Celeb Stories: Tim Gunn

Photo courtesy of Tim Gunn's Facebook fan page

In case you were wondering if Tea Leoni was the only celeb I have encountered in my New York life, have no fear! There are more, one of my favorite of which was with Tim Gunn.  Allow me to set the scene:  It was a normal lunch hour on a work day so I made my way to Cafe Duke in Times Square (their tuna melt flatbread sandwiches are delish...mmm yummers!).  I hopped in the sandwich line, and after ordering my food, noticed a group of young professional girls whispering to each other and staring toward the salad line.  My celeb-radar turned on, my eyebrows raised, and my dilated pupils scanned the line to find the object of the girls' gaze (think Spidey senses).  In less than .0025 seconds I spotted him: the debonaire Tim Gunn of Project Runway.  

Immediately my heart began to beat hard and fast (such is my normal reaction upon an anticipated interaction with anyone of even remote fame, especially if their name is Tim). I began thinking of what I would say. Would I say anything? Should I even go say hi to Tim or would that annoy him? Everyone else was just whispering about him around him, but nobody was actually talking to him.  Once I finally talked myself into approaching Tim, I remembered my outfit and questioned whether it was Tim Gunn-worthy. He was a dapper fashionisto, and I was wearing just some plane-Jane in my accountant-type business casual garb.  But there was hope yet! I was wearing a new purple winter coat I had just purchased.  It was one of my snazziest wardrobe components, so it would have to be my salvation.  That settled it. I was going to say hello.

The scene. Photo courtesy of midtownlunch.wordpress.com

I marched myself and my tuna melt sandwich over to Tim. He was facing away from me, so to get his attention I gently rested my hand on his arm and said, "Tim?" as if I were a dear old friend who he hadn't seen in years.  Tim turned toward me with a quizzical brow in full effect. "Hi, I'm Jenny, I just wanted to say hi and I love watching you on Project Runway."  He couldn't have been more gracious to my cheesy intro: "Oh hiii!" he said, turning his confused look into a smile. "Thank you so much for saying hi. You know, I hope the show goes on this season."  Me: "What do you mean? What's going on? Or are you not allowed to talk about it?"  Tim: (chuckle) "Oh I'm allowed to talk about it. Basically there's some sort of lawsuit over the rights of the show so hopefully it all works out."  Me: "Oh wow, i didn't even know.  Well I hope everything works out too.  Good luck and nice meeting you!"

And that was it. He was so super sweet I couldn't believe it.  I mean, I should have believed it. He seemed fabulous in more ways than one on the tele.  All in all, it was probably my most rewarding encounter with a public entertainment figure, because I actually talked to him, which I haven't ever done before. I always end up getting scared and nervous, but this was a big moment for me, and makes me happy thinking back on it :) I only wished I had asked him more questions or asked if we could meet up for coffee so I could pick his brain about his career and the show.  Oh well, my moment was had, and it was a good one. 

Have you ever had to work up the courage to talk to someone you were nervous to speak to? How did it turn out for you? Please share!

The B-List: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Up until this past weekend I had completed only 10 of 28 items on my New York Bucket List.  Then on Saturday, fiancé-la-vie-Matt and I were able to cross off one more feat, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, bringing me to a solid 11.  Whooop whoop!  But seriously, though, I've got a ways to go on this B-list, so I best get to crackin'.

Anyway, this was not my first time walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, but it was Matt's so it made it all the more special.  The last time I made my way across this 1.13 mile-long structure stretching across the East River was late August/early September 2010.  Jill and I had been in Brooklyn for the day with friends, and we decided to meander our way back to Manhattan on foot.  I remember savoring the City skyline against a pink sunset, Jill and I having great conversation, singing songs, and walking all the way back up to Hell's Kitchen in Midtown.  It was quite the trek, but it was worth it: we even saw Jay-Z along the way :)

This weekend I created a new memory with Matt. We didn't see any celebs, but it was still divine. 

THE ROUTE

We decided to head to Brooklyn first so that we could walk across the Bridge toward Manhattan to get the best vistas of the New York skyline (Matt's idea... pure genius, love!). To begin, we walked from my apartment down 43rd Street to the Times Square subway station on 42nd and 7th Avenue.  We then hopped on the downtown 2 (red) train which brought us to Clark Street in Brooklyn within about 20 minutes, for a mere $2.25 per person.

Matt had used the Trip Planner tool on the MTA website, so we knew to head toward Cranberry Street once we emerged from the subway.  Immediately we noted how pretty Brooklyn was.  Charming shops, bakeries and restaurants lined the streets, which were much quieter and calmer than the streets of Manhattan from which we came. After a few blocks and following the Trip Planner's guidance we came upon a handy directory which pointed us in the right direction.

At this point we (and by "we" I mean Matt) got a tidbit flustered because the directory seemed to conflict with the Trip Planner's directions.  The sign indicated we should cross a busy road, which seemed to disconcert Matt.  I reassured him that we would surely find our way, so we carried on, crossing the street and making our way through a pretty park.  Matt was getting a little more nervous as he told me that he had heard there wouldn't be many signs indicating how to actually get onto the Bridge's pedestrian walkway.  Therefore, I couldn't help but chuckle when we immediately found sign...

...after sign...

...after sign. :)

Therefore, have no fear have if it is your first time venturing to Brooklyn or to the Bridge itself. There is plenty of signage to go around so you will get there without a doubt, quite painlessly in fact.

THE SCENE

There were A LOT of pedestrians and bikers on Bridge. The walkway is split into 2 lanes most of the way, except at two large platforms which are perfect for stepping aside and taking photos.  Pedestrians are expected to stick to the southern lane (the left lane if you're going from B-lynn to Manhattan), while the bikers take the other.  People selling water, snacks and t-shirts (I wanted one, but I'm saving for a wedding now... whoop!) are scattered throughout the path as well, so if you need some refreshment you should be able to find something.  Unfortunately there was a lot of construction going on while we were there, so some of the views closer to the Manhattan side were a bit obstructed by scaffolding and tarps.  No worries though -- we got our fair share of beautiful shots.

Gorgeous view. Empire towards the left.

Oh look. Another gorgeous view. :)

Yours truly.

On the way home (coming off the Bridge, on the Manhattan side) we saw these guys.  

SWAT team. Not interested in a photo opp.

And this super cool building that looked like its sides were sliding off.

NEXT UP

Apparently (I'm just learning about this now) the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which we were near but did not venture into, is another attraction in and of itself.  It contains marshes, gardens, a WINE BAR (hallelujah!) and a hot dog joint.  So since the Park and Grimaldi's Pizza are next on my Brooklyn list, it looks like we'll be making our way across this Bridge again soon.  

To wrap it all up in a nice tidy package, have fun and enjoy should you decide to venture across the Bridge.  Whether you are visiting NYC for the first time, or you have lived here for years, walking the B-Bridge is definitely a worthy New York activity. 

Xoxo!

THE LAST WORD (or picture)

Taking it all in.

Hakkasan NYC

Close your eyes.  Drum up the tune of "True" by Spandeau Ballet in your mind.  Do you hear it?  Good. Now drop a techno beat on it  (sounds a little more like this, but without words).  Got it? Ok - now you're ready.

You inhale the spicy smoke of burning incense as you walk (slow motion, runway style) through a long, narrow corridor of sleek white marble, lit only by candles and a blue glow descending from the upscale Chinese dining heavens.  

Photo credit: pstandsfor.blogspot.com

At the end of the corridor you exchange knowing smiles with beautiful hosts who escort you to the bar area (fortunately, your table is not yet ready) which is filled with even more beautiful people. The volume of the music increases 10-fold.  But no matter. You are no longer in a bar or restaurant. You are transported.  You didn't really come here to eat, did you? No, no, silly you. You came to experience the sexy dining nightclub that is Hakkasan NYC. Sparkly dresses and smiles wink at you from all directions. Shiny locks of perfectly coiffed (and perhaps falsely extended) hair waft the warm, pheremone-filled breeze in your direction (still in slow motion, of course).  Clean-smelling men with crisp collars, appropriately oiled hair, and designer glasses glance in your direction as you make your way through the crowd to the bar. But only for a fleeting moment.  They can't appear too interested. They are just scoping the scene like you.  

Photo credit: 

You order your Classic Bellini (or if you are a man, the Long Dragon, naturally) from the chic bartender with the puffy bang.

Photo credit: New York Times (though this was actually our bartender as well).

A few sips and $40 later, your ever attentive (male model) host comes to whisk you and your cocktails away to your table for two seated across from a semi-celebrity who you are hardly recognize because she is enjoying herself so naturally and unselfconsciously in the restaurant where you, too, are dining just a month after its grand opening. Yes, you move in the food circles of such celebrities.  You savor your surroundings of beautiful people and famous friends when... "JENNY! Jenny!?  Are you ready to order??" 

Blast! I am awakened and interrupted from my living fantasy by Boyfriend Matt.  That's okay -- the reality is actually quite nice :) (see stud below).

Boyfriend Matt. Long Dragon. Peach Bellini.

Hot setting.

Such was my state of atmospheric euphoria Saturday night when Matt and I dined at Hakkasan NYC, New York's latest upscale Chinese cuisine establishment.  Preceded by locations in London, Miami, Dubai and Mumbai, Hakkasan has finally made its way to Hell's Kitchen (8th Ave. between 43rd and 44th Streets) a little over one month ago.  It is set in an unlikely but lucky location -- just a few steps from icky Times Square and ironically around the bend from Shake Shack, yet very fortunately just a few blocks from my apartment. 

Unsuspecting exterior of Hakkasan. View from south side of 43rd Street. 

I would say, "to make a long story short," but I've already made this story a bit long for the sake of incorporating music-induced visualization into my post.  Now I'll cut to the chase. The point is, Hakkasan NYC was wonderful.  Why?

THE FOOD & DRINK

AH-mazing.  We shared everything ordered, which was the intention of the restaurant according to our server Jake (who let me affectionately refer to him as Jakey... see more below on the great service).  To start we ordered Hakka steamed dim sum platter (prawn and chinese chive dumpling, black pepper duck dumpling, har gau, scallop shumai) and crispy duck rolls.  I loved all the dumplings in the dim sum except for one of them (though I can't remember which), and I was not a crazy fan of the duck rolls.  

Hakka steamed dim sum, and crispy duck rolls.

The entree: Grilled chilean sea bass with Chinese honey, with a side of some rice (I forget what kind). The sea bass was fantastic: smooth and buttery, perfectly prepared.  Also according to our server, Chinese honey is more potent and rich than the clover honey to which we're accustomed.  I couldn't really tell a difference.  All my stomach could discern was awesomeness.  We could have done without the rice. The flavor wasn't notable, and most of it went to waste.

Remnants of the devoured sea bass.

Side of forgettable rice.  

The grand finale: Assorted macaroons for desert, paired with the warm and creamy Tuscan Coffee desert cocktail.  Sadly we didn't take a photo of the macarons because we were too busy inhaling them.  I would have liked the server to identify the flavors because they were a bit hard to decipher apart from one which was definitely some sort of white chocolate.  Either way, delicious.

My adult coffee beverage.

THE SERVICE

Surprisingly great.  Jake was our server. He was fantastic, which I hadn't expected because I had read several reviews that the service was lacking. Jakey tolerated my questions about the difference between Chinese honey and regular honey, and he even humored me with a response when I asked why some female servers were wearing red dresses while others were wearing black.  I was sure it had something to do with the status of guests they were serving, but not according to Jake.  Apparently there was no real reason other than to just mix it up a bit.

The hosts were also extremely attentive.  After I came out of the restroom and began making my way back to our table, one of the hosts' ran after me, and asked me if I needed help finding my way to the table.  Royal treatment!  The bartender was great.  Though a bit slow, she was very personable and laughed with us when she accidentally broke the lemon rind garnish for Matt's Long Dragon drink.  All in all, terrific service.

THE ATMOSPHERE 


You've already spent enough time visualizing the atmosphere.  Needless to say it's sleek and sexy, though a little loud.  If the bar and dining area feel like a nightclub, the restroom certainly feels like a spa (the picture below doesn't capture it fully) with candles burning on the ground, dark slate walls, and heavy wooden doors.

Spa-like restroom.  I would have liked to hang out here a bit longer.

THE PRICE TAG  (the least amazing part)

Matt guessed the bill would be $150.  I guessed $225.  The actual bill was somewhere in the middle.  Though this is definitely more than we spend on a typical dinner out, it was not terrible considering we each had more than one cocktail, and we ordered desert.  Plus, I got my fair share of people watching in, so it was worthy of the price.   There were a few select menu items, however, that were out of our price range.... 

Yes you are seeing correctly. $888.  

THE LAST WORD

Overall, Hakkasan definitely lived up to my expectation of being a fun night out on the town without having to travel far from home.  I highly recommend it if you're not looking for a quiet dinner, but more for a place to people watch and enjoy the sleek club-like atmosphere. 

Enjoying life  :)

J-E-T-S, Tim-Te-BOW!

"Chomp Chomp, Go Gators, Timmy Tebow, Heyyyyyyyy!" Such is the chant that echoes through my mind and spews forth from my mouth every time I think of Tim Tebow (in a Southern accent of course), thanks to boyfriend-Matt.  Tim Tebow becoming a New York Jet seems like old news at this point, so I'm a bit behind in jumping on this bandwagon.  I don't have much to add to the commentary of Tebow's Jet-setting since I'm no sports fan at all.  However, since I am a Florida grad who attended the University during some of Tebow's reign, and since I am a New York resident with a boyfriend who is one of the biggest Jet fans alive (proven by scientific studies, of course), I should probably offer up something on the topic.  So I'll come at it the only way I know best: telling you the story of my one and only encounter with this hotty for God-y. 

It was fall of 2007 when I was wrapping up my 5.5 years at the University of Florida. I was "flyering" in Turlington Plaza (best known for its crazy campus "preachers") for one of my dance group's fall showcases.  Basically this meant shamelessly distributing fliers to advertise our dance show with an unnecessary amount of uber-enthusiasm to students between classes.  Wouldn't you know that one of those hundreds of lucky students was the young Tebow?! Ever alert to celebs of any kind, I spotted Tim out of the corner of my eye.  Though I didn't (and don't) care much about football (I think I went to 5 games during my entire college career  -- blasphemy I know!), I knew that Tim was as famous as one could be in the Gator Nation, so naturally, I prepared myself to take advantage of this chance celeb-encounter. 

My adrenaline pumped wildly through my veins as I thought of how I could approach the nearing Tebow.  My breathing quickened as I stealthily peered at him through my peripheral vision.  Time was running short but Tim was drawing closer.  I had only seconds to plan my attack... err flier distribution. The moment came upon me and it happened. I lost all control, and any plan I had to remain cool and collected flew out the window.  Timmy was upon me.  I abruptly swung around to face him head-on and shouted "Come to the Floridance Fall Showcase!  It will be really good!  And you can bring canned food to donate!!" shoving the hot-pink flier at him with what felt like a crazed smile (I'm sure I didn't look as crazy as I felt -- or did I??).  My cheery abruptness caught ole Timmy boy off guard.  He stepped back a bit, and laughed.  "Ok" he said graciously, chuckling.  And that was that.  My encounter with the Tebow man himself. It ranked second only to Coach Billy Donovan once telling me I was awesome after I had unlocked a door for him to the O'Dome.  I never did see Tim at the dance showcase that night (though if you know me, you know that I was thinking something along the lines of, "Surely he thought I was beautiful and amazing and will come to the show just because of me!").  But alas, the memory remains strong.

To conclude, how do I feel about Timmy being in NYC, you ask? Well, as much as I was once annoyed by seeing every Facebook status update during my college years be about Tim Tebow (i.e., "Bow down to Tebow" and "Tebowism!"), which only got worse and expanded beyond just Florida fans when he played with the Broncos, I am actually quite happy and proud about it.  Being surrounded by Tim Tebow garb (jerseys are already out in Modell's and Champs), fans and hype makes me feel kind of at home. I suppose I am forever destined to read about Tim Tebow in the news and on Facebook updates.  But I don't too much mind anymore.  Now, don't expect me to be all in an uproar proclaiming the name of Tebow every Sunday, but deep down, I do have a soft spot for him -- even though he stood me up and didn't come to my dance show.  I will forgive, just as Tebow forgives (Matthew 6:14).

Article in April 2nd issue of "New York" magazine. Too much Tebow? Never.

Just a little something I dug up on Twitter. Gotta love support from Timmy's older brother Peter.

What do you think about Tim Tebow becoming a Jet? All thoughts welcome!

LINSANITY!

Last night I took Matt to the Knicks game for his V-day gift. I have to admit I got a little caught up in the Jeremy Lin-mania even though I'm not much of a sports fan (not one at all really).  But I got so inspired by the Asian Sensation that I even learned a new basketball phrase: alley oop. From Matt's explanation (and some post-game googling) I understand it to mean when someone throws the ball up close to the hoop, and another player jumps for it and dunks.  Am I right or am I right (or am I right?)? Lin and Stoudemire did it a couple times last night much to my liking.

Not as much to my liking, though, as were the Knicks City Dancers. I was really confused why people didn't clap for them more. I guess they just don't appreciate their skillz as much as I do. Speaking of words that shouldn't have a 'z' at the end...

Knicks City Dancers 

During the time outs they hosted a kids talent contest called Kidz Bop. I mean, really? Do we really need the unnecessary Z (ignore the fact that I used it above).  Anythewho.... 3 young girls between 12 and 14 years old demonstrated their musical talents. Two sang and 1 played piano. The pianist was phenoms; the singers, not so much. Too bad Mary J. Blige was in the audience.... they may have just ruined their potential future singing careers :( Whomp.

In other celeb news.... Al Gore and Whoopi Goldberg were also in the audience.  Too far from us, sadly, but the celeb-presence was one of the highlights of the night for me.  The other was the crowd of fans across the floor from us holding up sticks with huge Lin faces on them. They waved these around to distract the opponent (Sacramento Kings). For some reason I got such a kick out of this :) Gave me the giggs (giggles).

Lins on a stick

Hmm - what else? I think Matt was happy and surprised with the game (he didn't know about it ahead of time). Twas a good night overall. Enjoy some pics, and prepare yourself for some more Lin-teresting posts this weekend, particularly a B-list post about Lincoln Restaurant (quite appropriate in name, wouldn't you say? LINcoln).  Anyway, that is all. Good night all!

Besties and loves xoxo

We ABBREVE! (and make up words)

Glossary of abbreviations and made-up words/phrases commonly used by me (some are not originals so don't get all high-horsey on me). This will surely aid your reading of past and future blogs:







Abbreve - abbreviation, to abbreviate

Supes - super

Jelly bean/jelz - jealous (ie, "I'm a jelly bean!" or "I'm so jelzzzz!")

Sauce - suffix for any adjective (i.e., 'awesome-sauce!' or "supes sauce!" for a double abbreve).. this has died out over the years but has remained a fave.  Speaking of which...

Fave - favorite

The Gags - Lady Gaga

The Biebs - Justin Bieber

Celebs - celebrities (derrr!)

The Fames - famous people

Sorrs - Sorry

Kundalini - dormant potential force laying at the base of the spine (I used to say this to myself while waiting for the subway in hopes that the doors would open directly in front of me... and if the doors open right in front of me, in my head I would yell "Kundalini!")

Birtch/Birtcheenie - b*itch (this is a classic used for females only)

Dirk - d*ck plus jerk plus birtch (male version of a birtch)

Demon Ferosh - ferocious demon; birtch

Probs not but defs poss - probably not but definitely possible (shout out to Erica!)

Creepy Plaza (Creeps Plaz for short) - the south side of 43rd street between 9th and 10th Avenue; every time you walk down this strip I can guarantee you will see at least 5 creepy people/things going on

Ball change, sucka! - take that! (Matt E. and I were big on this for a while)

Kick ball change - a common dance move involving a flick of the foot and then a quick weight-shift between feet; phrase easily used as a nonsensical filler in almost any lull of a song (i.e., "We found love in a hopeless place [kick ball change]") .. try it.. it really works!  Best enjoyed if you physically do a kick ball change while saying "kick ball change."

Warning: There may be a part two of this because I'm sure I'm leaving some out.

What are some fun phrases that are uniquely you?

Nite! xoxoooooo

The B-List: Carlo's Bake Shop

So this was not originally on my NYC bucket-list, but not until yesterday when we ventured to Carlo's Bake Shop (a.k.a. the bakery from TLC's "Cake Boss") did I realize I had actually been wanting to visit.  I have since added it to the original Bucket List entry (is that cheating?? I don't know all the blogging rules yet).  Also, Matt had never been to Hoboken, so the trip to Frank Sinatra's home-town was a first for him as well. 

The ROUTE

Matt and I trekked from Hell's Kitchen Manhattan to Hoboken via the 9:40AM bus #126 from Port Authority on 8th Ave.  We took the bus down to 1st and Washington Street in Hoboken.  It was quite easy and only took about 15 minutes.  At that time of day the bus was pretty empty... just me, Matt, and an Indian woman who smirked to herself the entire ride while eerily staring out the window (creeps-mcgeeps!).  

The SCENE

Once we arrived in the 'Boken (or Hoboke-Shaboke, as I affectionately call it), we only had to walk about 1 block before we spotted the famous Bakery.  Well, to be more accurate, the first thing we spotted was the long line of people waiting outside. 

Fortunately, Matt had placed an order online a day in advance (baby, you so smart!), so we were able to skip the line.  As we walked up to the shop, past the line of adoring fans, and straight into the bakery, I'm not going to lie, I definitely felt like a VIP celeb surpassing the line at a hot nightclub (for more on my obsesh with celebs and famousness, refer to: We Talk to Strangers and We All Want to be on Broadway).   You know I was thinking about how the visiting tourists were jelly beans (jealous) of us walking straight into the shop, like we had the connex or something.  Anyway, I digress.

FINAL DESTINATION

When we opened the door, a young, post-pubescent Italian kid greeted us and ordered us to step inside to pick up our order.  This only further strengthened my fantasy that we were being allowed VIP entry by the bouncer into the exclusive cake-club.  Upon entering the Shop I was very surprised at how quiet and organized the store was on the inside after just coming from the chaos on the outside.  Carlos' Bake Shop looked like a regular Italian bakery inside, nothing fancy and not at all commercialized, which is what I had expected given the Cake Boss show's popularity.  And, despite the crowd of people waiting outside the shop, only about 6 or 7 customers were allowed in the shop at one time.  I also got the impression that they didn't appreciate loitering and wandering around, so I stood in our designated spot as we were instructed while we waited for the cake.  

Some pretty standard cakes. The fancier ones were on the wall behind.

We were in and out in about 5 minutes.  Overall, the calmness of the Bake Shop was a pleasant surprise.  The cake was delicious as well (we ended up getting a vanilla and chocolate combo cake, with pink fondant, decorated with a chocolate fondant bow and polka dots), though I had previously tasted the Cake Boss cakes for various birthdays (thanks to Ty, our group of friends' token Hoboken resident :)).  

If you're ever in Manhattan and have a few hours to spare to indulge your sweet-tooth and reality show-obsession, definitely visit Carlo's BakeShop.  Just get there early to avoid the line. Or if you want to feel famous like me, order something in advance online, get there a little later to ensure a long line of admiring fans, and walk in like you own the joint. Works like a charm. 

With the loot.