Prospect Park Food Truck Rally (for http://flavainyaear.blogspot.com/)

June through October this year Prospect Park plays host to the outstanding Food Truck Rally every 3rd Sunday of the month. Unique to New York's culinary culture the local food truck can be either a fantastic find or your worst nightmare, but only the former applies at this one of a kind event as they've diligently sorted the best from the rest.

Working in conjunction with the NYC Food Truck Association (www.nycfoodtrucks.org) the event proceeds to showcase premium food truck vendors - kicking your run of the mill kebab man on the corner to the curb - and provide New Yorkers with affordable quality food on the go, while at the same time supporting grass roots local businesses and food truck entrepreneurs.

The following food trucks pulled into Prospect Park to start off the monthly affair and were definitely the leaders of the pack as far as the hungry park-goers were concerned:

http://gorillacheesenyc.com/
- Gorilla Cheese is taking old school American favorites to the streets with it's menu of classic grilled cheese and specialty sandwiches. Tack on a side of tater tots, creamy tomato soup or mac'n'cheese and you're sorted

http://kimchitacotruck.com/
- Korean has been a long-time favorite of mine with it's fresh, clean flavors, healthy ingredients and delicate spices. But the crux of Korean cooking is Kimchi - a spicy pickled cabbage that tastes a lot better than it sounds. Kimchi Taco has cleverly combined stock standard favorites such as tacos, burritos and if you can believe it, cheesesteak, and combined them with treasured Korean family recipes to make for a truly unique and tasty experience. If you don't believe me, try it!

http://redhooklobsterpound.com/
- Home of the delicious Lobster Roll this is one food truck delight I simply had to sample for myself. With fresh Lobster brought in from Maine each week courtesy of the Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn this is a slightly more decadent food truck but it's definitely worth it. Toasted buttery roll, fresh salad and lobster tossed in chives and mayonnaise - how can you go wrong?

http://kelvinslush.com/
- Considering the first Sunday of the Food Truck Rally was a sweltering afternoon in the high 80's it's no wonder the Kelvin Slush queue was never ending. With a fresh take on an old favorite they're tasty, refreshing, and healthy to boot! Green Tea, Ginger, Mint, Basil and a myriad of fruits make for colorful and fruity cocktails that will cool you down on the hottest of days.

http://www.mudnyc.com/
- All my coffee drinking counterparts will agree the Mud Truck has saved their lives at one time or another on their early morning commutes. With great coffee, stylish design and an East Village attitude this truck is not to be messed with when it comes to coffee - and they have some cool t-shirts too! They also have a great New York City intro on their website if you've got a few minutes.

http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com/
- Another truck I just had to sample - only due to the extreme heat of course… But so popular was this little 4 wheeler they only had Vanilla and Chocolate left. I went Vanilla, my friend chose Chocolate, and neither of us were disappointed. Word on the street is their Pistachio is to die for, and I wouldn't mind sinking my spoon into the Hazelnut, Strawberry and Ginger either.

The below trucks were also serving it up in the sunshine ensuring no one went hungry:

http://www.souvlakigr.com/
http://www.rickshawdumplings.com/
http://www.taimmobile.com/menu/
http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/
http://www.eatcoolhaus.com/
http://www.treatstruck.com/
http://www.souvlakigr.com/
http://www.eddiespizzany.com/
http://www.bistrotruck.com/
http://www.cupcakestop.com/
http://www.joyridetrucks.com/

As you can see there's something on offer for all at this super tasty local event. For more information on the Rally and the participating food trucks visit http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/foodtrucks.
And if you do head down for a gander be sure to wear your extra roomy food pants, as one truck just ain't enough!

Bargains from the Boroughs (as featured in Mesmer Magazine)

Bargains from the Boroughs

New York is without a doubt a place you come to shop. From the labels and boutiques on Madison Avenue to the big guns like Macys, Barneys and Bloomingdales there are great finds afoot for all. From Uptown to Downtown and everywhere in between tourists and locals flock along 5th, Madison and Broadway to get their hands on the latest bargains and trends. But an overkill of these stores, especially in high tourist and traffic areas, can leave them feeling a little uninspired and mass produced. When there’s an American Apparel, Gap and Victoria’s Secret on every corner it’s hard to find anything that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Almost unbeknownst to most of the general public at there are hidden gems and glittering jewels of fashion, footwear and accessories to be found in lesser-known localized stores. Many are hidden in the back streets and avenues of the East and West Villages and even Soho, not to mention plenty of thriving Thrift Shops if you’re that way inclined. These shops have a lot more to offer in the way of variety and one-off pieces, as well as being far from the maddening crowds.

Chain and department stores have always cornered the market when it comes commercial shopping and major brands but it can come as a refreshing change to shop somewhere a little different. Commonplace labels and brands can be bought almost anywhere, and heaven forbid you commit that age-old fashion faux par and be seen next to someone wearing the same outfit! To ensure you’re nabbing a truly original and unique item that won’t be seen on some B-Grade celebrity in US Weekly the next day it’s worth hunting out smaller stores and find something that really catches your eye.

You’ll also be doing your bit for local business by keeping your hard earned cash within the borough as opposed to throwing it at a giant corporation who most of the time could take it or leave it. Smaller businesses constantly suffer at the hand of larger chains so it goes without saying your purchase will be truly appreciated. This is the same for Thrift Shops who are not only donating their profits to a good cause but also saving the planet one item of clothing at a time by recycling old favorites. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say.

So if you feel the urge to step out of the fashion box and spend your money in a slightly more ethical and often cash-wise manner be sure to take a stroll through the backstreets of your local and neighboring borough’s, as you never know what you might find…

Or you could just take a look at some of these!

IRREGULAR CHOICE

276 Lafayette Street (between Jersey and Prince Streets)
www.irregularchoice.com
A snazzy footwear company that has recently branched into clothing. Not always on the cheap side but a 10 out of 10 for originality. Amazing heels and flats that will make you want to walk everywhere!

ANDY’S CHEE-PEES
18 West 8th Street (between 5th and 6th)

www.andyscheepees.com
In business since 1977 Andy’s is 2 floors stuffed full of vintage clothing and treats. They even sell records! From shirts to skirts, jeans to jackets and army surplus to wedding dresses (true!) this place has it all. At present they also sport a hand-written “Support Small Business” sign in their window, highlighting the effects big business has had on areas like West 8th Street which once upon a time was a high-end fashion and footwear mecca.

PRETTY BALLERINAS
1034 Lexington Av (cnr 74th and Lexington)
www.prettyballerinas.us
Their store is situated very close to Park Av, and is very expensive, but Pretty Ballerinas flats are to die for. Outrageous designs and classic looks abound the shelves of their tiny store on the corner of 74th and Lex, and the fine detail and supreme craftsmanship makes these shoes worth every penny


EAST 9TH STREET (between 1st and 2nd avenues)
This small street tucked above St Marks in the East Village is a treasure trove of unique designers and artists. A wander down this short stretch between 1st and 2nd avenues will take you a lot longer than it should, with tiny boutiques and galleries tucked in every nook and cranny. The below are a mere taster – be sure to go down and see for yourself:
www.jillanderson.com
www.megshops.com
www.duonyc.com

Bites from The Apple (as featured in Mesmer Magazine)

Bites from The Apple

New York City is full of temptation, the most tempting of all being food. There are restaurants, cafes, bars and take out eateries everywhere you look, rendering it difficult to make healthy choices when it comes to dining out. The availability of space in an average New York kitchen - or lack thereof - also adds to the need for dining out. America is one of the most, if not the most overweight nation in the world, with the fast food industry dominating the food market. This fact was highlighted with the release of 2007's 'Supersize Me' when brave film maker Morgan Spurlock took on the challenge of eating McDonald's 3 times a day with dire consequences. Though the food giant retorted their cuisine was not meant to be eaten as a solid diet and they have made some serious changes to their menu, the bulk of their offerings still remain the same - nutritionally lacking, fried fast food.

The long-lasting effects of fast food chains such as McDonalds are also starting to cause growing concern, especially as the bulk of their advertising is aimed at children and younger people. Having products such as fast food and candy advertised in children's TV time slots can lead to unhealthy food choices in later life, thus perpetuating the epidemic of obesity. Obesity can also contribute to ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and some cancers. But the buck doesn't just stop with television. The internet and magazines also play host to a myriad of unhealthy food and drink options are are a lot less easy to censor.

For those of us wanting to escape the weight gain train there's no need to lock ourselves indoors, exercise 24-7 and discard everything in our kitchen besides fruits, vegetables and the occasional piece of gluten-free multi-seed unbleached artisan bread. Nor must we eat in every night using organically approved politically correct ingredients from the holy church of Wholefoods which collectively cost more than we earn each week. A well-balanced and healthy diet full of plenty of proteins and fresh vegetables coupled with regular exercise is the best way to combat that fat, and there are many and varied healthy alternatives for the native New Yorker who feels like an indulgent night out with a tasty moment on the lips without the lifetime on the hips, and some are downright ethical to boot:

ZEN PALATE
http://zenpalate.com/
Union Square, Theatre District and Upper West Side locations
- With their outstanding use of soy beans, wheat gluten, tofu and exotic vegetables Zen Palate has shattered the myth that Vegetarian and healthy eating tends to be bland, plain and lacking in flavour. Their Asian styling's and use of rarely found flavor combinations and ingredients make them stand out from the crowd and stand tall. From their soups to their noodles, their summer rolls to their stir fries, Zen Palate is a healthy option you'll come back to again and again.

BACKFORTY
backfortynyc.com
190 Avenue B at 12th Street, Alphabet City
- A farm-to-table restaurant with an edge this place is always packed and never disappoints. If you're willing to wait for a table at any time of the night or day they serve arguably one of the best burgers in town, and also branch out with delicious fish, brown rice risotto and a mouthwatering appetizer of Yucca fries that will leave you full before you even started - and all this freshly farmed from pastures Upstate. Just stay away from their devilishly delightful cocktails and you'll be healthy and home free!

ZEN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
31 St Marks Place, East Village
- Japanese food is always on the healthier side and this place is no exception. Fantastic soups, tasty sushi and bountiful bento boxes make this a great find - the staff are friendly, the food is fresh and it won't leave a hole in your wallet, hence the place is always packed. The only thing is, the size of the bento boxes plus the accompanying Happy Hour from 8-10pm every night may make your visit a little less healthy than you anticipated.

COUNTER
counternyc.com
105 1st Ave, East Village
- With an ever-changing menu of sumptuous delights this self-professed Vegetarian Bistro, Organic Wine & Martini Bar never leaves you wanting. Guest chefs, classy decor, a beautiful garden and a stunning selection of organic wines and spirits (both local and imported) makes Counter a real treat for Vegetarians and Booze-lovers alike. During the colder months they also serve a cracking home-made warm Cider, served with or without alcohol lest you be on or off the wagon.