Hot NYC Fun In the Summertime: Part 1, FREE!!!

Who says you have to empty your pockets to have a fun summer in the Big Manzana? Tons of FREE events in NY this 2010. Found a nice comprehensive list on About.com.

What's On Your Plate?

Saw this documentary on Discovery's Planet Earth Channel (my new favorite channel!) featuring two young girls looking for answers about the food they eat and where it comes from. Focused around their neighborhood of the Lower East Side, this doc features a lot of information for local New Yorkers, and raises questions anyone in the US should be asking about their food.

3-2-1 Jello, Oh How I Miss Thee

I figured that someone would have found or figured out the recipe to one of my favorite childhood desserts. Although I wish I could find a picture of this Jello product, the idea is simple. This version of Jello would set into three layers, the first two being a mousse consistency, and the last being the jello layer. Apparently this recipe works with any packet of jello, but will I be victorious and be able to replicate the magic of 3-2-1 Jello?

From Boston-Baden.com
"After adding the boiling water, the mixture was blended for 30 seconds, then blended at high speed for 1 minute, then add a cup of ice water and blend on high for 1 more minute. You fill each glass HALF FULL, then refill the glasses completely in the same order. It 'automatically' separates into 3 layers upon chilling. Basically they call this gelatin with 2 toppings (on the box). Molding this product is NOT recommended."

Let's see if this works! Their Sherbert 1-2-3 recipe also looks fantastic.

Virtual Parranda

The easiest way to explain the Puerto Rican tradition of a parranda de aguinaldos involves a parade of local neighbors, family and friends singing traditional and folk christmas songs while playing instruments and traveling house to house serenading for food and beverages, spreading celebration and good cheer.  This originally began as a religious celebration of the coming birth of Christ beginning with masses held before Christmas day.  

In remembering such a wonderful tradition, and my family's wonderful neighbors (Hola Gonzalez family!) in Co-Op city who kept this tradition alive, please enjoy this medley of songs traditionally sung during this parade.  Share this story on your page or blog and help create the first (for what I know at least) virtual Parranda!

You might also like reading : Coquito For Dummies

Loving Day Flagship Celebration

I am volunteering between 2-5 and partying till 7 at the Loving Day celebration being held on Sunday June 7th, here are the details, come join the party!

Come celebrate the anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court case that legalized interracial marriage in the US.

Sunday, June 7th from 3-7pm at Solar 1
East River at 23rd St. in Manhattan

FREE BBQ: all day long
FREE BEER: for the first hour
GET IN FREE: rain or shine
MULTICULTURAL: family friendly

Featuring:
DJ DHUNDEE, Sugarcuts Music (http://www.djdhundee.blogspot.com)
DJ TYLER ASKEW, Rude/MFT (http://www.rudemovements.net/)

Directions:
SUBWAY: 6 train to 23rd, then M23 bus or walk e. past Ave C & FDR. Look for Gulf gas station. Or, L train to 1st Ave: walk N. to 23rd
BY CARr: from south, FDR to 20-23 St. exit. Right on Ave C, right on 23rd almost to Gulf gas station, then service road to Solar 1

RSVP YOUR SPOT: lovingdayparty@gmail.com
LEARN MORE ONLINE: http://www.lovingday.org

I LOVE TO EAT AT: Kevin's

Kevin's
277A Van Brunt St,
Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Red Hook)

I am proud to call Caroline and Kevin neighbors. Kevin's is a small cafe style restaurant with an evolving menu and fantastic prices. I have tried various dishes, including the Eggs Chesapeake with home fries (a Benedict with crab cake instead of ham), but my favorite is the Hearty Seafood Stew, a generous helping of Scallops, Shrimp, Flounder and Salmon (slight changes made according to season) in a tangy tomato based broth with rice and a baguette. The slight spiciness and the various mix of fish make a perfect tasting broth, exactly what I needed on a chilly day. I have to say that their weekend brunch menu is my favorite, there is never a wait on the weekends. The selection of different dishes may make it difficult to chose, so make sure when you go bring many friends and make sure to try everyone's dish!