"Steaming graphical jungles"

Last evening, Laura and I made our first trip to DUMBO to see a gallery opening of the boyfriend of one of our classmates. The show is described by the Safe-T-Gallery's site as "work by 4 artists and a collaborative -- all originating from the steaming graphical jungles that are the streets of New York." Laura and I know Daniel Blochwitz:

Daniel Blochwitz is a young German photographer who has been living in New York for several years, recording life on the streets, and producing complex, visually sophisticated street-grids of photos -- two dimensional commentaries on supra-consumerism and modern life.

Needless to say, I was quite impressed with Dan's work. The three pieces that he was showing were each large prints, with a four by four or four by five grid of horizontal photographs. Each piece had its own theme; my favorite being one entitled "Alone". Each photograph is loosely connected to the group as a whole. And then there are other conntections between each photograph and those next to it. Color, horizontals or verticals, shapes -- there are all of these connections.

I can relate to these pieces on a few different levels. Ever since I was a young kid, I was drawn to connections and patterns. It is almost how I think about everything -- music, architecture, urban design, history. So I was pulled in immediately to Dan's work. And then there is this amazing layering of New York that he captured so well. As we talked, he brought up the hope that people can look at his work and see something new each time in each photo. And I had to agree with him -- just the way the essence of New York can be caught by a camera, providing the (new) viewer with things to observe.

Worth checking out if you are in that neighborhood. The Safe-T-Gallery is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges at 111 Front Street, Gallery 214.

My Apologies

I just wanted to let everyone know that New York City has not swallowed me up; I am still alive. Things have just been busy -- which I guess is normal for this city, huh? But I was away for four days enjoying the music and heat of the Bonnaroo Music Festival with my brother, and that has taken up some of my time (both in the attending and in the preparation).

I will soon add some thoughts about new restaurants (thanks to Tom and Aim for their suggestions) and may even use some space to share thoughts on Bonnaroo, even though it took place in Manchester, Tennessee rather than Manhattan.

So thanks for your patience.

First Day of Summer today, huh?

Bacon, You Know You Want It

After work yesterday, I headed up to the Barnes & Noble's on 86th for my first book reading/signing of my residency here in New York. Writer/chef Anthony Bourdain was going to be reading from his new book The Nasty Bits; afterwards, he was to do a bit of a book signing. I have been a fan of Anthony since someone told me to read Kitchen Confidential five or so years ago at a picnic. I passed it on to Laura and she enjoyed it as much as I did. We then became avid watchers of his first TV show, "A Cook's Tour," on the Food Network. We even took a bit of a pilgrimage to his restaurant Brasserie Les Halles before Phish's Comeback show on New Year's Eve 2002. (His cookbook from Les Halles is quite beautifully designed.)

As I was walking down 86th, I passed Anthony and a few women in front of the store grabbing a smoke -- "Good," I thought, "I am not missing anything." For some reason, I noticed that he was quite tan -- I guess he just came back from some exotic location, filming his show on the Travel Channel, "No Reservations." I headed upstairs and realized the crowd was standing room-only, so I situated myself next to some shelf, somewhat behind the podium. He was introduced promptly at 7:00 and read a short selection from his new book, dealing with pubs and gourmet food. He was even more colorful than his voice-overs from "No Reservations" -- he didn't have to worry about the FCC. As soon as the selection was over, he just started answering questions and pretty much answered anything for about a half-an-hour. He actually was more friendly and personable than what I was expecting, to be honest. Loose, comfortable, laughing, colorful -- just the way I thought he would be. He spoke of his love for Asian food and how he is a bit fearful for Beijing's up-and-coming challenge of New York as the Center of the World; he talked about his travels and the tour guides; he answered questions about writing and what his interests were growing up; and he offered the obligatory vegetarian jabs. He also addressed the growth of celebrity chefs and how this is actually a good thing for the profession (one that provides a needed service -- they feed people), giving chefs something to take pride in and strive for. It was an interesting take on the growth of the Food Network and the recognition of chefs in society.

After this was done, I waited in the rather quick-moving line to get his signature in a few of his books. "To Laura and Jeremy." All in all, it was definitely worth the wet walk home. And I would certainly see him speak again if I had the chance . . .

Two Banjos, Two Guitars, Two Fiddles, Bass, Harmonica . . .

We made our first trip to the Knitting Factory Wednesday night for some ensemble bluegrass. My friends Kyle and Karen turned us on to the M Shanghai String Band (from Brooklyn; named after their "home" venue, I guess, a Chinese restaurant). One mic, nine or so musicians, all taking turns soloing and singing and having a good ol' time. I quite enjoyed their set -- from Brooklyn-centered workers songs to a Gillian Welch cover to a Brooklyn-centered love song, they had a nice lefty/commune vibe going. They would definitely be great on a warm summer day, where you can just sit and relax. (Somewhere a bit more conducive than the basement venue at the Knitting Factory with some loud band thumping above.)