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.

The Food

Chef Ron Suhanosky prepared a six course meal that took the senses to new heights with his Italian rustic flare.

First Course:

Antipasto platter that included fresh bread, chicken liver pâté, prosciutto, peppers, Pecorino Romano cheese and olives

Second Course:

Bay scallops & homemade gnocchi with black garlic topped with grated cheese

Third Course:

Handmade pasta with a bolognese sauce

Fourth Course:

Pan seared chicken with lemon and broccoli rabe

Fifth Course:

Celery salad with figs and Gorgonzola cheese

Sixth Course:

Rice pudding with a chocolate chip biscotti

The Scene

The evening was the perfect mix of good company, good food, and good times. To cap off the night, Brand.CJay treated guests to gift bags that included: personal handwritten notes to each member of the Basquiat crew, Basquiat tees from Gifted Apparel, Cuban cigars with cigar cutters, blessing candles, Federick Benjamin grooming products, and The Italian Table cookbook from celeb chef of the night Ron Suhanosky. We have to mention Ron was the star of night, not only preparing the fantastic meal, but explaining each dish while serving, and a personal encore that included signing the book of each guest that night. Bravo!

The Basquiats (from L to R)

Kevin Benett – @giftedapparel

Simone Berry – @moniberry

Monique – @marvelousmo

FlawlessCrowns – @Flawlesscrowns

Michelle Ten – @missfitstyles

Chris Excel – @ChrisExcel1

BrandCJay – @BrandCjay

Photo Credits: MissTen, FlawlessCrowns, MarvelousMo, BrandCJay

This might have to be that 2012 anthem right here.

We started out with apps that included Tea Sandwiches, Jalan Alor Chicken Wings, and Watermelon Pickle Crispy Pork. (Yes the brutha does try the swine from time to time) The tea Sandwiches were tasty, the Chicken Wings were a bit over sauced, and the Crispy pork was perfect.

The main entrees were forgettable so I won’t waste time even trying to remember. I will say Fatty Crab is good for meeting friends, having some good drinks, and noshing on small bites.

Fatty Crab is located at: 643 Hudson St (between Gansevoort St & Horatio St) in the West Village.

When I come across a book that speaks to the hustler in me, I’m all too thrilled to share. My latest reading infatuation is the book Crush It by Wine Aficionado/Self Made Hustler Gary Vaynerchuk. This dude has a passion aka dream and made it a reality all while branding himself in the process. The book doesn’t get to wordy or all “let’s do an assignment”, rather it calls you out to see if you really are about those dreams you say you are. I love how he speaks on how important the internet is to that process as well, which has made him a star in his own right. Check out a clip of him below and see what I mean:

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

Apps ordered consisted of: Oysters with Ginger Mignonette, Lump Blue Crab Cakes (pic above), and Jerk Bacon & Egg. I will say the Oysters needed a dash of salt to really pull you into the sea, they were stripped a little too bare for my palate. All in all, the apps were very tasty and not too heavy. For our shared entree we had the Blackened Cat Fish & Black Eyed Peas, it wasn’t the best catfish I’ve had but it was good. All around it was a great experience, and for a Tuesday night the spot was alive. Tuesdays are Latin Tuesdays at Red Rooster they celebrate the Latin flavors of Spanish Harlem. I mos def recommend you at least check the spot out, the energy pulls you right in. I see you Harlem!!

Red Rooster is located at: 310 Lenox Ave (between 125th St & 126th St)  New York, NY 10027

Check out more from Stampd’ LA HERE.

First off the Butternut Squash Bisque is prepared with Maine Lobster, Honshimeji Mushrooms and Napa Cabbage was a subtle explosion of flavor that set so right with my soul. For my entree I had the Parmesan Crusted Cod with Chorizo, Baby Spinach, and Almond Puree. To cap off what was a food lovers dream of an evening I had the Banana Coconut Bread Pudding with Banana Crème Fraîche. For those of you that know me, you know I’m not a dessert kind of dude…this was a moment to be had! Many thanks to Kareem and Maitre’d Eddie for making sure my 1st timer Raoul’s experience was worth while.

If you are in NYC and want a great experience with some fantastic food, make sure you check out Raoul’s: 180 Prince St
(between Sullivan St & Thompson St)  New York, NY 10012

Tom Ford has always been 5 steps ahead of the industry. This clip into the method of his madness is simply inspiring for those that live on that creative edge. Enjoy…

I’m always fascinated by stories of stars from old Hollywood. One story that never ceases to amaze me is the story of Marilyn Monroe. A woman that knew how to turn it on when she needed to, yet yearned to someone…hell anyone to love her for her. “My Week With Marilyn”  is a great telling of the very intimate time spent between Colin Clark, an employee of Sir Laurence Olivier. The story is based on a true story and book of the same name is spun around the production of The Prince and the Showgirl. Beautiful, poignant, and Oscar worthy is the best way I can sum up this feature. Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, and Kenneth Branagh all give amazing performances. This is one film you don’t want to pass up this holiday season.

Finally a 4th quarter in the music industry I can stand by. Two of the hottest albums dropped this Q4 and my ears are in heaven. Common’s “The Dreamer/ The Believer” and The Roots “Undun” have restored my faith in hip hop in the final inning.

I’m not going to do alot of talking about the projects, but I will say you know I never lead you astray.

So Cop That Common HERE and Cop That Roots HERE.