snack

unsnack: working out 360 with ac

I was up in the gym working on my fitness the other day (because not all food bloggers and writers are big ya know) and wound up doing an extra 15 minutes on the elliptical machine. Not because I was feeling the burn, but because I was mesmerized by the sight of Anderson Cooper working out while the TV above his head played CNN. I was not 100% convinced it was him though. He looks a little different doing ab crunches in shorts than he does wearing Prada with a disaster behind him. (I'd say he's buff - but in desperate need of a tan.) The next time I saw him, he was on the weight machines working out with a trainer. I sat down in the machine next to him to hear his voice, figuring that would confirm it. Indeed it was AC. When he walked past me, I caught the back of his navy blue t-shirt which had the biggest US State Department logo I've ever seen, from Baghdad Iraq natch. Just a few machines away was Amanda Lepore working out with her posse. Then the DJ started up his live set. Just another Thursday night at the gym.

unsnack: elevated sponsorship at the new museum

I went to visit the New Museum of Contemporary Art on a recent Thursday evening, when admission is free from 7PM-10PM if you're looking for something to do later tonight.

I loved the bright minimal building designed by Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA. The the super-tall, slim metallic elevator doors that open up to a lime green interior were a fun dramatic surprise. While cruising up to the fourth floor I noticed even the LED readout on the number panel was lime green. Very matchy-matchy. About 8-feet up on the wall elegant silver letters announce that the elevator had been paid for by a sponsor. As I toured through the museum it seems every possible available space was sponsored, from hallways to stairwells to random niches between floors. I've never quite seen this level of paid sponsorship in a building before and found it both impressive and inspiring. If you can brand a hallway - you can probably brand just about anything. Makes me think there is much fertile ground to till for my favorite charity.

I was less enthusiastic about the exhibit Unmonumental which my friend aptly suggested should be called "college dorm room" and I thought "inside a dude's locker" was equally fitting. I always love a good museum Gift Shop and this one while small is well stocked. In fact I regret not buying the set of miniature Japanese tea cups, which I think warrant a return trip. 

unsnack: boom box

I am addicted to the boom box at Fred Flare. Makes a nice soundtrack whilst I blog. Get the weekend party started.

unsnack: cavalli? or not to cavalli?

Tomorrow at 10AM sharp, the Roberto Cavalli collection debuts at H&M. The maestro himself will be at the 5th Avenue flagship store. Expect lines around the block and 100% insanity. The hard-core fashionistas will go back for seconds later in the day to check out the re-stock. If you plan to go with one of your peeps, make sure she does not wear the same size as you. Who wants to test the limits of friendship fighting over who gets the last size 6 beaded dress? Most of the collection is dresses, with a couple shirt and a version of le smoking, meaning everything needs to be tried on for fit. Given H&M's generous 30-day return policy, the savvy move is to avoid the dressing room lines, buy what you like, try it on later at home, and then return once the madness has subsided. I've been coveting a Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress (would be perfect for a restaurant opening), but have not pulled the trigger because it is three grand. One of the Cavalli numbers for two hundred, might do the trick.   

UPDATE NOV 8TH: Shop Cavalli at H&M today vicariously at Racked. Game on.

unsnack: swimwear pas cher

Sample sale shopping in New York can be a full-contact endurance sport. One needs to be focused, to unearth the gems that will nicely integrate into you wardrobe and resist the items that while cheap are still a bad idea. A small amount of aggression is good to get your hands on said gems before the shopper next to you. Lastly, immodesty and a willingness to try clothes on in the aisle or the make shift dressing room, in full view of staff and shoppers, is mandatory. It is not a bargain if it doesn't fit. That said, a swimsuit sample sale is in a class by itself.

I stopped by the Malia Mills sample sale yesterday and if you're feeling you A-game, it's worth a visit. There are a myriad of styles, colors and sizes. Tops and bottoms are sold separately so you can mix-n-match you perfect maillot. A suit regularly priced at $260 can be had for a c-note. How many bathing suits does a girl need? I'd say somewhere in the ballpark of four or five.   

August 15 & 16, 10am - 7pm
263 W. 38th Street, 16th Floor
Cash & Credit Cards

unsnack: victorian-retro

Today I introduce a new category: unsnack. A blogger could live on food alone, but I do have thoughts and interests beyond the restaurant world. Unsnack is la carte blanche for all things non-culinary.

Admittedly I spend a great deal of time online and at the computer. In spite of the fact I'm web 2.0 and all, I no longer have a Blackberry. I decided to go Victorian-retro. I traded-in the Blackberry for a basic cell phone, paper calender and notebooks (the books by Moleskine are quite lovely), fountain pen, and calling cards. When I hand someone a card, they usually remark at how small and elegant it is, with its raised script and creamy card stock. Then they flip it over, expecting to see all the emails, addresses and phone numbers. Non. There is no contact information whatsoever. I'm web 2.0. Google has made me easy to find. The card is just to remind you to call me.