...Totally diggin' Cloud Cult and their indie rock with painting at Mercury Lounge. As a FOJ (friend of Jen's), it should practically be a conflict of interest to blog about a 5th Floor band but honestly, Craig Minowa et al put on a great show. Plus, they're super nice hippies to boot.
Other bands I enjoyed during the week-long festival: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Takka Takka at Union Hall; Vietnam at Gothamist House; Land of Talk and Tokyo Police Club at Merc; Snowden (just barely) and The Album Leaf at NorthSix; Panda & Angel, Cities and Charles Bissell of the Wrens at Gothamist House.
Whew, that's a lot of music going for a movie-junkie like myself. No wonder I came down with a cold on Sunday.
I saw SSLYBY in one of their CMJ shows earlier this week and am currently obsessed with their jangling pop sound. I accosted the drummer Phil after the show to buy a CD. I blogged about it yesterday on Jane. I've been listening to said CD, Broom, on practically continuous repeat ever since. See what I'm saying? I'm practically certifiable for this band.
Except that I had to bust out the boots and socks today for the first time of the season. This California girl gets sad when I can no longer wear flip flops each and every day. Boo.
Reading this article in the New York Times today by my man Peter Meehan about the espresso craze apparently sweeping Manhattan, I was horrified to learn that there's a coffee place in my 'hood serving ristretto espresso and I hadn't ever been there! Of course, as a former Seattle barista and self-professed coffee fanatic, I had to remedy this tout suite.
Despite references to Vivace and Victrola (two of my inspirations when I was pulling shots for a living), I was a little disappointed with Bob Peyton's set up at Ninth Street Espresso in Alphabet City. First off, this is not a full service coffee house. Everything is a little bare, just tables, painted walls and a tiny bit of art, like he just moved into the place, even though it's been open for six years. Also, there's no pastries or sandwiches or snacks on the menu, just coffee and espresso varieties. I like the option of a little cookie or something with my afternoon coffee.
As you can see from my camera phone pic, the latte looks as a well made latte should, but the drink lacked an inherent sweetness. This doesn't come from sugar, but I think from what happens when you emulsify good milk. The crema did have a nice bitter bite though, that's important. You should taste it on the top of the milk, as well as underneath, if the barista has made the drink properly. Also, I wasn't an instant fan of the espresso's aroma. It doesn't have the richness that I find even in the espresso blend I buy from Porto Rico to use at home. Also, I would've liked the milk a touch hotter, it makes it easier to savor.
I hate to be so critical since I am always a fan of the artisan barista and from Meehan's article, Peyton sounds like just the kind of coffee geek I want making my latte. However his place isn't a spot I'll be spending much time hanging out in, it's not comfie and not really worth the walk all the way over to Avenue C for me.
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janelle said:
i used to be a barista when i got out of college, as my 2nd job. more of a hobby,... read more
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Karen Cinecultist said:
Yup, for over a year. I was a master at the coffeemaking banter, which is a signature of the Seattle... read more
on Espresso Fiend Is Me -
Matt Jacobs said:
[this is good]For some reason, I didn't know you were once a barrista. Vox: you learn something new everyday. read more
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