A few great eats in NYC

Check out my cozy and quaint picks for a nice date or small family outing in NYC.

 

First on my list is a trendy little spot called Peter’s Since 1969.  Peter’s is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at 168 Bedford Avenue.  It’s pretty easy to get to.  Just take the L train to Williamsburg and get off of the very first stop, which is Bedford avenue, and you’re literally seconds away once you exit the station.

 

 

With its southern style fixin’ Peter’s is perfect for a dinner date, small gathering of four, or just solo.  Their specialty is French rotisserie chicken, which comes with 2 complimentary sides, and a slice of focaccia bread.  I’ve been quite the groupie at Peter’s lately.  My usual dish is the ½ Rotisserie Chicken, sautéed spinach, and macaroni and cheese.  Now, if you’re vegetarian, don’t fret, Peter’s accommodates vegetarians as well with their Veggie Meal.  The Veggie Meal consists of three side dishes.  Did I mention the huge selection of vegetarian choices…up to 9 options! 

 

The thing I really love is that everything is prepared in these huge red crockpots right before your eyes.  If you’re trying to trim down the waistline, don’t let the southern style cooking scare you.  The food is not overly seasoned, and everything is baked, broiled, boiled, or grilled.  It’s a healthier version of southern cooking.  And don’t worry about proportions the pricing because you’re given an ample amount of proportions for such a cheap price, an estimated bill for one ranges between $9-$12.  Yes…this dining experience will save you lots of money, which is good around the Holidays.

 

Of course there’s more to know about Peter’s however, I want you to experience it for yourself.  So stop on by Peter’s and let me know how much you loved it.

 

Peter’s Since 1969

168 Bedford Avenue (between N. 7^th & N. 8^th Sts.)

Brooklyn, NY  11211

718.338.2811

www.peterssince.com

a DIAMOND in the WHARF

Ok, so how about some laid back non-bourgeoisie dining? I can use a bit of that being that I come from the laid back/Mom and Pop’s restaurant business.

Just when I thought seafood couldn’t get better than seafood with my Dad during his time on Earth. Well, I may have stumbled across something fairly close. This place is special, a true diamond in the (whar)rough – Cameron’s Seafood Market.

Finding Cameron’s Seafood Market was by pure chance and it surprised me because I consider the DC Metro area my second home and for the most part I know where to find some good eats. So, I was driving on Route 5, headed to Scotland, MD, where I was partaking in a two-week Arts Residency. Suddenly my coworker and I had a taste for food. “Something less fattening and non-fried,” my fellow coworker said. Now, on Route 5, you have many fast food options such as Wendy’s, McDonalds, Bojangles, etc. Not an option for us. Then as we passed Iverson Mall, we spotted seafood…Cameron’s Seafood!

Pulling into the driveway, my taste buds began to do fan kicks and flips. I was an instant ball of excitement and just knew we struck it big (ok my excitement – word to the wise – maybe it’s my southern superstitions but whenever you see a pick up truck parked next to a seafood market, and it’s owned by the market, chances are they get fresh catch from the fisherman’s wharf on a daily basis – so you’re in for an appetizing meal!).

Cameron’s hit the spot! My coworker and I shared the stuff salmon platter, which is 2 salmon steaks stuffed with crabmeat, and the broiled scallop dinner. Now the packaging wasn’t fancy, Styrofoam plates and plastic ware, but it was not about the look…it was all about the food! Oh and did I mention the stuffed salmon platter was only $10.99!!! We chose to continue this laid back journey by chowing down inside the car. With our bellies full and a slight need for a nap, we continued our journey to Scotland, MD. After a meal like that, I hope I prayed I had energy to teach.

If you’re looking for some real seafood from the neighborhood…make sure you find a Cameron’s Seafood Market near you. Do a google or yahoo search. There are tons in the D.C., Maryland, and Philadelphia area.

Cameron’s Seafood Market

3919 Branch Avenue

Temple Hills, MD 20748

301.316.2000

Back to DC – a few great DC hotspots

Spending the week in DC in between performances of FlagBoy at The Capital Fringe Festival was quite daunting because I really didn’t know what I would do. My only plans were to come down and perform the show on the weekends and then head home to NYC during the week. Looking over my budget (yes I got recession heart palpitations) I decided to park it and shack up with friends and family, to avoid spending all my cash on traveling. Well, I realized there was much needed writing and reading I could get caught up on along with checking out new spots for eating, lounging, and cruising (did I say cruising? – Cruising: a popular spot where one goes to check out the alluring and titillating HUMAN landscape).

Here are few spots I ventured to:

Coffee Shop/Lounge:

Sidamo Coffee & Tea – located at 417 H Street NE, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and tea on the go. They have a huge selection of exotic teas and coffee. This particular day – The Coffee of the Day was Ethiopian Lima and Tanzania. Not on the go? Take some time out, by making yourself comfortable at a private table for one, two, or three. Sit back and enjoy a breakfast sandwich, grilled chicken salad, or a chicken salad sandwich, and more. (Chicken salad sandwich…awesome!) Want to enjoy the sites of H St. and get your cruise on? Just take the storefront window seat located on the inside of the coffee shop. If you just want to work or read make yourself comfortable, no one will pressure you to be on your way, or to turn turntables for new customers. You’re on your time there and the owners of the coffee shop are so welcoming and humble. Oh…don’t forget to bring your laptop…FREE WIFI!!!

This place is very cool! Very community friendly. People greet you and genuinely ask how your day is. Very nice!

Sidamo Coffee & Tea

www.sidamocoffeeandtea.com

417 H St NE

Washington, DC 20002-4335

(202) 548-0081

Restaurant/Bar/Lounge:

Vapiano Pasta | Pizza | Bar – located in Chinatown at 623-625 H Street NW, this is the perfect after-work spot for socializing over cocktails and dinner (light or small). This spot is so reasonably priced and the service is quick. The ambiance gives you the feel of an upscale lounge, with a casual ‘laid-back’ feel. There’s a real food bar where you actually walk to the food counter and place your order with a trendy and clever personable “chip card.” You can also use the “chip card” to order your drinks from the bar. The food preparation takes place right before your eyes, by some extraordinary chefs, in very short minutes. The clientele is very trendy and affluent young to middle aged professionals. And there’s definitely a lot of “eye-candy” for your cruising appetite!

Check out Vapiano…you’ll Love it!

Vapiano Chinatown

623-625 H Street N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

There tons of locations nationally and internationally including two more in the DC Area:

Vapiano Ballston

4401 Wilson Blvd

Arlington, VA 22203

Vapiano M Street

Dupont Circle

1800 M St NW

Washington, DC 20036

Log on to www.vapianointernational.com for a location near you.

Banana Café & Piano Bar – located in Eastern Market at 500 8th Street SE, renowned for its Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican Cuisine it definitely lives up to its name! Banana Café is such a warm and colorful restaurant. It’s no surprise that owner, Jorge Zamorano who is a self-taught artist, chose to design the restaurant with authentic art and colors representing his South American cultural influences from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. It makes this restaurant a stand out in the Eastern Market community. I think you will enjoy the all around ambiance and comfort of the restaurant, whether your sitting inside or outside…you’ll love it. The food is plentiful and delectable. I ate with a friend this day and we shared the Ropa Vieja and the Carnitas Cubanas. Awesome! For drinks – The Black Traveler’s signature: Mojito!!! Yes, Banana Café’s Mojitos get an A. You should also try the Tropical Margarita. Don’t have too many, you may leave in a drunken stupor. Unfortunately I can’t speak much on the Piano Bar because I wasn’t there during those hours, but I’d say it’s worth featuring. However…cruise away because there are definitely some beautiful folk from all walks of life. To add to that, the clientele is quite gay friendly!!!

Definitely check out Banana Café…you may run into me there.

The New Shockoe Bottom

I remember growing up in Shockoe Bottom, located east of downtown along the James River, in my hometown of Richmond, VA.  Before the millennium ages, Shockoe Bottom was the more industrial part of Richmond, where many goods were loaded and unloaded.  Apart from the industrial feel, for me, Shockoe Bottom was like a gregarious countryside Caribbean Island.  Within a five block radius you were surrounded by several small family owned businesses and the largest Farmer’s Market.  There would even be, on rare occasions, a man on a mule or tugging a cow, passing through.  The people of Shockoe Bottom were a community of friends, whom bonded well and supported each other’s businesses. And I remember my Dad’s business, Pacific Seafood Market, located at 19 18^th St. 

 

On a recent trip home (to lend a hand in my mom’s latest entrepreneurial venture) my burning desire led me to revisit Shockoe Bottom, the community which felt like immediate family during my adolescent days.  It’s been over 17 years, since my Daddy, sold his Seafood Market, and that was probably the last time I visited the neighborhood and stepped foot into the market, and boy has a lot changed.

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You Go, Solo, In Miami-oh!

Lately I’ve become the Solo-Traveler, which I love. I’ve been jet-setting on these one-day and weekend getaways. Traveling solo can be a lot of fun. And strange as it may sound, or most of us tend to not believe, it can be pretty safe. I would advise you to do your research, brush up on the culture, the local life, the language, surrounding neighborhoods, and the local attractions, etc. With that being said, here’s my latest one-day getaway excursion to South Beach, Miami, FL. Nestled in the heart of South Beach but a tab bit off the main beat is where you’ll find a quiet and seductive boutique hotel called The Sanctuary. I found the name of the hotel to be quite peculiar…very sacred. I wasn’t sure if I should pray first or kneel down before entering this “holy” ground…I didn’t know if I should be shunned for my persecutions or praised for my persecutions. A sanctuary is a place where one is taken for some sort of wrongdoing. Well if I did wrong and I had to choose a place to be persecuted it would be South Beach’s Sanctuary Hotel.

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The District’s Red Paradise

“Couples Escape or Solo Hideaway”

Looking for a quiet evening or weekend escape, at a chic boutique hotel, in one of the busiest Metro cities in the US?  Well I found the perfect spot for you in Washington, DC.  It’s called Hotel Rouge, which is a part of the Kimpton Hotel Family.

Yes Rouge (Red) is its theme and the 1960′s meet the millennium serves as its motif.  From the moment you enter, you’ll quickly escape the busy city life and be lured into this tantalizing and mesmerizing Red tranquil paradise.

After settling in my hotel, I was amazed at how much space and amenities I got for my buck.  I simply loved everything.  It felt as if this room was hand picked for me.  Each room is designed and decorated with a modernized 60′s pop culture theme.  Within the room you’ll notice framed pictures of Cadillac cars and piano bars drizzled in red, extending light fixtures and lamps accented in red, plush ottomans and armchairs accented in red, followed by a King sized bed with a floor to ceiling soft red leather headboard.

Sounds like a lot of red, however, it isn’t over done or overwhelming.  The rooms are strategically designed and well thought out, and the lingering soothing, sultry, and classy feel puts you at ease.  “Peace Man”.

The decor makes you feel like a million bucks.   And you can’t beat the nightly rate!  In December for roughly $110 per night I got amazing amenities, top-notch customer service, stylish rooms, and a hosted evening complimentary wine reception, and MORE…. Read more

Everything in Houston is HOT!

I recently traveled for a 2-day getaway to Houston, TX. What a perfect time to get away from the fall weather and the approaching winter chills. I really love all that Houston has to offer-the warm weather, the architecture, the southern hospitality, the food, the spacious living, and my favorite television evangelist Joel Osteen.

Here are my highlights:

Well my initial visit was primarily for play business. I like to think of work as play-fun. It takes the “downer” expression off of the situation, which is that stress that we associate with work. Keep it light and fun and “play.” Had to digress for a second. So, for my play business I spoke on an artist panel and performed at Houston’s 1st Annual Front Porch Series, hosted by author/poet/activist/educator Tim’m West. The event was held at the Montrose Counseling Center, near downtown Houston, and it was HOT! The pre-show panel discussion revolved around our place as artists and our relation to politics and activism. Following the panel was the featured artist session, showcasing jazz and soul vocal songstress Caretta Bell, lyrics, beats, and melodies by Houston’s black gay hip-hop/soul duo The Qure, poetry and spoken word of Tim’m West, followed by spoken word and character sketches from my one-man show FlagBoy. Definitely a HOT and moving night and a must see the next time you’re in Houston. For more information on Houston’s upcoming Front Porch Series log on to www.reddirt.biz/thefrontporch.htm.

While this event happened Saturday evening, I must rewind to my Friday evening, which was Halloween night. Houston was buzzing with Halloween spirit. I was also brainstorming a witty idea for a costume because I was invited to an exclusive Halloween party that evening. Of course my first stop was Houston’s infamous Galleria Mall, which has everything from urban wear to high fashion. Although I didn’t find Halloween inspiration there, in the interim I had dinner at The Kona Grill located inside the Galleria Mall. Kona Grill’s food dishes range from Sushi to Vietnamese to Thai to American traditional. There’s inside seating and outside seating available. Although the service clocked in on the poor meter, I did enjoy the Shrimp Pad Thai and the Grapeade Martini. Yum! My filling dinner fueled my inspiration for my costume….Joe The Plumber!

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