From A Fan’s Perspective: Coachella 2013 WKND 1 Highlights

Coachella sunset PANORAMA!

Back on the East Coast in my beloved Brooklyn, I am happy to say that I survived Coachella 2013, weekend one! I survived extreme temperatures and a lovely sandstorm on Sunday night, along with my feet surviving the hours of standing. This year was a treat for me as it hosted some of my favorite acts right now, a large number of them hailing from across the pond.

I have arrived. Long arms, closed eyes and all.

In total, I counted via my snazzy Coachella 2013 iPhone app that I viewed over twenty acts in the three-day festival, so on average, I watched approximately seven shows a day. Not for the faint of heart, patience, or those that insist on wearing heels; it ain’t gon’ work boo. All tents are named after deserts, Mojave (hosting the majority of UK acts) and Sahara (EDM acts) being the largest, Gobi hosting an eclectic mix of acts, and Yuma, the newest addition to the festival, hosting smaller international DJs. The two headlining stages are the Outdoor (which hosted Wu-Tang on the final night), and Main (which hosted the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the final night).

Pink’s Chili Dogs and a Taco stand in one of the food concession areas.

Food at Coachella is as exciting as the musical acts. There is a mix of famous food trucks including Coolhaus, Border Grill, Green Truck, LA staples like Pink’s Chili Dogs, a good array of vegetarian options, full bars, and more taco variations than I have ever seen in my adult life. The grounds are huge, but food facilities are nestled in each corner so you never go hungry. New this year is the Red Bull Speakeasy; a 1920s themed air-conditioned lounge that serves cocktails and hosts live dueling piano players, and a photo booth.

Dueling piano player at the Red Bull Speakeasy

The famed ferris wheel is a must! For 8 bucks, you get one of the best views one can imagine of the festival grounds. Definitely worth it.

View from the ferris wheel of the Coachella grounds.

With that said, I bring to you some of my musical and scenic highlights of the weekend, from the perspective of Andrea the music & nature lover/ people watcher. Get ready for weekend two!

Baauer during his set in the Sahara tent

BAAUER.

The man behind the hugest dance craze in recent history to sweep the world, “Harlem Shake”, rocked the crowd with a a set of  booty-shaking down south tracks. My friends and I were right up front for this, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I unfortunately missed “Harlem Shake” as I had to run to another stage, but it’s all good, another act re-enacted this. Read on.

2 Chainz performing at the Mojave tent.

2 CHAINZ.

Despite being twenty minutes late for his set and having a semi-exhausted crowd boo in spurts, Titty Boi AKA 2 Chainz performed a memorable set for his first Coachella experience. I was caught somewhere in the mid-front of the crowd of this set. I thought I was going to be trampled numerous times, water was thrown on me, and I was pushed, BUT I sang every lyric at the top of my lungs like I was on stage. His performance of “Crack” was definitely the climax of his set. #TurnUp.

Dine In Brooklyn 2013! Until March 21st

This is for my foodies. This is especially for my foodies residing in Brooklyn, or those that have tons of love for the borough nicknamed BK. Dine in Brooklyn is upon us, and what a wonderful time it is! Think NY Restaurant Week just for Brooklyn, with over 190 restaurants participating. Hooray! All meals are three courses and the specials are as follows:

• Lunch for $20.13
• Dinner $28.00
• $10 dine again cards
• Selected restaurants feature brunch specials, and/or two-for-one specials

All you got to do is call the participating restaurant and mention “Dine in Brooklyn” when you make your reservation. Happy eating friends!

Guest Blog: AN ABSOLUT-ELY REFRESHING “TUNE”

AN ABSOLUT-ELY REFRESHING “TUNE”

Pernod-Ricard USA teams up with the Standard Hotel and turns Le Bain into a tinsle-plated wonderland

The swimming pool at Le Bain, covered for the occasion.

Bottles on bottles.

 

The super exclusive Boom Boom Room.

At the chilly end of an event-filled summer, Absolut celebrated the launch of their first-ever wine-infused liquer, ABSOLUT TUNE.  Taking over the chic Standard hotel, the worlds’ first premium vodka brand opens the doors to a new taste on the liquer market.

DJ for the evening, Samantha Ronson

Kicking off the celebration with the tunes for the dance floor was famed DJ Samantha Ronson, holding down the record decks while guests nibbled on hour d’ouvres and sipped specialty mixed drinks provided by ABSOLUT.

I left my heart in Belize…

San Pedro, Ambergis Caye. The view while waiting for the next boat.

Well not all of it, but a large portion of it. Belize is the motherland. The home of my parents and all generations before them. A tiny country located in the Yucatan, Belize is bordered by Mexico in the north, the Caribbean Sea in the east, and Guatemala in the west and south. It is the only English-speaking country in all of Central America, formerly known as British Honduras. It is a land I call home although I was not born there, my heart is there. My heart is in every grain of sand that lines the shores of the beautiful Ambergis Caye. My heart is in each stone that has built numerous colossal Mayan ruins. My heart is in the coconuts that overflow my grandfather’s backyard, which give water better than anything you can find in a can or carton. My heart is in the people, of all races and creeds, my heart beats in the people of such a multiethnic and beautiful land.

I visited my second home back in August. I go every other year, but this trip was particularly difficult as it was a large reality check for me. Prior to my departure, I had lost two aunts who basically molded my view of Belize, and who I so closely tied to everything that reminded me of the country, and my every day life while there. They were both very strong women in their own right, who were very influential in their respective communities. I am incredibly grateful to have known them, and shared so many fond moments with them both over the years. Along with my parents and family in the US, I count my aunts as large influencers to my love and pride for my home country. Here are some photos of my time abroad. I hope you can see the beauty that I see.

An Evening at the High Line: A Photo Story

This is a photo story of a recent jaunt to the Highline with my friend Troy.

Sun setting

Water droplets

Green and gray

His pants and shoes

What I wore

His food: Grilled cheese with a fried egg

My treat: Gelato

*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo & Troy Brooks

Brooklyn Industries Summer 2012 Collection Launch Party Re-Cap

Brooklyn Industries Summer 2012 pieces for the ladies

To celebrate the launch of their Summer 2012 “Jungle Fever” collection, Brooklyn Industries held a little shindig in their Smith St. store to tickle the fancy of the public. A homage to the Spike Lee film of the same name, “Jungle Fever” evokes the energy of the early 90′s in which the movie was set, and visualizes it in their print campaign, starring models that pose as an interracial couple. The color palette is bold and features easy to wear prints, staple shorts, and tanks for both the ladies and the fellas.

Packed house!

Guests were treated to the sounds of DJ Rich Kid, whose set was reminiscent of a Brooklyn house-party circa 1991. Think old school hip-hop mixed with dance music. I had an intense shimmy moment when Crystal Waters came on, ha! Drinks were provided  courtesy of Bootlegger Vodka and Runa, and beer by Sixpoint. Good vibes were a constant throughout the evening, but these were heightened when I found out there was food as well! Yes, the skinny fat girl was overjoyed to find sustenance provided by Brooklyn Taco. Mini tacos were offered up in Chilorio Brisket, Guaco Taco, and Chipolte’d Chicken.

Event Re-Cap: First Annual Blogger’s Ball at Gregory’s Coffee

Crowd inside the First Annual Blogger's Ball

It was with great delight that I attended the First Annual Blogger’s Ball at Gregory’s Coffee in Midtown. Gregory’s Coffee is a super hip coffee chain with four locations in Manhattan that has a commitment to great coffee and its consumers, especially those in the blogosphere. They hosted their First Annual Blogger’s Ball at their 44th and Madison location as a sign of their appreciation to the blogging community. It was a great time to mingle with fellow bloggers, catch up, and try the delectable pastries and drinks that Gregory’s has to offer. I did not win this time around, but hopefully next year I will (fingers crossed). Check out some of my photos below.

Freshly baked treats!

Barista working on special cocktails

The Road to Las Vegas and MAGIC in Photos!

Palm tree love

So it took me long enough to post these, but here goes! The following slideshow is a full compilation of my trip to MAGIC in photos. From misspelled plane tickets, to insanely portioned food and drinks, and everything in between, this album has all of it. Take a gander!

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My #NYFW in Photos

Obligatory pose with signage

Friends! Things have been super busy on my end and I am forever grateful. I appreciate all your well wishes as I dip my foot into the entrepreneur pool. At home in NYC, New York Fashion Week (#NYFW) began on Thursday. I’ve been on the move of course, and have met some great people these past few days (Akua, Kassie, and Faiza). I even got to chat it up with Russell Simmons after the Charlotte Ronson show!

I will not get to capture the full glory of fashion week as I leave for Vegas in five hours for the MAGIC trade show. Basically the largest fashion trade show in the US. I will be networking and trendspotting during my time there, so I’m excited! Check out my photos for a little taste of my past three days. Enjoy

Hair & Make-Up at Yuna Yang

A glimpse of the Yuna Yang FW12 Collection with her models!

Self explantory

The entrance to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center

The line for Katya Leonovich at Lincoln Center for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Sneak Peak of Katya Leonovich FW12

An attendee’s Cambridge Satchel Co. bag (that I’ve been stalking)

Diet Pepsi Bar!

Made a new friend, Akua, and chatted it up with Russell Simmons about the Charlotte Ronson show

Obligatory pose with signage

New friends Kassie (kastles.tumblr.com) & Faiza (velvetmoondiaries.blogspot.com) at Blogger’s Night Out

The crowd at Blogger’s Night Out at The Caulfied

Posing in front of the step and repeat

Food & drinks at Coffee Shop. Kassie and her hubby :)

Faiza and I

My food! Pastel de camarao

Our food

End of the night in Union Square Park

Take A Bite, *Philly Edition*: Green Eggs Cafe

Green Eggs Cafe, street view.

This past weekend I made a trip to Philly to celebrate the 25th year of my lovely friend Tilewa (love you girl!). Over the course of my time there, we shared many good times amongst friends, music, drink, and of course, FOOD! She informed me of all the wonderful eats in her neighborhood, so I was excited to “eat my way through through Philly”. Our first stop on Saturday for brunch was Green Eggs Cafe. I had checked out the menu online prior to get a taste for it, and I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped when I read that their red velvet pancakes were one of their signature dishes. If you follow me on Tumblr, you would know I recently posted on red velvet pancakes and my new obsession for them. So it’s safe to say, I was quite anxious to get to the cafe!

Green Eggs Cafe is a small chain in Philadelphia; we visited the Northern Liberties location. Upon arrival, we saw a small crowd outside which is always a good sign, and stepped inside to add our name to the queue. We headed to the coffee bar in back to relax and sip on coffee during our wait; a great addition in my opinion. Our forty minute wait ended up being more like twenty (sweet) and were quickly seated by our waitress. I took a shot of the specials board above once seated and realized that Green Eggs serves made to order food all the time. There are no freezers or microwaves in their establishment, and they aim to maintain a “green environment” by their practices and support of local farmers and product.

Take A Bite and Sip: Qathra

Qathra as viewed from the street

Situated on Cortelyou Road in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, Qathra is more than just a coffee shop. Having lived off off of Cortelyou Road my whole life, but a few blocks south in Kensington, I’ve noticed the transformation of the strip, mainly in the category of food & drink. I had read a Daily News article a few months back that mentioned Qathra as being one of the best coffee shops in Brooklyn, so of course, I had to make a visit to see what all the hype was about.

I brought my cousin Ashley along, as she is an avid coffee drinker as well. We picked quite possibly the ugliest day to make a trip; a cold, rainy evening, but not to fret, this was all in the name of coffee! Upon arrival, we were welcomed into a warm space that uses lots of natural woods, slate, and brass elements in their structure. The ambience was friendly and relaxing, filled with the perfect amount of table and chairs for guests to dine, drink, or do some research (WiFi is availble).

Take a Bite and Sip: Apartment 138

Apartment 138 signage

On a street called Smith, in a neighborhood of many names (Carroll Gardens/ Cobble Hill/ Boerum Hill) in the borough of Brooklyn, lies a stretch of retail and culinary wonders. The mix of chain retailers and boutique shopping and eatery spaces make Smith Street special, and uniquely “Brooklyn”. On a recent jaunt to the strip, I attended a calendar release party with some friends at men’s streetwear boutique Rime. After catching up and canoodling with folks, we decided it was time to grab some sustenance. We strolled down the street and came across the lovely, Apartment 138.

Given its name, Apartment 138 is decorated in the style of a high end apartment in the neighborhood of Brooklyn in which resides. Select walls are covered in damask wallpaper, wood furnishings are present throughout in a deep chestnut color, and the lighting is warm and homey. I immediately fell in love once inside because the space was beautiful and the staff was lovely to boot! We sat at the bar and ordered snacks and drinks. My order? A jalapeno margarita and truffle mac & cheese (odd combo, I know). I was delighted to find out that they made their own jalapeno tequila by soaking fresh jalapeno in tequila and having it sit for days. This made the flavors that much more potent than a pre-infused jalapeno flavored tequila; this was the real thing! The amount of spicy, sweet, and citrus in the cocktail create a special medley of flavors for the palate, which i thoroughly enjoy. My truffle mac & cheese was also quite delightful, although I was unable to enjoy it as much as I would have liked. My inner fat-girl was so excited that I started eating it before it cooled off and in doing so, burnt my tongue (insert laugh and any other jokes you may have here).

The bar

Dyckman Bar Trunk Show featuring Nostylgia 10/18

To highlight emerging fashion brands in the Washington Heights/Inwood community, the folks at Dyckman Bar have created a monthly event entitled, Trunkshow Tuesdays. Spearheaded by Iran Ortiz of Endless Noise NYC, the event will be held every third Tuesday of the month. The feature designer/brand for October is Nostylgia. Nostylgia is a menswear brand that calls themselves “the new American classic”. Product includes heritage knits, block printed tees, tailored shirts, and more.

The first edition of Trunkshow Tuesdays will be on October 18th from 7 – 10 PM. You must RSVP to trunkshowtuesdays@gmail.com for entry; 21+. There will be “sip & shop specials” and guests will have the opportunity to win a prize from the designer. Music will be provided by DJ Charlie Brown. For more info on the event and brand, check out the Endless Noise Blog.

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@DyckmanBar

@NostylgiaNYC

@EndlessNoiseNYC

Amaterasu World Sake Tasting + Sushi Party 10/11 @ Pranna

In celebration of the launch of their sale on Fab.com on October 12th, New York based, Japanese inspired accessory line Amaterasu World is throwing a little shindig in NYC! Committed to authentic Japanese culture, founder Makiko Niimura will be hosting a sake tasting and sushi party on Tuesday, October 11th. Guests will be able to revel in the Amaterasu World product, which consists of scarves, jewelry, and handbags. All designs are superbly crafted and unique, containing traditional Japanese elements such as vintage kimono cloths and rice paper inlay.

Take A Bite: The Meatball Shop

Interior of The Meatball Shop, Lower East Side

On a recent jaunt throughout the Lower East Side with friends, I discovered the culinary wonder known as The Meatball Shop. Tucked away from the madness on 84 Stanton Street, this casual dining oasis is a treat for foodies near and far. Boasting a menu of balls (no pun intended) in varieties of beef, pork, chicken, and veggie, there is something for everyone here. Committed to using the best ingredients available, The Meatball Shop prides themselves in grounding all meat fresh in house, and solely including organic produce in their dishes.