EAT OUT: McSorley's Old Ale House

McSorley's Old Ale House is something of an oddity. Touted as the oldest Irish pub in New York City, this dark and dingy establishment, located at 15 E. 7th St., has as much history and tradition as it does rules.

The first thing one notices in McSorely's is the lack of drink options. Basically, if you don't like beer, stay out or be thrown out. You either order a "dark" or a "light" or you'll be asked to leave since you're taking up space. The space, by the way, is one you will share with other drinkers as the tables are large and fit anywhere between eight and ten people, so this is not a place to be anti-social.

The pub has a storied history, including the trivial fact that women were not allowed into the place until just 40 years ago, in 1970. This becomes apparent when comparing the bathrooms for the two genders; the men's is as it always has been - in the center of the back room with a normal sized, glass-paned door - while the women's is clearly add on, annexed from the old kitchen and tucked into the corner. Many a woman has attempted to enter the wrong door to be greeting with jeers from the patrons sitting in wait for the frequent mishap to occur.

History too has a place here. Visitors include ex-Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt to singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie and poet e.e. cummings, who used the bar in a one of his works. While at the bar I overheard two gentlemen discussing the chicken wishbones hanging from the dust-covered chandeliers in the front room. According to their story, a bunch of sailors were imbibing themselves during World War II before they were to ship out. The decided to hang the wishbones from the chandeliers and remove them when and if they made it home. The remaining bones, which are numerous, are allegedly those of the fallen troops.

The storied past of McSorley's is enough to draw anyone inside for a visit, but the home brew is worthy all by itself as well. Come for the beer, stay for the company and become a part of history.

Sergio del Limónar


*It has been brought to our attention that the gentlemen I was eavesdropping on were incorrect and that the bones were actually authentic turkey wishbones and they were off to fight in World War I. Never trust a history lesson from a couple old dudes at a bar, I guess...

WEBSITE: Bike Snob NYC

When I'm on a bike, I hate cars. They don't know the biking etiquette or signals, nor do they respect the right of way or bike lanes. When I'm driving a car, however, its the opposite; I hate bicyclists. They think they're smaller cars. I'm sure I'm not alone in this socio-ethical dilema.

The author of Bike Snob NYC has some similarly strong feelings, only his are a little stronger and probably much more knowledgable. As the blog's heading claims, he is "systematically and mercilessly disassembling, flushing, greasing, and re-packing the cycling culture." With a strong dislike for fixed speed bikes - "fixies" - and hipster bikers, the blog is as cut-throat as it is humorous. Ranging in posts from goings-on in the Big Apple to international biking news, the site will keep those who don't want to make a biking faux pas in the correct lane and out of oncoming traffic!

Sergio del Limonar

MOVIE: Precious

Oscar season can be an exciting time. Personally, I enjoy being up to date with as many of the contending films as possible so when I make my water-cooler arguments, I can speak with some intelligence. Many times, films, directors, or actors chosen by the Academy for this annual honor are quite deserving. Other times its hard not to get the feeling someone was just saying "isn't it about time..." or there were a few greased palms in the nomination process.

The later is definitely not the case with Precious. Although the book, entitled Push, by Sapphire, is much more graphic and its vivid descriptions of the brutality the main character endures, the movie does not shy away from them either, although most of them are brought up in dialogue and not through actual imagery. The story is minimally adorned and powerfully acted. Many of the actors involved go so deep into their roles they become virtually unrecognizable as their very different public personas. Mariah Carey, in her minor role as a social worker for the welfare office, is impressive in her caring yet tired office worker stripped of make-up and fashionable designer duds. Comedienne, Mo'Nique, famous as one of the sassy founding "Queens of Comedy," also tones it down and turns it up as the lazy and angry mother of the title character. Also virtually unrecognizable is musician Lenny Kravitz, who plays a nurse is a small but meaningful role, during several hospital scenes.

But major praise should go to Gabourey Sidibe, who plays Clareece 'Precious' Jones with the truth of a girl well beyond her 26 years. Precious is a teenager who has endured incestuous sexual abuse, as well as physical and emotional abuse her entire life. Pregnant with her second child, by her own father nonetheless, she and her mother live in Harlem, on welfare, as her mother continues to work the system. Precious is a good person trying to do right in a world that seemingly doesn't want her. She escapes this hell she lives in through fantasies, based on her desired life as a model, singer, actress, Hollywood super-star with a "light skinned boyfriend." Precious is by no means societies model of beauty, but Sidibe's performance makes us not only care about and love Precious like not many do, but also see that Precious is beautiful.


SPOILER: One of the most powerful and incredible scenes for me was when Precious, upon returning home after giving birth to her second child, a boy named Abdul, is accosted by her mother in a fit of jealous rage, boldly decides to leave home, once and for all. In fight with her mother, the television, her mother's life-blood of sorts, gets broken. After falling down the apartment stairs with her baby in her arms, exhausted from her hospital stay and the fight, Precious then must dodge the broken TV set as it is dropped on her from several stories above by her own mother, back fro one last 'punch.'

As difficult as this film was to watch at times, it occurred to me that this is some peoples' reality. We really have no idea what goes on behind other walls and doors and our "bad days" might be spilt milk to many other people. This movie is beautiful, but just like the book, it was created to make point. I think all Oscar-quality movies should meet this standard before anyone writes anything on a ballot.

Sergio del Limónar

*Good luck to both Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique for being nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Also to director Lee Daniels for Best Director and the entire ensemble for Best Picture. (Precious was also nominated for Best Editing and Best Writing - Sceenplay.)

MUSICAL: American Idiot (reprise)

Back in October, punk band Green Day's rock musical "American Idiot" got a ZONINO! when it was just a start-up in Berkeley, California. Well, the production is headed to BROADWAY! (You heard about it here first, folks!)

The show opens at the St. James Theatre on April 20th with previews beginning March 24th. Check out the official website for show times and other details. As an added bonus, tune in to the Grammy Awards on Sunday to see the band appear alongside the entire production cast as they perform the Grammy-nominated song "21 Guns".

Sergio del Limonar

YOUTUBE: Joshua Allen Harris Street Art

See that trash laying in a crinkled heap by the curb? Quick! Look again! It's a giant monster come to life! Joshua Allen Harris is one of the creative young artists creating and embracing the spirit of what art is all about - making a person stop and think.

Harris's art is very public and uses nothing more than tape and several plastic garbage or grocery bags. Borrowing from air vents meant to circulate New York City's subway system, his creation lay in pile idly over a vent like nothing more than a piece of discarded refuse only to spring up, filling with air, to become a polar bear, loch ness monster, or giraffe!

Before you have time to grab you camera to snap a quick photograph, it tumbles like an autumn leaf back to the pavement, waiting for the next subway gust to bring it to life.

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: The Blueprint 3

A couple months ago I Zonino!-ed the single "We Run This Town" from Jay-Z's newest album, The Blueprint 3. I finally got around to purchasing it (because I love me some H.O.V.) and it is definitely one of his best to date.

The aforementioned single is fabulous but I'm hoping to hear his collaboration with Alicia Keys, "Empire State Of Mind," on the radio soon. Keys belts out the chorus with abandon, "Now you're in New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do!" while Jay-Z raps about Gotham itself.

Other highlights that you should download now are "On To The Next One" with Swizz Beatz, "Already Home" with Kid Cudi, and the retro-sampled "Forever Young" featuring British R&B singer, Mr. Hudson.

Most of the tracks are produced by Kanye West, who, despite probably being a huge jack-ass in real life, is a genius in the studio. Timbaland steps in twice as well, as do The Neptunes in a song featuring Pharrell.

If you're a Jay-Z fan, you will definitely appreciate his rhymes and classic flow style on this album. If you're new to the scene, this is a great introduction to why Jay-Z is the best.

Buzzy

MOVIE: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Unfortunately many directors seem to believe that throwing together a bunch of blockbuster stars in one film will make for a great movie. There are umpteen ensemble films that can prove this wrong. Why do it then? My guess is that the story usually isn't very good, the budget is, and therefore, butts will be filling the seats. I mean, not everyone is a movie snob, like us here at Zonino! right?

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 throws together Hollywood heavyweights John Travolta, Denzel Washington, John Turturro, Luis Guzmán, and James Gandolfini. This high-grossing testosterone-fest is probably the reason I passed on this movie when it opened five months ago.

Surprise! It's not bad! Like only true actors can, each of these gentlemen knows there role in the film and doesn't try to over-step it or outshine one of their counterparts; they seem to realize, like professionals, that they collectively make a whole.

The story is about a New York City subway train (Pelham 123) and it's passengers that is highjacked by an ex-convict (Travolta) and his cronies (one being Guzmán) for $10 million. The man on the other end of the line, MTA dispatcher Walter Garber (Washington), must step into the role of hostage negotiator, with the help of the real negotiator (Turturro) to maintain calm while the money is delivered.

Washington gives an outstanding and very timid performance as Garber, even when in the middle of the action holding a gun, his character seems shy and delicately confident. I love it when Travolta plays a psycho and he does not disappoint here. He knows just how much to pour on and when. The usually wisecracking Guzmán is also allowed to shine in a different more scared and pensive light. Gandolfini, as New York City's embattled subway-riding mayor, who plays the cocky politician with as much humanity mixed in to make you question whether you like him or not.

This is a true ensemble piece. It's not going to win any awards, but it's worth seeing!

Buzzy

MUSICAL: In The Heights

After sweeping the 2008 Tony Awards, the musical, In The Heights, has been playing on Broadway to sold out crowds and redefining the modern musical. A touring production hits the road at the end of October.

The show, set in the north of Manhattan in a neighborhood known as Washington Heights, tells the stories of the people of the community. Predominately made up of people from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, the characters represent several generations all struggling to attain the American dream and, while each defines "success" a little differently, the desire and hope felt by each is the same. Written in a mixing of Spanish and English, the show captures the immigrant experience with heart, humor, and reality. Many of the songs, "Inutil," "No Me Diga," "Sunrise," and "Paciencia y Fé," among others, use both languages heavily.

Another underlying theme is the fact that a winning lottery ticket was sold by lead character, Usnavi (named after the ship that saved his parents while immigrating - US Navy), at his corner bodega. The whole cast fantasizes about what they would do with the winnings, while the barrio's resident grandmother, Abuela Claudia, wonders what she can do with it, as she has the coveted ticket. At the same time a power outage resulting in Usnavi's store being looted, the local salon moving downtown, and the owner of the car service business selling it so his daughter can go back to school all add to the drama.

The story and music, written by the original Usnavi, Lin Manuel Miranda, in his dorm room at Wesleyan University infuses a mix of merengue, hip-hop, rap, salsa, and a few good ole broadway ballads for good measure. One of my favorite scenes was set in a salsa club where the dancing was music made me feel as if I had been transported to Havana! (A subsequent blackout utilizes cell phones in a neat piece of choreography.)

Check out this performance from the 2008 Tony Awards while you're waiting for the tour to come to your city! It's a combination of two songs from the show, the leadoff anthem, "In The Heights," and the rousing "96,000."

Sergio del Limónar

EAT OUT: McSorley's Old Ale House

Next time you're in the Big Apple, set aside some time to visit "New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon." Opened in 1854, McSorely's Old Ale House, located at 15 East 7th Street, is a unique bar in that they serve only two types of beer - light or dark. Don't try getting a Budweiser or even a gin and tonic here, the only thing you'll be getting is the boot! Also, be prepared, because this is one place that always has a two for one special that is not optional; you will be receiving two beers.

According to the website, not much has changed since the likes of everyone from President Lincoln to John Lennon have paid a visit. (The 1925 poem, "Sitting At McSorely's, by e.e. cummings, was about this very place!) Seating consists of large circular wooden tables that seat eight to ten people and, on a busy day, the bartenders will seat you with an already gathered party so prepare to get social! The floors are covered with a dusting of sawdust and, appropriately enough the chandeliers and picture frames are covered in dust older than Grandma. Speaking of Grandma, women were not even allowed into the bar until a Supreme Court ruling in 1970.

A sign on the wall decrees McSorley's golden rule: "Be Good Or Be Gone." This also means that if you finish your beers and don't want any more, it's time to "be gone" as well.

Sergio del Limonar

EAT OUT: Crif Dogs, East Village

Crif Dogs in the East Village in NYC (113 St. Mark's Place btwn 1st Ave and Avenue A) is THE place to enjoy a deliciously deep fried hot dog.  It may sound grossly overdone, but if you look past the caloric gain, the delicious combinations will have you hooked in no time.  

Some to try:

-The BLT (bacon wrapped deep fried hot dog with tomato, lettuce and avacado)

-The Good Morning (another bacon wrapped deep fried dog topped with cheese and a fried egg)

-The Redneck (MORE bacon wrapped deep fried dog topped with chili,  coldslaw, and jalapeño) 

There is also the amazing side option of tater tots.  

The place is a bit of a hole in the wall, but is BYOB and totally recession friendly with prices between $2.00-$5.00.  It's also scattered with video games and some great artwork.  The bathroom isn't one to be impressed with (also, has no mirror, kind of weird), but really, it's the hot dogs that count.  

Also very cool about Crifs (although it probably loses it's novelty after the first time you do it), is the only accessible via a phone booth Prohibition Era-style bar next door, PDT (Please Don't Tell).  The soul way to gain access is to call by 3pm the same day to snag your reservation.  The phone line is usually always busy, but a friend and I managed to nail down one of the first reservations of the night last year, and all of the secrecy is worth it.  The cocktails might be overpriced, but you can order some of the Crif Dogs through a pass through window between PDT and the kitchen, and the decor is awesome.  Dimly lit, bartenders dressed to the nines preparing intricate cocktails, leather booths and all sorts of taxidermy hanging on the walls.  

All in all, a definite stop for a great snack, and if you can manage, some Prohibition cocktails next door.  

New York Magazine write up: http://nymag.com/urr/urr.pl?rm=all_reviews&listing_id=2573&listing_type=nyml_venue_restaurant

Please Don't Tell site: http://www.pdtnyc.com/

Mrs. Fitz 2 

BOOK: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is the insanely unique story of a precocious 9 year old boy named Oskar who has lost his father in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the Twin Towers.

I read Safran Foer's debut novel, Everything Is Illuminated, a few years ago and found it amazingly inventive, although challenging to follow at times unless it was read in large chunks of time, like on a trans-Atlantic flight, for instance. I found this, his second book, published in 2005, in the school library while during a lull in Parent/Teacher Conferences and was instantly hooked yet again.

While both books have a certain amount of fantastical whimsy in them, this one stays a little closer to reality than the first novel. The dialog and thought process that Safran Foer has used to capture that weird uber-smart kid that sat next to you in fourth grade and asked the questions that kept you from getting to lunch or recess on time is genius.

The other characters that surround Oskar, his Grandma, mother, upstairs neighbor, doorman, as well as relatives from the past, are all worthy of an invitation to dinner. At the end of each chapter I kept changing my mind about who I liked the best!

Sergio del Limónar

MOVIE: Purple Violets

How this movie went straight to DVD (or iTunes movie release) is both tragic and understandable. For most people, a movie about a couple successful writers who were once lovers finding each other and searching for their "voices" again might not be a big box-office draw.

I felt differently. Purple Violets was about growing up and looking back. Realizing who you are, where you came from, how you've changed, and how you actually haven't. It's about how deep down inside, those characteristics that give someone their spark, never really go away; they may morph a bit but who a person truly is, not what they've done, is who they are.

Led by a phenomenal cast including Selma Blair, Patrick Wilson, Edward Burns (who also directed), and the always surprising Debra Messing, the movie moves through this self-discovery at a pleasant and yet still intriguing pace. The writing is great and the dialog and wit is both true and amusing.

One of my favorite exchanges occurs between Messing, who plays a teacher, and Burns, her ex-boyfriend from college and now successful litigator. After she tells him he's taking her to someplace nice and expensive and he inquires to why, she retorts, "Because I'm a teacher in New York and you just bought a $3 million apartment." Truer words have never been spoken.

See this movie and see a little of yourself. Put in on a shelf for a few years, watch it again, and I bet you'll see a little more. That's what I'm going to do.

Sergio del Limónar

WEB: Overheard In New York

This website is a great time filler at work, and when you procrastinate as much as I do, there's a lot of time to be filled! It's called Overheard in New York and it's made up entirely of submissions from randoms on the street (or wherever) who, as the site name suggests, overheard something in New York City. Not just your everyday, run of the mill conversations, but really ridiculous exchanges everywhere from Broadway to Barnes & Noble, Columbia University to Central Park.

There are other tabs to the site (Overheard at the Beach, Overheard in the Office, etc) but the NYC rendition is by far my favorite. I haven't submitted anything to it yet, but have been a loyal follower since my intern days at Fox News. You can't make this stuff up...check it out!

Mrs. Fitz 2