live. laugh. do.

Going Natural ...

2010-05-31T14:37:00.003-04:00

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.

Brooklyn Eats: COCO ROCCO - Peruvian Cuisine

2010-05-31T13:44:00.003-04:00

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.

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

2010-05-02T10:46:00.001-04:00

*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!

EAT BREAKFAST!

2009-11-20T16:26:00.001-05:00

I have a friend who constantly skips breakfast. It irks me… really… as a food lover, this hurts me. I hate to admit it but Momma was right.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I dream about food. In the mornings… I can't wait to realize the pancakes topped with fruit and whipped cream. I wasn't always this way. My Momma would get on me too about breakfast – until I tried it and saw the difference for myself. Point is – even if it's fruit, a bowl of cereal, chocolate covered ants – whatever floats your boat; just have breakfast!

Facts about Breakfast

• The word Breakfast came about because it means breaking the fast after one has not eaten (fasted) since the night before

• Breakfast tells your body to stop the fast and get your motor running. Breakfast gives you energy and gets your brain to functioning

• People who eat breakfast are less likely to over eat at Lunch time. Why? Because their body is not going through those stomach quivers that we get when we are hungary. Those quivers make us over eat.

• People who eat breakfast usually do better at work and at school. (That's why you were passed over for the promotion – smh @ you!)

• Desayuno is Spanish for breakfast - just drop that into this morning's conversation

• Breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a Pauper.

• If you don't eat breakfast, your body is like a computer with no power

• Cereal is the number one food bought in supermarkets today. The first breakfast cereal was created in 1863 in New York by a vegetarian. (Think about that the next time you munch on your Cheerios meat eaters!)

• "Eating breakfast of any kind prevent(s) many of the adverse effects of fasting," such as irritability and fatigue, according to Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School.

• "Breakfast can establish the tone for the next 16 hours (of each day after eating it). Why not treat yourself to a nice meal and a quality hour to collect yourself and focus on what's important?"

• 40% spend less than 10 minutes preparing and eating their breakfast during the week. (You mean to tell you can't get up 10 minutes earlier – gimme a cotton pickin' break!)

• Breakfast will kick start your metabolism which can assist weight control. Skipping meals sets up extreme hunger patterns later in the day, resulting in excess calorie intake.
My Momma always says – You don't lose weight by not eating – keep that in mind the next time you think skipping breakfast will help you keep the weight off – smh!

That's all for now

EA!

.::My 25 @ 25::.

2009-10-22T15:05:00.003-04:00

Not really a review or thing to do, but words of wisdom to live life...better :)

Things I've Learned .::My 25 @ 25::.

1. The laundry can wait.
2. Laugh at yourself!
3. Always choose to believe something good will happen!
4. When you are angry at someone, think about all the things you love about them before you speak.
5. Relax. This is only your current situation. It will change.
6. The past is the past—leave it there.
7. Do not have fear — being afraid only attracts it to you that much faster.
8. If you don’t wear it, use it, drive it, or read it for more than a year—get rid of it.
9. Make every day a special occasion, and make special occasions nothing short of spectacular!
10. Trust, but verify
11. If you don’t have anything nice to say—SHUT UP!
12. That no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back
13. That the whole "Independent Woman" thing (as most of us know it) is overrated. Listen to "Weary" by Amel Larrieux and tell me I'm not talkin' the truth. They all need hugs!
14. You shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do but to the best you can do.
15. It's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
16. It's a lot easier to react than it is to think
17. You can keep going long after you think you can.
18. We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
19. There are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
20. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have
21. Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated
22. No matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that
23. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become
24. No matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get further in life.
25. No matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.

RED BAMBOO - Brooklyn (Vegetarian Cuisine)

2009-10-13T12:00:00.002-04:00

RED BAMBOO - BROOKLYN
Vegetarian Cuisine
271 Adelphi St

Brooklyn, NY 11205-4602

(718) 643-4806

Ok... I can imagine what you must be thinking. Don't you eat meat? Why are we at a vegetarian restarant now?

A bit of background: My Mom is a vegetarian. I grew up vegetarian... that is until a trip to the farm changed everything. LOL! So now - chicken, beef, fish and veggie meats are my friends.

I've had my share of good vegetarian food and whole lot of bad ones too. There's only so many ways you can go wrong with chicken/beef/fish. With vegetarian dishes... the opportunities are endless, unfortunately. I think I am more picky with vegetarian food than any other kind of food. With that said:

There is lots of great dining to have at Red Bamboo!

Service: Good but not great. It was a little bit of a turn off. Our server was around for the beginning and then she disappeared toward the middle and reappeared at the end. It was funny - another server noticed our neck motion (looking for our server) and came to our rescue.
Cost: Reasonable. I aim to get a taste of everything when I go out to eat (because I know I am going to write about it later). Thirty bucks at the end of the night for (3 appetizers, an entree and 2 specialty fruit juices) a full belly and a doggy bag is a pretty good deal for me.
Taste: Great! Right on point! Though, I don't know how they can make soy and tofu taste like chicken... the "meat" was succulent. I was happy to be at a table with friends who don't mind sampling each other's food. I'm usually not a fan - but I was curious. What does your "chicken parm" taste like? What does your "bourbon chicken" taste like? It was all very good. It made me think about going veggie... Vegetarian food, when prepared correctly, can do that to you.
Ambiance: This might be a place that you want to go to with friends you're close with... why? Because, you'll be close to them. LOL! If you're going here... do your best to get a roomy booth. The tables in the middle are close together; limited space. No one was bumping me but it's weird having a conversation and someone you don't know is less than an arms length away.
There is an upstairs room that's available for private occasions. That particular night - the room was in use. Reggae and Old Skool jams filled the air. There was a lot of whisper singing and swaying in the room.

Overall: 3.0/5.0 stars

CHANCE RESTAURANT (Thai Cuisine)

2009-10-13T11:22:00.004-04:00

CHANCE RESTAURANT
Thai Cuisine
223 Smith St

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(718) 242-1515

It would be just my luck that I syumbled across this place with a sista-friend of mine.

Would you just take a minute to look at this place? It's soo beautiful.
I was having a craving for some Thai food. My sisterfriend heard about a place her brother's always going to. I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did.

Service was excellent. It's such a nuisance when you have to flag down the waitstaff with your hands, then arms (like you're an air traffic controller or flight attendant) because they're just not paying attention to you. Even if the food at a restaurant was bad... excellent wait staff makes up for it. We never had to hail down anyone... they came to us before we even thought to make eye contact.

Cost is very reasonable. Appetizers range from $5 - $9. Entrees range from $11 - $19.
Taste is good! Very good! When ever I eat Thai, Chinese, Japanese - I get the fish. I know that a lot of fish is eaten in these parts of the world. So I know, they know fish! That's just my logic - I ordered the Seared Salmon. It came with a sweet sauce I won't ever forget! Oh man - just thinking about it makes me think it's time for another visit.

For dessert I had the Banana Spring Roll with Caramel - Soooo tasty! My sistafriend had a Green Tea Ice Cream sampler. It was amazing. We were both highly satisfied with the food @ Chance.

Ambiance = Amazing! I like places that make it easy for me to forget that I live in a city. Plus... just look at the pictures. Very classy! The time that we went could have something to do with it (we wen't late - it was after 10pm). They close at midnight - we were there past midnight but the staff never made a fuss. They were happy to keep the desserts coming.

OVERALL: 4.0/5.0 - I think I'm going to make another visit this weekend.

For more information visit: http://www.chancecuisine.com/

NYONYA - The Malaysian Food Experience

2009-09-03T12:06:00.000-04:00

I'm back... again... looks like I have a lot to say today.

I think I am at the beginning stages of being addicted to Nyonya Restaurant.

Roti Canai (Mmmmmm)

Firstly, if you're not the adventurous type... then this restaurant isn't for you. I absolutely love trying new foods. I love going somewhere and not knowing what to expect. I sit at the table and stare at the menu with such excitement - It's amazing. Most time, the food hit's the spot. And, there have been a few times where it completely missed the mark. Nyonya's hit the spot!

NYONYA RESTAURANT
194 Grand Street
(Btwn: Mulberry St & Mott Street)
Subway Directions: B train to Grand Street or Q train to Canal Street

Nyonya is located in Little Italy. When I'm there...I don't feel like I am in New York. I feel like I am in a movie about New York thinking "So this is the New York I see in the movies" - lol! There are many other restaurants in the area - all promising great food and a great experience but I had my heart set on Malaysian food.
Not too pricey - I had dinner with my sister-friend for under $25. They say we're still in a recession.

The service was excellent - the wait staff was eager to accomodate. One thing I strongly dislike when going out is when the wait person doesn't come back and check on you. The food could be awesome, but if you don't come back and check to see if my drink needs refilling - The restaurant loses cool points. I had several people wait on me at Nyonya - it was a great experience.

Recommendations:

The Roti Canai (curry with chicken and potatoes served with Indian bread) is the only way to start things off - Trust me - anything else would be a disservice.

Lychee Drink - Don't judge a drink by it's look! LOL! You'll be pleasantly surprised. It's a clear drink with the actual lychee fruit in the glass. The drink comes with a spoon - so when you're done drinking - dig in. The lychee fruit is sweet! Yummy!

Opt for the sticky rice - it's made with jasmine - smells and tastes awesome!

As I continue to frequent this restaurant, making my way down and trying the entire menu (LOL - Yes... I am quite serious), updates are sure to follow!

Don't knock it till you try it!

EA!

Essence Goes To The New York Spa Castle

2009-08-10T15:41:00.000-04:00

New York Spa Castle – College Point, NY
http://www.nyspacastle.com/eng/main/main.php
Cost: $35 weekdays/ $45 weekends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESSENCE!

I recently celebrated my birthday! I am so excited – I look forward to getting older and the new experiences that await me. I look forward to growing into and becoming a better person. I can't wait to see what this year has in store.

I never used to celebrate my birthday but this year I actually wanted to do something. I have to live by my own motto! So, my ladies took me to the New York Spa Castle.

Check out the website – it's a lovely little place – tucked away in a residential neighborhood.

Here's What to Expect:

You'll check in and will receive a watch and a spa uniform (not to keep). The check in covers your entrance fee and holds your credit card information for other goodies like food, massages and beauty spa offerings (manicures, pedicures, facials etc.)
Your watch is your key for the day. It allows you to make purchases for the day and access into your lockers. For food/drink purchases, just scan and sign.
The Bade Pool is a popular attraction. There are water jet massage stations located all over the pool. Find one and enjoy! Did I mention that the pool is heated? No need to warm into the water – just go right in JCheck this link for more information: http://www.nyspacastle.com/eng/establish/establish04.php
The Heated Floor was particularly relaxing. The floor is split into two – there's a heated floor and a cooled floor. After eating, we took a nap on the Heated Floor. I didn't want to leave but I like resting on more firm surfaces.
A diverse crowd – that's the beauty of living in New York City and I fully appreciate it!

ESSENCE Recommends:

Go during the week – you'll save $10.
Go later in the day (if you don't want too much of a crowd) – it wasn't overly crowded during the day but it is much quieter at night. I, personally, don't like to be around too many people – I stayed until 11pm and found the evening to be more preferable.
Bring your own towel - There's a rental fee for towels. We're in a recession. Or are we? I'm not saying that anything is wrong with the towels at the location but I did notice that the regulars brought their own towels.
Take a chance and get in a sauna – don't worry about your hair do. Some of the sauna's there were heated over 150 degrees. I got in – but it wasn't for me. I couldn’t think happy thoughts in there. I found one heated to 104 degrees. Sweat carries toxins out of the body – Let's just say I'm purified!

Overall experience: 3.5/5 stars

If there's anything I left out – let me know.

I'll get better at this over time.

EssenceAmelia

Let's Test This Out!

2009-08-03T14:43:00.000-04:00

Hello World Wide Web!!!!

What am I doing here? LOL!

So, this is my first entry and I am really excited!

This weekend a friend of mine gave me the idea to this. It seems that I am always up to something fun - so why not share it with the masses.

A few things about me:

I love food
I love to try new things
Did I mention that I love food?

If you're looking for fun things to do, places to go, places to eat - It wouldn't hurt to stop on by for a sneak preview of what to expect. Right now, I'd only be able to give you the 411, from my viewpoint, in New York City but I love to travel. Who knows? Essence might take on Wisconsin! LOL!

If you've always wanted to try something but are a bit hesitant - tell me about it - and I'll try it! Seriously.

That's all for now!

I'll be seeing you real soon :)

EssenceAmelia