zen moments in golf

Arturo's

I'm not sure how I feel about Arturo's. The pizza hits every time, no doubt, but the music . . . still waiting for something that smokes. Tepid competence at best, sometimes a groove - mostly the music seems like a mild distraction for the players and audience alike - like they'd just assume fuck, drink or eat with or without jazz. But hey, the laughter is there, the service bitchin' - if I need to take a good friend somewhere for a drink, aggreezy slice, and broken conversation: Arturo's. Next week we up the street to that BRazillian joint - ZINC BAR!

Barbes

About the most convenient and cozy jazz joint I know of, Barbes has yet to disappoint. I've seen violinist Jenny Scheinman throw down here with guru Ron Miles, as well as Kane Mathis - master Kora and Oud player. The beers are outstanding; the crowd intelligent, polite, music loving; the staff is warm and helpful. Not much to criticize, except of course the size of the stage - poor musicians.

Oren's Coffee - Grand Central Terminal

If you pass through Grand Central at any caffeinate-appropriate time, make a stop at Oren's. In the wee hours, 6am to 9am, the groove is so solid in there you CANNOT leave without a smile on your face. Fishbone, Al Green, the Police, Stevie Wonder, Beastie Boys. Fucking fat mix every morning. Weekend staff - grungey indie crackers for the most part, with music to match - are a lazy, sullen, and arrogant group - but the coffee and muffins are second to none regardless of who's pouring. Little pricks.

The Waverly - Greenwich Village

Greasy Spoon #1 - in Manhattan. No doubt about it. Great toast, great service, low-fi vibe, and the best part is the head shots of faces that everybody almost knows, but doesn't. "Wasn't she in Buck Rogers . . . ."

At 6th Ave and Waverly place, sitting on top of the West 4th/Wash Square subway stop (NW Corner) - good people watching at all hours and the cabs outside have great momentum in any direction.

Sunset Park - best tacos in Brooklyn

inspiration set in last night while acting on a Times review - i tracked down Tacos Matamoros to determine the level of hyperbole in the claim: "the best tacos in nyc." after eating essentially what was described in the article (tacos al pastor) - i'd support that and go so far as to say among the best tacos i've had in my mouth.

located off the southwest corner of Sunset Park, 4508 5th Ave, on the west side of 5th. Take the M or R train to 45th and 4th, walk up a block and take a short right @ 5th. this neighborhood is dynamic and alive, well into the night. bring your heads up, as baracho is common, as are machismo street antics, drug deals, and other urban nonsense.

The music was a little loud (generally the case in Sunset Park), and my drowned-out, broken Spanish didn't have enough presence to keep the waitress from sneering. At 7 on a Saturday night, I took up a four top in the window, and was basically ignored as the lone guerro. good thing i'm used to that, or i might have felt slighted. i think they found me a mildly enjoyable distraction. and i have to say, as loud as the music was, it's a more tasteful variety than the more common country polka. Seems to be a hipper crowd as well.

CHEAP EATS ALERT. Everything is cheap, so order a lot and tip heartily. it feels good.
Hot Waitress Alert - there's certainly a couple - but you better be young and know some smooth Spanish.