Miami is one of those cities where you never really know what you are going to get. And last night was one of those nights. I've always been a sucker for a good laugh and therefore have been frequenting the Miami Improv since the late nineties. If that is any indication of how old the Commish is then don't bother doing the math cause you'll never get it! Lol
Anyway, last night was an exceptionally special night because of all the times I've gone to see comedians, during my very few years on this earth, last night was actually someone that I know! Local comedian extraordinaire Elvis Anderson took the stage and it was a real treat.
It was New Faces of Comedy night and 13 local comedians jumped on stage to strut their stuff. Some were a bit greener than others but for the most part they garnered laughs and held their own.
Aside from one guy who was too under the influence to complete a sentence, and another guy who made to many 'feces' references for anyone's liking, it was refreshing to see just regular folks get up there and face the crowds.
Its not easy being up there behind those lights and in front of such a big crowd so I definitely respect and support them.
One thing I found especially amusing was being made the butt of the joke by my friend Elvis! I know you're wondering, "Now why would anyone enjoy that?"
Well, because the experience of a comedian actually telling a joke about you on stage is quite exhilarating, you should really try it some time! It's like that feeling you got when your teacher gave you a big gold star in front of everyone in class, it just feels good!
It was like nothing the Commish has ever experienced before and let me tell you I've seen a lot!
All in all it was a good night in the Grove. And also good to see the old Greene Street cafe is still alive and well which is where we took the after party for the mandatory "Walker fix."
Till next time and remember, "What is life if you can't laugh about it!"
Like the pair of brand new shoes you've only worn once to the various pairs of cuff links you have for each day of the week, as much as you may not want to admit it, you yourself have become disposal. But unlike the “spoils of war,” your traces do not remain long after the battle is over…
Human beings as individuals have become a transient item.
We have become another one of the many replaceable items in our homes or in our closets that get substituted for something newer and better when the use for that item is no longer required. But my question is, when did human beings become disposable?
Eliminating somebody’s traces from your life has almost become an art form. No longer are we compelled by morals or principles to look someone in the face and explain what it is that is bothering us. It is much easier to just get a new one.
You don’t hold a tie up in the air and say, “Hey friend, our relationship has run its course," do you? So why would you do that with a human being? It’s all much too complicated and takes up way too much time and much needed energy. Energy that could be spent doing something much more productive like crunches, or better yet calling the next person on the list...
We no longer look at each other as valuable, or worthy for the sake of the relationship. We see each other as items and are constantly asking ourselves, “What is this person doing to better my situation?”
We forgot how the person was there when you least expected. We forget how they made us laugh when we were down. We so easily forget all the amazing things that make that person who they are and that garner that person at the very least a final conversation. What did that person do to deserve such treatment, care for you?
Imagine how much happier we would all be if instead of when asked, "So whatever happened to Bob?" one could proudly say, "Well he was a great guy and he's in Alaska right now photographing seals," rather than recoiling in embarrassment and saying, "I have no idea, he left me without a trace..?"
Unfortunately, Miami has bred self indulgent, narcissistic individuals who have no sense of remorse what-so-ever for what they do or who they do it to.
They do not hold themselves accountable for their actions so why should others? Then we wonder why this city is such a nightmare to date in? What we don’t realize is that we ourselves have brought forth this kind of unrealistic cut-throat environment.
Granted, I am not trying to toot my own horn or win the Medal of Honor for my services here; I’m just saying this has gotten out of hand.
Since when is it okay to accept a gift or a favor from someone without returning it ten fold? Since when did it become okay to specifically date someone until “the one” comes along and either sweeps you off your feet or makes you fall head over heels?
We’re all guilty of it.
Where is our sense of compassion for one another? No one looks each other in the eye anymore. We’re like little hamsters running in our cages all alone in our wheels, going no where fast..
We all have feelings. People have feelings. It shouldn’t be so difficult to say sorry to someone. Saying sorry doesn’t mean you are wrong and they are right. It means you acknowledge the other individuals point of view enough to meet them half way on the subject.
Whatever happened to being courteous and caring about the well being of others? I mean if I ever found myself in a tight spot, I would like to believe that a complete stranger would step up to help me, but these days I’m not so sure anymore..
A human being is not an item to be toyed with for a while and then turned in for another model. A person is not merely a “warm body” or a “decent date” or a “good listener,” that is there to fill the role for your convenience. People not only have feelings but they also have better things to do than to be catering to your needs all day.
Maybe, if we all stopped trying to over compensate for our poor judgment and lack of personality by worrying about our appearances and buying nice cars and big boats, we might find the time to work on ourselves from the inside and maybe just maybe become better human beings in the meantime.
Hopefully disposable human beings will just be another fad or something like white jeans and we'll all go back to valuing one another.
The Shake Shack just opened today and of course I had to go over and see what all the fuss was about.
Word is that in NYC people wait up to 1 1/2 hours in line for a bite of one of these burgers. So I had to go see what was going on because if there are two things I love in this life, they are burgers and shakes!
I ordered a classic cheese burger which came crispy on the edges with melted American cheese on top and let me just say was absolutely delicious!
One bite and I wanted to go back and stand in line to order another one but my waistline immediately denied the request!
The strawberry shake I ordered was thick and creamy and reminded me of an old school malt shake from back in the day although my friend said it reminded him of MC Donalds.
But either way was really good so if you're into a good shake like me, see for yourself and let me know what you think.
One of us ordered some cheese fries which in my opinion could have used a bit more cheese to really be considered cheese fries but the consistency of the fries was spot-on.
The ambiance was nice and airy although the line went on and on and there were no seats available to save your life. They were playing Radiohead which instantly put me at ease and made the wait that much better.
And I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing,when you're hungry, but the smell in there is absolutely intoxicating and keeps you salivating as you wait.
All in all the Shack gets a good hearty shake from me. Just make sure you go with a friend and start some good conversation for a wait of about 30 minutes minimum.
I've thought long and hard(30 minutes) over divulging this little delicious secret but after serious deliberation I have decided my readers have been so good to me you should be entitled to everything that I am lucky enough to enjoy.
In comes, Le Folie - a little obscure restaurant located on the quiet end of Espanola Way. This little spot, which had one chef, one waitress and which seats 25 people on a good day is a little diamond in the rough here known only by a distinct few.
When I go I always order the "Make your Own" crepe for breakfast with the following: Sliced potato, Rosette de Lyon(French Dry Sausage), and Roquefort Cheese(sheeps milk blue cheese from the south of France), with one sunny-side up egg on top(which you can also have them put inside if you prefer). This crepe is made with Buckwheat Flour and is served with Mesclun and Tomato salad and let me just say is a feast for the senses. So delicate and refined as it hits your mouth and then followed by a fresh squeezed orange juice, served in a wine glass, which I love.
I like to go early in the morning when they are still pulling out chairs and turning on the music, the less people the better. It really does feel like you are sitting in a little cafe in Europe.
Just take a bite and imagine you're somewhere else...
Ever feel like drinking as the Belgians do but instead of being in a crowded little backyard terrace, you're sitting by a picturesque pool in the back of a posh little hotel, feeling the ocean breeze and having some seriously good eats? Well you don't need to look any further because Lou's Beer Garden is just that, nestled in the exterior of The New Hotel located on 73 St and Harding Ave.
I had been there with a friend before but this time the party multiplied and it was about 20 people at a table and I must tell you, it was a wonderful time. With a great selection of draft beers, those imports were flowing like nobody's business. Need I mention it was a Friday night?And you know what happens to people on Friday's right?
It's like this: Picture yourself trudging through a dry, dusty dessert from Monday through Thursday and on Friday just when you've almost given up your search, you come across a plush, vegetated watering hole!
And the obvious thing to do at that moment of course is to jump in. Well my friends, that is what Friday feels like for so many of us and that is what we did that night at Lou's. I think if given the opportunity, we would have drank every last drop of beer that evening but that pesky thing called "last call," crept up on all of us unusually fast!
Regardless, I must say Lou's Beer Garden is highly recommended and not only for the beer but for the food too. Lou, a known local chef, is cooking up some yummy delights out there by the pool. The spicy shrimp is to-die and the hearty meat and cheese platter is not for the faint of heart.
Oh and one more thing, the fries. On my search for the perfect fry, I am obligated to mention that the french fries at Lou's were PHENOMENAL. Two thumbs up on those guys!
Definitely swing by and check it out day or night, you'll be glad you did. And tell them Ms. Commish sent you!
This past weekend I was very pleased to be invited to see a new little show we have playing at the Arsht Center called Spring Awakening.. You know that little musical that won 8 Tony Awards in 2007 for everything from best musical to best book and score and has been playing on Broadway since 2006?
Not only was the music phenomenal, but the storyline was great. Its set in an early 19th century German prep school and as you can imagine what goes on in kids minds at that pubescent age, well lets just say there are more than flowers blooming.
This musical takes you on a journey of love, sex, desire and the confusion of puberty. And if you can believe it, it is actually an adaptation of a controversial German play from 1891 that was banned due to its portrayal of adult content such as, masturbation, homosexuality, rape, bondage, child abuse and suicide.
I could just imagine how ahead of its time this play was in that era. I was blown away and I thought I was pretty liberal. Some of the scenes caught me a bit off guard. I was like, "Is that boy really masturbating on stage and did he just take off his pants?"
Hey nudity, rock and roll and kids defying their parents, what more can you ask for out of a musical!
For the most part it was fun and upbeat. Some of the songs they performed jump out at you and its electrifying! But there were some songs I felt were just too serious and/or sad, but then I realized, teenagers going through puberty are supposed to be depressed and emotional so I guess they had to put some of that in there.
One of the things that stuck to me was the story about how a girl begs her mother to tell her about sex and the mother refuses. But since her mother refuses to tell her about sex how is she supposed to detect it when its happening? She now knows nothing about it so when faced with it what is she supposed to do?
This is the same conundrum girls have been faced with forever. Because to tell boys about sex is easier, dad's usually have less gripes about talking to their sons about it.
But when it comes to the daughter, both parents just freak out! Its a no-go! The last thing they want is for their daughter to be having sex, so they figure that by not telling her about it, they are protecting her from it some how. BIG MISTAKE!
Just as the girl in the play, she is still going to do it at some point no matter what so wouldn't you rather she was at least prepared for it when it does happen?
I really liked the musical for the clever way it portrays touchy issues. I recommend getting seats close up so you could see the facial expressions and the cool hair doo's. I also noticed that audience members were ushered to seats on stage before the show!
I wonder what I'd have to do to get a pair of those seats? Flirt with the teacher I assume... ;)
This past weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting one of the best cities in the US. A city where food and music are of most importance and if you're not too timid the people there show you how its really done!
One night we ventured to this little spot called Cafe Degas located near the grounds where the Jazz Festival was being held. Its a little restaurant and all the tables are outside but its covered by trees and all sorts of vegetation which makes you feel you are sitting in a garden terrace of some sort. Very cool and comfortable vibe.
The food was delicious! We started off with a champagne cocktail they have called French 45 which is basically champagne and cognac. Very good. I had a French Onion Soup to start which was so rich I needed a knife to get through the thick, melty cheese! And then for the main course I had a Soft Shell Crab Salad. Yes, I know I thought it sounded strange too and when it got to the table it looked like this:
It was AMAZING! From the dressing to the crab, which was flash fried meaning it wasn't too greasy, giving it the perfect texture of crispiness and softness. the salad was SO GOOD. And then they sprinkled it with Goat Cheese which was a sweet surprise cause anything with Goat Cheese in it and you got me!!
The dessert was what threw us all for a loop. It was a "Frozen Chocolate Souffle," which in theory sounded quite interesting, even scientific but in reality it just didn't go over well. It was more like spongy chocolate mouse or something and was shaped into a tower which made it almost impossible to eat. The tower collapsed in case you are wondering.
But all in all it was a pleasurable experience. We were surrounded by Jazz Festers and the ambiance was energetic and fun. I highly recommend a visit next time you are there. Let me know what you think!
This weekend, I attended the opening of a new space called Simigo.
A workspace/gallery located on the blood line of Little Haiti 54 street and nw 1st ave.
The artist exhibiting that night was Jayme Gershem, a creative spirit who seems as deep rooted in her art as her two feet are to the ground. As soon as you meet her, you know that she is serious and passionate about her craft.
She is what initially drew me to the event during a chance meeting with her at another art show in the convention center called Arte Americas, a couple of weeks ago.
For some reason, after running into her I remember saying to myself, "You gotta check out what this girl is doing." And so I did.
The space is airy and filled with a good energy. Plenty of rooms and clean white walls to display art. And as stated by Gershem and her partner, a place created by the people for the people.
They want the community to partake in this place. They're inviting artists of all kinds to come in and become a part of the creative quilt they're establishing.
Just as simple as stopping by one day and saying, "Hey."
I love this new little space, I definitely intend on going back. Its times like these I wish I could paint!
March is one of those months in Miami when you literally do not have enough time (or energy) to do everything you want to do! One of the events I was really excited about attending was the Sony Ericsson Open, which has been held in Key Biscayne's Crandon Park for over a decade.
My favorite match was Henin vs Zvonareva. And although I didn't really know exactly what was going on (except the part of the game where the player gets the ball over the net) I must say it was amazing to watch.
This was Henin's first year back after retiring at 1st place in the world and to Zvonareva's dismay, she won that night. It was great.
She had decided to retire when she was on top. She started a family and then after all was said and done decided to come back and start all over again from scratch. Truly inspiring watching this tiny woman play with so much strength and heart.
Zvonareva was interesting to watch too. When she gets mad, she has this thing where she growls like a wild animal and then hits herself with her racket. And hits herself hard! I couldn't decide whether that was funny or just disturbing...
Anyway, besides all of the traffic, being a local during one of the coolest months here was a blast!
So much happens in this city in March. Amazing events such as the Winter Music Conference, Miami International Film Festival, Calle Ocho, The Youth Fair, Jazz in the Garden Festival and St. Patricks Days which is always insanity in this town.
It's months like these I remember why I call Miami home!
In the midst of deep thought today, trying to make sense of things. Wondering why certain things happen to different people, I asked myself, "What is my truth?"
The question came to me very suddenly and very naturally and just the mere contemplation of an answer made me feel centered..
I thought about what really matters to me and what is really truthfully at the center of me, what is my truth.
Find your truth, believe in your truth and everything will make sense...
I was so excited to visit this little spot where it seems beer flows like fountains but I just have to say after this last visit I was a bit saddened by the whole experience. Where do I begin?
The Democratic Republic of Beer is a bar that carries over 150 beers from all over the world. And the premise is, the first time you walk in you fill out your passport with some likes and dislikes and some basic information and they store it on file. Then whenever you come in and order a beer they are supposed to put it on your passport so that you and they can keep track of what beers you've had. I brought friends with me that had never been there before so upon arrival I requested a passport for them to fill out. I was so gleefully excited to bring my friends to this new spot and show them the cool passport gimmick.
Being that the last time I had gone in I had tried like 5 different beers (oops I meant to say 2), I requested my passport to see what I had tried because who could remember, and I wanted to know what to choose. And to my dismay the bartender told me they had not saved anything to my passport so I basically had to start all over again. In addition, one of my friends couldn't fill out their passports because they didn't have enough copies made. Leading me to believe that this whole passport thing was exactly that, a gimmick..
So I put that little incident behind me and decided I'd order some new beers, hoping they would add them to my list this time. At that point the menu became so daunting that I really didn't know what to choose and the staff wasn't the greatest at steering my taste buds into the right direction. I decided to wing it on my own and choose a beer I thought would be good and they said they had just run out. The same thing happened the next 3 beers I ordered...
And with each reply it felt like I was talking to the soup guy on Seinfeld except it sounded more like, "NO BEER FOR YOU!!!"
Finally I was able to get a beer that I requested and that they had in stock early enough to catch up to my friends who were well on their way to a beer buzz. It was a Japanese beer called Hitachino Nest with a little owl on the label, that tasted like fruit which was good.
We then decided to order some apps and call me crazy but when they arrived it felt as though the plates had been dropped on our table from high above and the silverware just flung in our direction. Very abrupt if you ask me. I mean I know we're at a bar essentially ordering bar food but we're sitting down and it does say "restaurant" on the sign. There is something to say about service. Service is service is service no matter the environment you're in, period.
And finally I decided to go with Le Fin du Monde which they had thank goodness and if you haven't tried, I highly recommend you do. It has been my favorite beer lately. And I stuck to that for the remainder of the evening, I really didn't want to go through the headache of dealing with the server staff again. Instead of feeling like they wanted to help me find the perfect beer for me, it felt more like I was bothering them and for that I can go to Total Wines buy a bevy of beers, get great service and go home happy instead.
I am still holding out a flame for this spot though. I mean who knows, anyone could have a bad night. I just hope its different next time I go in. And lets hope they wrote in what beers I had, but maybe I'll just go in with my own pen and pad. I don't know, let's keep our fingers crossed...
Miami is one of those cities where you never really know what you are going to get. And last night was one of those nights. I've always been a sucker for a good laugh and therefore have been frequenting the Miami Improv since the late nineties. If that is any indication of how old the Commish is then don't bother doing the math cause you'll never get it! Lol
