On the move!

Swell Season Treat Fans to a 2 hour + Performance

2010-01-20T16:22:00.006-05:00

Over two years ago, Swell Season achieved popularity when their movie garnered public accolades. While I was not able to get a ticket to attend their NY live performance at that time, I jumped at the opportunity to get one when tickets were released for their performance at Radio City Music Hall last night.

The show was excellent. Both singers Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova took turn at the microphone and at the piano. Glen, from the Irish band The Frames, shared poignant and amusing stories, creating an intimate atmosphere with the crowd. When he stepped in front of his microphone and, with only his guitar in hands, sang without any microphones, he made the entire room shiver. A memorable moment. A night where music makes you travel and where, even with a record 2 hour and 30 minute performance, you want to beg for more.

Stylish evening at The Plaza Hotel

2008-05-08T06:59:00.005-05:00

The Plaza Hotel reopened with much hype earlier this year. This century old hotel located by Central Park boasted newly renovated Louis XV style rooms and a champagne bar in the lobby. The champagne bar caught my attention! When a friend of a friend and I decided to meet for the first time, I took the opportunity to suggest drinks at The Plaza, and she liked the idea!

The interior decoration is sumptuous and luxurious, and we decided to sit upstairs at the Rose Bar, also in the lobby, but the atmosphere was cozier. The music was also trendier there, although the place seems to cater more to the hotel guests rather than to hipsters. The concierge highly recommended the afternoon tea at the Palm Court, on the other side of the lobby, which looks like a real oasis in the city.

A cold night in NYC!

2008-01-27T19:21:00.000-05:00

A friend had recommended Ostia in the West Village, mentioning their tapas were tasty while reasonably priced.

I visited the place on a Friday night, thinking it would be difficult to get a table. To my surprise, the place was half empty by 9 p.m. and didn't get more busy by the time I left almost two hours later. Overall, I ended up being disapointed by the food, the service and the lack of atmosphere.

We ended the evening three blocks away at the Blind Tiger, newly relocated on Bleeker. The place was packed and the fireplace helped us warm up from the cold, along with a few pints of Pils.

Happy hour at Sapa

2008-01-22T07:18:00.000-05:00

Last week, I spent a "happy hour" at Sapa with new friends. Located between Chelsea and the Flatiron district, it filled out quickly as the after work crowd flocked in to sip $5 wines (until 7:30 p.m.)and order finger food. The location has been open for four years and its white and spacious decor provide a high sense of style. The lobby serves as a lounge and the bar area is nestled adjacent to the restaurant area.

We sat in the lounge where the menu is limited for vegetarians. Overall, the decor was more charming than the food, but the restaurant menu offers interesting options inspired by French Southeast Asian cuisine.

A night out in SOHO

2008-01-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

I recently pondered on the fact that I was not going out in SOHO enough to my liking. Prior to living in Manhattan, every trip to the city was not complete without a visit to SOHO. Yet, since moving to the city, I haven't been exploring this area enough. I addressed this problem last night.

As business is getting back to normal this week, so are the night outs with friends. I kicked-it off in style meeting up with the first friend I made since moving here, who happened to have moved to New York at the same time than I did. We both came up with a place to explore.

We meet at the SOHO Grand Hotel. Recomended by an American friend in exile. The place is welcoming, with a lounge and a bar area. We stuck to the lounge as the couches looked comfortable. We sampled a pizza and drank non-alcoholic fresh lemonade (considering that we were going to another location after and since I've implemented a "one-drink" only policy on school nights as part of the new year's resolutions, I was keeping the glass of wine for dinner).

It's a great place to chat, not too noisy and although the setting is trendy, the layout makes you feel like you're in someone's fancy living room. Beige and earth tones deco provide a calming feeling and the background music was great.

We then walked four blocks to have dinner at the Antique Garage. The place was charming. The decor makes you think of your grandma's living room, with ancient chandeliers, art and mismatched china. The wooden communal table at the center of room is ideal for a big group of friends. The menu, however, came as a surprised. I would have expected to have tea and sandwiches in this decor, but the Turkish chef has put a Turkish spin on the menu. We sampled the carrot and ginger soup and the borek topped with a glass of Tempranillo. Prices and food are decent and I'm planning on going back for brunch.

This was a great night where I got my fix of the almost mythical SOHO, but what made it special was the company. There's nothing like discovering great places with great friends...

Freemans: a Hidden Gem

2007-12-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

I was completely charmed last week by Freemans, a restaurant hidden at the end of the back alley on Freemans in LES in New York.

Friends visiting from out of town wanted to try it and, even if we ended up waiting over a hour for a table, it ended up being a great experience. The country cottage decor was welcoming and the place was packed with hipsters. The restaurant is divided into various rooms, which provides intimacy.

The menu is simple, focused on comfort food. We shared a few appetizers and all agreed that the grilled cheese sandwich (with Dijon!) and the artichoke dip were the highlights. The service was great, except at the bar where we felt a bit squished while waiting for our talbe.

Will try and go back for brunch soon!

Slam Poetry Night

2007-12-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

I attended my first slam poetry event last night. I was inspired by Super K who posted a performance on his blog (en français!) It made me look for a slam event in New York.

I wasn't aware of the etiquette and ended up arriving an hour after the session had started. Big mistake! My friend and I entered the room tip toeing, suddenly aware that it's a crime to show up late to these sessions.

We ordered a drink and sat at the back of the room at Bar 13 in Union Square. It was an open mic night and it became obvious that we were the only one who weren't going to speak. Some performances were interesting, other felt painful, but the crowd was cheering equally. If a speaker declares that he will recite a new poem, the audience yells "New Shit"! If the speaker claims that it's his first experience, the response is "Virgin"! Easy to follow.

The session featured Taylor Mali, an apparent fixture in the scene. His performance was followed by a Q&A with the audience. Again, it was evident that we were not part of the group, as every one asking a question was addressed to by name!

Maureen, the bartender, asked us at the end if we had come for the poetry (she seemed surprised when we confirmed so). She explained that these sessions have been running at Bar 13 for nine years and that every body knows every one (yeah, we had noticed!). Even if we stuck out like sore thumbs, it ended up being a great experience.

Roller Skating at Studio B

2007-12-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn's Studio B was transformed into a classic roller disco and it sounded like a great way to spend a Saturday night. I attended the third installment of the Down & Derby party only to realized that roller skating is not like bicycle: I had forgotten how to graciously roll around!

The venue was packed and too small to practice on the side before joining the crowd, which led to several non-serious falls. The party goers colorfully dressed up in 70s style were rolling around the dance floor enjoying the music and atmosphere.

It ended up being a great exercise and next time, I'll do it in style. I regretted not having dressed up for the occasion!

The Southwest

2007-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

I experienced another side of New York over the last two months: the accelerated pressure of work productivity. Which can also be referred to as "when work takes over your life". This period left me no time to report on discoveries, but I'm trying to re-adjust my schedule to catch up over the next few weeks!

The highlight of November was the road trip the Irish man and I did in Arizona and New Mexico. It felt good to leave the urban fast-pace for a week of nature, arts and good food.

The Grand Canyon took my breath away, both by its beauty and by trekking up and down its steep ravines. At night, the entire Milky Way was the only source of light in the area and contrasted with the city lights I'm used to.

Monument Valley, spanning Utah and Arizona, proved to be another site where nature is overpowering. Several western movies and advertisments where shot on the Indian reservation and the guided tour was insightful on the life of the Navajos and how the climate as changed and shaped the area.

I sampled the best crab cakes ever (twice!) in Santa Fe at the famous Pink Adobe restaurant and its adjacent Dragon Room Bar. The town is full of jewelery and clothes boutiques, art galleries, museums and churches and walking around proved to be the best way to discover it.

Madrid was the last stop on the road before returning to the city. Nested on the highway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, this former coal mine town was taken over by the "hippies" and all form of arts are now ruling. It's the kind of place that makes you want to take time to live a different lifestyle. In fact, it made me want to move there for a year!

The NY Marathon

2007-11-05T08:01:00.000-05:00

The New York Marathon brought together over 38,000 runners and probably as many spectators cheering them on their last leg in Central Park.

Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man

2007-10-29T06:23:00.000-05:00

As New York is getting colder, I took my friend who was visiting the city this weekend to a paradise for chocolate addicts for comfort food. Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man, specializes in chocolate of all kinds. The Broadway restaurant is filled with a rich and sweet aroma welcoming you in a factory-style decor. We sampled the chocolate pizza, but I'll be back for the chocolate fondue. A real treat for the senses...

Exploring Emerging Arts

2007-10-23T23:12:00.000-05:00

I discovered two things last week: Bianca Casady and Gen Art. A friend who recently moved to the city from L.A. had told me about Gen Art and their mission to showcase emerging talents in arts, film, fashion and music. She was a member in L.A. and got a membership in New York as it's a great way to get out, meet people and enjoy new experiences.

She invited me to Bianca Casady's exhibit at the Deitch Projects, an art gallery hidden in the shady streets of Chinatown. Paintings, photographies and installations were assembling symbols and objects exploring paradoxes and opposite or complementary meanings. The artist addressed the audience in a casual way, sharing her process and thoughts and story (she also has a band and write poetry!). The crowd was a mix of business and artsy people and in the end, it made me want to join Gen Art.

A show, a bar and a restaurant

2007-10-15T07:10:00.000-05:00

Another weekend that went by too quickly brought its share of discoveries! I trekked the city with a friend on Saturday. We first went to the Hot Hot Heat concert at the Webster Hall. While their performance was high in energy, the highlight ended up being the opening act, Bedouin Soundclash, who surprised me with their on-stage presence.

We then decided to explore another place, Red, in SOHO. I had been there a year ago and had been charmed by the velvety-red decor, but my second attempts, over the summer, hadn't been as exciting as the bar was hosting a private party and didn't live up to the memory. We got in without hurdles, but left less than an hour later. The place was packed with an eclectic crowd of dressed up women and dressed down men and the music was an odd mix of everything. On our way out, the long line-up at the door re-confirmed the popularity of the venue, so maybe we weren't in the right mood for this.

Hungry and unable to get into a different place due to heavy lines everywhere else, we stopped at Rice for Riches to sample their rice puddings. This place specializes in tapioca and offers a wide variety of desserts. We shared the Sex, Rock and Rocky Mountains chocolate flavour and the Cappuccino one: delicious!
The night ended as a typical Saturday night in New York. Unable to find a cab, we finally got home on the train.

Monkey Bar

2007-10-12T07:13:00.000-05:00

A friend suggested stopping by Monkey Bar on Thursday night. The restaurant has been around for 70 years in New York, but recently re-opened after undergoing a design makeover. I can't compare the before and after as this was my first experience, but I liked the place.

Located mid-town on 54th and Park Avenue, you enter in a cosy asian-inspired bar area complete with a few tables and the restaurant is located at the back, but didn't seem as inviting. We stayed at the front, which was packed with a lively business crowd. I treated myself to a mango mojito and sampled the asian roll with fresh cod, mint and rice paper served with three exotic dips.

Ideal for a quick stop!

Strolling Down Broadway

2007-10-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

From Canal Street to Union Square, I spent Columbus Day enjoying the weather outside. I had made plans to visit the MET, but couldn't bear the thought of staying inside while NY was enjoying a sunny 88 degrees on this October 8!

Parkour: The Latest Urban Transportation Art

2007-10-07T22:59:00.000-05:00

You might not have heard of David Belle, the French founder of Parkour, a fluid art designed to navigate urban landscape and overcome obstacles. However, if you have seen the latest James Bond movie, Casino Royale, you probably remember seeing runners jumping from one building to the other in a typical Parkour fashion.

David Belle was in New York on Sunday to demonstrate his sport, or art as he calls it, and train with local followers.

The event was mostly staged for media and included a very long Q&A period for the fans. I wished we would have seen more spectacular jumps from one tower to the other located at Javits Place. It is so fascinating to see these athletes running, jumping, flying and falling in such graceful way. They seem to defy gravity with every move.

If you want to see more, David Belle's video posted on You Tube is enough to make you want to try it...

Atlantic City: Always Turned On!

2007-10-01T06:41:00.000-05:00

I spent a night in Atlantic City last weekend. That's all I could afford, considering that even non-casino hotels in the vicinity of the Boardwalk charge up to $300 per night. Once again, www.tripadvisor.com proved to be a valuable resource to find the right place to stay!

Atlantic City is less glamorous than Vegas, but thrive on the same promise of meeting Lady Luck. The roulette paid off: I won $500 on red 25. Beginner's luck!

The place gets animated at night, however, the casinos are filed with people looking like lifetime gamblers and beggars are lined-up on the Boardwalk. A fun destination, but again, not as glam as Vegas...

The main purpose for the trip was the Middle-Weight Boxing Championship of the world opposing Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik. This might sound out of character, but that's the result of the Irish man's contagious passion! I was quite pleased with my first live experience. The energy in the Boardwalk Hall was high as the crowd was cheering for their favorites. I was surprised to witness people sitting in my area shaking hands on bets in a friendly manner. I was also surprised to see that women scantily dressed are still walking around on the ring in-between rounds ensuring that you're keeping up with the count (2, 3, 4..). According to the comments I heard, these intermissions are as appreciated by the male dominant audience as the fight itself...

The upside is that there is no line in the women's washrooms, which I had never seen before at any big gathering...

Favorite Kelly Pavlik stole Taylor's crown flooring him in the seventh round.

Kings of Leon at Radio City Music Hall

2007-09-20T06:43:00.001-05:00

I had a great time at the Kings of Leon's concert last night. It was the first time I was seeing them live and I was apprehensive about the venue, since we had assigned seats. Regardless, the entire place was on their feet, dancing and signing and we ended up having a great experience.

The accoustic was impressive although the stage seemed too big for the band. Radio City Music Hall is a stunning example of art deco,which brings you back to the 30's. This legendary theatre welcomed Sinatra, Fitzgeral and BB Kings, so it was not surprising to hear the Kings of Leon claiming last night that they had made it!

Neue Gallery

2007-09-18T07:40:00.000-05:00

I know very little about German and Austrian modern art, but decided to learn more at the Neue Gallery located beside Central Park. Gustave Klimt had a few paintings displayed on the first floor, and the main exhibition, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner: Berlin Street Scene was on the second one.

I'll have to read more to understand the artists' approach as I didn't take the audio guide for the tour, but, overall, I was charmed by the museum in itself. The place is fabulous and brings you back to another area. It was build in 1914 and exudes the charms of old Viennese houses with majestic staircases and high decorated ceilings.

The Café Sabarsky, designed based on Viennese cafés at the turn of the century is by the lobby and attracts crowds every weekend for brunches or coffees. A must to see!

Dean & Deluca: a grocery store like no others

2007-09-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

In search of a lunch to take to Central Park this weekend, I visited Dean & Deluca. I had heard about this New York gourmet food chain but had never been before.

It was a delightful experience for the senses. Pastry, sandwiches and salads are displayed at the front of the store while fresh produces, fish and cheese are at the back. I didn't want to leave. Walking through the stores makes you want to get everything.

The first location is in SOHO and opened in 1977. It's not too far from my appartment, so I'm planning on becoming a regular!

Remembering 9/11

2007-09-12T06:24:00.000-05:00

Ironically, I spent most of the day in New Jersey yesterday while New York was remembering the dreadful events which scared the city six years ago.

Every year, 9/11 brings back memories of loneliness as I had moved to Toronto a month before and still didn't know a soul there. It seems strange to evoke now how the fear of an attack on the CN Tower had stricken my colleagues and the city at the time...

This picture of the lights symbolizing the twin towers was taken in Hoboken on the shore of the Hudson river where several passersby were gathered in silence. Unfortunately, my camera isn't ideal for night shots and you can't see how intense the lights were shooting through clouds in the sky high above. A sign of hope, power and resilience sent loud and clear to the world...

Bua three-year anniversary celebration

2007-09-10T07:18:00.000-05:00

Bua, my favorite local bar in the East Village celebrated its third-year anniversary last night. Ruairi, Mo and Mark, posing in the picture, dreamed up the concept which is as social as an Irish bar, while being trendy as a lounge.

I tried finding information online about life expectancy of bars in New York as three years sounds like a real accomplishment in a city where establisments launch weekly and compete for their clientele. I couldn't get any data online supporting this hypothesis, but I remember reading that in Toronto, 80% of bars and restaurants were closing within their first 12 months. Bua means victory in Gaelic and it looks like the name predicted the faith of this cool little bar nestled in St. Marks Place.

Congrats guys!

A day at the beach

2007-09-09T21:47:00.000-05:00

48 hours ago, I had never heard of Manasquan. I discovered this city located on the shore of New Jersey as I was planning a beach outing. I have noticed over the summer that most New Yorkers leave the city on weekends, finding refugee on nearby beaches.

While I went on what will most certainly become the last weekend where the weather is hot enough to go to the beach, I'm already planning on touring the beach circuit next spring. I hadn't realized how easy it was to get to the ocean and while I'm enjoying the intensity of the city, I like escaping to the beach to smell the salty breeze.

Manasquan is a lovely village and, according to overheard conversations between locals, it was quiet now that the summer crowd renting houses until Labor Day is gone.

I was charmed by the houses along the walk from the train station to the beach. The porches and American flags were inviting although it looks like they get quite animated during the high season.

The Brooklyn Bridge

2007-09-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

New Yorkers are found of the Brooklyn Bridge and its stylish structure. So much so that walking across is like a pilgrimage.

I escaped the heat of the city over the long weekend to see what it was all about. The pedestrian traffic was dense, but the walk was worthwile: you get to enjoy the cool breeze at the top and a great view of the Statue of Liberty.

I didn't make it on the other side as we were pressed by time, but I'm planning on making it a regular outing!

Climbing at Chelsea Piers

2007-08-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

I finally went to Chelsea Piers, the biggest sports complex in the city located on the banks of the Hudson River.

I had been wanting to try it out since moving to New York but couldn't justify paying $50 for a day-pass. The entire complex spans over a few piers and offers golf, a spa (even a brewery?!) and the health club, where I went climbing with a member who graciously invited me as a guest.

The climbing gym is apparently one of the best in the city, but, having climbed at three different gyms in Toronto, it doesn't compare (the Niagara Escarpment near Toronto is said to be the best climbing site in North America, which might explain the popularity of the sport in the area). Regardless, I was glad to be back on the walls after a mandatory four-month break due to my upper back muscles.

The good news is that even if I hadn't climbed for a long period of time, I was able to get back into it easily but I'm sure I'll be paying the price tomorrow!

Weekend in T.O.

2007-08-27T08:21:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend back in Toronto. The main purpose of the trip was to see Kouza, the newest Cirque du Soleil show, but I managed to meet up with friends and hang out at some of my favorite places.

Friday night marked the big reunion at Brassaii. I had pick this place because it's conveniently located downtown and the covered patio was big enough to accommodate us. The mood was great, everybody looked fantastic and we enjoyed drinks and food while catching up. As the night progressed, the DJ made us dance while rain was lashing out. Great time!

Off to the Cirque on Saturday night, we enjoyed an amazing show, where the athletes' performances make you want to hit the gym. The tent has changed location this year. Previously, it was always set up at the CNE, but, according to the taxi driver, the location is now too small for the Cirque who keeps on growing in popularity.

We left in awed and head to my favorite jazz bar in T.O.: Reservoir Lounge. The atmosphere was unusually tensed, people were fighting and we were in the line of cross-fire. Thankfully, it all went back to normal and we enjoyed the band although the place was half-empty by 1 a.m., which is unusual. When we left, a bunch of homeless people were standing by the bar's entrance. I also noticed that Pravda, the Russian bar on Wellington, was closed. I hope it's not a sign that this area is changing for the worse.

We ended up this quick weekend with brunch at the Senator, by the Eaton Centre. The area is still in construction, but it looks more and more like a smaller version of Time Square. Forever 21, the chain carrying cheap and trendy clothes in New York, has even taken the Gap's place on Younge.

Although I only left six months ago, I felt like the city has changed a lot...

An evening in Tribeca

2007-08-27T07:40:00.000-05:00

I like Tribeca. It's an area where everyone looks trendy and wealthy. I met up with a friend last Thursday night at Thalassa. We only had a few glasses of wine, but she told me that they serve amazing Greek cuisine.

Will certainly try to go back to sample the menu!

We sat at the bar, lit by candles that were creating a very serene atmosphere. I met this friend while job searching in New York over a year ago and I always feel inspired when I spend time with her. In fact, she made me discover Tribeca. She is an accomplished world traveler who lives in the now, as she likes to say!

New York is a city of opportunities. I felt it when I first visited in 98. Living here now makes me believe that sky is the limit.

The Flat Iron District

2007-08-22T19:58:00.000-05:00

I live minutes away from the Flat Iron district, yet, I had only been there once to visit Home Depot when moving to the city.

I was meeting up with my New York friend last night and asked if she knew great places in this area. She came up with two recommendations, so we decided to try Punch, located on Broadway.

I was charmed the minute I entered. The decor is casual, yet trendy and welcoming. We went upstairs to look it up although we wanted to stay on the ground floor where the windows were opened and the bar was inviting.

I had a glass of Spanish white wine, Godello, dry and light bodied that was delicious although seemed high in alcohol.

We ordered Ice Jumbo Shrimps and the Mediterranean Tasting with hummus, lentils, tabbouleh (flavored with curry) and grilled pita. The menu offers a wide variety of tapas style appetizers.

While enjoying our meal, I tried to make sense of the U.S. healthcare system, hoping my friend would provide some much needed insight. It looks like I didn't understand properly the choice I made a few weeks ago and that my coverage is slim to none, which means that my fees per visit is hefty... because of course I wanted to pay the lowest premium.

Will have to re-read all the paperwork, maybe with a glass of Godello!

2 hours of free time in Basel

2007-08-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

Back in New York after five days in Basel, Switzerland, for business. Overall, the trip went well, but I barely slept and didn't have much time to explore the city (and certainly not the Lac Lémans).

As with any business trips, I spent most of my time working and eating in at the hotel to save time and work even more. But, I managed to get two hours for myself. What would you do if you had two hours to spend in a foreign city?

I chose a museum. I had asked around for recommendations and it was unanimous, if I had to visit only one museum, it had to be the Tinguely Museum.

Public transportation is made easy thanks to an efficient network of tramways covering the city on both sides of the Rhine. I easily found my way to the Tinguely and was charmed to discover a side of the city that I hadn't explored. I was staying by the Basel train station (Banhoff Basel in Swiss German), which is more commercial.

My experience at the Tinguely was unusual. Jean Tinguely's permanent and interactive exhibition was intriguing. The collection presents machine sculptures made out of animal skulls and rusted metal. Most of them get animated when visitors press a red button on the floor displayed in front of the creation. They move slowly and make frightening noises. I learned there that the artist revolutionized the static art world and belonged to the French avant-garde in the 50s and 60s.

The Muscovite Death Safari, made in the 70s is a moving sculpture mounted on an old Renauld Safari. Animal skull, drumsticks, puppets and the lots swings the implement of the Grim Reaper. According to the artist, this sinister carriage is only meant to ride in snow. The jalopy was built for the exhibition in Moscow in 1990 "and was intented among other things to mirror the impermanence of the luxury goods that prosperity-seeking Russians longed to acquire".

I was fascinated by the room devoted to death where the high altar of the dance of death is set-up along with 13 machine sculptures reprensenting torture and death. Called the Mengele, the dance of death series creation spanned over a few years and the artist only realized the meaning of the ensemble when he assembled it. Makes you thing about your own mortality...

Even if I flew in and out of Zurich, I only got to see the city through the window of a taxi cab. Would love to go back to explore it.

Off to Switzerland

2007-08-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

Spending the week in Switzerland for work. Will try to share my discoveries while abroad...

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs live... Yeah!

2007-08-08T01:28:00.000-05:00

I experienced a great show last night. New York-based Yeah Yeah Yeahs were performing at Webster Hall, an intricate borderline art-deco smaller venue.

I had shared my interest for this band to my Montreal friends visiting for the week and somehow, they had managed to find that they were performing while they'd be in town. I got the tickets and off we went.

We weren't sure who was opening and if they were going to sell alcohol since it was a 16-year-old concert. Luckily, after proper ID verification, we were tagged with a bracelet allowing us to order drinks. For the first time since moving to New York, I can say that both at the beginning and at the end, the security staff was very courteous...

The doors were opening at 7 p.m. and we walked in by 8. We were surprised to find on stage an all female cover band reminiscent of the 80s rock era. We only caught their last two songs, Dr. Feel Good from Poison and Motley Crue's Girls, Girls, Girls, but it was eclectic enough to let us believe that if such band was opening for the main act, we were up for something extraordinary.

Little did we know how true this would be. The next band consisted of a drummer and two 10 or 12 year-old rocking the house with high pitch voices. It certainly amused the crowd, especially when they dedicated a song to Karen O, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' colorful star signer with whom they had hung out with at a recording studio.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs performed before a packed and enthusiastic audience. The show was a good rendition of their eclectic alternative rock style. We danced, jumped, sang and asked for more in true Montreal tradition. Some of our neighbours looked appealed at our loud requests for an encore, which confirmed once again that New Yorkers behave more calmly at concerts. Regardless, the band came back on stage for three dynamic songs, including my favorite Y Control.

We left drenched, but amazed by such a punchy local show. Yeah!

Techno cruise on the Hudson River

2007-08-06T06:05:00.001-05:00

If you're up for something new, a cruise might not be the best way to try it. I discovered it the hard way on Sunday.

Friends visiting the city had suggested a techno cruise, the Summer Boat Cruise feat, on the Hudson River where a few German DJs were going to rock the boat.

I know little about DJs, but enough to know that I'm not into the hard core ones. My DJ expert friend had reassured me by confirming that German DJs were "minimalist" and that it would basically be background music.

After a chaotic start, almost brutalized by security, hurdled by unorganized organizers unable to manage the mob and boarding everybody two hours later than expected, we finally got to enjoyed the breeze on the Hudson River. At first, I enjoyed the tour as watching the city from the river is breathtaking. However, the music was hardcore DJs' beat, no melody, just pure high speed rhythm.

By 6:30, the toilets were full and tap water had ran out in the ladies room. Security was quite aggressive there too, rushing people out afraid of drug transactions. Not really my crowd!

By 8 p.m., I was ready to leave and was expecting the boat to pull at Pier 40 anytime soon since the cruise was scheduled to end by then. Some in-the-know friend of a DJ told us that he had heard various rumours that a) the captain was "shit-faced" and didn't want to pull right away and b) the captain had decided to make up for a late departure. Damn captain! I spent the next 90 minutes sitting on the 24 life-jackets supply, hoping the captain was keeping up with his duties as we passed up and down the Pier.

We finally arrived by 9:30 and I couldn't have been happier to touch ground. My view doesn't reflect the majority's as most of the colorful crowd looked like they had had the time of their lives. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time and maybe too sober too.

Note to self: Don't try anything new without an exit strategy...

Dancing at the Guggenheim

2007-08-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

Museums are cool in New York. They cater to hipsters by organizing fund raising parties. The Guggenheim has come up with such a popular event, that hundreds of people line-up every first Friday of the month during the summer to hear DJs, drinks wine and wander through the various contemporary art exhibits.

It's also a great way to boost their $75 annual membership, which lets you in for free at the Art after Dark: First Fridays events.

We met up with a few friends, including a couple visiting for the weekend who were chocked to see how crowded the place was. They had toured the museum a few hours before and it was a ghost town compared to the lively and dressed up evening crowd.

I'm still unsure why the DJ was a big draw because the acoustic of the museum wasn't the best. Regardless, visiting a packed museum makes contemporary art feel like a real happening.

My fav new Resto

2007-08-03T06:02:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take the Irish man out last night to celebrate his promotion. I wanted to do something special, however I was struggling as he was only going to be in the city by 9 p.m., and everything I looked up over the last few days was starting at 8...

When he called, I was disappointed to admit that I had failed to come up with an outstanding plan. His answer was so typical: don't worry about it, I'm happy to stay home... And that's when it hit me: let's try Resto Léon. We had seen this place a few weeks ago while walking in the East Village and had noticed how lovely it looked.

Resto Léon doesn't have a patio, but we were both happy to cool down inside with the air conditioning as humidity was hard to bear. The decor is charming and cozy, with brick walls and French paraphernalia displayed behind the bar. The ambiance is completed with candle on every table. Jazz music was playing in the background, which made the place even more appealing.

The French server had great recommendations and made our experience even more enjoyable. We started off the celebration in due form with a glass of champagne and shared a few appetizers: salmon tartare, mussels, grilled goat cheese croutons and the pan-seared scallops with risotto special of the day. The food is reasonably priced and was so delicious.

We both agreed that we would become regulars!

Networking at the PRSA

2007-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

On my way to a networking event held by the New York chapter of the Public Relation Society of America last night, I couldn't help but think that I had to do it all over again. I haven't found myself in a room full of complete strangers since moving to Toronto in 2001 and it can be overwhelming at times.

While I was excited at the idea of meeting like-minded people who share my passion for communications, I was battling nervousness by focusing on how, putting myself out there in Toronto had made me meet amazing people.

I was telling myself that all I needed to do was to break the ice, but felt a little overwhelmed when I entered Prey Bar and Lounge. The darkness of the bar was contrasting with the brightness of the outside daylight and the music was so loud that I wondered for a few seconds if I was going to be able to hear all these great people I was planning on meeting.

I walked toward the crowded room upstairs, still surprised by the choice of the venue and noticed that there was no sign indicating that this was a formal PRSA event. Thankfully, the bartender asked me if I was there for PRSA.

Although everybody seemed to know people, I quickly realized that it was easy to introduce yourself and engage in a conversation with different groups as long as you could speak loudly. The place was almost empty by 8 p.m., but I had had the opportunity to meet a few fellow communicators and exchange contact information.

I left thinking that New York means business. A networking event is taken seriously and people do indeed network with an open mind. I'm already looking forward to the next one and know that I'll be walking in with confidence!

Bon appétit!

2007-07-30T06:35:00.000-05:00

I discovered a gem of a restaurant on Saturday night. The Irish man took me to Artisanal Bistro, a French restaurant near Madison Square Garden, specialized in cheese, also available for purchase on location. We met at the bar, enjoying a beer while the table was getting ready.

The art deco restaurant is spacious, but once seated, your intimacy is protected by red booths and you forget the other diners.

We started with the swiss cheese fondue with apple and bread as well as oysters, with my favourite Caraquet from Prince Edward Island. Since we only had been able to get a late reservation and didn't feel like having a heavy meal, we shared a few plates including the gnocchi, served with peas, the asparagus, topped with a mustard sauce and he tried the beef carpaccio. The food was delicious, the service was perfect and we were lucky enough to get the last bottle of Sancerre in the restaurant!

We shared a warm chocolate cake for dessert, although the chocolate fondue seems to be the best way to complete this French experience.

Restaurant Week in New York

2007-07-27T06:06:00.000-05:00

Once a year, New Yorkers on a budget have the opportunity to dine at high end restaurants during Restaurant Week. This concept was quite popular in Toronto and I decided to check it out with a friend. My friend took care of the booking, and we headed to Fig & Olive in the Meat Packing District on Wednesday night.

We first thought about sitting on the patio. The weather was nice and we didn't mind waiting for a few minutes for a table. On our way in to wait at the bar, we changed our mind as soon as we walked in. The decor was lovely. The neutral tone makes this wide place inviting and olive oil bottles are displayed on the beige walls.

We both enjoyed our experience. The three-course $25 menu was tempting. They served us bread and three different olive oil. We both preferred the Spanish one. They sell their olive oil on location, and I also think they offer cooking classes.

I ordered the cold cucumber soup and the salmon. We shared a caramelized apple pie and a chocolate cake for dessert. The cold cucumber soup was delicious and the presentation was spectacular. The grilled salmon was crispy and served with tomatoes. It's not my favorite as I don't think that both flavor mix well, but it had been cooked to perfection. The desserts were delicious. The service was great, prompt and courteous. I loved the white squared dishes!

A great place I would recommend in a heartbeat, in fact I'm planning on returning to get a bottle of that sweet Spanish olive oil.

The White Stripes at the Madison Square Garden

2007-07-25T05:51:00.000-05:00

I attended The White Stripes concert last night at the most popular venue in the world, the Madison Square Garden.

The exuberant Detroit duo rocked the place and didn't disappoint their fans. Their image has always been carefully orchestrated by the signer, Jack White, and last night's performance didn't make exception. The stage was red, they were dressed in red and the staff changing guitars on stage were dressed up in suits with hats. A disco ball, acclaimed with applause, lit The Garden during some of their most popular songs.

The opening act, the Grinderman didn't get the same reaction. People in my section were shouting "Get off stage" at the end of each song. And this performance seemed to last for too long. When the signer announced that they had one more song before leaving a long cry for help was shouted nearby "Noooooo" and people in the area bursted into laughter. Their sound was quite contrasting with The White Stripes' and didn't looked like the obvious choice to warm up the crowd.

The White Stripes kept some of their biggest success for the encore, including my favorite "I'm thinking about the doorbell". A night to remember!

Saturday night in Greek town or the nigth of the queues

2007-07-23T06:07:00.000-05:00

We had planned an evening out in Astoria on Saturday night. An Irish friend living in the area had organized the evening convincing us it was worth the commute. I've heard conflicting information on the topic, but it seems like Astoria is home to the biggest Greek population outside of Greece.

We met early at Taverna Kyclades, a popular and authentic seafood restaurant in the heart of Greek town. They don't take reservation, so people show up early and wait on the sidewalk for one or two hours before getting a table.

The hostess brought us wine while we were waiting, which was a very nice and welcoming gesture.

The food was simply delicious. We were in great company as one of our friends, also new to New York, is a genuine Greek from Toronto and helped us navigate through the menu in addition to ordering in Greek. I'm fascinated by languages I don't understand!

They served us crispy warm bread topped with olive oil and herbs and we shared a few appetizers. I wish I could remember the name of everything we ordered, but the menu was listed in Greek. We had fried calamari, fried cheese, which was surprisingly delicious, and a few typical Greek sauces including the traditional tzasisky.

I shared a sea bass brochette with a friend, juicy and grilled to perfection. The lemon potatoes were also excellent. Everybody got dessert, even if we didn't order it. The hostess stopped by at the end to ensure that we had enjoyed our experience. Another unexpected nice touch in the suburb.

After dinner, we walked a few blocks to join another line up at the popular Bohemian Hall Beer Garden. The line was moving quickly but we felt a strange sense of fear as the security guards asking us to line up against the door looked like militias. Once inside, the atmosphere was great. The place reminded me of beer gardens I visited in Prague. The place was spacious and filled with picnic tables. The beer constantly poured at the taps as people line up to order pitchers.

The night ended early as we shared a cab with some friends to get back into town, thinking the commute had indeed proven to be worth discovering Astoria.

Correction needed

2007-07-23T05:42:00.000-05:00

I received an email from the guitarist of The Velocet. It looks like my perception was inacurate and that the two fans crashing their performance were stangers to him.

Thanks for the correction Kris and good luck to the band with the new CD!

The Velocet CD Release Party

2007-07-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

I attended my first CD release party in New York on Friday night. The Velocet, a Brooklyn band, was hosting their event at Joe's Pub and a friend met earlier this week had passed along the invitation.

It ended up being an unexpected evening. First, I was charmed by Joe's Pub. The party was held in such a peculiar room, reminiscent of the Goth era. The dark decor, complete with church look-alike stain glass behind the bar, was dimly lit with candles on each table. We ordered food and waited for the band to make its appearance while a colorful and artsy crowd filled in the cozy room.

The band got on stage at 9:30, but their opening song didn't go has expected. The bassist couldn't tune his instrument properly and stormed off of stage in the middle of the song. The guitarist followed him and the singer and drummer were left to improvise.

When the bassist came back, cheered by the crowd, the tension between the band members was palpable. They picked up where they had left until another incident took the crowd by surprise. Two of their biggest female fans (and friends) had been dancing in front of the stage since the opening of the show. They looked like they were craving attention, which was singular as everybody else was enjoying the music sitting at their tables. Until one of them walked on stage with her drink, trying to dance with the band.

Watching the crowd was priceless. Everybody had a smirk on their face wondering how this would end. She finally left the stage, but her friend immediately decided it was her turn to get on. To the crowd's dismay, she performed strange wild moves until her friend joined her again. At one point, somebody came and asked them to get off. It was interesting to watch the band as they clearly knew them but pretended they weren't even on stage.

Overall, the performance felt amateurish due to the technical problems and weird groupies.

But live music always has a contagious energy and intensity. Kudos to the drummer who had an unequaled presence and punch.

Feeling at home

2007-07-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

I feel at home in New York. The transition was seamless and it helps that I've been meeting so many interesting people since moving here.

I even bumped into someone I know tonight while having dinner with a friend in the East Village. Meeting friends randomly somehow conveys a sense of belonging.

My friend and I were long over due for a catch up session and, while we had previously arranged to meet up for coffee, we both decided that wine was more appropriate. We wandered in the East Village looking for a patio until we found Angelina Cafe. A place that none of us had tried before and that looked cozy.

We shared the hummus and teriyaki popcorn shrimps with sundried pineapple. We both enjoyed the former, but wouldn't recommend the latter although the name sounded so appealing on paper. The sauce was too sticky and sweet, unfortunately.

I noticed my other friend standing outside waiting for a table while we were sampling our dishes. I went in later to say hi and he introduced me to the owner and his friends.

I've noticed since moving here how people are open to extending their circle of friends. You cannot stand for more than 30 seconds on the streets looking at a map before a stranger walks up to you and ask if you need help with directions. It's funny how such a big city with a population over 8 million can feel so welcoming.

When it hits close to home

2007-07-18T21:34:00.000-05:00

I experienced my first New York scare tonight. My co-workers alerted me around 6:30 p.m. that there had been a major explosion 10 blocks away from the office. We all gathered watching outside the window an unusual number of passersby while the streets looked like a parking lot and we could hear sirens everywhere.

We could see the smoke coming from 41st and Lexington where a steam pipe had ruptured. We turned the television on and watched in disbelief live images from the site. A permanent ticker was displayed on the screen: "Steam pipe explosion: not terror related".

I went back to work, thinking I'd wait for things to get back to normal before venturing outside. A colleague called, telling me she was frightened and didn't believe that if the explosion was a terrorist act, the media would divulge the information.

It was the second time since moving to New York three months ago that I felt exposed or more vulnerable to terrorist attempts. The first time happened on Independence Day. The authorities had announced a few days before the celebration that they had significantly increased police presence throughout the city believing terrorists were most likely to strike over the next few days. I shared my uneasiness that night with a friend who experienced 9-11. He brushed off my concerns, but the thought that I could be stuck in such a chaotic event lingered in the back of my mind.

I wasn't overly concerned today, and felt re-assured walking back home as the subway was closed. It looked like the situation was under control. However, the constant sound of sirens, the helicopters hovering above the ground, the traffic jam and the numerous people walking on the streets and talking on their cell phones made for a strange and somehow eery picture.

I overheard Con Ed's workers talking about how the company would have to pay for all the overtime as the crew would be on-duty all night. I saw strangers bringing bottles of water to firefighters, people walking on the streets wearing masks, hundreds of people taking pictures of the scene and I felt the heat of the steam over a few blocks. But overall, I felt resilience from the city and its inhabitants.

It took me an hour to get back home and I will probably have to walk back to work tomorrow morning as the explosion happened on the subway line I use every day. I'm glad I wasn't underground when the event unfolded.

French Tuesdays

2007-07-18T06:32:00.000-05:00

A friend at work invited me to French Tuesdays last night. I had never heard of this group but looked at their Web site after promptly accepting the invitation. I was looking forward to meeting fellow Quebeckers in New York, although the site made me think that the members were mostly Europeans.

We arrived at 8 p.m. and there was a line-up at the door. While waiting, I noticed that most people were either English-speaking or Europeans. The event was taking place at the Tavern on the Green, where I had been a few weeks ago for another party. This time, no DJ was on duty to set the mood. I realized how much of a difference it makes. Although, around 9 p.m., the music changed and the crowd started dancing.

It was packed, however, I noticed that people were staying in groups and there was not a lot of networking going on. My host had invited all of her friends as there were no restrictions on the guest list. I had the opportunity to meet several people. Very interesting evening, her friends came from different industries including fashion and publishing. I didn't speak a lot of French, exept when meeting a Montrealer living in the city, who invited me to attend an album launch on Friday.

I left after 9:30 and people were still waiting in line to get in. It was a popular gathering, but I haven't made up my mind yet regarding the membership.

Sunday at the beach

2007-07-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I met up with four friends at Paris Commune for brunch on Sunday. I had been there last year while visiting the city and remembered how I had enjoyed this experience. The atmosphere is great, but this time, the food disappointed. I tried the Florentine egg benedicts which was served on a very hard English muffin. The sauce had a vinegar taste and the plate was overall cold. This contrasted with my previous visit when I had been pleased by their omelet. The highlight on the menu remains the warm ginger bread, which one of my friends ordered. We got to sit at a round shaped table, which is ideal for conversation!

The group split after brunch and I walked around the city with a friend. Until she suggested going to Coney Island. I immediately said yes. The city was almost empty, as I got to learn that New Yorkers leave for cooler destinations over the weekend. A trip to the Ocean sounded like the best way to escape the unbearable heat.
We hoped on a subway and arrived, 45 minutes later, in a different world. Coney Island is known for its beach and amusement park. Eclectic characters gather to enjoy cheap $2 ride and even cheaper hot dogs.

Quite a spectacle! The park was sold and will be re-built over the next few years. The clientele will probably change as prices will increase. It was great to see the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the salty breeze.

Hat trick

2007-07-15T01:43:00.000-05:00

I found the loveliest hats in New Yor a few weeks ago at a street fair. Designed by Bop Creations, a local designer who only sells at fairs, the collection was extensive and had a unique touch. At that time, I walked away from a $70 hat thinking it was unreasonable to purchase something I wouldn't wear. The hat was too fancy to wear on the street and since I'm not planning on attending any upscale events this summer, it would have been a waste.

However, the hat hasn't left my mind ever since. I even thought of attending a horse race to justify getting it.

Yesterday, as I was walking through the Farmers' Market at Union Square, I noticed a street fair on Broadway. I immediately thought of the hat designer: what if she was there? Well, I did find her, tried every single hat she had and somehow managed to buy three! They are lovely and I will certainly wear them.

I've always liked hats. Until two years ago, I was envious of people who dared wearing them. That's when necessity hit as I had started walking to work and needed to keep my head warm in the cold Toronto winter. This love story continued to unfold and I gained more confidence wearing them with each addition. I acquired a Castro hat at an army supply, a pink cowboy hat in Vegas, a genuine cowboy hat at the Calgary Stampede (which unfortunately didn't survive the suitcase ride back from Playa del Carmen) and a large red straw hat ideal for the beach.

But I'm far from being a trend setter. From renowned international designers to department stores, hats are now sold everywhere in New York. The trend has even caught up with men. A few weeks ago, while dancing at Thor, I complimented a guy who was sporting a beige fedora. A Marc Jacob's he told me. Madonna, the style guru, also wore a shiny black fedora at her Live Earth performance in London last week.

While heat is becoming harder to bare and people are more conscious of sun damage, it makes sense to cover up in style. It wouldn't be surprising if fall brings a plethora of new designs as hats are now confirmed fashion accessories.

My hat designer told me she'd start selling hers within a few weeks. I'll start budgeting for a few acquisitions!

Keep it simple!

2007-07-13T08:14:00.000-05:00

A friend and I organized a last minute dinner last night and she picked the restaurant: Kitchenette.

Spur of the moment plans often end up being so enjoyable.

And last night proved to be that kind of evening where all the conditions were aligned:
- The humidity had died down, walking on the street even past sunset was bearable
- I was looking forward to catching up with my friend
- I have had a crazy week at work so far and needed to unwind
- The restaurant was simply amazing!

Kitchenette is in Tribeca and easy to located with their pink bench outside the door. Although the place was quiet when we got there at 9 p.m., the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Our server was affable and honestly answered our questions. We were both charmed by the White Pear Sangria. So much so, that my common sense left me for a few seconds while I regretted not having ordered a pitcher instead of a glass. But it was "school night" after all!

The food was delicious. We both had the shrimp quesadilla served with guacamole and sour cream. The shrimps were tendered and perfectly cooked. Prices are reasonable if you stick to lighter meals but can get expensive if you order main courses like lobster.

The dessert bar, filled with cupcakes and homemade cakes looked delicious, but I had to keep sampling them for another visit, which will certainly include a pitcher of Pear Sangria!

Washed up plans...

2007-07-11T20:31:00.000-05:00

I was looking forward to an outdoor concert by the New York Philharmonic in Central Park tonight. Unfortunately, plans changed due to much needed severe thunder storms (the picture above was taken at 6:30 p.m. at the office).

So, instead of talking about this event, I thought I would share my answer to today's NY Daily Candy (She Bangs), a trend setting e-newsletter catering to women avid to learn about what's hot in New York (and elsewhere as they cover different cities).

In my opinion, today's topic started off on the wrong foot. They were implying that women couldn't grasp the Big Bang theory. As I always enjoy sharing my feedback, I sent them the following comment:

Dear Daily Candy,
I read your daily tips and recommendations with great interest.

Although I enjoy your tong and cheek style, I was surprised to read the "She Bangs" story. I opened up the email thinking you'd be proclaiming that bangs were back in fashion, but instead, your take on the Big Bang theory and the way your readership couldn't grasp this concept left me perplexed.

I truly believe that trendy and fashionable women are also intelligent. Implying that we couldn't understand complex theories made me feel like we were back in the 50's, before women had access to higher education.

I'm assuming your average readers must be educated to be able to afford the lifestyle you're advertising. Therefore, I would suggest that a different angle would have been more compelling in presenting this product.

Food for thought

I probably don't grasp the entire breath of the Big Bang theory, but don't want anyone telling me I can't!

Punk's (not) dead

2007-07-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

It's been challenging to keep up with blogging over the last week. Again, too busy with works, holidays, friends and visitors...

Which leads me to the latest visitor I entertained in the Big Apple. I was trying to customize a unique program for this punk rock/heavy metal fan, thinking that in a city where diversity is king (and queen!), it would be easy to pull.

Was I ever wrong...

Our first attempt, after mandatory research on Google (heavy metal + New York), only listed one or two places. Continental in the East Village had the best program with their heavy metal karaoke night. Something worth seeing I figured, even if you're not a fan. We were surprised to find the place strangely quiet that evening and after inquiring with the barmaid, who looked quite surprised at my request for heavy metal karaoke, she told us that they had stopped a few months ago.

The quest continued the following night. After a few friends provided me with suggestions (I was done looking online after the previous failed attempt), we ended up touring a few places which were all rock rather than punk rock. The doorman at Arlene's Grocery literaly told me to "get in a time capsule and travel back six years ago". I wasn't sure if I had to laugh or get upset at such comment. He looked like a reliable hard core source judging by his tatoos, so we just left and had a beer listening to U2 and Shakira at Nice Guy Eddie's. Not exactly what I had in mind!

After all these efforts, I think it is safe to say that Punk is dead in NYC...

Still on the noisy side, I experienced my first 4th of July in the city where the sky got illuminated with several fireworks boasting American and Independance pride. The atmosphere was electric as all the people gathered on rooftop patios were awaiting the show.

From spicy to French, a weekend high in colors

2007-07-02T06:36:00.000-05:00

Another busy weekend with friends in town led to more discoveries. We gathered at Spice Market in the Meatpacking district on Friday night. Aside from the decor, which reminded me of Buddha bar, I ended up being disappointed with the food. Although it was probably intuitive, I hadn't expected the food to be that spicy. To a point were you didn't even taste the various ingredients. All the reviews I had read recommended the mushroom egg rolls. We tried them first, but didn't think too much of them. I guess my expectations were to high and influenced my perception.

Saturday night was a much interesting evening. We all met up at Le Singe Vert, one of my favourite restaurants in the city. The highlight of the evening unraveled the day before when we realized that my visiting friends had picked that restaurant while the Irish group had organized a dinner at the same place without even knowing that we already had a reservation. Sign of a good omen, both groups teamed up enjoying each other's company and tasty food.

Sunday afternoon was gorgeous and we ended up at Bryant Park Bar for afternoon drinks and appetizers. While I had enjoyed my first time there a few weeks ago, I was far from thinking that the food would be so delicious and the presentation so appealing. We think we spotted Judy Foster on the patio, but couldn't confirm it.

Overall, a great weekend where the positives outweighed Friday night's spicy experience.

Vegan Attraction

2007-06-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

The Irish man and I were wandering in the streets late last night searching for a cool restaurant to feed our hunger. I wanted to try a place in my neighbourhood, but didn't have anything in mind other than I had noticed a few places on 2nd Avenue.

The busiest place we saw was Angelica Kitchen and, since people were gathered outside and others looked like they were waiting for a table, we decided to get in. Crowded places hold a certain attraction, making you feel like you're part of something...

We skipped looking at the menu outside and went straight in. There was indeed a waiting list for a table for two, but when I pointed out that I was too hungry to wait, the hostess offered us to sit at the communal table. We decided to try it.

I was marvelling at the menu, reading out loud interesting ingredients like tofu and lentils while the Irish man was eyeing the mash potatoes. We realized that they didn't serve alcohol and the Irish man noticed that the crowd was mostly women outnumbering nature-looking men.

We shared a few appetizers including the cashew spread mixed with curry, a cauliflower soup, ginger and carrots bread spread with fresh sourdough bread and yes, the mash potatoes. The food was fresh, flavourful and felt so healthy!

The main course was over the edge for the Irish man. We had selected the Dragon Bowl, which seemed to be a classic in this establishment. It was a combination of rice, beans, tofu, sea vegetables, and steamed vegetables au natural. Real vegetarian comfort food!

The Irish man didn't enjoy it as much as I didn't and, in an attempt to redeem myself I offered to share a dessert. He choose the strawberry cheesecake. That's when, after a few bites, he looked at me and asked if I had tried to trick him into vegan food! It was clear that the cheesecake was not a cheesecake and felt in the tofucake category...

I denied such allegations as I truly had no idea the place was vegan. On our way out, we spotted another restaurant across the street, Léon. And after looking at the menu, I promised the Irish man to try it next time and order the saucisson grillé - for him of course.

I took a card from Angelica Kitchen, this is own they advertise the place in their own words:

At Angelica Kitchen, fresh delicious food is served in an atmosphere where sustainable agriculture and responsible business practices are the main ingredients.

This combination reflects our deep respect for the environment and our gratitude toward the dedicated people who produce our food.

At Angelica's, food is prepared right here, fresh each day. Practicing intuitive cooking, the menu chnages daily according to season, weather, avaialbility of ingredients, and the personal creativity of our chefs.

We use first quality organically grown ingredients often served to you less than forty eight hours after harvest. In addition, we use no refined sugards, no preservatives, no dairy , no eggs, no animal products whatsoever.

No wonder why it's such a popular restaurant!

Dancing at the Tavern on the Green

2007-06-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

Why is it that the best parties are happening on week nights when I have to get to bed early?

Last night, I headed to the Tavern on the Green in Central Park for a High Life Party that a friend of a friend was trowing. The location is great, with a spacious patio and the interior looks from a different era: massive and lustrous chandeliers and plush carpet complete the decor.

My friend and I got there feeling quite sticky as the weather in New York has been very hot and heavy over the last few days. Regardless, the party was amazing!

We spent the first part of the evening on the patio watching chinese lanterns illuminating the place as the sun was setting. The crowd was good looking and friendly and, after watching a few lightnings in the sky, torrential rain forced us to take refugee inside. A different dj was spinning and the music was so compelling that we ended up on the dance floor until my sense of responsibilities kicked in and I felt I had to leave as it was after all, school night... We walked back to the subway sharing an umbrella, both glad to spare our fancy shoes as we had brought flip flops!

We promised to do it again soon and it looks like High Life organizes parties in the city every other week!

Ps: That's the only (blurry) picture I have of the patio. My friend took it with her Blackberry as I felt like pulling my camera out in this posh crowd would have looked a bit touristy.

Working on Fire Island

2007-06-27T23:42:00.000-05:00

Over the last three months I've been focused on discovering the city and aside from a few trips to Hoboken, I hadn't ventured away until yesterday.

We held a team off site meeting on Fire Island, located on the West side of Manhattan. After a two hour commute including subway, two trains and a ferry, it was great to set foot on this small island (48 km long) and smell the ocean.

There is no car on the island and while New York was dealing with smog and humidity (92 degree), the brise was refreshing and helped us cope with the heat. The community living on the island is mostly gay, meaning I'm less likely to return, but it looked like a fun place to spend weekends, which, I have been told, can get quite animated!

Irish Boxing Exhibit Takes Over Manhattan

2007-06-25T07:40:00.000-05:00

Friends can somehow convince you to do things you would have never done otherwise...

And that's the beauty of having friends that share different interests than yours. This is how boxing entered into my life. Before last year, my boxing knowledge were limited to the names of Mohamed Ali and Mike Tyson.

Over the last few months, I've seen a few figths on television and even interrupted a day on the beach in Playa del Carmen to watch Joe Calzaghe dominating Manfredo.

Yesterday, I spent a few hours at the South Street Seaport Museum beside the financial district visiting the Fighting Irishmen: Celebrating Celtic Prizefighters (1820 - Present) exhibit. It was fascinating as I hadn't realized how boxing had shaped New York's history. Neither had I grasped how hoards of Irishmen fleeing their country during the 1840's famine were landing on hostile grounds after a trying journey aboard ships nicknamed "coffins" so many of them dying crossing the ocean.

They were ostracized and could barely find work in New York. Many resulted in street fighting or "bare knuckled fighting" to survive. The sport evolved in the 1890s as rules were defined and gloves became mandatory.

The Irish presence is not as dominant as it use to be. As an Irish friend pointed out, after getting access to education and better jobs, other ethnic groups stepped into the ring.

Hanging out with The Canadian Woman in NYC

2007-06-22T22:12:00.000-05:00

I'm looking for ways to meet people in the city. And I thought that Wednesday night would provide me with a great opportunity as the Canadian Women's Club in NYC was holding a pub crawl.

It looked like a serious organization (they even charge an annual membership fee) and were opening the pub crawl to non-members. I thougth it would be a great way to meet them before deciding to join. I invited antother Canadian woman to join me and, after getting lost due to my inability to properly read addresses we got to the second location, d.b.a., only to realize that no other Canadian woman was around - that was after I asked every group of women in the establishment if they were Canadians... what a way to network!

My friend and I decided to walk around and stopped at a restaurant that had a patio on the street. We shared a few apetizers, drank Sauvignon blanc to combat the heat and had a lovely evening.

The restaurant, Three of cups, was unpretentious but served decent food. The tuna salad was fresh, served with white beans. The only thing I wouldn't repeat was the stuffed artichoke...

That was the evening with The other Canadiand Woman in NYC!

Walking on Stone Street

2007-06-18T06:47:00.001-05:00

It is no secret that walking is a great exercise. It can also lead to astonishing discoveries.

I vividly remember feeling overwhelmed with history and a sense of temporality when I walked on Pompeii's paved streets and put a feet in the indent left by chariots that used these same streets before the Vesuvio's eruption in AD 79.

I had also felt the same awe a few years before in France when walking through St. Emilion's paved streets dating back to the 700's.

I had no idea that New York would hide similar historic places. Although the pavement has been redone, Stone Street in the Financial district, was the first street in the New World paved by Dutch settlers in the 1600's.

This is a unique location, full of restaurants which set tables and umbrellas on the street. We had brunch at Smorgas, a Scandinavian restaurant that serves exquisite salmon eggs benedict, with a couple, restaurant aficionados, met in Turks and Caicos. Order the prix fixe and you get a drink (Mimosa, Bloody Mary or beer) and coffee.

I'll be walking through the financial district and the port again. I was surprised to notice that the strong smell of fish is gone and learned that the fish market was relocated to Brooklin four years ago. While the area is full of tourists, if you walk one block North, they disappear to leave place to nice local restaurants surrounded by industrial lofts.

Whirlwind Weekend

2007-06-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

My friend just left after what will be known as a fun, faster and more intensive weekend than the city’s pace, where we visited numerous bars, pubs and restaurants.

Friday night after a quick visit at 230 we headed to the East Village for a Peruvian dinner at Mancora. I decided to go all in and ordered Pisco sour, a typical Peruvian drink recommended by our server. It was too strong for me, but I enjoyed the experience. The food was good, but I don’t think our party grew a fondness for these South American dishes. The ceviche starter was fresh, but enough to satisfy my hunger. The service, on the other hand, was extremely slow. So much so, that we were offered complimentary desserts, a nice gesture to thank us for our patience.

We then walked around and crossed the “nexus of the universe” at 1st St. and 1st Ave. for the Seinfeld fans, and headed to Nice Guy Eddie’s, a sports and rock bar with pool tables and a “beer” clientele.

We got up early on Saturday to walk around Soho and get brunch at Le Pain Quotidien. This international chain is everywhere in the city and worth trying. Their staple Praline Butter, which you can purchase and enjoy at home, is a real delight and their communal tables add a warm and welcoming feel to the atmosphere.

After a few hours of shopping, we stopped at Manhattan Bistro at Spring and Greene for late afternoon drinks. Our timing couldn’t have been better as a thunder storm erupted minutes after we started sipping our wine. The place was charming and we enjoyed watching passers by running for cover.

We dinned at Frederick's in the West Village. One of the best places I’ve been to since moving to New York. The service was impeccable and the food delicious. Although the place serves French food, we decided to go tapas style sampling appetizers. The tuna tartare was served with avocado and a hint of Japanese mustard. We tried the cured salmon, special of the day, with sunflower seeds – without the shell since otherwise, they would be too hard to chew, as our server pointed out! The cheese platter came with confiture and my friends also tried the merguez sausages, which I was told, were equally tasty. The capucino crème brûlée was rich and creamy and made us cheer to the pastry chef.

Re-energized with this sugar intake, we hoped on a cab and crossed to the Lower East Village for late night dancing at Thor, the Rivington Hotel bar and restaurant. This is so far the best place I found that fits in the Club category but doesn’t rip you off with an extravagant cover charge and isn’t full of 12 years old…

On this Father’s day, it seems appropriate to quote my dad, whom I remember ironically saying that the best thing about visitors is when they arrive… and when they leave. I can see some truth to that!
Happy Father’s day to the best dad ever! I won’t be calling as I don’t know how to get a hold of you while you’re travelling through Spain, but I’m grateful for all the wisdoms you taught me …

Flea Market's twist

2007-06-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

A friend from T.O. is visiting for a few days. Having visitors is great, because yo can either take them to places you like or explore new places with them.

On Thursday night, I brought my friend to St. Mark's Place in the East Village. This area is not sought after by typical New York tourists, but caters to locals for whom eating out is part of the city lifestyle. I have been to this area a few times and my problem was to pick a restaurant because there are too many on St. Mark's that I like! I dragged my friend into a few places and let her make the decision.

She picked Flea Market Café, a French bistro that serves mussels with a Dijon sauce to die for. The decor, reminiscent of a bric-à-brac transports you in Paris and the staff speak English with a strong French accent. It's a great place to show visitors because it evokes the eclectic nature of the city.

Brooklyn’s riches art scene

2007-06-11T06:23:00.000-05:00

I went to Brooklyn for the first time yesterday. A friend suggested visiting the Art Walk that took place this weekend on Atlantic Avenue. In its four years, this street festival consists of a gathering of local artists exhibiting at galleries, studios and restaurants.

The first impression was that Brooklyn is a borough where rich and poor contrasts. The poverty hit us as we exited the subway on Pacific. The street was dirty and it smelled of lingering homelessness. As we made our way to Atlantic Avenue, the scenery changed and trendy restaurants and local designer boutiques took over trash and cheap stores.

The Art Walk system was easy to follow. Each place was identified by a red flag. We ended up seeing more designer boutiques and furniture stores than contemporary paintings.

Although the clothes were nice and unique, the expensive price tags were surprising for this area. On the other hand, such concentration and abundance led us to believe that there must be a market for $700 tops in the area.

We indulged our sweet tooth at the popular Downtown Atlantic bakery, obviously located on Atlantic, where we shared a giant coconut and chocolate cupcake.

Like the two oceans, Atlantic and Pacific Avenues co-exist without meeting…

Olé!

2007-06-10T10:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday ended up being a day of discoveries. First, I learned that my body is older than my age, after taking the Real Age test. This holistic Western medicine approach was created by Drs. Roizen and Oz and is all the rage in the U.S. After learning that I suffer from vitamin E deficiency and lack of vigorous activity, I decided to remediate to the former by taking supplements and to the latter by attending a flamenco performance.

The reasoning might seem flawed, but I figured that watching professional dancers in action would motivate me getting back to the gym or even signing-up for dancing lessons.

Andrea del Conte's company was performing at the Alegrias en la Nacional Center, the Spanish Social club in Chelsea. The club felt like a community center rather than a flamenco venue, but when the light went off and the performers got on stage, the magic went on.

The touching signing and dancing performance embodied pride, desperation and hope typical to the flamenco style. It was moving and the crowd was pleased.

And at least, I walked back and forth to the venue… olé!

Dinner at De Niro’s Tribeca Grill

2007-06-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

A friend was celebrating her birthday last night and invited me to join her at Tribeca Grill, located on Greenwich in lovely Tribeca.

It ended up being a late late night dinner because the service was extremely slow. Not because we were a big group: we were only seven. It was simply poorly orchestrated. It took forever to order wine after sitting down. And then, we waited over twenty minutes to place our order. By the time the server came back, I was not even hungry anymore, so I decided to get a light meal, the seared tuna appetizer. From ordering to getting the check, there was not a time where we didn’t have to flag our server.

While the wine list is impressive, the food was not worth the price. The seared tuna was decent, but not exquisite. I liked the bar though, rounded shape à la Cheers in the center of the restaurant.

The company made the evening. It was an eclectic group with various backgrounds and it was great to get to know them. I might even have found a climbing partner! To be continued….

5 relevant (or not) facts about NYC

2007-06-08T16:32:00.000-05:00

Living abroad allows you to get a better understanding of the local culture and customs. After two months in NYC, here’s a list of five things I learned:

1. Pregnant women stand up in the subway. Nobody gives them a seat.

2. Don’t say “I’m sorry”, say “Excuse-me” (sorry, still not used to this one).

3. “Wash-and-fold” is the way to do your laundry. Drop-it in the morning, pick-it up at night and quickly get it out of the laundry bag or else you’ll have to iron (learned this the hard way).

4. Duane Read drugstore fidelity plan only allows you to redeem money over a limited period of time (for example, $5 until June 11). It must benefit them as I always forget to claim my dues (I miss Shoppers Drug Mart!)

5. All the food is organic (already covered this at length in a previous entry…)

I’m sure there will be more to come… I’ll keep my eyes open!

Happy hour at Bryant Park Bar

2007-06-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

Since I heard that Bryant Park was a green oasis within the city offering free wireless Internet, I always wanted to visit this area.

I got a chance to stop by tonight – laptop free – meeting a friend for drinks. It ended up being a typical NY evening. I was supposed to meet up with a friend of a friend. During the day, another friend mentioned that she was going to the same place for drinks. Knowing so little people in this 8 million population city, I felt a strong sense of belonging thinking I would end up at a place where I would actually knew someone else!

However, plans changed as my previous meeting got cancelled due to work. I still made it to Bryant Park Bar to meet my NY friend. Turned out her friend stood her up as well and we ended up drinking a few Coronas on the patio. The place was packed with a business/financial clientele and it was hard to make our way to the bar.

I should mention that, for the first time in NYC, French was an asset getting into this popular venue. We waited in the shortest line, wondering if it was for VIPs or people with reservations. The best attitude to take in such circumstances is to show that “you belong”. And so we did. When the doorman asked for our IDs (very common in NYC, even if you’re in your mid-thirties), I said “et voilà” presenting my T.O. driver license. To my surprise, he replied in French and let us in without any hurdles!

Our last drink was graciously offered by a stranger who, according to the bartender, didn’t feel compelled to identify himself. This was very odd, as my friend and I were oblivious to our surroundings, intensely engaged in a conversation about my five-year plan…

Based on my NY friend, this is not common practice in Manhattan!

Surprised at the Box Office

2007-06-05T06:28:00.000-05:00

I had been shying away from movie theatres lately as the weather was nice and, frankly, no movie seemed to be worth $20.

The idea to watch the newly release blockbuster Knocked Up came up over the weekend. I was convinced to give it a try after reading several critics that were rating it four stars. Four out of five for a comedy sounded shocking. Even the New York Times listed it as a “critic’s pick”.

Since it rained all day yesterday, it became the obvious activity to counter the Monday-blues. We gathered at the Loews Village 7 for the 7:45 representation. I had volunteered to get tickets for the group since I live in the vicinity and was gladly surprised with their $11 price.

A few minutes only into the movie, the crowd was laughing. Have you ever noticed how the audience in NY gets vocal and is loudly expressive during movies? It’s fascinating! I ended up laughing too. More than I had expected.

Through humour, the director, Jud Apatow, delivers a strong message and captures today’s relationship challenges, whether you are settled down or living the single’s lifestyle. Not to mention his portrayal of the work place, which brilliantly and ironically captures reports with coworkers.

A must for rainy days!

Rooftop season

2007-06-04T06:38:00.000-05:00

When NY gets hazy and hot, the best strategy to stay cool is to take refuge above ground. We gathered at 230, on the 20th floor rooftop patio on Saturday night to enjoy the refreshing breeze and breathtaking view. This place had recently been reviewed by The New York Mag and promised a “Miami Vice” allure with $15 dollar cocktails. The music brought us back in time as we ordered drinks listening to Flash Dance’s What A Feeling.

As the evening progressed, the place got packed. Too crowded in fact, with an unbalanced female clientele: bachelors beware!

We left at midnight, after a few dance moves downstairs on the plush carpet, and realized that you have to get in early if you want to avoid two-block long line-ups.

We headed to the meatpacking district and stopped at The Park for flour less chocolate cake. This restaurant/night club caters to a younger hip-hop crowd on the first floor. The second floor was strictly Asian, with the exception of the Caucasian-female DJ.

As the night ended walking-through this animated area, we agreed that 230 would become a regular hangout, but that we would be less likely to return to The Park.

Bull’s eye!

2007-06-01T06:42:00.000-05:00

While some people are like a bull in a china shop, others are bull-headed, resort to Red Bull or are even full of B.S.

In my case, I seem to be heading to Black Bull, everywhere I go. Toronto’s Black Bull was conveniently located nearby my apartment and NYC’s Black Bull (no Website) is less than three blocks away from work.

It’s a location of choice for our regular Thursday night happy hour. Its eclectic clientele, tavern décor, pool tables and cheap beer makes it the ideal place to shoot the bull…

Cheers!

When Republic doesn’t live up to its standards

2007-05-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

I was looking forward to a late dinner tonight. I like to pretend living the European lifestyle and if I happen to eat after 9 p.m., I somehow feel worldly!

I went to Republic, a cheap and cheerful Pan-Asian restaurant in Union Square were you can have a decent dinner for two for less than $50. A friend of a friend even declared that it was the ideal first date restaurant as you don’t go broke and you’re in and out quickly – perfect if your date doesn't live up to your expectations (however, the picnic table seating style is not ideal for private conversation and I noticed tonight that our neighbours started talking about the same topic than us, probably because they were eavesdropping). I discovered the place last year and since then, I often read about it in restaurant reviews.

Although I had been there regularly, it was the first time tonight that we were seated at the back of the restaurant. This was the worst table ever, under a cold draft of air-conditioning, in the noisiest part of the room and where the service was horribly slow.

It is far from representing my previous experiences, so I will certainly return and insist on sitting at the front or even at the bar. Their tofu dishes are delicious!

Ahh Paris!

2007-05-27T07:18:00.000-05:00

Paris never disappoints, even when jet lagged or when rain pours. And when you only have 48 hours to immerse yourself in the culture, it goes by quickly.

This year marked the 10th year anniversary of my first visit in this amazing city. In 1997, I had discovered the country, back-packing through the South, West and North, surviving on bread, cheese and croissants.

This time, for my third visit to the city, and since I had already seen the most popular tourist attractions, I ended up living the French-cultured lifestyle.

I stayed at a friend's place studying art at Christie's for the year, so we toured art galleries in le Marais, an area to discover contemporary art in the 3rd arrondissement; of all the galleries visited, I will make sure to visit Yvon Lambert's second showroom in New York as his Paris location was featuring an interesting exhibition by Miquel Barcelo I also had an interesting experience visiting the Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin featuring enigmatic work by Eric Duyckaerts, a typical French artist looking into expressing charades through installations (including the likes of Bugs bunny and Mme de Sévigné). Of course, we also ate at French restaurants, drank coffee at typical cafés with obnoxious waiters and rejoiced with lots of French wine.

And now, it is already coming to an end. Bon baiser de Paris!

Garçon, un café!

2007-05-26T06:13:00.000-05:00

I landed in Paris yesterday for the Memorial Day long weekend. My first stop was at the Café des Deux Magots, on Place St-Germain-des-prés. This now overpriced cafe was once the rendez-vous of the French XXth Century intelligentsia. This is where Simonne de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre met. It has become a pilgrimage dedicated to an era fond of literature and philosophy where having wine or cafe brings me back in time. Santé!

Meeting the industry’s best at the Big Apple Awards

2007-05-23T23:02:00.000-05:00

I have always believed in the power of networking. It has proven time and time again during my career that it can make a potent difference. I have always been able to turn to my network to share precious information or even land all the exciting positions that I have had, including the NY’s gig.

With that in mind, I felt a bit naked moving to a new city without a solid local network. I started addressing this problem last week when I joined the NY chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). I had to switch allegiance, as I had been active with the IABC in Toronto, but unfortunately, their NY chapter does not have the same recognition locally.

I attended the Big Apple Awards last night with some of the best in the PR/communications industry in NYC. It was inspiring. The winners had garnered millions of impressions (over 300 millions in several cases), which I have not witnessed often in Canada. Although I was surprised impressions are still used to measure success as it has been frequently challenged (however, some campaigns focused on numbers of stories – 3000 on average – and listed major outlets as results).

The black-tie optional gala took place on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center at the art deco Rainbow Room offering an amazing view of the city. If you are visiting Manhattan, you can wine and dine at the chic bar/restaurant on the same floor.

It was a great evening, I met interesting people and Ruder Finn won the Best of the Best Award!

Pump it up at the restaurant!

2007-05-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

No time to go to the gym in NYC? No problem, just watch what you eat. And fortunately, it is easy as every grocery store carries organic food (most of them are not even selling regular, pesticide-ridden fruits and vegetables) and fruits stands are located almost at every street corner. Obviously, it comes at a premium. If you are prepared to pay $3.85 U.S. for one organic avocado, persuaded the benefits off-set the cost, Manhattan is for you.

Since I have not had a chance to join a gym yet and since I have been eating out often, I felt like eating healthy was de rigueur tonight. I was looking forward to trying a place I had seen last week: The Pump Energy Food, which tags itself as a physical fitness restaurant (if sex sells, fitness does too in NYC!).

The restaurant is small, most people seem to order take-out or deliveries, which are done on bicycles. Meals are natural as the restaurant does not add salt, sugar, butter or preservatives, nor do they use mayonnaise, white bread nor sell sodas.

I had the natural burger (vegetarian), served in a wheat pita with salad, tomatoes and cucumber. It was fresh and I did feel healthy afterwards! The only catch is that the restaurant does not advertise nutrition facts on the menu. Since most fast-food chains are doing it, I felt a bit cheated…

Contemporary art at the CAM

2007-05-20T19:25:00.000-05:00

Last night, I attended my first exhibition opening in NYC at the Chelsea Art Museum. Federico Uribe, a Columbian artist living in Florida, was showing Human Nature “an installation of a jungle with predatory life size animals in action and surrounded by a forest built out of PUMA footwear.”

At first hand, this sounded like a well-orchestrated PR plan designed to push a brand into the art scene. And it might be, however the artist's explanation of his approach was inspiring:

“…We take from life to better our own.
I destroy our earthly possessions to create symbols of life, animals. I cannot give them true life, but I may give them the echo of life, which is as much as art can do.”

I also glanced at the photography exhibit by Miwa Yanagi on the second floor. Her series, featuring Japanese elevator girls, was glowing with realism and depth. Worth the detour…

24 hours of Lebanese food

2007-05-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

Lebanese food was on the menu Friday night at Moustache in the West Village. This tiny restaurant, with loud Arabic music and strong scents, opens a door to a different world. We were lucky to get a table without waiting as this popular place is usually crowded. As we were hesitant to order and had several questions, our waitress lost patience and patrons around us volunteered their recommendations in a typical New York moment. They were regulars who already knew everything on the menu and loved the place.

This led us to ordering too much food: humus, babaganouch, falafel, zetgel (which is like fried pizza dough with olive oil, sesame and herbs) and pita. The humus was the tastiest one I ever had, with a subtle hint of lemon and not too garlicky.

Neither of us felt like bringing the left-over. Aside from the humus, the food was not as great as we had expected and we could not bear the tought of eating it all over again the next day. In my case, it was confirmed that the oil, spice and heaviness of Lebanese food are a definite migraine trigger (which, unfortunately, made me miss the first Dance Parade on Saturday).

One apple a day (and a few needles) to keep the doctor away

2007-05-17T20:28:00.000-05:00

My U.S. healthcare coverage will only begin in June, three months after my hiring. An appointment with a doctor costs $350 U.S., excluding any test. While I am still covered in Canada (yes, I will be paying taxes in both countries, as required by my visa), it implies that if I get injured or sick, I will need to fly back to T.O.

I have been overly cautious crossing streets and chopping vegetables (God forbid I need a tetanus shot!) as I am broke, still paying for the move to the Big Apple. I have also been avoiding shopping, spending instead on activities and restaurants that make me enjoy Manhattan.

I decided to proactively manage my health within the realm of my budget and booked my first acupuncture treatment in the city at the Pacific College of Oriental Medecine. Treatments are cheaper when done by students and as equally efficient as if performed by professionals.

My first session lasted two hours, including assessment and treatment. I left feeling relaxed, but a bit disoriented. So much so that I realized with horror on my way back I had forgotten to pay! I will make sure to call them back tomorrow to apologize and book my second appointment.

Up and down the city

2007-05-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

From Union Square Farmers’ Market to Central Park and dinner at Casa Mono, yesterday did not disappoint!

The Farmers’ Market was full of flower stands where people were buying colourful bouquets in anticipation of Mother’s Day. I strolled around with a German friend interning at the Chelsea Museum this summer. We sat on the stairs watching passers by and sharing impressions about New York.

Later in the afternoon, I met an authentic born and raised New Yorker at Central Park. I was looking forward to walking the dog she is dog sitting for a few days. The experience was far from what I had expected as Shot Gun only laid eyes on squirrels, birds and other canines. When the sun hid and the wind picked up, when stopped at Europan Bakery Cafe for coffee and cookies.

The three of us met for drinks and diner. We had first planed to go to Jamòn. The place is lovely, but so small it only seats 15 people or so. Jamòn tags itself as a bar, not a restaurant, which means it does not hold reservation and you have to wait at the tiny bar ready to jump on a table as soon as people depart. We were not in the mood to fight so we had drinks around the corner at Pure Food and Wine, while waiting for our table at Casa Mono located beside Jamòn, both owned by Mario Batali.

Diner was a mix of hit and miss. I was looking forward to the Spanish tapas, but was disappointed with the stone cold mussels and hot red wine. The tastiest plate was the goat cheese and pumpkins served with mint… delish!

The night ended early as it was pouring rain outside, but I was glad to be home after such a busy day.

Ps: Bonne fête des mères to my dearest mom spending May in Paris (the travelling gene runs in the family)!

Discovered the world of Joe McNally

2007-05-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

I attended my first Apple store event last night in SOHO. Acclaimed award winner photographer Joe McNally was presenting some of his work gathered over 30 years spent circling the globe for Life, Sports Illustrated and National Geographic.

I was meeting a friend for coffee and she suggested stopping first at this event. I am glad she did. His pictures were amazing. He captured light, feelings, grace and ugliness in an impacting way.

Since moving to NYC, I committed to taking a photography class and buying a good camera (I figured if you want to do photography, what better place to start than New York?!). This event just re-confirmed my interest...

Ps: On my way back home I bumped into another celebrity: Julianna Margulies. My friend recognized her, so she gets all the credits for a great evening in SOHO.

New York Cares... and I do too

2007-05-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

Becoming a committed volunteer has been on my list of things to do for quite some time now.

I had participated in a few random events in T.O., but it was difficult finding an organization that offered flexibility (or so I told myself).

This excuse is no longer valid in New York as I discovered browsing through New York Cares' impressive and exhaustive Website. Acting as a hub and listing hundreds of activities requiring volunteers, New York Cares offers the opportunity to sign up online and decide when and where without requiring a long-term commitment. It is up to you to costumize your time, based on your monthly availability and area of interest (pets, people - kids or seniors- and environment). All the activities are designed for groups of volunteers, which is also a great way to meet different people.

This concept is so popular, it made NY Cares the biggests volunteering organization in New York with more than 30,000 volunteers over the last 12 months - I learned all these facts at last night's information session where roughly 50 people attended. More on this topic to come since I am planning on doing at least one activity in May. Done with procrastination!

Sunday afternoon at Central Park

2007-05-07T06:21:00.000-05:00

New Yorkers are fond of their parks. As soon as the weather permits, they spend most of their weekends lying on the grass, reading, taking pictures or sleeping.

I followed the call enjoying a sunny afternoon at Central Park yesterday with a few friends. Lovely!

Meat you at The E.U.

2007-05-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

I had a late dinner at The E.U. in the East Village last night.

I shared small plates with a E.U. passport holder friend who had selected the place.
We ordered grilled octopus, a cheese plate, we both fell for the Italian sheep cheese Pecorino Toscano Fresco, and black Orzotto with calamari, oregano and chili as ingredients. The taste of the Orzotto was far from what we had expected and, while I enjoyed a few bites, I would not have eaten a full serving.

It was a bit of a tour de force to find anything served without meat as The E.U.'s menu ranges from German sausages to charcuterie selection, pork, veal, duck and foie gras.

The service was very slow, our meals did not arrive at the same time and our third friend had to watch us eat while waiting for his burger (obviously, we offered to share!).

What will bring me back however, aside from the cheese are the oyster's, the "flight of 5", a selection of handcrafted artisanale beers I would like to sample, the cool bar and, above all, the atmosphere. The decor is a homey and industrial blend and the clientele, young and trendy.

Picture to come!

Thank God nobody sang!

2007-05-03T17:44:00.000-05:00

I saw my first play in NYC on Tuesday night. The office had organized group tickets and the entire team made its way to Times Squares after beer and pizza.

I feared a musical. I would rather keep my disliking of musicals quiet because it seems like New Yorkers are truly fond of them. They even pride themselves in seeing the same show more than once; it is a passion that feels like a competition. Maybe it is going to grow on me (when in Rome…) but for now, I was glad nobody sang or danced on stage when I saw Jump!

The play is on until May 20 at the Kirk Theatre and while the acting felt amateur at times, I was impressed with the writing and scenario. Set on New Year’s Eve, the story evolves around seven characters whose lives intersect at the strike of midnight. Funny and dramatic, Lisa McGee, Irish writer, leads the audience into a night where everything can happen when "novice hit men, drunken glitzy women and would-be suicide-cases" are ending (or starting) the year in Staten Island – the original version took place in Belfast, but it probably made more sense to add a local color for its NY premiere.

I do not think my co-workers would give it rave reviews (they were probably expecting a musical), but I enjoyed it!

PS: I did not want to take pictures in front of my team (I am still hiding my weird side) so this is a typical picture of Times Squares with lots of action!

Eating out at Olives

2007-04-27T23:41:00.000-05:00

What better way to end the week than enjoying a high-end restaurant on a Friday night? I had a late dinner at Olives, one of chef Todd English’s many highly praised restaurants, at the W Hotel located in Union Square.

I had already been at the W’s bar, two months ago for a pint of beer before visiting my apartment, so it felt like coming full circle going back for a meal now that I am an official resident of the neighbourhood. The service was impeccable and the food divine. I did my usual combo: two appetizers instead of one plus a meal since the portions are usually too big. I started off with tuna tartare, followed by asparagus hand crafted ravioli, both excellent. The bread, served with olives spreads, was warm and included different varieties. The entire meal was a delight and the trendy crowd made it even more enjoyable.

A definite try if you are in the area and have a lot of money to spend on a meal.

Weed Free Concert

2007-04-24T23:35:00.000-05:00

Saw a live concert at The Town Hall tonight. The Frames, dubbed the best kept secret of Ireland, lit up the place although nobody lit up a joint. Bizarre, I didn’t think the city was conservative… And although I am not a user, the aroma is definitely associated to live performances.

The concert was great, intimate and entertaining. The lead signer and guitarist, Glen Hansard, recognized for engaging the crowd, was in full form. Witty and eloquent, he provided background information on each song and he even made the entire room whistle ("whatever you want, no rhythm required"). At the beginning of the show, he put the security on high alert when inviting people to come sit closer to the stage to fill out vacant rows. “Corporate seats” he claimed “always empty!”

While the venue is a cornerstone of NYC’s scene, a stand up location would have better suited this rock concert.

Step it up!

2007-04-23T20:27:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered why elegantly dressed NYC women sport runners on their way to work?

I learned the harsh way. Although my daily commute is a mere 20 minutes, including 12 minutes in the subway, I have to get up and down 6 flight of stairs totalling 203 steps from the moment I leave my apartment to the moment I get to the office. And that would be twice a day.

I went to work wearing stilettos a few times, but quickly realized I was either going to spain an ankle, brake my back or worse a heel, or even double my commuting time, which would be a crime in this city governed by speed. I’m now wearing runners or flats, another NYC fav…

Walking through Hell’s Kitchen

2007-04-22T17:59:00.000-05:00

It takes time to find out what’s hot and what’s not when moving to a new city. The pressure increases when friends are asking you to recommend places to stay, eat and go out while planning a trip! The best way to be in-the-know, I figured, was to subscribe to e-newsletters. I asked around experienced New Yorkers and, before I knew it, I was receiving the popular Daily Candy, the New York Magazine, Zagat reviews, and a few others I forget, in addition to my New York Times subscription…

Amid all this reading, I found the time to visit the Earth weekend at Hell’s Kitchen flea market, which had been recommended by a few e-newsletters.

It was the first time I was venturing in this area. Hell's Kitchen is located between 34th and 59th Streets, from 8th Avenue to the Hudson River and doesn’t hold any major tourist attractions. It was home to some of the most dangerous criminals from the early tenements to Prohibition and it still feels like a different world, contrasting with the glitz of Times Square and Broadway a few blocks away.

The Earth weekend ended up being another disappointment. A few booths located at the end of 39th Street, mostly focused on recycling, were displayed in front of the flea market, which opens every weekend.

While I enjoyed passing through the area, I had a feeling that it was probably the first and last time I was visiting Hell’s Kitchen.

My first green card wedding

2007-04-22T17:09:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, I shared with a friend who had relocated to the city the difficulties I was facing while looking for work in NYC. His reply was straight-forward: “Half of the world is trying to come to Manhattan!”

It turns out that if half of the world is trying to find work in NYC, many foreigners (or aliens in bureaucratic lingo) are struggling to extend their stay. Some even consider getting married to get the so coveted ultimate sign of freedom: the green card.

In this era of global markets one would think that moving abroad and settling into a new country would be easier, as long as you have the required skills to find work and contribute to the economy.

My first green-card wedding ceremony made me realize how lucky I had been to be able to find work in NYC and pursue my goal to move to this popular and addictive city…

Aborted climbing session leads to TV star encounter

2007-04-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

I was excited to get back into climbing. I had spent a few hours online last weekend researching gym options in Manhattan.

I had found one located nearby the office which looked promising: various routes with different difficulty levels and a very low annual membership cost that also allows you to boulder in Central Park. I was ready to get in there and make new climbing friends (although the T.O. climbing team is clearly irreplaceable!)

The weather was warm enough to walk so I headed to the gym right after work. After over thirty minutes, which seemed like a workout, I finally arrived to City Climbers Club where I ended up very disenchanted with what I found. The climbing gym is smaller than my apartment! The walls are straight and low and there is no bouldering cave. It was not worth paying $15 for a session so I left.

On my way back to the subway, I walked across the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on 60th Street where I noticed a tall man wearing an orange trench coat and a beige fedora walking towards the lobby. He was standing out in the crowd and another passer-by stopped him to shake his hand. It was clear that the trench coat wearing man had no idea who he was but he reacted politely; shook his hand back and exchanged a few words. The scene would have made for a great picture. I realized that the man with the fedora was in fact Sam Waterston aka Jack McCoy, from the popular series Law and Order (if you live in Canada, you have certainly seen the show since its on air every night on CTV).

This time, my eyes were wide open!

Natural catastrophes

2007-04-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

I woke up to the sound of rain on the pavement. The street is quieter when it rains and I enjoyed this lull as I’m still trying to adjust to traffic and passers-by noise.

Today, The New York Times warned New Yorkers “to be prepared for what could be the worst storm since 1992”.

That was not enough to keep me inside. (During my stay in Toronto, I managed to survive a trash strike, the blackout and SARS not to mention the 1998 ice storm in Montreal: I felt prepared for wind and flood.)

Armed with courage and an umbrella, I ventured my way out to the Earth Day exhibit held at Grand Central Station.

The dedicated Website was promising a giant earth images show illuminating the ceiling of Grand Central’s main concourse. Instead, all I saw looked like a small-size Power Point deck featuring poor drawings and images projected onto a wall. As for the educational expo, it did not blow me away. The only key take-away is that Union Square is a prime location in the city should you wish to recycle organic waste material to be composted at the Green Market.
Something worth thinking about…

Found the first blooming tree

2007-04-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

The weather is nice, but still a tad cold. I'm in the process of adjusting to Fahrenheit instead of Celcius degrees, which still presents conversion challenges (56F today). I found the first blooming tree at 12th Avenue and Broadway Street beside a church. People were stopping to take pictures and marvel at its flowers.
Manhattan is longing for spring.

How Sarah Jessica Parker apologized to me

2007-04-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

Today, I needed to find the post office. I had been told I would find one at 10th Avenue and 6th Street. The weather was getting really cold as the sun had disappeared. I was underdressed and starving. I had the brilliant idea to get an energy bar. But not any kind of energy bar. I had a craving for a mint-flavoured Gen Soy …

On my way to the post office, I was going into every store that had a potential to carry energy bars. Unfortunately, I was only finding brands packed with sugars and carbs and was turning away every time.

At one point, after six or seven attempts, I was starting to get a little antsy… My blood sugar was running low and I was freezing.

Near the 10th Ave and 6 I spotted a natural food store that looked like the right place to satisfy my craving. I quickly walked in the store, running up and down the aisles without any success. I decided to leave convinced I had to give it one last chance. And that’s when I saw the energy bars at the cashiers’ counter! I immediately recognized the packaging of my favourite brand: finally, I was going to be fed!

There was a lady standing in front of the display, unloading her grocery bag at the cash register. I stopped behind her, hoping she would hurry up. As I was the only customer waiting, another cashier started yelling “Next”. I ignored her the first time. The second time, I politely told her that I was waiting to get something, pointing at the bars.

The woman standing in front of me looked at me through her big sunglasses and said: “Hello!” I was a bit surprised as I was expecting her to ask me what I wanted. I said hello back and told her I wanted to get something in front of her. She apologized and moved over. I picked up the bar victoriously and went to the other cash register to pay. This is when the cashier started acting bizarrely. She was stepping up and down like a little girl repeating “It’s her, it’s her, I love her”. And then she whispered “it’s Carry Bradshaw!”

I glanced at the woman who had moved over so I could get my bar and realized it was Sarah Jessica Parker!

I left the store smiling, thinking that when she said hello, she was probably expecting to be asked for an autograph when all I was seeing at the time was my coveted energy bar on the display!

I guess the lesson is: keep your eyes open in NYC, you never know who you’re going to meet!

Ps: I never found the post office

Back from Playa del Carmen

2007-04-11T08:31:00.001-05:00

Eight days away on the beach, visiting Mayan ruins and enjoying the sun was exactly the cure I needed to recover from the move to New York! It was also relieving to see that all the planning done bore fruits. The bed & breakfast was conveniently located in the hub of Playa del Carmen, between the beach and the Cinco Avenida, and proved that the numerous hours researching options on Trip Advisor had been well spent!