monsoon saturdays

I missed Holi celebrations by a couple of weeks. So, this stunning pair
is in honor of that. Welcome spring and colours converge in the universe!

saffron sound

I had no idea I had heard this band before when I was waiting in line
to see them play at BAM a couple weeks ago. But, after some remembering
yes it is true. I was working backstage at the Ports 1961 show when they
were jamming and they are damn fun.
Red Baraat is playing a residency at Nublu this month. I, sadly cannot
make it this evening due to an overwhelming amount of overdue work
but I plan to be there the next couple of Sundays.
Nublu
62 Avenue C at Fifth Street

true form

I do not recall how I happened upon these musicians, but now I am
totally obsessed with them and their wild, whirling performances.
The Jaipur Kawa Brass Band hails from Rajasthan and like all things
Indian on this blog, they are mind blowing and heart shatteringly brilliant,
spilling with colour and life. As if I needed another reason to run away to
my Indian gypsy life.

clouds stop and move above me

i was thrilled to see the fruits of this collaboration between unearthen
and alexandra cassaniti because i have a wild fascination with the indian
celebration, holi and in the glass of this pendant is just that...some pink
holi powder! this definitely addresses the space i have been looking to
fill with a new piece that is a bit off beat and the shock of pink provides
the perfect pop.

vagabond golden

the oh so lovely ladies at Lizzie Fortunato sent these images of their
spring 2010 work over to me a couple weeks ago. i gushed on about
their fall collection just a bit ago, check that out here. i am so floored by
the emotive quality each of their truly unique pieces has. they have such
a different and honestly original perspective on jewelry design. for me,
i find that its so emotional because of its visibly handmade aspect and
its so descriptive of the influence behind it, without losing its identity.
i cannot wait to get my hands on some of these gems, they make me
long for surfing azul waves, drinking tinto de verrano and traveling with
lightness. its impressive when a necklace can move you to plan a trip.

check out SCOUT for a bit more on lizzie fortunato and the indian influence

all images by lizzie fortunato.

sitting on a pillow, on the floor

who is in for saturday or sunday at monkeytown?
there is a five course indian meal with a performance by the
neel murgai ensemble
i'm gonna post the menu to entice you...

Seared diver scallops
Truffled sooji, tandoori-honey emulsion
Vindaloo lamb soup
Toasted naan, jalapeno chutney
Striped bass rogan josh
Basmati saffron risotto, coriander raita
Rajasthani style lamb loin
Masala mashed potatoes, dal makhani
Chai spiced poha pudding
Shaved almonds, mango sorbet

chelsea girl

it has taken me about two months to finally start to love my
chelsea neighbourhood. when i returned, i was really overwhelmed
with the idea of being back and not in a place as i remembered it.
a number of my favourite haunts prior to my trip had closed up shop
and i was dwelling on this idea of new york not being what i wanted.
and honestly contemplating the idea of getting right back on the jet plane.
but, alas, the gems have been found, or they found me...
+a knowledgeable photographer told me that jeff koons has his massive
studio a block away from me. b barr and i are planning to go dumpster
diving there soon.
+just found out there was a cafe grumpy on 20th street
+le bergamonte is the utmost amazing french cafe, so much so its dangerous
and i am attempting to avoid the place, but that didn't work today, i had to go
order a pecan pie for tomorrow and i could help but get a croissant, which are unreal.
+i'm really fascinated by this spot, bombay talkie and i'm hoping to try it shortly
grumpy cafe
224 west 20th street, between 7th/8th
le bergamonte
169 ninth ave at 20th street
bombay talkie
189 ninth ave

a vehement swing

this was my last proper full weekend in new york before
my grand departure to lands unknown and i had a lovely saturday
that somehow created itself cosmically, i like to think.

after a convergence of luck and brilliant timing at the doorstep
which would result in wonderful sights later that evening, j, l and
i made our way to the hindu temple in flushing. our main objective
of that afternoon was to dine lavishly at the temple canteen in the
basement, which we did lovingly. it was delicious. to say the least.
i think this has become one of my favourite places in new york.
its weird, wild and feels like you are in another world, which somewhere
along the route of the seven train, you end up in.

but it does get better.
we went to see fuerzabruta that evening with a massive gracias to john (jon!?!)
for making it happen. i saw de la guarda a couple of times a few years back
and this totally blew all of my fond memories of that to pieces.
heaps of beautiful, colourful, effervescent little pieces.
i felt like i was going to explode because i was taking in so much
inspiration that my senses did not know how to function anymore.
so you ride this intense wave of all things electric.
fuerzabruta is graceful and poetic. utterly unstoppable in its valor.
there are these tiny moments between the big things that make a
heartfelt ping at something stirring in your person.
there are grand moments where strength and endurance is pouring
out copiously for all to relish, admire and marvel at.
there is a scrim that unravels and its purple and shiny and i want
to make dresses out of this stuff. undaunted, fluid dresses!
this purple material, fluid and flowing and floating and there are these
two limber creatures climbing up and down and dancing and yelling
on their opposite sides. it was so romantic, distinctive and potent.
it floored me. it was a complete lucid dream.
there was also a pool which realized all my dreams awake.
i don't know what i have to do to get into that mylar pool, but i would
consider a number of unspeakable things for a slide. glide. (ask j/l)
oh, as long as i can wear my satin swan printed knickers.
thanks again j5, you are beyond brilliant.

The Hindu Temple Society of North America
45-57 bowne street. flushing new york.

Fuerzabruta
daryl roth theatre
101 east 15th street. nyc.