Stump

 

 

Yes, I did go to Stumptown coffee while in NYC.  I guess I really should not have gone to a Portland joint while there, but hey, I was meeting someone nearby.  Besides, it is connected to the Ace Hotel that was designed by these two and I really like them.

 

 

Roman & Williams from The Scout on Vimeo.

 

There are no pictures inside of the hotel lobby because frankly, it is really dark in there. 

 

 

Look at that light fixture.

 

 

 

There was pretty much a constant line. 

 

 

Hipster heaven.  There ain't nothing wrong with that.

The things I could do...

 

I had never been into AllSaints before.  Honestly, I was lured in by the huge display of antique sewing machines they have on display.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that they also carry some pretty nice clothing.  Look at all of those machines!  This is not the only wall.  There is another wall behind you and then at the opposite end of the store (at the other side of the block) there is another window covered with them as well.

 

There were also many enormous industrial machines throughout the store used as display and racks.  I suppose I am glad that these machines were not thrown in the trash, but I do have to wonder what they could accomplish if put to good use. 

 

I was walking around swooning at the machines.  I am pretty sure the sales girl thought I was nuts.

Red Rooster

I am a big fan of Marcus Samuelsson.  I have been to Red Rooster before, but I have never eaten there.  The last time I just came for coffee at the bar.  This time I decided to stop in for the prix fixe lunch during Harlem Week.  I sat in the front where they have the communal dining tables and the bar.  The photos will give you almost a 360 of the front of the restaurant.

Look at the woodwork on that bar... and those stools.

 

 I happen to like this wall chock full o' stuff.

 

I sat right next to this beautiful quilt.  I could not fit the entire thing into my frame unless I stood out in front of everyone and shot while they ate (which I was not about to do).

 

I chose the market greens salad for my first course.  The other choice was a gingered carrot soup.  The salad was extremely fresh and tasty.  At the top of the frame you can see the cornbread which came with honey butter and a tomato jam which was so good.  I had never had one before and I really liked the sweet and savory mixture.  I am going to try and make some at home.

 

 

Next I chose Helga's meatballs.  How could I not?  I even ate meat just so I could experience the meatball recipe of his grandma.  The meatballs came with ligonberries, pickled cucumbers, mashed potatoes and braised purple cabbage.  The other choices were Honey mustard salmon or Mac and greens.  (Sorry for the crappy shot).
 
 

I was completely stuffed already.  Dessert was a choice between banana and red velvet cupcake with vanilla ice cream.  Yes, I rolled myself out of there and headed for the airport.

Cutie

Cutie and the Boxer - Trailer from ARTJAIL on Vimeo.


I just returned from a great trip to NY involving mostly food, friends and artwork.  I did get a chance to see this movie and I recommend you see it when it gets to wherever you live.

Remember a long time ago....

Remember a long time ago (last fall) when I went to New York?  Well, it was the first time I used my little mini video camera.  I just had random bits of time from my visit.  They have been sitting here all of this time.  Today I decided to learn how to edit the footage.  So, many months later, here is a collage of what I did on my vacation.  Please excuse the sound, the choppiness and just about everything else that is wrong with this video.  It is my first attempt at working with the whole concept.

I Love Americana

I was going to take pictures and guide you along with me as I wandered through the many booths at one of the antique malls in Milwaukee, but I changed my mind.  There were more important things to share.  Summer holiday things.  Indulgent food things.

May I take you instead to the world famous Leon's Home of the Worlds Finest Frozen Custard?  Check it out. It is like stepping into a wonderful frozen treat filled time machine. 

Look at that neon!

Are you with me?  I wanted to take a picture of the kind employees in their work attire, but I did not want to be one of "those people".  Do you remember the episode of "The Brady Bunch" when Marcia was working at the ice cream parlor and she hired and fired Peter, hired Jan and eventually lost her job to Jan?  You do?  Well, picture those outfit  without the aprons.  They wear those great paper hats, the black ties and the white shirts.  Can you see the prices?  A double dip is the smallest cone you can get and they are only $1.87!

I am sure that sign in original as well.

Take it all in.  That is a double dip of butter pecan.  The patriotic cone protector is just the cherry on top of this treat. You are about to wreak havoc on my entire digestive system, but I don't care.  I love you.

Oh yeah, I forgot.  Be absolutely sure to have your hired big bus pull up and drop off the entire party from your quinceanera.

Girl, that's OK.  I like how you roll.

High Line

Have you walked the High Line? If not, I strongly suggest it on your next trip to NY. It is such a great addition to New York city and an incredibly smart use of an old dilapidated rail line. I walked the line from 23rd down to 14th. You are among foliage, sculpture and incredible views as you walk above the din of the traffic among the Manhattan skyline.

There are plenty of spots to stop and sit and enjoy the beauty of this place.

This is something you do not expect in the middle of the city.

This is one of the sculptures along the way. Upon closer look you find out that it is also a bird sanctuary. There are houses, feeders and watering for the bird population.

It might take you longer to get to your destination because you are constantly tempted to stop and sit. I would also recommend this for a weekend morning. I do not consider myself a particularly early riser. I was walking this at 8:30 on a Saturday morning and enjoyed a very peaceful walk. There were runners that passed every now and then, but it was not heavily populated at all.

The Look of Love

All of you dog owners out there will understand when I say that nobody will love you unconditionally like your dog. I saw these two as I waited to meet a friend for coffee. Do you see that concentration and longing in their eyes? They are focused on the front door of the coffee shop awaiting the return of their human. That is love.

Away

It has been silent here because I have been away to New York. Most of my money was spent on espresso and treats. I started many a morning here, at Cafe Grumpy. More later.

Witness

I took this photo during my trip to New York, but never posted it. This is the cemetery at St Paul's Church. It is 245 years old. It is directly across the street from ground zero. That was my first time back to ground zero since before 911. I thought that the fact that this structure survived and that these "spirits" bore witness to the event was very moving so I decided to shoot it. I was not going to post this image, but with recent events I decided to do so.

Fountain Pen Hospital

Yes, it is called the Fountain Pen Hospital. Unfortunately, I was not there during business hours. I have some fountain pens in need of some aid.

Nueva York

I still have a few random New York shots left.

Oodles of noodles

After reading this article in the NY Times I knew that I was going to be on a major noodle expedition this trip. The fact that it was Chinese New Year just added to the purpose. I actually started out at Super Taste. I must admit that they have the best broth I have every tasted in a noodle soup. The next night I went just across the street to Sheng Wang as suggested in the article. They speak the truth about the hand pulled noodles. They are wonderful. I think that the ultimate bowl of noodle soup would combine the broth from Super Taste with the noodles from Sheng Wang.

I could not leave without trying out some of the new ramen places as well. I decided to try Ramen Kuboya in the east village. I am so glad it was my last meal before catching my plane.

It is in a space that was formerly a French restaurant. I really like that they left the decor the same. I had one of the lunch special sets. It was your choice of any ramen with two pork buns and a bowl of rice.

These are the delicious pork buns with a nice spring side salad and potato salad. The spring salad had a very nice onion dressing. Truthfully, that was enough food for my lunch, but I decided to take one for the team and push on.

This was my beautiful spicy miso ramen. Well worth the trip. As you can see, I covered a lot of noodle ground while visiting here.

Happy Valentine's Day

This is what is next door to the Brooklyn Art Library. As I promised you here, I stopped in for a visit. I could smell the strong aroma of chocolate from blocks away.

It is a really great space. These are bags of cocoa beans. You can see the staff in the background working on the chocolate. It is a very warm and inviting place. The people are very friendly and the chocolate is beautiful. I think it might also be a requirement that you be good-looking to work here.

If you get the opportunity you should visit this place. I was not able to get tickets to the tour, but I am going to be sure to get them my next time out.

Sketchy

I was supposed to take part in the Sketchbook project by Art House Co-op, but I am a loser and I never signed up. I swear I will participate in the next one. So, I was very happy to find the Brooklyn Art Library in Williamsburg.

They sell all sorts of journals, sketchbooks, blank books, ephemera...loads of fun stuff.

Plus, you can grab a sketchbook from the library shelf, take a seat and peruse away. I wanted to stay longer, but I had a schedule to stick to.

On Valentine's Day I will share what was found next door.

Little spot of heaven

Is it possible to be in love with a landmark? From the first time I saw it, I have been in love with the Brooklyn Bridge. The design, the material, the view, the fact that you can stroll along it. I spent many walks across this bridge when I lived here, so I try to visit it whenever I am back in town.

Isn't she lovely? If you have never walked across the Brooklyn bridge you must add it to your to do list for your next visit. You will not regret it.