Happy Anniversary Philly

This Fall marks the 10 year anniversary of my arrival to the City of Brotherly Love, and boy how the city and I have come a long way. It doesn't seem like ten years ago when my mom eased onto Broad St from 95 and with a slight grimace asked "you want to go to school here?" Honestly, I was happy to get the hell out of Maryland and into a major city. I couldn't blame her for the look though; the streets were littered with trash, and every other block looked like a meeting place for the homeless. Back then, my school didn't have the extra dining hall or The Shoppes at La Salle, where I could satisfy my grocery needs. Center City left much to be desired, and there was virtually no food scene to speak off (unless you count all the different ways you can order a cheesesteak).
It was during this time that I also came into my own as an adult, finding the people that I would call my friends, many of whom years later, I consider family. I did the community service walks, the rallies, partied in most parts of the city, and learned to navigate the often frustrating public transportation system known as SEPTA.
It seems this past decade Philly and I have been through quite a lot, we grew up and changed for the better. The city has become a must see for culture enthusiasts and foodies alike, while I've grown into a thriving adult. I always think its funny that I've lived in Philly the longest out of all the areas that I've ever lived, its become like a second home to me, and I'm grateful for having experienced the city boom.

Happy Anniversary Philly!

I get around

As I continue my countdown to Cancun, and how I plan to venture past the safe harbor of the resort, my main concern is "how do we get around"? I've been lucky to live in an accessible city like Philadelphia; we have 2 main train lines, a myriad of buses that criss-cross the city, and regional lines that can connect you to Delaware and central Jersey. Something tells me that Cancun's system won't be as sophisticated.

In college I took a trip to Puerto Rico and had the same concern. However, my friend and I were able to conquer the bus system there, and I was able to [barely] communicate with my broken Spanish and some of the local's broken English. I hope that Cancun's system will be as easy to figure out because taking cabs everywhere will surely take away from my "shot" money.

Restaurant Week: The Verdict

Today concludes the first half of restaurant week, and boy is my belly tired! The huslte and bustle of making reservations was well worth my experience yet again! Here's the verdict on the two places I went for this season:


Phillip's -- This place is a childhood favorite of mine. Growing up in D.C., my family and I used to go to Phillip's on The Wharf. The Wharf is a seafood market lined with a few unique seafood restaurants, everything from mom-and-pop, to fine dining. Sure its by the water and smells like fish, but the Wharf is one of those places that always mesmerizes you because each time you go you find another gem. Another stand with fresh seafood, another vendor with his own exotic mixture of spices, and for me Phillip's was always the place that brought the experience together.
Their restaurant week menu included, soup, salad, a main course and dessert. Cream of Crab soup had real chunks of crab, which is always a plus, and the salad cleansed my palate just in time for the main course. I went with a couple of friends, so we all got something different to share. I got the steak, one friend got the crab cakes, and another the shrimp linguine. Steak was cooked perfectly, crab cakes were to die for, and the shrimp linguine was decadent. The plump prawns were an awesome compliment to the garlic, buttery pasta. The garlic and oil tossed broccolini was a pleasant surprise, and the mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy. The carrot cake was moist and delicious, and the cheesecake was gone in no time! I've never had a bad experience at Phillip's and the wait staff was just as pleasant. None of these portions were too small and filled us to delight, needless to say, Monday ended very well.

Fogo De Chao -- I've already been to Chima and loved it there, but people have been telling me "go to Fogo, its so much better!" While both have a delicious meats cooked to your liking, Fogo's atmosphere felt more open and bright. Again, the waitstaff at both places were top notch, and the food was amazing, but I think the general consensus last night was; Chima was an overall better experience. Chima's aisles were bigger, the salad bar had more options and the polenta had more flavor. In no way am I knocking Fogo, that place is amazing, but personally I felt my style and personality suited Chima a little better, and the frozen cheesecake at Fogo pushed that message home for me.

I'd love to try some places for the 2nd half of the week, but all of my funds have been reserved for "grown up" things (bills). If you haven't been to Restaurant Week yet, pick a place and go! Your wallet, and palate will thank you.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS to my friend and fellow Greek & Blogger Eric C. for being voted "Professional of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 2010 was a big year for you! Much success in 2011 mi amigo!

Restaurant Week Winter 2011

In a few hours I will be partaking in Philadelphia's Restaurant Week. I've spoken of this week many times; I truly believe its a gift from God. A three course meal at some of the city's finest restaurant's for less than $40?! I've saved up to hit up two places: Phillip's Seafood Restaurant (a sentimental favorite) and Fogo De Chao, which I've been told many times to try. I wanted to aim for a third restaurant, but that's not part of getting "financially fit" this year. I'll be sure to report my experiences like only a true foodie can! Bon Appetit!

THE Burger

There is an urban legend that tells of a monstrous burger. A sandwich so deliciously irresponsible, any sane doctor would highly recommend that you not even enter the same room as it, for fear that your arteries might tighten and close from just a wiff of its sizzling glory. For the past few years, since its original inception, I've been on a mission to grab a hold of this burger. Alas, time, distance, and lack of monatery funds have kept me from purposely sending me body into food induced shock by consuming this burger.

I

The burger is not encase in bread, but rather a toasted donut....yes, a donut. 2 slices of cheese on each 5oz slab of prime ground beef, brought together by chocolate covered bacon...yes bacon...dipped in chocolate (see above diagram). You're drooling aren't you? Its ok. This burger just premiered at my favorite Philly burger joint, PYT, and I can't wait to take a trip to get one this weekend. Happy Holidays!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Its started. They're pumping the Christmas music in through the vents at my job, stores are staying open later and opening earlier, and all the TV commercials are holiday themed. Its that time of year. Strangely, I'm not annoyed or bothered by any of the blatant materialism of the season because I actually love this time of year, not the weather, but those six weeks of harmonious holiday bliss that end every year on a cheerful note.
For me this time of year represents all the best in humanity. It gives me hope that we're not all out for self and really care about each other. Growing up, this would be the time of year where I would go caroling for the elderly with my Salvation Army youth group, help with canned food drives, and share a meal and a laugh with those less fortunate (giving back has always been a central theme in my life). I'm reminded of a time where I was surrounded by family, love, warmth, and took pleasure in the simplest of things. The snow blanketing the ground and canceling school, the family stories, and those holiday CDs that we still play to THIS day (if you don't own It's A Go-Go Christmas, then you're not a true Washingtonian).
As an adult I find myself struggling to re-create the traditions of old while creating new traditions at the same time. This year's goal is to have peace of minding knowing that no matter who I'm with the spirit of the holiday will be felt.

Paint the town Pink

This Thanksgiving Eve I'll be taking the crawl...the Pink Pub Crawl that is! The night before Thanksgiving is considered one of the biggest club/bar nights of the year. Philly's own Nightlife Gay has put together a nifty itinerary that includes entrance into two of the hottest clubs, drinks, and a chance to win a free airline tickets, all for $25 (as long as you're wearing a pink article of clothing)! From 8:45pm-3:30am you can traverse the Gayborhood, sip on your favorite vodka drink (this year's sponsor is Absolut), party and people watch. The annual event is one of Philly's hottest gay events and brings out a diverse crowd. What a great way to start the holiday season!

No more Happy Hour

Today marked the last day of City Sips in Philadelphia. Last day to partake in special drink specials at some of the city's swankiest spots, some even offered appetizer specials. While I didn't get out as much as I would have liked for the specials (I tried a couple of good places), I am pumped for CCD's next round of promotional fare: Restaurant Week! Restaurant Week exposes new clientele to Philadelphia's finest restaurants. $20 lunch specials and 3 course meals starting at $35 per person. I've already made a reservation for Chima, a Brazillian steakhouse, and look forward to making one for Phillips, a fantastic seafood restaurant, as well. I love Fall time in the city!

Turn off the Lights...

Last week the music world lost a legend. Teddy Pendergrass died at the age of 59 on Wednesday, January 13th. Teddy was a great musician and singer who started his career with a Philly based group called the Cadillacs. Later he joined Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and as the lead singer helped propel the group to stardom in the early '70s. They enjoyed a string of hits with Philadelphia International Records, including: "Wake Up Everybody" & "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Teddy left the Blue Notes in the mid-70's for a solo career that turned him into a sex symbol, and made him one of the most recognizable voices in soul music.

I remember being introduced to Teddy's music at family BBQs, and long rides home as a kid. As a music lover and resident Philadelphian, I am sadden by his loss but ever grateful for his music. We'll miss you Teddy.

A perfect example of how Teddy's music will forever be timeless...

Broad St. vs Broadway

In case you haven't heard, this year's World Series is between the NY Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies. While I am not a big fan of baseball, I've watched both games in the series thus far and they have actually been very good. Cliff Lee in game one was nothing short of great. He was cool on the mound and damn near pitched a shutout (had it not been for Rollins) and only allowed 4 hits. The Yankess in Game 2 retaliated with great pitching and great hitting. No doubt in an attempt to show Pedro Martinez who's his "daddy". Can't wait to watch Game 3 in Nashville, TN the day before my first business conference. I'm excited and a little nervous, but I'm sure I'll come back with interesting stories of the places, sights and people!

So the city I live in is playing the city that's given so many great memories and friends. Sigh, I won't choose. Philly: Get it together. New York: See you when this all dies down.

The Awesomeness that is Kid Robot

I've been a fan of the Arts all my life. When I was 6 you couldn't tell me that I wasn't going to be the next Micheal Jackson (RIP). When I was 11, I dedicated myself to drawing and animation with impressive results, and in High School I knew the wave of the future would be Digital Art & Music (hence my Bachelor's Degree). But after a disasterous Senior year, and mediocre work as a freelance artist, I decided to hang up the artist hat (fueled by an artistic breakdown which resulted in the destruction of much of my portfolio). This doesn't mean that there isn't a little kid with a sharp set of pencils dying to come out, and I know that kid would have a hell of a time with Kid Robot's Munny & Dunny series. Its a toy, but at the same time its a work of Art. Created by eccentric genius Paul Budnitz, Kid Robot blends together urban styles and pure artistry. I think the best part of Kid Robot is that a lot of the character (called Munny &  Dunny, each with their own prop, and story series) art is done by Graffitti writers or street artists. I love street art, and my appreciation for graffitti goes back to the mid '90s (my fav being the German & French writers). The vinyl characters range from $9.95-$200 for do-it-yourself versions, and up to the thousands for custom made characters. Hopefully one day soon the artist kid will come out and play, and I'll have a little Munny waiting for her. Here are some of my favs:

For all my Philly heads Check out graff artist NOSE (if you've even been in the South St. area I'm sure you've seen his work. He's a cool guy, I've been to some of his openings), his work was featured at Jinxed @ the Piazza in NoLibs

What Grinds My Gears: Summer Edition

Welcome to What Grinds My Gears: Summer Edition, Enjoy!

-Clubs with Hetero Dress Codes
Last weekend some friends decided to go out to a Lounge in our fair City of Brotherly Love (Luxe Lounge for all the noseys, lol). Having nothing to do that night, and being at thier house, I decide to accompany them. Now, last time we went they we're going to let me in the club b/c my shoes were too "casual" (the were motorcycle inspired boots with no heel). Mind you my button down, sweater vest and fitted jeans were fine. but we got in nonetheless. This time I said "fuck it, not taking chances" I wore a pair of flats, gray khakis, GAP dressy-casual tee and a vest. Get to the door: "we can't let you in, you don't fit the dress code. You're dressed to casual" Really?! As the men with faded polos and jeans waltz into the club. "There's a different dress code for women" DING! There's the discrimination...AHhh! Can you smell it?! So b/c I'm not wearing heels and low cut shirt, hence not making me eye candy for you, I can't get in?! FUCK YOU! I promptly drove my friends' car home.

-Crazy co-workers
My boss hired a new chick...and she's crazy. Hopefully she's fired by next month. Check my Twitter/FB for updates about her....too much to type here, lol.

-Windows Vista 64-bit...oh what the hell, Vista in general
So I got Comcast internet (I know I'm a sellout!). Was going to get wireless, but the tech that came out said it wasn't necessary, and the cable modem would save me the $90 Comcast was going to charge me to buy the router. "Cool" I replied. He leaves, and my internet keeps dropping out! It took numerous calls to Comcast and some internet hunting to fix my issue. Was it Comcast? My virus scanner? My hardware? No, it was Dell & Windows freakin' Vista! Really Bill Gates?! You force an OS on people that the REST OF THE COMPUTER WORLD is not compatible with yet?! And shame on you Comcast for not telling people the possible issues they could have with your internet connections with Vista! It took 3 days and a 2 hour walk through with mommy to solve it. Disabled my firewall, and "decrapified" my comp. Works like a dream. Dell and Comcast will get letters!

-Things "Not being a good look"
Sigh. I am the first to say "fuck what others say" However, when you run in certain "circles" you MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times to keep a "good look". Even if you think nothing of something, that nothing turns into something which can cost you EVERYTHING. It amazes me how people slip sometimes. Just be aware...PLEASE!

-Rental Property companies
Long story short...I'm paying 2 rents for the month of July....not a good look. Smh.

-Blackberry Users
I'm sorry that I don't like to drop hundreds of $$ on a phone that I can get for damn near free in a couple months. I got my own place and bills out the wazoo, a phone? Not high up on my list of priorities. Text works just as fine as BBM and there is a crafty green button where u can call me :) Stop trying to force it on me! I'll get it in due time. lol

And that's what Grinds My Gears.

It ends in The City

This past weekend was a curse and a blessing all in one. Let's start with the good news:
My boss recently moved into a new apartment and then got sick, leaving me...YES ME...in charge of the department for about 2 days. Wasn't too bad. I got things done and held it together, the place didn't burn down so I did a great job. Spent time drinking with my Ship and her friends and received a "Cheers" type greeting on the patio of Fridays on the Parkway. Off to a CUS probate (never a disappointment), then home to rest. Hopped a train to Jersey, then off the The City with mi lady. Met some cool people, ate some great food, and broke the bank my getting tatt'd up. Honestly, at this point couldn't have asked for a better Memorial Day weekend.

The Bad News:
After a "blah" Sunday, and a Monday filled with Star Wars watching (don't judge! The movie is madd deep if you pat attention), mi lady comes home--with Taco Bell--both of which made me happy. Now at this point I am content and answering some text messages, then...it happened... the lady is being aggressive (as usual) and I am not in the mood (as usual), not at the moment at least. Maybe after a shower...who knows. Then the question "who are you texting?" Innocent enough. Jokingly, I respond with another person's name. No real reason behind it. It was a bad attempt at a joke that I was immediately going to correct, but decided not to because it was "no big deal"...or so I thought. Then it came; the questioning, the worry, the tears, the consoling.

The Result:
Mental and Emotional death. In ANY situation there are always 3 choices: "Change it. Accept it. Leave it." I've already tried 2, maybe its time to choose the other.

How Loans & Credit Work

Most people go into getting a loan without really knowing the details about how they work and what exactly they're doing to your credit. The basis of it is simple: Its money given given to you in a lump sum to make a purchase. You pay back the money over a set period of time at a rate of interest. To really understand the concept, you first have to realize and understand that ALL money is technically a loan. All the money that exists (especially in banks) is "owed" to someone else, so first get over the fact that the "money" is yours. Now, when you apply for a loan they look at your credit history and credit score. Your score is based on a point system that measures your amount of debt, what kind of debt you have, and your propensity to pay (or risk). All of these factors are configured to determine a 3 digit number ranging from 350-900 points (the range voluntarily changes and can change at ANY time). All banks and private lenders look at the history and score to determine how much of a risk you are. From there they set your interest rate and loan term. These vary depending on which institution you go to.
Things like student loans and minimal credit card debt to affect you, but not as much as your propensity to pay vs. how big of a loan you have. For example: paying perfectly on a credit card with a limit of $500 will only take your score but so far. But paying perfectly on a mortgage, or car loan worth thousands of dollars can create a good score. Why? Because of the risk. Credit is measured by how much revolving debt you have. Crazy right? You spend so much time trying to get out of debt, but in order to get out of it or have a good score, you have to have be in debt. Get rid of it and you'll have a hard time getting things like loans, credit cards, jobs, etc...

What about debt repair?

These companies can help to erase somethings from you credit and get you on the right path to rebuilding a solid credit foundation. Can they boost your score? Sometimes yes. Just because something is no longer on your credit can actually hurt you, why? You've eliminated some of the revolving debt. Approach them with caution, but overall they can be a good thing.

But the best way to help repair and build your credit is simple: Pay on time. Get credit card with a lower limit and lower interest rates. Only take out loans of you have to, and UNDERSTAND that whoever is lending you the money is taking just as much of a risk (sometimes a bigger risk) than you are. So if you're hit with a high interest rate, or a lower loan...ask yourself about your history.

Surprise!!! You're 25 :)

Tonight I am off to a surprise celebration for an old friend, whom I literally haven't seen in a year. It's in a part of the city called Manayunk. I've been to this part of the city many times with these friends (honestly, some of the coolest and most cultured people I know), and as much as I loathe the hour trip clear across the city, I seem to marvel at this place. Honestly, Manayunk is a yuppies dream. Known for its frat-esque bars, small cobblestone streets and neighborhood eateries, Manayunk is an idyllic place to start an adult life. Things are close by, its in the city but not at the same time, and has lots of parks and fresh air. With all the crime and deterioation of other parts of the city, I look forward to a nice departure from the routine. I myself look forward to moving to the Northeast section of the city. Yes, this is where many Philadelphians go to raise families and start the second part of their adult life. I've contemplated moving closer to the hustle and bustle of Center City.....but the crime and dirt of the city are keeping me away.

Recently, I've realized that I am NOT a fan of clubs. Hate them. Yes, once in a while they're good for bugging out and people watching, but that's about it. Nothing excites me about $8 drinks and $30 appetizers. Now without this "passion for flashin" how am I to keep up with the hipsters on what's going on (more importantly, how do I keep up for my artists)? Sigh. I guess there will still be random nights of complete drunken mayhem for me....it's ok... I'm still young :)