Last night a few of my beautiful friends and I went out to watch a little local show. What is Statso you ask? It's only the cutest female group performing in Miami right now. We went out to Moonchine a little sushi spot to drink some Saki and listen to our girls play some tunes. And let me tell you something, they are always sure to please. What was disapointing though was the fact that it would take about 30 minutes to get a drink or so. Meaning our buzzes were very hard to come by. The food was good but just good, not great. I don't know if it was due to the fact that it was packed because of the show, or if it was just that they're service just wasn't cutting it but a few of us were a tad disappointed we couldn't get our drinks when we wanted them. But overall the night was awesome especially due to my girls. Made up of Steph Taylor(piano) and Nabedi Osorio(drums), S.T.A.T.S.O. which stands for Steph Taylor and the State of, are reaking havoc all around town. If you're lucky enough to catch a show you'll definitely be happy you did. Make sure to catch them before they go on tour again! www.myspace.com/thestateofmusic
Yes, this imposed "re..." (I promised I wouldn't repeat the word) has been a topic on my mind for quite some time now and hey can you blame me? With the way everyone's talking about it like its a pandemic. I look at it this way, if I'm going to be in the R word, then I may as well be going through it in style. I'm not talking about going and buying myself a new wardrobe right now or anything. I'm not that ambitious nor deep-pocketed for that matter but what I am saying is that I refuse to stop living my life due to the R. I even refuse to utter the word. Just saying that word gives it power and why give power to something so negative? If you want to get your haircut, go do it! If your debating between netflix or the theater choose going to the theater. Some fresh air will do you some good and who knows you may just forget the R word long enough to actually enjoy yourself. That's why I dislike American media so much. Everything is so sensationalized. They can't finish a sentence without saying "and watch what happens next!" Its pathetic. They turn something that is a mere downturn into a slope heading for the core of the earth! It keeps everyone on pins and needles and you know what? I'm just not going to do it, I'll choose to remain as cool a cucumber and take in life just a day at a time. That's all we can do really if you think about it. Unless you're in bed with a politician or something there's really nothing you can do except practice your right to vote and try to get your news from alternate sources such as NPR or BBC . Once you do that, maybe you'll be able to sleep good at night. I know I will, life is short babes, try living it in style.
I just went out on a girls night over the weekend and before the night began we decided to run upstairs and grab some dinner. I don't know about you but my days of drinking on an empty stomach are more than over! We ended up at Area 31 which is on the 16th floor of the new and beautiful Epic hotel in Miami. I've pretty much proclaimed myself food critic and restaurant reviewer simply because I am a foodie and I love dining out. From the ambiance to the service, this place has it going on. It felt as though a California restaurant had been lifted and transported to Miami to hover in the sky for the evening and we were lucky enough to experience it. But the best part about it was that it wasn't here for just one night. I've noticed a trend of really good restaurants the likes of which you could find in New York, Chicago or LA sprouting up in and around this town and Area 31 is definitely one of them. We sat down and the wine was delicious, the service was great and the food was superb. Freshly prepared and exquisitely presented. I had a Ricotta Gnocchi with a Tuna Bolognese, which was delicious and I too thought was an interested way to serve Tuna, but good. And we also had the Striped Sea Bass which was cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The chef, John Critchley came to our table and introduced himself and the server was really sweet. I loved sitting there and talking with my friend while I sipped my Sauvignon Blanc, the setting and surroundings were bright and wonderful. I never recommend anything unless I visit it twice but I would recommend this place. A fresh breath of air in this crazy city of opulence.
Well ladies, I must say I have noticed some improvements. My eyes lightened up and I think the wrinkles are minimizing. Or maybe it's in my head, I don't know but whatever it is, it's working. I'm going to keep using it for another few weeks so we'll see what happens but so far so good for Loreals 24 hour Eye Defense. Don't you just love it when you buy something that actually works! Will keep you posted! :)
On a recent outing during a beautiful city night in Miami, we started off at Zeke's. Which if you ask me is one of the greatest places to go drink beer in this town. And the fact that it is on Lincoln Road makes the low prices all the more exciting. Proving you can still find bang for your buck in this Godforsaken town! When did everything become so watered-down and grotesquely overpriced? It's almost as though the less you get the more you pay. And let me just tell you I'M SICK OF IT!! After getting a nice cheap buzz going at Zeke's we moved on to the W. Yes ladies and gents we finally have a W hotel right here in Miami Beach. And let me just say its gorgeous. I can't really tell you details about what happens next except for the clear wall I remember seeing between the girls and boys bathrooms in the lobby. But the rest of the night is choppy. I do know that the pool was fabulous and the club was hot. And I mean hot in every way. We managed to get in without a problem which in Miami is a miracle. I don't remember what I said but it worked! I guess its years of experience dealing with these door guys. From the moment we got in, the music was pumping and the drinks were pouring. We danced and drank and managed to stumble our way out in time to make it to a diner to eat and possibly sober up. All in all the night was a success. But I couldn't help but think about the million times I've gone out and encountered problems in this town. From the parking to the door guy to the over priced drink and shitty music. It's like what are we doing here? Who are these clubs, restaurants and lounges catering to anyway? It's not me and I'm sure its not you either cause we're locals and we're all pissed and fed up. You don't know how many times I fore go an outing to stay home and watch a movie instead. It's like who needs that crap. The door guy thinks he's mightier than God. Then you got the parking lots, which by the way who are they owned by? Are these independent or city owned? Either way they're committing highway robbery on steroids! It's ridiculous to have to pay $20 dollars at a lot that is supposed to be a $1 an hour. And let me just add, I am not the stingy type but I do not see the logic or reason to go out and be forced to spend exorbitant amounts of money on things that should be reasonably priced. I don't know maybe its just me. When you do go out you just have to ignore it in order to have a good time. Whatever happened to going out on a budget? Tourism has warped this town. Where does that leave the locals??
Okay people, what is up! Why is everyone suddenly absolutely addicted to texting? Do we really feel that accomplished when we hear the little ring that sounds differently than the regular ring and suddenly you know someone has left you a little clever note on your phone? But why is it that we have become so comfortable with this form of communication that we feel it necessary to use it as our sole means of expressing ourselves? And don't even get me started on the whole dating vs texting thing! I don't know about you ladies but we all better start burning our bras or something because I remember a day when being asked out on a date consisted of a phone call and at least a days notice and NOT a "hey, meet 2nite 4 a drkdrk?" But don't get me wrong, technology is a good thing to a certain extent but don't you think this whole texting thing has gotten a little outta hand?? Most interestingly it seems it's become sort of a scapegoat for people, for those maybe who are not really endowed in the "social networking" department? It's a lot easier to text somebody than to actually build up a sweat to call them and have to deal with the anxiety of guessing what they're response might be. But why have we let ourselves get to this point ladies and gents? And yes I say ladies cause we do it too! I say, next time you go to text someone immediately put the phone down and walk away. Then think about what you were initially going to text and quickly figure out how to put those thoughts and feelings into spoken word and then just do it. Yeeesss do it, pick up the phone exercise your thumb and make the call! Who knows, maybe you'll get a yes on the other end and hey if you don't at least you showed some cohones and tried! And please...>>>>>>
I really must say, I was either very fortunate to have seen the premiere of Death Print this past weekend or unfortunate. Depending on how you look at it, I could easily say I was wowed in more than one way but is that necessarily a good thing? This sinister film was overwhelmed by stark raunchiness and dry humor that seemed to take precedence over the actual plot. And it seemed to have a comedic schedule that relied too much on sexual innuendo. But for most of the film I remained intrigued by what was going to happen next. Kind of like watching a car crash although at a certain point it dragged a bit much for me. On the upside the ingenious sprinkling of local characters such as Lolo Reskin of Sweat Records, Cuci Amador of Afrobeta and Brian Basti of PS14 and other really cool local cats added a charm and refreshing humor to the film. Besides the local cameos, there were three things I enjoyed most about it. First was the event itself. It was very unique compared to other premieres I've been to with an array of colorful personalities who cleverly filled the theater with an eclectic flair. Secondly, Afrobeta performed a rare A-Capella song during the opening and last but surely not least, the film featured an array of exquisite Ariel shots of Miami, which I later learned were actually taken by the film crew with a helicopter they rented to get specific shots. And I couldn't help but notice two guys next to me who kept pointing at the screen and giggling every time they saw their building on screen. And that's when it dawned on me and I realized what type of movie this was. It wasn't the kind that Ciscle and Ebert give two thumbs up, it was one of those films you could laugh out loud to and talk about how "out there" the scenes were after. In retrospect I'm glad I got to see this film, not only did it make me "LOL" but it was filmed especially by Miamians for Miamians and if that's not motivation to go out and see it then I don't know what is.
In this era of recessions, lay offs and unemployment lines I've resorted to an old faithful trick I use from time to time called, "If its Free its for Me!" We've reached a point where free events are no longer cheesy or cliche. Where you can actually go to a free party and enjoy great drinks, food and even get free gifts on your way out. Free is definitely for me. I always keep an eye out for all the free events going on in town using the New Times and 944 and so should you. It's simple, just open up your local newspapers or magazines and check out what's going on. Then a lot of times you merely fill out an rsvp form online and voila! you're in! So go out and find what's available in your town, trust me Free is in! Save your pennies kids you may need them for a rainy day!
I’ve been listening to Green Day all morning and I haven’t done that since high school!
Last night Billy came onto the stage at the AA Arena wearing his skinny black jeans and proper rocker vest and with his all too memorable symphonic voice began demanding energy from the crowd. All of a sudden he came up to our section and appeared just a foot away from me and when I touched him it simultaneously reinvigorated the fan in me, it was AWESOME!
No area of the stage or audience was off limits to Billy and his guitar, he went everywhere. He electrified the crowd and demanded we all put away our cameras and live in the moment. With his curse words, his air of anti establishment and politically motivated anger he pumped us all up. It reminded me of what we were so pissed off about in high school, I was one of those kids over ten years ago who absolutely fell for Green Day and sang along to all their songs but school day crushes die young and over the years my taste in music moved far away from punk rock. Yet I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun at a concert.
From his religious ceremony where he “saved” some one from the crowd to the pyrotechnics show that felt like bombs blasting from the stage, they just kept surprising us at every turn. I could feel the floor moving as the crowd jumped in the air, the electricity was intoxicating. When I looked around I just saw smiles on everyone’s faces. Not to mention the huge super soaker he kept pulling out and wetting the crowds with. Then they got into costume; Billy wore a police officers hat, Mike wore a Pirates hat, and the drummer threw on drag, it was hilarious. I realized that their latest Punk Rock Opera record captures the sense of despair among all of us right now but is met with a sense of optimism and you could totally feel that during the show.
Back then they reminded us to live our lives how we wanted to and since then Billy and his band have evolved quite a bit and with 21st Century Breakdown they’re still trying to make us ask important questions. It sends a strong message and I think everyone seems to be listening, I know I am. In an age when musicians win Grammy’s for singing songs about “bling,” it’s good to know there are still bands out there that are standing up for something.
All in all, my ears were ringing; I broke a nail and lost my voice; now that’s a good concert if you ask me!
