Going Natural ...

Production Essence , , Monday, May 31, 2010 Monday, May 31, 2010


Here I am...

Ok, I know you're looking at the title and giving me the side eye (O_o) but hear me out. What I'm about to say may hurt some feelings but the perks of having my hair cut low, is that I feel ultra fearless, so:

Going natural is not just about hair.

There. I said it. Of course these are my views and you can definitely feel free to disagree. Going natural is more than about hair. Its pointless if other changes aren't made with it. I was "natural" for a long time but only yesterday did I fully understand the concept. I want my outsides to be beautiful, but even more so... My insides.

"They" say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. Well, the same applies here too: if I go natural but still keep all of my old hair habits and expect my hair to be magically different, yup, I'm insane.

Its funny. Without a lifestyle change --- its the same brittle, slow growing hair, with a kink - Bwaahaahahahahahaha (now that's funny).

"Well why? I thought you said you weren't going to cut your hair again!" --- Ans: I know. I'm sorry if your disappointed. This one I did for me. I don't believe in accidents. I went to the barber with with my heart set on a Frohawk (which I'm still gonna get later on) and he "messed up"... I had been toying with the idea for a while. I'd been using wigs to hide my discontent with my hair (more about that later) and once again the things going on in my life had reached a pinnacle. I flowed with my barber.... "Just cut it, please" I asked sweetly. And he did.

Hope you understand.

Yes, the goal is still locs --- but until then, I'm finally going to embark on and enjoy the natural experience.

Just me.

No wigs this time. (If you see me backslide on this one, you have my permission to snatch it off my head and burn it on sight)

Just me. (Regenerate: mental, physical, emotional, spiritual)

Essence.

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Brooklyn Eats: COCO ROCCO - Peruvian Cuisine

Production Essence , , Monday, May 31, 2010
















Coco Roco Restaurant
139 Smith Street (Btwn: Bergen and Dean Streets)
718-254-9933


So nice, I had to go back twice. 


So, after a photo shoot one Sunday evening, one of my girlfriends suggested that we all go eat. We ended up on Brooklyn's Restaurant Row; Smith Street. If you didn't know... you NEED to ask someone. 

It was a beautiful day and the doors were open in the front. The place just looks so cozy. We were seated to a table in the back (just before the outdoor patio... NICE) and enjoyed a lovely meal. 

Here we go.

Service: Our servers were very attentive to us. It would be kind of hard not to though; four beautiful ladies command attention. I counted a total of three servers - I was excited. I maintain, one of the things that can make or break a restaurant experience is the service. The place would have absolutely terrible food... but service with a smile and paying attention to me... makes up for a lot. The service here was great. They checked up on us regularly. We didn't wait too long for our appetizers. Some places are in a habit nowadays of bringing your appetizer... with your entree. That's just nonsensical. Loved the service here.

Cost: While not what I would consider expensive, it's not a cheap eat either.
Appetizers are between $8-$10 (the appetizers are served in portions just enough for one). Entrees starting at $11 to $20. I would recommend that an individual carry at least $30. 

Taste: The food here is great! If this is starter Peruvian food... I'm a believer. 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I order the complete meal: Appetizer(s), entree, special drink and dessert. Tonight was no exception. I ordered the Tamalito Verde (cilantro corn tamale filled with chicken) to start. I can't even begin to describe the taste. The chicken was so seasoned and the corn was sweet and the cilantro --- I know I'm probably not doing a good job explaining the taste but it was soooo savory. The tamalito verde is a bit adventurous but you won't be sorry. 

My girlfriends ordered the Chicken Empanada and Papa Rellenas. Chicken empanadas are like chicken patties - very delicious and very savory. I think Peruvian food is very seasoned and I love it. The Papa is a ball stuffed with potatoes, beef and vegetables. Great starter options if you're looking to try something that looks a bit more familiar. 
I had the Arroz Con Coco (sauteéd red snapper fillet with coconut rice and avocado salad). Ok, where do I begin? The rice - my ladies tasted my rice and agreed... it was the bomb! The fish, full of flavor and didn't really have a fishy taste. 

Ambiance: Very cozy. Very inviting. I like that the tables are not on top of each other. You have your own dining space. I hate crowded tables, and when you laugh the next table is laughing at your joke too, you know what I mean. It was also quiet, just some salsa/meringue and ballads playing in the back.


OVERALL: 4.5/5.0 - A fiend is born. 

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*Taps mic* - "Ummm, is this thing on" - I'm back

Production Essence , , Sunday, May 2, 2010 Sunday, May 02, 2010

*Announcer over loudspeaker: She's been gone for a minute. But hey ya'll. She's back*

*Round of Appluase*

YAY! 'm back. Its my aim to be consistent this time around. I've had to learn the hard way that my life takes a dive when I don't write. I need it. Its in my veins. Its a release. Its an escape. Its my therapy. Its air.  --- I say this as I am riding the A train to work... There's no air in here. (Commercial: Shouldn't the train smell flowery and powdery? Aren't most of us on our way to the 9-5 slave shift coming from homes with running water and soap? *Deep Sigh*)

I want to thank the few who saw me @ church and asked me "What happened to your blog?". I love you. You never know who's reading you but I put my words and thoughts out there; maybe for you to relate or co-sign or disagree. Either way, its going to get really real in this space --- but not in a 'buckwild MTV Real World' kind of way.

Oh yeah, this blog is no longer going to be just fun and food. I'm pulling back the curtain so you can peek into me.  Its so funny running into people who have this idea of me. Right or wrong, there's so much more behind the smiles and laughs and crazy antics.

That said. I give you me. Take it or leave it. Love me or leave me. Its up to you.

*exits Stage left*

*Rousing Applause and cheers*

EA Loves the people!

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