Ask anyone in New York, we’ve all run into the same problem – too many poets to fit in our living room. It’s just kind of a New York thing. In 1973, poet Miguel Algarin actually did something about it and expanded his living room poet’s salon into a full-fledged small poet’s corner, and now an often over-stuffed stuffed poets café.

As it is a non-profit organization, it thrives on nurturing the under-nurtured artists of all races and backgrounds. Its ideological mission is dedicated to giving every voice a stage. NPC is able to offer a program of arts as diverse as the audience, from drama to comedy, poetry to jazz and hip hop, and has an open mic for each one genre for anyone to embarrass themselves on.

This is the appeal of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. The history of innovation and broken ground gives it depth, but the egalitarian and multi-cultural spirit is what lives on. Also, alcoholic spirits. So go experience the emotional catharsis of a slam poet bearing her soul in oddly syncopated rhythm like that one you heard in a vaguely offensive McDonald’s commercial that one time, and watch the complexities of race and class played out in a drama that’s not in an awkward moment at work. And much like work, enjoy some beer or wine while you’re doing it.

Check out: The Moth StorySLAM Sept 14th

Ongoing events: Friday Night Poetry Slam; All That! Hip Hop, Poetry & Jazz Open Jam; Wednesday Night Poetry Slam; WORDS Hip Hop & Poetry Showcase/Open Mic
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Nuyorican Poets Cafe; 236 East 3rd Street btw Ave B & C; East Village; 212.505.8183

On any given night, Medusa is home to some of the best and talented young DJs in the city. Along with the music, the house has got a great bar with staff that for the most part don’t actually suck.

Whether you’re into house, hip-hop, dub-step, or disco there is a night for you. If you’re down for something a little less American, check out Reggae Slays the Gorgon every third Wednesday with the super team of Reggae DJs. You don’t even need to bring a sword or reflective gold shield.
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Medusa Lounge; 27 s 21st st; 215.557.1981

Fresh.  You read it in the paper, see signs for it in the grocery store and hear your friends claim they are feeling it all the time.  What we’ve discovered is that its less than crisp apples and zealous clean freaks.  It’s all about having pride and being ahead of the curve, whether you’re rocking brand new kicks or not.

This week, we’ve got a showcase of all the best gear, music, restaurants, and bars in your city and far beyond.  From being in the know about the old pastimes like the world-renowned Ben’s Chili Bowl in DC to keeping up with PEDx’s line of urban-inspired hipster t-s, Fresh encompasses a focused mindset of immediate gratification with a slice of appreciation for what made that concept tangible.

Our writers are a hard working motley crue on a mission to keep you up to speed; while they can’t accept tips, they’ll gladly hear your feedback.  Keep posted on our Facebook page, follow your city’s edition (@ChangeUpBmore, @ChangeUpPhilly, @ChangeUpDC, @ChangeUpNYC), and subscribe to The Current, our weekly e-mail newsletter.  Find out how to get involved, conquer the world, and win awesome stuff.

Until next time,

In This Issue

Calexico- NYC Food Cart Brings Cali Carne

Southern Soul on the Road in Philly

Bmore’s Iggies BYOB Brick Oven Pizza

The World Famous Ben Chili Bowl in DC

Havana Good Time- Cuba Libre Opening in DC

We Be Ballin in DC

Fresh Gear at Dave’s Quality Meats

Lifestyle Apparel for Bmore Pedestrians

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If you’ve always wanted to feel like a junkie but never been man enough to try crack, Calexico food cart is here to help. There’s a reason why they’ve named their special blend of chipotle and magic “crack sauce,” and like real crack, you’ll understand after you’ve tried it, or you’ll start stealing strollers to pay for your addiction. That jones kicks in and you’re back on the streets, checkin’ their twitter looking for that damn food cart with another helping of your fix.

Started by three brothers from California, Calexico has earned the Vendy award for best street food and cheers from numerous publications, but has also stacked up its share of naysayers. Apparently a couple of white dudes starting a Mexican cart in NYC that attracts unfathomably long lines of hipsters strikes some as an inauthentic Mexican dining experience. Only two things can explain such blasphemous nonsense: they clearly haven’t tried the carne asada, and/or are too old or ugly to be hipsters.

Curmudgeonly Mexican traditionalist Yelpers aside, the appropriately named Vendley brothers opened their cart of dreams to bring the savory hybrid of Cal-Mex they grew up with to the east coast streets. Calexico specializes in the kind of knee-weakening food that makes it hard to eat while standing up but worth waiting 20 minutes in line for. Their carne asada is marinated overnight in a formula so secret even they don’t know what it is, their slightly charred pollo asado mixed with melted cheese seeping through rice and covered in avocado crema and crack sauce is orgasmic, and their chipotle pulled pork – well, as the saying goes, chipotleness is next to godliness.

With expiring street permits and an aversion to working in rainy weather, the cart can sometimes be hard to count on. For now they’re in SoHo and at the Brooklyn Bridge; for updates on current locations, hours and daily specials, follow their twitter.  For the less patient and outdoorsy, the California Boyz have opened a real life bonafied restaurant in Red Hook this summer (which just got its liquor license), and twitter rumors have it that they’re set to open another in Greenpoint, so it would probably save on transportation cost to just move to one of those neighborhoods.
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Calexico; Carts in SoHo at Prince and Wooster M-Fr 1130-330, Brooklyn Bridge Park M-Fr 5-9 and Sa-Su 1130-9; Restaurant at 122 Union St., Red Hook; 718.488.8226

Meatpacking of a Different Kind

Remember when you were a kid and you just wished you had your own store that had only your favorite things, where you and all your friends could hang out all day and everything would be the coolest? For some kids that was a pizza and ninja turtles store, for others a Pokemon and WWE store, and for Dave Ortiz, it is a skateboards and sneakers store…and this wonderland of cool stuff is actually real, avail at Dave’s Quality Meats.
After spending years working in the meatpacking district with popular Zoo York graffiti-inspired skate brand, Ortiz opened his own store, taking the name of the neighborhood as literally as an actual meat packer. Dave’s Quality Meat is a sneaker and skate boutique clenching tightly to the concept of the corner butcher, to the point where items hang from meat hooks, purchased are wrapped and boxed like beef shank, and clothes are kept in a refrigerated meat locker, which is presumably how Dave keeps all his threads so funky fresh.

And freshness is key to DQM’s commercial success and status of cornerstone of sneaker culture. Dave knows sneakers, as anyone who’s in the know is aware. Not unlike a staff at a craft brewery or a California vineyard, Dave and his cohorts are sneaker connoisseurs catering to lifestyle junkies, and DQM has approached the business the way they would nurture their personal collection (where that collection displayed for customers in a Manhattan boutique, that is). Ortiz even co-designed his own Nike shoe. The Bacon Air Max 90, a sneaker which takes the meatpacking decor to a new level and new meaning to the phrase “when pigs fly.” All the cool kids line up around the block for sneaker premieres, and go to one of the only places in the city that carries a dizzying variety of unique sneakers, including Nike’s SB skateboard line, and so many other things you’d hope to find in such a store but so rarely can. The kids wouldn’t be cool if they didn’t.

We all have to face that for now we probably won’t have our own pizza and ninja turtles store, but in the meantime, Dave’s Quality Meat has the everything-cool-in-one-awesome-store market cornered, and doing a fine job of it. After all, bacon shoes is something only a kid shoe store would come up with.
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DQM; 7 East 3rd Street btw Bowery and 2nd Ave; Lower East Side; 212.505.7551

The menu runs the gambit of crap you want to eat when you’re hungover. Pull up to the generator powered mobile kitchen and order some killer fried chix with the classic mac and cheese accompaniment. Get a little more exotic with the clam-shell boxes stacked with ox tails and curried chicken.

Denise’s is also dishin’ out great desserts including their peach cobbler. Most of the time the truck’s on 30th st and Market, so put down the pipe and cure last nights ridiculosity the legal way.
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Denise’s Food Truck; 30th and Market St

Started in 2008 by the store’s owner and manager Garth Young, PEDX, also known as Pedestrian, is a slowly growing light peeking out from the clouds of predictability in Baltimore fashion, which up till this point has consisted predominately of large white T’s. The store’s product line represents a unique balance between casual, urban and lifestyle fashion.  Additionally, PEDX features limited edition clothing from exclusive brands—Mishka, Amongst Friends, In4mation, Warrior, The Hundreds, and more, basically all that gear you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Young is attempting to attack the Bmore fashion world on two fronts.  For two years now, PEDX has been run out of a small store front in Fell’s point, but the brand is set to amplify its operation with the establishment of a second, larger store three doors down. While the original location will continue to focus on apparel for the B-boy and skater set (custom fitted hats and tees), the new location, set to open October 1^st, is all about “growing up” without losing your style. Featuring far more denim and button-ups, the new location will aim to serve a more professional crowd. This store will also carry more options for women, as well as a footwear line.

PEDX has their finger on the pulse of Bmore culture in more ways than one. In the past, they have sponsored concerts with local DJs and artists, so when you visit make sure to ask about any upcoming events. Also, while your browsing the racks, let your eyes wander to some of the local art and photography hanging from the store walls.

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PEDX ; 1707 Aliceanna St and soon to be 1715 Aliceanna St; 410.276.2005

Welcome to Iggies, a no frills pizza factory that thinks simple is superior. “Iggies was founded upon the notion that great pizza relies upon fresh ingredients and the utmost respect in the handling of them.” This means fresh ingredients, real parm, and some fresh slices. They even make their own mozz in house, posing a threat to your string cheese addiction.

But wait, there’s more.The place expects you take care of the joint and respect the space. That means to switching tables around, no bringing your own food, and busing your own trash. In return however, you get the sweet sweet gift of BYOB. Grab a date, a couple of 40’s, and someone is definitely getting laid tonight.

Since there’s no waitstaff, all tips go towards a charity of the restos choosing, which changes all the time.
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Iggies; 818 N Calvert st; 410.528.0818

When walking into Ben’s Chili Bowl on any given day you might see a celebrity, pro athlete, or the President. No, it’s not some ritzy steak house; Ben’s is a modest, small nook which has transformed itself into a neighborhood fixture.

At Ben’s Chili Bowl, you don’t just eat a half-smoke:  you indulge in a national treasure…and also eat a half-smoke. This establishment has survived civil rights riots, lots of renovations, and countless new neighboring eateries that have come and gone.  It has served everyone from Food Network hosts to Bill Cosby to Barack Obama.  And all from that same spot on U Street that Ben and Virginia Ali established all the way back in 1958.

If you’ve never been to Ben’s, chances are you haven’t gorged on Ben’s famous half-smokes.  Weighing in at a 1/4lb. half pork and beef smoked sausage on a warm steamed bun, topped with mustard, onions and spicy homemade chili sauce; it’s almost two meals for the price of one at $5.45. This is “what shit should actually cost.”  Of course if you’re a seasoned eater you might also order a side of Ben’s savory chili cheese fries.  For you vegetarians (who are you kidding going to Ben’s Chili Bowl) they offer vegetarian chili that’s hearty and pretty healthy; that is, unless you add cheese.

On most days you can stop by until 2am.  Friday and Saturday they’re open until 4am for the perfect post-night out drunk binge.  Sadly, Ben Ali passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on in the form of massive sausages slathered in chili sauce.

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Ben’s Chili Bowl; U Street btw 12th and 13th sts; 202.667.0909

Now this isn’t going to be some small, hole in the wall joint that only you and your buddies know about.  They have other locations in Florida, Philly and Atlantic City that have been around for a while.  It does however promise to offer a nice alternative to all that craft beer you’ve been drinking.

The rum list is quite extensive offering 75 of some really delicious choices from the lighter 100% sugar can rum to the exquisite and complicated 21 year old reserve.  They also have a Latin flavored cocktail menu with mojitos and of course, cuba libres.  The food also promises to be a welcome addition to DC.  Chef Guillermo Pernot’s menus “envision what Cuban cuisine would be like today if it had continued to flourish from the 1950’s era.”

With an average entree price of $24, you’ll feel like a classy Cuban expatriate at dinner.  And with the huge list of rums to try, you’ll feel like Fidel freakin’ Castro.
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Cuba Libre Restaurant ;801 9th Street at 9^th and H, NW; 202.408.1600

Need something to do in between Redskins games?  How about some flag football.  Having World Cup withdrawal?  Sign up for a soccer league.  Rather do something semi-athletic as a precursor to getting drunk?  Kickball.

Sports leagues are the perfect post-summer way to stay in shape.  More importantly it’s a great opportunity to meet attractive singles or people willing to cheat on their significant others. Nothing says “let’s have some fun” like handling balls.
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Leagues Include DC City Ball; Sleagues; Play Nakid

There is a ton of crap to do in NYC during the summer, and ripping your way through summer interns is only gratifying for so long…actually its pretty awesome all summer. But why not compliment that awesomeness with some summer activities.

Best Concentration Of Angry Picnicers -Free Movies In The Park

Nowhere in the city will you find a powder keg more prime to burst than hordes of wine and cheese consumers winding down after work with a screening of Annie Hall in the park. Just don’t fucking step on their god damn perfectly placed picnic blanket, because they called that spot four hours ago while waiting in an endless line and you’re getting your dirty fucking feet all over it! Now shut up and enjoy the pleasant evening with your community.

NYC Department of Parks and Recreation

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Best Place To Pretend You’re Interested – Brooklyn Flea

Hundreds of vendors in both indoor and outdoor locations often translates into hundreds of vendors you wish would stop assuming your stacking of 12 used books you’d planned on reading since high school implies any intention that you’re going to buy anything at all, or that asking the price of ugly furniture just to see how much it’s going for means that you’d buy definitely buy it were they to only knock a few dollars off.

Brooklyn Flea

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Best Excuse To Go On A Walk – NYC Ice Cream Crawl

Very few things can inspire the very lazy to exert enough energy to get out of bed without force, let alone to walk around, especially when it’s really damn hot outside. One of those rare things is ice cream. Appropriately called a crawl because the weigh of ice cream consumed will definitely turn a confident stride into a slow drag, they invented a Red Bull ice cream to attempt to counter the delicious lethargy. Good luck.

NYC Ice Cream Crawl

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Best Time Machine – Jazz Age Lawn Party On Governor’s Island

Tired of your friends dressing in vaguely vintage dresses and dusting off job interview suits, drinking cheap scotch and calling their “classic” 60’s costume parade a “Mad Men Party”?  So is everyone in the country. Next time try the finely tuned time machine that is the Jazz Lawn Party on Governors Island. All the fun of dressing up in authentic Gatsby threads, lessons in Charlestoning the night away to the hot jazz of Michael Arenella and his dreamland orchestra, and less fun things from the past like a parade of hats and a pie recipe – not eating – contest. Bring Your Own Bathtub Gin.

The Trust For Governors Island

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Best Place To Drink Illegally With A Beautiful View – The West Side Highway

Drinking in the streets has its advantages and disadvantages – mostly advantages. But one does grow tired of the urban aesthetics of back alleys and deserted parking lots. Try purchasing a tall boy in a paper bag from the local deli and set yourself up in a nook on the semi-private West Side Highway and enjoy the a swig of sauce and thrill of being bad all at the foot of a gorgeous view of the Hudson.

Wavves – King of the Beach (August)

This album implies a summer vibe in its title alone, and the bright hooks and sunny melodies that resonate throughout back it up. Adding a third member to the group seems like it’s working wonders, as the band has come a long way since releasing their debut, recorded in a basement on Garageband.  wavves.net

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Lower Dens – Twin Hand Movement (July)

This four piece just put out their debut on Devendra Banhart’s Gnomonsong label, and its Psycadelic reverb soaked melodies are sure not to disappoint. The album is like a serving of delicious folk, but covered with ambiance and accompanied with a side of gloomy soul. It’s really something you have to hear for yourself. myspace.com/lowerdens

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LIMB – The Shape of Punk for Some (June)

This Houston trio is not for everyone, but they have put out quite an interesting album this summer. Part electronic, part jazz-fusion, part prog, and heavy on the experimentation, there really isn’t much like this out there. Think Battles meets Benevento Russo Duo, but really its too awesomely weird to pigeonhole like that. myspace.com/limb1985

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Future Islands – In Evening Air (May)

Future Islands really shines here on their second LP. The post-wave sound seems to be mellowing a bit, with less of the dance party synth work that covered their first album, but adding a dose of soul. Frontman Sam Herring seems to evoke Tom Waits on some of the tracks here, crooning so passionately that the listener cant help but be moved. myspace.com/futureislands

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Rapdragons – Ten Stories Hijacked (May)

Rapdragons are Baltimore hip-hop. These guys not only write refreshingly great rhymes, but make all of their own beats as well. This is a remix album of their first release Ten Stories High, but is equally impressive, with plenty of Baltimore bands sampled throughout. These guys are so cool, you can even download their albums on their website for free…and you know how we feel about free. rapdragons.ltdcomp.com

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The Best of Summer…

EAT

Baltimore

NYC

Philly

DC

DRINK

Baltimore

NYC

Philly

DC

Rum Bar

Mojito Mondays, Tiki Tuesdays and Save the Daiquiri Wednesdays are the perfect happy hour specials to kick off the week. Rum Bar’s drinks are exactly what summer is all about.

Rum Bar: Walnut Street; 215.751.0404

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The Continental/Martini Bar

Located in Old City, The Continental has a hip atmosphere with one killer creative cocktail menu. They have a little bit everything for the lush in all of us.

Martini Bar: Market Street; 215.923.6069

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Village Whiskey

With over 80 whiskies and snacks, this is the place to be. When we think summer, this place instantly pops into our heads. Cheap and amazingly delicious-you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t check Village Whiskey out, you will be the village idiot.

Village Whiskey: Rittenhouse; 215.665.1088

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Cavanaugh’s River Deck

While hanging out on the River Deck, you’ll most likely spot strangers hooking up, lots of booty dancing and drunken fools falling all over the place. If it’s a hot night, you can guarantee to sweat out 50 pounds. But that’s what makes the River Deck such a great time. Nothing beats yummy Carribbean concoctions and hot boys and girls rubbing up on each other all the while having a great view of the Delaware Waterfront.

Cavanaugh’s River Deck: Penn’s Landing; 215.629.7400

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Jose Pistola’s

It’s the perfect summer dive. It might be filled with a ton of locals, but after a few beers, you’ll be feeling like you’re one of them. Jose’s will be bringing out the Mexican-o in you in no time.

Jose Pistola’s: Rittenhouse Square; 215.545.4101

Max Brenner

There are currently only three locations of this chocolate-filled restaurant. Max Brenner, located on 15^th street between Walnut and Locust just so happen to be one of those locations. The magic of this place is within each dish. Which contains a pinch, dash or butt-load of chocolate. Like it says on their website, “Taste our chocolate with all senses. Make love to it and enjoy to the max!”

Max Brenner: Walnut Street; 215.344.8150

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Bridget Foy’s

Great summer dining! Located on South Street, Bridget Foy’s outside sitting is the perfect spot for people watching while devouring one of their amazing burgers. The entire menu is super budget-friendly and their fries are out.of.this.world.

Bridget Foy’s: South Street; 215.922.1813

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Jake’s and Cooper’s

Located in the heart of Manayunk, Jake’s and Cooper’s is a restaurant for summer loving. This is another great place for sitting outside and gawking at the folks passing by on Main Street. Their signature plum blossom drink is a killer summer beverage to beat the heat. And their cheesecake stuffed french toast tastes as good as an orgasm feels.

Jake’s and Cooper’s: Manayunk; 215.483.0444

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SquareBurger

New York City might have the Shake Shack, but Philadelphia has SquareBurger in Franklin Square. Their menu is the perfect bang for your buck as well as a perfect summer hot spot. Relax in the square, soak up the rays and enjoy a SquareBurger-brought to you by the famous Starr Restaurants.

SquareBurger: Franklin Square; 215.555.1212

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Capogiro Gelato

Nothing says summer like a cold tasty treat. Caporgiro Gelato has a few different spots in Philly, 13^th Street, Rittenhouse, Passyunk, Walnut Street. It doesn’t matter which one you hit up, they all have the same thing to offer-mouth watering gelato. They have flavors ranging from Pistacchio to Honey Cumin. Truth is, it doesn’t matter what you order, you’ll be going back for seconds.

Capogiro Gelato: Market East; 215.351.0900

Getting Buff: Earth Treks Climbing Gym

You’ll use muscles that you never thought existed as you cling to a wall thirty feet off the ground.  Plus everyone will be impressed with your new ability to open any pickle jar.

Earth Treks Climbing; 725 Rockville Pike, 4 blocks from the Rockville metro station; 1.800.CLIMBUP

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Blue Balls: Camelot Show Bar

A friend of ours said this was the best strip club in DC.  Which friend?  Um, you wouldn’t know him.

Camelot Show Bar; 1823 M Street NW…we know you’ve been there; 202. 887.5966

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Communing With Nature: Bill Goat Trail

Strap on your Chacos, grab a Nalgene bottle and hike along the surprisingly rugged Billy Goat Trail.  Adventurous hiking and great views of a nice looking section of the Potomac river.

Billy Goat Trail

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Hobnobbing With The Political Elite(’s Staffers): Hawk N’ Dove

Mingle with government staffers blowing off steam during the summer session.  Eavesdrop on the Congressman’s assistant as she talks about her bosses latest not surprisingly perverted remark.

Hawk N Dove; 329 Pennsylvania ave. SE near the Capitol South Metro stop; 202.543.3300

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Place For A Romantic Evening/See Monkeys Humping: The National Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears and pandas, oh my.  Drop some subtle hints to your significant other when you suggest that the naked mole rat should be the next stop on your walk.

The National Zoo; 3001 Connecticut Ave

Good Stuff Eatery

This is the closest you’ll come to an indoor summer BBQ.  Award winning burgers, homemade fries and ridiculously delicious milkshakes; all they’re missing are the mosquitoes.

Good Stuff Eatery; 303 Pennsylvania Ave S.E., near the Capitol South Metro stop; 202.543.8222

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Firefly

Relax under a tree as you enjoy some good ole` comfort food.  Seriously, there’s a large tree trunk in the middle of the restaurant.

Firefly; 1310 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, off of Dupont Circle; 202.861.1310

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Fojol Bros

We know you spend every available summer lunch break outside.  You should get your food from fake-mustachioed men serving Indian food out the back of an old van, because that’s really what life is all about.

Fojol Bros; Locate them via twitter

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Sweet Flow

We love mobile food.  We love frozen yogurt.  We love mobile frozen yogurt.

Sweetflow; Locate them via twitter

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Crepeaway

Crepe away from your office for a second.  The decor is as summery and bright as the weather outside.  And the crepes are out of this world.  Screw looking good in a bathing suit…

Crepeaway; at the corner of 20^th and L street NW; 202.973.0404

The Brickskeller

Quench your thirst with DC’s largest selection of beers.  Even though half the beers seem to be missing, even with 50% inventory, you still won’t be able to try every brew by the time Fall rolls around.

The Brickskeller; 1523 22nd St NW btw Sheridan and Dupont Circles; 202.293.1885

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The Science Club

Escape the sweaty, crowded usual spots with this laid back bar.  Plus, your mom will be happy that you’re spending your evenings hanging out at “The Science Club”

The Science Club; 1136 19^th street NW; 202.775.0747

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Quarry House

Hidden in a poorly lit basement, this is the perfect dive bar for hipsters and beer snobs, which may seem at odds, but since most hipsters went from prep school grad to Columbia Heights bad, there are somewhat entwined.  They also serve the best damn tater-tots in the DC area.

Quarry House; 8401 Georgia Ave in Silver Spring, 13 steps down; 301.587.8350

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Local 16

Often filled with douches and dolled up interns, the whack crowd is made up for by the huge outdoor patio bar and lounge.  Gaze down on the warm summer streets of DC with drink in hand. Why does that sound like a Springsteen song?

Local 16; 1602 U street near 16^th street; 202.265.2828

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Rocket Bar

With pool tables, ski-ball machines and shuffleboard, you’ll think you stumbled into an amusement park.  Except they have lots of booze and no creepy carnies, although people might still smell like cabbage.

Rocket Bar; 714 7^th street NW, a short walk from the Gallery Place Metro stop; 202.628.7665

-Balsamic Vinegar

-Butter

-Almonds

-Garlic

-Crushed red pepper

-Salt and pepper to taste

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1) Take a skillet and drape a large piece of tin foil over it.

2) With your hand, create a dish shape with the tin foil.

3) In the tin foil dish, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, tsb of garlic, salt, pepper, tsb of crushed red pepper, and a tsb of butter.  Set aside.  Heat the skillet and add a splash of water.

4) Break off 1 inch of the ends of the asapargus and wash.

5) Add asparagus to the hot skillet, and using tongs, frequently rotate the whole stack of stalks.  Only cook them for a couple minutes, and check them several times for doneness by holding the stalk between your fingers.

6) When the tip begins to droop slightly, take asparagus out of the skillet and put them into your tin foil dish.  Close the ends of the tin foil to enclose the asparagus with the previous ingredients.

7) The heat from the asparagus is trapped in the foil, and the ingredients steam into the vegetables.  Add almonds, salt, and pepper to taste when ready to serve.

The Delancey

There’s a lot to concede to when you make the choice to summer at Delancey, which is in every way a bar & nightclub. For one thing, depending on the night, you’ll be fraternizing with a mixture of douchebags and assholes. For another, you’ll have to decide between one shitty bottled beer or another – no draught. For another, you may need to be prepared to pay a cover, and you may wonder what the hell for. Then you’ll go up on the rooftop garden, and you’ll understand. Oh, that’s right, you’ll say, this is effing amazing.

thedelancey.com ;168 Delancey Street and Clinton St; Lower East Side; 212.254.9920

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Habana Outpost

Fortified by a large fence like a military base parking lot that you’d really like to get drunk and fat in, Habana Outpost, Fort Greene’s earth-conscious eatery, unofficial community center and summer headquarters for the thirsty and financially-impaired, holds within it a one-stop spot for summer. The Cuban-Mexican cuisine comes out of a truck parked outside and surrounded by picnic tables and their famous make-it-your-damn-self-you-lazy-shlub human-powered smoothie blending bike, their margaritas are frozen, their bathrooms run on rain water and their customers run on Six Point beers at $2.50 a cup.

Hanana Outpost ; 757 Fulton St. at S. Portland; Brooklyn;718.898.9500

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Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

If you’re in the mood to casually imbibe a friendly glass of craft beer and savor some delicious food as the warm winds blow through the trees, then you know it’s summer. If that beer is a $5 dollar mug of Staropramen and the food is a plate of perogies with sauerkraut, then you know you’re at Bohemian Hall. This Czech social club turned beer garden has everything you’d look for in a great Czech beer garden: Czech beer and a garden.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden;  29-19 24th Avenue and 31st; Astoria; 718.274.4925

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Painkiller

There’s nothing worse than a bar with a half-assed theme – whether that ass be literal or figurative, it best be full. Painkiller is a bar that takes its tiki seriously. Established and run by tikiphiles that believe in, as stated in their exhaustively researched website thesis statement, the philosophical connection between the Polynesian islands and the island of Manhattan. This bar gives 100% full-assed effort in the preservation and presentation of true tiki style, from cutesy things like calling their store hours “hours of relaxation” to tireless work on their pina colada and scorpion bowls that will definitely relax your body and brain-cells alike.

Painkiller; 49 Essex Street and Grand; Manhattan; 212.777.8454

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Mission Dolores

The relatively low level of charm maintained by the industrial zone that stretches over 4th avenue in Brooklyn went up considerably with the addition of Mission Dolores, a unique open air bar created mostly out of reclaimed materials and good old-fashioned heart, at home in the striped-down car repair shop vibe of its surroundings. With a similar selection and appreciation of craft beers as sister establishment Bar Great Harry, Dolores expands the idea with a stunning menu of 21 rotating craft beers, all to be enjoyed in the open courtyard that sits not outside the bar but inside it, like a donut. A donut made of amazing beer.

Mission Dolores; 249 Fourth Ave and Carroll St; Brooklyn; 718.399.0099

Brooklyn Ice House

Outside of providing some dank craft beer, a $4 draft-beer happy hour, and homemade patio tables, this one of those awesome NYC dives that reps Big Buck Hunter to the truest, letting you get buzzed and blast away some lions without ever leaving your fixy.

Brooklyn Ice House; 318 Van Brunt St, at Pioneer St; Brooklyn; 718.222.1865

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Pies and Thighs

Stepping into this Willy B based corner digs, you can immediately smell the frying oil and biscuits, bringing back memories that you don’t actually have, but probably saw in a movie on Lifetime. Decked with outdoor seating and back “barn” area, this a great Saturday afternoon spot to kill that hangover and gorge on chicken flesh.

Pies and Thighs; 166 S 4th st, at Driggs; Brooklyn; 347.529.6090

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Loreley of Williamsburg

Expanding from their LES location, this drinking garden is taking BK to a new level of suds in the sun. A gas station turned resto/bar, the spot now sits 150 in its dining room, bar, and outdoor patio. The interior features rustic adornments shipped from Germany, the influence for its beverage program as well.

Loreley of Williamsburg; 64 Frost St, at Meeker Ave; Brooklyn; 718.599.0025

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Pete’s Candy Store

Outside of the great live music and cheap beers, Pete’s also hosts a backyard BBQ every Sunday in their Japanese maple filled backyard. Scarf on grass fed patties, veggie burgers, and good ole’ fashioned frankfurters. There’s also an open mic right before the party.

Pete’s Candy Store; 709 Lorimer St, btw Richardson and Frost; Brooklyn; 718.302.3770

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Banh Mi

There is a Vietnamese sandwich craze in this city, so beware for imitations that are overpriced. For the real ish with limited seating but amazing sammys, check out Banh Mi in NoLita, hawking cut-to-the-chase menu items as well as traditional rolls and juices.

Banh Mi; 369 Broome st, btw Elizabeth and Mott; NoLita; 212.219.8341

One Eyed Mike’s

If pirates eat and drink like this, why are they so ornery all the time?  After a long day of swashbuckling, head over to Mike’s, Baltimore’s premier pirate bar, for a drink and a bite on the back porch.

One Eyed Mike’s; 708 S. Bond St; 410.327.0445

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Woody’s

Enjoy yourself too much at this porch bar on the third floor and you might have a hard time finding your way back to street level. If this happens, don’t sweat it. Enjoy the view of the harbor. Order another Corona. Play your cards right and the owners may let you crash for the night. (Probably not.)

Woody’s; 1700 Thames Street, above Slainte; 410.563.6800

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Ra Sushi

Other than the expected 10-20 years you’ll serve in a maximum-security prison, the prospects of a good happy hour may be the only thing keeping you from going completely postal at work. With one of the best happy hours in town—half off sushi and drinks—a visit to RA Sushi is a safe bet to stave off those homicidal tendencies.

Ra Sushi; 1390 Lancaster Street; Fells Point; 410.522.3200

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Cat’s Eye Pub

Also an unofficial pirate bar of sorts, Cats Eye should be the sailor’s first stop after a tour on the high seas. With nightly live classic rock and blues acts, this Fells Point landmark is a great place to shake off the sea legs.

Cat’s Eye Pub; 1730 Thames Street; 410.276.9866

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The 13th Floor Belvedere

Nothing beats the heat like a climb in altitude. With wall to wall windows,  the 13^th Floor’s panorama views capture nearly the entire city. So while enjoying some reggae and a cocktail, you can overlook your options and plan how to best maximize the remaining days of the Bmore summer.

The 13th Floor; 1 East Chase St, 13th floor of the Belvedere Hotel; 410.347.0888

Little Havana

All the Cuba you can handle without any of the Communism. With one of the best brunches in the city and awesome views, this harbor-side haven will have you lobbying congress to lift the embargo.

Little Havana; 1325 Key Hwy, at Webster St; 410.837.9903

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Miguel’s Cocina Y Cantina

Baltimore’s newest location for Mexican food is also one of its most interesting looking restaurants. Part industrial chic, part reproduction of Mexican village, Miguel’s is everything you’d get from Tijuana minus the donkey show, which obviously costs extra.

Miguel’s Cocina y Cantina; 1200 Steuart St, at Silo Point.; 443.438.3139

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Rub

No, its not a massage parlor, they shut that one down a few weeks ago. Besides, if anyone touched you after this meal you’d probably explode…in a bad way. Head over to Texas BBQ and feast at this welcome addition to the Federal Hill food scene.

Rub; 1843 Light St; 410.244.5667

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The Abbey Burger Bistro

It was a big summer for soccer, and the Abbey was the undoubted Federal Hill headquarters for all things World Cup. Not only were customers schooled on the ins and outs of the beautiful game—apparently there is a spray that instantly cures sprained ankles—they also learned that this place probably has the best burgers in Baltimore.

The Abbey Burger Bistro; 1041 Marshall Street, off Cross St;  443.453.9698

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L.P. Steamers

You won’t see any tour buses or any troupes of Segways pulling up to L.P. Steamers. Unpretentious, serving heaps of fresh crustaceans over brown paper, this is the crab spot for native Baltimoreans. L.P. will remind you that Baltimore crabs are more than just a cliche.

L.P. Steamers; 1100 E Fort Ave; 410.576.9294

Sustainability means different things to different people. For instance, your college sustains himself mostly on coffee and cookies, and outside of that, whether or not he count myself among the Earth’s friends is entirely up to her. That’s where Birdhouse Bakery – the “green” neighborhood bakery – comes in.

Birthbath allows one the convenient truth of eating cookies and drinking coffee, and all the while eating semi-heathy and helping the environment. This is a top-to-bottom green sustainability hub. Sure, the walls are made of wheat, the cups are made of corn, the counter tops and shelves are made of presumably-edible recycled paper, and as you’d expect, the paint on the walls, like the lickable wallpaper of Willy Wonka, is made from milk proteins. But more importantly, the walls are also lined with cookies. Real, edible cookies. Lots and lots of humongous delicious cookies, sorta like shnozberry, but without the Augustus Gloop factor.

For those interested in more than just the sustainability of cookies and coffee, Birdbath is out there doin the damn thing, picking up your slack. They make concerted effort to stay local and waste as little energy as possible, with all their milk products are milked straight from teets just outside of Manhattan, and their compost done daily on location.

Also impressive is Birdbath’s commitment to bike culture in the city. They have a discount for customers who arrive by bike – a bit of a kick in the teeth for those of us that don’t own a bike, and hate helping the environment, but whatever. Best of all, all deliveries and shipments are made by rickshaw, or “hipster-powered cart” as it sometimes called. Valuable, delicious products in small rickshaws and no armed guards? A stoners perfect heist. As such they have a working relationship with local bike shop Bicycle Habitat to get employees bike discounts and are currently working on a grand scheme to rid the city of cars entirely.

Aside from the store’s ‘inedibles’ being all reused, recycled and whatever that third R word is, the food is made from all organic, local and seasonal ingredients. Their spring/summer menu highlights include organic treats like the rice milk muffin w/ red bean and ginger and  honey raisin scone, drinks like the edible flower lemonade and iced almond milk latte, and sandwiches like the hippie staple “old school” veggie sandwich. All that, and also they make really good cookies.

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Birdbath Bakery; 223 1st ave, btw E 14th and E 13th st; East Village; 646.722.6565

In this Issue

Going Green in Amsterdam

Natural Mystique at Baltimore’s Liquid Earth

What’s Growing On in Baltimore

Keepin’ in Fresh and Local in DC

Ride the Bike in DC

Philly’s LOVE Farmer’s Market

Philly Brews Local

Nothing to Wine About at Black Ankle Vineyards

From Dirt to Drink in Tribecca

]]> http://changeupmag.com/2010/08/going-green-breakdown/feed/ 0 http://changeupmag.com/2010/08/iamsterdam/ http://changeupmag.com/2010/08/iamsterdam/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:32:07 +0000 changeup http://changeupmag.com/?p=5573 So, we wanted to do a piece on budget travel that kept in the spirit of “going green”. We thought of a few places that would fit the bill and narrowed it down to one magical paradise. Here it is folks: your itinerary for a cheap and evergreen vacation to Amsterdam.

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Day 1

Arrive at Schipol Amsterdam International Airport. Remember, this first step is critical. You cannot have a vacation in Amsterdam without actually being there. Upon arrival, pick up your bags and catch a bus downtown to the Flying Pig Downtown Youth Hostel (http://www.flyingpig.nl/). Trust us, you will not want to stay anywhere else. It’s cheap, clean, nice, and centrally located. The staff is incredible and the guests will become your friends. Do not be afraid to book a room for six or more, regardless of the size of your group. It just may happen that you’re paired with an equal number of attractive members of the opposite sex. Oh, and it’s cheaper.

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Day 2

First things first, pick up an up-to-date Smokers Guide to Amsterdam. What? We’re going green… Make sure to buy the Guide in a store, as vendors on the street like to sell tourists last year’s edition. This little booklet will serve as your roadmap for the length of your stay. It offers maps, fun things to do, bars & restaurants, safety tips, free stuff, etc. Check them out online at www.smokersguide.com. Today you will be going on a tour of all the best Coffee Shops in town. After all, the Dutch love coffee and you are there for an authentic cultural experience, right? Right. Follow the maps in your guide, and do not miss Rokerij, Dampkring, or Abraxas… Trust us. While touring the shops, keep in mind that there is no reason to shy away from the top-notch gear on the menu. Those extra two or three Euros go a long way, and remember that Dutch coffee is very strong and will undoubtedly last even the heaviest user more than just a day. Today will also help you get the hang of Amsterdam’s cheap and easy public transportation systems.

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to check out and practice Coffee Shop etiquette as displayed in your guide

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Day 3

Wake up and smell the “coffee” billowing from the lobby of your hostel. Time to take some pictures that you can actually show your parents. The Anne Frank house, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace are all located just around the corner from the Flying Pig, so these will be your first stops. Next, have a quick lunch at a FEBO, where you can get hot meals and authentic Dutch snacks right out of a vending machine. This may sound unappetizing but it’s really quite good. It will sound even better on a drunken walk home late at night. Not into the on-the-go lunch? Stop at a grocery store and get a cheap baguette, some meat and cheese, and a cheap bottle of wine. Pack it up and have a picnic by the famous I amsterdam sculpture, located just across the park from the Van Gogh Museum. Hey! Since you’re there, why not go in the Van Gogh Museum? Bring a student ID (no longer a student? bring an old one) for a discount. Now, you’ve had a long day. Drink it off in the lobby of your hostel. P.S. Your lobby is a bar, and a good one at that. Once you’ve gotten your second wind, explore Amsterdam’s wild and crazy nightlife. Keep in mind that you are only blocks away from the infamous Red Light District where the bars and clubs are plenty.

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A vacation to Amsterdam does not have to be pricey. These are only a few of a million ways to spend your time in this wonderful and vibrant city without spending all your dough. Go green. Go Amsterdam.

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Not only does (sole)rebels footwear provide ultra fresh sandals, slip-ons and lace-ups, they also deliver a warm and fuzzy feeling straight to your heart. (sole)rebels began with an idea that blossomed into a wonderful reality.

Founder, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, had a vision to provide jobs and hope to her small, jobless community in Ethiopia.

Her vision resulted in high paying jobs for the people of her village, as well as an impressive array of fashionable artisan products created with maximum respect for the environment. These shoes are Fair Trade certified, handcrafted using organic and recycled materials, and delivered to your door in hand-loomed cotton bags and recycled packaging, making it a truly guilt-free purchase.

Whether you’re a tree-hugging hippy or a trendsetting fashion frontrunner, (sole)rebels has got you and your feet covered. Be the first of your friends to be a true (sole)rebel. Step into a pair of (sole)rebels and make some fashionable, low-carbon footprints in a neighborhood near you.

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Cozy and charming, Liquid Earth is Fell’s Point’s flagship for vegetarian, (and vegan) cuisine. The café is committed to creating food and drink that has the power to heal and please at the same time. As one employee put it, “It’s easy to make food taste good. Add butter, sugar, and fat. The French showed us how to do that. The challenge is to make healthy food taste good.”  So far, they have been more than successful

As the name suggests, Liquid Earth specializes in juices and smoothies made from fresh organic produce, but the food just equally fresh, responsible and delicious. The café marinates and processes its own faux meat that they use in the popular vegetarian Reuben and cheese-steak. There is also a section of the menu dedicated to raw to foods that is highlighted by a spaghetti dish that uses thinly sliced zucchini in lieu of pasta. The juices, all squeezed fresh on the spot, run the gauntlet from simple and delicious blends, like “Sun Spots” (orange and strawberry) to complicated common-cold-killing concoctions such as, Antiox Detox (carrot, red cabbage, beet, granny smith apples), which still doesn’t work as well as just putting down the bottle.

For the owners, who started the shop in 1996, their commitment to the Earth goes beyond simply enjoying its bounty. Besides doing their best to use organic and sustainable produce, the fiber left over from the juicer is donated to local gardens as compost. In the tradition of tribal conservation—Native American tribes are known for using every part of an animal they hunted—Liquid Earth pledges to “use every part of the vegetable”, except those parts you’re thinking of, cause that’s just nasty.

As the next step of their mission to make healthy, vegetarian food exciting and delicious, the owners are currently working on some exciting new menu options. Also in the works is a new patio dining area, allowing you to view man kinds destruction of our planet first hand.

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Liquid Earth; 1626 Aliceanna Street, btew Broadway and S Bethel; 410.276.6606

Every Sunday morning from 7am until 12pm until the end of the year, the Baltimore Farmer’s Market and Bazaar is offering an eclectic selection of local produce, meats, food and crafts. Not only will you have way more fun here than at the supermarket, you’ll also feel a genuine connection to your community knowing that your zucchini came from Parkville instead of some mega-farm in California.  You may even get to shake the hand of the person who grew your vegetables. (People still farm? Who knew?)

Besides the vast array of fresh and organic fruits and veggies, the market showcases a diverse of selection of high quality goods and interesting experiences. You’ll find Dimitri Olive Oil a family company selling delicious olives and olive oil straight from the family farm in Sparta, Greece. Another thing you won’t be able to find in the grocery store that you’ll find in abundance here are free-range, grass-fed meats from local farms.  If you are the energy saving type, or just a huge Bmore hamster with a tattoo of a fixed-speed across your rib cage, you have the chance to peddle your own smoothie by jumping on a blender-operating bicycle at one of the stands.

Check out the market, operating all the way through December, for all these goodies and more, with enough dough left over to stave off that troll for one more day.

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Baltimore Farmer’s Market and Bazaar; Saratoga and Holiday Streets: Underneath the Jones Falls Expressway