No Reservations in Detroit

My roommate and I used to very much "enjoy" watching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations on the Travel channel. And by "enjoy," I mean we shared a mutual crush on this guy and would eagerly watch and laugh at everything he said. In the show, Tony happily travels and eats his way through different countries, which, in my opinion is a dream job. Monday night's episode (which I sadly missed) featured food in cities from the Rust Belt: Baltimore, Buffalo and Detroit, Detroit being a place where my roommate and I both share familial ties. Check out the clip below as well as Tony's personal account of hard-ass Detroiters...




Anthony Bourdain's blog, July 27: Detroit. Where just about everything cool originated. As angry as one gets looking at block after block of abandoned row houses in Baltimore and wondering how the hell that happened, it's mind boggling to see how far Detroit has been allowed to fall. But what a truly magnificent breed of crazy-ass hardcase characters have dug in there. Of all three cities we visited, Detroit, oddly enough, even while looking the jaws of death straight in the face, remains closest to being a true culinary wonderland. This is due entirely to the successive waves of migration and immigration from all over the world, when people came to MAKE things in America -- each group bringing their own food and traditions. Detroit IS the story of America, for better -- and worse, and I think we've missed that, allowed ourselves to look away. Detroit, after all, made us who we are. Literally. A country of cars, highways, car culture, upward mobility, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and what were once, unlimited dreams. Whatever happens next, Motown, Eminem and the Stooges' "Fun House", at least, shall surely outlast the automobile.

Sweet teeth

I've got this perpetual sweet tooth that won't go away. I realize that claiming chocolate as a favorite food isn't helping the problem either. So instead of eating mini candy bars at work everyday around 4pm, maybe I should start baking? I've been having these grand ideas of teaching myself to cook and bake recently, possibly having to do with me just moving into a new apartment. Although the kitchen is not large by any means, a new place can sometimes spur creativity. Hmmm, now I'll have to get a cute apron to wear while I do this hypothetical baking. I can see it now..







(Images via Lottie + Doof)

Eat, Love

Marije Vogelzang discovered a new way of looking and thinking about design when she started Proef studio in Amsterdam. Here, she experiments and develops new and creative concepts with food as well as thoroughly entertaining a number of lucky guests.







(images via Wallpaper)

The Fartorialist

(via The Sartorialist)

While I regularly browse The Sartorialist web site, I can't help but think that while beautiful, the people start to look the same after a while. The trends start becoming repetitive and unoriginal. It seems that only wealthy people in the fashion industry get photographed, and I wish he'd mix it up a little more. Maybe include people that have re-purposed or made their own clothes altogether? I don't make any clothes myself, but wish I could and have nothing but respect and admiration for people who possess those skills. I could just be bitter because I've sworn off buying clothes for a while, but it's always nice to be inspired by things that are actually attainable for most of us. I still love Scott Schuman and think he's very talented, but I couldn't help but chuckle over The Fartorialist.

Missed Connections

I'm not sure how many people have actually made any sort of connection through Craigslist's "Missed Connections" link, but I have definitely been on the site a time or two, (out of pure curiosity, I swear). People post little descriptions of someone they might have made eyes with on a train platform or accidentally bumped into at the bar without introducing themselves. The point of the site is to bring two strangers together in this big, scary city and artist Sophie Blackwell illustrates actual messages on her blog, Missed Connections. She captures these little fleeting moments perfectly.






via Cool Hunting

Sour

Check out this video from a Japanese band called Sour for their song, "Hibi no Neiro." They commissioned their real life fans to record themselves doing certain tasks that resulted in a pretty awesome music video.

Urban Gardening

(Photos by Lucas Foglia)

I'm always happily surprised when walking through the streets of New York, I notice a hidden garden tucked into this huge concrete metropolis we all live in. I especially like it in unsuspecting neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Growing your own food has become more important because of heightened economic and environmental awareness, as well as a growing sense of community-mindedness. The images below are from the Somerset Community Garden in South Providence, Rhode Island maintained by a group of local families. The idea makes me feel so good that a community can work together and become healthier and more environmentally aware together. I wonder if one exists near me? Especially love the little girl's expression in the first picture...

(GOOD Magazine)

Venice Biennale

I've never been to the Venice Biennale or to Italy at all, but I'm quite sure I would enjoy it. Eleven Heavy Things by Miranda July is showing now through November 22. She's a performance artist, musician, writer, actress and film director. I initially remember noticing the bright yellow book jacket cover of No One Belongs Here More Than You: Stories when I worked at a bookstore a few years ago in Michigan. I remember the website for that book and how simple and funny it is. Putting into words those awkward and strange things about life that affect everyone in some capacity. Her exhibit at the Biennale consists of eleven outdoor sculptures she proposes people to pose and take pictures with. July's work is odd and inspiring, too bad I can't take a much needed European vacation to take a peek! Someday...

New Room

I just moved to a new apartment in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. It's a beautiful red building and my roommate and I now happily occupy the top level. The bedroom that I moved from in Manhattan was small and dark, as was the whole apartment, come to think of it. Great location, not so great apartment. I now have more light and space than I know what to do with. Tough situation, isn't it? I'm planning on taking some time to decorate cheaply and think these rooms offer some pretty inspiration..





(Images from Living Etc)