Making mixing look easy is the goal at Allstar Bartenders Training in 11415. The center was founded in 1989 with the simple mission to “make better bartenders.” Thousands have learned Mixology 101 in Allstar’s classrooms, all of which are set up like actual cocktail lounges - with full bars, ice machines, jukeboxes, and everything else a student of bartending could need. Mixologist Michael Massino brings more than 20 years of experience to his students. Nicknamed “Mix Master Mike,” he describes the art of bartending as being a conductor. (more…)

The only drinking problem New Yorkers have is falling victim to the local bar routine. You know the drill. It’s close, so you go. You like what’s on tap, so you go again. Next thing you know you’re on a first name basis with the bartenders, so you keep going back. Pretty soon you’re such a regular that your drink of choice is already poured before you walk in. But there’s so much more to drink…er, we mean places to drink…here in the land of opportunity! That’s why you should know about Dan Freeman. A man who embarked on a personal quest to drink (at least) one drink at a thousand new bars in one year. On a pubs to person ratio, he was wildly outnumbered. But when it comes to drinking, numbers belong on napkins. Dan chronicles his one-year challenge in his blog, entitled Thousand Bars Blog. Here’s what Dan had to say about his New York City bar experience and New York in general.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?
I initially started my blog to keep a diary of my attempt to have at least one drink in one thousand different bars in one year. As time went by it became more and more popular and I started to expand my write-ups of the bars that I visited and started to include pictures. I successfully completed my quest on December 30th, 2005 but have continued to chronicle my visits to bars, restaurants, and travels. Surprisingly I still have a fairly large following.

What brought you to New York?
I originally came here on a ten month consulting assignment. That was about thirty years ago. My assignment was extended, I went into business for myself, got married, and here I remain to this day.

What do you love about living in New York?
There is so much to do. And I love living where I do, in Downtown Brooklyn. When I tell people it is like a bunch of little towns they don’t know what I mean until I take them to the butcher shop with sawdust on the floor, the fish monger, the cheese store, all of the little specialty stores and friendly neighborhood bars.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
That is hard to say because there isn’t any such thing as a typical New Yorker. I think the belief that New York is the center of the world, if not the universe, helps define you as a New Yorker though.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
Nothing much anymore. However I was initially surprised about how friendly most of them are. Pull out a map and you will soon be surrounded by people asking if you need help.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
Probably my favorite restaurants and local watering holes. All of the little specialty stores where I can buy my ingredients for cooking. The wide selection of beers that are available. My neighborhood liquor store with Todd, the manager, who knows more about wines and liquor than anyone I have ever met.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
Just be friendly and tip generously. This works wonders in restaurants and bars.

Best neighborhood bar?
There are several that I like but my favorite is Pete’s Waterfront Ale House on Atlantic Avenue.

Best late night joint?
That would be Montero’s, also on Atlantic Avenue. The last bar before you hit the water. Of course late at night I like beer and shots, so don’t expect anything fancy.

What was your most recent cultural experience?
I saw “Stop The World I Want To Get Off” in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Interestingly, the lead was played by Sol Rose who once played the role on Broadway. He is a part owner of a restaurant down there.

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
My favorite is Chanterelle: elegant, great friendly service, wonderful food.

Best First Date Bar?
For me, Capucine’s: friendly and romantic restaurant in Manhattan. Been going there for almost 30 years.

Want to visit Dan’s local liquor store? What’s your favorite NYC bar?
Post a comment below and give us some lip about the city’s best liquor.

In New York City, the stomach rules. Day or night, you can find culinary delights from every corner of the world and in every price range. Thankfully, the NYC Food Guy can help you savor every bite. Lawrence is a native New Yorker whose goal is to let people know where to find delicious and affordable food throughout the city. His Code Words column does just that with reviews, tips and tricks that will keep you sated.

Rack and Soul: Great Fried Chicken & Ribs at Affordable Prices

Rack and Soul is a great place to get your authentic soul food fix without traveling to Harlem. If that’s not reason enough, fried chicken luminary Charles Gabriel is a consulting partner at this diner-style restaurant. Mr. Gabriel’s serves his food buffet style at Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen on 151st Street, but those less adventurous can find crispy and moist fried chicken, sitcky, sweet, smoky and tender baby back ribs, sugary candied yams, and crisp shoestring french fries without straying too far from the 1 train. And yes, they also serve waffles.

$15.95 at lunchtime ($19.95 at dinner), for your choice of 2 entrees and two sides.

You can choose from:

• Quarter Rack of Baby Back Ribs
• Pulled Pork
• 3 BBQ Chicken Wings
• 2 Pieces of Fried Chicken of your choice

and for sides:

• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Collard Greens
• String Beans
• Black Eyed Peas
• Lima Beans
• Baked Beans
• Cole Slaw
• Stewed Okra
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Candied Yams
• White Rice
• Mashed Potatoes
• French Fries
• Potato Salad
• Belgian Waffle

For help deciding, I’ll point you in the right direction. I went with the Ribs, a thigh, a drumstick, candied yams, and fries.

Here’s the NYC Food Guy rib review:

The overall flavor was sweet and smoky but the flavor of the pork really shone through. If you like to taste the meat of the ribs, don’t add extra sauce, but if you want to unite the outer flavor with the pork, add some extra sauce. They were tender and moist but didn’t fall right off the bone. The outer skin was a little tighter and crisper than I like. The Fried Chicken was good overall but while I admit my expectations were high, it was not a transcendent experience. The outer coating was crispy and light without being overly greasy. The coating, however, was nothing out of the ordinary. It didn’t seem to be a product of extra care or a unique process. The meat inside was moist, tender, and flavorful.

Here’s the rest of the meal:

Sweet Candied Yams - very sweet, soft, and delicious

Macaroni & Cheese - It really was this orange and it was pretty soggy and boring. Always an enticing option, it fell flat.

Waffle with Syrup - my first Waffle and chicken experience was boring at best. The waffle and syrup were generic and ordinary.

French Fries - Shoestring, crispy, and hot. I added some salt and pepper and found myself reaching onto King of Ketchup’s plate for more after I finished mine. Great fries.

Honey Biscuits - These are complementary and served upon arrival. They were warm and tasty. We asked for butter and dipped it in the sweet barbecue sauce. Good move.

Overall, I had a great meal at Rack and Soul. It was fresh, affordable, and big portioned. The service was attentive and I will definitely return to try the pulled pork.

Rack & Soul
2818 Broadway
www.rackandsoul.com
To check out more adventures from the NYC Food Guy go to www.nycfoodguy.com

Where do you go for the best comfort food in New York?

post a comment below and give us some lip on your zip!

In 2003 Serge Lescouarnec began a concierge service that offered him a multi-faceted outlet. One that not only served his affinity for fine wine and cheeses and his career tending to the hectic lives of New Jersey residents, but also rhymed rather appropriately with his name. Thus “Serge the Concierge” was born. Two years later the eponymous company evolved into a blog designed to “softly promote” his business in the northern New Jersey area. In addition, it allows him a chance to expound on his knowledge and opinions regarding an eclectic range of topics. There’s Monday Work Etiquette: where the most recent entry covers a rant on a local telecom service, and before that “The Power of an Apology” (appropriate for a Monday topic). Then there’s Green Day Tuesdays, commenting on nature friendly businesses and ideas. Tokyo Thursdays deal with pretty much anything related to…well…Tokyo, Japan. Serge’s daily musings sometimes cover vinos, other times cover vices. So while his concierge business only handles North Jersey, SergeTheConcierge.com encompasses much, much more than that.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?

‘Serge the Concierge’ was started in March 2005…What got me going was a piece by my friend Debbie Galant of Baristanet. She called me ‘Serge the Concierge’ and when I googled it, I found out that there was a NYPD Blue character and episode with the same name. So I thought to myself, here’s my blog’s name, let’s write…
The original premise was to promote (in a soft way) my New Jersey Concierges business by writing about food, wine, travel, work/life issues. Since then ‘Serge the Concierge’ has taken a life of its own. In the past year I also added set topics such as Monday Work Etiquette (Mondays of course), Green Day (nature friendly ideas and businesses, Tuesdays) and Tokyo Thursdays (on Tokyo and Japan)…
Recent economic hiccups inspired me to dip my toes into how to go ‘from consumed to thrifty.’

At this year’s South by Southwest Interactive conference, I offered a panel discussion on being Just Over 50 and Not Dead Yet or how the online world is not just populated by 20 somethings.

In September of this year, I am planning to spend 3 weeks in Europe (France, Spain and possibly London) and share my discoveries in words, pictures and videos. To make it possible, I am talking to a few sponsors.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Horse carriage ride around Central Park, a touch of romance.

Best neighborhood bar?
Not much of a bar hound, I have to say. My pick would be a place that has a great selection of wines by the glass and Pastis during the summer. Feel free to send me your suggestions.

Best late night joint?
BUN: 143 Grand St at Lafayette St, little plates, great food, small prices.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)?
Nothing in the past couple of months, I have to confess. The closest thing I can think of is the ‘Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri’ tasting on March 3rd. I did get my fill of music at ‘South by Southwest’. Personal picks would be Brooklyn band ‘Earl Greyground’ (loud and proud) and in a different style ‘Lightspeed Champion’ (which reminded me of Prefab Sprout and Martin Stephenson and the Daintees).

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
Cyrus in Headsburg (Sonoma), not quite New York but great for a week-end escape.

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?
I am married with children otherwise I would say the cheese counter at Whole Foods…if you have any cheese knowledge that is.

Best place to send a couple on a first date and why?
The ‘New York Botanical Garden’…(weather permitting, not on week-end), you can find some oasis of peace, have a chance to slow down and not be disturbed.

www.sergetheconcierge.com

Have you always wanted a concierge? Do you agree with Serge’s neighborhood picks? Post a comment below and tell us what’s up!

Greenpoint, Brooklyn is blowing up. This old, quiet and still affordable neighborhood is often forgotten about as it is situated between the hot spots of Williamsburg and Long Island City. Apartment hunters are now realizing that the convenient proximity to Manhattan that these two areas provide, can also be enjoyed from their neighbor in 11222.

(more…)

It takes a strong heart to navigate the New York Real Estate Market. Veteran broker Toni Scott can help fortify you for the journey. On her blog, Condo Buzz NYC, she offers listings of recent sales in Manhattan, along with insights about the status of the NYC market, exciting architects and intriguing international properties, like the American Embassy in Baghdad. Also on the site, Scott’s personal photos of New York remind us why we love this city.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?
Specializing in residential property sales downtown Manhattan. My blog is Condo Buzz NYC www.condobuzznyc.com - Written by a veteran Manhattan real estate broker, CONDO BUZZ NYC offers info on recent sales in Manhattan; photographs; spotlights on architects world-wide making creative product; prices and photos of international properties; occasional tips for sellers and buyers of residential property; and anything that has a connection to land, buildings, houses, lofts and apartments including those who make it all happen. Mark Twain said “buy land, they’re not making it anymore.”

What brought you to New York?
Art

What do you love about living in New York?
Freedom of fashion on the streets and the food.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
A natural multi-tasker, risk taker and lots of energy.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
Nothing.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
The visuals and the pace.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
Never take a taxi crosstown above 34th st, remember the 4 pm witching hour (taxi shift change).

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Harbor Cruises from South Street Seaport great for photo opps of the island

Best neighborhood bar?
Ulysses on Pearl Sreet.

Best late night joint?
Grand Bar in the Soho Grand.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)?
Gallery hopping in Chelsea.

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
Still NOBU.

Best up and coming neighborhood (to buy)?
Flatiron

Newest real estate trend?
All but Americans are buying.

Check out some dream neighborhoods CiNYC has unzipped at coolinyourcode.com/buildingcode

Where are you looking to buy? Post a comment below and fill us in!

Newspaper editor Horace Greeley may have said “Go West” but here in New York it’s more like “Go North.” The northern migration has become so popular, former Manhattanites are beginning to infiltrate The Bronx. With them, and the real estate brokers who serve them, come the neighborhood acronyms that are a trademark of the island. Like SoHo, Nolita, and LES before it, comes SoBro. (more…)

If you think you have to be part of a couple to get the most out of life, think again. Our Code Word contributor, Sherri Langburt, is full of expert advice on life beyond dating. Whether it’s travel ideas, beauty tips, financial guidance, or recipes for entertaining, the founder of lifestyle blog Single Edition has something to say. Log on to find new ways to enjoy your freedom and get the most out of single life!

Tired of Paying Rent, but Cannot Qualify to Purchase?
Singles Tackle Home Ownership in Pairs

Tired of paying rent but don’t have enough cash or are too frightened to purchase your own place? Rather than let your single-income status keep you from buying the house of your dreams, consider the option of purchasing a permanent place with a friend. These days an increasing amount of unattached singles are pooling assets so that they can qualify for down payment and financing requirements when they can not afford do it on their own.

This new breed of home owner, referred to as “mingles” in some circles, consists of the widowed, the separated, the divorced and the never married. And they are catching the interest of real estate mavens nationwide. Banks and financial institutions are also paying notice to the trend and agreeing to provide a mortgage to two or more friends who have agreed to purchase a property together.

No doubt, housing between friends has benefits, but it is not the sort of commitment that can be taken casually. Before entering this sort of platonic partnership, here are some helpful tips for you to consider, courtesy of Toni Haber, Executive Vice President at Prudential Douglas Elliman:

1. Evaluate the Alliance: Can a neat freak put up with a sloppy Joe? Does the energizer bunny want to shack up with the coach potato? When it comes to day-to-day living, we all have our own quirks, priorities and skill-sets. While this can be positive in some cases, like a divvying up of household chores, it can also lead to irreconcilable differences among housemates. So before you make a joint investment, be sure to seriously weigh the pros and cons of living with your friend.

2. Carefully Communicate Commitments: When it comes to property investments, “going dutch” may not be an option. To avoid surprises and conflicts down the road, Haber stresses that it is important for both parties to have an open discussion about where they stand financially. House options, mortgage rates and contract terms will be contingent on each individual’s credit history, financial health and both short-term and long term obligations, so it is better to get this out in the open from the get-go.

3. Find A Reliable Realtor: A good real estate agent will do more than turn you on to the best places to purchases. “Look around” says Haber, “for someone who has experience dealing with joint tenancy arrangements. Their insights will likely save you legwork time as well as hefty legal fees.”

4. Enlist the Services of an Attorney: Before you can consider signing a contract, there are key items that must be settled in writing. The advice of a lawyer can be helpful in choosing the form of ownership and in drafting a legal document to meet specific requirements. According to Haber, a good lawyer will make sure to document the proportionate amount of each person’s financial interest in the property; division of maintenance costs; who pays the bills and when; methods of dealing with a partner who fails to pay at the required time; how the household will operate and detailed procedures for the equitable dissolution of the partnership.

5. Prepare a Property Agreement: A contract between the parties is vital, says Haber, as is listing each person’s name on the deed and the mortgage papers. The percentage of ownership must be clearly stated in the contract, including details of each person’s share of the down payment and the way in which mortgage payments will be divided. This sets the stage for deciding each one’s share upon sale.

6. Agree to Cohabitation Terms: In the event of dissolution, each individual must be protected. The cohabitation agreement will cover how both parties will part ways to ensure an orderly separation. Haber says one of they key provisions here is to provide each partner with a first option on the other person’s interest in the property. It is also a good idea to include a three month notice period in the event someone has to leave. Procedures may also be outlined for independent appraisal so that both people have an equitable way to establish their interest when the arrangement ends.

7. Invest in Term Life Insurance: Buy a term life insurance policy and name the other partner as beneficiary. This way, the entire mortgage will be paid off by the insurance policy in the event of an unexpected death.

Single in the City? Post a comment below and tell us what you love about flying solo.

Shop for a good cause at Delight.com. It’s the site that’s saving the world, one environmentally conscious product at a time. Founders Lynda Keeler and Tracey Tee were so committed to including green practices in their lives, that they decided to build a website that helps others do the same. “We are both fanatical online shoppers, but always felt that something was missing,” says Keeler. “We wanted Delight to always be changing, full of fun, joy and surprises so that you feel like you are shopping at a great boutique with your favorite girlfriends.” But it’s the items they offer that truly set this virtual emporium apart. Keeler and Tee, along with a testing team, hand pick products that are not only eco friendly but also solve problems. Visitors to Delight.com can find a Hybrid Wall Clock made from recycled bicycle and computer parts, along with 100% Recycled Paper Satchels, Bamboo Bath Caddies and the protective Onion Goggles. The team is constantly on the hunt for beautifully designed, innovative and exclusive items that are tailor made for their customers. No buyers remorse here.

What do you think of Delight.com? Where are you picking up “green” products?

Post a comment below and let us know!

An oasis right in the middle of the concrete jungle can be found and enjoyed in 11355. The Queens Botanical Garden has been providing a sanctuary for city residents since it was built for the 1939 World’s Fair. It offers horticultural classes throughout the season on everything from rose pruning to composting. This museum is not just a haven for roses, herbs and bee hives. It is also a cutting edge symbol of environmentally friendly construction and sustainability. (more…)