Eargasm: March On

3 Mar

Being a New Yorker, walking is often my best option for getting from Point A to Point B and, consequently, a good walking mix is crucial.  This also means that I associate a lot of tracks with how they make me feel while I’m getting my march on.  Here are a few of the songs I’m currently striding along with:

The Temper Trap – Love Lost – These Aussies know how to get me moving… while I really love some of their other songs (who doesn’t heart Sweet Disposition?!), this beat driven track in particular has an ambitious pulse from its onset that sets a good walking pace.  It’s perfect for navigating through the congested rush-hour crowd with ease.

Gordon Voidwell – Ivy League Circus – I first saw GV at the Wired store’s holiday party and I was automatically on board.  This Bronx-native brings a slowly danceable (or walkable) track that will have you tapping your feet, if not doing some other form of awkward semi-dancing (what’s up to my snap dancers everywhere?!)  Surrender to the slow jamz; your demise is imminent.

Sufjan Stevens – I Walked –I’ve run into a bit of controversy with people over the latest SS album, “Age of Adz” – personally, I love it but I can understand that it’s not for everyone.  For you non-haters, this track is the sleeper of the bunch; it’s grown a lot on me and keeps me in a mellow zone that’s perfect if I’m taking a de-stress walk around the block on lunch.

Jukebox the Ghost – So Let Us Create – This band is awesome; if you don’t know, now ya know, listnas… do yourself a favor and run a quick background check on em.  While this song is a little bit uncharacteristic of Jukebox’s typically bouncy alt-pop, it evokes a “walking basked in sunshine” moment every time I listen to it.

The Duke Spirit – Don’t Wait ­– I’m pretty sure I’m getting to the Duke Spirit party late, but now that I’m here, I’m full on girl-crushing over Leila Moss’s sultry vocals.  This is confident strutting music that just begs for flirty pumps to start hitting the pavement.

Hope you’ll agree that these tracks are anything but pedestrian – now load up your ipod and get out there!

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Mimosas Latinas: Macondo

1 Mar

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t wake up every weekend morning knowing full well what my brunch plans (if any) will entail. In fact, some of the best brunches I’ve had are the result of spontaneously seeing who’s around and picking a brunch resto at random; not worrying about rezzies and a big production. The best example of this practice set into motion is Macondo, a Latin spot bringing fuss-free brunch to impulsive diners in the LES (Houston btwn Allen/Eldridge).

The dining room at Macondo is open and bright with sprawling bench-like tables perfect for larger groups or communal seating (get to know your neighbors, wink wink). The relaxed atmosphere is perpetuated by the friendly servers who are always popping up to bring your next mimosa… Have I not gotten to the mimosas yet?! So here’s the scoop: $9 bucks gets you your first mimosa and ALL your following drinks are included! They have several flavors but the best by miles is the orange vanilla; you may be tempted to bring vanilla bean to future brunches to “Macondize” all subsequent mimosas – be forewarned.

We started with Yuca fries (think French fries but with much more fiber) – they were FANTASTIC served in a skillet with onions, Chimichurri sauce and queso fresco sprinkled on top. They’re in the “sides” section of the menu and are the perfect starter to share. My brunch date went with the Steak & Eggs which were a good sized portion (for $18, you’d hope it would be) that included 2 White Corn Arepas topped with Cabrales Cheese (the Arepas were good for a bite before the chalky consistency dried out my mouth – the one thing that I’d say they can work on).  I was stuffed from the fries, which are a bit heavy, so I opted for a lighter option – the Manchego & Mushroom Omelet (I had whites) which comes with nutty toasted bread and home fries +peppers, a bargain at $10.

I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other dishes; the Blueberry Pancakes are at the top of my to-do list. I may EVEN make advanced plans to go the next time.  You should DEF plan to get there for brunch, or don’t plan at all (impromptu brunch party!) – Either way it’s a spot that shouldn’t be missed!

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Burger Building Bonanza: The Counter

25 Feb

I’ve always been a big fan of burgers, especially adding unique toppings to make different flavor combos. However, being a vegetarian has put a bit of a damper on my willingness to eat burgers – most veggie burgers at restos are microwaved little pucks of breadcrumbs – it’s an offense to all other burgers! So when I heard about the upscale, custom-built burger joint, The Counter in Times Square (B’way /41st St), I figured I’d give myself another chance at having my heart stolen by the hamburglar.

The resto is modern, but pulls off a casual vibe with snugly placed tables and a bar with games showing on their huge flat screens. We went for dinner and the place was just about full – though I can imagine it being a zoo for lunch – the advanced order form menu is most handy. Speaking of the menu, we started with the sweet potato fries – they were AWESOME – not too fried, crispy outside, melt in yo mouth inside. We also HAD to try one of the Boozy Adult Milkshakes – the Strawberry Shake was weak on booze, but big on flavor.

For my burger, I went Tex-Mex: a veggie patty (a properly delicious one!), roasted red peppers, avocado, black bean+corn salsa, grilled onions and tomato, all melted beneath jalapeno jack cheese and thrown onto their classic bun smothered with chipotle aioli sauce. OMFG – they should add my creation to the signature burgers – it was that good. My dinner date went Greek with a turkey patty on a ciabatta roll sauced w/feta spread and topped off by hot pepperoncinis, grilled onions and sundried tomatoes, with tzatziki sauce on the side – t’was a Mediterranean delight.

After my amazing (and filling) dinner, I’m certain I’d brave the lunch frenzy to partake in the tailored tastiness of The Counter Burger, or at least swing by after work again. Plus, for lighter options, you can always shed the bun and top a salad with your creation – so grab your clipboard and start building your ideal burger!

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Eargasm: Assorted+Imported

23 Feb

I realized after putting this Eargasm’s tracks together that none of these artists are originally from the US. Maybe I’m sore that I had to work on Presidents Day when I was nursing a nasty hangover no one else in the country seemed to be on the job, or maybe these International jams are really just some excellent tunes. I know how I feel, but I’ll let you all form your own opinions…

James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream – Wowza, this is hipster booty call music, or at least how I would imagine it’d sound (why would I imagine that? who knows…) Anyway, think sexy soulfulness gone digital. Who would have thought electronic music could be so good for your mojo?

Florence + The Machine – Cosmic Love – There definitely was an open niche for harp-heavy music until F+TM came along. Their music is mini-climax heavy and incredibly powerful “soundtrack to important moments” music. I appreciate the slightly dramatic flavor that this song can bring to something as simple as a walk to the subway in the morning.

Röyksopp – The Girl and the Robot – This Norwegian duo really hit my sweet spot with this track which features my current obsession, Robyn. The album is packed with excellent collabs, but this one song is my gym jam of the week. I’m sweating this tune, in the gym or not.

Jack Peñate – Pull My Heart Away – My first thought upon hearing this little ditty was, “wow, did The Smiths finally pull together a reunion?” – Once I got over the initial vocal similarities, I began to love this song in its own right. The English Indie sound is epitomized in this track, without cliché and with, in my opinion, great success.

Mumford & Sons – White Blank Page – So granted, Mumford has become a pretty household name (it’s about time the banjo went mainstream), especially after their epic Grammys performance.  Still, I’m not going to let that stop me from including this amazing track. Marcus Mumford’s gritty + passionate vocals couldn’t do these heart-wrenching lyrics any more justice.

Hope these selections have left you feeling thoroughly cultured… xx, friendos

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The Master Party List

21 Feb

We Like to Party.

When it comes to birthdays and other celebrations, most people love a good party, but can do without handling the logistics. Here to take the guesswork out of planning your next fiesta is Rhea Recommends’ Master Party List:

Best Large Group Party (Up to 30): Kumo Sushi takes the cake on this one. They have a massive party room in the back that’s easy to reserve. Plus with their $31.99 all you can eat and drink special, your party-goers will be full and drunk well imbibed in no time flat. Sake Bomb!

Best Party for a Mid-Sized Group: There’s something about eating at a big round table that makes any celebration better. My two fave round table options perfect for 8-10 heads? Mario Batali’s Otto (which also happens to be one of my top spots in NYC) or Chinatown Brasserie – both have large round tables and dishes built to share for the table.

Best BYOB Dinner: Birthday celebrations can get pricey, so bringing your own bottle of wine (or 6) can really help keep prices down. Round up your crew and head to the excellent Italian spot 11B or if you’re feeling Thai food, try Sticky Rice in the LES.

Biggest Shizz Show: Tortilla Flats. Tequila, Cinco de Mayo decorations year round, and more (very cheap) tequila. You’re going to have one hell of a good time and one hell of a headache the next day. Embrace the cheesy décor and let your inhibitions go.

Best Cocktails w/Light Bites: The Dove serves up excellent cocktails and has the perfect seating accommodations for a group ordering small bites with their drinks. Try to reserve the window seat! Another great option is Lunasa – they have very simple bar fare but the draw is the awesome backyard with picnic tables – it’s an excellent warm-weather option.

Best B-Day Brunch: No birthday is complete until you’ve met with your friends the next day to rehash the idiocy of the evening prior, and brunch is the perfect venue. For full on debauchery, I’d say Sunburnt Cow is the way to go, but if you’re looking to class it up a bit, you can always go with Essex… or any of the excellent options I’ve laid out for you here.

Whatever it is that you’re celebrating, cheers to you!

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