Category Archives: Entertainment

Going Out

Not Your School Lunch

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When I think of the word cafeteria, the visuals that come to mind are women in hairnets, greasy aprons, food that looked and tasted unappetizing, rows of tables with trays resting on top of them and dozens of kids prattling away.  But a visit to Cafeteria, located on 119 7th Avenue, provided a fresh, scrumptious memory and gave new life to a faded term.

The Chelsea eatery resides on the corner and has an outdoor bistro for patrons who want to dine and soak up the atmosphere of the Village.  Inside the restaurant possesses a clean, modern aesthetic with comfortable brown benches, white chairs and a bar located towards the back.  Candles on the tables offer a dim, intimate look in the evening and the huge windows allow natural light to brighten the space during the day. 

The food is just as pleasing as the décor and vibe.  Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Cafeteria offers its customers a lip-smacking selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes at moderate price points.   Their silver dollar pancakes served with fresh berries and Chantilly cream is a delicious start to any day.  The petite flapjacks are cooked to a golden perfection as well as mouthwatering.  The tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons is a warm treat on a chilly or rainy afternoon.  For dinner, the grilled mahi mahi is an excellent choice; served with crushed avocado, spicy mango chutney, cilantro cream and a crisp tortilla salad this dish has the right amount of heat without being too hot.   The meatloaf, served with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and roasted tomato relish, is a great choice for the hungry man or woman looking fill his or her belly with some comfort food.

The portions at Cafeteria are large enough to take a doggy bag with you, and besides serving delectable food, they also present an array of desserts and eclectic cocktails.  The lunch rooms that I spent my childhood eating in are a far cry from this chic restaurant.  FAMERs I recommend giving Cafeteria a visit, they are always open.

Entertainment

Has Sex and the City Lost Its Sex Appeal?

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Sex and the City 2 opened in theaters on May 27, just in time for the summer movie rush.  At 12:01 a.m. my girlfriend and I were sitting in a theater with a pack of other women, gay men and straight men that were forced to attend by their dates.  Since its release Carrie and the girls have received a slew of negative reviews.  Not even the picturesque deserts of Morocco, Liza Minnelli, and the fabulous styling of Patricia Fields could deter the slaughter that was to come in the press.  Sex and the City 2 was accused of being “blatantly anti-Muslim,” showing “crass Materialism,” and “exploiting women’s and gay rights, and “pitifully” turning them into “badges of national honor” and “smug patriotic pride.”  But underneath all this harsh criticism could another fact be lurking?  Has the public finally grown tired of the “Fab Four” of Manhattan? 

Has Sex and the City lost its appeal?  Well, F.A.M.E NYC gives its answer.  Yes Sex and the City 2 was over the top, but that is part of its charm.  It has always been outrageous, irreverent, fashion forward, fun and handled myriad social topics in its own comedic way.  It has also carried, no pun intended, its share of questions of how real it was.  Questions such as how could Carrie afford her lifestyle on a columnist’s salary?   Most television series and movies straddle the realms of fantasy and reality; Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda did so looking fierce in Manolo Blahnik heels.

I must admit there are components of the sequel that stuck out like a bruised toe in a pair of strappy sandals; however each of these elements can be justified.  One issue was the lack of development of the characters.  The first Sex and the City film was released in 2008, four years after the HBO series ended.  The writers had more material to work with catching up die-hard fans and the rest of the audience with the goings on of Carrie and Big, Samantha and Smith, Charlotte and Harry and Miranda and Steve.  It has only been two years since we last seen the girls which could be the reason why the plot and characters lacked development. 

The original film gave a slight hint to the pending romance of Stanford Blatch, played by Willie Garson, and Anthony Marantino, played by Mario Cantone, with a kiss shared on New Year’s Eve.  In the sequel the two were married and then disappeared from the film altogether as the women head off to exotic lands for an all-girls getaway.  I personally would have like to have seen their love story develop a little further; however Stanford and Anthony, heck I will say it, men period were always side players.  As these women had determined a long time ago, they were soul mates and men, even the gay ones, could come and go.   

The writers could have allowed Samantha to conduct herself better in the Abu Dhabi considering she was technically on a business trip, but then that would have been out of character for Samantha.  We all have friends that do not budge an inch in their beliefs.  Samantha will be Samantha at 50, 60 and beyond. 

 

 

 

 

The real appeal of Sex and the City is the close bond that is shared between Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda and the unwavering support they provide each other as the years go on.   In the first movie Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda accompanied Carrie to Mexico for what would have been her honeymoon if Mr. Big had not jilted her.  This time the girls joined Samantha for her trip to the new Middle East and ultimately supported her through as she struggled to be herself in a foreign land.  Sex and the City has not lost its appeal with F.A.M.E NYC.  I do not mind hearing these women roar anytime, any place, any where. 

Photos: Warner Bros/Craig Blankenhorn

 

Entertainment, Going Out

The Roots of House Music Are Alive at Cielo

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Wednesday has been considered “hump day” ever since the 40 hour work week was invented.  But for those of us who live to rejoice under strobe lights while the sounds of House music filters from the speakers and fills the atmosphere, Wednesday has taken on another moniker.  Wednesday is a night that is all about Roots.

One of my greatest moments while working as the Entertainment and Lifestyle editor at Caribbean Posh Magazine was interviewing Louie Vega and his wife Anane.  Louie is one of the architects of House music and a living legend.  His DJing and mixes have provided the soundtrack to my life and many other house heads’ lives around the world, and have been responsible for baby powder residue littering the floors of many venues. 

For those of us who live and breathe this music and culture, it is more of a creed than a lifestyle choice.  When I wrote my article about the Grammy winning DJ/producer, I dubbed him an archbishop because that is simply what he is.  Every leader must have a home base and in New York City Louie’s resident house is Cielo, located on 18 Little West 12th Street in the Meatpacking District.  The weekly Wednesday night party known as Roots is the seed of Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge of Blaze, another House music legend and high priest in his own right.  During its six years, quite an epic feat for an underground party, the stems of Roots have grown to become one of New York City’s staple parties.

Because House music is so engrained in the fiber of their beings, Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge provide the patrons of Cielo with sermons that are sure to guarantee a perspiration drenched t-shirt, aching bodies and refreshed souls.  When Louie is traveling, Kevin holds the party down solo.  Even Anane and Antonello Coghe (Nulu Music) spin on occasion. 

House music is not a genre readily found on top 40 FM.  It does not sell out arena sized venues and because it does not appeal to the masses, the future of my culture and its music is always in a precarious state.  Parties like Roots ensure that New York City, the cradle of House Music, will continue to have a voice as the underground dance scene moves into the next decade of the new millennium.

 Photos:  F.A.M.E NYC Editor

Entertainment, NYC

F.A.M.E NYC Remembers Lena Horne

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Monday was Memorial Day and with remembering our fallen servicemen and women as well as reading about the deaths of Dennis Hopper and Gary Coleman over the weekend, I began to think about another icon we lost in May, Lena Horne.  Lena Horne was a New Yorker, phenomenal performer and the true definition of a legend.

When I first saw Lena Horne she had already been an international superstar several times over, but in my six-year-old eyes, she was Glinda the Good Witch of the South in The Wiz.   There she was larger than the Milky Way, residing in the heavens with babies as stars.  She guided Dorothy through her odyssey in Oz and gave her the keys to go back home when she sang “Believe in Yourself.”  And the way she sang it, you could hear the fight to never give up in her tone.  She commanded that not only Dorothy but all of us believe in ourselves.  She stole the entire scene and brought tears to my eyes.  Even when I see the seen as an adult, I am still moved to tears.  But the fact of the matter was anytime Ms. Horne was in a scene; she became the center of attention.

Unfortunately I would come to learn that the list of Lena Horne movies was extremely short.  The sad fact was when she came to Hollywood Hollywood was not ready for the beauty, talent and grace of Lena Horne.  Because of her skin color she was generally relegated to performance feature spots where her parts could be edited out when the film was shown in southern theaters.  It was Hollywood’s loss, performances such as “Stormy Weather” in Panama Hattie proved why she was so magnetic.  Movies such as Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather allowed her to showcase all her talent, but her abilities as a vocalist is what she was most famous for.  Very few people could sing a standard like Lena Horne.  She was a multiple Grammy winner, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1989 and winning her last Grammy in 1995.  She also received a Tony Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as a Kennedy Center Honor. 

Although I am sure Lena Horne did not go to Hollywood to become a pioneer, she broke new ground in Tinsel town nonetheless.  Lena Horne made Hollywood realize that black women could me more than just maids.  If it was not for Lena Horne stars like Dianne Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge and many others would have had to work much harder for their success.  And her pioneering efforts did not just lend themselves to the stage.  She was a civil rights activist.  Even after she was blacklisted in Hollywood in the 50s for her political beliefs, Lena still choose to fight the good fight working with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws and performing and speaking at NAACP rallies as well as the March on Washington.

Appearing on shows such as The Cosby Show and The Muppets Lena Horne continued to be relevant, introducing herself to new generations and creating a fan base out of Generation Xers like me.  As she grew older she became the epitome of grace, style and ageless beauty and her “tell it like it is” demeanor was Brooklyn to the core.  As the 80’s reemerge in fashion and music, it seems that the downside of reliving the decade of my youth is the passing of stars that I idolize as a child.  Hearing about Lena Horne’s death on May 9 was like losing an aunt.  I would like to thank Lena Horne for teaching me to be classy and gracious regardless of the circumstance life may hurl at you and to never give up.  Most of all, I would like to thank her for telling me with vigor to believe in myself.

Entertainment, NYC

Luck of the Draw

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Question, when did putting on used shoes and rolling heavy balls down the lane to score points become chic?  The answer is when Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge came to Manhattan.  Luck Strike isn’t the type of bowling alley I remember as a child, it is a hip outing complete with an awesome lounge décor and great drinks, snack food and music.  Oh, and if you want to bowl, you can do that too.

Last Friday I ventured out to 42nd Street and 12 Avenue to attend the Models International press preview for the MTV Hired episode that features the bi-coastal modeling agency.  MTV Hired is a new show on the music network that features young adults trying to land their first gig in unique industries.  Models International is one of several high profile companies featured in the series.  Other employers included Steve Madden and American Rebel. 

The preview was held in the Luxe premium suite.  Every space of the room was utilized with people drinks and hand dancing, taking pictures, bowling and playing pool.   The DJ was spinning a set of the best in Hip Hop and R&B as the televisions overhead showed the episode.  The event was a good way to start a Friday night.  Kudos to Models International for selecting such a fashionable venue, next time you have a hankering to go bowling, I would definitely recommend making a night of it at Lucky Strike.

To learn more about Models International, MTV Hired or Lucky Strike, please visit www.mi-agency.com, http://www.mtv.com/shows/hired/series.jhtml, www.bowlluckystrike.com.

Photos:  www.bowlluckystrike.com 

Logo: www.mi-agency.com

Entertainment, FAME

Sex and the City Mania Begins At Midnight

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FAMERS it is time to break out your most fierce pair of stilettos, create your best ensemble and get ready to sip on a few cosmos.  Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda are back!  Sex and the City 2 opens nationwide in theaters at midnight.  But Manhattan has already gotten carried away.  The New York City premiere was held at Radio City Music Hall on Monday May 24.  Legions of screaming fans showed their support as the cast and other celebs such as Brooke Shields, Liza Minnelli, Ashanti, Whitney Port and Vanessa Williams made their way into the legendary theater.  There was even a special Sex and the City bus.  The countdown is almost over.  Stay tuned for F.A.M.E NYC’S special Sex and the City feature story.

Photo courtesy of Corkery/Daily News

FAME, Going Out

Prom 2010

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Josh Madden

Soon after the cherry blossoms arrive and spring fever fills the atmosphere, another fever quickly approaches.  This fever usually is accompanied with the desire to don formal attire, order corsages, take a hundred pictures and ride in rented limos and town cars.  That’s right; I’m talking about the prom.

 

 

Paul Iacono

For teenagers across the United States, the junior and senior proms are a rite of passage that culminates the high school experience.  It is a moment that resides in the memory bank and is carried throughout the rest of our lives.  On May 8, the fashionable of New York City came together to create new, fabulous prom memories.

Claudine De Sola and Joonbug.com’s CEO Jon Gabel

Joonbug.com and FashionIndie.com presented Prom Class 2010.  Fashion’s dandies and dandettes braved cyclone winds to Wang Chung at Espace, located on W. 42nd St.   The venue with its chic décor provided the perfect setting for the razzle-dazzle and bumping and grinding found inside.  Drinks were flowing and a good time was definitely had by all. 

 

Shontelle

DJs Josh Madden, Steve Powers, Manero and Claudine De Sola spinned a mix of 80s and 90s hits as well as future dance classics.   And as expected at any prom the dance floor was filled with fashion.  I shook a tail feather with Glam God and designer Indashio who wore an Asian-inspired prom kimono.  Songstress Shontelle looked sexy in a black and taupe geometric print dress.  And what would a prom be without a king and queen; Prom 2010 provided royalty as well.

Rebecca Minkoff

The hosts for this extravaganza were designer Rebecca Minkoff, Paul Iacono from The Hard Times of RJ Berger and Gurj Bassi from Downtown Girls, Rescue Me’s Callie Thorne and Micah Jesse of Micah Jesse.com.  Half the proceeds collected from ticket sales went to benefit The Society of Independent Fashion Journalists.   I never had the opportunity to attend my prom when I was a teenager, but the longer I live the more I realize that it is never too late to do anything.  My prom memories may have come 17 years later, but I now can say that I have had my night of spree and style.  Too bad I did not get elected queen.

 

Photos courtesy of Joonbug.com

Entertainment, FAME

More Carrie, More Big, More City

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Speaking of films, the countdown is on.  All the shoe-loving, cosmopolitan drinking, fashionistas of Manhattan will be creating massive lines around the corner on May 27 when Sex and the City 2 will be released in theaters.  Yes, the Big Apple will be going Carrie-crazy yet again and pre-orders for tickets are selling at a fast pace.  The sequel of the utterly fabulous HBO series promises to be bigger than the last.

Two years have past; Carrie and Big explore the ups and downs of married life and the girls make a trip to Abu Dhabi.  Also Aidan is back.  Will he stir up old feelings?  Will Samantha try monogamy again?  Is motherhood cracking Charlotte?  Has the marriage of Miranda and Steve remained on solid ground?  Well FAMERS, all will be revealed on Memorial Day weekend.  See you opening day!

Check out the movie trailer and slide show.

Photos and video:  www.sexandthecitymovie.org.

Going Out

A Village in The Village

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When it comes to Caribbean culture in New York, the planet (yes, I said planet) of Brooklyn is hands down the place to go.  Countless Caribbean clubs, restaurants and the annual West Indian Day Parade down Eastern Parkway on Labor Day prove why the borough of Brooklyn is the Caribbean capital of the northeast.  But on W. 3rd Street sits a venue that rivals any restaurant experience that can be found in Brooklyn. 

Negril Village is located in the heart of Chelsea and has brought the flavors of the Caribbean to the island of Manhattan. Husband and wife team Marva Layne and Carlton Hayle along with Peter Best and Sim Walker pride themselves in producing the best quality Caribbean cuisine and strive to be an accurate representation of Caribbean food and culture.

Negril Village boasts a style of cuisine that is referred to as “New York Savvy Caribbean.”   The menu combines myriad dishes, cooking styles and techniques of different Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Jamaica.  The Roti dishes from the island of Trinidad have an extremely authentic taste and the Oxtail Stew is cooked to perfection and is served with savory brown sauce and rice and peas.  The soup of the day makes awesome appetizer; this warm treat overflows with flavor.  Their tropical drinks are a tasty bonus to an already delectable menu.  Whether sipping on a cocktail or non-alcoholic fruit punch, you will taste all the beautiful flavors of the Caribbean captured in a glass.

The décor of Negril Village is the first thing you notice when walking pass the threshold.   Set on two levels, the restaurant’s’ décor is fashionable and enchanting.  The spacious dining room on the upper level has bamboo floors and contemporary furniture.  After dinner, the Rhum Lounge on the lower level provides its patrons with the opportunity to work off their meals.  The raisin interior gives this basement level spot a sultry atmosphere.  The DJs spin the best in reggae, calypso, R&B and hip hop that will keep your body moving for hours.  A trip to one of the islands of the Caribbean may not be feasible in this economy, but Negril Village offers the best solution to bring the Caribbean to your lips and hips.  Guess you will have to settle for Coney Island if you want to go to the beach.  

Entertainment, NYC

Making A School

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Recently I asked what realm Diddy will conquer next.  Apparently, the next stop on the Diddy expansion express is school, Sean “Diddy” Combs plans to open a school in the Big Apple to teach aspiring entrepreneurs the secrets behind his success.

The mogul told CNN, “I want to have an academy that’s known for building leaders. I feel that’s one of the things I can have an impact on.”

If anyone can teach people how to turn an endeavor into an empire, it is Diddy.  Besides being one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, Diddy’s resume reads as the CEO of Bad Boy Records and Sean John Clothing, executive producer of MTV’s “Making The Band” and VH1’s “I Wanna Work For Diddy” and owner of Justin’s restaurant chain.  Along with these achievements and a development deal with Ciroc vodka, Diddy has kept a firm grasp on the corporate and entertainment worlds since the ‘90s all while doing so with impeccable style and panache. 

Nobody does it like Diddy; this new business school will no doubt reflect the “Diddy way” of doing things.  I’m sure that “No Bitchassness” will be written in the Diddy Business School code of conduct.  I also wonder about the selection process for applicants, if Diddy will teach any courses and if there will be campus housing, but I’m getting ahead of myself.  I do have one suggestion; turn it into a television series.  If “Making The Band” and “I Wanna Work For Diddy” has shown me anything, it is that the man knows how to make entertaining reality TV, I’m sure “Diddy U” will be no different.