O COME, ALL YE, FAITHFUL: SOCCER MAKES ITS SOCIAL MARK IN THE US OF A.

With over 16 million #WorldCup tweets, I would say that the USA is a “social”-istnation.

 

If you were not aware of how often the World Cup happens, it comes and goes as frequently as the Olympics; uniting the world in front of televisions across the globe every four years. Since the inception of social media, we as a general human population thrive on instant gratification, almost demanding the latest tweet to be up to date and the latest status to be posted on Facebook– despite our connectivity to the World Wide Web. Yet, and still, the World Cup has had tourists and nationals alike flocking to their favorite restaurant or bar to watch each qualifying game live rather than relying on social media to inform them of their favorite teams’ journey to the Finals.

Maybe that dedication to real-time viewing gave the U.S. National Team the “mojo” they needed. This year, after being ousted before the semi-finals for the last three consecutive World Cups, the U.S. National Team survived—making it past the Group qualifying tournaments to make their first semi-final World Cup appearance in over a decade. Granted, fútbol (or better known in the U.S. as “soccer”) is a worldwide sport heavily influenced by its European roots, dating all the way back to Ancient Greece and the Han Dynasty in 206 AD. When it eventually made its’ way to U.S. soil, it steadily trickled into the suburbs, nicknamed the “socialist sport”. That nickname may seem fitting, seeing that the regulations mimic socialist rules… but it has evolved to more of a social sport.

 

Soccer amongst youths was loosely defined as so: a few times a week you met up with teammates to practice with [more often than not] volunteer coaches. A few times a month, you may play other teams around your qualifying district to get a chance at the State Championship— that infamous gold trophy or medal –like you and your team were in a World Cup of your age group! But from a social viewpoint– those teammates became longtime friends, and those coaches became unofficial mentors.

 

Maybe that the competitive aspect of soccer was more downplayed stateside with younger age groups, promoting the leadership and team-building lessons soccer instills in our youth rather than the trophies that defined a ranked status. If you were lucky enough to be a part of a travelling soccer team, some of your first experiences of growth were witnessed with your teammates: people whom saw you the least, but seemingly knew you the most. The lessons learned within soccer live on throughout life; decision-making, team-building, and overall patience amongst authority.

 

In conclusion, the World Cup may have ended for the U.S. National Team this year, but their courageous performance has opened up a conversation amongst nationals who may have discussed LeBron’s next trade or whom will be the No. #1 NFL First Round Draft Pick. The U.S. National Teams’ appearance in this globally infrequent tournament has brought the U.S. together as a nation, has reminded us of our social worth and reach, and the power 140 characters truly has between the grasp of two thumbs.

 

Cheers to you, U.S. National Team.

Photos by Kortnee Leigh

 

Take A Bite: Trust the Mustache, Otto’s Tacos are “Otto” This World

Tacos are such an interesting yet necessary delicacy, aren’t they?  When you find your favorite taco spot, that’s it.  There is no budging; that is your go-to destination when you are in a taco mood, day or night.  Oddly enough, after a few years as a New Yorker, I had yet to identify my own… until I got swooned by the tasty creations that are Otto’s Tacos.

Mushroom & Carnitas Tacos

Simplistic in description and boasting with originality, Otto’s Tacos takes the cake in taquerías.  All tacos offered are not more than a few bucks (maximum price is only $3.50!), and rightly so– two or three get the job of curbing hunger done.  The Mushroom (seen above) taco is topped with onions and cilantro, paired with their house-made marinade on a fresh corn tortilla they roll hourly themselves.  You can witness daily tortilla making in their open kitchen while you are at the cash register!  In case you are more of a carnivore, they offer Shrimp, Carne Asada, Chicken, and Carnitas (seen above) tacos that are all invigorating to the tastebuds.  The Carnitas (pictured above) taco is paired with their house made guacamole, which excites your tongue leaving you wanting more!

Ottos Tacos House Made Horchata

Not only do they offer some of the tastiest tacos in NYC, they also offer refreshers to quench your thirst including their signature Horchata.  Made fresh daily with the subtle spice you’d expect, this little #taquería is big in flavor and easy on the budget.  You can also round out your meal with a traditional Mexican treat– their house made Churros, which pair awesomely with the milk-based bebida.

Otto’s Tacos is a snack-lovers’ paradise hidden in the East Village, and well worth the travel.  A few blocks from the Astor Place (6) train stop, Otto’s Tacos also offers delivery and catering options.  Next time you are in a rush for a quick bite, treat yourself to this amazing LA-inspired taqueria!

*Visit them on Twitter, Facebook, and share your favorite taco flavors on Instagram!*

Charitable Child’s Play: Easter in New York City With The Big Egg Hunt!

Fabergé brings The Big Egg Hunt to the Big Apple.

As I was flipping through AM:NY a few weeks ago in search of the daily crossword to pass the time on the subway, I came across an interesting article tucked into the CHEAP$KATE section of the paper that caught my eye: The Worlds’ Biggest Easter Egg Hunt brought to NYC. I thought to myself; “Seriously?” Initially, a few questions arose in my mind to try and sort out this fantastic idea—who or whom is hosting this? When and in what borough is this taking place? [And most importantly,] How is #NYC hosting the “World’s Largest”? As I read on, I became more and more intrigued with the concept, and did some digging.

A colorful design with a slight “Keith Haring” inspiration found in Madison Square Park.

To my surprise, this Egg Hunt is not the first of its’ kind. Since 2012, Fabergé– “the world’s most iconic art jeweler”-has been sponsoring an annual egg hunt as a charitable initiative. With the first hunt originating in London, Fabergé jeweler “views The Big Egg Hunt as a perfect medium with which to celebrate artistry and creativity”, while raising awareness and funds to much needed charities through auction. 300 [that’s right, three HUNDRED] two-and-a-half foot tall egg sculptures were designed by world-famous artists like Shaheen Soni [of Soni Art Studio] and strategically strewn across all five boroughs for the city [and world via social media] to see. This year, the charities benefiting from the playfully famous event are The Elephant Family and Agnes Gund’s ‘Studio in a School’.

Reminiscing over the Grand Canyon with a burst of color– another gem found at MSQ.

Knowledgeable of the cheat sheet – a map of all of the eggs’ locations- I made the hunt more of a playful search than a task to complete before Easter. Eager to see an egg the size of a small child, I kept my eyes peeled for large and/or slightly obtrusive artistic egg-shaped sculptures anywhere and everywhere I traveled throughout the city– and managed to find Soni Art Studio’s beautifully sprung display atop the terrace at David Burke Kitchen inside The James Hotel in SoHo. This hunt was not just an artistic twist of Where’s Waldo– you could win some pretty exclusive gifts for your scavenger efforts: participants who actually enter the hunt [via the online app] have the opportunity to win one of three Zenya Pendants designed by Fabergé,which retail at over $30,000 per pendant.

Crabapples have blossomed atop the James Hotel at David Burke Kitchen in SoHo.

Luckily for us New Yorkers, we have the chance to see all the sculptures [hunt or no hunt] on display in one place– THIS WEEKEND ONLY at Rockefeller Centre. Since I got on late to the hunt, I’ll challenge myself to get a picture of all three hundred before the sun goes down. What a Good Friday.

Happy Easter, everybody.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for up to date pictures of eggs we find and the collection of sculptures in Rockefeller Centre!

 

– Kortnee Leigh

 

All pictures were submitted were taken by Annabelle Lutz (@crookbelle).

Iggy Azalea, Hip-Pop’s New Heiress. A Review by Kortnee Leigh

Welcome to your summer soundtrack, The New Classic.

#TheNewClassic album cover.

On a pleasantly cool Wednesday evening, the bodacious-ly beautiful and eloquently lyrical, Iggy Azalea, graced the streets of the Meatpacking District as a true New Yorker would, but not to hit up hot spots for free VIP tables or bottle service-paid appearances. No, she came out to show and prove at the private listening for her debut full-length studio album, The New Classic  (which hits stores April 18– but is available for pre-order now on iTunes), and best believe– that is exactly what she did.

Dressed in a perfectly fitted, lilac and eggplant retro-fashion floor-length gown (on theme with her album cover art, of course); Ms. Azalea welcomed about 125 guests to the elusive yet awesomely curated  The Raven to audibly indulge on her debut effort–what is sure to be your summer go-to album.

Ambience: Black, White, and Color all over.

Luckily for all you music fans, Ms. Azalea does not disappoint. The New Classic is packed with fifteen (yes, you read correctly, fifteen) bass-hitting, beat-bumping, cleverly lyrical hip-hop/pop tracks that can only be described in a nutshell by her braggadocious (yet well suited) album title. Tracks like “Goddess”– where the hook is literally so catchy that any guy would mistakenly start chanting, “bow down to a goddess”—and “Lady Patra” featuring Mavado shows how her unique lyrical ability and signature sound can grace just about any musical genre, including reggae. With features from other female up-and-comers like Rita Ora (who lends her sultry vocals to “Black Widow”) and Charli XCX (who is heard on the first single “Fancy”), Ms. Azalea keeps her collaborations to a minimum, with only five on the album.

“This album is me, and I want to show the world what I’ve got, not how many people can complement my style,” comments the fashion-forward Australian darling.

Black, White, and Color all over.

Don’t get her twisted, she’s got bars: (“I spent twenty [thousand] on this Roley/ all I want is my time back”—“Rolex”)—and after hearing the album in its’ entirety, she’s guaranteed to make you a believer.