?

@LoveIsTheNewBlk Asked:
Jetsetfarryn, what are some amazing restaurant recommendations in London and Paris? Thank you!!
Let’s do this.  

Social. Secure a reservation at La Société, an art-sprinkled, ultra-chic restaurant designed by Christian Liaigre and tucked away in a 19th-century building on Place Saint-Germain (Paris) 

Lunch. L’ Avenue. Sit outside and people watch at this perfectly Parisian lunch spot.Tres chic! (Paris) 

Dish. Thoumieux. Anything Thierry Costes is social gold - as is the case with the revamped Thoumieux brasserie. (Paris) 

Try. Foie Gras at Terre et Soleil. Tucked away on a street closed to traffic in the Marais neighborhood of Paris, Terre et Soleil is home to an Italian twist on French Foie Gras. A hot plate of cavatappi pasta, tossed in a cream sauce studded with figs is served up with a fresh slice of house-made foie gras, a must for any France first-timer. (Paris) 

Stroll and Eat. Explore nearby Rue Mouffetard, a street that’s all about food and is home to one of Paris’s hottest street markets. (Paris) 

The Cool Crowd. For Michelin-starred Italian cuisine and a bit of a scene, try celeb-favorite Locanda Locatelli. Just a short walk from the hotel, it serves traditional Italian fare in a sleek and sophisticated setting. (London)

Chaat. Spice up your palate with some of the best Indian food in London. Bombay Brasserie has been around since 1926, and it’s withstood the test of time in a competitive spot for Indian cuisine. (London)

Mild. Suka at the Sanderson Hotel, run by star New York chef Zak Pelaccio, offers colorful Malaysian cuisine in a clean-lined, fresh-looking dining room. Try the spicy watermelon salad or Malaysian barbecue chicken. (London)

Dine It. The three-Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal (of Fat Duck) has launched a restaurant that’s the talk of the town. Reservations at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal are booked six months in advance, so act early. (London)

Buy Burgers at Meateasy (unfortunatley closed). Devour Dumplings at Ping Pong. Snack a sandwich at Raison D’etre. Have your own suggestions?

Last year, Condé Nast added restauranteur to its’ list of professions and now, the Vogue Café, Kiev, and GQ Bar, Istanbul, are set to join Moscow’s Vogue Café, GQ Bar and Tatler Club next year.

Stuart Nielsen, director of restaurants for Condé Nast International, said: “Turkey and the Ukraine are both exciting emerging markets with a strong appetite for luxury brands in retail and hospitality. Vogue Café and GQ Bar address this powerful consumer desire.” Nielsen said more openings would be announced in the coming months, including in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Condé Nast will also launch men’s title GQ to a Turkish audience for the first time in March next year. The magazine, edited by Mirgun Cabas, will be published under a licensing agreement between Condé Nast and the Dogus Media Group. Love it, hate it, don’t care about it? (Source: MediaWeek) 

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Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “People seeking paradise on earth should come and visit Dubrovnik.” People seeking a good feed should also put it on their list. Dubrovnik’s chefs have the Adriatic’s seafood bounty at their disposal, and sun-warmed balconies to serve it on. We asked our friends Ivana Marušić and Alexandra Bozovic Marlais from the Dubrovnik Travel Team for their restaurant recommendations.…

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From Miami to Montauk, from start to finish…
Here’s my month in recap
Ready, set, go!

Paddle Out. Manhattan Kayak Company.
Wednesday. 6 PM.

You’ve heard me profess my love for kayaking before (I’m a pretty bad-ass paddler if I must say so myself), so it was only a matter of time ‘til I took my skills to the seas. Manhattan Kayak Company, owned and operated by Eric Stiller and Brian Maxey, takes off from The Frying Pan… so you can have your beer and burn it off too…

@Jetsetfarryn: By no means did I plan my kayaking trip in the Hudson around #FleetWeek….

A beautiful sunset in #NYC… #ViewFrom http://lockerz.com/s/104785649
@manhattankayak @mnipon

Dip It. Dim Sum a Go Go.
Sunday. 8 PM.

A Hong Kong chef (Guy Lieu) in the heart of Chinatown where Wise Man’s Broth and Mai Fun Noodle Soup are as easy to come by as chopped salads and Chai Lattes in Chelsea. Yet the write-it-down menus and no frills decor set the spot apart. Dungeness Crab, fresh Sea Bass and the makings of a perfect Spicy Sunday spot.

Yummy in my tummy (@ Dim Sum Go Go w/ 3 others) http://4sq.com/jYlxYD

Sleep. Ruschmeyer’s -Montauk.
Friday. 5 PM.

There’s a reason travelers venture to the easternmost tip of Long Island to spend long weekends in Montauk. Its Brooklyn-meets-Malibu vibe attracts artists and musicians, families and singles, out-of-towners and locals alike. Montauk is the go-to getaway for those looking to escape, to stay under the radar and away from the sceney side of the Hamptons.

A few years ago Surf Lodge set the standard for a new kind of Montauk escape, with its relaxed and charming yet modern vibe. And where Surf Lodge might remind you ofGidget and beach bonfires, the brand new Ruschmeyer’s is your very own Camp Nowhere. Read my full review here…

Couldn’t disagree more http://bit.ly/mvBsMh RT @curbedhamptons: The Ruschmeyer’s backlash begins! http://curbed.cc/kuzS6e

A summer camp dream… (@ Ruschmeyer’s) http://4sq.com/jMHdnx

Dig In. Lunch Lobster Roll.
Saturday. 1 PM.

There are Lobster Rolls and then there are Lobsta’ Rolls (cue the Long Island accent) and Lunch is the best of the best south of Maine. The Lobster Roll Restaurant was purchased in 1965 by Frederick H. Terry Sr., and his Dad; Richard C. Terry Sr. when it was a tiny roadside clam shack on the Napeague stretch. The Lobster Roll Resto was coined as “Lunch“ (ya know, like me… and JetsetFarryn) and the rest is history. You can enjoy the Mac-n-Cheese, you can down some Fried Oysters, but let’s be serious… it’s all. about. the. roll.

@JetsetFarryn: Me and a Lobster Roll at @Lunchlobroll. Hanging in the kitchen with the cute chefs… Lucky me.

Pit Stop. Vickis Veggies.
Saturday. 3 PM.

I love the road from East Hampton to Montauk, especially when the road has hidden gems like Vicki’s Veggie stand. This East Hampton-based farmers mini-market specializes in organic and locally farmed produce. So stop on Montauk Highway and pick up strawberries, local beets and some seriously delicious zucchini bread.

Chill Out. Sunset Beach.
Sunday. 1 PM.

There’s just something about Sunset.... maybe it’s the Ibiza-esque shoreline dotted with Yachts or the St. Tropez vibe a-top it’s famed restaurant. Occupants spill from the boats onto the beach, some staying for the entire summer, others just for cocktails and dinner. André Balazs’s (yes we met, and it was epic) chic, hip hangout has set the tone for East End getaways since it opened in the late ’90s. This summer, see and be seen at this retro spot, just a short ferry ride from the more hectic Hamptons. There’s always time for mojitos and music…

Unnamed fashion icon, Ralph Lauren model, hot hotelier and sassy comedian. A girl never sees-and-tells http://4sq.com/k0oYnF

Dance. South Pointe.
Saturday. Midnight.

This summer, there’s a new sheriff in town. First Name: South. Last Name: Pointe…. And he’s raising the bar for tunes off of 27. South Pointe Nightclub (in the old RdV East space) opened in South Hampton with a weekend full of David Berrie, Funkagenda, Drek Martinez and Calvin Harris; Avicii and Max Vangelli followed suit. Some icing on the party-cake? The spot is equipped with palm trees, cabanas and a euro-vibe… so see you on the flip side. Questions or concerns? Contact Jonathan Schwartz, just say JetsetFarryn sent you.

@JetsetFarryn: Big night. Big moves. Big love. @Schwartzjon. @SouthPointeNY. @TheChainsmokers. @CalvinHarris.

Devour. Sripraphai Thai Restaurant.
Sunday. 8 PM.

Sripraphai Tipmanee came to New York 33 years ago starting out as a nurse. Turns out, she’s nursing me back to life post-Hamptons partying the best way possible: with spicy, saucy, noodle-filled food. Fried soft shell crab, Rad-Na, dumplings, Tom-yum shrimp, Bu-Du sauce rice, Yellow (karee) curry and more…. yeah, let’s sing a song called “I Ate The Place“… and I guarantee so would you.

I apologize for what I’m about to do to some Tom-Yum and Kao Soy (@ Sripraphai Thai Restaurant w/ 4 others) http://4sq.com/jIylL2

View. A Controlled Substance by Austyntatious.
Saturday. 8 PM.

I believe in nothing more than my sisters, so it’s no surprise (despite it being Miami, in June) that I hopped down south for Austyntatious’s first solo-gallery show. From prints to plexi, the show featured some of her best work and was only a small sign of things to come. Peep the pics, enjoy the view just don’t ask for your very own “Clutch”… it’s officially sold out.

@Austyntatiouss is officially sold out #flyingofftheshelves (@ Control Hair Saloon)http://4sq.com/muFucD

Major night for the creative clan @austyntatiouss @amandaweiner @jonalagem @jdoberti @ooandco @marckalman @derekwalin @spikeyjak

Shake It. Governors Ball Music Festival.
Saturday. 1 PM.

Coachella counting down-teens and over-the-Zoo adults hoped aboard the ferry to Governors Island for this year’s Governors Ball. The one-day, two-stage event featured some of the biggest and best live acts in electronic, dance, hip-hop and indie music; Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit DJ Set, Das Racist, Neon Indian and Big Boi took over the isle (which is evidently the soon-to-be home of NYU Freshman) for twelve, straight, sunny hours. I loved the fun-for-the-whole family vibe; Governor’s Ball skewed more classy than trashy as opposed to most of the festivals we’ve seen this year…. VIP being worth it - hooray for skipping the ferry line and separate seating (kudos to the Fest makers for seriously well organized transportation. But, it’s a good thing Girl Talk sprayed the crowd with toilet paper – he had something to clean up his mess of a set with. Read my full review here…

Get It to @GovBallNYC: Reason #1, Massages; #2, World Series of Beer Pong; #3 @GirlTalk & @PassionPit; #4 Dance http://bit.ly/kLADXt #nyc

Explore. Not a Gallery at Tenent.
Sunday. 3 PM.

I first blogged about Not a Gallery in December for my Gift It Guide… and my obsession has only grown since meeting the handsome and charming Mr. Belmont face-to-face. Not a Gallery offers contemporary art for sale online, and now you can snag your own ready-to-hang pieces from two Hampton locales - inside the uber-cool Tenent Shop and The Bulls Head Barn in Southampton. So stroll on by and start-up a decidedly not-snobby art debate. Call yourself a connoisseur, I won’t tell….

R

oundup of my favorite things this week…. follow it, don’t judge it.

Eat. Chefs Cook for Japan.
I’ll take any excuse to splurge on sushi… Next Wednesday, some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs will take to the kitchen to benefit Japan. The evening will include a dine-around tasting featuring over 10 chefs including Marcus Samuelsson of The Red Rooser Harlem, Anita Lo of Annisa, Jose Garces of Amada and more, specialty cocktails from Julie Reiner of Clover Club, Lani Kai, Daniel Boloud and Masaharu Morimoto. 100% of net proceeds will be donated to the Japan Society…. so chew on that for charity at Chefs Cook for Japan. 

Hotel. Anantara Seminyak — Bali.
From yoga retreats in Ubud to point breaks in Kuta, Southeast Asia’s island gem, Bali, is a land devoted to escapism. On the southwest coast, the upscale resort area of Seminyak fulfills the niche for world-class dining and nightlife, fashion boutiques and vanguard hotels. On prime beachfront in the heart of Seminyak, the Anantara Seminyak Resort is a celebration of Balinese understated luxury and western trend setting, with 59 modern suites, one penthouse, a renowned rooftop lounge and two infinity swimming pools (one is only available for Penthouse guests) at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Check in, and check (yourself) out on Jetsetter.

Photography. National Geographic’s Best for 2011.
There’s no introduction needed here. National Geographic is simply the best… at making me want to pack my bag, throw in the towel, and live life on the road capturing spectacular people and places. This year’s best are as inspiring as the rest - I’m specifically obsessed with their pick for Best Pro “Arts & Culture” Picture (below) of a man enthralled during an open-air cinema show in India. Administered by the World Photography Organisation and sponsored by Sony, the awards are chosen by a panel of 12 judges. The 2011 winners were chosen from more than 51,000 submissions from 148 countries. Killer. 

 
Note: Linked photos, rights of National Geographic - see more winning shots here. 

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I’d forgo a Petra-physique for the right plate. What can I say? I’m down with degustation. Every year San Pellegrino gives us a guide to world’s greatest restaurants with in-depth profiles, dishes and menu structure, a geographical range of the winners and more. Dive in. 

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My weekend recap… from start to finish, go!
Tasting menus to Tequila to Textiles to TV… 

Try On. Textile Jeans, E & J.
Wednesday. 9 pm. 

Tequila and textiles? Count me in. I joined my good friends from Elizabeth and James to launch their new denim line this week at Tacombi. The jeans pull from a Penny Lane place with a 70’s vibe and patchwork pockets. I haven’t taken them off, and I haven’t gotten them hemmed yet. Maybe that’s why I feel down the stairs at Tammany Hall this weekend. Lesson learned: Get your jeans, and hem them too. 

Stuff Face. Torissi.
Thursday. 9 pm.  

I love me a good tasting menu. Honestly, I do. But to agree to one on a date? Well that’s daring even for me. Thankfully Torissi and I got along swimmingly; we smiled over Sweetbreads, laughed over Island Duck and swooned over Skate. There’s something to be said for a great guy (um, I mean resto) who doesn’t brag or get over-dressed, and leaves it up to substance. A tasty-treat sans fuss? Now that’s my kinda man. Torissi, I’ll accept a second date. Just be sure to bring the wine-pairing. 

Dance. The @Knockz at Tammany Hall.
Thursday. 11 pm.  

Over 1,000 people showed for the first Popshop at Tammany Hall earlier this month. And there are a few reasons why. First, the killer location in an annex on Orchard Street. Second, the peeps behind Crash Mansion suited up the place with a large stage (notably), a Prohibition-style basement and an upstairs balcony with its own bar. Third, the lineup which included the Knockz this past Thursday. Give me a boy on a mic and drum-pad and I am sold. This sound is special, so catch them this week at the Studio at Webster Hall. I’ll be the girly groupie in the front. Thanks to the Pancake Man for a great plan. 

Floored - literally and figuratively - by the @Knockz. Wow.#nowplaying at @TammanyHall 12:10 AM Feb 4th 

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From Miami to Boston to New York to Atlanta, it’s been a mayhem-and-magic filled month. An art-installation restaurant, a ramen master-master class, a music legend-in-the-making to private flights… my weeks in recap, from start to finish, go!

Dance. @Afrojack at @Pacha.
Friday. January 8. 

From pop-up Kanye at the Jane to Umphrey’s McGee at Brooklyn Bowl, the New York music scene has had no shortage of acts this month. 23-year-old Afrojack gave the people what the came for at Pacha - a unique blend of chart topping hits like “Louder than Words,” mixed with clean upbeat rhythms and instrumental favorites like “Zeggie” and “Bounce Little Kitty.” It was one of the craziest nights I’ve ever experienced, but the question is, can the cutie keep up with crowd? Hopefully he’ll drop some new goodies at Coachella. 

#ViewFrom @afrojack… Hollaaaa http://plixi.com/p/68588640

Dine. Market Table.
Thursday. January 13.

Exploring my new ‘hood is no small task. But thankfully I have some foodie-friends who are up for the challenge. Market Table - located on charming Carmine Street, isn’t anything new, or particularly special for that matter. At first glance, its an open, casual dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows and amber lighting. But these are all the fixings of a true neighborhood spot. The exposed brick, candlelit tables and approachable vibe make it a perfect first-date place; the varied, warm yet creative menu (and wine list) make it a place you’ll keep coming back to. Test drive the dory – really, it’s delish for fish.

The check/journal at #MarketTable… Cute http://plixi.com/p/69611049

Cook. Ramen Noodle & Gyoza Cooking Class.
Friday. January 14. 

If you know anything about me, you know that my love for Ramen runs deep and true. So when @MNipon shared the news of a Ramen class with none other than Master Hiroko Shimbo, I was sold. Ramen chefs are pretty much perfectionists, and like me, they take their ramen seriously. With thousands of years of recipes and ingredients, it was time for me to take it back to tradition. Author, blogger and Chef-extraordinaire Shimbo led us down a fast 5-hour course of cooking two popular styles (shoyu and miso) and all the details that go with it- yes, I rolled that fatty pork (Rabbi, forgive me). At the end, grab your glass of wine, plate of dumplings and start-a-slurping. “In every bowl of noodle soup there is a drama.”- Hiroko Shimbo… Aka the story of my life.

Oh yeah, I made this. What upppppp? #ramen http://plixi.com/p/70048214

Drink. Riff Raff’s.
Friday. January 14.

It’s too bad I moved out of the ‘hill, because Riff Raff’s, a new underground club/bar is just what the neighborhood ordered. Part tiki-bar (think lais, Hawaiian woods, fruity cocktails), part club (live music, free-flowing tequilla, girls on tables) and part, well, I’m not sure, Riff Raff stands out a place to keep warm in the cold. Hunker down with the neon tiger over the door, or the sexy (truthfully, they are) waitresses applying face paint or the punch bowl of booze. 

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From ThanksGiving to DanceGiving here’s a holiday weekend in two parts. And man am I thankful for both…. Grandmothers kisses, Mom’s secret recipes, Aoki’s new single, @Austyntatious snapshots and killer calorie burning, an inspired ready, steady, go!

Thanksgiving. Miami.
Thursday. All Day.

Tradition is as follows: every member of the family picks and cooks (or pretends to cook) one dish, and every member of the family must wear clothing that resembles pajamas. Throw in some iPad speeches, a few I’m thankful for’s, a bowl of blackberry’s and serious grub love and you’ve got yourself a Weiner family holiday.

I’m thankful to be a Weiner, for reals. @amandaweiner @Austyntatiouss

1 recipe per person… its currently a mad house here RT @charynpfeuffer: Q7. Favorite Thanksgiving/Holiday tradition? #TNI 25 Nov 

@DanceGiving Music Festival. Ft. Lauderdale.
Friday. All Night.

Oh boys of Dayglow, how you disappointed me once (I’m talking to you Paul Campbell)… you left me roaming the streets of NYC, on a Saturday night, in waterproof attire. But this holiday weekend the party boys made up for it with DanceGiving, a new event to tack on to tradition. What’s there to be thankful for? 3 Stages. An off-the-path location (oh hey Ft. Lauderdale) and 16 hours of calorie blasting beats, brought to you by @Steve Aoki, @LA Riots, @Cedric Gervais, @Wolfgang Gartner and @Robbie Rivera, to name a few. If you don’t believe me, just ask the thousands of fans who danced till dawn. Seriously, just ask them. 

#Check, check. RT @Austyntatiouss: Press pass, check. @steveaoki , check. @lariots, check. Twins? @jetsetfarryn @amandaweiner check. Check. 26 Nov 

Its time. RT @steveaoki: RT @danielRiots: @Soniccmusic 745 - 9pm / @LARiots 9 - 10pm / @wolfganggartner then @steveaoki on after. get it in! 26 Nov 

#FtLauderdale… I’m so sorry, I’ve been underestimating you for years #dancegiving #musicismylovedrug 27 Nov 

For more ridiculous, amazing, brilliant photography, head to Austyntatious.com

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oundup of my favorite things this week…. follow it, don’t judge it.

Experience. Safari Surf School.
Channel your inner surfer with this escape at a remote coastal retreat along the Pacific in Nosara, Costa Rica (about 155 miles west of San Jose). Stay at the Balinese-inspired luxury hotel L’acqua Viva Resort & Spa and get twice-daily surfing lessons from a local shredder, yoga classes, an ATV rental, massages and more. Known for its wellness vibe and jungle surroundings, Nosara is a true surfers haven, too. The beach here is perfect for learning with shallow water and consistently curling swells. It’s Costa Rica’s pura vida — the pure life — defined.

Shoot the curl at Safari Surf School on Jetsetter.com!

Concept. Swoosh Experiences.
When you are Nike, you just do it. There’s absolutely no point being timid or ordinary. You blaze trails, create trends and draw attention – which is exactly what they’re thinking at The Cool Hunter: Access. This global agency is creating some seriously killer concepts to help spread the swoosh (as if they need help…): a swoosh-shaped Nike Extreme Toboggan Ride – a toboggan slide shaped like the swoosh, and of course, the toboggans themselves are shaped like swooshes too,  a Swoosh Slide and Hot Air Balloon… just to name a few low-key thoughts.

Event. Hester Street Fair.
Hester Street Fair, located in a beautiful park setting, was once home to New York City’s largest and oldest pushcart markets. At the turn of the century, Hester Street was the site of the busiest outdoor market in New York City: 

“There is hardly a square foot of ground in Hester Street that is not covered with people during the day. The whole place seems to be in a state of perpetual motion, and the occasional visitor is apt to have a feeling of giddiness.” NY Times, July 27, 1895.

Today, the Hester Street Fair focuses on curated local goods, vintage garb and food. Suchin Pak (um, love her) and brother Suyhun, Adam Zeller, and architect Ron Castellano are behind the event… and to top it all off, NYMag. and Grub Street will be there to make sure their guests are well fed. 

Be there or be square - Hester Street Fair opens this Saturday from 10 - 6pm!  

New York is one of the finest cities in the world for both music lovers and foodies alike. And @Electric Zoo Festival, held this past weekend on Randall’s Island, brought an abundance of culinary options that exceeded the expectations of your standard festival food (you won’t find no funnel cakes here!) with a soundtrack propelled by the world’s best electronic music artists. 

With a variety of tastes for every discerning palate, coupled with over 70 artists over the course of 2 days - ranging from established worldwide favorites The Chemical Brothers, Moby, and Armin van Buuren, to exciting artists and acts like Axwell, Diplo, Flying Lotus, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar and Steve Aoki -  Electric Zoo was as diverse as trendy trucks that pass through the streets of NYC. So you can have your Zoo, and eat at it too…. 

@Richkshaw Dumpling Truck. 

Rickshaw offers three options of inventive Pan-Asian/Pacific Rim dumplings by Executive Chef Anita Lo.

“Chicken and thai basil with spicy peanut sate dip. It’s a thai fusion, and our most popular dumpling…”

@ Street Sweets.

The all natural (bio-diesel fuel, organic milk, fair-trade coffee beans, etc.) Street Sweets truck serves up coffee, pastries and even European-inspired create-your-own croissants with filling choices like mocha, praline, all natural preserves, honey and nut butters.

“Whoopi pie because they’re little so you can eat a whole bunch, and then dance it off! Plus it’s only two dollars!”

@Van Leeuwen.

The Van Leeuwen duo has been scooping gourmet (hormone free) ice cream since 2008, with flavors ranging from red currant to ginger. 

“Cinnamon ice cream, because its just so good!” - Peter Van Leewan

@Miss Softee.

Miss Softee isn’t just for kids, though her vintage soft serve ice cream is a fan favorite.

“The Electric Cone! Vanilla ice cream, rainbow sprinkles and pop rocks! Made specially for Zoo goers!”

@Mexicue.

Brooklyn based Mexicue blends red-hot Mexican cuisine with home-cooked Barbecue flavors.

“Short Ribs”
“No, Brisket”
“No, short ribs! It’s the best thing you can have. It’s got aged white cheddar, salsa verde and refreshing salsa fresca!”

@La Cense Beef.

La Cense Beef turns over 100% all natural grass fed Steakburgers.

“Cheese and caramelized onion Cheeseburger…. hands down”

Be sure to check out my zoo review on Eats.com!

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La Tomatina by Numbers
via @HuffingtonPost

9,940: Bunol, Spain’s population

40,000: festival-goers

100: tons of ripe tomatoes hauled in by the town council

35,000: dollars the town council spent on the tomatoes

70,000: the town’s budget for the festival, most of which was spent on cleaning, security and toilets

60: years La Tomatina has occurred

1: Full of FOMO Bloggers (yes, me)

BUNOL, SPAIN - AUGUST 25: Revellers pelt each other with tomatoes during the world’s biggest tomato fight at La Tomatina festival on August 25, 2010 in Bunol, Spain. More than 45000 people from all over the world descended on the small Valencian town to participate in this year’s La Tomatina festival, with the local town hall estimating that over 100 tons of rotten and over-ripe tomatoes were thrown. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

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I’ve been scouring the city for new spots; some hidden gems, random oldies and buzzed about babies. Make no mistake, I’m not a foodie - but my curiosity, and hungry friends, keeps my meals interesting. In honor of Restaurant Week, here’s whats on my resto radar… what’s on yours?

1 Dinner/Brunch. Pulinos.

There’s something simple about a staple like Gemma - a place where you can have your bread and drink wine too… but as I sat, pinned up against the bar at Keith McNally’s new resto in the Lower East Side, I realized that Pulinos might not have that same ease about it. Sure, you can make a reservation, unlike its compadre at the Bowery Hotel, but don’t expect for it to be honored. It’s only Wednesday, and it’s packed, and my reservation was for 35 minutes ago.

Downtown actors mix with Uptown bankers inside the deceivingly new space; it looks like it has been here for years, with exposed brick, tin ceilings and vintage light fixtures casting that signature McNally golden glow. But if you can make it past the gate, the simplicity of Pulinos becomes clear: you come here to eat, and watching the people while you wait is just part of the experience. Pizza is the main event, served out of the open kitchen; four varieties of prosciutto, five types of bruschette and a variety of breakfast items such as the Salsiccia pizza, with eggs, bacon, white cheddar and sausage, served until after midnight. Give in to the calories, just don’t give up your spot at the bar. 

2 Brunch. @Clinton Street Bakery.

Like every other New Yorker, waiting on line, hung-over at Clinton Street Bakery proved to be very ineffective. Solution: find two strapping, young, Lower East siders, send them there around 10 am and leisurely make your way back over around noon. Thus far it has worked swimmingly, arriving at the door of CSB like a well-respected regular and simply snagging a seat.

Husband and wife Neil & DeDe had no clue what they were in for when CSB first opened in 2001. Their mission: to make some killer, hand-made baked goods for the ‘hood. Little did they know that their pancakes (specifically the famous blueberry batch), buttermilk biscuits, muffins and pies would be named the ‘Best in NYC’, along with their entire brunch and breakfast menu. Think brioche French toast with roasted pecans, caramelized bananas and warm maple butter (tastes like caramel); truffled fried eggs and asparagus with roasted artichokes, bacons lardoons and truffle vinaigrette; or the classic country breakfast with three eggs any style, ‘cure 81’ ham steak, hash browns and a biscuit.  If you can’t find a swain-on-hand, head back at night when the line thins and the light dims. Yes, that means pancakes after dark… 

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It’s been a wild month. Between Bonnaroo and July 4th, I’ve barely had a moment to catch my breath. And then, these past few weeks have been all about losing it again with inspiring pop-up tech and the Jersey Shore. Ready, steady… go. It’s Manic Monday, summer-style.

Note: Some restaurants have been withheld in order to wow you with a special Resto Week post… check back Thursday for the juicy details.

Inspire. @CreatorsProject.
Country Hoping. 12 Hours. 

You’re probably sick of hearing about it but… Jetsetter partnered again with our friends at Vice Magazine to give away two tickets to the Creators Project London. For those out-of-the-know, The Creators Project is a partnership between Intel and Vice Magazine that self-describes as,”a new network dedicated to the celebration of creativity and culture across media, and around the world.” The New York event kicked off a series of five Creators Project events around the world with stops in London, Sao Paulo, Seoul, and ending with a three-day grand finale in Beijing. Each stop features performances, screenings, and exhibits highlighting the fusion of technology and creativity.Check out my video of the New York exhibit and check back soon… we may or may not be sending one lucky fan to Rio (wink).

Having a love affair w/ @creatorsproject @fifaworldcup and my #nikonD90 all at once!!! My camera is the best date ever…. June 26, 2010 4:09:23 PM EDT via UberTwitter

This.is.the.best.invention.ever…. @creatorsproject I’m blown away. The only #FAIL? I wish there was more #art #music and @neonindian 10:50:26 PM

“Loosen the juice”… pure chaos at the @creatorsproject right now w/ @neonindian @markronson and @samspiegel busting out some basssss

Brunch. @Back Forty.
NYC. Sunday. 11 AM.

Ok, I’ll admit it. I was trying for Clinton Street Bakery, but with a three-hour wait, I had to search for an alternate. Enter Back Forty - a sustainably minded spot on Avenue B where a seasonal cocktail or dish isn’t as boring as it may sound.  Grab a spot at the twelve-seat bar or one of the communal wooden tables where you can annoy your neighbor with questions about their order (I totally did not do that). Order the Pork Jowl Nuggets with Jalapeno Jam (just don’t try getting a side of Jam, they negged me on that one) and Poached Eggs with Whitebean Ragout on Toast. But the real ticket is the Chicken with Waffles. Don’t skimp on the syrup.

Note: En-route to Back Forty, stop at one of the many small gardens in the area. Be sure to dance like a weirdo… it’s a great way to wake up.

Getting full with @DJTannerNYC @Austyntatiouss @JesseKrantz (@ Back Forty) http://4sq.com/3Qt3FY 

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