Posted in January 2012 …

Jan 31 2012
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That Time

that time: i poached

Killington, Vermont is ideally located for long weekends from NYC. Only a 4.5 hour ride away, the resort is a great place to escape the city and have some snow fun. A few weekend ago, in honor of Martin Luther King and the long weekend he gave us, I trekked out there with a group of friends. House rented, hot tub heated, food and beverages supplied- we were in for a great three days.

the mountain

Luckily for us, it had dumped the night we got there and Saturday morning began with 13 inches of fresh powder. With six mountains, 140 trails and over 70 miles of terrain, there were plenty of runs for us to ride.

I pride myself on being a decent skier, not a great one. I can get down any run it may just not be so pretty. Or so I thought. I made this statement at lunch and my friends decided they would take me on the perfect run. “Light and fluff” they said, I would certainly love it. Slightly apprehensive, as the boys are more daring then I tend to be, I decided to follow anyway. It would be fun right?

gondola ride up to the top

Up the gondola and looking at the trails below, I felt my confidence grow. I could handle what the two of them would throw at me I decided. The first few minutes went as planned. Following the boys on their boards we cut through a few trails to get to their secret spot. The trail was a closed one, but not technically out of bounds so under the rope and down the trail we went. Within about a minute, I knew I was in trouble. “Light and fluffy” had really meant three feet of powder. On my five foot frame this was quite a feet coupled with the fact that I have never skied such powder before, nor know how to. Thirty seconds later, I tumbled down a decent portion with my skis flying in the air. O.K. I thought, “get them back on and get yourself down this run”. Turns out when you’re five feet tall and sinking into three feet of snow, getting skis on is quite the challenge. This clearly wasn’t going to work, so I tried to scoot down to a shallower spot. Whoops, there was none. After what seemed like an eternity, the boys patiently waiting, I got my ski boots snapped into the bindings. Up we go and 30 seconds later down I went. This routine continued for the next 20 minutes and a nice lady even stopped to help me out. Unfortunately, I needed more then her help and before I knew it, ski patrol came to the rescue.

my "poacher" recreation- I had to scratch off the original scribble to use my ticket the second day but you get the idea

Though they came to help, the patrol frowns upon skiing out of bounds. With a quick whip of a Sharpie, I had the word “poacher” scribbled across my pass. The nice young lady that stopped to help me did too. The boys who had gone down and up again to help me also got stopped and branded poachers. Clearly I was not making it down the mountain with boots on skis, so the patrol skied them down as I walked. Walked down the entire trail. Walking down a trail and having ski patrol help would generally be embarrassing enough. Did I mention it was a lift line run? Yeaaaaaa.

The only upside to the whole ordeal? Walking down a mountain in ski boots and through three feet of snow turns out to be a phenomenal work out.

Fortunately, the rest of my weekend was without a hitch and turned out better than planned. Check it out for yourself below…

our house- view from the loft

enjoying the hot tub

sushi yoshi hibachi extraveganza

party at the pickle barrel

The details:

If you are looking to plan your own trip out to Killington Mountain vrbo.com, homeaway.com and killingtongroup.com offer great up to date calendars and rates for rental homes. The resort website is another great resource for hotels in the area though they do tend to book up quickly, especially on major holiday weekends.

Lift tickets to the mountain cost $86 per day for adults but discounts are offered for groups and advance online purchases. Costco is also running a great promotion for tickets to the mountain.

Killington is a fun town with plenty of restaurants to take advantage of. Dinner favorites include Sushi Yoshi for a fun hibachi experience, the Wobbly Barn offering classic Americana (and a fantastic salad bar) and the Ledgewood Yort for an upscale dining experience. For breakfast, Johnny Boy’s for pancakes is a must (their breakfast burrito and hash also win rave reviews).

For those wanting to go out on the town, the Wobbly Barn and Pickle Barrel are the spots to check out. Though covers are a bit steep (about $20/head on peak nights) the live music and vibrant crowd make up for it. Once in, the drinks are also thankfully on the cheaper side.

Enjoy! And if you’re there over President’s Day Weekend let me know. I think I’m heading out that way again and this time staying fully in bounds.

Killington Mountain, 4763 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 802 422 6200 

Ledgewood Yort, call 802 422 6998 for reservations and operating dates. 21+

Sushi Yoshi Chinese Gourmet, 1807 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 802 422 4241

Johnny Boy’s Pancake House, 945 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 802 422 4411

Wobbly Barn Steakhouse, 2229 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 802 422 6171

Pickle Barrel, 1741 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 802 422 3035

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Jan 30 2012
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That Find

that find: a wintery crawl

Our friends at ARTLOG are at it again. This Saturday, the online magazine will host its’ latest wine fueled crawl through the Lower East Side and Bowery area galleries. Featuring a dozen or so top-notch galleries with contemporary exhibitions, this seasons walk features the works of up-and-coming locals and special artist talks. Scheduled art-house stops include Sperone Westwater, Charles Bank, Gallery nine5, Jen Bekman, Salon 94, Dodge and Lehmann Maupin amongst others. As with any good art crawl or Lower East Side event, wine and beer will be served at each space.

Jon Kessler, The Blue Period, 2007/2011. Courtesy Salon 94.

Registration at the New Museum (admission cost included in your ticket) begins at 3:45 PM. The tour through the Bowery will then begin at 4 PM and will keep you on your toes til seven. Afterwards, head over to Gallery Bar where you’ll be handed a mojito to start your night. Tickets to the event are $40, but as with any good find, I’ve got a deal for you: ARTLOG subscribers can use the code ARTLOGVIP for $15 off the normal ticket price. For a days worth of stimulation, conversation and alcohol the $25 ticket is more than worth your while. To purchase yours click here.

The New Museum, 235 Bowery, registration open at 3:45 PM, $40 ($25 discounted)

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Jan 27 2012
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Pencil It In

pencil it in: thank god it’s the weekend

January 27: Artisanal Eataly

Head over to the Flatiron’s Batali owned Eataly on Friday to taste your share of local artisanal products. The event dubbed Eat New York will run from noon to 6 PM and will offer visitors 16 bites including A. Bauer’s mustard, Early Bird granola, Wild Hive Farm polenta and McClure’s pickles. Eataly, 200 5th Ave @ 23rd Street, 12- 6PM

January 27- 29: The Outsiders

This weekend take some time to stroll through the Outsider Art Fair to view the works of talented artists operating outside the mainstream. In addition to artists exhibits, screenings, panel discussions and lectures are on the weekends’ lineup. For event information, exhibitor list and full schedule click here. 7 West 34th Street, Fri 11 AM- 8 PM, Sat 11 AM- 7 PM, Sun 11 AM- 6 PM, $20 1 day admission, $35 for a two day pass

January 29: New Years Celebrations, China Style

Check out the Lunar New Year celebration happening in Chinatown for stunning visuals, tantalizing treats and impressive performances. This street party features all sorts of vendors, food and festivities for all ages. Walk the main streets of Lower Manhattan—from Little Italy through Chinatown—to get a glimpse of the official Lunar New Year Parade. Canal Street and surrounding area, 11:30 AM- 4 PM

January 29: It’s Chili Out There

Stay warm this Sunday at Chelsea Market’s Chili Fest. Find plenty of chili and beer at the annual cook-off where more than 20 of New York’s finest will square off for the grand prize and 1st place honors. Proceeds from the event (tickets are $45 for chili only, $55 for beer too) benefit Food Systems Network NYC, a group that works to prevent hunger. For more information and tickets visit the Chili Festival’s official site. Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, 7- 9:30 PM

January 30: Slow Food turns into Slow Wine

Slow Food is launching their first ever guide to English wine. Sample the wines, food and meet the producers at the Monday evening launch. With over 140 wines to sample, the $40 ticket price is definitely worth having a glass or two. Admission also includes a copy of the guide to take home. To purchase, click here. Metropolitan Pavillion, 125 West 18th Street #804, 6:30- 9 PM

Feb 3: Skillrex at Roseland

Electric music phenom, Skillrex, will dazzle Roseland Ballroom with his music mastery. This show is bound to be a hot ticket. Get yours before they sell out here. Can’t make the Friday show? He’ll be spinning again at Terminal 5 the next night. Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd Street, 9 PM

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Jan 26 2012
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That Time

that time: we survived spring 05′

Seven years ago, I was one of 684 students traveling the globe on the MV Explorer, taking part in the study abroad program Semester at Sea.

the mv explorer in calmer waters

Seven year ago today, I was one of 684 students, 113 faculty and 196 crew members who experienced storm winds and rough water, culminating with a rogue wave crashing through the bridge. Over the international date line and back again, January 26th, 2005 is a day I lived twice and one I will never forget.

The Wave:

 

and the aftermath…..

The above video was taken by the us coast guard helicopter monitoring our safety from above after the big wave. Around the 50 second mark you can see what the waves we experienced all morning

Happy Wave Day Sassers! We survived Spring 05′!

*Though we encountered a harrowing experience at sea, Semester at Sea is by far the best experience I have had in my life. You are reading this blog in part due to the passion for exploration I discovered in the Spring of 2005. The program affords students the chance to travel the globe, stopping in ten or so countries along the way and achieving a truly global education. Voyages are offered yearly for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters with countries varying with each trip. For more information or to sign up for your amazing journey with the program visit www.semesteratsea.org.

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Jan 24 2012
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That Find

that find: a magical chinatown stroll

Ever dare to venture down to NYC’s Chinatown only to be lost in the hustle and bustle that envelopes the streets? Well, Thrillest Rewards has the solution.

For as low as $37 (with a VIP option priced at $57), the Foodie Magician will take you an Insider’s Guide tour through the district. The tour takes the intimidating guesswork out of eating the neighborhood, bringing you to hand picked favorites for different traditional bites. Along the way, the Magician will play tricks and tell antidotes to round out your knowledge on one of the mysterious neighborhood.

The general admission ticket is enough to score you a snack at each stop, while the VIP pass snags a four-course family style dinner at one if the Magician’s favorite Asian restos. At over half off each, this Thrillest Rewards deal is really a steal.

To purchase tickets for either the February 5th or 12th event dates, visit www.thrillest.com.

February 5th or 12th, meet at the corner of Eldridge and Hester Streets, 3 PM

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Jan 23 2012
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Just Because

just because: it’s about that time…

… I start planning my next adventure. Next stop: PERU.

machu picchu, peru

I’m heading down South to explore the enchanting country in just over a month. The planning has begun and heavy hitters Cuzco (including Machu Picchu) and Lima are of course on the to do list.

BUT I have a couple days to fill and need your help! Nazca, Titicaca, Iquitos and more.. with so many fabulous destinations in Peru to chose from and only 2 days to play around with, the decision has not proven to be an easy one.

Click submit below and let me know where you think we should go! Any other tips or tricks for the locations already on the itinerary are wanted and welcome.

Let the submissions begin…

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Jan 20 2012
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Pencil It In

pencil it in: your week(end) in review

January 19- 22: The Buzz

Join the world’s best baristas for Coffee Common’s first public North American event at A Startup Store in Chelsea. The event will feature demo stations, high-end gear and coffee tastings; local and international experts will be on hand to answer all your caffeine questions. A Startup Store, 114 10th Ave, $5, click here to reserve

January 20: Dirty Projectors and some Natural History

The ongoing monthly at the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space continues with the DJ talents of indie rock group Dirty Projectors and opener Skinny Friedman. Guests can also enjoy complimentary admission to the Hayden Planetarium, where the feature this month is Passport to the Universe, narrated by Tom Hanks. Each $25 ticket also includes one pass to the museum for future use. For more info and tickets visit www.amnh.com. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street (guests should enter via the Weston Pavilion located on Columbus Avenue at 79th Street), 9 PM- 1 AM, 21+

January 20-26: Central Squash

The J.P Morgan annual squash tourny in Grand Central Station is back. The games are free to watch (with premium seats available for purchase) and the blistering action on the courts is a fine way to wrap up your day. For those who don’t already know the rules of the game NYC Go’s page from last years explains it all. Tickets and a schedule of events can be found here for those who want to plan ahead. Everyone else just show up and watch through the glass. Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbuilt Ave (42nd Street and Park Ave), various times

January 21: Educated Eating

Make your way to the Times Center this Saturday for the day long event “Changing the Way We Eat“. Hosted by TEDxManhattan, the event will feature speakers from the works of food, politics and science. Times Center, 242 West 41st Street. 10 AM- 5:15 PM

January 21: An Evening with the Blondes

PopRally kicks off 2012 with an evening of electronic dance with the MoMa as the stage. Music, light and sound mingle with a live performance by the Blondes and a deep DJ set by Juan MacLean. General admission tickets are $18 and can be purchased here. Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street. 8:30- 11:30 PM, 21+

January 22: A Pig Eat Pig Competition

Cochon 555 brings its annual challenge to NYC. Five chefs and winemakers will prepare menus featuring heritage pig breeds. To judge the eats for yourself head over to Chelsea Piers at 5 PM. Tickets are $125 for general admission and can be purchased on Chochon’s website. The Lighthouse Chelsea Piers, 23rd Street at the Hudson River, 5 PM

January 27: Artisanal Eataly

Head over to the Flatiron’s Batali owned Eataly on Friday to taste your share of local artisanal products. The event dubbed Eat New York will run from noon to 6 PM and will offer visitors 16 bites including A. Bauer’s mustard, Early Bird granola, Wild Hive Farm polenta and McClure’s pickles. Eataly, 200 5th Ave @ 23rd Street, 12- 6PM

January 27- 29: An Excuse to Venture Upstate

Mohonk Mountain House is holding a locavore weekend, with a special dinner featuring dishes inspired by local chefs John Novi, Ric Orlando, Derek Corsino, and Mohonk’s executive chef, Jim Palmeri. Also: Tuthilltown Spirits tastings, wine tastings, and a cake-decorating workshop. For more information, reservations and to view the brochure click here. Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY, 845 255 1000, info@mohonk.com


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Jan 19 2012
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That Place

that place: boracay beach = heaven

I’ve taken a few days off from the Philippines blog roll but the cold weather outside has suddenly got me wishing I was back on the beach. Specifically, Boracay’s White Beach.

Boracay was the main reason Krystina and I ventured the 20+ hours across the globe. While we had been hankering to go back to Asia for this years annual trip, the draw of a long white sand stretch nestled amongst jungle palms was all too alluring. Consistently ranked by the likes of New York Times as one of the world’s top five beaches, Boracay is the ideal destination for any beach bum. Four years ago, while living in Korea, I was supposed to make the journey. I booked the tickets, researched the hotels, got together a great group and then had to suddenly come home. Rave reviews and a personal vendetta placed Boracay squarely at the top of my bucket list. Less then a month ago my escape to beach heaven had finally arrived.

Though only an hour’s flight from the bustling Philippine capital of Manila, Boracay is a world away. The buzzing crowds are replaced by relaxed travelers sprawled across wide clean expanses of sand instead of jammed into city streets. Luckily for those needing an escape Boracay is serviced by a handful of airlines running dozens of flights daily. SEAIR, Airphil Express, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are all popular choices with nonstop flights into Caticlan. Ranging in price $50 to $150 each way, traveling by air is the most practical way to reach the island*. From Caticlan, boat transfers are easily arranged from the airport to your final destination if your hotel hasn’t already arranged one.

goodbye manila.... helllo boracay :)

Once there, there are no shortage of hotels from which to stay. For our trip, Krystina and I called the sprawling Boracay Regency home. A “luxury” resort with all the requisite amenities the Regency did not disappoint. Another solid beachfront choice at a slightly cheaper price range would be the perennially popular Nigi Nigi Nu Noo’s. Off the beach, small boutique hotels dot the unpaved roads and provide cheap beds close to the waves. If not visiting the island during “super peak” times (xmas to new years, lunar new year, easter) advance reservations are not necessary. It’s easy and common to stroll the beach and score a decent hotel to stay.

Boracay, in brief, is gorgeous. One hundred percent absolutely stunning. Popular with the Asian, Australian and European travel sets the island destination has yet to pick up the momentum of American tourism. To my fellow patriots, this is a mistake. Though the ticket to get there may cost a few dollars little is spent upon arrival. With a landscape that will emotionally charge you, a relaxed atmosphere replete with a pulsing nightlife, friendly locals and good food, Boracay should rank high on anyone’s list.

Don’t believe me? Look through the pics below if you need any more convincing…

white beach beauty

white beach right before sunset

white beach at sunset

daily 5 pm happy hour @ nigi's

mmm.... mango rum shake :) i want one now...

sunset drinks + music + beach = perfection

dancing late night (our friend thibault in the background untz untz). summer place and epic are the clubs currently having their moment

around boracay: beach boardwalk, d'mall, jonah's for yummy fruit shakes. not to miss: nautilus boutique along d'mall has great finds by native designer Mich Dulce (Anna de la Russo of Vogue Japan is a big fan)

numerous street vendors sell personalized souvenirs made on the spot: painting key chains, tee-shirts

d'talipapa wet market, jack fish (center) and prawns were my fav

the dining scene @ d'talipapa

sababi our favorite d'talipapa resto, the kitchen at work. make a beeline for this place once you've got your goods- it gets packed and a wait is not uncommon

Personally, I don’t… hatching my plan for a gym/bar combo with @krystinaf now. If all else fails, there’s always selling coconuts on the beach….

*While these airlines offer cheap flights, actual departures do not seem to be guaranteed. After technical difficulties grounded our plane halfway in on the outbound and who knows what delayed and detoured our return we lost quite a few hours in the airports. This is no reason not to visit Boracay, it just requires a little bit of planning. Book the earliest morning flight available to the island- even if you are delayed a few, you’ll still arrive with most of your day to enjoy with mango shake in hand on the beach. Going back to Manila flights seem to wait to be full (instead of flying all schedules) and then tend to miss the sunset laws. This requires a detour to Kalibo (two hours by bus) before your flight to Manila can take off. To help ease the stress, book your flight a day before your international departure. Another little annoyance: travelers through Caticlan are only permitted 10 kilos of luggage. For most this is fine, for me, it was quite the challenge.

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Jan 18 2012
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That Time

that time: not your grandmother’s bingo

If your idea of bingo night involves a room full of grannies, you’ve got it all wrong. Rebel Bingo is a wildy outrageous game of bingo played more like an underground rave. Described by it’s founders as “dangerous” and “addictive” the event is shrouded in secrecy. Guests don’t know where the party is unless they’ve bought a ticket and even then the location is disclosed only a few days before. The only thing certain: you’ve never experienced a game of bingo quite like this.

rebel bingo crowd, rebel bingo markers

The game itself is a crazy one. Hundreds of revelers pack into spaces consisting of basements and warehouses to begin the renegade game. Markers are bingo cards are handed out  and party goers are directed to the bar with electric music blasting in the background. Finally an MC takes the stage and the games begin. While actual bingo is played (and a winner announced) it seems that most choose to scribble  on their contemporaries instead. Under the disco lights the magic markers turn into accessories, pickup lines and practical jokes on friends.

nicole at lor's rebel bingo birthday celebration

Those attending be prepared to drink, dance, get drawn on, play dirty, hardcore bingo in secret and participate in all around debauchery. With meeting locations in Europe, New York, Las Vegas and Miami amongst others and tickets starting as low as $5, there’s no reason not to make it to the next one.

For as much event info as you can get as well as a schedule of cities and dates visit www.rebelbingo.com .

New Yorkers, you’re in luck, the next meeting is in Williamsburg on January 28th. Get your tickets here. SHHHHH…..

 

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Jan 16 2012
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That Find

that find: i hope you’re hungry

NYC’s famed Restaurant Week is about to take center stage once again. From January 16th- February 10th eateries across the city will be offering three course prix-fixe meals. The dining experience will run you $24.07 for lunch and $35 for dinner before beverages. Considering the caliber of restaurants participating (Butter, Le Cirque, Morimoto and STK to name a few), this deal should really be classified as a steal.

For complete restaurant listings, menus and reservations visit nycgo.com.

Enjoy :)

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