Blog Spotlight: Lost City

I am truly fascinated by all things hidden in New York, subversive in New York and historical in New York. Thus my love of the Speak Easy. I was just rummaging online and came across this blog Lost City and their article on Chumley’s, the famed Speak Easy at 86 Bedford. It’s a wonderful read and catalog of old New York or as the author puts it: “A running Jeremiad on the vestiges of Old New York as they are steamrolled under or threatened by the currently ruthless real estate market and the City Fathers’ disregard for Gotham’s historical and cultural fabric.”

That line sounds pretty pissy but still, Auntie and I really appreciate the list of threatened Landmarks, who owns thier buildings and whatnot. I wonder what Lost City’s take is on all of those damn banks cluttering up the NYC streets.

Brilliant Idea: Supper Club

This is an idea Auntie would definitely approve of. The Ted Allen and Amy Sedaris Supper Club. I found out about it through a friend on Facebook and loved the concept (of course). In a nutshell a group of local chefs prepare dinner for 8 guests in Fort Greene, Bklyn. For only $25. Awesome. This is last week’s menu:

Pumpkin Ravioli in a Sage Parmesan Sauce
Garlic-Studded Spiced Pork Tenderloin
Creamed Spinach with Smoked Pepper-Bacon
Yukon Gold Potatoes in an Herb Vinaigrette
Roasted Pears with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Ice Cream
Selection of wine

Eventho’ I have yet to attend, Auntie and I want to encourage people to sign up. As useful as Facebook can be, what makes NYC the perfect city is our underground culture of Speakeasies and Supper Clubs.

A Glimpse of Belize & Andy Palacio

I have to say a glimpse because I was in Belize for only one week and wasn’t even aware of the trip until two days before (not much time for researching). So, this past week, I had the pleasure and honor of working on Nyasha Liang’s documentary “Punta Rock”, about the musical culture in Belize. We went down this week because one of the musical greats of this gorgeous country, Andy Palacio had passed away. He was a young 47 and at the cusp of major international stardom. Funerals and memorials in Belize reminded me of New Orleans: lingering sadness but HUGE celebration. There was lots and lots of music. Happy, joyous music.

Although my introduction to Garifuna culture, Belizean Art and Andy is still so recent and limited, I did want to share its splendor with my readers. If you are like me and have a serious addiction to Samba, Calypso or Roots Reggae, then you’ll enjoy Andy’s music. Some other artists to look into (remember this is a glimpse, so very far from complete, just what I’ve heard so far and adored) are Garifuna Collective, Aurelio Martinez (he has charisma for days), Mr Peters & Lela Vernon.

For context: The New York Times Obituary for Andy Palacio.

Nyasha’s blog and also her website on producing “Punta Rock” (check out the trailer).

And this site I found online: “Watina: A Look Behind the Music of Andy Palacio”

Auntie’s Advice: Leave the country. It’ll do your soul some good.

Enjoy!

Side note: I also had a chance to check out some local artists. Two of my favorites were Michael Gordon and Gilvano Swasey. A definite place to go in Belize City is Image Factory.

Daddy’s Got a Brand New Book!

This is so exciting. My dad, Bob Martin, is an incredible artist/painter and just published his first book of some of his portraits called, “People I Know”. Some of the pieces in the book can be seen on his website. I want everyone to rush out (ok - actually - you can buy it online) and get a copy.

I know Auntie is proud.

Who’s With Me?

The New York Times just published “The 53 Places to Go in 2008″. I’m not sure why they ended up with that number, but who cares, I’m packing my bags. So who’s with me? Who wants to drop everything (careers, children, plants) and head for the Maldives?

The Return of CMart

I am very happy to report that The Arsonist and my alter-ego CMart has returned to the internet. Its the much bitchier side of me (I know, I know - and you thought I was an angel).

Why Are There So Many Banks in NYC?

Really. Why? Specifically Manhattan. I had a really excellent day today but it was seeing 2 banks per block that got me worked up. They are an eyesore and are displacing lots of stores that create the charm and diversity of NYC. There are more Chase banks in my neighborhood than there are Starbucks. One Chase bank is now where our best $1 used to be.

Today I had to go downtown (towards City Hall) and decided to do the 2 mile walk south. After my appointment, I felt inspired to continue to the end of the island. It was a delightful walk but it was all of the banks I saw on my walk that got me riled. I walked down Broadway and then moved over to Church. I passed Duane Street and Reade Street (never ceases to amuse me). I made a pit stop for Falafel. I wasn’t sure which was the “good” falafel over by Century 21. There were now 4 trucks. Stress! I went with the one with the longest line which was Alan’s Falafel.(click to read the Yelp Reviews) And the $3 falafel was enough food for two to split. They added hummus and grilled eggplant and laughed at me (hard) when I asked for extra hot sauce and a jalapeno pepper. It may not be traditional (like I know) but it was damn certainly delicious.

Revolution. Televised.

As a Director of Photography, I have never had the privilege of being on one of those lists like “50 filmmakers to watch” although many of my directors have. I figured that was because although I contribute to the making of their films, I am not the originator (auteur) of the content. So I was beyond delighted and surprised to receive an email from Fader Films/Current TV saying I was selected as one of 50 filmmakers considered the emerging talent in non-fiction films. And we were being invited to a full day symposium, The Future of Non-Fiction Film, would be able to chat philosophically & pragmatically with such notable people as Albert Maysles (”Grey Gardens” “Gimme Shelter”), Barbara Kopple (”Shut Up and Sing” & more HBO shows than you can shake a stick at).

So of course, I attended and it’s virtually impossible to mention every single incredible industry veteran there. There were people from Magnolia Pictures, POV (PBS), Alex Gibney (”Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”)… I’m out of breath. Plus, what ended up being 53 other filmmakers all of whom had very impressive resumes and whose work I had already seen.

And the piece de resistance? The keynote speaker was Al Gore. He gave us a very personal, passionate and heartfelt speech on why Current TV and why us. It was amazing. (By the by, that man is too smart to be President. Remember this kids, when you don’t get what you want, you usually get something better.)

Dreams Come True (at the Opera)

I started to call this post “my life is better than yours” but that felt too harsh. But life is really good…and living in New York just gets better every day. This is why I settled on the above title:

Madame Butterfly is my absolute favorite opera (I give full credit to Malcolm McLaren. Sampling music should be lauded. What better way to introduce youngin’s to the classics?). The opera had played earlier this year at the MET and was immediately sold out. Without a modicum of shame, I begged and pleaded with every one of my friends and their parents to see who could get me a ticket, to no avail.

When we went to see The Magic Flute I was told by several people “you have not seen Madame Butterfly until you’ve had seen this one.” The show came and went (I was sad) and then it came back this October!!! I was ecstatic. My dream came true. This rendition is directed and designed by Anthony Minghella of “Talented Mr Ripley” and “The English Patient”. And, yes, it was spectacular. Minimalist yet so evocative. Wow. It was like living in a dream state for 3 1/2 (yet felt like 1) hours. (a dream came true.)