The EX-Files

Last Saturday I went to a Birthday party.  It was the birthday of my ex's best friend.  Needless to say that I am friend's with all my exes.  I have always believed that people are put in our path for a reason.  I believe that sometimes people come to our lives for a specific period of time so we can learn and move forward.  I don't see the need of hate and argument if the breakup is amicable.  I mean there was a reason that you were attracted to this person to begin with.  In other words, there were things that you loved and probably a few that you hated.  Why not cherish it as a learning experience and realize that just because you didn't worked as a couple doesn't mean you don't work as good friends.

The lady I was talking to was very mesmerized when I told her that I was actually friends with my ex's new boyfriend.  I remember when they started dating, my ex called me to let me know.  He needed reassurance that I was ok with it.  I was happy for him.  In the end, isn't that what is all about?  Seeing that person you cared, and still do because he will always be a big part of who you have become, move forward and try to find happiness.  When I realized it was serious, I invited them to dinner at my apartment.  I cooked and we even watched a movie.  I will never want any type of animosity.  Yes, I would have told him if I thought he was no good, as I will do to any friend, but that was not the case.
I only wonder if this progressive, which I like to think it is, way of thinking is more seeing in the gay world.  I mean when you think about it, in the gay world is the only place where two of your exes can end up dating.  Which I find not only fucked up but rather awkward. And extremely funny!  Just give it some thought for a second!

All I know is that I try to have great relationships with all my exes.  In fact I arrived to the party with my ex and his new boyfriend.  I joked that we should have walked in all holding hands to give the gossipers something to talk about.  "I told you Sam that they are all sleeping together!"  But they didn't think it was funny.  Hence why they are together...and I am not!

Room Service Thai Rest

We locals of NYC have a few well kept secrets when it comes to shopping, entertainment and eating out.  We know how to get the best of it for the best price.  This is probably one of my best kept ones: Room Service.  This Thai restaurant, not to be confused with the weekly gay party at Tanjune, offers probably one of the most succulent menus for a price that will leave you asking if they did a mistake with your check.



Right in the heart of Hell's Kitchen on 48 street and 9 Avenue this long narrow restaurant is the home of my favorite Pad Thai in the city.  The funny thing about Room Service is that if you don't know about its amazing prices, its decoration may intimidate you into thinking that is but the contrary, a very posh place.

From the moment you walk in you feel like you are entering someone's antique townhouse in the Upper West Side.  Its long chandelier that decorates the bar gives this bourgeoise feeling that a long with the wall paper makes you wonder what this craving is gonna cost you.  The main attraction is a massive chandelier encased in glass right in the middle of the room.  Instead of the pink elephant in the room, its all about this chandelier since its impossible not to comment about its beauty and obnoxious setting.  Its quite in your face.  But all of this is the biggest oxymoron of the place since the food is simple, flavorful and presented in a very artsy way, not pretentious at all!

The pad thai is just an explosion of many different flavors, especially if you order it with both chicken and shrimp like I do.  If you want to be more daring they have their signature Room Service Pad Thai, which is covered in a blanket of egg and the noodle is purple!  Won't tell you why, you have to try for yourself.  Many plates on this menu are to die for,
especially in their appetizers like their curry puffs, the small ribs, and their tuna tartare but its not until you finish with a lychee cheesecake that your mouth will go "wow"!


The atmosphere is great and the service is quick.  Their most guarded secret is their bartenders.  These asian girls do the best mix cocktails including the best French Martini ever!  Next time you feel like splurging your senses with food and not bankrupt your wallet, head to HK to Room Service.  You won't be disappointed!

Walk-Do Not Walk

Shouldn't the crossing signs in NYC say "pass" instead of "walk"?!  How are you supposed to feel when you are waiting in the corner for the crossing light to change and a guy in a wheelchair pulls up by you?  Next thing you see is the sign get lit and spell "walk" or that infamous figure of a human walking.  The person wheels his chair across the street ignoring the irony in front of his face.  Those signals should say, "go-ahead-at-your-own-risk" or something like "keep walking into your pathetic, overdrawn, alcoholic and casual sex life."  Even if it says "step over into your overpriced rent apartment" it would be more sincere than just that simple "walk."  Plus when you come to think about it, we in NY don't "walk" but "get there on time no matter what!"  The sign is not only obsolete and politically incorrect but a a slap in the face to someone that simply cannot walk or just doesn't feel like it!

Live Colorfully at Kade Spade

Live colorfully is the motto of the Kate Spade brand.  And they live by it to the fullest.  The Kate Spade brand is one full of polka dots, stripes, flowers and vibrant colors.  This company expresses its whimsical and creative side with its bags, clothes and all the variety of things that they sell.  They don't hold back and are not afraid to experiment and explore.  From a wicker apple shaped bag to the classic Minka leather one, this brand takes you on a ride that makes you want be more daring!

Their new flagship store on Madison Av (I just learned that in the Upper East side the streets stop spelling "Ave" and instead spell "Av" so it's not a typo) lives to this same ideology where each floor represents in own different little world. 

The first floor receives you with chandeliers in the shape of balls that when looked up close are made out of little flowers.  This floor has a little bit of everything from bags, stationary, wallets, glasses, jewelry to its exclusive Madison Av Collection.  

The "second" is a mezzanine of shoes.  Yes, ladies just a section dedicated to this things that you seem not able to keep your hands from or should we say say...toes!

The third floor consists of the rest of their bag collection and their main ready to wear collection.  

This floor explodes with color in every direction you look at.  The surprise of this floor is the flower deck that faces Madison Av giving anybody that steps into it a taste of what this ave is all about.

The fourth and last floor of this townhouse turned into store is what you would call the "cherry on top".  It's a "tabletop" collection that ranges from wine glasses, champagne flutes to owl shaped vases.  This is where the real whimsicality of the brand takes its higher note 'cause its almost impossible not to want something from this floor.  It also has a tiny bridal section and a hidden VIP room where you can be pampered whit drinks and a private fitting room to make your shopping experience quite special.

 

This is my new home.  So come and see me to show you the world of Kate Spade and enjoy some rosé while at it!

Remember ME?

Don't you hate that feeling when you can't remember someone's name?  It is even worse when that person remembers yours and say comments like "It was nice seeing you by my work the other day!"  Is he a bartender?  Does he goes to my gym?  Did I hung out with him before?  And there you are trying to make your best Oscar-worthy performance by acknowledging everything that person says!  Yes?  So what happened to me last week was even worse....

After my friend Johanna's birthday at Poco Lounge and Restaurant in the East Village, where I consumed God only knows how many margaritas at $5 for Cinco de Mayo, I decided to pass by Barracuda to see my friend Dj Nando where he was been a guest Dj.  There I met this very charming guy, which I am going to call....errr...Norman.  So Norman and I hit it off and even started kissing at the bar, as promiscuous as you think Norman came with me home.  He even stayed, which again I don't normally let happen.  Trust me I am not as big of a whore as you might think.  Although kicking him out after sleeping with him doesn't necessarily fall under the most prudish situation.  Never mind, point is that the guy wakes up next to me in the morning.  I knew there was something about this guy that I found extremely attractive.  Something was feeling very familiar and comfortable.  And this is the part when he says: "Pedro, you don't remember me?  We have been together before and you used to come to my apt in Brooklyn..."  You can only imagine how I was feeling soooo insulted by Norman.  After all, I am no Samantha from Sex & the City!  It was not until we were drinking coffee that it all came back to my mind.  This has happened about 8 years ago!  Is there a reason why I am running into this guy again?  I guess I am going to have to start a log...not that I am that big of a whore....
I probably am, I hate PDA (Public Display of Affection for you out there living under a rock.)  One thing lead to another and

NYC profile: Johanna Laracuente

What to wear?  What not to wear?  Does this color pants go with this color shirt?  What accessories should I wear?  These are common questions in Johanna's life.  As a Fashion stylist in NYC, Johanna's world is anything but boring!

Johanna's extensive career started when she left her island of Puerto Rico to study in Miami.  There she graduated from Miami International School of Arts and Design with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Arts.  She did a variety of different jobs from windows at Neiman Marcus in Bal Harbor to even style runways shows for the likes of Carolina Herrera and Badgley Mischka for stored sponsored galas.  But her heart always wanted to make it to the Big Apple where she knew her career would take a turn for the better.

Since she relocated to NYC in 2000, she has worked with many celebrities like Ricky Martin, Mary J. Blige and Susan Sarandon within others. Joha, as we close friends call her, worked in many magazines photo shoots which include People en Español where she even had a makeover page!  This Puerto Rican diva didn't stop there since her resumé includes production and/or styling during NY Fashion Week for designer like Oscar de la Renta, Vivienne Tam and Carlos Campos.

I know Johanna for over twenty years since we went to the same high school back home in PR.  My oldest memory of her is the day she approached me when I was in ten grade and asked me if I wanted to go to the Madonna concert.  I guess her already developed gaydar saw the Madonna-gay queen in me waayyy before I noticed it but I felt very special been selected within a small group.  I mean not only we had to lie at our Catholic school (good to mention here that the Catholic church was boycotting the concert) about being sick but also to our parents that there was an adult chaperoning us.  So we went to the Girlie Show and Madonna did her thing or didn't...this was the show where she allegedly passed the Puerto Rican flag through her crotch. Funny thing is none of us could account for that and we were there!  The school somehow found out about our "sinful" escapade somehow and the whole next day we heard as one by one we were all being called to the principal's office...we stayed firm with our story and in the end nothing happened.

No, this is not the part where I say that I owe Johanna my gayness, trust me I wish it would be that easy.  But I have worked with Johanna in a few occasions as her assistant and will vouch for her immense talent.  Her most current jobs include touring with Lauryn Hill all over Europe as wardrobing director, videos and photo shoots for Daddy Yankee and even a photo shoot for legendary Rita Moreno for HOLA magazine.  This diva is not stopping anytime soon and I know we are going to see her, or her work, in many thing in the future.  I know her as a stylist but also as a great friend; always finding that funny moment to share.
 Her best fashion advice?  Never leave your house without accessorizing even if you are wearing jeans and sneakers.  You never know what or whom you may encounter around the corner!

www.johannalaracuente.com

La Marina, NYC

                                                  

One of the reasons why I love living in NYC is because when I least expect it, it will surprise me.  Again and again this city will show me something new; a new experience.  This past Sunday Cinco de Mayo I was invited by friends to go to La Marina.  At the beginning I was hesitant since La Marina is located all the way up in Inwood.

Inwood?!  Some of you might not even know where that is.  Funny thing, Inwood is all the way up in the corner left tip of Manhattan.  Yes bitches, it is still Manhattan even though it feels more like Conneticut!  To my surprise, I loved the place .  Not only because it gave me the feeling that I was not in the city anymore, which its always refreshing , but also because its eclectic atmosphere was really amazing.  

I say eclectic because this restaurant by the river its divided into two sections.  The first section its an outdoor lounge deck where the Djs spins dance tracks and you can enjoy hukkas.  If there is something that excites my senses is the smell coming out of them!  This part tends to be a little louder since its more for people in party mode.  

The other section is the actual restaurant which is indoors with plants decorating its columns giving it a more organic feeling. It has its own balcony deck for a quieter time.  Although I barely tried the food, the chicken lollipops were to die for and the mac n cheese just simple and to the point.  After all, all you need is the right cheese and asiago seemed to me to be a really good choice.  The winner for me was the white sangria which had tones of peaches in it.  It simply complimented the laid back river feeling that La Marina gives you.

This summer this secluded spot with its amazing mountain view and the George Washington bridge as its background will definitely become one of my to go places.  Its a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends.  Especially if you want to get away from the city.  Good thing is that it is only one subway ride away!

Red, Yellow and Blue

If you pass by Madison Square Park on 23 street you might find a new temporary summer addition.  From now until September 8 you can see Orly Genger's installation: Red, yellow and Blue.  It consist of tons of Nautical rope painted on the 3 primary colors.  For some reason it gives this park a whole different perspective.  One part Candy Land, one part OZ and a tad of Wonderland is the feeling that exudes this simple yet very original project.  Although I am personally not a fan of modern art, I have to say that this installation made me smile.  It scale is big, and its bright colors exuded the feeling of the summer we have waited for so long!  Pas by and check it out.  Maybe it will put you in the mood to make the line to the original Shake Shack!

 

A Taste of Boston Cream Pie (Part 2)

Day 2 started shockingly without a bad hangover.  After all, the clubs in Boston close at 2am and we ate pizza like there was no tomorrow.  Even after all the after-drinking and improvised karaoke singing we did in the house when we got back.  Even after the neighbor yelled at 4:30 am to "Shut the hell up 'cause people were trying to sleep and this was Cambridge!"  Nope, no hang over!

Brunch:

Imagine being the waiter to six starving queens whom are trying to be considerate but they are all but one speaking Spanish, laughing and one of them has itty gritty specifications about his food.  Meanwhile, you have like 6 other tables because probably the bitch of Becky called out and you have to cover her ass.  So you are trying to expedite, obviously not in the mood for funny banter, and this is what you are encountered with.  A table of Spanish speaking, obviously gay men of which half seem not to be from here ( I mean they have to be New Yorkers 'cause who else asks for a bun-less burger?)  Her name is Ashton, and she works at Russel Tavern on Harvard Square.  I mean, she couldn't even take our picture!  So here is the selfie that I took.  She finally smiled when she realized that this annoying group tip her ass off even when her service was mediocre.  The food was really good after all.  Lesson to be learned bitches?  Gay men are known to tip well...even bun-less eating burger ones!

The Park:

So after harassing poor Ashton we decided to go to Boston's Central Park/ Garden.  Now in hindsight this is the part where I think whatever Ashton put in our food or in Karlo's sparkling water with limes on the side took effect.  As we are walking down the park we notice two guys walk by us holding a metal tubes in between their legs.  Weird, right?  Oh but our curiosity got answered a few yards later when we kept walking and noticed to our right a group of people playing Quiditch...no MoFo I'm not making this up!  As many weirdos as we have in NY, never ever have I seen people holding tubes to pretend they were flying brooms to play the game.  Apparently, it was a league, 'cause there seem be enough bat crazy Harry Potter weirdos to support it.




After I lifted my jaw from the ground, we kept walking into the Garden area where we decided to ride the Swan boat in the lake.  Again MoFo, I ain't making this shit up and no we were not high as far as we knew even though there was a slight chance.  (Go back to annoyed waitress section.)  Although that would have made a lot more sense.  This ride was the equivalent of that Pony ride when you were little.  It took 2 seconds and you were around looking at nothing, in this case ducks and water...ohhh and a turtle.  Yes, we only saw one.  This all happening while a wedding was taking place by one of the shores of this lake...eerr...pond?  Just plain surreal.  Where in the world would you have Quiditch and a wedding that you could see from a Swan boat within feet from each other?  Not even Vegas!

South End:
So after Quiditch, Swan boats and a photo montage that looked like 90210's, we moved to the Sound End area where at Tremont we enjoyed a few Cosmos, wine and beer like the good brothers we have become.  All in all it is proven that Boston and NYC are like 2 brothers that fight all the time but that deep down love and know that can't live without each other.  I do have many great friends there which include Angel the calm architect aka Bday Boy, Eduardo the neurotic that loves to scream at you while you are dancing (reference video in previous post), and Daniel who lives in a street which smells like semen during spring due to the flowers that growon the trees found there.  I swear I am not making this up!