Winter at The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market and Eco at Cielo, The Wolves Experience 6 Hour Trance Set

Chelsea Market

I was browsing Facebook for something to do this weekend and I came across an event at Cielo in which Eco was playing. He's a Jersey City based Trance artist I think. I accidentally found him on Soundcloud awhile back and it was awesome he was playing at Cielo. I really like the beats he creates. This time around I drove into the city because by the time I got out of the club the trains back to Jersey stop running. I found parking near Chelsea Market and the Highline. I use to often hang around the area, so it was pleasant to go back during this time of year. 

First in line was food! Chelsea Market was the destination of choice because of the options. I was feeling something on the semi-healthy side after a week of not having fresh veggies at home. I decided to visit two locations Takumi Taco and Cull and Pistol . At Takumi it was fish tacos as the point of interest. They have a Bento Box special which includes 2 tacos of your choice and a side at about 12$. They have an array of options from adobe spiced meat to fresh cut tuna. I ended up getting the Spicy Tuna Tacos that contain sashimi grade big eye tuna, fresh avocado, and radish in a spicy mayo sauce. The side dish was Charred Corn Salad with kale, corn, shisito peppers, tomato, radish, edamame, brussels sprouts, and napa/rad cabbage all in a miso vinaigrette. Man, it was good. Before that I was at The Lobster Place, a fish market in where you can get prepared lobster, sashimi, and other seafood delicacies of your wishes. I know it's a market for food but the mass consumption of seafood by a particular group of people freaks me out because they just eat and eat voraciously despite never looking unpleasant. I get a great negative visceral reaction when I watch them eat, so I tried my best to look away. 

I really enjoy looking around seafood market and observe different species of aquatic life being prepped for consumption. I made my way to the Cull and Pistol kiosk, located in the back of the market to get some Salmon Poke, oh yes. It would be the first I have poke and I was so excited. I waited longer then most people because the cooks forgot about my order, however they gave me a free cookie for waiting so patiently. They cooks were really nice, with big smiles and that's something I enjoy when I interact with anyone. The Poke bowl was fresh with a homemade sauce, sushi rice, some dried seaweed, radish, and edamame. I in my happy place and adding some more soy sauce just topped the poke experience.

Chelsea Market is the place for anyone who wants to go on an unique food adventure. The location contains thai food, fresh noodles, mexican, fusion, wine and beer shops, and so really good desert shop. If you are in the city and want to eat it all, come to this place.

Biergarten at the Standard/Highline, Cielo, and Pizza

After eating a bit, I walked around the Chelsea area which moves into the Meatpacking District. The area tends to be on the higher end with shopping and artwork. It's a fashionable place and so nice to look around at night. In the area you can go up to the Highline which contains different art installations during the year and various plants and events. Once you hit the end you are greeted by the Whitney Museum, The Standard Hotel, and below the Biergarten. This establishment is a hall where you can merrily drink with friends. You pay 9$ for ticket and you can get a boot of beer or something to eat like some Bratwerst or large Pretzels. During the winter it's close in so you stay warm.

Looking street side of Biergarten, if you go down to the right you find a few bars and to you left will be Cielo, an intimate nightclub for your dancing pleasure. The cost of the event this time around was about 10$, such a steal. The place was not to crowded. 

After that was late night pizza, at of course Artichoke Basille. This time around was the Chelsea location where you can sit down to enjoy pizza and a few drinks. Because it was late night they have a security guards to make sure no drunk idiots mess up the night. If you are respectful and in the right state of mind, they are very nice and extremely accommodating. Because of this location I was able to order the sampler set, 3 slices of your choice at 18$.  I opted for the white, vodka sauce, and the classic artichoke. It was a nice note to end the night in. 

I hope you have a great Christmas eve and day filled with food, music, friends, and family. Till the next adventure! 

NYC Winter and Izakya MEW

Izakya MEW 

I took a winter trip into the city on the 10th, the start of my PTO! This time around I had to plan this trip because I was being "tested" on the quality of date night. I was not excited about that joke. What I had on the agenda was to visit an Izakya, the name of the particular destination is what got me because I have an inside pet name associated to the title. Izakyas are a pub/bar like setting for the Japanese.  I've always wanted to go to one but till I get to Japan, a city based Izakya will have to do. I went to Izakya MEW located in Mid-town Manhattan. The food style of the bar is set with Traditional Japanese flavors mixed with modern tapas styles. The location of the bar is tucked between a Karaoke place and a Korean Restaurant. Once you enter you are set down into the basement greeted by artwork lining the walls in a film like manner. The size of the place does get crowded by the swam of people seated and waiting to be seated. I arrived at the location exactly at 5:30 pm, dinner opening time. The ambiance of the place is right up my ally with the rustic feel of the wooden table and bricks with lightbulbs dandling over your head. I enjoy places that are lined with lights and have a moody feel. That is one thing I look for when I eat and drink at a new location in New York. With the opening hour, I learned they had a happy hour special, Sapporo beer at 5$ and Wine at 6$, I opted for White Wine.  I did learn I enjoy Sapporo Beer compared to American Beer, it has a lighter taste and lemon note. 

Izakya Mew Dinner Menu

Seafood Garlic Shoyu Ramen

To start off I got Tofu Avocado Salad, which was impressive because of the big chunks of tofu. The dressing was not that notable, but still satisfying. For main dishes I got the Seafood Garlic Shoyu Ramen and Buta Miso Itame. The ramen did hit the spot, however I had better ramen. The standard I compare my ramen is to Rai Rai Ramen, it's open still btw which burned down awhile ago but is up and running again. When I get ramen it's important for it to be very hot and the noodles a bit on the firm side. The ramen at Mew owned the noddle component I look for however, the broth and toppings were on the cold side for me. What was exciting about the dish were the mini squid and octopus I got, I was so happy because they were rather cute. The next dish was Itame, a stir fry dish which was very tasty. You can taste the sweetness, the punch of the miso, and deep flavor of the soy sauce. The dish was made of pork and veggies. My only complaint again is the dish should have been warmer. To top off the meals I go two special drinks. I'll say the drinks were more worthwhile compared to the food

Mew Breezed, M-Nnog, and Sapporo

1. M-Nog 9$
1. Rum Chata
2. Jameson
3. Kahlua
4. Almond Milk
5. Caramel Chocolate
6. Cinnamon 
2. Mew Brezze 8$
1. Sugan Cane Shochu Vodka
2. Cranberry Juice
3. Grapefruit Juice
4. Tonic Water 

The M-Nog was so good, made with almond milk which has bit of thicker consistency compared to milk worked so well the alcohol. It appeased the burn of the liquor, leaving the flavor of the alcohol and allowing the taste of the holiday to pop through. The Mew Breeze was adorable and refreshing, the fruity accents complement each other and the novelty of the combination raised the drink's value. Overall, the drinks were not heavy. Sometimes after a big meal and drinking alcohol your stomach environment tends present  as more acidic. Chargeable to the lightness of the drinks, no stomach irritation. I did get a pleasant buzz and raise in temperature to help me survive the rest of the night.

Madison Square Park Tree

Madison Square Park 

After the meal it was time to see some sites. Usually people go to Radio City where the Grand Tree is near. I decided not to bother, because I did not want to tackle the crowds. At the same time Santa Con was happening, I know event tries to promotes an Anti-Drunk Mess Santa. To my dismay I did see few trying to raise hell and even 2 that almost go hit by a car. 

I walked to my destination so I can build up an appetite for later in the night. I made it to the location and for me it was a  throwback. Many moons ago, I did volunteer work at the location when they had a music/touch art installation. To be in the city during the holiday season manifest emotions from past ventures, friendship, and lovers. Having the ability to visit places I love and reflect on how time changed my life is very important for me. To reevaluate your life is part of mindfullness and it presents that you are an active player in the one life you have. 

After that site, I was walking down to NYU area because there is bar/pool hall I enjoy called The Fat Cat. The location has affordable drinks and games ranging from ping pong to scrabble. Some nights there is a live band playing. Also, for a FYI I know above the location is a 3-D printer work space. Getting into the Fat Cat was cut out because it was way to crowded, so I found my way to a LGBTQ friendly bar. I can't remember the name but they have  Cabaret performances. I enjoyed the energy of the bar. 

The terminal that ended the night was Artichoke Basile Pizza (111 Macdougal St Location), damn the artichoke pizza was amazing with the cost of about 6$ or 7$. It was worth everything, I think the location that is in Chelsea is the one with the restaurant where you can get a pie medley with pizza topped with assorted meat, penne vodka, and the signature artichoke.  The pizza crust was thick, had the crunch and on the inside the softness that is so comforting. The artichoke toppings was so creamy, good enough to place on pasta. I died and went to heaven, adding a few pepper flakes set me into oblivion. The next time I go into the city,  you (I) must have the trio order of what they offer. I do not care if I have to starve myself and workout for 3 hours to justify eating that much. It will happen. 

The adventure out that night was well needed and I hope you can find the same pleasantries as I do. With that said Peace out!