The Basquiats gathered in NYC at the top of the year to celebrate the born day of Brand.CJay. The night was a true homage to one of his favorite films ‘The Godfather’. The setting was Nonna’s table in Manhattan which happens to be James Beard Award winning chef Ron Suhanosky’s new innovative locale. Authentic Italian market by day, reserved table for 10 by night. The illustrious evening was hosted by luxury site and cigar aficionado Flawless Crowns.
Read more after the jump.
Fatty Crab is one spot I’ve heard quite a lot about but have yet to experience. On my recent trip to NYC I had a chance to partake with fellow foodie and friend Chef Joey. With the chilly NYC weather outside the started drink of choice was the Rum Hot Toddy, which came in one of the most interesting tea cups I’ve ever seen.
The foodie in me loves when friends refer me to places they deem top notch. Last night while on my born day food crawl my friend had us venture to Red Rooster in Harlem, headed by Top Chef Master Marcus Samuelsson. I’ll be the first to say I’m not a big fan of comfort soul food, but the dishes we tasted this night were quite delish. The night began with their version of a ‘Gin & Juice’. The West Coast side of me was like man whatever’ when I saw it on the menu, but after one sip 3 more were ordered. As my friend pointed out, them seem to get better each time (personally I think that’s with any Gin based cocktail). Check out the rest of my Red Rooster experience after the jump
Walking into this place I felt like I was walking into the real history of New York City. Raoul’s is the kind of bistro that feels sexy, dark, quaint, and very old school French. Then come to find out this place has been around since the 70′s, the nostalgic geek in me perked right up. A good buddy of mine referred me to the locale as I was on a serious hunt to find Lobster Bisque. Mind you, that’s all I wanted was a bowl of bisque but one glance over the menu my taste buds yearned for more.
I’m a self proclaimed foodie and proud of it! So when James Beard award winning chef Ron Suhanosky released his newest book “The Italian Table”, the foodie in me was satisfied. I’ve personally had a couple of dishes prepared by the famed chef and it’s a joy to the palate. Most people tend to stray from Italian food fearing that it may be to heavy, but the only thing you’ll feel heavy from after trying one of these dishes is the abundance of flavor. Hands down the dude makes the best meatballs I’ve ever tasted in my life, I know that’s a pretty big statement but it’s true.
I’m prepping a dinner for the upcoming born day of Brand.CJay and looking forward to being able to taste more of this master chef’s creations. Stay tuned for photos and write ups from that. In the meantime you can revel in the joy of making your own meal buy copping “The Italian Table” HERE. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
A lot can be said about boutique hotels in L.A., for me it’s all about a sexy atmosphere. The Avalon in Beverly Hills has one of the best and sexiest pool side lounges in town. The Oliverio located in the Avalon is the place to be and be seen. I advise you to go during Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4pm to 7pm to try it out. With a $5 food menu, $4 wine and beer, and $5 specialty cocktails, it has a little something for everyone.
The Avalon is located at: 9400 W Olympic Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Tydes Restaurant and Bar located in the historic Coral Casino is a must see when in Santa Barbara. The fact the locale sits right above the ocean makes for one of the most enjoyable experiences. You can see panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands and the Santa Barbara coastline. While staying at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore this past weekend I was able to partake in the beauty that is the Coral Casino and Tydes. You have to be either a member or a guest of the Four Seasons to enter.
The sense of exclusivity just heightens the experience as a whole. They say restaurants by the sea tend to have the best seafood and Tydes surely pleased. The calamari had to be the best I’ve ever had in my life, yes it’s true…the best. The tomato gazpacho was simply amazing and the lamb steak was a moment. The menu is seasonal and the food is on point. It’s one of those places I will surely make a reappearance at time & time again. For more info on Tydes click HERE.
The BDAY Crusade is still going and last night it brought me to Nic’s Martini Lounge in Beverly Hills. It’s a great mix of American food and strong drinks. The feel is totally retro and the DJ kept the mode right. You would have thought someone called ahead and gave a list of I.AM.CJay’s favorite songs. The highlight out if all is the VodBox, a room in the back that’s kept over a little than 20 degrees and houses the worlds top vodkas. Upon entering the room you’re given a coat to wear and the hosts tells you to name a shot of choice.
It’s been a truly amazing start of a year for I.AM.CJay that included celebrating and popping bottles all over Los Angeles. One place we are truly excited to have experienced is Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles. The food was simply amazing, great italian dishes coupled with a sexy atmosphere. I’m not going to bore you with the details but I will say the lo gnocco alla romana is to die for. Hands down the best gnocchi I’ve ever had in my life. It’s topped with oxtail ragot and gorgonzola creme. We also had the lamb rack for two which really brought the meal together. The drinks, the wine, the food, and the company all made for an enchanting evening.
Now this is what I call making a lasting impression at your next BBQ. The Whiskey Barrel BBQ Pit gives you a reason to have people over to show how cool you are. The grill features a metal interior and rack to keep the barrel from burning. The grill will run you about $950.
