I'm still here......

I know it's been a while, but I promise to bring you the best of DC, Maryland and Virginia. I am currently exploring "best kept secret" restaurants, and awesome happy hour spots. There is a lot to cover and I have been working diligently. In the winter, when I'll be confined to my condo, I assure my postings will not disappoint. Thank you for the continued support.

Patti cakes

Watch the throne....close but no cigar

The highly anticipated album "Watch the throne" has been released on iTunes and the masses have spoken. Did the Messiah of all rap albums deliver? ....well not really. Still, Jay-Z and Kanye West are two of hip-hop's most respected rappers and are lauded for their bravado, craftiness with words and swag runneth over persona. But this album was not the masterpiece the hip-hop world thought it would be. The verdict is out, and the album was labeled "good" not great. Don't get it twisted there are still highlights and 'whoa' moments, so be not deceived by any reviews, after all they're all just crafty opinions.

The collaborative effort of raps heavy weights Hov and Yeezy missed their mark, "almost doesn't count' or "close but no cigar" could perfectly sum up the response of the people in reference to the albums expectation for greatness.

Could it be that we expected the impossible from the powerhouse duo, or could it be that our standards for them were not realistic?  The answer still remains unknown, yet some argue if the album was created by any other two artist that we would deem it classic...that may be true, but there are other artist,...and then there's Jay- Z and Kanye West...clearly there's a marked difference.

I guess what the people of the hip-hop world and I were seeking was the rap version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller", although that's not what we the people got, we were given great songs like N****s in Paris, Otis, Murder excellence, Primetime, Made in America and New day. 


Great lines...

Lines like " i'll never let my son have an ego/ he'll be nice to everyone where ever we go/ I mean I might even make him be republican/ so everybody know he love white people/- West. 

In the song New Day  Kanye West raps about hopes that his unborn son is nothing like him. West hopes he stays away from strip clubs, Amber Rose's, telethons, and utter self absorption and worship. His lyrics are perfectly crafted over RZA's beat and then Jay-z tags along offering his wishes for his unborn son as well. Pure genius.

On "That's mt b***h' Jay-z addresses the controversial topic of the plight of women of color in media in he raps,

“I mean Marilyn Monroe, she’s quite nice / But why all the pretty icons always all-white?/ Put some colored girls in the MOMA / Half these broads ain’t got nothing on Wyldna / Don’t make me bring Thelma in it / Bring Halle, Bring Penelope and Selma in it / Back to my Beyoncés, you deserve three stacks word to André."

Made in America produced by No i.d. is nothing less of a great song with great lyrics, and an even better hook. The hook sings "sweet baby Jesus, we made it in America" and can be mistaken for the  words of an old negro spiritual.

“I told my mama I was on the come up / She said you going to school I’ll give you a summer / Then she met No I.D. and gave me his number / Ten years later she driving a Hummer,” -West.

Then  Jay-Z raps: “No papa, bad Santa / The streets raised me, pardon my bad manners / I got my liberty choppin’ grams up / Street justice, I pray God understand us / I pledge allegiance to all the scramblers / This is the Star Spangled Banner.”

Both  Jay and West offer honesty, challenge what's real, denounce the status quo and redefine "balling" with savviness, soulfulness, braggadocio, and class! This may very well be the best rap album of 2011, but it's not the best hip hop album ever, and it isn't a master piece either.

Songs like HAM, Welcome to the jungle (even though Jay killed his verse), and Why I love you, are misses in my opinion. Others may disagree but this is my blog (na na na na *sticks tongue out*)

Other great lines include :

Illest M*********e Alive

“King Hov, I’m exactly what the f–k you think / 11 in a row, Bill Russell rings / Michael Jordan swag, y’all think Michael Jordan bad / N—a I got a 5 more rings than Michael Jordan had / Elvis has left the building now I’m on the Beatles ass / N—s hear ‘Watch The Throne,’ yeah it’s like the Beatles back / Bey Bey my Yoko Ono, Rih Rih complete the family / Imagine how that’s gonna look front row at the Grammys.” 

Prime time

“Damn Yeezy, they all gotta be dimes? / Well, Adam gave up a rib so mine better be prime,” explains West on why he only dates models. But Jay-Z one-ups him with this line: “Our 15 minutes of fame has stretched beyond / At 42 be better than 24 / I carried the 4-5, mastered 48 laws / Still wearing my 23′s they can’t f–k with the boy.” 

Overall I grade this album an A-, and recommend you add this to your music collection. Watch the throne has set the bar for what the next hip hop album should aspire to be, or even challenge. Weather it's recorded in Paris, Australia or a basement in Brooklyn, no one cares. Till then we are still waiting for raps version of "thriller", I enjoy a good album..but I'm truly in pursuit of greatness!!!!

Wikileaks Haiti: The Aristide Files | The Nation

http://www.thenation.com/article/162598/wikileaks-haiti-aristide-files?page=0%2C1

THE NEW “BASKETBALL not really WIVES” OF L.A.

Will they be able to keep our attention like the ladies in Miami did, or will this be like the Real House Wives of D.C.....exactly....who were they again!

Let's stay tuned and see how this goes down...Tami, Evelyn, Royce, Jenn, Susie and Shaunie are a hard act to follow....Stay tuned reality t.v junkies....stay tuned.

Hip-hops most anticipated album .....Watch the Throne

By now I am sure you have heard the song "Otis" by Kanye West and Jay-Z, the question is will the album be as good or better. Only time will tell if this album will be one of raps classics. Jay-Z and Kanye recorded in Paris, Australia and New York. Their new album will be available on iTunes on August 8, and in stores on August 12. Watch out for hip-hops most anticipated album of the year "Watch the throne" I can't wait to hear it and offer my commentary.

What Bob says....

You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about
you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile 
when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she's not there.
- Bob Marley


He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.
—Bob Marley




Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!
—Bob Marley

Love Poem for the week: Him by P. Lafontant

Him

He spoke words of truth and even the harshest were delivered with kindness

He listened to weakness and never subscribed to taking advantage

He took sorrow and suffering and turned it into spiritual strength

He exposed my beauty, without exposing  my body

And now he  undresses my heart

So I lie here naked but clothed with hope

I'm not cold, nor am I ashamed

I have simply been introduced to love

And I publicly accept the invitation

To living the rest of my life

With

Him

...Love

P. Lafontant

The debt ceiling crisis. .....and the saga continues

Today while on Facebook I read the greatest analogy ever by Barney Frank. This is how many Americans democrats and moderate republicans feel about what's going on in Washington, Once again special interest groups AKA the rich and powerful win, whilst middle America suffers. What ever happen to doing the greatest good????

At the end of the day, the debt ceiling vote was King Solomon suggesting cutting the baby in half. Obama was the true mother, saying give the baby to her, don't destroy it. Republicans as well as Democrats who are angry at Obama were the mother saying cut the baby. When your opponent views destruction as an acceptable choice, you get the best deal you can. - Barney Frank

My celebrity crush....Idris Elba

Me and Idris Elba @ Grass Lounge, Miami

 We all have at least one celebrity crush, I was just blessed enough to have met mine. He's one of Hollywood's most promising up and coming leading men, Idris Akuna Elba. Idris Elba was  born of a Sierra Leonean father and Ghanaian mother, and raised in East London, that's where his irresistible English accent comes from. Known for his role as " Stringer Bell" on one of my favorite shows the Wire, Elba is no stranger to acting. Elba has starred in various films, Daddy's little girl, Takers, Obsessed, and American Gangster to name a few. Idris is classy, sexy and just a bowl of dark chocolate decadence. Having a down to earth personality and more swag then Diddy makes matters even worse.  Who would'nt have a crush on him! Idris Elba is what one would call SEXY CHOCOLATE. Simply delish!

Idris Elba and I, Club Play, Miami

Sade live in concert, if have'nt you seen her live, you missed out !

I been to so many live concerts, but Ms. Sade Adu raised the standard. Hit after hit, melody after melody, I was more satisfied than usual. The crowd roared as she swayed her feminine hips from side to side, and then melted as she wooed us with her sultry voice. Sexy and enchanting with out being raunchy, Sade is the woman we all want to be and look like when we're 52. Just to show how human she is, she was a few minutes late, and apologized to the crowd in that deep raspy voice, adding that she was half Nigerian and should be forgiven. Needless to say she was more than forgiven, she was applauded for her mild lateness. If Sade had taken an hour no one would've cared, she's just that awesome. Sade's music is timeless,and  she's been making music before I was born, and yes I'm that young.
The American Airlines Arena was packed and people from all over the world flew to Miami to get a piece of the action. John Legend was there too, but I mean we're talking about Sade here, no comparison there. As I sang along to every song with my hand in the air like someone was holding me hostage, even my friend Karen as reserved as she is did the same. I recommend all my music lovers to go see this Angel who wears black turtle necks and pants live before it's too late, and take the whole family too. Sade is amazing and all I can say is seeing her live will forever leave a lasting impression. Because of Sade we are all looking for a smooth operator, who's love is King, who will forever be by our side, and who's touch is as sweet as taboo! Sade rocks!

 

Sade performs my one of my favorite songs "Pearls" Live in Milan

Music that rocks!

It's summertime, the kids are home...what should you do?

It's summer time in Miami, the kids are home and driving you crazy. For those of you who can't send them to camp in the Hampton's, or somewhere in Pennsylvania for $10,000.00 for a few weeks let me make a few suggestions. The best thing you can do for your child is wear them out before they wear you out. Plan a day that's starts off with cold stone ice cream, video games, and a great kid friendly movie. By the time the movie is over they'll be sleeping in the car and ready for bed after a warm bath. One of the cutest movies for kids right now is the "The Smurfs." The smurfs is light hearted, kid friendly and very funny. I found the adults laughing in the theater just as much as the children if not more. I was very pleased with the story line and enjoyed every punch line made by the villain Garougala. So remember, stay cool this summer by keeping the kids busy. Play dates, books, movies, museums, games, or a walk in the park can be therapeutic for the whole family.

A pool may be a little more sanitary keep them busy!

You don't want your kid doing this for summer break trust me. 

Gay couples wed in New York....

Despite how you feel about this new law allowing gay couples to wed and have the same rights and entitlements as heterosexual married couples, it is happening and it's going anywhere. I remember talking about this with an older West Indian woman who was furious and said "God will disown "them" I then asked her if you son or daughter was gay would you disown them or stop loving them she looked at me hard and said" of course not, I could never let go of my child!" I replied saying and that's exactly what God says about us, ALL of us. The point is we are all his children. Being a Christian many people in my life who are Christians disagree with my stance. Yet when they find out their spiritual leader is gay, all hell breaks lose. ouch! I say too bad!  My motto is "love all" and judge not.

Mango's South Beach...

Mango's on South Beach is known for thier exotic latin dancers, and scatilly clad bar tenders. The salsa has a life of it's own and the drinks make you feel like you're on a private resort in Cuba. Who would've known that Mango's has the most delish barbecue grilled salmon salad ever. Being the foodie that I am, I invited my high school buddy Betty to join me on South Beach. Visiting from Fort Greene, Brooklyn what better place than Mango's to re-introduce her to Miami. We both ordered the the barbecue grilled salmon salad splashed with walnuts, and avacado and re-entered food heaven once again. This entree is great with a Mai Tai or Pomegranate Mojito. Next time you're strolling down Ocean Drive in your two piece and want something light and delicious in that new lipoed tummy be sure to order the barbecue grilled salmon salad.

The delicious barbecue grilled salmon salad

Betty and I enjoying our meal

                                                                                
                                                                          








Mango's
900 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139-5013
(305) 673-4422

Ms. Lauryn hill has her 6th child....but who's the daddy?

Everyone who knows me knows I loooooove L-boogie AKA Lauryn Hill. Lately a lot of controversy have been surrounding her and her baby's father of five children, son of legendary Bob Marley, Rohan Marley. Today it was reported that Rohan is not the father of her 5th child, now the question is who is? So many conflicting stories about their relationship has been circulating blogs and magazines everywhere, and makes us wonder if any one even has the story right. Lauryn Hill is still one of musics most celebrated artist. The mis-education of Lauryn Hill is still everyones favorite CD. No matter who the father is, what fans want more than an answer is for Ms. Hill to produce another multi- grammy award winning album. Lauryn we don't care how many kids you have, or even with whom...we just want some MUSIC!

Lauryn, Rohan and daughter Selah.

Amy Winehouse gone too soon....

Amy Jade Winehouse, English singer and song writer pronounced dead! Another music great, ahead of her time, was pronounced dead today in her London apartment. No stranger to controversy and rumored mental illness and substance abuse, the fact remains Amy Winehouse was a natural talent. With a soultry voice, honest lyrics and the beehive hairstyle of the 60's, Amy was what we call " an original." Winehouse's music was a combination of rock, soul, R&B, and Jazz with a hip-hop swag. She collaborated with greats like Jay-z on the remix of hit single "Rehab." Amy Winehouse had fans all over the United Kingdom, states and the world. It is so sad that the music industry has lost another great artist. With songs like 'Back to black, Valerie,  Tears dry on their own, and you know i'm no good, how could you not become a fan. If you never found yourself singing "wake up alone" then something is wrong with you. I remember on those few Saturdays I stayed home, Amy Winehouse would be playing and I would just be in my zone singing to the very apex of my lungs. Her lyrics were naked and as human as human gets. You could feel Amy's pain, her anger, and despair. Her cries for help were melodic and hypnotic. This is a loss for all music lovers, I just pray she has found peace, and that we do not forget her contribution to music and acknowledge the good despite her unfortunate cause of death. At the tender age of 27, Amy Winehouse joins Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Janice Joplin in music heaven, the truest form of "rehab." I hope the music industry takes heed and decides to help heal struggling artist rather than expose and exploit them.

R.I.P. Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 — 23 July 2011)

Miami's hot spots.....

Prime 112
Here in Miami there are so many things to do, places to go and people to see. Yet, how many times have your nights return void? There are a few places here that will never die, as well as some that will be old news or shut down tomorrow. This day and age its all about consistency and quality. For those living in the city and feel like there is no where I want to go, think again. You should party and eat with a purpose, and be satisfied. Some of you are partying too much and not eating enough. I believe a lot of you have forgotten "THEY HAVE BARS IN RESTAURANTS TOO!" because we all know clubs can get old real fast, but food and drinks never do. Now I am totally aware this is Miami, land of the plastic and perfect coke bottle figure, but we still gotta eat dammit! Through my experience bars have been a great place to chat, network and form great personal and/or professional relationships. Here's an example: you're at the bar, next to some old guy with a ya mica on, having small talk, and through vague exchanges realize you work for the same company, then realize hey this is the CEO at my company. You never really knew what he looked like besides in pictures because your cubicle is in the dimly lit basement of the building. So now this old foggie thinks you have a lot of spunk and charisma and ask you to call his secretary and schedule an appointment to interview for a promotion. Of course you have all the qualifications, but it's been two years since you've been promoted because of politics and the everyday bullshit that goes on at work. This was the company you loved but considered leaving due to lack of growth, two weeks later here you are with you suit on accepting that senior level position. All because of what..your MBA from Cornell...NO. All because you decided to go to Prime 112 and have a Lychee Martini. I'm telling you there is something about Lychee martini's, they bring the best out of everyone. Prime 112 is a charming, posh, popular but not overrated restaurant owned by the business savvy Myles Chefetz. Both Myles and Prime 112 are one of those things that just won't die, kind of like a roach. It's not the celebrities that keeps this establishments image though it helps but the great food, drinks and most important of all service. Yes, reserving a table may be hectic, but that's why there's are bar or you can go next door to Prime Hotel or across the street to Prime Italian, all owned by Myles Chefetz. You're young, cute and vibrant, you should be at the bar anyway. With Jay-z's songs playing in the background and an occasional visit from Lebron James, or Clive Davis, this place is not too shabby. Known for their delicious aged Steak, Lobster and Lamb my personal favorites are the Lobster mac n cheese, Chilean sea bass, Brussel Sprouts, God bless their fried chicken, and for dessert either the bread pudding or the fried oreos. With a menu as big as the city surely there is a dish that will satisfy the palate, not to mention they're perfectly mixed drinks and cool bar tenders. Weather you are visiting or live in Miami, drop by, come dressed to impress, have some crispy bacon at the bar (if you're a pork eater), meet a few people, order a Lychee martini or maybe a Mango chili capriosca and treat yourself to great food, people and service. Just don't forget your wallet.

Me and Owner Myles Chefetz

Prime 112
112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach - (305) 532-8112























City Hall the Restaraunt

This next place is fairly new but shows a lot of promise. City Hall owned by Steven Haas, the protege' of the famous Emeril Lagasse, has opened his restaurant in the up and coming neigborhood of mid-town Miami. For those who are anit-South Beach, this may be the place you were looking for. They too serve great Lychee Martini's and fried chicken. I know Lychee martini's and fried chicken is becoming a re-occuring theme, but usually if those are good so is everything else. So I ate at City Hall for the first time yesterday with my friend Todd and loved it. The food was good it was crowded but not stuffy, and the ambiance was casual chic, not cheap hollywood which is also great. City hall is a great place for those who want to escape the sometimes obnoxious tourist, yet have a graet meal and conversation. I believe really soon it will be hard to reserve a table here like so many other places in South Florida, so stop by now while you can.
City Hall the Restaraunt
2004 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL
Phone:
(305) 764-3130 


The River Oyster Bar in Brickell

If you are a seafood lover then this is wear you want to eat. The river is another one of Miami's hidden jewels. When I ate at the River with the fabulous Bianca and Funmi I was impressed by how many chefs from out of town ate their too. This is a foodies restaurant. If you read my blogs enough you'll learn what a foodie is, I am definantly a foodie and proud! Back to the river, they serve everything from salmon to conch ceviche, grilled octopus, as well as more fancy seafood items such as foie gras on calabaza pancakes with vanilla-bean chutney, mahi encrusted with nutty pumpkin seeds, and more. There is something on the menu for everyone. Portions are large and there is also a great bar. If you're ever in Brickell and want to feel like your food just made love to you, this is where you need to be.


The River
650 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, Fl 33130
305-530-1915

I like to call this next place, Miami's best kept secret. Bardot is where you go to dance, and I mean dance your not so little toosh off. Bardot is tucked away in the cutesy artsy neighborhood of Wynwood in Miami's Design and Art District. When you pull up outside you see this drab buliding, but be not decieved my friend, because once you enter you may see Quest love from the roots spinning your favorite records in the DJ booth, or Talib Kweli on the mic. The Dj's at Bardot  do not play the songs you skip through on the radio, but the songs you thought no one else loved but you, the songs the radio does'nt play, and the songs that cause you to break out, dance and sweat profusely. Bardot has live bands, and great artist performing all the time, in an intimate setting for a more than reasonable price. At Bardot, it's ok to sweat, because everyone else is sweating. At Bardot it's o.k to wear Tory Burch flats because no one is in Louboutins or YSL's. You can order a stella or a heineken, or what ever you like. No Lychee martinis here. You can play pool, or reserve a table, but I promise you all the action is on the dance floor. This is a safe laid back place to hang out and meet your favorite Europeans. Bardot has a mixed diverse crowd of Miami locals, NY photographers and models and European vacationers. Next time you want to avoid South Beach and still shake your tail feather be sure to stop by Bardot on a Sunday night and get loose. 
Bardot

3456 N Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33127

(305) 576-5570

www.bardotmiami.com