Catch It: Pretty Food with Maddy & Sam

Posted on February 28, 2014 by W.D. Moore

There is something quite wonderful about a friendship during those university days, and having a good time with friends–especially, when it comes to food. Madeline Cohen and Samantha Hess are two pretty young ladies who are undergraduates and roommates at New York University (NYU) in Lower Manhattan. By chance they became roommates; Maddy was born in Brooklyn, NY, and Sam in Long Island, NY. Both are lovely: one is a brunette; the other is a dark blonde; one is a vegetarian and one is not; neither friend is on a meal plan; and both like to eat out.

Maddy and Sam have created their own niche in the world of food in the East Village. Their very cool style has earned a following on Instagram|CityTaste and that is because, “We love pretty, tasteful and flavorful food,” Maddy said, “so much so, we started going to restaurants and realized we wanted to share our ‘treats’ with friends.”

Sam added, “We take pictures of the meal before we ‘dive’ right in.”

“Almost instantly, as soon as we post our delectable dish on Instagram|CityTaste, we receive comments such as, ‘Oh my God, I want to eat that right now.’” Maddy said, smiling while Sam grinned along.

On February 9th, we met for brunch at The Mudspot NYC Restaurant (307 E. 9th Street, New York, NY 10003). Mudspot was all bustling motion inside the English-styled coffee room, as well as outside where a large urbane crowd waited for tables in the chilly cold weather. We were the lucky ones to get a cuddly table, and delighted when our waiter Greg quickly brought us warm, rich coffee in three “Mudmugs.”

Then, after I had two sips of my scrumptious “Mudtruck” coffee, I was ready to interview Maddy and Sam about Instagram|CityTaste.

Q: What is your major at New York University?

M: We’re both in Gallatin (the school of individualized study), so technically we are making up our majors. I am focusing on history, government, and politics.

S: I am focusing on the entertainment industry.

Q: Why did you start CityTaste?

M: We started because we just love to go out to eat and try new restaurants in our neighborhood and other neighborhoods; we like pretty food, the ambience of people enjoying their food, and, so, we started taking photographs of the food.

S: We thought Instagram could be a platform for that and people at random started following us; it’s really fun.

Q: What is your favorite cuisine and restaurant in the East Village?

M: I love Italian. In our neighborhood, I like Pepe Rosso to Go on Sullivan Street.

S: I like sushi, and my favorite restaurant is Kotobuki on 3rd Avenue.

Q: If I were on a date and we were looking for a romantic escape, what would you both suggest?

M: I would say Jules Bistro on St. Marks Place.

S:  Yes, I agree, it is an adorable little place and they have live jazz.

Q: What advice would you give to tourists trekking in the East Village, searching for a restaurant?

M: We have great restaurants in Lower Manhattan; I would recommend that tourists seek out the smaller places, the cafes, rather than the larger-sized restaurants.

However, for a medium-size restaurant, I would recommend The Lobster Joint on East Houston Street. It looks like a giant loft and garage, with a high ceiling. When my Dad visited me at school, we went there, and he liked it a lot. It’s unique, because mostly everything on the menu has lobster. It’s really a cool place.

Q: What is one comfort food that makes you happy?

S: For me, a Margherita slice from East Village Pizza and, of course, anything chocolate.

M: And me, Shack Burger and Cheese Fries from Shake Shack.

After brunch, we were walking and I said, “thank you for suggesting meeting at The Mudspot Restaurant.”

Q: What did you both like about this charming coffeehouse?

M & S: We enjoyed the casual, fun atmosphere, the delicious food, and the friendly staff. And we simply loved what we ordered: 1) The lox and bagel plate and 2) The almond-crusted sourdough French toast!

Catch it if you can: Maddy & Sam’s stylish vive at Instagram|CityTaste; and favorable mentions for www.mudnyc.com, www.kotobukinewyork.com, www.peperossotogo.com, www.eastvillagepizza.net, www.shakeshack.com, www.julesbistro.com, and www.lobsterjoint.com.

Posted in American Comfort Food, CityTaste, Greenwich Village, Italian Cuisine, Jazz, Lower East Side, Seafood Restaurants, Sushi, West Village | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Windup (Hula Hoop) at NYHRC

Posted on February 14, 2014 by W.D. Moore

I  remember my first blue hula hoop when I was ten-years-old. Then, on Saturday, February 1, 2014, I took a Windup (Hula Hoop) class at the New York Health & Racket Club (60 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010). The class is taught by Ms. Leislene Hendrickson.

And what fun, fabulous fun and you too, can join in the fun at NYHRC.

After my workout, I asked the elegant, Ms. Hendrickson if I could interview her about the style and structure of her class. Here is our conversation:

WM: What is Windup (Hula Hoop)?

LH:  Windup is a concept from a big movement that is already out: “Hoop Dancing,” which is big in Los Angeles and also in New York. People learn how to dance with their hula hoops. They do on the body hooping with the hoop; but they also learn to transition off the body into Halo and other tricks in hooping. Windup is a concept of moving from the core as its center and then using the arms and the legs later with the rhythm of the music to help keep you going.

WM: What should one know before they take the class?

LH:  Absolutely nothing. There are a lot of people who ask me, “If I don’t know how to hula hoop…can still come?” And I say, “Sure, because there is a foundation where you learn how to hula hoop, and I will show you how to use the hula hoop.” My hula hoops are adult sized hoops. They are called BodyHoops which are larger and weighted compared to a traditional hula hoop (small and light). Usually, the heavier the weight of the hoop is, the easier it will be to keep the hoop up around the waist. And so, when you have the right size hoop, it’s almost guaranteed to stay up.

WM: What does one find out after they take the class?

LH:  Okay, so the first thought that came to my mind is: “They find their sexy.” I say that because most of the women in my class that come on a regular basis are in their mid-forties and fifties. I have 20-year-olds who attend the class; however, my main members are females who are older. And it’s funny how I can see them transition from being shy; or little uncomfortable, wondering if they can keep the hula hoop up; and then suddenly, they are hooping; they are looking at themselves in the mirror; their hands are going up in the air—and they find their sexy.

WM: How did you become an instructor of Windup (Hula Hoop) at NYHRC?

LH: That’s funny, because it happened just by accident. I was studying to become a yoga instructor, and at the same time, I was watching video clips of a lady hoop dancing. I thought, “Oh, I would really like to do that.”  I kept that video clip and I would play it from time to time.

Sometime later, I was reading am New York newspaper, and saw a small article about this guy teaching hula hooping classes in Central Park. I went on a Saturday— started going every Saturday—and I fell in love.

The class was from between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, and just when I learned a difficult trick the class was over. And I always thought, once you get it, you want to keep doing it. I would take my hula hoop to NYHRC at the 56th location; and practice on the 6th Floor…on my own.

One day, Roland Brown, who at the time worked at NYHRC and I were talking about hula hooping. I suggested to Roland that I teach him to teach a hula hoop class. But he said, “No, I think you should do it.” He told Maryann Donner, the Group Fitness Director that I was doing something new, and perhaps we should meet. Mr. Brown said, “Leislene, why not give Maryann a call.” I did, and subsequently, she said, “You’re hired.”

WM: How long have you been teaching the class?

LH:  It’s been a little more than two years.

WM: What advice would you give a member who would like to dance with a hula hoop at home?

LH: Turn on music that you like. When you dance to a song that you like, you are more relaxed. And then you start to add your natural foot work. Before the end of my classes, I tell everyone to dance naturally, free style. I don’t want people to hoop like me. I want people to have their own rhythm, their own feel. It’s all about your own style, and getting you to open your body and expand your knowledge. So hooping should be about fun and movement.

WM: What is romantic about Windup?

LH: Everything. Hula hooping allows you to get your sexy back. I like that it is a mind body connection.  It allows you to have a free spirit. And Valentine’s Day is about being sexy and free.

WM: Thank you Leislene Hendrickson.

 

Catch it if you can at www.NYHRC.com and www.windupfitNYC.com

Posted in Fitness, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Cédric

Posted on February 5, 2014 by W.D. Moore

“Everything is going to be amazing,” Kelli said; when she invited her friends for dinner at Cédric French Bistro (185 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10026).

And it was.

Thursday, January 23rd, Edward, Ed, Kelli and I were caught up in the ‘Vive’ at Cédric.

The Sound:

Nesto Johnson (DJ-Nessdigi), his music, his magic, his majestic rhythms ranged from funk, rock, soul, r&b, hip-hop and reggae.

The Smell:

Our savoring palate was excellent, starting with: Red Beat Salad with Goat Cheese; Grilled Salmon with Ratatouille; Grilled Hanger Steak with Shallots and Red Wine Sauce; French Fries; and Wine & Desserts.

The Service:

The service evoked fun and festivities with friends. A special appreciation to: Ramón Castellanos, John Zuluaga, and Kebe Baccari.

The Style:

When I entered the red canopy restaurant, I gazed at the masterful works of art by Peter Tunney. There on the brick wall were his bold and decorative “acrylic paint and extensive collage of mixed media on canvas.”

At Cédric, its sense of style is the essence of culinary splendor, and its romantic oasis in Harlem.

Catch it if you can at www.cedricbistro.com, www.ptexperiment.com/gallery.html, and www.nessdigi.com

Posted in Authentic French, Bars, Cafes, Harlem | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Archie & Sons

Posted on January 22, 2014 by W.D. Moore

The wintry skies of today in New York City reminded me of where I was last week. I went for a snack in the East Village at Archie & Sons (23 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10003). I was reading a short story: The Blizzard by Alexander Pushkin. On the first page, he begins with the ballad: Svetlana (1813) by Vasily A. Zhukovsky.

Trampling the snow in drifts so deep,

The horses race in headlong flight,

And as across the slopes they sweep

A lonely church comes into sight

A great blizzard suddenly flings

Tufted flakes along the way;

A black raven with whistling wings

Hovers over the sleigh.

Its woeful cry forebodes but doom;

With manes upraised the steeds make haste

Peering into the distant gloom,

As they cross the snowy waste…

—Zhukovsky

Archie & Sons is a home-style diner with reminiscence of the past—its décor; its menu, and its ʼ70s Music. Last week, I ordered a tasty “Yogurt & Granola”; however, next time, I will have an Archie’s Classic: “Mozzarella & Tomato Pita”.

Catch it if you can at www.archieandsons.com.

Posted in American Comfort Food, Diners, East Village | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Gotham Scoop 2014: Machiavelli

Posted on January 14, 2014 by W.D. Moore

I am nostalgic about the Upper West Side in Manhattan, for it is where I first lived when I moved to New York from Atlanta, Georgia. There and back again, I was on West 85th Street on Monday, December 30, 2013.

My dear friend Miss Marie and I were meeting for an early dinner at 4:30 PM at Machiavelli’s Café, Bar and Trattoria at 519 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024. We were seated at our walnut artisan-made table with a white candle glowing, taking in the view of the golden, grand Christmas tree; staring out at the wide window of walkers on the avenue, treading through the bitter cold winter.

When our attentive waitress gave us the menu, the first thing Marie said, “Let’s share a pizza.”

“I was thinking of the same thing.” I said, “Which one?”

“What about the vegetarian?” Marie replied, gazing at the high ceiling and the custom furnishings with wrought iron details evoking Roman times.

“Sounds good to me,” I agreed, and so we ordered the ‘Integrale Vegetariana’ pizza (baked on whole wheat crust with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and grilled vegetables). Next, we ordered our drinks.

“What a beautiful restaurant. It reminds me of the time I was in Florence, Italy.” Marie said.

“I adore the interior architecture, the aesthetic charm from the grand piano to the sumptuous wallpaper designs and paintings. I wonder who the owner is,” I added, and sipped on my buttery oaked-chardonnay. And as if an echo heard my words, an elegant lady with long brown hair approached our table.

“Hi, is this your first time here? My name is Nathalie; I’m the owner of Machiavelli.”

“Yes, we love your café,” Marie said, enthusiastically. “I was just telling Wanda that it reminds me of the time I visited Florence.”

“Thank you,” Nathalie said. “Yes, it has that feeling, of the Italian Renaissance.” In the same moment, Marie and Nathalie conversed about living in Florence; I was thinking about the beautiful Christmas present I had received from Eugene—a book: Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King. Ms. Nathalie De La Fontaine was very gracious, and we continued to congratulate her on Machiavelli’s. Minutes later, our dinner arrived. She smiled and drifted back to visit with her guest at the grand mahogany bar.

Another hour passed, my friend and I departed from the stylish—Machiavelli’s restaurant. The cold was dancing at my toes, dashing to the subway station, and I said, “What a divine meal.”

“What a delightful surprise,” Marie said, fondly. “You always know how to find the most unexpected and unique places to go for dinner.”  We hugged before my dear friend Marie boarded the B-Train to Penn Station. I caught the C-Train to Central Harlem. Fifteen minutes later, I was home, and reached for my dense black and red book. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, “The Italian Renaissance began in the early 15th Century…”

Suddenly, I murmured, “Here in 2014, it is Machiavelli!

Catch it if you can at www.machiavellinyc.com

Posted in Bars, Integrale Vegetariana, Italian Cuisine, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Silver Moon Bakery

Posted on December 20, 2013 by W.D. Moore

Last Friday, my friend Crystal made homemade cinnamon buns. I ate one, then two, and couldn’t resist another. It’s great having a friend who is an “amateur gourmet chef.” She delights her family and friends whenever she has time from her busy photography business.

There we were catching up on her daily activities for her darling daughter Jade; while drinking coffee and her watching me smile—each time I reached for another bun. Soon, Crystal had to rush off to pick-up Jade from school, and I sauntered to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue.

On Saturday, December 14th, it was a grey, wintery, snowy afternoon. I went walking with the wind, watching children play in Central Park, and dogs running, rolling in a snowman’s heaven.  And, as I turned towards Broadway, I remembered what I liked about the Upper West Side: Silver Moon Bakery (2740 Broadway, New York, NY 10025). They sell delicious coffee; they make mouthwatering cakes and artisan breads; and they create golden, light-baked cinnamon buns.

The sky had changed to dark clouds, when I trekked to the train station. Still, I was the happiest with my coffee and cinnamon bun in hand.

Catch it if you can at www.silvermoonbakery.com

Posted in Apple Pie, Bakeries, Broadway, Brownies, Cafes, Chocolate, Coffee & Tea, Oatmeal Cookie, Upper West Side, Wedding Cakes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: The Bar Downstairs

Posted on November 26, 2013 by W.D. Moore

On Saturday, November 9,2013, I invited my friends to come to celebrate my debut novel: Journey Back When at The Bar Downstairs (485 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10018).

We had a smashing time; lounging in the spacious, luxurious, and cozy-homelike salon. There we were—25 quests: drinking amazing Portuguese wine; eating delectable cheeses and delicious breads; while listening to soothing music. It was a joyous event!

Happy Holidays!

IMG_5200 (1)

Catch It if you can at http://newyork.5thavenue.andaz.hyatt.com  and Journey Back When at http://wdmoore.co

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Catch It: Journey Back When: A Novel

Posted on October 21, 2013 by W.D. Moore

Once an entrepreneur and now a storyteller—my novel: Journey Back When is part of a new beginning. It is a joyous journey, indeed!

Catch It at http://wdmoore.co

 

Posted in Books, Events | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Catch It: Olio e Più: Trattoria & Enoteca

Posted on September 19, 2013 by W.D. Moore

I was in the West Village, and so I was happy. Last Friday afternoon, I sauntered through the community of quaint storefronts, cobblestone streets, and antique shops. Later, I peeked into the classic, elegant, essence of Mediterranean cuisine—Olio e Più.

Olio e Più is located at 3 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011. Its neighborhood ambience and savory specialties is a perfect place to relax and eat in the village of lower Manhattan. I made dinner reservations for Cecil and me. Then, I dashed to my appointment at the Jefferson Market Library. We sat at the mahogany wood table; with our papers and pens; bound by red brick walls, high arched ceilings, and an architectural structure of Victorian Gothic. Still, for a moment or two, I thought about what I was going to order at Olio e Più.

Catch it if you can at http://olionyc.com.

Posted in Greenwich Village, Restaurants, West Village | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Catch It: The Cloisters Museum & Gardens

Posted on August 20, 2013 by W.D. Moore

The loveliness and beauty of strolling through The Cloisters Museum & Gardens at (99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, in northern Manhattan, New York, NY 10040) is the simple pleasure of being taken to a medieval evergreen full of wonder, winsome, and willowy joy.

And opposite the public garden is a short, steep, step to a park where one can adventure for miles, or find a hearty field to rest, or have a picnic—all along the majestic view of the Hudson River.

On Sunday, August 11th, I took the M4 bus at 110th Street and Broadway and the last stop is The Cloisters Museum & Gardens. The round trip fare cost: $5.00. It is opened seven days a week; however, every moment is an everlasting experience.

Catch it if you can at www.metmuseum.org.

Posted in Historical Sites, Museum and Gardens, Unusual Attractions, Upper West Side | Tagged , , | Leave a comment