Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.30.11

I'm off to Black Jack for November's El Último Miércoles (EUM) with Stacy B., Barb, and the Jayhawk.  Actually, the Jayhawk is hopefully getting there before the rest of us to snag a corner at the bar so we can better crush on our bartender, catch up on this month's stories, and celebrate life (while poo-pooing the demise of the over-priced 14th Street Corridor condo and the sure-to-disappoint reboot of a beloved TV monster/undead classic).  I'll definitely be raising a glass to Black Cat Bill .  And to today's Pretty Pictures.  Slow Club with "If We're Still Alive."

He's Alive! Alive!

I was so sad last week when I'd heard that Black Cat Bill had passed away. I hadn't seen him in a very long while, so I figured that news of his death was true. Just like Compliment Man in Adams Morgan. I know the story is that he moved to Florida to be closer to his family, but maybe that's just what people said just like how parents tell their kids that a suddenly-missing pet was sent to a farm to have more space to roam and be happy. Hmmm... But, man, Compliment Man was a riot. I remember my first compliment from him was back in 1992 exiting Café Lautrec after a night of much eating and underage drinking arm in arm with 2 of the girls in my group (actually, one of them was a professor who was sleeping with one of my floor mates at the time, but that's neither here nor there). Compliment Man complimented their shoes and hair and complimented me on being accompanied by 2 lovely ladies. So cool!

But back to Bill. My fondest memory of him was one night ages ago (when the only white people in the 'hood were the lesbians on Wallach Pl. -- update: and the original T Street Crew, too, but I didn't know them back then) that I saw poor Bill topple off his milk crate, and I ran over to help him back up. Picture it. Me, the little 120lbs. (so not the case anymore) kid trying to lift the 200+lbs. 14th Street fixture a mere 6" off the ground. It wasn't happening. But I did get it done with the help of two Black Cat employees. Ever since then Bill gave me a wink and smile, and every so often we chatted for a bit before I'd go into the club to get my music and drink on. So, oh happy day today when I find out that he's still with us!  Hooray for you, Bill!  Maybe not in your best shape, but alive.  Glad to see you're doing okay.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.29.11

I know tonight's Pretty Pictures have been a round for a little bit, but they reminded me of my 73 year old Cuban tío playing Angry Birds on my cousin's iPad this weekend.  He's totally hooked.  Just like everyone else I know who's laid their fingers on a screen with them on.  It's hard not to be.  They're so darned cute in their anger.  Lana Del Rey with "Video Games."

And I'll Form the Head!

Ooph...Sorry for the extended Thanksgiving hiatus, mis bonitos.  The tryptophan from the Rican-spiced turkey had me in a mind/body coma.  Well...I say it was the turkey, but it was really the turkey and the ham and the arroz con gandules and the pasteles de pollo and the cheesecake.  And the beers.  The many, many beers.  Mi cielo, so many beers over the course of the long weekend!  Overall, it was great time with the Rican familia and the urban familia.  Especially hanging out in the 'hood with my cousin who flew in for the holiday.  I'm not sure that my vital organs (mainly my liver) agree with me on that, but they would agree that this news is awesome!  Learning of the possibility of a Voltron movie made me giggle and jump up and down with pure glee.  Eeee!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

That's My Sandwich!

Boo Hiss!  My parents didn't make it out of Rico last night.  Well, they made it 30 minutes out when their pilot decided to turn back to the island because the plane cabin smelled like burning rubber.  Luckily nothing wrong was found, but mom/dad weren't able to find another flight to the Mainland.  So they're staying in PR.  And eating my loaded sammie!  Japi Zanguiving, papá!

(Caveat: My sisters are gonna send us new sammies in dry ice in the mail.  It's a Thanksgiving miracle!)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.23.11

We'll be eating good in the vecindario tomorrow and rollin' back to our 'hood with bellies very full, mis bonitos!  But not to worry.  We'll make sure not to go swimming until at all.  Maybe someone should tell the boys in today's Pretty Pictures not to jump into the pool immediately after gorging either.  The pictures might not be so pretty if they did.  Frànçois & The Atlas Mountains with "Piscine."

The Ricans Are Coming! The Ricans Are Coming!

The Jayhawk and I are getting ready to gobble gobble on some turkey and fixin's tomorrow at my cousin's house in the No Va with my parents!  I know that I saved up some space in my belly already today by eating a light lunch and dinner.  Gotta make room for the pasteles, alcapurrias, beans and rice, and many desserts.  And our sandwiches from Las Cumbres that my sisters bought for us this morning.  Nothing says Rican lovin' quite like pounds of roast pork, ham, salami, mortadella, and cheese on a freshly-baked hoagie roll.  By the time we get them tomorrow all of those juices and flavors will have melded together and seeped into the bread...Oh!  I'm going into artery-hardening, heart attack shock just thinking about it!  Too awesome for words.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Last Night the Sandwich Saved My Life

Literally. 

The Jayhawk and I tried to make it to District Commons last night, but the bar was 10 people deep, so we ended up at Kinkead's instead.  Good God I'd forgotten how white and boring that place is!  Luckily KK was behind the bar to make our experience bearable.  The half-priced oysters also helped.  As did the cod fritters (a little soggy, but yummy), the smoked chicken quesadilla (very nice; the fire-roasted tomatoes and slight kick to them were delicious), the queso dip (um, yeah, the mini ramekin of melted cheese that aspires to be as good as Chinmey Fall Cat's Ro*tel® queso was disappointing).  We had to leave, though, once the "fabulus" theater gays and their fruit fly arrived.  Their banality was vexing me.  So, we marched our way up 21st Street and landed at James Hoban's.  Good times were had once Mikey joined us.  And then, of course, we ended up at the Polly's (yes...Desperado's) to see Amber and keep mistreating our livers. 

That's where my memory ends.  This morning (an hour ago, really) I pieced together the vague bits of info from the night after being at Polly's.  We may have gone to Dynasty and had a beer at Joe's insistence (gotta be neighborly, you know).  And may have rolled up into Judy but quickly exited.  And definitely went to Fast Gourmet because the half eaten Milanesas in the fridge tell me that we did.  I'm not sure if we watched old videos of Iris Chacón on the YouTube or not.  But I do feel like there might have been some dancing in the living room.  Either way, thank you, mi querida Milanesa!  You really did save our lives.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.18.11

Kinda gross.  But looks like fun.  Maybe the Chimneys can help me recreate this scene at the Polly's (yeah, yeah, Desperado's, whatevah) tonight since I'm sure the Jayhawk and I will end up there tonight.  I mean, what's a Friday night without our Amber?  No Friday night at all.  Colourmusic with "Tog."

I Never Had To Choose a Subject -- My Subject Rather Chose Me*

That's kind of how last night with Nykelpiga and Shatterproof went.  Bartender Jack wasn't able to see my cute new outfit because Black Jack was closed for a private party during happy ho' time.  So, we aborted that plan and went to trusty, homey Bar Pilar, instead.  And we were all so happy that we did.  We sidled right up to the bar and got wonderful service from cutie pie (and additional bartender boyfriend crush for the three of us) David.  And between the beers, the food (the rosemary potatoes were too rosemary-y, but the fried chicken was perfectly seasoned and so juicy, the mussels were delicious [although I wish we'd had more bread to sop up the sauce], the Brussels sprouts were great [while mini, they covered in bacon, and you can never go wrong with bacon], and the salmon with smoked trout roe was very yummy [since they topped a fried egg sunny side up, of course]), and ogling at the bartender, what was supposed to be 1 happy hour turned into 5 and ended with my slightly wobbly march up the hill to get home.  Oops.  It was great times, though, and need to be repeated more often.  Including running into the husband of the girl who lived below me while I was studying the law so I can get his/their info.  10 years and 3 kids later together!!  I couldn't believe it.  Congrats to them!

And tonight?  The Jayhawk and I are off to District Commons to see our friend and (yet another) bartender crush, Kevin S.  We've never been.  You'll receive a full report from me, mis bonitos, tomorrow (or Sunday depending on how tonight goes and how I feel tomorrow).

(*Quote by Ernest Hemingway.)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.17.11

Speaking of wind, today's Pretty Pictures are all about it.  Hopefully the wind's not too bad on my way home after happy hour.  And if it is, so what?  I'll be lookin' cute and warm in my new outfit.  Future Islands with "Give Us the Wind."

Pues Mira Que Llegó el Otoño

Brrrrr, mis bonitos!  I know Tony Perkins mentioned that this morning's temperature of 50° F would be the highest we'd see today, but where did the wind come from?  It's hard to blow some casheesh on clothes for oneself when one's eyes are watery.  But the cold did inspire me to buy the preppiest (in camel) Spanish autumn outfit ever.  Cute, non?  It'll be perfect for happy ho' with Nykelpiga and Shatterproof tonight at Black Jack.  I hope handlebar-mustachioed bartender/manager Jack likes the get-up.  I might have a slight crush on him.  But don't tell the Jayhawk.  He gets jealous.

(Photo: The Dance of the Leaves when the Autumn Winds Blow by Joseph Brauer.  All rights reserved.)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.16.11

More thanks to mis bonitos come in the form of today's Pretty Pictures.  Thanks for your intelligence, your wit, your charm, your caring nature, your love of food and drink, and your humor.  Especially your humor.  Y'all crack my shizz up, mi familia.  In appreciation, here are Unknown Mortal Orchestra with "Ffunny Ffrends."

Japi Bersdei to Me!

I just want to thank all of mis bonitos for the many birthday wishes sent via phone, e-mail, and the Twitters today.  You had my phone and computer blowin' up!  All of the kind words have brightened the day in spite of the rainy weather.  Gracias mis amores!  Mad Mango kisses to you all.

Update: Many thanks to the Jayhawk for the funny and (very) sappy birthday cards.  They were both lovely.  Special Mango kisses to you.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.15.11

Today's Pretty Pictures came on the radio this afternoon as I was thinking of how to recap our time in Sin City.  They are perfect for my overall assessment of that town.  Vegas: You're all smoke and mirrors, mi bonita.  The Horrors with "I Can See Through You."

Monday, November 14, 2011

What Happens in Vegas

How can I describe Strobie's Las Vegas 40th Birthday Extravaganza?  Fun?  Exhausting?  Tasty?  Hungover?  It was all of the above.  We had a great time.  But I'm keeping the salacious details a secret.  Some things a Mango never tells.  And what "Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas®," right?  Let's talk more generally about my overall impressions.  And about the food, bien sur.

Vegas is definitely a nighttime city.  It's "yo momma say you ugly" ugly during the day.  You definitely need the sun to go down and the neon to turn on to truly enjoy it.  Planet Hollywood was over the top.  The uber-loud music, throngs of people, in-your-face changing lights and chandelier columns, and in-your-nostrils room scent blowing through the air vents in the lobby told me that the weekend was going to full of nothing but trouble.  Shatterproof, the Jayhawk, and I were giggling like schoolgirls at the promise of Chimney Fallin' debauchery.  We giggled even more when we ran into Lady La La and decided to people watch at Cabo Wabo.  Viewing the mess of people from up high on the patio was high entertainment, especially when we noticed that the guy dressed up as Woody from Toy Story was falling asleep while standing up.  A few hours of drinking and eating really bad and expensive corporate Tex-Mex later (being joined by Miladius, birthday boy Strobie, and his friend, Vicky), we napped (we napped a lot during the weekend and realized that regular napping was crucial to surviving the weekend) and got ready for dinner at Central LV.  Which was pretty disappointing, actually, but I think that it was more disappointing that we were so disappointed in it, if that makes sense.  The space was incredible, and our server, Adam, was great, but Michel needs to fly back to Vegas to do some needed quality control, mis bonitos.  The deviled eggs with anchovies were delicious, and the smashed potatoes were creamy and dreamy.  Miladius' fried chicken was quite yummy, and the cheese balls were too good (as expected), but the steak tartare was soooo meh we barely touched it, the fries were cold, Strobie's gnocchi were down right inedible (gray and heavy and sauced with Ragu®), and the surprise Celebration Cakes were too cold to enjoy.  Walking through Caesars Palace in all its lovely Roman gaudiness made up for the blah dining experience, though.  That, and the dancing water in front of the Bellagio.  Undulating streams of water shooting into the air set to "Big Spender?!"  I never knew water could be so dirty!  And half-Rican go-go boy, Carlos Luis, at Krave more than made up for any of the night's previous transgressions.  So much so that I think we finally made it to bed at 4 ayem.  Maybe 5 (?).  I can't be sure.  My body was not in synch with the time the clock told me.

And that was all on Thursday.  Friday we ate at the PH buffet, which was so broke down palace bad that I can't stomach to write about it.  After some window shopping and hours of free beers and Keno at the casino, we napped before heading off to RM Seafood for Strobie's main event birthday dinner.  And that was an even bigger disappointment than dinner at Central.  I don't understand how dinner just for the Jayhawk and me was $330.  Were my 2 Budweisers $20 each?  Was my amuse-bouche of paper-thin cucumber and lox not gratis?  Did we pay extra for the 6 servers we had waiting on our table (who, BTW, had no choice but to wait on us because we were the only table in the entire upper level the last hour we were there)?  I mean, the foie gras "two ways" was delicious, but it wasn't the best thing I've eaten all year, and for the price, it should have been.  My entree halibut was totally upstaged by the 6 mini cauliflower florets that came with it.  The grilled baby octopus were fantastic, but I can get better in Madrid at my friend, Pablo's, dive bar for pennies on the dollar I spent.  And the star of the night was the Jayhawk's...wait for it...gnocchi with braised beef short rib ragu.  The gnocchi were the light and pillowy and melted in your mouth.  The ragu was rich and flavorful and perfectly savory.  But, again, for a meat dish to be the best dish at the table at a seafood restaurant?  Something ain't right.  Like our close-to $1000 group total.  I was so mad!  Thank goodness I ran into Manny Pacquiao at the Mandalay Bay casino.  He's so tiny and bad-ass.  That made me happy.  As did the late-night drinks back at Central and weebling and wobbling back to our hotel room with Shatterproof while the Jayhawk laughed at us as he stayed behind with the nice Welsh couple we met at the bar.  I think that was at 3:30 ayem.  And it would have been earlier had Shatterproof and I not gotten lost for 30 minutes in the PH casino.  I smile about it now.

Saturday was a day of breakfast (breakfast pizza [way too salty], coffee [mmm...Sanka], orange juice [Tang]) at the PBR Grill, and napping and vegging on the bed watching hours and hours of VH1.  That night we did the buffet (feh) and the Carnivale show (I loved it, it was so bad) at the Rio and a quick drink at the gorgeous (gorgeous!) Cosmopolitan before calling it a night and a weekend.

All in all, Vegas was fine.  I'm glad the Jayhawk and I went with such good friends and for such a big occassion.  But I don't think I'll be going back.  It's way too spendy for such mediocrity.  Unless it's to see Curtis Luis shakin' his money maker on the podium, again.  Now that I'd go back for.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Viva...

Hola, mis bonitos!  I just wanted to write a quick post to let everyone that I'm alive.  Vegas has been trying it's best to kill my liver, but not even Vegas is strong enough to knock a Mango down.  I'll write more details on Strobie's 40th birthday weekend once I get back home to DC.  Besos.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.09.11

Yay!  Many congratulations go to tonight's Pretty Pictures artists for their (just now) win for 2011 CMA Best Single of the Year.  Mis bonitos all know that I'm not much of a country fan, but I make a special exception for these kids because they're just plain amazing. Hopefully the boys get better haircuts soon because what they both sport now is simply no bueno. Great song, though.  The Band Perry with "If I Die Young."

A L’Excès, For Sure

Lovin' how Iggy Pop is le nouveau visage for Paco Rabbane's new Black XS L’Excès fragrances.  I have a feeling that many moments during our long weekend in Vegas (T minus 14 hours until the Town Car picks Shatterproof, the Jayhawk, and me up...yes, I got a Town Car to give us a ride to the airport; go big or go home, mis bonitos) will be black(ed out) in excess.  Yay!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.08.11

So, the Jayhawk and I are not going to Santa Fe but are going to Las Vegas in 2 days to celenebriate Strobie's 40 years on this Earth.  I'm a bit nervous since I've never been to Sin City, but I'm excited that we go with a crew that can have nothing but fun times together.  Picture it: Miss Lala, Shatterproof, Strobie, Miladius, the Jayhawk, y yo.  Good Lord, the antics are sure to plentiful!  Today's Pretty Pictures have nothing to do with the trip, but the song's damned good.  Hopefully none of us lose thousands of dollars and end up being chased by neo-Hindus in the middle of a baptism ceremony whose wallets we've stolen.  Beirut with "Santa Fe."



Update: The Jayhawk may have made a few calls and got us a reservation at Central LV! Can't wait!

A Votar, A Votar, A Votar, O Si

Sorry for not writing these past few days, mis bonitos.  The Jayhawk and I were actually quite busy socializing (read, "getting our drink on") over the weekend.  And when we weren't out and about, the Jayhawk caught up on his zzz's while I was occupied nursing my hangover and cursing the past night's transgressions.  Which, over the course of the weekend, involved happy ho' at Gordon Biersch (good), BBQ and beers at Hill Country (disappointing, although the mix of drunk frat boys and jock lesbians on Friday night was interesting and entertaining) after a movie at E Street ("The Skin I Live In;" not the best Almodóvar film, but good once it finally got to the back story; I suggest just waiting until it comes out on video/streaming; I'll always say that Pedro should stick to females as his principal characters because his male-centered movies just aren't as good; there's a reason "A Bad Education" was named that way), espresso vodka shots and live girl dreamcore at Deperado's (pleasantly surprising), treats at Hank's Oyster Bar (I will never get enough of the BBQ oysters, and the arugula salad with duck prosciutto, pears, and radishes was amazing), and a Super Grilled Cheese sandwich at Stoney's (delicious). 

But the reason for the entry is to mention that it's time to vote, again.  Not only are the election polls open in MD and the VA today, but voting is also still open for the 2011 Hosteleriasalamanca.es Awards.*  And our dear friend, Héctor Carabias (that's him in the photo), is nominated this year for Service Industry Professional of the Year!  You know I've said it before, but I have to repeat that Héctor's food is truly the best I've ever eaten.  I've had great meals in my life, but Héctor's cooking made me cry it was so good.*  So, go cast your vote on the Facebook (you gotta "Like/Me Gusta" the page to vote)* for him.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for a win.

Update: There's still time to vote for Hector.  And you can now vote without needing a Facebook account!  Just go here*, click on Hector's photo, and type in your e-mail addy.  You'll get a message asking you to click on a link to confirm your vote.  And, presto!  Another vote for my friend!  Who, BTW, is offering his yearly limited-time tasting menu celebrating all things mushroom.*  Gawd...the Jayhawk and I need to go back to Salamanca in such a bad way.

(*Sites en español.)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.03.11

My chivito for dinner from Fast Gourmet?  Good to me.  Drinking brown likker?  Bad to me.  Drinking brown likker from a can?*  I can't imagine anything worse for me (although I can think of a few of my bonitos who could be into it).  It just sounds wretched to me.  Unlike tonight's Pretty Pictures.  These are great to me.  Loon Lake with "Bad To Me."



(*Article en español -- and appeared 2 days before I heard it on the radio this morning. Enhorabuena for having your fingers on the pulse, chavales!)

Sal de Ahí, Chivit(o) Chivit(o)...

Happy National Sandwich Day, mis bonitos!  I tried to get me one of the delicious and decadent-sounding chivitos at the Mojo Truck today for lunch, but by the time I got to 12th & G, the other downtown DC lunchtime vultures (yes, I include myself) had already torn through and bought everything the Mojo boys had to offer.  Blasted!

Ain't no thing, though.  I've always got my trusted Fast Gourmet to satisfy my chivito cravings.  I'll grab one on my way home.  Or maybe I should get the Milanesa?  It being National Sandwich Day and all, I should get the sandwich that makes me the happiest to celebrate properly, right?  So, I'll get the Milanesa.  Yes.  No.  The regular Chivito.  Yes.  No.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I'm gonna get both.  A comer bueno esta noche se ha dicho!*

(*Translation:  Gonna eat good tonight!)

Update:  Scroll down to see a pic of the deliciousness I had for dinner last night.  Oh, man, I wish I'd bought two chivitos to have one for dinner this ayem.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pretty Pictures Version 11.02.11

Wassup, my knittas?  I think I've found the perfect video to help me get past this cold (head and weather).  Snuggle up to these tunes with me, mis bonitos.  Seventeen Evergreen with "Polarity Song."

You Cold Compress Me


It looks like Halloween Weekend caught up with me, mis bonitos.  I've been fighting a head cold since Sunday evening. 

I kind of felt less-than-100% that afternoon, but I couldn't let a few sniffles keep me from getting my food and drink on at Lincoln for brunch.  Which was good, but I think it had more to do with the company and endless punch bowls of mimosas and pointsettias than the food.  The food was fine.  I got the mac 'n cheese, which was nice and creamy and smoky, and it was a blessing that it came with green beans and not fava beans because me no likey favas, and the crisp green beans in the melty smooth mac were a good contrast.  I just wish the portion was a tad bigger.  Which was the general sense I got from the rest of the crew's food.  Everything was tasty but just not enough ("seasonal small plates -- an overdone and not-well-done concept in this town, IMHO -- aside).

Another sense I got?  The staff were really nice and attentive, but the manager was bit too casual in her attempt to seem attentive.  It's great that she came to the table and shot the shizz with us for a bit, but dropping the F-bomb in rapid succession when talking about her faulous gays and what all the boys at our table could do with the open mouth and big nose on the DJ left us all a bit "the fuh...?!."  We got over it once the DJ finally started playing some more upbeat and less sleepy Muzak™ dub beats, though.  And after we'd had more bottomless drinks.  I'd go back for them.  At the bar.  Without the colorful commentary.  Unless it's coming from me or the Jayhawk.  Overall rating: 2 besos.

Now back to my DVR'd Top Model so I can catch up before tonight's new episode.  I miss you already, Bianca-not-Beyonce.

Update:  I'd go back to Lincoln for some peanut butter lovin'.  Maybe I can get the Jayhawk to take me there for my fast-approaching birthday dinner.  He likes peanut butter even more than I do...