December 2009
Tonight I made almond biscotti to get in a Italian mood as we are hosting two friends from Italy for the New Year. Using a mix of recipes I found online it ended up being a batch of almond, orange biscotti. I love the intricate process of biscotti, mixing, baking, cooling, cutting then baking again. It ensures the lovely smell fills the apartment for as long as possible. I enjoyed a piece in the morning with a soy cappuccino.
Today we set off to see the Tenement Museum in the lower east side. We arrived around 2pm and couldn't get tickets for a tour any earlier then 5pm. So we headed up to the West Village for a little American style lunch. Peanut Butter & Co. is a favorite of Anthony as it was his first dinner in NYC by himself when he came for his interview last winter. Anthony and I split the Elvis (sans bacon!) and I had a Purple Cow float.
After lunch Anthony's parents wanted to do some shopping and since I was quickly freezing solid in the Manhattan winter wind, Ant and I headed indoors for a spot of tea. We went to the Tea Spot on MacDougal and 3rd and I have to say the atmosphere and pleasantly aromatic tea overshadowed the not-so-pleasant woman who served us. I had Turkish Apple which tasted like a dream, I look forward to returning to this place with a nice book.
Finally it was time for our tour. We headed down to the lower east side and joined up with a jolly Kiwi who was our animated and articulate tour guide. The tour takes you through the history of the lower east side, which played a starring role in housing law and labor laws. The museum recounts, visually, through restored units the stories of two families struggling on the lower east side at different times of economic crisis in NYC. While growing an attachment to the historical figures through the intricate stories and standing in the same space where these immigrants struggled; the guide illustrated with careful neutrality the mirage of issues surrounding immigration, policy, government and human rights. Overall the museum was right up my alley and I look to return for a few more of their tours.
After our tour we headed back to Williamsburg and ate dinner at Fornino, a excellent brick oven pizza establishment that is truly worthy of its own blog on another visit.
After lunch Anthony's parents wanted to do some shopping and since I was quickly freezing solid in the Manhattan winter wind, Ant and I headed indoors for a spot of tea. We went to the Tea Spot on MacDougal and 3rd and I have to say the atmosphere and pleasantly aromatic tea overshadowed the not-so-pleasant woman who served us. I had Turkish Apple which tasted like a dream, I look forward to returning to this place with a nice book.
Finally it was time for our tour. We headed down to the lower east side and joined up with a jolly Kiwi who was our animated and articulate tour guide. The tour takes you through the history of the lower east side, which played a starring role in housing law and labor laws. The museum recounts, visually, through restored units the stories of two families struggling on the lower east side at different times of economic crisis in NYC. While growing an attachment to the historical figures through the intricate stories and standing in the same space where these immigrants struggled; the guide illustrated with careful neutrality the mirage of issues surrounding immigration, policy, government and human rights. Overall the museum was right up my alley and I look to return for a few more of their tours.
After our tour we headed back to Williamsburg and ate dinner at Fornino, a excellent brick oven pizza establishment that is truly worthy of its own blog on another visit.
Today Anthony and I hit up B&H to grab some rain covers for our cameras and decided to trek to the Hudson River for a wintry photo safari. I was chasing seagulls and Anthony was knee deep in snow, but alas we made it to the water.
On the water we wandered onto Pier 66. While I couldn't shake the feeling we really shouldn't be wandering around the abandoned boat and pier, my photo safari urges got the better of me. We found a collection of old furniture and snowed out bars, kitchens, tables and chairs. Upon our return home I found the history:
Pier 66 Maritime is a former car float (railroad barge) that is now used as a public access pier at the foot of West 26th Street in Hudson River Park on the west side of Manhattan.
Originally built for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad, later known as the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, this historic car float was just like hundreds that were used to carry railroad cars from New Jersey to New York City. Pier 66 Maritime is located at one of the few remaining float bridges that were used to receive these barges. The float bridges rode up and down with the tides so as to always match the height of the surface of the barge.
Built in 1929, this historic lightship (one of the few remaining) is said to have spent three years at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay before being salvaged and brought to Chelsea Piers to become the ultimate “dive” bar. The boat, docked on a railroad car barge, boasts a musty, barnacle-encrusted interior (complete with catwalks and an exposed engine room) straight out of a Nine Inch Nails video. The front quarters often serves as a moody dj lounge while live acts use the stage in the dark belly of the ship.
Our Safari came to an end as our toes became frozen. This photo safari was a great success and amazing example of finding deserted corners of NYC.
On the water we wandered onto Pier 66. While I couldn't shake the feeling we really shouldn't be wandering around the abandoned boat and pier, my photo safari urges got the better of me. We found a collection of old furniture and snowed out bars, kitchens, tables and chairs. Upon our return home I found the history:
Pier 66 Maritime is a former car float (railroad barge) that is now used as a public access pier at the foot of West 26th Street in Hudson River Park on the west side of Manhattan.
Originally built for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad, later known as the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, this historic car float was just like hundreds that were used to carry railroad cars from New Jersey to New York City. Pier 66 Maritime is located at one of the few remaining float bridges that were used to receive these barges. The float bridges rode up and down with the tides so as to always match the height of the surface of the barge.
Built in 1929, this historic lightship (one of the few remaining) is said to have spent three years at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay before being salvaged and brought to Chelsea Piers to become the ultimate “dive” bar. The boat, docked on a railroad car barge, boasts a musty, barnacle-encrusted interior (complete with catwalks and an exposed engine room) straight out of a Nine Inch Nails video. The front quarters often serves as a moody dj lounge while live acts use the stage in the dark belly of the ship.
Our Safari came to an end as our toes became frozen. This photo safari was a great success and amazing example of finding deserted corners of NYC.
Today we had our first snow and it was Anthony's first snow EVER. We had been in and out of it all day, enjoying brunch at our favorite morning restaurant, EGG and then running errands. As evening fell we got the brainy idea to go shoot at Rockefeller Center, noble no doubt, but we didn't know what we were in for.
We have been meaning to get rain covers for our cameras, but as of yet we have not. So we fashioned plastic bags over the lens and camera body to create a awkward baggy camera cover. The second we stepped out into the mild blizzard we could not fight the sinking sensation that we might just be ruining our prized possessions for a few photos of some tree millions of people take photos of. We snapped our way to the subway and decided to turn back. It was too wet to be risking the lives of our cameras. We decided to pick up camera covers in the morning. While I was exiting the subway I slipped and fell in such a way that I saved that camera...at the expense of my body. Too bad they don't make anything to prevent that from happening.
I snuck in a few more shots on the way home since I simply could not resist all the interesting views of our formerly familiar neighborhood that was now covered in a tantalizing winter blanket.
We have been meaning to get rain covers for our cameras, but as of yet we have not. So we fashioned plastic bags over the lens and camera body to create a awkward baggy camera cover. The second we stepped out into the mild blizzard we could not fight the sinking sensation that we might just be ruining our prized possessions for a few photos of some tree millions of people take photos of. We snapped our way to the subway and decided to turn back. It was too wet to be risking the lives of our cameras. We decided to pick up camera covers in the morning. While I was exiting the subway I slipped and fell in such a way that I saved that camera...at the expense of my body. Too bad they don't make anything to prevent that from happening.
I snuck in a few more shots on the way home since I simply could not resist all the interesting views of our formerly familiar neighborhood that was now covered in a tantalizing winter blanket.
My family is not one for rituals, but we do have one fun Christmas tradition that seems to have stuck throughout the years. That is making a huge batch of Christmas cookies and getting together to decorate them. Since I no longer live near tons of relatives the number of decorators has decreased and with it the number of cookies, which is fine with me since I have to make them all now. The recipe is a big bother, but worth it when you bite into a freshly frosted tender and delectable Christmas morsel.
The cookies are an overnight, roll-out, sour cream recipe; which means lots of time, flour, dirty dishes and messes. My first batch I tried last weekend was a huge failure. The dough was way too soft and I ended up with Christmas lumps too horrid to frost, or even look at...so I ate them with my eyes closed because truth be told they were still pretty tasty.
This batch was a bit more successful. Anthony frosted his first cookies and learned it's quite an art! Venus had a piece of her cookie, which was in the shape of a dog bone, but she didn't get any frosting.
The cookies are an overnight, roll-out, sour cream recipe; which means lots of time, flour, dirty dishes and messes. My first batch I tried last weekend was a huge failure. The dough was way too soft and I ended up with Christmas lumps too horrid to frost, or even look at...so I ate them with my eyes closed because truth be told they were still pretty tasty.
This batch was a bit more successful. Anthony frosted his first cookies and learned it's quite an art! Venus had a piece of her cookie, which was in the shape of a dog bone, but she didn't get any frosting.
Ant and I picked up a snazzy background tonight (now we sincerely cannot fit anything else in our apartment) so it is only just we tested it out. After cleaning and making room for it, we set it up and tested it with some sporty pics of our resident model...not Venus, me! Ant blogged about the specifics and since this is my third blog of the night I will redirect any nerds who want to read about lighting to his website.
Ant and I headed down to the Union Square Christmas Market this evening. The market is the classic NYC tale of something you pass so close to (in our case right underneath) each day, but never go experience. Armed with our 50mm prime and our 35mm prime, we were two photographers in search of some NYC immersion and Christmas time bokeh.
Bokeh we found and in addition to a delicious bratwurst, covered in mustard and a funny lumber jack hat (only the necessities). I did not have the energy to buy anything, plus that would have required me to swap out of "photo-mode", which I think was impossible after spending most of the afternoon and evening shooting.
Bokeh we found and in addition to a delicious bratwurst, covered in mustard and a funny lumber jack hat (only the necessities). I did not have the energy to buy anything, plus that would have required me to swap out of "photo-mode", which I think was impossible after spending most of the afternoon and evening shooting.
It's official, I have a favorite coffee house in NYC. After royal let downs by all the "hot" cafes in Williamsburg; Anthony and I have been trekking to 9th Street espresso in the East Village every week for our espresso beans. We had been haunted with the knowledge that a famous Stumptown Coffee roaster existed in Brooklyn and eagerly anticipated the official cafe's opening in Manhattan.
According to Wikipedia: The business practices and standards of quality of Stumptown Coffee Roasters have led to them being recognized as having "revolutionized the coffee business" and helped "refine coffee drinkers' palates" in Portland. Founder Duane Sorenson and Stumptown Coffee Roasters have been credited as being part of the so-called "Third Wave" of the coffee movement.
All I have to say is: believe it. My thick, ristretto shot of espresso was the most delightful taste since my life in Italy. Stumptown rejuvenates my hope in America's food practice and general awareness of what we choose to put into our bodies. Like the thesis in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I believe what matters in life boils down to quality. And Stumptown, my friends, is the epitome of quality coffee.
Oh, the other pictures are from the Ace Hotel and The Motorcycle Federation, and in the context of Stumptown...I can't even conjure emotions that warrant their visits blog-worthy.
According to Wikipedia: The business practices and standards of quality of Stumptown Coffee Roasters have led to them being recognized as having "revolutionized the coffee business" and helped "refine coffee drinkers' palates" in Portland. Founder Duane Sorenson and Stumptown Coffee Roasters have been credited as being part of the so-called "Third Wave" of the coffee movement.
All I have to say is: believe it. My thick, ristretto shot of espresso was the most delightful taste since my life in Italy. Stumptown rejuvenates my hope in America's food practice and general awareness of what we choose to put into our bodies. Like the thesis in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I believe what matters in life boils down to quality. And Stumptown, my friends, is the epitome of quality coffee.
Oh, the other pictures are from the Ace Hotel and The Motorcycle Federation, and in the context of Stumptown...I can't even conjure emotions that warrant their visits blog-worthy.
Ant has begun adding content to his website! I am thrilled because now I have a blogging buddy. Now don't be surprised if you see similar stories -a couple can only do so many blog-worthy things in a week!
Today we got our Christmas tree from a nice little lot on North 7th and Bedford. We carried it home in the rain and caused our hallway to look like it got hit by a coniferous tornado. Since we have no storage in our apartment we have no Christmas tree decorations. So we resorted to lights and popcorn and cranberry garlands, which we made. I learned Anthony didn't know how to thread a needle, or string anything for that matter. So today we added a skill set to his resume as well.
I tried to make pretty Christmas cookies and ended up with big ugly blobs. I will blog about those when my batch actually turns out good. Anthony didn't mind though and has already eaten half the batch of ugly duckling cookies. We also locked ourselves outside, in the rain. We were quite the sight huddled as a wet family waiting for the landlord to come by. Venus is just starting to forgive us...and dry off.
I tried to make pretty Christmas cookies and ended up with big ugly blobs. I will blog about those when my batch actually turns out good. Anthony didn't mind though and has already eaten half the batch of ugly duckling cookies. We also locked ourselves outside, in the rain. We were quite the sight huddled as a wet family waiting for the landlord to come by. Venus is just starting to forgive us...and dry off.
Today it was cold, very cold, and the wind chill up there...up there on one wheel, made things even colder. I've found I can thaw my hands if I stick them in between my frame and engine case. I am still learning the trick that lets you pop up a wheelie when the ground is literally freezing without just spinning out. The multiple layers I wear don't help much as I feel like a stiff mummy trying to ride. But I am grateful for the days with no rain or snow when we can still get out, no matter how painful it is.
After riding we stopped by a grocery store -a big event for us. Living in the city it's hard to get groceries unless you have time to go every single day. Lately we have been working so much I've consulted with the phone for take-out more than I have the stove for dinner. This is very unnatural for me and I start feeling like I don't want to eat anything, because it's all the same and bad for me as well. I am very accustom to preparing my own food and having some type of connection and awareness as to what is in it. So we loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies and I made chicken parm to replenish our bodies after a chilling evening of stunting.
After riding we stopped by a grocery store -a big event for us. Living in the city it's hard to get groceries unless you have time to go every single day. Lately we have been working so much I've consulted with the phone for take-out more than I have the stove for dinner. This is very unnatural for me and I start feeling like I don't want to eat anything, because it's all the same and bad for me as well. I am very accustom to preparing my own food and having some type of connection and awareness as to what is in it. So we loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies and I made chicken parm to replenish our bodies after a chilling evening of stunting.
Today we had our first big slush (not quite snow but it was still exciting). Since my cam isn't waterproof I shot from inside the van which made for some interesting distortion due to the window fog and water.
Tonight we had our first Infamous Annoying Eric's Tire Change (Annoying Eric is just a nickname and he doesn't live up to it by any means). After our mechanic with a tire machine moved out of the shop we were forced to find other means and Eric nailed the gig tonight.
With a professional's fluid motions and some Annoying Eric determination he broke the bead, swapped the tire and set a new bead in a jiffy. Hopefully the next thing out of Annoying Eric's garage is a clutch arm mod for my 636 :)
With a professional's fluid motions and some Annoying Eric determination he broke the bead, swapped the tire and set a new bead in a jiffy. Hopefully the next thing out of Annoying Eric's garage is a clutch arm mod for my 636 :)
My 636 has been in need of some serious TLC and her time finally came. We replaced my old corroded brake lines with steel braided ones, swapped the broken front brake lever with a mint one. While removing the tank to throw on a manual cam-chain tensioner we found that gas had been leaking onto my battery -unnerving to say the least. So we grabbed a brand new battery, did a clean air mod and now she's purring like a kitten.
Today I had a free evening and some random leftovers, which called for a leftover bonanza of epic proportions. In the kitchen I had several items nearing the end of their life, in desperate need of use, or they would suffer a fate unheard of in my kitchen: getting wasted.
Two soft pears, a pile of herbs, one turkey leg and fresh cranberries. I ended up making pear-cranberry muffins, turkey wild-rice soup and garlic herb rolls. The random ingredients made a beautiful dinner, I was happy nothing got wasted and Anthony probably ate about 7 rolls.
Two soft pears, a pile of herbs, one turkey leg and fresh cranberries. I ended up making pear-cranberry muffins, turkey wild-rice soup and garlic herb rolls. The random ingredients made a beautiful dinner, I was happy nothing got wasted and Anthony probably ate about 7 rolls.