepping back in time, to a place with separate entrances and quiet looks.

Anyhow, Chatham was lovely, and a great experience, but the city skyline was a welcome sight, after two weekends of separation, you know this city girl gets anxiety when i've been away from my love for too long. 

Brunch #38 – Chatham, NY

Where: Chatham Country Restaurant.

Eats:  All-you-eat-brunch with pancakes, frittattas, quiche, salad, chocolate, cake and more food.

Tracks: Take me Higher - Rogerseventytwo

Quote of the Day: equal opportunity discriminator

Word of the Day:

Long Island Awaits Indian Summer

us

Brunch #37 was a special gift for us. It was Des's birthday, and a remarkable 80 degree temperature gift from God weekend, so what else were we to do, but head out to Long Island Sound, for a day of beach, relaxation, frisbee  and chillaxing. We had a three-day weekend, with Columbus Day coming up, and a hippy haven home to habitat and cavort in,  the entire time.

picnic brunch

And so it was, that twenty of our closest friends arrived by train, automobile and ....car with booze, cheese, and all kinds of delights to share and celebrate one more beautiful sunny weekend together. We had the dogs, the games, the bad techno music, the second largest rock in Long Island, the private beach, the bonfire, the birthday cake and the birthday brownies – chocolate.

killer dog

And yes, there was a fight with the dogs. OK, I have to start from the beginning. First off, not sure I have mentioned my doggies; I have two delightful Yorkies, who are serious ruffians and ragamuffins.

I try not to treat them as anything more than cuddly cute animals, and sweaters and bows are strictly off-limits (unless it's stupid cold, and I'm getting the shaking heads of disapproval from passersby) and of course, because they are tiny dogs, they think they are German Shepards or something.  They don't really like other dogs, and yes, they will pick fights with said other dogs.

So to continue the story,   Mama was playing catch with her owner, and I had both my pups beside me, and they, for some reason, were in a crazy mood, their ears moving back and forth like satellite dishes picking up every pant from Mama's smiling face.

sweet mama

I only saw Jazmine diving after Mama in full frontal attack mood, kinda hanging off her ear. Now, Mama is one of the sweetest dogs there is, but when a little thing comes running up to you and you don't really know what it is, you might be startled into defence mode. And that's kinda what happened. But, no worries, there was a scratch and a bite, and that was it. Mama probably thought it was a mosquito bugging her and just swatted her out of the way.

After the battle of the dogs, I definitely was on point, so we headed to the beach for a bonfire circle, and more birthday singing. 

Which led to a solitary figure sitting on the second largest rock in Long Island. Followed by us clowns making fun of the person on the rock, with us calling out “ Oh Man on the Rock” Twas really funny at the time.

Then we had Suzanne throwing dead carcasses of land crabs into the fire. There really wasn't anything on the beach that we didn't tr to burn.

Finally, it was time to drive home, I had to take my warriors back to the city, and finished a most beautiful day, with close friends, laughter, no cigarettes (!!!) and a dog with an extra life.

Brunch #37– Long Island Sound

Eats: Picnic stuff, lots of cheese, spinach, bread, lovely finger sandwiches.

Track:

Quote of the Day:  i'm armed and tweeting!

Creole and Cake - Brunch #36

Another fine brunch is under way, and this week, we chose a special spot in the East Village, Arcane.  With fancy French Creole dishes, a complimentary drink and a lovely bartender, what more can you ask for? In this case, we had a small crew of seven, including some new faces into places.

I remember going to the Arcane a while ago, when I'd hang out for a drink at the bar and have a flirt with the bartender. This time, we had calypso music in the background, and a great menu of vegetarian and carnivore choices.

 I've been doing well, BTW, one week of NO smoking , hells yeah? I've re-discovered sleep and mornings and yes, even the freaking gym. Ya heard me, I am on a treadmill, and lemme tell you, when I'm on there, I sound like an aging hooker who's outside trying to get a bump from just about anyone passing by. But, it's all good, I am doing it for me, blah blah, blah, puke.

BTW, just saying, NYC is not a city for non-drinking activities. It's kinda funny going out, and everyone asks. "what are you drinking?”
 your answer “i'll have cranberry and seltzer”
 their response. "OK, one vodka/cranberry coming up''

It's like they don't even hear what was said. But, it's all good, I'm having fun with it.

At brunch at the Arcane, they offer one drink with the meal, which is very nice, if you are drinking. Since we had a couple of folks at the table not drinking, we ended up collecting all the extra bloodys for one person , who yeah, was very appreciative.

 His date kept getting carded though, and she was able to buy a drink after presenting her ID card, so that led us to talking about sex.  Wait, anything gets us to talking about sex, but we had an interesting question.

 "If someone is vegan, should they swallow?"  Discuss.

We also created a new Sunday drink -" the dark and bloody";  that is a Bloody Mary made with rum.  Thanks, Anna Maria for that one.

After attempting to speak French badly too many times, we left, and I was really beginning to miss our rooftop after-brunch parties, but again, good to start the week off right, with another successful attempt at working out, and health kicking it.

And I need to stop saying drink after every other word. Drink.

Brunch #36 - East Village

Location: the Arcane

Eats:  Arcane Baked Eggs, Caribbean Poached Eggs, Omelette of the day, and yummy frites.
Drinks: Dark and Bloody's - next time!

Track: Movado - So special

Quote of the Day: "Sorry, i'm Vegan.  I can't swallow"  

Word of the Day:  Blue and Orange - Blurange

Eating in the dark - Aussie style

This weekend has been a roller coaster of events, and as a result, I am on a six week cleanse. To put it more clearly, Burning Man finally caught up with me, and I realized that I have been partying non-stop since I got back from Nevada.

But, I guess I have to explain why I came to this conclusion , and folks, it ain't pretty. I'll start with the lovely date I had on Friday, and he was super cute and fun, but I should have gone home afterwards, instead of ending up at Rebel for the Fever Party and drank so much, I don't remember getting home. Yeah, tres pretty.

Then, after a painful hangover that lasted all day on Saturday, it was off to Dining in the Dark that night which was actually one of the greatest experiences I've had dining out in the city so far. The Ace Hotel, a lovely boutique hotel located in the Chelsea area, had partnered with Opaque, a dining group that offers dining in the dark experiences all over the world. It was the fist time they were making an appearance in NYC.

dinner

 Imagine sitting in absolute darkness, where your waiters are visually impaired, and you can't see your dining partners or the food carefully placed in front of you. Each morsel becomes a discovery of unusual spices and tastes, where other senses over-compensate with surprises hidden within each bite. We forgot about using utensils, feeling better prepared to eat with our fingers, and truly tuned in to what our companions were actually saying, losing ourselves in the all consuming darkness surrounding us. It was a thrill.

After dinner, it was off to Grotto for the once-a-month underground party madness, and I really wanted to stay and enjoy the music, but for some reason, I don't know WHY, I only wanted to go home and get some sleep. And I tried to sleep, for hours, but I had a headache, my senses were off, and the sounds of my beloved city prevented me from getting any rest.

So, Sunday brunch had a shaky start, and it was slowly dawning on me that I truly needed a break, and just be. I think I also realized I was smoking like a crackhead, I had actually smoked two packs of cigarettes in one day, and my inner parts, especially my throat and lungs wanted to crawl outside any opening of my body and just walk away.

A decision had to be made, that I needed to stop smoking. Since drinking makes me want to smoke, I needed to also stop drinking, at least until the thought of smoking no longer made my mouth water.

And so it was, that I arrived at our boozy all-you-can-drink brunch on Bondi Road, where drinks and food cost $18.00, with a decision to stop smoking and get on a detox plan towards healthy-dome.

Bondi Road was great, BTW. They offer fantastic Benedict's, with salmon and avocado, all you can drink Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Bellinis, complete with hash browns, side salad and lots of toast with butter. I was surrounded by my lovely crew of friends, who were nothing but supportive of my decision to be drink-free for six weeks.

It was pretty funny being in an all-you-can-drink spot while being seriously on the wagon, but trust me, my bod is in need of a break, and it was not complaining at all.

Let's see how long it lasts, and as long as I can stop smoking , that would be one small step for my lungs, one giant step doing healthy.

I figured I've done everything else, I might as well do healthy for a while. Can ya digg.

After Bondi, we cruised around for a while, till i made it back to the crib, for a seriously great nite's sleep.

BRUNCH #35 - LES

PLACE: Bondi Road

EATS:  Queen Adelaide Eggs Benedict, with Salmon and Avocado, Omelets and Buttermilk pancakes.

DRINKS: Moomosas, Moo Mary's, Greyhounds and Screwdrivers - but none for me!
TRACKS : Devo - Whip it
OUTSTANDING QUOTE OF THE DAY: Im doing healthy now
OUTSTANDING WORD OF THE DAY:  Whippit

Italiano and the last Rooftop

And we're back!  After last week's respite, we are right on track with the project.  I thought it a good idea to give a little reminder of why we are doing what we are doing, and what this brunch is all about.  

This is 52 brunches in 52 weeks, and during this journey, we will find hidden treasures, amazing dancing events, and good good food.  Because you know what they say, "Good Food is Good,"  and good music is better!

INEXPENSIVE!  No more than 25$ per brunch - (this has been blown several times).
UNLIMITED DRINKS!  Let's get our bloodys, bellinis, and champagne on the cheap! (check)
GREAT MUSIC! How else can we stay in one place for 3 - 4 hours without dancing?(yes)

This week's festivities leading up to Brunch #34 started on a boat party Saturday night on the Queen of Hearts with Turntables on the Hudson's own Nickodemus, Cato, Nappy G and others like NYC's finest Rich Medina, throwing down some amazing music on the Hudson.

A great entry back into the swing of thangs, went until until 4 am, then it was time to head back home, get some sleep and get ready for the next day.

And so it was, that Sunday morning found us at Emporio, a delightful restaurant on the LES, right on the border of Chinatown.  A small group gathered to catch up on our end of summer activities, and get the low down on India, Burning Man and Art Gallery openings.

We got seated in the room in the back, beautifully decorated with wooden walls, large windows and a sun-roof.  The tables was family-size, and the service was impeccable.

The food was remarkably good, with a choice of a mimosa, bloody, bellini or rossini included with brunch specials for only $15.00.  Yes, Fat Radish, really good food that didn't break the bank (yes, I'm still miffed at the Radish).

We were wonderfully satisfied with brioche, grilled country bread, eggs baked in a skillet, scrambled eggs, goat cheese crostino and on and on, plate after plate of yumminess.

Afterwards, we headed out to Brooklyn for the last rooftop party of the season with Lee Burridge.  And, yes, I brought the fur coat that got much play with the revelers.  Nothing like a fur coat on a hot day on a rooftop!

Photo by Bill Kennedy

Sunsets, a glass of champagne  and good friends ended another weekend, and another moment of bliss and gratitude.

BRUNCH #34 - LES

PLACE: Emporio

EATS:  French Toast, Il Crostone, Uova al Forno, Strapazzate, bloodys, mimosas and bellinis.
TRACKS : Osunlade present Erro - Change for Me
OUTSTANDING QUOTE:  I'm a product of Bill
OUTSTANDING WORD: Rat patty = Ratty

Photo by Bill Kennedy.

New Hamphire rues the day

So, it's over.  All costumes, lights, excitement building has been put away for another year, and all that's left are memories for now.  The week after Burning Man was very slow, and sad, and a complete come-down, so what else was there to do, but head to New Hampshire to hang with the family, around trees, and lakes and a lovely balcony overlooking more trees.

So, I decided to hang on Sunday with the family, and planned a dual brunch in the country and in the city.  However, plans can sometimes take a turn for the other, and so it was, that everyone, including me, was feeling a bit in a hibernation-kinda mood, and as Chinua Achebe would say, "things fell apart".

Technically, I had a brunch, but in reality, I had breakfast with my big brother, and that was that.
Therefore, we will have to squeeze in another brunch before the experiment is out , to ensure that 52 brunches in 52 weeks, means what it says.  This ain't no 51 brunches, ya dig?

BRUNCH #

PLACE: 

EATS: 
TRACKS :
OUTSTANDING QUOTE: 

The playa provides the brunch - welcome home

The journey to Burning Man started at night,  and the excitement in our little mini-van was palpable.  There really are no words to describe this feeling, and this entry will not to it justice.  As I made my way from Reno to Black Rock City, for the sixth time, I was so excited , my skin was radiating pulses, tying my heartbeat to every nerve in my body.   OK, so, yeah, it was late, and dark, and we had been shopping and laughing and eating and dancing all day, so that might also have had something to do with it, but the grin was permanently fixed on my face.

Sunrise - Photo by Bill Kennedy

Burning Man has been a life-changing experience for me.  I've taken it into my life, and become part of a community that grows beyond our city back to New York, LA, and far reaches of the world.

However, for one week, the community comes back together and builds, supports and revels in our own city, based on what we bring, how we participate, and who we are.  And yes, I get to be thoroughly free from judgements.  There is a smile at every point, a hug and acceptance.  It's freaking awesome.

The art car - Photo by Bill Kennedy

There is so much happening; art installations, music, food, and friends created and maintained over the years.  It's near impossible to see everything or everyone, so here's a brief summary of what the next seven days gifted to me.

The playa - Photo by John Dill

Music - the best I've experienced on the playa so far:
Marques Wyatt's set at Disorient - took me to places I've never gone before.
Osunlade at the Irish Pub - need I say more?
Prom Nite - 80s music on the playa - hearing peeps singing choruses , and having other camps join us just for the music.
Sunset with Marko Peli and Shannon - dreamlike and tiger encounters.
Robot Heart - every time, everywhere, everyone.
Lush Bunny and Shannon at Disorient - created the inability to stop dancing
John Dill with Lee Burridge - I heard it was life-changing - and I missed it!

The Temple - Photo by John Dill

Experiences

• Mosaic Lounge family - re-connecting with the familiar and new connections with the sublime.
• Art Cars - new experience driving around the playa, from Mosaic's own mirage, to the Purple Palace , seeing Robot Heart pulsing in the distance, driving out to deep playa in Samantha's black kitty, and that freaking Octopus.
• Watching a movie in a balls-out real seats theatre in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the playa.  American Graffiti anyone? Yes, that happened.
• Experiencing sunrise every morning, but especially and in deep playa listening to sunrise sets.
• The pier - a real freaking pier - birds, ocean sounds and fishing poles included.
• Watching 1000 people do sun salutations as the sun set over the mountains, while the largest string instrument in the world whispered hushed vibrations that lit the sky with sound and  energy.
• Sunday Brunch with the Nordic - what a lovely walk that was.
• Bubbles and Bass mornings - champagne, and seeing friends, and making new ones.
• Ayman at Whiskeys and Whores - the interpretive dance of all ages.
• The Trojan Horse - 600 people pulling it across the playa, before it burned.
• The Temple - the music installation introduced a new vibration that brought tears to my eyes.
• Watching the man burn - fireworks, fire, Terryl's set, more fire, then dancing some more.

The Pier - Photo by John Dill

Finally, brunch was very unexpected and truly a gift from the playa.  I spent the final morning  walking after sunrise until the sun was in the middle of the sky, with the Nordic.  We encountered a camp in the middle of the playa, serving eggs, sausages, pancakes and waffles, to anyone who approached.  The crew was open, beautiful and giving.  We stood there, plate in hand, watching the city move towards and away from mirages, and yes, it was hard to imagine, yet it was happening. 

Robot Heart - Photo by John Dill

Afterwards, we walked through interactive art installations, stopped and danced with Robot Heart, then made our way back to my camp, and slowly I realised the week was over, as quickly as it began.

The journey back to the real world would begin the next day.  Not before the temple burn, and a final lasting connection with loved ones.

Another burn, number six.   Next year won't come soon enough.

BRUNCH #33 - Burning Man

PLACE: Black Rock City - Nevada

EATS:  Scrambled eggs, waffles, pancakes, sausages and bloody marys - thanks to the playa.
TRACKS : Julio Bashmore - Battle for Middle you
Black Hole Sun - Kenny Summit Remix
Lost - Sunlounger
OUTSTANDING QUOTE:  Call me by my playa name, it's wasabi!

Photos by John Dill
Photos by Bill Kennedy