Ladies meet me by the pool!

The sand is pink and the water is clearer than faucet water but we know the real reason the beach is so attractive is the women. Sometimes the scene is breath taking but sometimes it is a crime scene. Here are some good looks that would stop a cruise ship 100 miles out to sea. Same rules apply...do not wait and do last minute bikini shopping. Take your time and get what best fits your umm personality.

Victorias Secret...

Victorias Secret...

Baby Phat...

Victorias Secret... All under $100.

Now for you ladies with no intentions of setting foot on the beach at all and plan to just look fly by the pool. Sip on your frozen margarita in this classy black one piece by St. John Grecian. $270

Style'n on them from the pool to the beach

Its getting hot out here and soon your favorite beach,hotel pool or the pool in your own backyard is going to be the spot to be at. Dont wait till the last minute to get swim trunks because we all know how that turns out. You"ll be at Target rushing into a pair of tighty Quicksilvers wishing you had time to go to the mall before your flight leaves. That goes for flip flops to. So be prepared because poolside is serious business and basketball shorts with socks on in the water is not cool.




When going on vacation I always have atleast three pair of trunks. Your at the pool or beach so much daily you dont want to look like you had on the same swimwear three days in a row. Switch it up a little with some of these.






Cayman Patchwork by Polo $90. I'd have to smoke a cigar in these before I dive in.

Hawaiian Lined Swim Boxer by Polo $55 These come in any and every color.

Stripe Hawaiian Swim Boxer by Polo $75 South Beach worthy

Old Navy Side Stripe $15 These cool for the Jersey Shore.

Grass Roots Swim Trunks by LRG $50 @Drjays.com TheseLRG's are good to go anytime.

Block Swim Trunk by Lacoste $95 @Drjays.com

TAO Restaurant

What a beautiful weekend and I enjoyed every minute of it. Atleast 85 degrees Friday,Saturday & Sunday. Could not have asked for better weather especially when you have something to do. This weekend called for a special celebration with my lady so we headed over to TAO in N.Y. because I heard that was the spot to be for great food and enjoy yourself at the same time.


With reservations for two at 7:45 I instruct our driver to pick us up at 6pm. After the pre party we arrive at Tao at 7:30. It is very crowded! People without reservations were told it would be a 3 hour wait. I left my name and reservation time with a very pleasant hostess and made our way to the bar. Very crowded, loud,melting pot of a bar area but everyone was happy to be here. Even the underage girls trying to order alcohol to fit into the posh crowd made a game out of trying to acquire a Tao-tini. There were very pleasant & eager to serve cocktail waitresses walking the bar area to service those who could not make it close enough to the bar. Or those who were lucky enough to get a seat who did not want to move. Even with my reservation my buzzer went off an hour later alerting us our table was ready. As the hostess lead us to our table I noticed Hannah Montana and the gang had somehow actually gotten a martini.




In the dining area there is a great big 60ft. tall buddha surrounded by a small pond with fish. A live Dj and impressive sound system thump through the place. We were led to our table on the second level over looking diners below. Just when you think you are on top of the world there is a V.I.P. dinner skybox above all located on the far back wall. I suspect this is where Jay Z & Ashton Kutcher break bread. Tao is a known popular hangout for celebs.






Drinks were good they had a very smooth but strong Mohito or as they say"Tao-hito". You know what it is in the land of$12 martinis. Appetizers were excellent to the point we ordered three. Crab cakes and mango sauce taste much better than it sounds & Lobster wontons are superb.
Now Im not one to sit in fine dining establishements and take pics of food but Tao is just the upscale place to do this. Cameras are flashing all over like paparazzi are in the building. Its a very world famous & touristy place. I did not get any pics of the art they called appetizers because after that hour wait and those drinks that was far from my mind.





The Filet Mignon with wasabi dressing and oversized crispy onions is the best steak I ever had. Very risky over the basic sea salt crushed black pepper steak house steak. Prepared medium,very lean and melts like butter with exploding flavor.



Shrimp rice and greens with a side of chinese broccoli in a mushroom sauce or something.


After 3 appetizers, main course and sides save room for desert. This mango sorbet with fresh fruit was very good. The fruit was very fresh but the sorbet was not as good as Chez Luccienne.

Service at Tao is top notch from the front door to the wait staff. I was warned it was very very noisy here at Tao but to me it sounded like just a bunch of people having a really good time.

Im ready to go back. http://www.taorestaurant.com/

Check back to hear more about this weekend and my bad experience at a rooftop penthouse NYC hangout.....

Wine & Jazz Event!

Join us for an evening of Wine & Jazz...for a good cause!

The benefit evening will consist of an informative wine tasting set in a cocktail hour format, after which the Champian Fulton/Alex Stein Trio will perform two, hour-long sets.

A $40 advance reservation gets you wine for the evening, fine cheeses, & a performance by these critically acclaimed musicians...just check the reviews in the Village Voice, NYT, Star Ledger, etc. They've even been featured at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola and other world-renowned jazz clubs.

All proceeds will raise funds to support educational scholarships sponsored by 501(c)(3) non-profit, Nu Lambda Lambda Uplift Corporation.

To reserve seats, visit luxekulturevents.info or call 973.508.2371.

Hope to see you there.

Jay Z covers Cigar Aficionado

I have not read this latest issue yet because it is not out yet,but I hear Mr. Carter will be discussing his love for cigars. Cigars have been appearing in more hip hop videos lately as artists try to assume more mature positions in image and status. I believe its mostly image.


I am going to give Jay Z the benefit of the doubt. I am confident he will not be discussing Black n Milds & Dutches. I predict mentions of Zino platinum, Cohiba, Monet Cristo, Opus X or maybe Padron.

Splitting the bill etiquette....

In a recent discussion of planning an evening of fine dining amongst friends the ever touchy topic of how to pay came about. There are many mixed feelings about this subject. There are many different scenarios. I will say right now that I am in support of splitting the bill evenly among the entire party. Forget the calculators and the who had what what what!!! Well what about the guy who just ordered salad? Yeah theres always one salad and water guy.





So heres a scenario...10 guys out for dinner at a Steak & Seafood establishement in Jersey City,NJ. Start off the evening with drinks and appetizers. Normally in larger groups appetizers are ordered aplenty and shared. 10 guests can order 5 appetizers and split saving money already should appeal to the frugal. For the main course its ribeye,N.Y. Strip, lobster,surf & turf and......that guy who got chicken strips. Very few go to a restaurant to sit at a table and get hammered. Drink are ordered in moderatation. One fellow may have one or two another two or three. Someone decides he has room for desert and orders the triple chocolate chunk moose cake slice. Just for those who may need a reminder men DO NOT share deserts.




So now the bill arrives and Mr. kids menu is feeling some type of way. Bill arrives at $700 everyone agrees to pay up $70. Chicken fingers & fries only came up to $45...what do you do?
Going to dinner with friends is an experience every time. Like going to see a movie,you might like it you might not. You could get the bootleg and watch it at home but nothing beats that theater experience. Just like this scenario could go good or bad. Whats bad if not terrible and embarrassing in my eyes in sitting at a table argueing about loose change on a bill. Dont come to the steak house and try to order a #1 value meal. Split it and keep it moving thats grown folk business.







Ok fine everyone doesnt have it like that. If we are close enough to break bread together then we should be close enough to be honest. You dont have it right now say so. If your people belittle you you dont really want to eat with them anyway. Your people might not mind holding you down for a tiny while just dont take advantage.






Another scene that was brought up during this talk was the people who do take advantage. The guy who orders champagne, three bottles of wine and 10 shots or henny. In this case I feel that person should have enough class to man up on his exorbitant spending and throw in extra for that. Yeah I know it sounds contradicting to you cheapos but there is a limit. But how much is that limit? $50? $100? $200? "I thought we was spiltting the bill!?" The limit is the taking advantage of good people limit. Dont sit there and be ignorant and order $300 worth of stuff with $75 in your pocket looking to hurt others at the table. Your bluff might be called! And once your word is nill around these parts its done for good. Now you have just forfeited any further social engagements. Might not seem like a big deal at the moment but your tarnished character will catch up to you.







Now how about couples? Throwing women in the mix is always entertaining especially when a man turns out to be the biggest bitch at the table. The fact is just like you learn the starting line ups and bench players of your favorite teams you have to do the same socially. Some people are just not meant to be at sit down social gathering with. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way and its going to cost you money or emabaressment.





I feel that if your going out to enjoy dinner with friends esquire rules apply and the bill is split evenly amongst the party. What is the readers take on this? Please tell me how you feel and what end of the bill you found yourself on. Do you feel how you do because of your morals or your current economic situation?

Wine Review: 2005 Jean Luc Baldes "Le Petit Clos"

So after suffering the disappointment of a corked bottle, I opted for a forgotten favorite: malbec. But no just your run of the mill, I picked up what I'd hoped to be a funky, earth-driven, complex Cahors.

As usual, a small-production Cahors artfully made by Jean Luc Baldes, Le Petit Clos 2005. Known for his beautifully rustic style, I grabbed the bottle with high hopes.

I popped & poured; I was, to say the least, not happy. Its nose was full of tart red fruit & a slight earthiness. The palate was no better. Disappointed, I put the cork back in the bottle & decided to revisit it the next day.

WOW! When I poured the second glass a day later, the tart red fruit had evolved into dark dark (did I say dark?) fruit. Blueberries & cassis sprung from the glass with a bright minerality reminiscent of schistous soil. I was so excited I pounded my fist on the table and exclaimed, "that's what I'm talking about!"

On the palate the cassis and blueberries were brightened by a mouth-watering acidity. The mid-palate was a suave blend of fruit and slate-like minerality. Medium to full-bodied, the wine caressed my palate like fine silk. On the finish, firm tannins persisted along with a dark chocolate bitterness and elegant dark fruit. I was in vinous heaven.

It has been some time since I let a wine aerate before I dove in. Lack of time, etc. have usually precluded my decanting. But with this wine, I was verily reminded of the benefits of a little aeration. Good...better yet, GREAT stuff.

Wine Review: 2007 Ed Hardy "Tattoo" Cabernet Sauvignon

Admittedly, when I saw the ads for this wine, I scoffed, thinking it to be swill...a wine that tastes "like wine." Again, admittedly, I was wrong. It seems Bok has a penchant for opening my eyes to things I'd otherwise overlook.

In wines, I'm a huge fan of smaller producers and artisanally, lovingly made quaffs. I steer clear of the big names in favor of the unknown viticulturists making phenomenal, yet unheralded, wines.

Despite my philosophy, I remain resolute to give each beverage presented me an unbiased review. So I dove in...

On the nose, the wine surprised me with its depth. Though not the most complex, it highlighted typical Cabernet Sauvignon notes of black currant and milk chocolate... not the expected, non-descript profile. On the palate, these notes were affirmed with a suave tannin structure. The expressive, but not over-the-top, fruit was persistent on the medium finish.

I was pleasantly surprised! This wine clearly outshines its peers in the larger-production, $10-20 price range.

I found it interesting that the wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, hails from the Southeastern French region: Languedoc-Rousillon. Usually one finds blends of Grenache, Syrah, or Mourvedre here; so Cabernet Sauvignon vines seem out of place. Nonetheless, the sundrenched region is certainly to thank for the great fruit expression noted in the wine. Incidentally, Christian Audigier, the lead designer for the Ed Hardy line, hails from just 75 miles west of Montpeyroux, where the wine is produced.

So for a good, easy drinking red...with some attitude (in label design and reputation)...grab a bottle.

Spirit Review: Crystal Head Vodka

So when Serious Bok told me he had some vodka for me to review...I was less than excited. For me, as for many of us, vodka is a beverage where the less you taste, the better. It follows then, that in my short love-hate relationship with the spirit, I would develop a palate for the clean, uneventful style.

Enter Bok & the gleaming glass skull which holds Crystal Head Vodka, the newest in the booming market of luxury vodkas. Interestingly enough, while channel surfing, I caught a bit of Dan Aykroyd discussing his love for vodka on Martha Stewart's show the other day (I really was just channel surfing...really!). His explanation that his favorite vodkas are those that highlight the flavor made me cringe. So, when I saw the skull & was told that it was one of which Dan Aykroyd is a proponent, I was very wary.

I poured a shot into a low-ball glass and swirled. Surprisingly the aroma was not all alcohol, there was a delicate floral sweetness that I attributed to the grain. At first sip, I found the same delicate character: a rye-like note coming through with a hint of white pepper on the mid-palate, leading to a warming, but certainly smooth finish which went on for minutes, leaving a soft sweetness on my palate. It was very exemplary of what good vodka should be: NOT tasteless, rather refined and delicate...drinkable alone.

Thanks Bok! Though I'll stick to my whiskey, this was an eye-opener. Highly recommended.

Wine Review: 2001 Mount Eden Estate Bottled Chardonnay

Revisiting my collection, I stumbled upon this forgotten beauty, made by little known, but long-standing Mount Eden Vineyards in California's Central Coast. This is the best California Chardonnay out there. Though made with a new world, fruity and rich style, its got the balance and backbone to span decades... Yes, I said decades. During a vertical tasting of the same wine, going back to the early 80's, the wine was said to have developed a Premier Cru Chablis character, more restrained, but still vibrant. Enjoy my notes...the current 2004 vintage is phenomenal as well.

During and after the pour, aromas of cherry Jolly Rancher filled the space while the bright golden yellow of the wine shone through the glass. Upon close analysis, the nose breathed marzipan, saltwater taffy, ripe macintosh apples, and a hint of lemon zest. An hour later, the nose would become pure dried figs. On the medium to full-bodied palate, the now creamy saltwater taffy was predominant, leading to a midpalate with notes of unripe strawberries accompanied by hints of lemon zest. The medium finish consisted of light oak and a bit of the ubiquitous taffy, later becoming faint oak and menthol.

There was very little palpable acidity, but, I must say, the wine was not cloying or sweet. Despite the unctuous texture, the flavors seemed to lightly dance across my tongue, balanced by a latent acidity well suited to the robust character of the young chard.

The complexity and evolution of flavors captured my attention whilst the palate, texture, and aroma gave the wine a sensuality like that of a seductive nymph. This is, at the least, a must try. Drink up!

Harlem on the Rise...Carols Daughter & Chez Lucienne

So my lady was running low on her supply of Carols Daughter body products. Sure it could have been simple as a few clicks of a mouse, free shipping & a quick delivery, but lucky for me Harlem's only 20 minutes away. Why turn down a chance to see re-renaissance in the making whenever I can. I took this beaten path yesterday afternoon. Besides the heavy rain everything was perfect. Just about every light on the West Side highway was green, no traffic & I got a park right in front of my destination ....Carols Daughter.


Carols Daughter is not new to most but most never take the time to visit the flagship store in Harlem on 125th. It is always an experience with top notch customer service. Employees know there products and offer plenty of samples and hands on assistance. Everything smells so good. Bath & Body works cant compare. Even Sephora gives praise where praise is due. I recommend the Tui hair oil, love butter, Ocean body scrub or Groove souffle'.


The section dedicated to mens grooming is quite small but not to be overlooked. Decorated with vintage barber chair & barber pole with seven shelves of sandal wood, almond & ocean scents. Much of the products are unisex most are geared toward the women clientele.

My favorite scents Amandeep & Green Tea have been discontinued but I managed to find something else. I picked up but did not settle for Big Kahuna toilette, shea souffle' and bar soap. The scent is cool & fresh. You smell me and get a flashback your favorite vacation spot.

Pearls is the new Eau de Toilette fragrance offered by Carols Daughter. She liked it so thats that. Its a light but noticeable scent,like fruity flowers, if that makes and sense. C.D. described it best as delicious.

Also for those of you that frequent Carols Daughter heres a bit of news for you all. In 2 weeks C.D. will open a spa in the rear of its flagship 125th st. store. I got a sneak peak but no pics and it looks very comfortable. Stop through for your manicure & pedicures.

Of course after an hour in Carols daughter hunger attacks. Where to eat? So many choices up in Harlem. Soulf Food this BBQ that buffet here Soho right over there! So I remember this review I read on a blog by the name of http://kittybradshaw.com/ about a restaurant in Harlem named Chez Lucienne. I look up the address and boom its not even a block away.

Chez Lucienne is a french restaurant with an easy to understand menu that lured us in. Once inside we are greeted by a heavy accent host who takes our jackets and hangs them up by wooden hangers. Inside very classy mostly white decor with a naked brick wall along entire right side opposite the bar. There was only one other restaurant goer, a seemingly well to do black woman eating alone,she said hello we greeted back and were seated. The lunch menu was $10 or $20 and we opted for the $20 menu. Our lunch included appetizer,main course,desert & coffe. She had the asparagus soup, Kobe burger with brie cheese & chips. I enjoyed my garden salad with honey vinaigrette dressing and medium cooked salmon with green beans. Everything was excellent service was great.

As time passed by so fast more and more people flocked in. Soon there was a wait of 15-20 minutes. The head chef came out to speak to the woman dining alone. It did take a little long for our deserts which I did end up asking for. And then our mango sorbet and blueberry tart was brought out immediately. Over all it was a wonderfull experience for a great price.

Upon leaving the lone strong black woman dining in the corner continued to scribe in here little pad and then looked up to give us a smile and goodbye. I thought to myself could that be Ms. Kitty Bradshaw?

Ofcourse nothing could end this wonder afternoon and that great meal like a good cigar. As we enter the Holland Tunnel on our way back to Jersey I take this chance to try the $5 cigar of the year, the Casa Magna. She lights here Acid Blondie cracks the sunroof and its all good. Now if you remember it is raining but that doesnt matter. I have discovered that when you drive over 60mph you can open the sunroof even during heavy rainfall and smoke goes out and rain no come in. Now please be my guest and try all of the above.

Wine Review: Bodegas Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva 1991

In the world of wine, Spain's producers remain highly underrated. Given its Rioja and Ribera del Duero appellations have always garnered praise, Spain nonetheless continues to be overshadowed by its old world peers: France & Italy in particular. Hardly do you hear that a Spanish producer or region is an aficionado's favorite. Instead connoisseurs often cite Burgundy, Bordeaux, or Piedmont when discussing their favorite areas. Its rare to find an enthusiast with a breadth of knowledge regarding Spanish wines.

Despite its inconspicuous stature, Spain still churns out phenomenal wines. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a top cuvee of celebrated producer Lopez de Heredia, of Rioja. Its Vina Tondonia 1991 Gran Reserva is emblematic of the refined yet bold nature of Spanish, particularly Riojano, wines. Pale in color, its translucent brick-colored center was enrobed in a rust-like hue, showing its age. However, despite its age, the wine remained vibrant. Its aroma was layered and inviting; notes of dried rose petals, charcoal, and red currants sung from the glass. On attack, the wine showed notes of fresh raspberries which lead to a mid-palate of red fruit, cedar, and leather notes, structured by a fresh acidity. The finish was gloriously long as the cedar softened to reveal a subtle, sweetly expressed, cherry hue accompanied by suave tannin. In a phrase, vinous heaven. I thought to myself, "This is what Rioja is all about; this is what makes it great!"
For over a century Lopez de Heredia has been producing amazing, age-worthy wines based on the Tempranillo grape variety. This is evidence that their lessons of experience have not gone unheeded. If there were ever a bottle of wine well-worth its $200 price tag, this is it...its not only a wine, but an experience. True Luxury.

What have you been sipping lately?

Nightlife: The Eldridge, New York, NY

Approaching the door of this well-lauded establishment, one is surprised to find a banal facade almost antique in appearance. A peculiar design for a nightclub, the entrance facade displays several rows of books behind fiberglass(?); reminiscent of various "bar & books," offering a warm ambience and relaxing, good time. The signage is itself nondescript, a plywood structure scribed in gold, an obvious and successful attempt at remaining low-key.

The door staff seem quite complacent & indifferent to a guests presence. With the site's reputation, and the owner Matt Levine's (also owner/designer of fashion line Steelo) emphasis that customer service is of utmost importance, you'd think the hospitality would be immediately reflected by its bouncer & doorman; alas, there was no warm welcome, rather an almost begrudging "Ok, he's good."

Upon entry the ordinary, antique appearance, which resided on the clubs signage, welcomed the club-goer. It was not warm, nor cold...rather almost kitschy: stained plywood cielings, tables, & banquettes (wrapped in leather) seemed to detract from the obviously attempted richness of exposed brick, quartz stone, and wall panels composed of bottles Armand de Brignac Champagne (I expect they're empty.). The juxtoposition of luxury & cheapness (in the form of plywood everything) was unflattering.
The saving grace of the club were its patrons. A mixture of laymen, models, and actors all danced indiscriminately to the well mixed musical styles of hip-hop, pop, & 80's pop. Kudos to the DJ. Better yet, kudos to all the house staff; the waitresses & bartenders were quite good natured, as was the coat check girl who scoured the floor all night, in serious heels, seeking out any untended or obtrusive outerwear, offering to check the pieces without your missing a beat.

The club's exclusivity is in large part due to its size; it is perhaps a club that consists solely of a VIP section. Hence its uber-tight door & sky-rocketed drink pricing. With little room to dance, the space seems more of a lounge than a club.

Overall The Eldridge garners a B+, if only for its quite relaxed crowd and interior staff. Its design, despite an obvious attempt at a statement of opulence, is wanting.

I would recommend The Eldridge for those seeking to kick back, spend big, & rub elbows with entertainment & fashion industry types. For those seeking a great "clubbing" experience, not so much.