June 9th, 2009
Amiri Baraka prepares his words at a Vision Fest sound check this afternoon.
The 14th year of Arts for Art's Vision Festival begins tonight at 7:30p and will run for seven action packed evenings, including full days of art, music and dance over the weekend. Performances this evening include Brass Bang, Douglas R. Ewart and Inventions "Dawn" (featuring poetry from poet icon and revolutionary political activist Amiri Baraka), video by Luciano Rossetti, and Lawrence D. "Butch" Morris Conducts A Chorus of Poets and String Ensemble. Tomorrow night honors saxophonist Marshall Allen. Go here for the full schedule. We'll be posting updates and interviews from the festival throughout the week.
June 9th, 2009
I rushed over to Russ & Daughters today to sample the delicious new catch Holland herring. The famed appetizing store's co-owner, Niki Russ Federman, says it's a bit like cherry blossom season – and just about as fleeting. Every year at about this time, herring in the North Sea reach their optimal condition. The event is a national holiday in Holland. The queen takes the first ceremonial taste. Russ & Daughters actually contacts the Dutch embassy to find out when these silvery beauties will be arriving. You can try them at the counter starting today for about the next four weeks.
The new catch Holland herring taste a lot more like sushi than any herring I've ever tried. They're creamy and mild, and have just a hint of salt. Niki showed me how they're eaten. First you roll the herring in chopped onion, then grab it by the tail and lower it into your mouth. Some people eat the whole thing (they're about six inches long) at once.
Niki says they've been importing these delicacies for about 10 years. They become a little more popular every year. Next Wednesday, Russ & Daughters will be hosting a herring and aquavit festival, featuring all sorts of herring, in the newly renovated penthouse at the Roger Smith Hotel. You can find out more information on R&D's web site.
The new catch holland herring cost $4.49 each or $39.95 for a full try. You can buy them in the store or have them shipped.
June 9th, 2009
Political insiders are doing their best to assess the ramifications of yesterday's bizarre coup in Allbany that resulted in Republicans regaining control of the Senate. Late yesterday, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was not giving up hope that Democrats could retain control. The chaos in the capitol means that issues like gay marriage, mayoral control of NYC's schools, tenant rights and drug law reform are all now in limbo. The developments are bad news for Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents the LES. It looks like he'll lose his chairmanship of the Cities Committee.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer wants to require developers, in some neighborhoods, to address the need for food markets. But the Lower East Side is not one of those neighborhoods.
The Vision Festival kicks off today. We'll have a series of post's starting this afternoon. Until then, have a look at the Village Voice's write up on saxophonist Marshall Allen, one of the highlights of this year's festival.
Metromix gives us a look at The Suffolk, the new "beachy" bar behind the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center.
Our favorite cheese lady, Anne Saxelby, now has her own radio show!
June 9th, 2009
Political insiders are doing their best to assess the ramifications of yesterday's bizarre coup in Allbany that resulted in Republicans regaining control of the Senate. Late yesterday, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was not giving up hope that Democrats could retain control. The chaos in the capitol means that issues like gay marriage, mayoral control of NYC's schools, tenant rights and drug law reform are all now in limbo. The developments are bad news for Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents the LES. It looks like he'll lose his chairmanship of the Cities Committee.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer wants to require developers, in some neighborhoods, to address the need for food markets. But the Lower East Side is not one of those neighborhoods.
The Vision Festival kicks off today. We'll have a series of post's starting this afternoon. Until then, have a look at the Village Voice's write up on saxophonist Marshall Allen, one of the highlights of this year's festival.
Metromix gives us a look at The Suffolk, the new "beachy" bar behind the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center.
Our favorite cheese lady, Anne Saxelby, now has her own radio show!
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