The Mango & The Jayhawk

Por San Antón, Echa Cueros el Lechón

2011-12-29T15:19:00.002-05:00

Wepa! I was really excited when the Jayhawk first told me that Giovanna Huyke* (the Julia Child of Puerto Rico) was coming to DC to take over the kitchen at Mio. Reading Tom Sietsema's latest review of the restaurant (which is truly one our favorite spots in town -- I mean, really, the pig alone is reason enough to go and like it there) made me giggle and just about shed a tear of joy. Welcome to Guasington, Giovanna! And congratulations to you and to Mio for the great review. Looks like 2012 will be a good (and yummy) year, indeed.

(*Site en español.)

Wee for Me!!!

2011-12-25T12:20:00.000-05:00

Santa brought me a Wii for Christmas! I see some bowling matches in my near future. Hopefully I won't fling the controller into the TV screen. That's the Jayhawk's biggest fear. Who, PS and BTW, must have been very good this year because Santa brought him a Galaxy Tab. He just about cried when he unwrapped the box. And his face light up once he powered the thing up and started playing with it. I have to admit that I'm a tad jealous. But, that's okay because the Three Kings are set to pay us a visit in a couple of weeks (with Bosox Siobhan and BKDM in tow!). I can get my own Tab then. Oh, the joys of being a Rican and celebrating 2 gift-giving holidays...I'm thankful for that.

And I'm thankful for being able to share our Christmas Eve dinner with Shatterproof. It was a good time. Beef stroganoff (with bacon), green beans (with bacon), corn with poblano peppers (with bacon), and biscuits (not with bacon but yes with lots of butter). Yum! And then there was the 18-pack of Bud Heavies, the bottle of wine, and the coquito (Liz Taylor's recipe, of course). Can't have a proper Christmas without the booze. Or without watching "A Christmas Story," which we did and almost watched twice. But drunky sleep beckoned. Shatterproof left around 2:30AM and took a jug of coquito for his sister-in-law's family dinner tonight (them peoples are gonna have the sobriety knocked out of them real good). I finally made it to bed around 3AM; exhausted, but again, thankful. And thankful that it's still just Sunday and tomorrow I get the day off. Score for being a Gub'ment worker!

¡Feliz Navidad, mis bonitos!

Music Makes the People Come Together, Yeah...

2011-12-18T15:52:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the silence, mis bonitos. I've been busy gathering up some tunes for the latest Mango Mix. And I'm happy to announce that it's finally here! The Mango Is Falling...! And the tracks are:

Hyde & Beast - You Will Be Lonely
Bombay Bicycle Club - Shuffle
San Cisco - Awkward
Tinpan Orange - Barcelona
Dead Letter Chorus - Run, Wild
Lana Del Rey - Video Games
Eleanor Friedberger - My Mistakes
Wooden Shjips - Lazy Bones
Hooray for Earth - True Loves
Hanni El Khatib - Fuck It, You Win
Jagwar Ma - Come Save Me
Theophilus London - Wine and Chocolates
SBTRKT - Hold On (feat. Sampha)
Charli XCX - Nuclear Seasons
The Dø - Gonna Be Sick!
Nive Nielsen & The Deer Children - Good for You
Piney Gir - The Gift
Cocoon - Sushi
Baxter Dury - Trellic
Cub Scouts - Evie
Nantes - Fly
MuteMath - Allies
Real Estate - It's Real

And the link to access all of these good tunes is: http://(Oops...Pas de link. Go search through the Webs to acquire them and enjoy.)

Muchos besos, mis amores.

Pretty Pictures Version 11.30.11

2011-11-30T17:31:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-11-30T16:41:00.001-05:00

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.

Pretty Pictures Version 11.29.11

2011-11-29T21:42:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-11-29T20:51:00.001-05:00

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!

That's My Sandwich!

2011-11-24T11:00:00.001-05:00

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!)

Pretty Pictures Version 11.23.11

2011-11-23T21:04:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-11-23T20:49:00.001-05:00

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.

Last Night the Sandwich Saved My Life

2011-11-19T13:34:00.001-05:00

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.

Pretty Pictures Version 11.18.11

2011-11-18T17:12:00.001-05:00

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*

2011-11-18T16:39:00.001-05:00

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.)

Pretty Pictures Version 11.17.11

2011-11-17T17:06:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-17T14:53:00.001-05:00

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.)

Pretty Pictures Version 11.16.11

2011-11-16T19:21:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-11-16T19:05:00.001-05:00

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.

Pretty Pictures Version 11.15.11

2011-11-15T22:34:00.001-05:00

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."

What Happens in Vegas

2011-11-14T21:35:00.001-05:00

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.

Viva...

2011-11-12T20:49:00.001-05:00

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.

Pretty Pictures Version 11.09.11

2011-11-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

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!

Pretty Pictures Version 11.08.11

2011-11-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-08T11:01:00.000-05:00

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.)

Pretty Pictures Version 11.03.11

2011-11-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

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)...

2011-11-03T14:52:00.000-04:00

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.

Pretty Pictures Version 11.02.11

2011-11-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

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

2011-11-02T20:49:00.000-04:00

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...

Pretty (Spooky) Pictures Version 10.31.11

2011-10-31T20:36:00.002-04:00

Today's Pretty Pictures are a departure from the norm. No music this time, but still pretty and takin' me a ways back. I totally remember seeing this when I was in high school and being pretty freaked out by it. Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart."

Put a Ring On It

2011-10-31T20:26:00.000-04:00

So, Steve Run asked Jen to marry him on Friday night, and she said yes! Congratulations! I'm so glad that we got to share the couple's joy and properly celenebriate the momentous occassion with beers and shots (and beers and shots) at Duffy's. Thanks to The District for organizing the Chimneys to surprise Jen on the happy night!

(PS: Steve, you done good, friend. Very good.)

Pretty Pictures Version 10.27.11

2011-10-27T19:40:00.001-04:00

All I've got to say is that every time this song comes on Triple J I dance and clap in my desk chair. Good stuff. Katalyst with "The Clapping Song (feat. Coin Locker Kid)."

Not (Completely) Lost on Me

2011-10-27T19:32:00.000-04:00

So, EUM at Lost Society was pretty good last night. The food was decent (better than okay but not wow). BR and I shared the roasted bone marrow with parsley/red onion salad and roasted beets, the pork belly over collard greens, and the root beer braised short ribs. Shatterproof got the tomato soup with grilled cheese.

The marrow was the star of the night. The combo of the hot melty marrow over very nice and light water bread slices with the fresh parsley/onions and roasted beets sprinkled with sea salt was awesome! And the marrow was easy to scoop out of the bones! I hate when the bones are so thin/awkward that trying to scoop the marrow out is a chore. That’s one reason I didn’t care for the marrow at CommonWealth. Whoever’s choosing the bones at Lost Society is getting it right.

The short ribs came in a slightly distant second. Very tender and rich and sweet. But if the menu says they come with turnip puree, add some turnip puree to the dish. The tablespoon of puree that made it on the plate was basically only to hold the short ribs in place. The pork belly was very disappointing to me as a Rican and lover of pig. Yeah, it was fatty and rich and roasty. But it was also kind of dry and definitely over-seared and too crunchy on the meaty side. The greens were good, though. They had a nice bite/slight crunch to them and were just vinegary/bacony enough. Quite good. Shaterproof’s soup was like tomato-flavored buttercream. It was yummy, don’t get me wrong, but it was definitely a bit much.

With all this said, my feeling was that the place was definitely a bar that serves food. Which is fine, I guess. The bar on the first level is huge and smack in the middle of the room with tables and booths around it. Not that much floor space to move around. And loud as all get-out. The upper level is huge! There may have been tables up there for dining, but I wouldn’t know because all I saw was the expanse of open floor and the 2 gargantuan bars. Or maybe there were 3 bars? I don’t know. All that open space overwhelmed me.

Anywho, I'm not pressed to run back, but I'll definitely go back to check out other menu items. Rating: 2 besos (out of 4).

Okay, Okay, No More Birds

2011-10-27T19:02:00.000-04:00

This article definitely made me go hmmm. When does "authentic" finally stop being so? Who can say? But I now know to keep my birds to just the duvet cover currently on the bed (lest I be judged one time).

Pretty Pictures Version 10.26.11

2011-10-26T17:48:00.001-04:00

So, I was chatting away with Nyckelpiga Julius earlier today about how we're kindred spirits when it comes to tastes in music (which includes, apparently, boogieing down to some "Macho Duck" from Mickey Mouse Disco). We turn to the Black Keys' new track and leap onto the adoration train hardcore. Not even 30 minutes after our conversation, Triple J has Dan Auerbach on air to talk about the track and the new album! Talk about cultural zeitgeist! I love it when shizz like that happens. So, to officially mark the song as the tune of the day and keep NJ's chair dancing going, I post these pretty pictures for all my bonitos to enjoy: The Black Keys with "Lonely Boy."

Mon Dieu! Quelle Horreur!

2011-10-26T15:50:00.002-04:00

Well...This is embarrassing.

I can't believe that the last time I posted was almost a year ago. And to add insult to injury, as you can see below, that old post was about how exciting it was to have The Jayhawk post something for the first time and help us go live again. I've got to be better about this. I'll start today.

Although...I do have my monthly EUM (El Último Miércoles) happy ho' tonight, and beers (and pork belly bites) will be had at Lost Society, so today may not be the best day to recommit myself to this blog project thing. Maybe tomorrow. If I'm not too busy and/or over hung, of course. Then comes Friday, and Fridays aren't meant for sharing thoughts with the Interwebs to maybe be read or not. They're either for being out with friends (who may or may not read the thoughts you've shared on the 'Net) or chillin' at home watching Spanish celebrity gossip talk shows (no more über-dream Jaime Cantizano to look at, though, since DEC got the axe*; now I have to settle for crack ho' Belén Esteban on Sálvame*, and that, friends, is a bum deal). So, Friday's shot. And let's not even talk about Halloween Party Saturday and how I will be too busy resting on Sunday to be fresh and new on Monday.

You see how bad I am at this? It's exasperating.

(*Websites en español)

Q’est-ce que c’est?!

2010-11-19T14:37:00.000-05:00

Are we going back live? Looks like it, mis amigos. And we may even have a post from the Jayhawk, too! Excitement!

Pretty Pictures Version 03.06.10

2010-03-06T10:18:00.001-05:00

So, I was watching MhZ's Strictly Global before I decided to die slowly with the Twisted Thistle last night and thought these pictures would be pretty to look at. Quite Brit retro and Caprica (I know I'm a nerd for loving that show) coming out of LA. The people say that fashion is circular and comes around every 20 years. With the Interwebs it's probably more like 10 now. And these tunes are a testament to that. Health with "Die Slow."

We Off!

2010-03-06T09:21:00.000-05:00

Candy, The District, and I, will be off on a (mis)adventure in a few hours to go Crate & Barrel Outlet and other shopping! Don't Rob Me Now, though. The Jayhawk will be home.

Pretty Pictures Version 03.03.10

2010-03-03T20:32:00.001-05:00

I heard this oldy but goody earlier and thought it to be most appropriate for today's good news. Rainbow flower children dancing and rejoicing? What could be more happy and gay than that? Flowered Up with "It's On." Makes a statement, no?

We Can Haz Marrege!

2010-03-03T20:06:00.006-05:00

Lotsa stuff happened on this historic day, mis bonitos.

First and foremost, same-sex marriage came one step closer to finally becoming a reality in the District! Congratulations to all of the happy couples that went to the courthouse and got their marriage licenses. Hooray for a hella important first step on the path to true first-class citizenship!

The big ceremony on the 9th is sure to be off the chain!

Also today, because they don't know what else to do instead of fixing the health care system or the economy, House Republicans announced that they want to put Ronnie Reagan's mug on the $50 bill. This cult of personality surrounding Reagan perpetuating how great he was will never cease to confuse and confound me. It's like rich Miami Cuban ex-pats who romanticize the "good ole" days of Batista, I swear. Haters, the whole lot of 'em.

Whatever. We have marriage!

(Photo of Candy and Darlene by Matt Dunn. Aren't they adorable? You can definitely feel their love for each other through the picture. More of Matt's photos here.)

Pretty Pictures Version 02.28.10

2010-02-28T12:17:00.001-05:00

Will this cold ever end? I'm quite over the winter this year. Snowpocalypse. Snowmageddon. Thank goodness we managed to escape the Snowrricane, but even the light flurries we got on Saturday night were enough to make me wish for hot DC days. I know those days are soon to come. In the meantime, I have The Drums to help me dream of summer. "Let's Go Surfing," bonitos.

Music Is My Hot, Hot Sess

2010-02-28T11:57:00.001-05:00

Time for another Mango Mix! Annie in Chicago told me last night that these tunes made the fact that she had to work on a Saturday night a little less painful. Hopefully they brighten up your day, too, mis bonitos.

Here's the tracklist for Ain't Snow Thang, Mango (Winter 2009-2010):

Two Door Cinema Club: Come Back Home
Wolf Gang: The King and All of His Men
Fyfe Dangerfield: When You Walk in the Room
CHEW LiPS: Solo
Deep Sea Arcade: Lonely in Your Arms
The Big Pink: Tonight
Groove Armada: Paper Romance
Delphic: Doubt
Thomas White: The Last Blast
Black Daniel: I Love You but Don't Touch Me 'Cos You're Sick
Dag för Dag: Hands and Knees
Euros Child: 1,000 Pictures of You
Edward Sharpe & The Magentic Zeros: 40 Day Dream
Dappled Cities: The Price
Cloud Control: Gold Canary
Yeasayer: ONE
Gypsy and the Cat: Jona Vark
Marina & The Diamonds: Are You Satisfied?
The Golden Filter: Thunderbird
Hot Chip: We Have Love

The download location: http://(I used to be something!)

Enjoy, mes amis!

Update: Link deleted. But you could see that.

Anda P'al!

2010-02-28T02:51:00.003-05:00

It's really been since Spring 2009 since I've written anything?! I swear I'll remedy that Situation. New and renewed posts to come in the next day or two.

I Like Music...Any Kind of Music

2009-06-14T12:25:00.005-04:00

Mango Mix time! Two weeks after I'd announced (to some) that the Mango Spring 2009 mix was ready, here I finally am posting it for everyone to enjoy. "The Spring of Indie Mangoes." And the tracklist is:

The Whitest Boy Alive: Courage
Je Suis Animal: The Mystery of Marie Roget
Bat for Lashes: Daniel
The Seal Cub Clubbing Club: Aurienteering
Sparrow and the Workshop: Devil Song
Navvy: Letters
Wave Machines: The Greatest Escape We Ever Made
Röyksopp: Happy Up Here
Empire of the Sun: Walking on a Dream
Hatcham Social: Sidewalk
No & The Maybes: Petra Petrified
Bear Hands: What a Drag
Bleech: Is It True that Boys Don't Cry
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: Woodfriend
Wintersleep: Weighty Ghost
Fever Ray: If I Had a Heart
Cashier No. 9: When Jackie Shone
Adiam Dymott: Miss You
Fangs: S.I.C.K.O.
Mexican Institute of Sound: White Stripes
Smoove & Turrell: You Don't Know
Tiga: Shoes

Download here: http://(Vamoose!)

Enjoy, mis bonitos!

Update: I kinda might have accidentally deleted the mix at the link above. Lo siento, mis bonitos. Use this one instead:

http://(Ceci n'est pas un link.)

Update: Link removed. Too late. These were always meant to be limited time offers. Sorry.

Pretty Pictures Version 06.05.09

2009-06-05T20:59:00.005-04:00

Sorry to have missed you last weekend, Danny B. And to have missed you wearing The District's purple glitter platform boots at the P-Rat. It was good talking to you drunky on the phone, though. Here are some Pretty Pictures for you to make up for it: Bat for Lashes with "Daniel."

Happy Brithday to Ya

2009-06-05T20:49:00.004-04:00

Sister Disco! Last night/this morning was a lot of fun. I'm glad I went out and stayed out with you, Timmy, Tisha K., The Jayhawk, and The District. Not so glad with the major overhang/remnant-drunkyness this morning or that I did that birthday shot (even though it was scrumptiously deelishuss [who knew you could make a shot that tastes like sweet tea?]). But glad I got to ring in your new year with you. Good times. Happy birthday, friend.

(And looky who shares your birthday. You in good company, friend.)

Pretty Pictures Version 06.02.09

2009-06-02T21:26:00.002-04:00

No comment on today's Pretty Pictures other than that they're pretty darned good. Glasgow does it, again. Sparrow and the Workshop with "Devil Song."

Oh, Crab!

2009-06-02T20:57:00.004-04:00

This made me giggle. I totally agree that the hermit crab should be the official mascot of summer. It reminded me of my little pet hermit crab who lasted all of like 2 days with us one summer. My sister and I named him Der Popo after the hermit crab drawing that was used to show what the word “butt/booty/behind” is in German in this kids’ language book we had. Ahh...Erinnerungen...

I Need a Hero!

2009-06-02T20:53:00.004-04:00

Me likey the chin. And me lovey the red! Come on, T-Mobile. Make it happen.

Update!: It appears that my Hero's gonna shack up with AT&T for a little while. Still won't make me switch. But T-Mobile will still be Magic(al).

Update to the update!: Everything's more Magic(al) in merlot.

Pretty Pictures Version 05.30.09

2009-05-30T12:33:00.002-04:00

I see dead people...Today's Pretty Pictures conjure that movie for me. Beautiful lazy tunes for a beautiful lazy Saturday. Wintersleep with "Weighty Ghost."

Pass Me the Louvre

2009-05-30T12:17:00.003-04:00

It looks like a resort and not a museum. Where’s the marina for my 6,000 foot-long yacht? Patooey.

Sotomenor

2009-05-30T12:13:00.004-04:00

Me no likey how the Sotomayor nomination is playing out. Who's racist now? Congress may not like the Ricans, but thank goodness the Repubs have no chance of preventing her confirmation.

No More Candy

2009-05-30T12:04:00.003-04:00

Of the Daily Candy variety. My computer don’t like them. Good computer.

As for putt-putt golf on Hipster Alley? I love putt-putt golf, but keep them Indie Rock Fecktards (IRFTs™) away. Oh, gawd, like the girl I saw on the bus the other morning. Cute as a button with the jet black hair with bangs and black plastic-framed glasses and stuff. Just adorable in her Ugly Betty outfit. But then she whipped out her Blackberry to text and check e-mail the entire bus ride to work out of her Coach hobo bag that was in her Ralph Lauren tote. Logos everywhere. Yes, I judged.

(™ property of Bosox. Used with permission.)

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

2009-05-26T18:48:00.004-04:00

Today's good news about Sotomayor's nomination is good news, indeed. The energy on La Isla has got be off the chain! ¡Viva, boricua! It's too bad that the good news couldn't extend to the gays in California. The struggle continues.

(Photo courtesy of Shawn Thew/EPA)

Pretty Pictures Version 05.24.09

2009-05-24T22:04:00.002-04:00

I feel all rusty. Happy memories, todos. Doves with "Kingdom of Rust."

Je Suis Cansei

2009-05-24T21:47:00.002-04:00

De ser awake. Where did we go? Oh, yeah. Ulah + Garden District + Polly's + Eatonville. Which I have thoughts on, but those are left for later. Para tomorrow, mis bonitos. That's what holidaze are for.

A Comer, A Comer, A Comer, O Si

2009-05-24T12:37:00.002-04:00

Where to, who can know? What is known is that it has to be nice and greazzy because this little Rican may have gone out last night sans dinner with a boy from Dallas (Shatterproof), a Frenchuvian (Migs), a kid from NY (Billy), a Jayhawk, the Claire Bear, and a girl from either Spain or Cuba or wherever her abuela told her she was from. Good times.

Pretty Pictures Version 05.23.09

2009-05-23T14:52:00.002-04:00

Going with the theme of refreshment and renewal, today's Pretty Pictures pretty much sum it all up. Little Boots with "New in Town."

¡Estoy Nuevo!

2009-05-23T14:20:00.002-04:00

We went for a bit of a change. A renewed and refreshed look for a renewed and refreshed start to the blog. You likey?

Pretty Pictures Version 05.22.09

2009-05-22T22:44:00.004-04:00

Today's Pretty Pictures immediately made me think of Lady LaLa and all of the great shoes she's got. If I has shoes like hers, I wouldn't take them off either. Except when I've got a hot-feet hangover attack. Then I can't wait to take them off. But I'm usually at work when that happens, and taking off my shoes then isn't really appropriate, though. Which makes the hot feet absolutely unbearable. Ugh! Much like today after having tied one on with Shatterproof during our impromptu U Street bar crawl last night. Much love to Maryna, Lili, and Tisha. My ladies rock. Here's Tiga with "Shoes."

There's Something in the Air

2009-05-22T22:40:00.001-04:00

I always knew there was something special in the air over Madrid. No wonder I like it there so much. ;)

Yeah, That Sounds About Right

2009-05-22T22:39:00.001-04:00

Old bank buildings used for other purposes. The transformation from the 1st to 2nd slide sums up Newark, NJ to a tee. It almost made me spit up my coffee, onetime, it was so spot on. It brought back memories of going to Youngworld in the blown-up 'hood that was downtown Newark in the '80s avoiding eye and skin contact with the stinky bums and crack 'hos with my mom and dad buying 3-piece polyester suits for me and girly girl dresses for my sister. Ooph...Good times.

And it looks like there's apparently a Youngworld in Jamaica, Queens. Maybe I should go there sometime for olde timey's sake? Ooph ooph...

It's Alive! Alive!

2009-05-22T22:29:00.002-04:00

We're back...It's been way too long, mis bonitos. To be honest, I was thinking of giving up on the blogging. But I logged onto the blog last week and got re-inspired. So, without further ado, here we are back to sharing with the world. ¡Un gran beso, mundo!

Pretty Pictures Version 04.12.09

2009-04-12T12:30:00.002-04:00

It's been another long while without a post. This time our Future Box™ died on us. But we're back now, mis bonitos. And with some Pretty Pictures that will wake you up. Abruptly, but they'll wake you up on this fine Easter Sunday. Brode Dalle's new gig, Spinnerette, with "Ghetto Love."

(™ attributed to JJ.)

Pretty Pictures Version 03.26.09

2009-03-26T20:49:00.003-04:00

Forget Iggy Pop shillin' car insurance. Those were icky pictures from the UK. These are Pretty Pictures. The latest BBC6 Music big thing: Chew Lips with "Solo."

Flash! Ah-ah!

2009-03-26T19:25:00.002-04:00

Looks like I'll be getting Flash® on my G1! I'll be able to enjoy this video of Infographic Little Red Riding Hood soon enough. The video would be more enjoyable with a little Cupcake, though. Just sayin'.

You Must Love Me

2009-03-26T18:54:00.002-04:00

Love's lost for two more celebrities.

First up is poor Beth Ditto. I really can't sum what happened up better than this quote does: "[A]s far as I could determine, there was a parting of the waves as the svelte and deeply panicked hordes flung themselves out of the oncoming path of the potential weapon of mass destruction that is la Ditto, and there was something closely resembling a resounding thud in place of the expected slap of flesh on expectantly upraised palms." Thank you, Hamish Bowles, for the amazing visual. Horrible, but high-larious. Parting thud, indeed. Ha!

Second is Iggy Pop. I'm sorry, but WTF was he thinking doing an ad for a UK car insurance company that refuses to insure musicians? Watching this ad was just as painful as watching LiLo's Fornarina mess yesterday. Trancarexia, indeed. Ooph...Quite the opposite for Ms. Ditto, though. ;)

Pretty Pictures Version 03.25.09

2009-03-25T20:35:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted any Pretty Pictures. Today's should more than make up for it for mis bonitos who have been missing them. Awesome Swedish pop/rock: Adiam Dymott with "Miss You."

Like Toy Soldiers

2009-03-25T19:42:00.005-04:00

Have you been wondering what LiLo’s been up to other than spending all of SamRo’s money on her trancarexia (Spanish term I just learned on Monday night thanks to Cristina Lasvignes* and her cohorts on "Tal cual lo contamos*" – "tranca-" from "puesto hasta las trancas" = “blitzed” + "-rexia" obvs from "anorexia" – all referring to girls who don’t eat so they can get their calories in by drinking the night away)? Making horribly sad Italian TV clothing ads. If LiLo keeps going the way she's been going, pretty soon she'll be one of the personalities I outlive from http://dead.atyourage.com/. Her career pretty much is. Ooph…This really hurts:

http://guanabee.com/2009/03/lindsay-lohans-fornarina-ad#more-21179.

And speaking of outliving, this was my result:

You've outlived John Wilmot by almost two weeks. He was a friend of King Charles II, libertine, and author of satiric and bawdy poetry. He died of syphilis and alcoholism on July 26, 1680, 296 years before you were born.

Syphilis and alcoholism. That sounds about right.

(*Websites en español)

La Semana in News #18

2009-03-22T10:26:00.003-04:00

I don't think this recipe is in the Betty Crocker cookbook.

Credit woes for credit unions.

KC area breaks 2,000,000.

All those people will need to be fed. Sloppy Joe's are a good way to do that.

The jury let Anibal go?! On all counts?!

Today in 1873.

Where are Ricans gonna find boxes to use as their luggage now?

Selena to the rescue (as in Lopez and stray Rican dogs).

La Semana in News #17

2009-03-15T13:39:00.003-04:00

Keep your fingers crossed, Jayhawk. Waiting for that No. 2 (to No. 4) seed.

Kathleen: The Bad Catholic.

This ain't the kind of spice anyone needs in their chili.

The Estonians are coming (to Johnson County)!

A good Saturday night for Rico: Rico pummels the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.

Makes up for a bad Wednesday night for Rico: Smiley and Pretty voted off on the same night.

The stress and the drama of the losses were apparently too much for the Rican earth to handle.

13% unemployment, anyone?

Play It Again, Mango

2009-03-07T13:46:00.004-05:00

It's that time of the season, mis bonitos! The Mango Winter 2008-2009 mix is ready for download. "Now That's What I Call Mango." And the tracklist:

Fleet Foxes: White Winter Hymnal
Kid Cudi: Day 'n' Nite (Crookers Remix)
La Roux: Quicksand
Little Boots: Meddle
VV Brown: Crying Blood
Architecture in Helsinki: That Beep
Emiliana Torrini: Me and Armini
Jazmine Sullivan: My Foolish Heart
Jenny Wilson: Like a Fading Rainbow
I Monster: A Sucker for Your Sound
Polly Scattergood: Please Don't Touch
The Joy Formidable: Cradle
Broken Spindles: Introvert
Children Collide: Farewell Rocketship
Happyendless: Hello Come On
Living Things: Oxygen
Spinnerette: Ghetto Love
Friendly Fires: Skeleton Boy
Passion Pit: Sleepyhead
School of Seven Bells: Iamundernodisguise
Seelenluft: Finally

Download here: http://(Where do you go, my lovely?)

Enjoy!

Update: Link removed. Obvs.

And the Pot Melted, Indeed

2009-03-07T12:19:00.005-05:00

Thursday night was Dine Out for Life. The Jayhawk, me, Rita Jean, Candy & DJ Skittles, Dags, and Robert kept it real yummy by going to The Melting Pot, which I hadn't been to in like 12 years. We had a blast, and were obviously the loudest table. But you know who had more fun than us? Dick Gephardt! He was at the table behind ours with his family. And was TANKED. And all drunky fighty with his daughter, Krissy, about being able to drive home. It was awesome to watch. It’s just like Us Weekly says: They really are “Just Like Us.” Ha!

Pretty Pictures Version 03.03.09

2009-03-03T20:36:00.002-05:00

Today's Pretty Pictures sing about the obvious on this cold, cold day. Headless Heroes with "The North Wind Blew South." How about some southern winds blowing north to warm a Rican up, onetime?

Eye See, You See...

2009-03-03T19:34:00.008-05:00

Picture it: 1420 Clifton St., NW. 6:30ayem. Woke up just fine to turn off the alarm. Ten minutes turned into fifty when the Jayhawk nudged me. And then the mad dash starts. Pick outfit (cute yet sensible for the big chill outside), iron, shower, listen to report on the radio about the Sri Lankan cricketers getting shot in Pakistan, shave, brush teeth, confirm weather report, get dressed, do hair, stuff bag, what the hellz is this about Obama speaking differently to blacks v. whites (?!...effin' Politico), throw on scarf/coat/bag over my shoulder, where's my Metrocard (?), grab keys, turn on iPod, adios sleeping Jamie, out the door, avoid getting hit by traffic while walking on the street to the bus stop because the sidewalk's iced over, get on the bus, really wanting a bowl of Cream of Wheat. All in less than an hour. It's happened twice in just as many days. I really need an alarm clock that will keep trying to wake me without annoying the Jayhawk. Maybe one with disturbing googly eyes that keep staring at me impatiently will work. If only he were for sale...

Pretty Pictures Version 03.02.09

2009-03-02T20:07:00.003-05:00

Just a little something to take our minds off the cold and curl up to on the couch with our Snuggies (or Lippi Selk Bags or Sleeping Bears or even our Pantalaine Couch Dresses): Fanfarlo with "Fire Escape."

As an aside: This whole blanket/sleeping bag/keeping warm while lounging garb thing has really gone too far. Please let the warm weather get here so the insanity will finally stop! Where's Susan Powter when you need her?

In Like a Lion

2009-03-02T19:55:00.003-05:00

Brrrr, mis bonitos! Dayum, has it been cold these past 2 days! Not comfortable for a Rican, but it was quite funny for a Kansan (I'm sure) listening to the sound effects I kept making while slipping and sliding and tripping on the snow this morning on our way to the bus stop. And I had my combat boots on! Maybe if these guys had a DC page I could have better braced myself for what was waiting for me outside. I don't know that it would have helped, though. Ricans just aren't built for walking on frozen water.

Pretty Pictures Version 03.01.09

2009-03-01T12:43:00.002-05:00

Technolove on today's Pretty Pictures. I Monster with "A Sucker for Your Sound." Too cute.

La Semana in News #16

2009-03-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

Say "yes" to HHS. Sebelius finally accepts a Cabinet position.

You're not in New England anymore. Cassel off to KC.

Me dance pretty one day. Actually, 2 days. KC Ballet honors Twyla Tharp in STL.

Free sample; free sample! Wine by the glass in KC liquor stores. I see drunky messes on the horizon. But drunkies do shop more. So maybe it's a brilliant plan to help the economy.

When Ricans Attack. Rican Nationalists shoot up the House of Representatives. In 1954.

Blatant financial conflicts of interest in Rico? Impossible...

When in doubt, ship 'em out...to Iraq.

A piece of el campito in la gran ciudad.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.23.09

2009-02-23T21:28:00.004-05:00

Speaking of "better," today's Pretty Pictures are all about being better than the next guy. Although, the "next guy" this boy's dissin' is Prince. Better watch himself or the Purple One might forget his Jehova's Witness teachings and get all Minneapolis on his arse. I don't know what that means, but I do know the song's pretty bitchin': Flairs with "Better Than Prince."

Forget Oscar Fashions

2009-02-23T21:20:00.005-05:00

Obama fashions are much better. Jeebus, they look awesome in this photo! They could make a Snuggie look good, though (even though the Snuggie is so December 2008; the Lippi Selk Bag is where it's at now, mis bonitos). Sean Penn said it alright: We most definitely have an elegant President in the White House. Thank goodness.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

And There Was a "Hollah, Girl" Heard Across the Land

2009-02-23T20:58:00.003-05:00

Last night's Academy Award were meh except for 2 moments. I did get teary-eyed when Penélope Cruz broke out el castellano and dedicated her Best Supporting Actress award to her Spanish peoples. And I jumped up and whoot-whooted uncontrollably when Sean Penn won for Best Actor. You could definitely feel all of gay DC rejoicing. And for good reason because Milk was a fantastic movie that even made this hardened Rican shed a few tears. I guess now I have to see Slumdog so I can get what all the feel-good hype has been about. For those who know me, though, feel-good movies aren't necessarily my cup of tea. But I might make an exception this time.

Oh, yeah, and Mr. Penn's kill-him-with-kindness jab at Mickey Rourke was priceless.* "My brother," my arse. Klassy good times.

(*Explanation on why it was a jab here.)

Pretty Pictures Version 02.22.09

2009-02-22T12:09:00.003-05:00

Staying up until 3ayem watching Karl Lagerfeld talk too fast in French about his German mother and living the Chanel lifestyle while holding onto his childhood pillow for dear life to keep his tummy from getting upset had me awake last night but has me quite sleepy today. Today's Pretty Pictures describe my current state perfectly, then: School of Seven Bells with "Half Asleep."

La Semana in News #15

2009-02-22T11:31:00.003-05:00

Forget Build-A-Bear. Build-A-Trike is much more fun.

More troubles for Sprint. How is a "BB+" rating a downgrade from a plain "BB," though?

Hooley Hooley KC stylee.

She might just make it after all...Sebelius for HHS top spot? Maybe...

The stripper took my nipple!

Drunky rotten scoundrels. Drink more (Rican) rum.

But don't try to swindle the Rican peoples because they will catch you (and air your dirty laundry while they're at it for kicks).

¡Arriba, Cotto! I know the island must have been on fire last night.

Rican heat in the Chitown cold.

Cry, cry, baby!

Pretty Pictures Version 02.18.09

2009-02-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

Talk about seeing things that aren't there or not seeing things that are there. Today's Pretty Pictures working their own magia: Here We Go Magic with "Tunnelvision."

Them's the Breaks

2009-02-18T20:20:00.001-05:00

Much like the world economy, my Internets were broken for the past few days. And it was no bueno, mis bonitos. I've spent my time watching endless hours of reruns on HGTV, Food Network, and the Travel Channel, and being educated on the horrors of child abuse in Spain thanks to the lack of Web access and the lack of new episodes of my shows on regular network TV. But I did learn that no recession is a good recession and that no good magenta is a real magenta. Both are mind tricks, much like how HTC is tricking me by releasing their new GPhone on Vodafone and Telefónica with no plans to let us officially play with it here in the States. HTC: I love you. Why do you do you toy with me so? I want some Magic in my life, too.* At least Art Lebedev will let me have some verbal time in my life. For $211.54. But I can still have it.

Back to the magenta thing for a second, though. If magenta isn't a real color, then what color is this blog? And what color is my new argyle sweater that I hold so dear? I thought I was being all non-DC and cool by owning it. Does this now mean that I'm totally anti-cool because I'm simply imagining that the sweater even exists? And have I fooled those around me by seeing it, too? Or maybe it's the ultimate in mind tricks that Banana Republic's got us all believing in the sweater? Curses to you, retail fashion sorcerers!

(*Article en español)

Update!: Magenta is a color, after all.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.12.09

2009-02-12T21:55:00.003-05:00

Oooo-eeeh! Happy Thursday, mis bonitos. Today's Pretty Pictures embarass no one: Phrase vs. Kram: "Sky Light."

Examen

2009-02-12T21:52:00.001-05:00

Take the dayum test, already.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.11.09

2009-02-11T19:33:00.003-05:00

Think of a happy place; think of a happy place. That's what Roberto and Chris are probably doing. Today's Pretty Pictures should help them do just that. Röyksopp with "Happy Up Here."

It's Not Me; It's You

2009-02-11T19:11:00.001-05:00

When in doubt (or being sued by an ex-girlfriend), blame the Messican homos just like Señor Alomar. Pathetic. All macho but never man enough to own up to his actions. Like Chris Brown coming out with that statement today that RiRi was the one who started the fight?! Good one. Victim blaming. Nice.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.10.09

2009-02-10T20:23:00.002-05:00

I've been waiting anxiously for today's Pretty Pictures to be released. I hope you like it as much as I do: The Dø with "On My Shoulders." I bet A-Rod and Chris both feel the weight on their shoulders right about now, huh?

Que No Cunda el Pánico

2009-02-10T19:52:00.006-05:00

That's what Prezzie Obama asked us to do in these troubled economic times at his first press conference last night. We need to worry, of course, but we need to channel that worry into positive action and not let it explode into panic or despair. So, don't go the way of the Wall Street brokers who facilitated the vote of no-confidence as soon as today's news broke that the stimulus package had passed. And definitely don't go the way of Chris Brown and go beat up on your Princess RiRis. If anything, beat up on the A-Roid and his stoopidity for causing that reporter to ask Obama about steroids in baseball when there are more important things to worry about. Jeebus...such a douche.

(Keep Calm and Carry On poster available at Barter Books. Read story of it here. Me wanny.)

Pretty Pictures Version 02.09.09

2009-02-09T21:16:00.001-05:00

Today's Pretty Pictures totally fit with today's soulful first impressions theme. Enjoy Of Montreal with "An Eluardian Instance."

I Got Soul

2009-02-09T20:53:00.009-05:00

The 2009 Jayhawk Bday/Mango-Jayhawk Anniversary Weekend was awesome. Part of it was due to the amazing opening-night showing of the play we saw on Friday night at the Rosslyn Spectrum: Synetic Theater's Dante's Divine Comedy. If you've never seen a Synetic show, you need to see this one. The physical and emotional energy levels were insane. Not to mention the cracked-out (in a good way) costumes and the biting political/religious statements. Talk about soul. I'll definitely go see it, again, if anyone's down.

The other part of our good weekend was due to the dinner we had on Saturday night at Art and Soul at The Liaison Capitol Hill. And here are my 2 cents of the experience:

Appetizers:
Virginia ham-wrapped shrimp on top of creamy grits and sprinkled with chow chow (to die for; the chow-chow was awesome, and the grits were perfect).
Spice-rubbed ahi tuna (very nice spicy kick that hits you in the back of the throat) on top of fried green tomatoes (a little too tart, but good) and sour pickle relish (yummy).

Second:
Two types of hoe cakes -
One with cured salmon, caviar, crème fraiche, dill, and caper berries (like Southern bagels and lox – my favorite of the two we had; pass on the caper berries if you don’t like that flavor).
The other with fried oysters, chow chow remoulade, and julienned romaine lettuce (I know the lettuce was there to lighten the dish, but it reminded me too much of a side salad smothered in bad ranch dressing at TGIFridays to care for it -- Sorry, Guy Fieri; you cant make me eat there even with your endorsement of their new Ultimate Recipe Showdown menu).

Entrees:
Medium-rare duck breast (it was so good and fresh; the steak of the water fowl) with duck sausage (which is supposed to be on the mushier side and not have that crisp outer bite of a chicken or pork sausage, so don’t be scared by the consistency because it was good), candied cabbage (amazingly savory and sweet and tart all at once), and goat cheese almond puree (nice and mellow; definite almond flavor).
Bourbon braised beef “short” rib (there was nothing short about it; the bone was the length of my forearm and slid right off the meat; the meat was so tender it disintegrated on the Jayhawk’s fork and melted in my mouth; amazing).

Side:
Macaroni casserole (which was baked mac & cheese that was maybe a bit heavy on the butter for me but really good and creamy and melty).

Dessert:
Homemade butterscotch banana pudding with 'nilla wafers (OMG! Set up in a tall flute kind of like a trifle, the wafers had soaked up all the banana and butterscotch and bourbon goodness; delicious).

And all that (including the Jayhawk’s drink and my 2 beers) was less than $130 pre-tip. We got the hoe cakes comped because the executive chef and the Jayahwk are friends, but it’s still a deal for everything we had even if we didn’t get anything gratis.

As for the actual space, it’s set up really oddly. The whole place is semi-compartmentalized into 3 dining areas, the bar, and then the lounge that actually bleeds into the hotel lobby, all separated by “walls” (either painted glass doors or metal curtains but not actual walls). Bad people flow, too, because you enter into the first main dining area and basically smack up against one of the tables, and the host stand is up against the wall to your left in the bar area with no real place to stand to the side. Then there are all the automatic doors lining the front that actually open if you bump up against them but that have tables right up against them, too. They should have turned all those doors into windows and made the only entrance through the hotel lobby, I think. The décor was nice but maybe a bit dark. We sat at a booth that I thought was cozy but that the Jayhawk thought had too harsh lighting that was hurting his eyes. And the male manager working that night needs a bit of an attitude adjustment; there are nicer ways of backing up your bartender and “correcting” a customer claiming that his Makers Mark on the rocks wasn’t Makers Mark (which it was not; even I could tell, and I’m not the brown likker expert).

All of the flaws are minor, though. It’s a new restaurant, and everyone’s still figuring out their roles and their flow. But the food and the overall experience more than make up for anything negative anyone can say. Mango say: Definitely go.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.08.09

2009-02-08T12:19:00.003-05:00

I'm totally diggin' the indie dance craze sweeping the nation...of the UK, that is (and Hackney, to be exact). Sweet electro pop tunes to start your Sunday off right: thecockandbullkid with "I'm Not Sorry."

La Semana in News #14

2009-02-08T11:13:00.002-05:00

All Hale-y! The Chiefs hire Todd Haley as their new head coach.

That's 475,830 KC residents, to be exact, Mr. Census Man.

The river is falling! The river is falling!

Birthdays all around this weekend. Happy Bday, KC Ballet!

¡Wepa! Rico beats Venezuela in baseball Caribbean Series.

Talk about angry white men...Try an angry machista Rican man with a legal education. Whatevs...

I don't get it. Rican skinheads in Orlando?

No Wii for me! Well, at least not one that we'll hook up to the Internets.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.05.09

2009-02-05T14:17:00.001-05:00

"Love is a game I wanna play with you," Missur Jayhawk. Happy Birthday from the boys in today's Pretty Pictures: The Voluntary Butler Scheme with "Multiplayer."

¡Japi Japi!

2009-02-05T13:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jayhawk! ¡Que te crezca el bling bling, and all that other good stuff! It'll be a wonderful birthday weekend. Lazy at-home Thursday, opening-night-for-the-play Friday, fancy-dinner Saturday, and get-your-museum-on Sunday. Good times before the Valentine's Day and Restaurant Week rush mayhem.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.02.09

2009-02-02T21:42:00.003-05:00

Happy 10th birthday, Moon Safari! In that honor, today's Pretty Pictures are a new video to mark the release of that awesome album: Air with "La femme d'argent." Music to mellow out to while digesting leftover chili. Ahhh...Chill out bliss.

All Hail!

2009-02-02T21:20:00.004-05:00

Sister Disco! Winner of the 2nd Annual 1429 Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off! It was splendid times, indeed. Good friends, good food, good beers, and, actually, a good football game (although the same really can't be said for the commercials; maybe PETA should have been allowed to air their commercial, after all; "Debbie Does Salad," indeed). I have definitely got to amp up my game for next year's challenge. Maybe I can make a chili using the log o' meat that these KC boys created? It's a heart attack wrapped in bacon, but that's the kind me likey.