Tag: Blue Ribbon Sushi

Dining

3 Chefs Reveal Their Favorite NYC Restaurants

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date March 13, 2017

With Spring 2017 just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting outside more. Whether you’ve had a long day at the office, a long session at the gym or a long walk in the park, there are few more fulfilling ways to reward yourself than by trying a new restaurant. In turn, Downtown reached out to some folks from great establishments to learn more about their menus:

Halifax Restaurant’s Executive Chef Seadon Shouse
Pinto Garden’s Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri
Taco Truck co-founder Jason ScottIs there a chef that you’d like to see Downtown catch up with? Drop us an e-mail and let us know!
Pinto Garden’s Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri / Photo: Mikey Asanin

What’s new and exciting with your restaurant?

Chef Seadon Shouse: We are starting our new winter cocktail list this week that has some great seasonal flavors. I am also excited about a new Long Island Duck dish on the menu with turnips, carrots, mushrooms, pickled garlic and a parsnip puree.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: At Pinto Garden, we will have a menu that will change seasonally based on the ingredients from the local markets and it is also a menu that is culturally and geographically representative of all parts of Thailand. Therefore, guests will explore dishes from all regions and have the chance to taste all the flavors of Thai cooking.

Jason Scott: We just launched monthly specials aimed at offering our customers more authentic and unique Mexican Street Food. We’re talking Lengua Tacos, Mole Tacos, Tamales, Chicharrons and so on and so forth.

What are your favorite items on the menus?

Chef Seadon Shouse: My favorite items on the menu are the Cured and Smoked Seafood and Meats, Saffron Rigatoni with Lobster and Trumpet Mushrooms, and Blue Cod with shaved Brussels Sprouts, Winter Vegetables and Apple Cider Sauce.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: On the current menu, my favorite dish is the “Kau-Kling” Berkshire Baby Ribs. It reminds me of the meals I had when I came back from school. I would eat while watching TV and I would intentionally eat it very slowly so I didn’t have to start my homework. My mom always complained and my excuse was that the ribs were very spicy so I had to take my time eating it. At Pinto Garden, the slow cooked ribs are marinated with a special blend of spicy Thai herbs found in the Southern region of Thailand. It is intensely flavorful!

Jason Scott: The Berenjena Torta, a toasted Mexican sandwich with crispy eggplant, chipotle salsa, white onion, pickled jalapeno, avocado, crema and black beans.

The Taco Truck’s Jason Scott

What was the first restaurant in New York that you ever worked at?

Chef Seadon Shouse: The Hudson Hotel.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: I used to work as a busboy at Spice in University Place back in the day when I was still in school. That was the first experience in restaurant industry. As a professional chef, my first restaurant was Pinto on Christopher Street and I learned to be a chef through my best friend who worked at Jean-Georges. That was my introduction to the culinary world.

Jason Scott: Vermont Sandwich Company in Williston, Vermont.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Chef Seadon Shouse: My favorite part of my job is working with new fresh ingredients when they become available for the season or for the first time that I have seen them.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: I really like the prep time. It’s the time that I have a chance to talk and share stories with my team and really connect with them. Sharing life experiences by creating menus and recipes — that’s the best part of my job.

Jason Scott: Engaging with our customers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPZjLAfifZw

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

Chef Seadon Shouse: I like to go foraging with my wife in my free time. We forage for mushrooms, wild berries, seaweeds, mussels. When I have a few days off I like to go scuba diving and spearfishing in the Caribbean.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: I like to go to gym, meet up with my friends and try out new restaurants. I also love playing with my dog, Birkin.

Jason Scott: Being outdoors with my twin five-year olds.

Aside from your own, do you have a favorite restaurant?

Chef Seadon Shouse: I love Black Crescent on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Sushi Tsushima in Midtown East.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: Yes, there are many restaurants I like. It depends on cuisine though but for seafood I like Pearl Oyster Bar, for Spanish cuisine I go to Sevilla Restaurant & Bar, for French cuisine I like to go to Claudette and for Japanese cuisine I like to go to Blue Ribbon. I love to eat out!

Jason Scott: Peekamoose in Big Indian, New York.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxpWRo-Igps

Finally, any last words for the kids?

Chef Seadon Shouse: If you are an aspiring chef make sure you are fully committed to putting in the time and energy it takes to be successful. Stay current with what’s in season and where your food is coming from.

Chef Teerawong (Yo) Nanthavatsiri: I would love people to know that we are a small business trying to support other local small business such as vendors and farmers. We believe that paying attention to details, especially the ingredients is very important for a restaurant and that the local vendors and farmers will provide the best ingredients for us to incorporate in our Thai recipes. Also at both Pinto Garden and Pinto, the dishes represent all regions of Thailand. For example, we have the “KO-RAE” Chicken Wings, fried chicken wings marinated with Southern Thai spices; Koi Neur, a dish that’s traditionally found in the Northeast region of Thailand featuring a filet mignon tartare topped with a quail egg and dressed in mint, kaffir, shallots, spicy lime and fish sauce; and Pumpkin Vegetarian Curry commonly found in the Central region of Thailand using baked root vegetable, kabocha pumpkin and homemade Panang curry paste. We try our best to create Thai dishes that you can’t find anywhere else in New York City.

Jason Scott: Eat more tacos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxFNqWhHRP8

Business Featured Technology

Mixer founders Anis Bennaceur, Cody Simons & Alex Carapetis on their popular app & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date March 1, 2017

Simply put, Mixer is a global private network for individuals working in art, fashion, film, music and other creative industries. Members must be invited to join the app-based social network, and in turn, they are able to showcase past and current projects while making one-to-one connections. Some of its current members include Rose McGowan, André Saraiva, Adrian Grenier, Lindsay Lohan, Cédric Hervet, Luke Pritchard, Adam Green, Zafar Rushdie and musicians from Major Lazor, St. Lucia, and Leon Bridges’ band.

The founders of Mixer come from very different backgrounds. Cody Simons graduated from Harvard with a degree in Statistics. Anis Bennaceur earned a Masters in Business from ESCP Europe, having worked in marketing at Tinder in France. Alex Carapetis is a drummer for both Wolfmother and Julian Casablancas + The Voidz; he has also toured with the likes of Ke$ha, Nine Inch Nails and Phoenix. Downtown had the pleasure of catching up with Cody, Anis and Alex for some Q&A about Mixer’s past, present and future.

More on Mixer can be found at www.joinmixer.com, while Mixer can also be followed via Instagram and Facebook.

Andrew in action at a live Mixer event — Alex in action at a live Mixer event

How did you three first meet?

Alex Carapetis: Anis and I met two years ago over a pre-show steak frites lunch while I was on tour in France with Julian Casablancas + The Voidz. Anis booked me for an after show DJ gig at Le Baron in Paris. He told me about how him and his business partner Cody Simons were at the beginnings of creating a platform / app. They expressed interest in bringing me in as the chief creative. It was actually quite a serendipitous moment as the three of us were all looking to create an app for creatives kind of like LinkedIn meets Soho House. Over those next few months we integrated our visions and began to shape the scope of Mixer.

Did any of you work together on a project prior to launching the app?

Anis Bennaceur: No. Although, Alex DJed at a party I threw in Paris. Does that count?

Sure. How did the decision come to make your social network app-based rather than a website?

Cody Simons: Since we were focused on artists connecting with other artists, we wanted something that would be quick and easy to connect rather than something heavy-handed. We are also working on a website.

What is it that you look for in new members? Is there criteria for someone to get an invite?

AB: I’m looking for interesting art, alternative music from whatever you can listen to on the radios these days. Mostly, I think, before approving someone on the network, “How would this person be a good addition to all this userbase that we already have?”

CS: We are generally looking for people who have devoted their career to their trade — not hobbyists.

AC: Creatives — people in fashion, film, music, art, influencers, movers and shakers

Are there any projects that have come about as a result of your app that you are especially proud of?

AB: We are seeing extensive daily use and interaction on Mixer. All internal collaborations and projects are generally confidential unless they’re announced on other social media.

Is there a region where most of your users are? Or are they truly all over the place?

CS: Right now, Mixer’s membership is mostly concentrated in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. We are working on growing our membership in London, Berlin, and some of the other creative markets in the U.S. — Nashville, Austin, Atlanta, Seattle, etc.

What’s coming up for Mixer in the near-future?

AC: We’ve just introduced our jobs section, which is growing daily and features some brilliant workplace opportunities for creatives. A beautifully-practical way to post jobs and look for paying jobs in the creative and arts industry.

CS: We are focused on growing the membership and getting more jobs on the platform. We have some major updates we’ve been working on coming out in the next month — stay tuned.

When not busy with Mixer, how do you like to spend your free time?

AB: Reading, I’m a bookworm, and I love biographies. I’m currently reading Claude Grudet’s. It’s fascinating.

AC: Music + Travel + Love.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

AB: Epistrophy in Nolita, I always go for the hanger steak. And Blue Ribbon Sushi on Sullivan [Street], I go there every week — their popcorn shrimp tempura is a killer.

CS: We work in Nolita so we often go to Lovely Day and Tartinery for lunch

AC: La Esquina, Pepe Rosso, Vanessa’s [Dumplings], Sushi Seki.

Any upcoming concerts or events you have tickets to?

AC: I play drums with Wolfmother and I’m currently in Australia opening up for Guns N’ Roses. Pretty sweet tickets.

AB: I just go to smaller and more intimate concerts. I missed Splashh’s concert last week because of the snowstorm. So I’ll definitely see them at the Mercury Lounge at the end of next month

CS: Lemon Twigs Feb. 21 at Bowery Ballroom — they’ve got a cool sound.

Finally, any last words for the kids?

AB: Don’t ever, ever, ever worry about what other people think of you.

AC: Have fun, stay safe, live with love, put time into following your ultimate desires daily. Follow your dreams. Be good to your mother.

Culture Entertainment Music

Talib Kweli on his Feb. 10 gig at The Highline Ballroom, what’s next for Javotti Media & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date February 1, 2017

A lifelong New Yorker, Talib Kweli first turned heads in the late 1990s as one half of the hip-hop duo Black Star. Talib’s first solo album, Quality, was not released until 2002, as featuring appearances by Kanye West, DJ Quik and comedian Dave Chappelle. Just a year later, Jay-Z would help elevate Talib Kweli even further when he rapped “If skills sold, truth be told/I’d probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli” on the song “Moment Of Clarity.”

In the years since, Talib has been steadily putting out solo albums and featuring on other artists’ tracks (e.g. RZA, Quincy Jones, Nelly, Mac Miller, A Tribe Called Quest). His latest release is the collaborative effort, Awful People Are Great At Parties, as released through his own label Javotti Media. Javotti — as named after his grandmother Javotti Greene — is also home to other artists, including Cory Mo, NIKO IS, MK Asante, and Jessica Care Moore.

On Feb. 10, Talib Kweli will be headlining at The Highline Ballroom, with Styles P and K’Valentine both opening up for him. Talib spoke to Downtown about his love for New York and what he has coming up beyond his show at the Highline. The Brooklyn native can be visited online at www.talibkweli.com and followed on Twitter via @TalibKweli.

What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York? Where was it?

Talib Kweli: I think it may have been at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, I was 14. I remember there being no one there.

For you, is playing for a New York audience different than anywhere else?

TK: It’s home. It’s where I cut my teeth. It’s humbling, because a New York crowd has seen it all, so you need to come with your “A” game as an artist or they will leave unimpressed.

As a lifelong New Yorker, what is it that keeps you here all these years later?

TK: New York is as inspiring to my art has my parents are to my existence. The streets of New York are the direct inspiration for what I write. As I traveled, my perspective grew, but it is New York that birthed my style.

For someone who hasn’t seen you live before, what should be expected from your show at The Highline Ballroom?

TK: A wonderfully-grand, awesome hip-hop experience.

Do you have a favorite song to play live?

TK: Right now my favorite song to play live is “State Of Grace” from my Gravitas album.

Highline Ballroom show aside, what’s coming up for you?

TK: The Seven album with Styles P — I am very excited about this project.

What’s the latest with your record label?

TK: Besides the Seven album, we have Javotti Media’s own K’Valentine coming with her debut, Here For A Reason, early April. She’s on this tour as well.

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

TK: Doing interviews. (laughs)

What was your favorite album of 2016?

TK: A Tribe Called Quest’s We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

TK: I have a connection with Blue Ribbon Brooklyn.

Finally, Talib, any last words for the kids?

TK: Stay in school, eat your greens, and brush your teeth, because we must fight Mr Tooth Decay.

Dining LA Living News

Brookfield Place: a luxury sanctuary coming to Downtown

Post author By Mike Hammer
Post date May 28, 2014

Lower Manhattan has recently been experiencing a retail boom with the expected openings of the Fulton Center Mall, South Street Seaport and the World Trade Center Oculus Shops. Leading the way of these commercial hotspots is the soon to open Brookfield Place.

The towering waterfront office complex that faces the Hudson River on 200 Vesey St. has already lured in luxury brands such as Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and Paul Smith to list a few. Though regardless of how many high end fashion commodities Brookfield Place will provide, it is important to mention that fine dining and exercise aren’t far behind.

For the dining experience, one of Brookfield’s signature destinations will be Le District, a French response to Eataly, the high-end supermarket with a settlement in the Flatiron District. Le District, owned by restaurant tycoon Peter Poulakakos, will be divided into “districts”: a restaurant, café, market, and garden area. It is expected to open late this year.

Next on the list of dining is Hudson Eats, a dining terrace which will feature 14 high-end counters that will seat up to 600 diners. Such eateries will include L.A.’s own Umami Burger, Dos Toros Taqueria from Brooklyn and Blue Ribbon Sushi. Alongside the casual food places, critically acclaimed chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Jose Garces are planning an opening of world class restaurants each in the same location.

If you think you outdid yourself with lunch or dinner, an Equinox gym has been announced to open in the building this Fall if you wish to attend yoga sessions or cycling classes. Food and exercise aside, The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) has inked a slot in Brookfield Place as well as Bright Horizons Family Solutions opening a child care center.

Let us not take away the spotlight from the retail giants that plan to make Brookfield Place the most extravagant of shopping centers. Starting the list is Saks Fifth Avenue, which announced earlier this year the opening of their second flagship store at this very commercial center. Following the list are Italian powerhouses Ermenegildo Zegna and Salvatore Ferragamo, England’s finest, Burberry, and Hermes, the iconic French line. These and many more will be the tenants to promptly occupy space in New York’s newest fashion Shangri-La.

-Alejandro Ramos