It Only Takes a Minute

If you’ve seen any photos of the tragedy unfolding in Haiti you’ve undoubtedly been moved to want to help. Fortunately, groups like Red Cross and Yele have made it simple to do so. Simply text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts or YELE to 501501 to donate $5 to Singer Wyclef Jean’s Earthquake fund.  Unicef is also requesting donations and can be contacted online or at 1-800-4UNICEF.

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Posted on January 17, 2010

A Christmas Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I’ve never had a real tree while living on my own, and I still don’t this year… but since we’re celebrating the holiday at my sister’s place, I can live vicariously through her beautiful blue spruce we helped pick out. We found it at the adorable hippie-run tree stand on Bedford and Metropolitan. This week we’ll be dressing it up as a family… awww, which we haven’t done since I was a kid. Can’t wait!

Click here for the rest of Get a Real Tree

See more: Spend a Couple Minutes Christmas Home/Self Improvements

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Posted on December 20, 2009

at the iTunes Store

You don’t have to send him any money, and you don’t have to use the justcoffee.coop coupon code he keeps talking up, but this weekly, hour long podcast by comics and for comics is worth listening to. It’s true, Maron himself is a bit much and yes, he does comes on strong (though you’ll get used to him soon eventually), and yes, there are definitely times you won’t feel like listening to him talk about how he told off a jerk in the airport for lacking even the most basic human decency, but once you become familiar with Maron’s point of view and wrap your head around the show’s core concept: an angry, former alcoholic (he’s also divorced) comedian interviews some of today’s most popular comedians – some former alcoholics themselves – with an occasionally contemptuous tone and a constant self-absorption that’s so real and unnerving it cannot be faked, I think you’ll really like it.

A steady stream of really, really funny people including Patton Oswalt (whose success Maron is almost okay with), Zach Galifiakis (always charming), Sam Lipsyte (author of the novel Home Land), Jerry Stahl (who, next to founder George Dawes Green, is the best story teller I’ve heard on the Moth in awhile), David Cross, Maria Bamford (who I never really appreciated until Maron had her on the show and I took in her performance in long-form), Eugene Mirman, and Matthew get into really entertaining conversations mainly about themselves…

It may take a couple of episodes, but it’s definitely worth getting in to.

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Posted on December 6, 2009

30 Gem Street, Greenpoint

The hours for Acme’s Fish Fridays (8am to 1pm) make it difficult to squeeze in before work, but I can assure you it’s certainly worth the effort. The factory, a fourth generation family-run business sits in the heart of industrial Greenpoint and the fish smoked there can be found in most local grocery stores, and it supplies many restaurants too.

When the factory opens to the public, great deals can be had, not only on their packaged goods, but their fresh smoked products, which I was more interested in. Samples are available and I decided to get a chunk of the cold smoked salmon which was delicious.

A grand party platter could be made with all the delectable offerings, including a large tub of caviar for $25.

Click here for the rest of Acme Fish Fridays

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Posted on November 15, 2009

This is what I said on March 23rd:

The people behind Marlow and Sons, one of Brooklyn's finest restaurants, have opened a wonderful butcher shop just up the block called Marlow and Daughters. I've been meaning to pay the meat paradise a visit since it opened (much to the delight of carnivorous food bloggers) back in December, but I didn't get around to it until a recent sunny afternoon.

The shop was clean and bright and shone like a freshly painted dream for red meat lovers; an array of meaty delights awaited us and even a goat's head peeked out from beneath the glass.

Facing down unfamiliar cuts of meat in a bustling shop can be an usual and admittedly intimidating experience for sure, but don't hesitate to ask questions, the staff seem to enjoy assisting customers. One sunnily dispositioned butcher was particularly helpful, walking us through our options and even offering useful preparation tips.

On his recommendation, we went home with a honking bone-in prime rib type thing called The Last Boy Scout that reminded me of something out of the Flintstones. It was cheaper than a prime rib because of the large bone that ran though its center, which made it a little tough to carve after cooking; fortunately no one was around to witness the rough around the edges results of our unpracticed meat carving skills.

The meat itself was tender and terrific and lots of people will be excited to learn that shop only serves local, grass fed and sustainable foods. I hope to make Marlow and Daughters a staple in my epicurean life, especially since they specialize in rare cuts and meats that can be hard – nay, impossible — to find in a traditional grocery store. Sure, the price is a bit higher than what you might be used to paying at C-Town, but it's still cheaper than eating out, right?

Aside from the meat, the shop also offers a selection of fine foods like olives, spreads and tarragon mustard (which I bought and love – I happen to be a tarragon fiend). I'm also planning on trying some of their delicious looking cured meats on an upcoming visit, of which there will be many.

RUNNERS UP:
Cassie Mercantile and Story
Polish Poster Exhibit
Turban Time
Eiffel Tower
Greenpoint Food Market
Bare Esscentuals

See more: Spend a Couple Minutes Best of Shops Williamsburg

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Posted on November 2, 2009