NEW YORK

Southern Cuisine Your Forte? Try The Derby in the LES!

With the ever popular presence of cuisines such as Thai and Italian dominating the Manhattan food scene, sometimes its good to go outside your comfort zone and try something new and inspiring. With Southern Hospitality attempting to make its mark in the foodie scene here in NYC, there is one new restaurant that is sure to make a stir in the Lower East Side and beyond. This restaurant is called The Derby, which boasts southern cuisine and even better… BRUNCH ALL DAY! They boast classic favorites such as Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles just to name a few, with yummy starters such as house-made buttermilk biscuits with jalapeno butter and jam to start (Weeeee!!!). I sat down recently with owner Rob Shamlain to discuss The Derby and its hopeful future.

The Derby, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Derby

How did “The Derby” get started?

We wanted to create a friendly environment with southern hospitality that was light-filled and bright for brunch, but also sultry enough for dinner and drinks when the sun goes down. I’ve always loved southern-inspired fare, and knew this was the perfect place for my concept to come to life.

How did you come up with the name for it?

The phrase, “If jockey’s could eat, they would race to The Derby for the mouthwatering organic fried chicken and bourbon cocktails” really stuck in my mind. Whether you care for the horses or the hats, The Derby was the perfect name for a place worth whiling away the hours with biscuits and bourbon… or both.

Tell me about the type of cuisine you serve.

While the menu is southern-inspired fare, this is no greasy spoon. The Derby re-imagines Dixie favorites using the freshest organic, local meats and produce, with a farm to table menu that has something for everyone. If the tender rib-eye steak is too rich for your palate, the light whole fish redolent with fresh herbs and lemon offers a lighter option.

What is your favorite dishes in all arenas- appetizer, entree and dessert.

The house-made buttermilk biscuits are a perfect appetizer and come with jalapeno butter and jam. Perfection! The Chicken & Waffles are certainly a stand out item not to be missed as the entree, and the thick slices of watermelon for dessert are the perfect end to the meal.

Do you think you can make this restaurant a big deal in the LES?

Definitely. We’re located on the bustling corner of Stanton and Orchard, with open mullioned windows and outdoor seating. We provide the perfect vantage point for the best people watching on the LES, and we’re already packed for brunch and warm summer evenings.

Do you have plans to open up other locations across New York City?

I always have new projects in the planning phase.

What are you hopeful for in “The Derby’s” future?

I hope to acquire a liquor license for the downstairs in order to serve people more efficiently and offer a space for after dinner cocktails.

The Derby

167 Orchard St

212-777-8469

Official Site

New York Summer- Westhampton Beach

by Mark Giarrusso

Summer in New York City can be relentless. The heat off the concrete and asphalt can stifle you. So, where do you go? Jones Beach? Fire Island? Sure, that would work if, you want to brave the traffic. East Hampton or Southampton? Maybe, if you were a Kardashian.

West Hampton Beach offers all of the cool ocean breezes of the Jones Beach without all the glitz and glamor of the other Hamptons. There is a quiet beauty of the surrounding area outside the quaint village. Every New Yorker needs a respite in the summer and Westhampton Beach is the perfect way to take in some of the best of what Long Island can offer.

Westhampton 1 — Westhampton Performing Arts Center, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 2 — Westhampton Beach Barn, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 3 — Shinnecock Bay, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 4 — Butterfly Bush, Westhampton Beach, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 6 — Beaver Dam Creek, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Broadway Barks: A “Fluff” Piece

by Ryan Leeds

Bernadette Peters and James Franco. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Tourists, residents, and Broadway aficionados all had reason to “paws” in the center of the theater district this past Saturday as celebrities and shelter animals took to Shubert alley for an event which left every spectator “feline” fine.

For the past 16 years, screen and stage star Bernadette Peters has spearheaded Broadway Barks , an event which raises awareness for shelter animals and encourages their adoption. Peters co-founded the organization with her long time friend and fellow celeb Mary Tyler Moore and was cheerfully present on Saturday afternoon, July 12th. She spoke briefly to Manhattan Digest, “It’s very important for everyone in the world to give attention where it is needed, and if something sparks your interest that needs help, I think you should try to do something about it.” Peters is the proud owner of a dog, Charlie, who apparently yodles at home with the songstress.While the rest of us beg, borrow, and steal to see this stage legend in concert, Charlie gets serenaded by Sondheim simply for showing up to food bowl- Lucky dog! Peters authored two children’s books based on her love for man’s best friend (“Broadway Barks” and “Stella is a Star”) and will release a third in Spring 2015.

Dogs weren’t the only four legged creatures hopeful to find a home. Bebe Neuwirth (Chicago) and James

Bebe Neuwirth. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Franco (Of Mice and Men) flaunted a “purr-fectly” adorable kitty, eager to live the rest of its lives (plural) in New York domesticity. Aladdin’s genie and recent Tony award winner James Monroe Iglehart was also on hand to aid in the cause. “This is my first year,” he told Manhattan Digest. “I’m a rookie, but I’m proud to be involved. I used to work at Memphis, which was here at the Shubert Theater, and I used to see the event happen. I thought it was so cool that they were doing it, so when they asked me to be a part of it, I jumped at the chance.” Iglehart is the proud owner of two finicky cats, Zoe and Missy. “They don’t even go outside when it’s cold. They just look and decide that they’ll stay inside to watch all the birds flying by.” Others, like Ciare Renee (Pippin) were there to show support , but were not pet owners themselves. “I don’t have any pets” she said. “I just pretend that Barnum (pictured below) is my dog.” When asked if she was taking any home with her, she said , “I wish! But I think my roomate would be mad!”

L-R Kyle Dean Massey, Ciara Renee, and Rachel Bay Jones with Barnum. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Zach Braff (Bullets Over Broadway), Jessie Mueller (Beautiful) , Justin Guarini and Mary Testa (Wicked) , Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess (Phantom of the Opera), Audra McDonald (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) and many others offered their time and talents to the cause by performing at the notorious venue, located between 44th and 45th streets. While the summer sun poured onto the city streets, few found little to “growl” about as New York City shelters and adoption agencies found happy homes for many eternally grateful animals- and that’s no shih tzu! For now, this journalist must sign off. With all of these obviously tacky puns, this story has gone to the dogs. Groan!

Jessie Mueller. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess. Phpto courtesy of Ryan Leeds

James Monroe Iglehart. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Manhattan Solstice- Capturing Manhattanhenge

by Mark Giarrusso

The Manhattan Solstice, or Manhattanhenge, occurs when the sunsets directly on the streets of the New York traffic grid. It happens twice a year, in late May and mid July.
Today’s Manhattan solstice was no exception. The sun playing along the NYC streets tantalized photographers who congregated at each intersection to capture the sun as it melted into the horizon in perfect view.

Manhattanhenge 3 — Manhattan Solstice, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Manhattanhenge 2 — Manhattan Solstice, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Manhattanhenge 4 — Manhattan Solstice, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso

4 World Trade Center Photos

by Mark Giarrusso

12 and a half years after the tragic day of September 11th, 2001 the new World Trade Center has risen in the Financial District in New York City. These photos were taken this spring from 4 World Trade before the building was entirely open to the public. Does it replace what was lost? No. Can it’s mere presence erase that horrible day from history? It can and will not. But that is not its function. Nor should it be. With views that sweep across New Jersey, New York Harbor, the Freedom Tower, and uptown with the Empire State Building dead center on the horizon, it simply reminds us that We Will Rise.

Photographers note: All of the below photos were taken with an iPhone as I was unable to bring my camera into the building.

World Trade 7 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 6 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 1 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 2 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 5 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 4 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 3 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Richard Avedon: Digitizing a Legacy with a Brand New App

by Ryan Leeds

It’s no secret that theater, fashion, and culture are among the greatest NYC treasures. For years, they’ve been the singular alluring factors for transplants aspiring to careers in these fields. For natives like the the late, iconic photographer Richard Avedon, they were sources of inspiration for what they already knew existed here.

Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation

Over the span of his sixty year career, Avedon captured the most beautiful, truthful, and vulnerable portraits from luminaries including Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Zero Mostel, Humphrey Bogart, Paul McCartney, and countless others. While a large part of his work was centered around celebrity, his eye was also on the political and social pulse of the Nation. Avedon encapsulated the rocky era of the Vietnam War , the civil rights movement, and the strain of many working class individuals.

Earlier this week, the Richard Avedon Foundation announced the launch of its’ first mobile app for iPad: The RICHARD AVEDON app. Developed in partnership with the technology studio Potion, it contains over 1,000 images and a virtual guide to the photographer’s archives. As more of his work is digitized, the Avedon Foundation will continue to update this informative, user-friendly, and fascinating resource. It is divided into three major areas: Fashion, Portraiture, and Reportage. According to the press release from the foundation, “the RICHARD AVEDON app catalogues the output of one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century and displays the arc of this extraordinary artist’s career.”

New Yorkers not only crave high culture of this caliber, but they also love a good bargain. This latest reference for visual history is free of charge and can be found on iTunes. More information is also available at http://www.avedonfoundation.org

“Never Forget” How Tacky This Is

by Ryan Leeds

Upon scrolling through the articles and postings by Facebook friends this morning, I came across an article from the Gothamist about the items for sale in the gift shop of the 9/11 museum:

http://gothamist.com/2014/05/22/photo_finally_you_can_buy_a_911_che.php#photo-7.

In a city known for hustling and making a fast buck, I find very little wrong with entrepreneurial endeavors and sheer capitalistic gain. In fact, this is what makes New York City so remarkable. Sure, there is competition–But there is also opportunity and drive which far exceeds the confines of unattainable growth and apathy found in too many places across our free country. This is why religious zealots hate us. So much in fact, that they attempted to cripple our nation on September 11, 2001. Al Qaeda partially succeeded, having killed approximately 3,000 individuals in Lower Manhattan, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania.

I didn’t fully agree with the prevention of rebuilding the space that occupied the World Trade Center. I am more than sensitive to the fact that family and friends lost one loved ones. Those left behind hoped that the space would remain vacant since it was a heartbreaking remembrance of tragic death . Given that the event occurred in the heart of the financial district, however, would make this infeasible. As difficult and painful as it is, life must continue and the business world must prosper-to reasonable extent. I will elaborate on this further.

In typical bureaucratic fashion, it took years of heated argument and discussion, until a decision was to be made about what would be built in its place. Architect Michael Arad’s concept of falling waters was simple and profound. It offered a quiet, pensive beauty, replete with solemnity and honor. The exhibit opened in 2010 and continues to be a fitting memorial where visitors can attend (free of charge), and read the names of those who perished. Much like the Vietnam and Korean War memorials, such places are intended to offer reflection, gratitude, and hope. And they succeed.

This week, the 9/11 Museum opened. According to its website it offers the following mission statement:

“Demonstrating the consequences of terrorism on individual lives and its impact on communities at the local, national, and international levels, the Museum attests to the triumph of human dignity over human depravity and affirms an unwavering commitment to the fundamental value of human life.”

The purpose of the memorial is well intended as it is extremely costly to maintain. The museums’ yearly operating costs are estimated at 60 million, and it receives no federal or state funding. However, the museum crosses the line of decency by incorporating a gift shop on the premises. In no way does this “attest to the triumph of human dignity over human depravitiy”. What it does attest to is the simple fact that museum owners can make an easy and quick dollar on the backs of voyeuristic tourists, which rather exemplifies human depravity. How does a cheese plate in the shape of the United States, or a stuffed animal puppy with a first responder vest—or even a seemingly innocuous coffee mug- help us to “Never Forget?”. Easy answer: It does not.

Having been a New Yorker on that horrific day and those following, I can unpleasantly recall the requests from visitors “wanting to visit Ground Zero.” It was not out of reverence for the event that had just happened, but rather a morbid fascination and a chance to tell friends and neighbors that they were there. This was all before the dawn of social media. Thirteen years later, you can believe that throngs of people will flock towards Chambers Street, posting selfies of themselves with friends and reassuring us with comments that they are “never forgetting.” After all, on Facebook, we can show the world just how much compassion and care we truly have. Politicians will continue to use this place as a platform for patriotism and will reassure us with their eloquent speeches that we are a “strong and resilient” people. Consequently, the intent and significance which the ground represents will be blinded by displays of self serving bravado and attention.

Carrying cheap tchotchkes to the heartland does not bring honor to anyone who suffered the devastation of 9/11. Carrying their memory in your hearts and minds does. Teaching your children tolerance and respect does. Rejoicing and expressing gratitude in our freedom does. Understanding that capitalism works, but not at the sacrifice of human life does. I will never forget the unspeakable tragedy that unfolded on that infamous day. As for the unspeakably distasteful gift shop—I’ll forget it.

Back On My Feet’s 2 Year Birthday: Continuing the Run towards Self-Improvement

by Ryan Leeds

Back on My Feet's Uptown group celebrates its graduates. Photo courtesy of Back On My Feet. — Back on My Feet’s Uptown group celebrates its graduates. Photo courtesy of Back On My Feet.

THE STORY

Even in the often quoted “city that never sleeps”, the hours between 5 AM and 7 AM are considered sacred moments of slumber for most individuals . For nearly two hundred New Yorkers however, these pivotal hours have provided profound life transformations through the incredible non-profit organization called Back On My Feet (BoMF). This unique running club began in Philadelphia in 2007 by founder Anne Mahlum. Mahlum convinced the administration of a local homeless shelter to offer a running program to its residents. The group’s mission was (and still is) to provide hope to those experiencing homelessness through group running. It quickly caught on and has since expanded to 10 other cities. This month, the New York City chapter is proud to celebrate its 2 year birthday, with many fun events in store. Since April 2012, 193 members of the chapter have gained employment, found housing, enrolled in education, or accomplished a combination of the three. In New York, there are four branches: Uptown, Times Square, Bowery, and Brooklyn. Three mornings a week at 5:30AM, each team meets, completes a warm-up , forms a circle of serenity, and executes the planned run. At the end of each run, the teams reconvene to their circle of serenity. Each meeting point is a shelter or half-way house and their teams are comprised of both residents and non-residents (volunteers). In addition, all of the locations offer treatment programs as many of the residents have experienced issues with alcohol and/or drugs.

CRITERIA

Aside from the daily subway paper am New York and the occasional free coffee coupon from Starbucks, recipients of BoMF have come to realize that there are few handouts in life. In order to qualify for help from the program, each member must have 90% attendance. After 30 days, they are eligible for the “next steps program”, which consists of financial literacy and job preparedness. After 90 days with 90% attendance, they are eligible for financial assistance. BoMF will grant them the option to remove a one time roadblock, helping them to achieve a personal goal. The roadblocks range from a security deposit for an apartment to paying parking tickets so that they may obtain a CDL license. Funding for these opportunities are provided through corporate sponsorships and via fundraising.

JOHN’S STORY

Anthony (L) and Half marathon finisher John (R) from Back On My Feet's Uptown team. Photo courtesy of Back on My Feet. — Anthony (L) and Half marathon finisher John (R) from Back On My Feet’s Uptown team. Photo courtesy of Back on My Feet.

John has been running with back on my feet since November 2013. A U.S. Army veteran, he moved to New York in 1989, shortly after a three and a half year service commitment. Plagued by a long battle with substance abuse, he sought recovery at Samaritan Village in Queens. It was there where he discovered the group that would become his destiny. “Every morning, I would sit on the porch, smoke a cigarette, and drink a cup of coffee. I saw this group and I asked someone what it was about. It just looked like something I wanted to be a part of. So I joined.” Aside from drills in the Army over 20 years ago, John didn’t have a physical fitness routine. “At the beginning, it was a lot of discipline. I wasn’t used to waking up that early and being around people who were more excited than me at that hour!”. He continued, “But i just kept doing it and now, it’s like nothing to get up when the alarm goes off at 5:00 AM.” BoMF took John out of his comfort zone. “It challenged me to do something that I said couldn’t be done. Then I realized after a short period of time, that it could be done. The only person that could do it was me.” He added, “This group has really encouraged me.” Their support and his own self-confidence has served him well. Just last month, John completed the New York City half-marathon- for someone who only recently reignited an exercise routine, the 13.1 mile trek was quite an accomplishment. “It started as a joke, but then I became serious about it,” he says. “I started doing long runs on the weekend, starting at 8 miles and then continuing to 10.” Humbly, he acknowledges his fellows from his BoMF Uptown group. “They helped me to overcome my fear and taught me that it didn’t matter where I placed in the half marathon. The important thing is that I finished the race.” John continues to lead the morning warm-ups as Team Captain: “I like feeling that I am part of something and contributing to the group.” He observes, “Running is the easy part; discipline is the hard part.” John will continue that daily focus as he prepares for his first ever marathon in NYC in November. His professional mission is a practical venture: “Run in the morning. Work during the day. Rest at night.”

2 YEAR BIRTHDAY AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hugs are abundant at Back on My Feet. Photo courtssy of Back On My Feet.

As BoMF NYC celebrates two solid years of tenure, it has some engaging activities planned for April and beyond. On April 9th, all four branches met at the Delancey Street offices for their Birthday run. They also launched the 180 challenge, encouraging non-residents to fund raise $180 per person for the organization. On May 1st, BoMF welcomes the entire NYC community to a group run in Central Park. Participants will meet at New York Running Company’s Columbus Circle location at 6:30 pm for a fun run, a scavenger hunt, and some mingling. On May 31st, BoMF will proudly partner in the 5k Color Run, to be held at Citifield in Queens. Non-residents and community individuals are strongly encouraged to volunteer.

Jean Hartig serves as Director of Communications and Corporate Relations for the New York City chapter. “There is an opportunity for runners, joggers, and walkers alike to share in an activity that has brought them so much joy.” She continues, “To be able to share that joy with those experiencing a life transition helps create community. Ideally, we want to build that community beyond the morning runs.” While the primary focus is on running, there are all levels of participation. Hartig explains, “The goal is really to get outside, circle up, talk to each other, and become more active.” She has witnessed the positive affect BoMF has had on so many. “When there is that activity to look forward to and that team to be held accountable to, changes happen in our members.”

Whoever said second chances can’t happen, should log on to the site, lace up their sneakers, and look at the results.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: Back On My Feet

WHEN & WHERE: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.: 4 locations in New York City. For specific information, log-on to http://nyc.backonmyfeet.org

WHY: Haven’t YOU ever hoped for a second shot?

Theater Review: “Middle of the Night”

by Ryan Leeds

Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy. Simple enough, one would think. Then again, that would make for a rather drab drama. So, to complicate the lives of our leading lovers, classic playwright Paddy Chayefsky has whipped up some conflict in Keen Theater’s tender revival of his 1956 play Middle of the Night, now playing on Theatre Row.

The Manufacturer (Jonathan Hadary), an employee of New York’s garment district, is a bit lonely. His wife has passed and he’s in desperate need of some tender loving care. When the Girl (Nicole Lowrance) drops by the widower’s store to drop off some sales slips, she begins to deluge him with her problems. Her Husband (Todd Bartels) is a bohemian jazz artist who spends much of his time away. Aside from the sexual chemistry, there is not much keeping them together. The Girl is besieged by sadness to the point of filing for a divorce. Upon learning of her trials, the Manufacturer listens intently and, as Cupid would have it, falls in love with her. Here’s the “sticky wicket” in this: He’s Jewish. She’s a Gentile. He is in his fifties. She is a fresh 24. Neither family is taking this sitting down, but the couple is resolute on making it work.

Both Jewish and Gentile families adopt dual roles, and each player brings a strong performance to the stage. But it is Hadary, a long time stage veteran, who brings solid gravitas and a firm footing to Middle of the Night. The volatility and sincerity in his performance is perfect.

Although he is known more for his Oscar-winning scripts on films including Network, Marty, and The Hospital, Chayefsky’s Middle of the Night (which also received a film treatment in 1959) strikes sweet chords of unexpected promise and love. Director Jonathan Silverstein’s gentle guidance has allowed for a heartfelt production.

Middle of the Night is now playing off-Broadway now through March 29th. Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd between 9th and 10th ave. For tickets, call 212-239-6200, visit www.telecharge.com, or visit the box office.

Jake’s Hot in the Fashion District

by Danielle Flocco

Breaking into the fashion industry is no easy task, but Jake Labarbera makes it seem effortless.

This newly 21 year old is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, studying merchandising and jewelry design. He has an interest in photography, and most of all sharing his style with everyone. Jake blogs his personal style, showing the world how to make an outfit ‘pop’ in this competitive world of fashion.

Recently on his blog, www.jakeshotonfashion.com, silver was featured as the up and coming color to incorporate into an outfit. Tested by Jake himself in the fashion district of Manhattan, silver is definitely the way to go. Silver is subtle yet shiny, so your outfit stands out without being overwhelmed by it. This is perfect for those hesitant to go ahead with neon pieces. The easiest way to try silver for an everyday outfit is in jewelry, shoes, or belts- all of which can be found for low prices.

Here is a leather and silver bullet styled bracelet that Jake featured. This piece can be matched with any outfit, and can give theperfect New York rocker tone to an otherwise bland outfit. Again, not an overwhelming piece, but just enough to add the same sparkle as an average bracelet- just with a heck of a lot more attitude.

His other favorite pop of silver is his pair of silver high top sneakers. He blogged this statement about these gleaming kicks: “I’m obsessed with my silver hightop sneakers. And I would totally wear them everyday if I could.” And Jake’s recommendation to everyone is to “pull out your old pieces, dust them off, and put them to good use.” This applies to anything- silver or not- because hey, you never know what will be the next big hit in fashion.

Jake is not only a blogging trendsetter, but he is currently an intern for couture designer, Ralph Rucci, as well as a model. He has been involved in modeling for a few years now, and has quite an array of experience. A few years back Jake modeled for prints for a small boutique in Rhinebeck. Then, he bust onto the Runway in 2013 New York Fashion Week for designer Marlin George. And for 2014, Seduka by Joe Dahan will be featuring Jake in a lookbook and their soon to launch blog.

Young, handsome, and determined, Jake is set to succeed in everything he does. He is still a fresh face in modeling, but a great reputation is certainly building. And let’s not forget he’s a student of jewelry design- we must keep our eyes out for his collections!

NEW YORK

Footer