Smoke Signals

Smoke isn’t typically a sign of anything good – unless, that is, it’s found in a cocktail glass. Bartenders across the nation are experimenting more with this practice – and more importantly, flavor – to provide additional depth to their cocktail menus. While scotch and mezcal have always packed their own smoky characteristics, mixologists are now enriching drinks made with bourbon, Campari and calvados by using their own smoking techniques – which include, but are certainly not limited to – an in-house smoker.

 

Hoarder’s Pile of Trash Can Be Seen From Space

Most of us have seen an episode or two of Hoarders, but we never thought we’d see one like this. A man in San Jose, CA has accumulated enough junk that it can be seen on Google Maps from space–and his neighbors aren’t too happy about it. After being reported to multiple government agencies, a county supervisor has said that the mess will be cleaned up in a month or two. Hoarding has become a worldwide phenomenon and the rest of society has had to adjust including firefighters who are being trained on how to best deal with a hoarding-related fire. The rest of us have just watched in amazement from the comfort of our own, hoard-free home.  The lesson here? Everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame…even hoarders!

New York, Stuff Your Face on The Subway!

The new MTA chief Joseph Lhota does not agree with the bill in Albany that would prohibit eating food on the subway, with fines up to $250 for violators. He believes that this bill would effect children and impact minority communities. He tells the Times,”I don’t want to deny the kid the only time that day he’s going to get food.” Bill Perkins, one of the Senators that introduced the bill, believes it would help with New York’s rodent infestation in the subways. As of right now, food is discouraged on the subway, but isn’t prohibited.

The City’s Best Date Spots

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Time Out New York published a list of the city’s best date spots.  We love how they broke it down by neighborhood and included non-romantic spots-which means that you can check out these activities year-round with a few friends instead of just to honor St. Valentine with a significant other.

The Entertainment at Super Bowl XLVI

From David Beckham to talking babies, this year’s Super Bowl commercials were a huge topic of conversation at work after Sunday night’s big game. This year we were entertained by Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, Giants, Patriots and all of those ads—a little something for everyone. What was your favorite part of Sunday night—the football or the other entertainers? Here is a list of the best Super Bowl commercials of 2012, let us know what you think.

 

 

Dinner and a Show!

The Finnish concept restaurant Hel Yes! has created a week-long dining installation for Stockholm Design Week. The installation will showcase Finnish cuisine centered around a multi-sensory dining experience of dance, performance, mythology and a whale-bone orchestra, sure to be memorable for  guests.

Spice Up Your Snacking

Just like almost every other food category, condiments have been getting a major makeover. Goodbye ketchup and mustard, hello – Tomato Apple Chutney? Saucy by Nature, a new line of condiments, release three flavor combinations each season, which means if you’re serious enough about your sauce (and we are), you could swear by one per month to get you through the year. This winter we’re digging flavors like Cider Braised Onion and Polish Kimchee – but we can’t wait to break open the Cilantro Lime available in April.

A Guide to Beer and Wine Pairing

Better Homes & Gardens tackles the “what to eat with beer” quandary by providing pairings for thirteen different styles of brew, among them Scottish Ales, Stouts, Pale Ales, Dark Lagers and Pilsners. We think this list will surely come in handy when planning the menu for your highbrow Superbowl fete this Sunday.

Flying Humans in NYC

The movie Chronicle, out in theaters next month, pulled off a pretty awesome marketing campaign.  There has been human-like “kites” flying over New York and New Jersey for the past couple of weeks to advertise the movie. Check out the video here  and New Yorkers: look up!

From New York and Proud Of It

We’re New Yorkers, we love New York, and we love this video. Check it out folks.