tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66159803777056665392024-02-19T01:05:24.327-05:00Joe DeIorio's Two CentsSave Time, Save Money, Enjoy LifeJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-44415827460852553182012-01-23T23:40:00.000-05:002012-01-23T23:40:00.688-05:00Arte Cafe' Restaurant Artfully DoneChristmas Day was wonderful. After attending church services in Fort Washington, we had one <a href="http://www.livingsocial.com/" target="_blank">Livingsocial </a>voucher, that ironically expired on Christmas day. Not one to lose out on a deal, we headed to Arte Cafe' and I'm glad we didn't let this deal expire.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBdp0HzVnNxsJ4zrv5oXnfPAYzbaBhVCQda51sHc2kytUFLQaJQbCx769Vstotv8A8Nk7jLLOt-qonqn7Cb6BS0UDqjNcc3P9qCXBJkQgFhIu1PZxCD6M2LTchMHEuGImjw7HgTLffPM/s1600/artecafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBdp0HzVnNxsJ4zrv5oXnfPAYzbaBhVCQda51sHc2kytUFLQaJQbCx769Vstotv8A8Nk7jLLOt-qonqn7Cb6BS0UDqjNcc3P9qCXBJkQgFhIu1PZxCD6M2LTchMHEuGImjw7HgTLffPM/s320/artecafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Our <a href="http://www.livingsocial.com/" target="_blank">Livingsocial</a> voucher called for a flight of four wines and appetizer pairings for two. Upon arrival, we noticed a very clean and sophisticated surrounding. Tuscany tan walls with dark wood paneling and shelving added to the "I'm in a special place" atmosphere. Wine bottles lined the walls. The wait staff dressed in a professional black attire.<br />
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We were greeted and seated very pleasantly and began our experience with the first two wine tastings, a Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio. Both wines were smooth and light, just right for a 11:30am lunchtime affair.<br />
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Appetizers arrived in a plate which was well designed, well portioned and well chosen Italian meats and cheeses. My favorite, Mortadella, reminded me of my childhood. If you never had Mortadella, I can best describe it as a Italian Bologna. All I can say was - "Delicioso."<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Of course I had to use the restroom facilities. Remember, if the bathroom is clean, the kitchen is clean. Thankfully Arte Cafe did not disappoint. They had several individual bathrooms that were tastefully designed and well kept. Four flushes for Arte Cafe! </i></blockquote><br />
Our waitress then brought out our two reds and Montepluciano.and an Pinot Noir. She educated us on the pairings of each wine and took to the time to answer our individual questions - "What attention we were afforded!"<br />
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Many of these Groupon/Livingsocial voucher participants profit from the additional purchases you make beyond the parameters of the voucher. If I am not completely enjoying my meal, I'll stick to the voucher. Otherwise, I show my appreciation by ordering more food. I was more than willing to order more from Arte Cafe.<br />
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I ordered another class of the white and Thos ordered the crab cakes. While ordering we spoke to our Russian waitress. We asked her about Christmas in Russia and she gladly responded. How nice this conversation was!<br />
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We would have stayed longer but our family dinner was at 2pm. We left very happy and satisfied.<br />
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I would definitely recommend Arte Cafe's among the thousands of other restaurants in NYC. We will most surely be back for a full meal next time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.artecafenyc.com/" target="_blank">Arte Cafe'</a><br />
106 W. 73rd Street off Columbus Avenue <a href="http://www.artecafenyc.com/" target="_blank">www.artecafenyc.com</a><br />
NYC<br />
212-501-7014<br />
<a href="http://www.artecafenyc.com/">www.artecafenyc.com</a>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0106 W 73rd St, New York, NY 10023, USA40.7781166 -73.97882998.1815275999999955 -133.7444549 73.3747056 -14.213204899999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-88790910309649457442012-01-01T12:30:00.001-05:002012-01-01T12:33:45.523-05:00New Year's ResolutionIt's been over 6 months since I last blogged. Whatever the reason, I am recommitted to posting valuable information and my recommendations of all that is fun, interesting and is worth the money spent from your wallet.<br />
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There has been much activity since my last post and I look forward to sharing it with you.<br />
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Till then...Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-34796862207266491662011-04-17T08:45:00.004-04:002011-04-17T21:00:18.548-04:00Reliving my past: Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romy_and_Michele%27s_High_School_Reunion">Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion</a></em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiYM4K0ja7smz3S9jN0040Zj57kBqKROG3YWtcpURQ6Ip6V-moiKcj2bcFejIs_BLllsB6vStOSt7whIniz-FzPXcrVdEaNNTHhA4zRfICriB9u3kKD7b1ohUgegZNGEeUVxOrsIQ2Qg/s1600/Romy+and+Michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiYM4K0ja7smz3S9jN0040Zj57kBqKROG3YWtcpURQ6Ip6V-moiKcj2bcFejIs_BLllsB6vStOSt7whIniz-FzPXcrVdEaNNTHhA4zRfICriB9u3kKD7b1ohUgegZNGEeUVxOrsIQ2Qg/s320/Romy+and+Michelle.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this movie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Saturday was a rainy and windy day. A perfect time to watch a movie at home. <strong>When you are undecided, I have the perfect movie for you. </strong> Just ask yourself the following questions:</em></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Were you a high school <strong>graduate of the 1980s</strong>?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Were you part of a <strong>high school clique</strong>?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Were you ever <strong>pick on, bullied, felt like an outcast</strong> in high school?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>If you answered yes to any or all of these – Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is the right movie for you.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<em></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) play best friend LA 20 somethings that fit the blonde definition. They find out that their 10 year high school reunion is about to take place in their hometown in Tuscon Arizona and as we all have been there – want to return and show that they were better now that when they left.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>There are just a handful of movies that I can watch over and over and will never get bored. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion makes the cut every time.</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>So break out the popcorn, pizza and beverage and sit back and get ready to laugh.</strong></span></em><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kR6-3izLrNo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>P.S. - Ask yourself..."are you The Mary?"</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Made in 1998</em></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>92 minutes</em></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Rated R</em></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<em></em></span> </div></div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-29734613700419192782011-04-16T18:26:00.000-04:002011-04-16T18:26:20.329-04:00It Should Be Named Plop Burger Not Pop Burger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Every time I say the words Pop Burger, I immediate think of the 1979 song Pop Music.<strong> Here, let me get you in the mood for this review. Click and Read on...</strong></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4HaAOCGb3bw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I just wished that my appreciation for this song was as good as this place.</em></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>So what is a </em></span></strong><a href="http://www.popburger.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Pop Burger</em></span></strong></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong>? It's a slider - a high class White Castle burger.</strong> But let me take a step back.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><a href="http://livingsocial.com/">Livingsocial.com</a>, again offered a great deal. For $25, you get $50 worth of food and drink. Wow. And, if you check out Pop Burger's website, the place looks very appealing - a lounge, bar, pool table, food and a cool vibe.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Unfortunately, getting there was a challenge. Livingsocial's map took us to the wrong spot. Yelp had the address wrong. <strong>Calling Pop Burger was a joke. You couldn't get a live person, only a bunch of menu options with no end it sight.</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Plain ole' knowledge of Manhattan and luck got us there.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>But alas, Sunday afternoon would not bode us well. As we walked in from the meatpacking district, we noticed the lounge area was closed. A picket fence blocked our view. We were like two kids at McDonald's and its Playland was off limits. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Our only choice was to order from the front counter. What a bummer.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Inside Pop Burger, your feet walks across used untreated wood floors. The company dining with you is an eclectic mix of 20 somethings, neighborhood yuppies and blue collar types. The counter help wore gas attendant jumpsuits and a hat and were just a happy to wear them as to work in a burger joint. <strong>Remember I told you that this was a high class White Castles. Put those folk in a jump suit and you'll get the visual.</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Not only could you see the kitchen, which didn't look appealing, but there was a distinct smell. Only later did I realize what it was. They stuck an open garbage can under the condiment table and it reeked of thrown out food. <strong>To make matters worse, the downstairs bathroom was unbearable. It was the first time that the condition of bathroom made me want to vomit (and I'm not exaggerating). </strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>We carried our order to one of the many used tables and began to dine. Here is the quick skinny:</em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YSmWx8SEC969WrXdst_ihvbXZWnkof0fio5Mvl3EEaMHR5zovDDFzu9iU5wJZ6bpT-aDPzf9MAR5LgcI5OPHdIRHQUNh-NPjReNiFxZwIy2QpDRmy7dmF3tNIycwAV6c6RWQs4u6sNQ/s1600/Pop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YSmWx8SEC969WrXdst_ihvbXZWnkof0fio5Mvl3EEaMHR5zovDDFzu9iU5wJZ6bpT-aDPzf9MAR5LgcI5OPHdIRHQUNh-NPjReNiFxZwIy2QpDRmy7dmF3tNIycwAV6c6RWQs4u6sNQ/s200/Pop.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't impressed</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>Pop Burgers - 7.50</u> - Two in a KFC type box. Nothing special.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>Caesar Salad - 8.25</u> - Something you would buy at the A&P but at a higher price.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>French Fries - $4.75</u> - Not bad</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>Tater Tots -$4.75 </u>- Love Taters....and these met my expectations</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>Onion Rings</u> - $3.75 - Ok</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>Black and White Shake</u> - $5.75 - Not bad, but for the price, I'd make my own.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><u>Yummy Cupcakes</u> - $6 - The chocolate one was tasty, the vanilla should be passed. </em></span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>In Conclusion</em></span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I guess if you are one of those 20 somethings, its late night and you're drunk, I guess the smell and the sub par food wouldn't matter. But for the rest of us....<strong>I would recommend staying away</strong>.</em></span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i><b>Ratings</b></i></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Food - 1 out of 5</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Service - 2.5 out of 5</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>The Experience - 1 out of 5</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Bathroom - 0 flushes out of 5</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Money - 3 out of 4 dollars</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Value - 1 out of 5</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.popburger.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Pop Burger</em></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>58-60 Ninth Avenue</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>(Between 14th and 15th Street)</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>NYC</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>212-414-8666</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>10am to 4am</em></span>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-36241623924309778322011-03-16T00:11:00.001-04:002011-03-16T00:13:23.841-04:00Spideyflop on Broadway<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Let me cut to the chase...if this play, </em></span><a href="http://spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark</em></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em> is not on your 1001 places to see before you die list, <strong>don’t waste your money.</strong> </em></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>In my teen years, I was a avid comic book collector – Spiderman being one of them. So I was familiar with most of the villains, the storyline and the characters. However, </em></span><a href="http://spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark</em></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em> attempts to take decades worth of story and jam them into a scrappy incohesive three hour show. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Bono <strong>(no, not Sonny Bono...I'm talking about the guy from U2)</strong> attempts to “Rock Out” this Broadway fiasco. Two guitar players, one looking like Jeff Spicolli from "Fast Times..." and another, a Keith Richards look a like, stand and play stage left throughout. I couldn't figure out how they fit into the story - and I don't think they did either. They looked bored stiff. </em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpERo623xBzn-bKpa3fmQ-U7MpSN4mYO9XIYWZARQJWQ8hDH-hyXMg0FXPNYhq4WUxtKPzg4nI4HiZ6MB-dmqrwzEhxZDRXF3ye272sMKor7BlcbQw_Fve8PgVggfTL5WKJgxKDUSid4/s1600/img-spiderman-turn-off-the-dark_13561837491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><img border="0" height="215" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpERo623xBzn-bKpa3fmQ-U7MpSN4mYO9XIYWZARQJWQ8hDH-hyXMg0FXPNYhq4WUxtKPzg4nI4HiZ6MB-dmqrwzEhxZDRXF3ye272sMKor7BlcbQw_Fve8PgVggfTL5WKJgxKDUSid4/s320/img-spiderman-turn-off-the-dark_13561837491.jpg" width="320" /></em></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>It doesn't look quite like this</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em> However, there was one character who saved the day -it was the villain Green Goblin who's part in the play garnished the most laughs.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Ironically, I thought after the first Act, the play was over, wondering “why didn’t they do a curtain call.” However, I would be disappointed to find that I had to sit through another hour and a half of storyline.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>It’s most unfortunate though. An assembly of very good actors, an amazing set, great stunts and flying characters but all was ruined by a story that didn’t connect with the audience. <strong>Did Bono actually see the play? </strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>But if you are one of many curious, <strong>who want to go with the hopes that Spidey falls from the balcony again.…</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em></em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong>P.S.</strong> - Sunday, Bloody Sunday...I heard today that Bono <strong>threw the writer Julie Taymor of the Lion King fame "under the bus"</strong> and the story is heading for a re-write and new previews mid-May. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Just a last note - <strong>why would a beautiful theater like this one not stock enough paper towels in the bathrooms?</strong> With so many staff people floating around, you would think someone would periodically go in to check the stock...some things I'll never understand...</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark</em></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Foxwood's Theatre</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>213 West 42nd Street</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>NYC</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><em>Ratings</em></b></span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><em>The Experience 1 out of 5</em></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Bathroom 3 flushes out of 5</em></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><em>Money - 3 out of 4 dollars</em></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Value 1 out of 5</em></span>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-86363951073929401852011-03-08T00:02:00.001-05:002011-03-10T01:05:24.119-05:00Spinmaster DJ Joey D<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="subject" dojoattachpoint="subjectNode" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">Spin, Scratch, & Sip: All-Inclusive DJ Workshop with Open Bar, Food, Dance Party, T-Shirt, and IndabaMusic.com Membership</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - </span>Another Living Social event. <br />
<br />
This time the <a href="http://www.livingsocial.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Living Socia</span>l</a> spinoff, Living Social Adventures invites individuals and couples to opportunity to mix and mingle. This one caught my attention-<a href="http://www.scratch.com/">Scratch DJ Accademy</a> located in the Village offered a scratch, spin and sip introduction mixer. And for $69 dollars for a two hour session (originally $269), open bar and eats, with a free t-shirt - <b>who could beat that!</b><br />
<br />
Located on the second floor we were greeted by the 20 something hosts from Living Social Adventures. The bartender was preparing to showcase the sponsored liquor <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3a3b3d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3a3b3d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.kanonvodka.com/" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1d81c1; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Kanon Organic Vodka</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3a3b3d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> drinks -- courtesy of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3a3b3d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.sussexwine.com/" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1d81c1; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Sussex Wine and Spirits</a>.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>We were early (can you believe it) so we walked around the large room filled with DJ turntables and mixers and individual speakers. The "U" shape set up faced the Master DJ table and as people slowly entered, the house DJ played classic 80s hip hop, club and R&B, perfectly blended together with the help of a Serrato DJ Software. <b>No longer would you need to flip records to change songs.</b> Now all songs fit neatly on the laptop where they synced to the Serrato records. As the records spun so did the song....Awesome! I was jealous. In my early days of DJ-ing it would take at least 10 crates of records for me to feel confortable that I had any selection at will...<b>.damn technology!</b><br />
<br />
After a intro from DJ Esquire who managed the accademy, we went to our stations to practice his first scratch lesson. DJ Esquire was accompanied by other DJs who offered assistance. Between lessons and practice there was plenty of noshing on free food and refils of liquid courage; mixes of vodka and a choice of strawberry, peach, ginger ale or tonic. Or if you were friendly, the bartender would make a special concoction of her own blend. <b>Needless to say, I was very friendly with her.</b><br />
<br />
After the group of 20 or so of the 20 somethings (yes Thos and I were the oldest), finished up praticing our lessons, we were called up to battle off our scratching skills. Each participant went up and announced their DJ names, some short and sweet, like DJ Blank to the provocative DJ Scratch and Sniff. Thos's name was DJ Thossando Groovinossa, <b>mine DJ Joey D....what a surprise</b>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7ur5JsipZr6CopmNTJcgnL0neZ2-e-mFuuf6ng9TRfQ8klBr1lbLF7rbxsSunqKv0fp6V-lxMkK7aUN9NakPxhJ7y_Ey38GKdchyphenhyphenAo6SyLIl3KAa12iGJGEaTEzo-7Yr7oSFCIAeX90/s1600/DJ+Joey+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7ur5JsipZr6CopmNTJcgnL0neZ2-e-mFuuf6ng9TRfQ8klBr1lbLF7rbxsSunqKv0fp6V-lxMkK7aUN9NakPxhJ7y_Ey38GKdchyphenhyphenAo6SyLIl3KAa12iGJGEaTEzo-7Yr7oSFCIAeX90/s320/DJ+Joey+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Joey D and DJ Be Square winners of the Scratch Off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Once the battlle was done, DJ Esquire and his DJs voted on the winners - DJ Be Square and yours truly DJ Joey D!</b> Our prize was an oversized black hoody with DJ Scratch Academy emblazoned on the front.<br />
<br />
Scratch DJ Academy offers courses in DJ-ing all the way from beginer to advanced. You can also be a member and use the place to practice your favorite mixes. <b>Me? I'm going to sign up for the Serrato DJ software program.</b> I would love to learn that.<br />
<br />
If you are interested, ehcck out the website for the courses and use the promo code "I loved it" and receive 10% off.<br />
<br />
Scratch DJ Academy<br />
434 6th Avenue<br />
(Between 9th and 10th Avenue)<br />
NY, NY<br />
ilovescratch@scratch.com<br />
212-529-1599<br />
<br />
<b>In all, the event was an A+. </b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><i>The Experience 5 out of 5</i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Bathroom 3.5 flushes out of 5</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><i>Money - 2 out of 4 dollars (with the living social discount)</i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms", verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Value 5 out of 5</i></span>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6615980377705666539.post-11342647272874798822011-03-03T22:47:00.003-05:002011-03-08T00:33:01.657-05:00"Pairings palate+plate" - A Good Try<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I recently got hooked on </i></span><a href="http://livingsocial.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>livingsocial.com</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i> and came across a deal on a new restaurant in Cranford, New Jersey called "<a href="http://pairingscranford.com/">Pairings - palate + plate</a>." </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Parings looks like it could be part of the New York scene but its located in suburban New Jersey.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>When entering you feel the vibe - mauve and brown/grey walls, cool lighting, wood flooring, large windows, sleek and clean lines. The chairs were unique with tall backs to make guests comfortable in front of their white clothed </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>tables</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>. <b>You can tell someone took some time and paid attention to the whole dining experience; from its fashionable drop ceiling tiles to the cone shaped coffee cups.</b> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><a name='more'></a>The bathroom was clean, sleek and modern, and gets 3.5 flushes out of 5.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I also took notice of their menus, printed on paper bag paper. When later presented with a dessert menu, there was a thank you message at the bottom - <b>nice touch</b>. I also noticed that beverages did not include any soda products - only carbonated water and ice tea. Upon arriving though, a bottle of filtered water was served and placed at out table - <b>another nice touch.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Parings palate + plate takes a food item and pairs them with a complement. This is fine but I'm the type of guy that like too see my plate filled with food. In this place, you see more white on a plate rather than food...<b>.which got me worried at first.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>We were first served two Asian rolls with some soy sauce - mmmm... tasty. We were also served biscuits with butter, also tasty. For my "beginnings" I ordered the chicken and salad while Thos ordered crab cakes and salad. While I enjoyed the salad and the balsamic vinegar, the chicken was a bit charred. Thos' crab cakes were good but his salad was a bit bland.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>In between we were served a lemon sorbet. It was a bit granular and had a interesting taste, but did it clean my pallet? <b>Not so sure.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Our entrees included sea bass and scallops with linguini and saffron; and salmon with macadamia with Brussel sprouts. The sea bass was a bit fishy (Thos didn''t think so) but the two scallops were delicious. The linguine was fresh but lacked the saffron taste. Thos' salmon was very good. <b>He really liked the Brussel sprouts; I thought differently.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Lastly for dessert we shared the giant chocolate cupcake with raspberry filling topped with whipped cream and almond ice cream. Now, when the dish came, it was very fancy and artistic which made me think "uh oh", but <b>to my surprise it was delicious! </b> Add my cappuccino and Thos' black coffee and what a nice ending to a good meal.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>As far as service - our server, <b>Karen gets an A+.</b> She was friendly, attentive and willing to engage in conversation, but not too much to be annoying or upsetting the boss. Her helpers we also attentive and pleasant. <b>You can see this place put extra attention into service,</b> and it shows.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Would I go back...not so sure...for the price and the product, not so sure, but i<b>t's one of those places you have to go to once, to say you went.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Parings palate+plate is located on 1 South Street in Cranford New Jersey and is BYOW (Bring your own wine).</i></span><br />
<br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b>Ratings</b></i></span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Food - 3 out of 5</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Service 5 out of 5</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>The Experience 3.5 out of 5</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Bathroom 3.5 flushes out of 5</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Money - 3 out of 4 dollars</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Value 2 out of 5</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311855757083548389noreply@blogger.com0