KFC’s new grilled chicken breasts are 20% bigger than ever. Do we even want to know how they achieved that? <shudder>

live in this gorgeous Ballston apartment

Our 2BR/2BA condo at Ballston Park will be available for rent beginning August 1, 2011.

Details:

• 2BR/2BA Ballston Park “Jefferson Model” featuring 1194 square feet of open, light-filled living space
• 2 private master suites with marble baths
• Renovated kitchen with breakfast bar
• Wood floors, crown molding, fireplace
• Abundant storage
• Private covered patio
• Fitness center and optional garage parking for 2
• W/D in unit
• Stellar locale steps to Ballston Metro, Ballston shops, restaurants, banks (See Walkscore)

More Photos

The fancy cocktail craze is blowing up, right by my apartment. As soon as I get over the fact that I am not considered a player in the food biz and was somehow left off of the guest list for the industry-only sneak peek this week, I am checking out The Hurricane Room. Opening on Monday, September 27 at 26th and Park, The Hurricane Room will serve 42 numbered (not necessarily named) drinks including Polynesian-themed cocktails and six other categories of drinks including special shots like golden tequila, peppadew peppers and pepper syrup. Eater gathered all the coverage of The Hurricane Room so far, here. Read up, I’ll drink up, and let you know.

Photog and film artist Ari Marcopoulos’s new vid “No Way Back,” to commemorate the launch of Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2011 men’s collection, is beautiful and raw.

My brother Siddhartha Shukla is YSL’s Global Communications Director.

too much? (photo by Krista Garcia)

We went to Blue Hill last night. It was nice, but something shifted in my mind and I think that I am over fancy food.

I like the farm-to-table concept very much, but the patrons and staff at Blue Hill take themselves too seriously. It was not a relaxed environment. The food and drinks were delicious and presented beautifully but my salad was much too artfully composed. The cocktails were too-lovingly crafted. The dessert presentation was ornate bordering on ridiculous. I found myself longing for simple, un-self-consciously rustic meals a la Peter Luger or even Blue Smoke, and pretended not to remember that those are meat restaurants where all I can eat are side dishes.

I am going to explore new places and re-visit restaurants to see if this mood holds, and if I can find restaurants that balance service, values and atmosphere well. CRAFT BAR might be ok, Stuzzichini would be if only the service was not worse every time I go. I never made it to Corton but I’m afraid that it’s too late. The food descriptions remind me of paintings. Do you have any suggestions? Oh – Blue Ribbon Bakery is good; all the Blue Ribbons in fact. Phew.

Dark and mysterious, Esperanza for the evening

Impressive array of mainly rum-based punches to satisfy any hankering, from light to rich, sweet, fruity, herbaceous, creamy, tart and more. Sizes are simple (for 1), con un amigo (for two people), toda la familia (4) and royale (6). But the one for 2 people serves more like 4 servings, the one for 4 serves 8 glasses, etc. They do this so that you can enjoy more than one glass of these lovely flavor combinations.

We sat in the Pink Room (too hot) once and enjoyed watching cute female bartenders mixing each punch like  witches brew. So many bottles of housemade purees, bunches of herbs and fresh fruit. The main room is cooler (in both senses) and has comfortable throne-like chairs.
We have tried four different punches so far and each one was a winner. Top notch, you must go. We’ve averaged $40 each for punch only. Haven’t tried the food yet, it’s almost all meat or chicken, with one shrimp dish and one vegetarian. Cash only for now.

95 Avenue A New York, NY 10009-6107 - (212) 614-6818

Limelight Marketplace

4 blocks from home, the church-cum-nightclub-cum store liquidation sale space at 47 West 20th Street is now Limelight Marketplace.The new emporium will have gourmet and specialty food vendors a floor of apothecary products and sneakers as well as housewares and arts. I think that the more central location could give Chelsea Market something to worry about. Chelsea Market bakers operate industrial-sized ovens, the fish monger has tanks of fish, and other purveyors who serve the restaurant industry, but for average consumers who don’t have a delivery truck, Limelight is easier to get to.

What’s the one thing that could really put Limelight over the top? BATHROOMS! For goodness’ sake, with more than 30 places to eat HOW can there only be three unisex toilets at Chelsea Markets? Judging by the floor plans of the 1st and 3rd floor, I count 11 commodes. I know where I’ll be taking my next group of weekend guests.

Update: This place is too cramped. It is a stressful place with all the wares set out in easy-t0-knock over reach. It’s also too expensive for the neighborhood. Chelsea Market is totally different and has nothing to worry about.

Write down all the great things about everyone you know. Make a huge list of all the wonderful things about you. Compliment people wherever you go. Praise every single thing you see. Be a ray of sunshine to everyone you meet, and make their day better for having seen you. Say “Thank you” at every turn. Walk, talk, think, and breathe appreciation and gratitude.

My friend Nancy F. told me about this NYTimes article last summer describing my brother buying the sandals right off a man’s feet in Paris at the behest of his label’s designer. It’s strange for me to picture my brother who is so dignified and correct,  to be sent on any such errand. I mean: shoes off a dude’s feet in AUGUST especially in France must be gross. Did he have to touch them? Did I mention that my brother is a Brahmin priest? Clearly his colleagues don’t know. I’m not surprised that brother never mentioned this article to me.