Tim Burton at The MoMA

Posted in Arts, Film with tags , , on January 13, 2010 by caitlyncarpanzano

Last Friday after work (free Friday nights, every week) I took myself to the Tim Burton exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (11 W. 53rd). Because of the massive hype surrounding his exhibit the MoMA has made entry by timed tickets only, making it a bit tricky to get in. I somehow scored a staff badge and made my way up to the third floor to step into the dream world that is Tim Burton’s mind…

…which was incredible. It was a genuine look into the creative process behind such a unique artist. On display there were original sketches, character studies, sculptures made from aluminum and steel, a viewing space for his independent films, even an excerpt from a children’s book he wrote, illustrated and submitted to Disney for consideration when he was 17-years-old.  It’s a look behind the scenes at his classic films including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman (with Jack Nicholson as the Joker!), James & the Giant Peach, The Night Before Christmas, Sweeney Todd and, out in March, the much-anticipated Alice in Wonderland. My personal favorite was a small cartoon he drew called “Dr. Brain (The Head Villain)” followed by the drawing and caption: “Dr. Brain’s 2 assistants hold his head up at all times to keep him from falling down.” Brilliant!

"Toxic Boy"

 

Although his films prove time and time again to be the mark of a master, I tend to forget how much of an artist Burton truly is. The man’s mind is somewhat of a horror film creatively stewed together with images, emotions, relationships, and humor taken from reality. But then he manipulates them in such a way that naturally places you back into your dream state. You understand it because you’ve most likely seen it in your dreams, but to tap into that imagination in a lucid state, it’s miraculous to me; he’s a genius. A bit of a freaky, psychotic genius, but one nonetheless. I would deem it one of my favorite exhibitions I’ve ever viewed at this museum.  Go check it out- on display thru mid-April. -CC

PS- Also saw Avatar last night in IMAX 3-D, which was incredible! How many times has James Cameron made cinematic history now? 2, 3 times…? Also a must-see!

Leave A Comment »

Jam On, Jam On Reggae Mon

Posted in Music, Nightlife with tags , on January 6, 2010 by caitlyncarpanzano

So, I’ve had “go to reggae bar” on my list of things to-do since moving to this lustrous city and last night I finally experienced one. In celebration of the ever-glowing Ms. Sydney Blumstein’s 26th birthday, we went to Bembe, a little-known spot next to the Williamsburg bridge in Brooklyn. I loved it. It has a down-to-earth authenticity and a tropical drinks menu that will knock your socks off (we were sipping on a tasty vodka watermelon mixture, marinated in and served from an actual watermelon).  The atmosphere was cozy without being quaint and filled with an ethnically diverse crowd of booty shakers. The music and dancing is absolutely contagious, you can just let it flow without a care in the world. The semblance of a professional dancer next to us really showed us how to break it down as well. Bembe is at 81 South 6th street on corner of Berry street (J, M, Z at Marcy Ave or the L to Bedford Ave).

Sunday night they have live performances, which are said to be fabulous. What an inspiration into the Rasta world. Speaking of which, in my semi-buzzed reggae daze last night, I Googled “How to become a Rastafarian” on Sydney’s phone. Clicking on what I thought seemed the most authentic site, I submitted a question to the author of a post explaining the roots of the religion. The following is Ras Charles’ response to “How do I become Rasta?”:

GREETING AND I WOULD LIEK TO ASK YOU A Q.??   WHAT IS IT ABOUT RASTA THAT IN-/OUT-SPY-ER YOU?  WITH ALL THE OTHER RE-lie-ON THAT BEEN AROUND Y RASTA?? KEEP IN MIND RASTA IS NOT A RELIGION BUT A WAY OF LIFE. IT IS NOT A FAD, AND NOT ALL U SEE WITH DREADS ARE RASTA.  BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO REASONING WITH YOU. BLESSING AND LOVE RAS CHARLES  

WHAT YOU ARE IS JAH GIFT TO YOU AND WHAT YOU BECOME IS YOUR GIFT TO JAH

Could my question have been answered any more perfectly? I think I may just have to explore this one. I wonder what I would look like with dreads?  Peace and love vampers! CC

1 Comment »

20-10. How futuristic of you.

Posted in Food & Restaurants, Media, Nightlife, Style with tags , , , , , on January 3, 2010 by vampedny

As New York City blows away outside, I am spending the last days of vacation nursing my windburn, frostbitten nose and 2-week hangover from the comfort of my living room (I somehow found myself on a roof deck this morning and almost floated over to New Jersey). It’s contrastive that the first few days of the new decade—usually spent concentrating on resolving and creating 2010 to-do lists—have instead been spent hiding out in warm houses, buried in blankets, reading newspapers. I’m sure though my lethargic state is not representative of the greater metropolitan area and I’ve got to get moving. So here, in the spirit of the new year, are some NYC lessons/resolutions/recommendations that have come in over the last few weeks of rest:

Cal Gel nail art is radical. Document your designs in case your life dream changes to become a nail artist. At least you’ll have a portfolio to start. Vamped readers, you should really all try this salon out (NailSpaSakura.com).

The Direct Approach is a good thing, when used in the proper situation, to the proper person. In 2010, I want to meet everyone. Do not be shy.

Citarella market is an inspiration to learn how to cook. My original new years resolution was to learn this hearty craft—and after buying some items for NYE dinner at this delightful gem of a market, I am ever so inspired to become Julia Child (Meryl Streep also helped to reach this conclusion).

Diablo Royale is a great place to drink on a Saturday afternoon. The Ace Hotel is a lovely setting for an evening cap. Explore new places. Open up a restaurant.

Jasmine’s leopard Louboutin booties are “sexy.”  Try to design a shoe as hot as these. Introduce Jasmine to Jay-Z. Ask Jay-Z if I can please work for him.

The Droid was a great Christmas present. I am now obsessed with mobile uploads on Facebook. Utilize technology and come up with a new idea that will change the digital landscape.

What’s your resolution?! I hope it’s a great one Vamped, I have a feeling it will be. I’m going to drink some more hot chocolate. x

Leave A Comment »

Get to Know a Vamped Founder- Chef Jazzy!

Posted in Food & Restaurants, Love with tags , , on December 20, 2009 by vampedny

On Friday night, I was welcomed home to a delicious homemade baked pasta with mozzarella, peas, and ground veal…mmmm it was scrumptious and prepared by my one and only roommate, chef Jasmine. I wish I jumped on the “learn to cook” bandwagon when she did, but alas, I am left to my peanut butter and jelly, reaping the benefits of her amazing talent. Below, I ask her a few questions on the cooking beat:

Hi, Jasmine. First off, thank you so much for feeding me, your food is my favorite! What do you love most about cooking?

It’s another creative outlet- making a recipe that you own and feeding it to your loved ones is one of the best feelings in the world. Also, I feel like some of the best times, some of the favorite moments in my life, are over a good meal. The best way to entertain people you love is to cook for them.

Well said. What is the one thing you want to learn how to cook better?

I want to learn how to fry. Fried foods are the best.

Who is your biggest cooking influence?

My mom. She is the ultimate Jewish mother feeding your every hearts desire of every kind of cuisine. She makes the best of the best.

J's two layer coconut cake--amazing!!!

What is your favorite restaurant in New York City?

My favorite Italian restaurant is Gennaros on the Upper West Side. My family stumbled upon this hole-in-the-wall rustic eatery about eight years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. [CC jumping in here- Gennaros is some of the tastiest Italian food I’ve ever tasted in the city! Make sure to hear the specials before ordering because they are sure to satiate your appetite even more. 93rd and Amsterdam- mark it on the “to try” list!).

And Union Square Café for the best American food in the fucking world. The dishes are just amazing and the food is so fresh. I love it. I really love his recipes. [One of Danny Meyer’s claims to fame- the prices soar but the food is worth every last dime. The perfect place for any celebration or special night out. I think anything you choose to order will hit it out of the ballpark. 16th and between 5th Avenue and Union Square West].

What do you have in mind for the New Years menu?

Still brainstorming with my co-hostess (that’s me!) and my mother, but something big, luscious, luxurious, and festive. Either a big roast or delicious seafood paella. Just something with lots and lots of love. I’ll give an update on the menu as we get closer.

I will be sure to post the final menu as soon as it’s finalized! Thank you, chef Jazzy, for a little window into the mind of a wonderful cook. My new years resolution may just be to start taking notes and testing the waters myself, to appease my mother, friends, and ultimately my own stomach (and wallet). Or I can continue my plan to visit J’s house every evening around 7pm. Enjoy the snow New York! Xox cc

Leave A Comment »

Do you know about Grindr?

Posted in The Dating Game with tags on December 18, 2009 by derekmedwed

A few weeks ago this question, oddly enough, was asked to me by a straight friend of mine. It opened a new door to the wonderfully strange world of gay dating, or maybe we should call it lifestyle in this case. And if you choose to download this new iPhone app, I think you’ll be just as in awe as I was.

Grindr is a location-based social networking app that uses GPS to find other men that are close in proximity to you. Whether you’re home, at a friend’s place, in a bar or in a different state, it reads your location and finds the other Grinding men around you. The application allows you to upload a picture of yourself, post your age, weight, height, etc. and then arranges people from closest to furthest in feet and miles. It also displays a little green symbol to let you know if they are currently online. After your picture is accepted (no nudity allowed!) you’re able to add a name, headline and tag line and chat with others who are online and nearby!

I’ve seen some ridiculous tags so far: “Be Italian”(name), “Beefy Hairy UC Italian For Safe Fun & More” (headline), “I’m friendly, funny, creative, entertaining and compassionate romantic. I thought I was the only one who say guido and guidette!”(Tagline). That one, not so much my type…

You’re also able to block people—like someone named “Wall Street boy” or 50- year-olds that try to hit me up—or add favorites—like the one guy I actually went on a date with (didn’t work out but still in contact) or the few that I’m still trying to.

So if Craigslist is too creepy for you and you don’t want to pay for Match.com, I highly suggest you get yourself an iPhone and download the app. -DM

Leave A Comment »

Film: New York, I Love You

Posted in Film, Love with tags , on December 16, 2009 by caitlyncarpanzano

In a charming interpretation of the ineffable forces of love, New York, I Love You is a romantic window into the city that never sleeps. A concept by Emmanuel Benbihy, each vignette is seen “through the eyes of love,” from people of different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, passions, outlooks and occupations.

Written and directed by a collaboration of filmmakers from the likes of Brett Ratner, Yvan Attal and Joshua Marston, the stories portrayed in New York, I Love You are woven together by all varieties of love, showing the possibilities of the human connection and its sustaining power. Sometimes there is no explanation—and maybe everything in life is in fact just a coincidence.

If not because you want to watch a genuine story about love, the film boasts an all-star cast including Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, Shia LeBeouf, Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Christina Ricci, Rachel Bilson, Robin Wright Penn. Blake Lively, Eli Wallach, Justin Bartha, Eva Amurri, Andy Garcia and many more.  And of course we cannot forget New York, the city that maintains its authenticity in every story filmed within its walls—complementing all of the drama and passion played out. 

You never know what you’re going to get when you walk down the street and this film makes you remember how utterly limitless the possibilities are! I simply adored it.  ©©

Leave A Comment »

Time to Pony Up, We’re Going Digital

Posted in Media on December 14, 2009 by caitlyncarpanzano

What up vampstas, I’ve missed you! So much is happening in New York this holiday season, from film to food, exhibits to events, I’m desperately seeking expression! On that note, as a member of this ever-evolving media community I wanted to throw out a few comments on what is seemingly the future of print, content, distribution, marketing and the list goes on.

We all know it’s coming—ironically the most traditional source of news, the newspaper, is the most telling sign that print is moving over to digital.  Day after day stories of new apps and e-readers bog down the business section, as journalists assigned to write about it break their pencil tips in anticipation. Buy your newspapers on your Kindle and your magazine on your iPhones. Scan your phone over a barcode and watch a story come to life on the screen. 3-clicks and you are immersed in an ad for Corona practically tasting the lime.

With cell phones, Google will counter Apple in 2010 with its much-anticipated Android, offering content for free that has otherwise been charged for. As they raise the bar with new technology, the world waits with bated breath for Apple’s reaction (not to mention their partners, who may be entirely turned off by their sudden change in business plan).  In print media, the five major publishing houses have teamed up to create a digital storefront, bypassing a service provider to create and sell content directly to consumers. And among Amazon’s eager competitors in e-readers are Barnes & Noble, Sony, Plastic Logic, IREX Technologies and even Disney. We’ll see double that amount in 2010.

HP Debuts New Paper Thin Plastic Display

 

The playing field is wide open. As one company points the digitalscape in one direction another re-directs it with the launch of some new technology. Partnerships evolve, hardware is re-defined, underground becomes mainstream and one-of-a-kind technology is outdated in weeks by the very users who implemented it. We’re at the top of the roller coaster about to go for a ride that may just blow all of our minds.

Alongside the creators of media, consumers alike need to continue to be active in their upkeep. Which direction companies take and what new developments are tried for is solely based on our reactions—tracked in part by our feedback on blogs, tweets, texts, status updates and most importantly purchases (completed most likely by the smooth swish of a finger on our smartphones).  We’re all working together to innovate the way we give and receive news. As an active consumer, I’ve decided I just must do my part. So please keep reading Vampsters! As we make our way into the future. xx Happy Hanukkah! -CC

Leave A Comment »

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT SEPT. 10 NYC!

Posted in Events with tags , on September 7, 2009 by caitlyncarpanzano

Fashion’s Night Out is this Thursday, September 10th! Your favorite retailers, designers, models, and celebrities are joining forces to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion! It’s the kick-off of NYC fashion week and all of the stores are staying open until 11pm for business, cocktails, concerts, fashion shows, and more. Check out FashionsNightOut.com to see what your favorite designer is doing to celebrate the evening.

TEEN VOGUE is closing down Bleeker street for a fashion show and concert by Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen’s band, The Pretty Reckless. Pop-up tents, music, food, and drink will definitely make for a fabulous block party. I’ll be there, will YOU!? xx CC

fashion-s-night-out-nyc-2009-mary-kate-olsen-ashley-olsen-olsen-twins-news-bd6f2d01eed5df20672da3725da24340

1 Comment »

DBGB Kitchen & Bar

Posted in Food & Restaurants with tags , on September 7, 2009 by vampedny

To kick off the fall season I come with a passionate recommendation for delicious cuisine. DBGB Kitchen & Bar is chef Daniel Boulud’s new restaurant on the lower east side—299 Bowery to be precise. Going in I of course had high expectations because of the acclaimed chef who owns it, yet they were quickly surpassed come first taste. J, Robin, and I each ordered one of the three burgers on the menu—the Yankee, the Piggy, and the Frenchie. To put it lightly, each bite left us speechless. Perfectly cooked, one-of-a-kind taste, best burger of my life. And as a self-proclaimed professional burger taster, I promise that is a true statement. The rest of the menu carries on the meat beat, with sausages, steaks, and cured meats complimenting an array of salads (we had the lobster and watermelon to start which again, was incredible), and deserts (a gourmet ice cream sundae? Yes, please).

The décor was nothing too special and at times it was a little bit loud, we were screaming to converse. But in the end it didn’t take much away from the meal because we were all too busy eating to be talking. The kitchen is half-exposed which always adds a comforting and homey feel while the hanging meats give the gigantic dining room an authentic feel.

4-dbgb

Five stars to DBGB! Feels good to be back in business! – VAMPED GIRLS

Leave A Comment »

Welcome FALL

Posted in History with tags on September 7, 2009 by vampedny

Hello all! We are officially back from summer hiatus and coming at you with a plethora of news, events, restaurants, dancing havens, movies, fashions, etc, etc. Get ready for a fabulous fall VampedNY! xx JAZ & CAIT

Leave A Comment »

Next Entries »