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Monday, March 3, 2014

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ITALIAN GUITAR MASTERS of New York's Little Italy

Just saw the Exhibition "GUITAR HEROES" at The Metroplitan Musem of Art, NYNY.

Dam it was Awesome! Amazing Guitars! Works of Art by 3 of the Greatest Guitar Players to walk the Planet! and guess what!? They were all Italian Americans. James D'Aquisto,

John D'Angelico, and John Monteleone. And guess what else? They all grew up and made there Guitars in Little Italy in New York and more specifically had shops on Kenmare and Mott Streets. Friggin Amazing! The 3 Greatest Guitar Makers of All-Time, all Italian-Americans from Little Italy, New York. Why it's like a Little Cremona (where Great Violins are made), and these guys were like Stradivarius of Guitars.

These Guitars are considered the "Rolls Royce of Guitars" and you can see a nice collection of them at the Met. The exhibition is Amazing. What's more amazing is, I never heard of them, and i'm a person who keeps up on pretty much "Everything and Anything," and especially Art, Music, Italian -Americana, and beautiful things, and these Guitars and the great Italian Craftsmen who made them are all four; pieces of Art, Musical, Italian-American, and Things of Beauty.

Let me tell you. If you live in New York or the area, or you are visiting our Lovely City before the end of June 2011, make it a point to see this Wonderful Exhibition. It's Amazing!

by "Italian-American" and Proud of It, Especially When I See Some More Great Things Made By Italians,

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

REMEMBERING "SWIFTY"

"Swifty," Irving "Swifty" Lazar that is. Born in Brooklyn, NY

1907. Graduate Brooklyn Law in 1931 and became a Bankruptcy Attorney. One day he negotiated a contract for a Vaudeville performer. Irving realized the potential income possibilities of being a Actors Agent to be pretty good. He

became an Agent, and the rest is Hollywood History.

"Swifty" got his Famous Moniker from none other than

Humphrey Bogart. When Lazar negotiated 3 Good Deals for Bogart in One Day, Bogey called Lazar "Swifty." The Nickname stuck as we all well know.

Lazar's client list was quite impressive. His Celebrity Client List read like this: Cary Grant, Madonna, Lauren Bacall, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, CHER, Joan Collins, Tennessee Williams, Vladdimir Nabakov, plus many more.

In addition to be Tinsel Towns most celebrated Agents, Swifty also Produced a number of Movies and TV Shows.

To the general public, Swifty was famous for throwing the

"Oscars" most famous "Oscar Parties" year after year in such venues as Romanoff''s and Spago.

After "Swifty" died in 1993 at the age of 86, Graydon Carter the Editor in Chief of Vanity Fair Magazine took over the mantel of throwing Oscars Top Party in conjunction with Conde Naste and Vanity Fair Magazine owned by

Sy Newhouse.

by DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

AIRLINES UNFAIR BAGGAGE CHARGES and "No-GOOD ARAB TERRORIST BASTARDS"

Are you one of the many freeloaders who has bought an $800 cross-country plane ticket, trudged to, like, Newark, and suffered the endless barrage of injustice that's inflicted at airport security just because you know that at some point on board those suckers in the airline industry will give you a tiny bag of free pretzels? Maybe even two bags, as happened to us on a flight the other week — those saps! Well Continental's on to you and says the free ride's over. They just can't deal with the costs anymore!According to USA Today, Continental announced this week that they'll stop serving free snacks to people in coach, leaving Delta as the only legacy airline that maintains the practice of actually just offering you something to nibble on while you're stuck for hours in a giant, germ-filled metal tube that's 30,000 feet up in the sky.

Does a Shitty Little Bag of Pretzels cost so much? How Much? Ten Cents maybe? How much of this do we have to take? They rack on insanely High Baggages Surcharges, stop serving Hot Meal or even a Sandwich. We have to go through Hell just to get on the crappy plain, taking off our shoes, being frisked, we have to throw away our water and buy Expensive Airport food and beverages. Rip-Off!!!! Duhhhh!!!

Ok, it's not the airlines fault that we have to go through all the security checks hassle, that's the fault of "The No-Good Piece of Shit Arab SOUL-LESS TERRORISTS BASTARD" who will Someday "BURN in HELL" fault. But after going through all that crap, don't you think the Airlines should welcome us on the plane with open arms and a Cheezy Little Bag of 10 Cent Pretzels? Is it too much to ask?

Americans we should Unite in Protest! Take the Train or use your car on vacation and short trips this year. If you live in a Great city like New York, Boston, New Orleans, etc., or at the beach, lake, or mountains, take a "Stay Vacation." Stay at home and spend money at restaurants, museums in your city.

Fight back at the Airlines. Hit them where it hurts. In their pockets. Boycott airlines as much as possible. Maybe they'll get the message and stop charging these "Unfair Baggage Charges"

The time is now.

DBZ

The "NEGRONI" a Sophisticated Cocktail

The Negroni! A cocktail most Americans do not know. To bad! It is so fine. Well not many know except among the more Sophisticated of our population. Even just a minute percentage of those who have traveled to its birthplace in Italy will even know of the cocktail. In this country, it is drank more often in the city of New York, a city with a higher "Sophisticate" ratio than most, but still only a few will know of this drink, the Negroni Cocktail.

So what it is it? Well its base is the highly popular aperitif bitter Campari, a Bitter-Sweet aperitif from Torino, Italy. The Negroni made of 1 0z. Cmapari, 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth, 3/4 oz. Gin, over ice cubes in a Rocks Glass with a splash of Club Soda on top and garnished with a slice of Orange or Orange peel. Voila! The Negroni! Usually drunk as an aperitif before dinner in the early evening, but just as wonderful anytime of the afternoon, especially Alfresco, or late into the evening for that matter.

Article by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Photo by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

LEVIS Overpriced Jeans and Why People Buy a Volkswagen When They Can Get a CADILLAC for LESS !!!

Why do people wear inferior overpriced Jeans when they can buy the "Best" top of the line, Cadillac of Jeans, LEVIS for less?

Answer: They are followers who do not have their own style, nor minds of their own. Followers who are easily brainwashed by companies who know how stupid and foolish many are. Make a product that cost just a few dollars, package it and market that product to the weak minded followers and you can make 10, 20, 50, 100 times what the product cost you to make.

"Easy Pickins" The only reason that millions of moronic followers bought so many dumb ass Von Dutch hats, T-Shirts and what not, why people buy the mundane ugly overpriced Northface jackets and coats and why people will buy inferior overpriced jeans that cost $100, $200, $300 and more when they can get "Thee Only," BEST, Coolest Jeans ever, LEVIS for just Forty Bucks. Yes fust $40 for The Worlds Best Jeans. The people who buy....

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke "To Be Continued"

HOLLYWOOD ISSUE "VANITY FAIR" Models and Movie Stars But No rock Stars !!!!

Just received my copy of the eagerly awaited VANITY FAIR "Hollywood Issue" Awesome as usual! This is not a magazine. It's a Book, 352 pages, though probably a good 60% of the pages are ads. Oh, but what beautiful ads they are. Beautiful collectible art type photos of beautiful people in great looking clothes wearing expensive watches, jewelery, dresses, suits, jackets, and what not. Sex-Pots like the Guess Girl looking like

Bridgette Bardot or the Nymph of Your Dreams, and the

Sexy-Ass Ad by the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Las Vegas with a gorgeous women unpacking a man who's in her Louis Vuitton Steammer Truck. Hot and Sexy! Yes! You just gotta Love it!

Yes it's oh so beautiful to look at all the pictures of Beautiful Women and handsome men; Models and Movie Stars

by DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Another "PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY" The Monkees

The "BANH MI" Sandwich and New York's BEST !!!

The Banh Mi in America. It's one of the hottest sandwiches in New York, I guess in places like Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Seattle, Boston, and Portland, Or. Well they are big in New York. There are Bahn Mi shops all over the city, but after trying a few, of which some are grossly overpriced. Why would I pay $8.50 for one when I can get the "Best" at Saigon on Broome Street in Chinatown. I just won't do it. It's absurd.

OK, the recent article in the New York Times, on "The Banh Mi Sandwich in America" was pretty good, except for one "Huge Mistake. Jordan Michellman states that a Banh Mi always begins with a Baguette and dressed with an Aioli spread infused with pork, garlic and fish sauce. Here is the quote, "They all begin with a whole baguette, preferably baked in-house and dressed with an aioli spread infused with pork, garlic and fish sauce. These ingredients then hold a wide variety of fillings: barbecue pork, fried tofu and thick-sliced ham are the most common options, along with pork pâté, grilled chicken, meatballs, sauteed vegetables and, occasionally, whole sardines." End quote.

Wrong Jordan. Yes they all do begin with a Baguette, but not the Aioli as you state. I've eaten Banh Mi in a number of places in Vietanm, in New York, in Washington D.C., and Montreal and never had Aioli on them. That's an American thing. Anyway, just wanted to set the record straight for the people. Aioli is an American thing. Yes the Banh Mi is a mixture of French and Vietnamese cuisines coming together, but the French contributions ends with the Baguette and sometimes pork pate.

One of the very important things that Jordan stated, was that you should never pay more than $6.00 for one. I couldn't agree more. But living in new York, where I can get the Best Banh mi in town for $4.50 at Saigon on Broome Street in Chinatown, I'd go one step further in saying, I won't pay more than $4.50 for a Banh Mi. Not until Saigon raises their prices that is.

DBZ

"CHARLIE SHEEN is a Dip-Shit GEEK" !!!

Who the hell cares about Charlie Sheen's supposed state of constant "Coke Bender" and Tryst with Porn Stars. Not I! I could care less. What "Gets My Goat" is the Fact that this "Dip-Shit" makes so much Money for being a Mediocre actor, that the general Public is so lame and has such "Bad Taste" that they'll support this GEEK being the Highest Paid Actor on Television. The Guy is a "Total Geek" and he makes Millions of dollars a Year. He'd "Never Be Able to Hang with Me and My Group of Friends," he's a Geek, Moron, who's devoid of any Class what-so-ever! Something Wrong with this World.

It's not that we judge and knock people if they have a drug, alcohol problem or whatever. As I was, i think most people were Rooting for Robert Downey Jr. for all those years when he was having all sorts of Substance Abuse problems. Now that Guy (Robert Downey Jr.) has Talent. Big time! But Charlie Sheen, "Forget About It." Mediocre at best.

There are Millions of Kids starving in Africa, the World over, living lives of poverty, and this GEEK makes Millions of Dollars a year as a Dorky Talentless, what? Did you say Actor? I don't think so. His father Martin Sheen. He's an Actor.

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

SNOW STORM! And Hangin at BAR PITTI

Snow again? People are going crazy. They can't stop whining about it. not everyone, but most. I Love it! I don't take off work. Worked during the storm, finished, then made my way home. A little problem a the 6 train at the 51st and Lexington Station, delayed the train for almost 20 minutes. Got off at my stop at Bleecker Street in the Village. Still coming down like "Gang Busters." Walk just 20 feet and you're completely covered with snow. Was walking from east to west along Bleecker and the snow was coming down super hard. Fast too, and the snow was blowing from West to East. Right in my face and in those of anyone walking in a east to west directing. I t was a little tough. If you were walking from West to East, not half as bad.

Anyway, I get up to the corner of Bleecker and Mercer and what do i see. The 200 foot patch of grass and Cherry Blossom Trees lining this little patch of green next to the NYU Gymnasium is a nice little treat to the eyes. The tree branches laden with snow, the snow falling, and white stuff all around. I had to take a picture. Pulled out my iPod Touch and voila. I snapped off a few shots. I lady was doing the same, and she had an umbrella which enhanced my pic, as she was silhouetted in the distance on my frame. The pictures came out quite nice, but I payed for it. In the two short minutes it took me to snap these pictures, my gloves where filled with snow on the insides. Not good. Anway, I move on, snapping a few more shots along the way, including some nice ones in front of my house and Bar Pitti on 6th Avenue.

I made my way into Bar Pitti to visit with my pal Giovanni and Joe The Snake (former NY Boxer). Giovanni greeted me with a fine hello, and promted me to sit and share the bottle of Fonterotoli Chianti Classico with him. "Twist my arm."

Chianti? My favorite wine in the World! How I Love it. Made from Sangiovese. The "Blood of Jobe." Chianti is one of the Worlds great wines, and the area that it comes from, Chianti Classico is quite possibly thee Most Beautiful Wine region in the World. Many will agree on this. With its beautiful rolling hills, dotted with Cypress Trees, stone farm houses, an occasional castle, rows of Olive Groves, and of course the wonderous vines of Sangiovese. Millions of them. Ah heaven.

And so we were drinking a bottle of Chianti Classico "Fonterutoli" vintage 2007 on this gorgeous Snow Filled Evening. I Love a Big Snow Storm. I've always loved walking the magical streets of Soho and Greenwich Village at night during a massive storm, when the flakes are just pouring down. Just like last night. It used to be a tradition of mine, to walk from my then home in the East Village, over to La Gamelle on Grand Street for a Snifter of Delamain Cognac or two. What a way to spend a snow filled night. Quite nice.

Now a sit there at Bar Pitti with Giovanni and Joe, chatting, grooving on the great music, R&B and Classic Rock of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. They don't make Music like they used too kids!

The wine is so fine. This Chianti is just so enjoyable. It's medium bodied and full of wonderful Cherry and Sour Cherry flavors that any great Chianti should be. And it's just perfectly balanced, nice fruit flavors, just the right amount of acid to give it a little zip but not overpower. It's just quite simply a Joy to drink, and listening to the wonderful music Giovanni always has on, chatting with friends, as the Snow pounds outside. It's wonderful. What else can I say, Friends, Music, Chianti, and a Snow Storm spent in a Trattoria in Greenwich Village, New York. Guess you can say, "This is My Greenwich Village." Part of it anyway.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Photos by "Daniel Bellino Zwicke" taken on iPod Touch

ASHTON & SCOUT May Have a Hit on Their Hands? My Sober . COFFEE!!!

Well, it seems "Ashton Kutcher' and stepdaughter

"Scout Willis," daughter of "Bruce Willis" and "Demi Mooore" may have a hit song on their hands. Seriously! "Blow Hards" and "Kill Joys" may say not. They'll Probably say it bad, terrible, whatever, and that it's such a hit only because it's Ashton and Scout the daughter of Bruce and Demi.

I say not. "I Love It" It's Fun, catchy, "Upbeat," things we can use these days, especially with the doldrums the majority of Americans have been in the past 2 1/2 years, with the Bad economy and millions of people unemployed. We can use a Fun little song about "Your Love For Coffee" and what a Good Friend it can be. Not unlike your favorite pet. Your Cat or Dog, Coffee brings joy to Millions a day. They Love it and it's cheap and affordable. Coffee!!! I Love it. Aston and Scout Love it, Coffee!

And I just love this song, it's Awesome. It's about Coffee, the love of Coffee, and it's Fun. Bravo!!! And may I say "Thank You Ashton and Scout," for such a Fun Little song about,

COFFEE!

Thanks, Daniel in NYC

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

dbzny3@yahoo.com

"CORNER BISTRO" Voted BEST CHEESEBURGER in NY POST

Happy to see Corner Bistro's Burger can still make it to # 1 Best of New York list these days. I've been eating Cheeseburgers there since 1984. Yes 26 Years of Bistro Burgers. Back then, the Burger at the Corner Bistro was for Year-After-Year thee perennial favorite, # 1, Top, Best Burger in New York, rated by the Top and most Powerful food Authorities of the day, New York Magazine, The NY Times, Cue Magazine, The Post, The Village Voice, GQ, Bob Lape on 7's Eyewitness News, The Daily News, so on and so forth. Nine out of ten people, newspapers, and news agency's, The Bistro Burger was always "Tops," # 1. It no longer is. And it was tops for some 30 years. Quite a run. Sadly the quality of the Burger has gone down a bit, and there are numerous chemistry better, tastier Burgers in town. Shake Shack get my Vote for the Top, New York's best Burger, with Bills Bar and Burger and Peter Luger not far behind. But the Shake Shack Burger has all the proper elements that come together and make for perfect chemistry of, dear I say, "The Perfect Burger." Well if not the perfect Burger, New York's Best, or at least amongst the Best, everyone has their opinion. Some not as qualified as others. As I've been eating the East Coast's Best Burgers since childhood, and being a former Chef Culinary Professional, I have greater qualifications than most.

The Shake Shack Burgers elements that make it so good, are: Top Quality Beef, Just the right size and thickness, not too thin nor too thick, which unfortunately many think makes a burger is better, the thicker it is. Not so. A 6 oz., 3/4" Burger is Best and it has to be cooked on a Flat-Top Grill cooking in its own fat to qualify amongst the best. Cooking on a grated grill, just won't do. You'll often get terribly overcooked hard spots, losing all important beef fat for the burger to cook in. You'll need a good hamburger bun, toasted preferred, not too fancy, and a major No-No is the use of an English Muffin. Though i Love them for breakfast, English Muffins are a terrible choice, pairing to a Burger. the Burger has to be properly cooked

And one of thee most important rules to a great Burger, it can't cost more than $6.50, and about $4.50 is even better. The Shake Shake burger meets all these requirements, even exceeding them.

Back to the Bistro Burger. For nostalgias sake and Price to value ratio, combined with the great old New York Bar ambiance, The Bistro Burger always makes it on my Top 10 List. As the Post states, to be able to get a great burger for just $6.50 with Beers at $2.75 in one of New York's few remaining Bohemian Bars, and in Greenwich Village? A combination that just can't be beat.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Todays MUSIC R&B and "WHAT'S GOING ON" ???

In the immortal words of the late great Marvin Gaye, "What's Going On" ??? Brother, Brother, Brother. What's Going On with the Music of today and for the past 25 years? Do we know? There is quite literally a lot of "Garbage." I may get a lot of flack for that statement, but hey, "The Truth is the Truth," and it some times hurts. Why is the large majority of the recorded commercial music so Horrible these days? Is there a lack of talented artist? Maybe? But I don't think this is really the problem. It is more that the largest part of the music buying and listening public has such, "Horrible Taste in Music." They accept mediocre music. No. Let me rephrase that, "They Accept Awful Music," Garbage. And the artist give them what they want, mostly, a lot of "Horrible Hip Hop," Rap Music. It shouldn't even be called "Rap Music," Rap Noise, Rap Garbage, or "Rap Crap" would be most appropriate.

You might say it is a generational thing and that, the older generation usually doesn't like the music of the younger generation and vice versa. "I don't think so!" I Love all great music, whether it's from my generation, my parents generation, generations far ago, Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven, or even artists of today. If they make good music, I'll like it. Music like that produced by the likes of Alicia Keyes, Cold Play, or Lenny Kravitz. Yes, there are some very fine artists and good music today, but they are "Few and Far Between." Very little!

In my day. When I was a child, a teen, a young man in my twenties, we had such great and varied artists as; the Beatles, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, The Young Rascals, Dean Martin, Dusty Springfield, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Mammas and The Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Dion, The Four Seasons, The Shirelles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and on and on and on! I could keep going and list 400 or 500 artists of my day. You'd be dam lucky to come up with 50 great artists of the past 20 years, and we wouldn't include the great artists who were around 30 years ago or more and still around today, like The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, or

Paul McCartney.

Why is there so little great music produced in the past 25 years? So few great artists? The young public demands mediocrity, Garbage. The demand, Love it and accept it. This is quite sad.

You can not say that I or the millions of others with the same strong opinions on the awful music of the day are old Fuddy Duddys, who don't like it cause it's of the younger generation. When I was growing up, I listened and Loved music and artists like The Beatles, The Stones, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Al Green and the hundreds of Great Musical Artist of the day, and along with Loving all these great bands and Musicians of my generation, I grew up listening and Loving the Music of my Mom and Dad, especially my mothers. She listened to Greats like; Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and others. And so along with growing to Love the Beatles and the music of my generations, I have always Loved the music of older generations. In fact, I'm a huge Frank Sinatra Fan. I saw him perform 7 times. And till this day, my All-Time Favorite Musical artist (Band) is not The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis, Mozart, or OLed Zeppelin, but The One and Only Francis Albert Sinatra. Frank!

So, what can I say? Will they ever make Great Music again. Will ever there be again an era like the Twenty some odd years of the 60's, 70's and part of the 80's? Who knows? Let's hope so?

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

The 25th Anniversary of "ROCK & ROLL HALL of FAME" Induction Ceremonies

IRON MAN II Doesn't Cut the MUSTARD

IRON MAN II may be able to Cut Steel and all sorts of other hard object, but the second movie in the series, follow-up to the highly successful "Iron Man," Iron Man II just doesn't cut the Mustard. Saw it last night, my Netflix DVD, wasn't that thrilled. If you Loved the first Iron Man, then naturally fans will yearn for more and naturally, as most know, the second, 3rd, or Fourth is never as good as the first, alla; ROCKY, Rambo, etc., unless of course in a rare instance such as the "Godfather" in which many feel the second movie, Godfather II was equally as good as the first Godfather movie. There are even some who feel Godfather II is better than the first. As for me, I Love them both and in the many times I've tried to figure out which I liked better, I never can. I've gotta say, I think i like them both equally the same, and all though as everyone know, Godfather III was not that good, most hate it, I know it can not compare to Godfather I and II, Godfather III does have some good points and a couple great elements as well.

For one, Andy Garcia was great in it. Connie and the Cannoli was entertaining, and Pacino's line, "Just when I think I'm Out, They Pull Me Back In" was awesome.

Anyway, back to Iron Man, the first was great, II was OK, not terrible, it was entertaining, it's worth seeing, just as long as you didn't pay $13...... Later!!!!!

"STEVE TYLER" Performed "Walked This Way" on Jimmy Fallon Show

The Great Steven Tyler of "Aerosmith" was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night. They chatted a bit, then Steven got up and performed probably his and Aerosmith's most famous hit, "WALK This WAY" backed up by Jimmy. It was great!

Jimmy Fallon has the most Amazing Musical Guests, including none other than; Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Aaron Neville, and others. Jimmy is a Dam good performer himself. He can sing, dance, and play guitar and his enthusiasm with his guest is wonderful.

Maynard Keenan "Tool"s "BLOOD Into WINE"

Being a Wine Guy and Movie Buff, when it came time to pick out a Movie to watch via Netflix the other night, I cam across this.

"Blood Into Wine" about Maynard Keenan, Front Man of the band "Tool." It's about Maynard's love of wine and he it grew it into such a passion that bought land, planted grapes, started a vineyard, and is now selling wine. But where he bought land is kind of in a unlikely place to grow grapes, and start a winery to sell wine. The place is Jerome Arizona in the Northern part of the state. Of course, most would think before hand that Maynard would probably pick some place in California or maybe Oregon. But all it took was a visit, or several to Northern Arizona where Maynard fell in Love with the local, talked to a few people that were growing grapes near by got a Expert from Davis (one of the World's most renowned viticulturist college and institution) to check the location and confirm that grapes could be grown there.

Maynard purchased the land and started a new dream.

Maynard makes a wine name "Judith" after his mother. It's made of, I beleive 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. He also makes another wine based on Sangiovese, which I hope to taste soon one day, being a great lover of Sangiovese based wines; Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. I hear it's quite good.

Anyway, check out the movie "Blood Into Wine," Google "Maynard Keenan" and grab some of his wine, if you can get a hold of it.

PS the name of the Winery is "Caduceos Cellars"

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

"MAKIN the SCENE at the ACE HOTEL" with a STUMPTOWN COFFEE!!

Yes, Makin the Scene at the Ace Hotel. Got my Coffee, "Stumptown" of Course, my Laptop, iPod Tkouch with Camera, my Cel, money in my pockets, I'm all set.

The "Scene" in the Lobby of The Ace Hotel, New York, 29th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue. Great Lobby, the equivalent of the Alogonquin Hotel Lobby when it was front and center, New York's Literary Hotel in the days of Dolly Parker and days of yor.

Yes the "SCENE" in the Lobby of the Ace Hotel. It Rocks. Supposedly this is thee Rock-N-Roll Hotel, Home Base, Seattle.

This place is filled everyday, from Dawn to Dusk, with Writers, wound be writers, Screen Writers, Playrights, Web and Mobile Delepoers, tourists, and dear I say "Rock Stars." Don't know. All I can say is I've delt with quite a few Rock Stars in my days as Maitre'd Manager at the Once "Hottest Celebrity Spot in Town," Da Silvano's.... Yes it was, until Graydon Carter (who Frequented Da Silvano 5 or 6 Times a week) opened the

"Waverly Inn" and stole a Most of Silvan's immense Celebrity Crowd. Everyone went there: Movie Stars, Rock Stars, the Fashion Set (Designers & Models), the Movers and Shakers in Publishing, the Magazine Business, and on and on!

David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Gwyneth Palthrow, Calvin Klein, Uma Thurma,and Richard Gere, to name just a few. Everyone went there.

Anyway ....

by . DAniel Bellino Zwicke ....

BLOOMBERG Picks JETS to WIN SUPER BOWL

Mayor Mike Bloomberg Predicts the New York JETS will Win this Years Super Bowl "alla Joe Namath" Though Bloomberg is No "JOE NAMATH" For those of You Too Young to Know the Great Jet Quarterback Joe Namath aka "Broadway Joe" Guaranteed the JETS would Beat the Highly Favored Baltimore Colts, led by the GREAT Johnny Unitas in the Super Bowl of 1969.

Namath played a phenomenal Game leading the Jets to Victory over the Mighty Colts. Can the Jets do it again. Doubt it. Though the JETS just beat the Mighty Tom Brady and the New England Patriots today. Big upset!!!!

The "FIGHTER" vs "TRUE GRIT" !!! GUESS Who WINS ????

Two of the Hottest Movies of the Holiday Season 2010/2011 are the "Cohen Brothers" TRUE GRIT, and the "Fighter" starring "Mark Wahlberg" and "Christian Bale" which may very well prove to be a Oscar Winning performance for Bale, at least a Oscar Nomination anyway along with many other accolades.

Back to the Movies on a whole. In short, quick, and simple terms, if this was a fight and you were to compare the two films, first off, in terms of the Box Office, "True Grit" as the Top Money earner and #1 at the Box Office at this point in time is blowing the Fighter out of the water. On the other hand, which film is of better quality in terms of the story, acting, and total totality of quality, the reverse is true in that The "Fighter" Blows "True Grit" Out-of-the-Water in that, overall the Fighter is a MUCH Better movie.

The "Fighter" is the true-life story of two former "Boxing Brothers," Micky and Dicky Ward of Lowell, Massachusetts (near Boston). Dicky the older brother once fought the Great "Sugar Ray Leonard" and Dicky's Claim to fame is that he knocked the great Sugar Ray down. Dicky's younger brother Micky looks up to his brother and idolizes him in a way, even though Dicky has become a hardcore "Crack Addict."

And in his role, playing the Crack Addicted Micky Ward, "Christian Bale" has done a phenomenal job. Without question a Oscar Winning Performance. There is not much doubt about this, in most peoples minds. Bale's performance is Scary, as it should be, he is a crack Addict after all. And for those who see this movie and Tour de Force performance, if you thought about it, you would not be able to imagine another actor taking on this role. That there people is the kind of performance that might rank amongst the great ones. That is, for those who are true movie aficionados and you pick movies apart and do things like trying to imagine another actor in a particular role, and you know, no one else will do. Such as the case of performances like; Marlon Brando as Stanley in Tennessee Williams "A Streetcar Name Desire" or Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta in Martin Scorsesee's "Raging Bull." No one else will do.

The movie is wonderful. Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward chases the title. Will he, or will he not get a shot at it with his crack addict brother Dicky as his trainer and mother his manager. Mark Wahlberg does a fine job as Micky, but his part does not compare to that of Bale's, who takes a complex character and runs with it.

Back to "True Grit" the Cohen Brothers and Jeff Bridges. The Cohen Brothers are Great film makers and Jeff Bridges is a wonderful actor and who could ever forget Jeff's awesome performance as The "Dude" in the Cohen Brothers masterpiece The Big Lebowski? "The Dude Abides." To put it bluntly, True Grit was "So-So," not bad, but not that great either and definitely not worth the $13 you will have to shell out to go see it in New York. True Grit is a definitely "Wait til it is On Cable" type of Movie. If you're smart, you'll do just that. And though I'm a huge Jeff Bridges fan, I've got to say, the Rooster Chogburn character is annoying. The story had no suspense or drama. You always know what is going to happen, Chogburn is going to get his man. The Cohen Brothers are great, as is Jeff Bridges, True Grit is not. Far from it! The movie is entertaining, but, in this economy, "Save Your Hard Earned Money" and wait to see True Grit for Free and on TV.

The WORLDS COOLEST RESTAURANT

The World's Coolest Restaurant? Why, it's Harry's Bar,

Venice of course. Without a doubt. There is no contest for any to compete. Well many will beg to differ, but I know better, and better than most. No Brag, Just Fact! Let me tell you why.

If you are in any of the Great Renowned Cities of the World, cities such as; New York, Paris, Rome, Bangkok, Tokyo, London,

Hong Kong, wherever. There will in all these cities be a number of restaurants where the In-Crowd, the Jet-Set, Those in The Know, the Movers-and-Shakers of the World will go to. There are usually at least 6 to 12 restaurants for those in the know to go to. For example, if you are in my City, New York and you are one of these people, "Those In the Know," you might go to any one of these restaurants. right now in the year 2011 these restaurants would be; Minetta Tavern,

Bar Pitti, The Waverly Inn, Pastis, Momofuku Ssam, The Standard Grill, John Dory at The Ace Hotel, and at least 6 others. Same goes for LA, London, Paris, Rome, and so-on.

In Venice there are many restaurants, but really just one more or less that "Everyone Who is Anyone" will go when in town. One, that one is "Harry's Bar." No other restaurant in the World quite like it. If you are of the Jet Set, The In Crow, those "In-The-Know," you'll know one thing for sure, when you go to Harry's Bar you will be amongst the all of

The "in Crowd" will be there and nowhere else. Well this is a bit of an exaggeration to make a point, but this point is true 85% of the time.

And of the place, Harry's Bar, Venice. And i keep saying Harry's bar Venice, for it is thee only one, but there are many others around the World with the same name. There is only one Great "Harry's Bar" and that is Harry's Bar, Venice at the Vaporetto stop of San Marco.

Yes, and of Harry's. The restaurant is Wonderful. It has a beautiful casual elegance in the decor. The place is always filled with the "Beautiful People," the service is great, and the food Fabulous. Though at a price. Harry's bar is very expensive. For some this is of no consequence, but if it is expensive for you, it is definitely worth a splurge. The place is awesome.

After-All, they invented the "Bellini" Cocktail here. And

Beef Carpaccio as well.

Over the years, everyone and everyone has passed through the doors; Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers,

Rock Stars, Movie Stars, you name it. Too many to name, never-the-less, I will name some names; Ernest Hemingway, Grace Kelly, Onassis, Sir Winston Churchill, Humphrey Bogart, Mick Jagger, George Clooney, Jude Law, Gwyneth Palthrow and on-and-on. And you if you go, of course.

If you go to Harry's Bar, you will Love it. The place is filled with quite a exciting energy. It's a experience you'll always remember. So, do remember, The World's Coolest restaurnat, Harry's Bar, Venice that is.

by DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

TAYLOR HAM .."SPAM" Bacon and McRibs and ???

Pork and Why do I Love all Products Made from it So! Spareribs are the "Best," Bacon, Sausages, Pork Chops, Ham, Spam, McRibs, and? Yes I Love them all so! And Why? Why? What else? They're Tasty! It's Tasty! Pork and all things made from it. I Pity Vegetarians and Others who do not eat it, Pork, Ham, and Spam.

Robin Raisfeld in her story "Trendlet: It's Baloney," this week in New York spark my interest when I say the big beautiful picture of a slice of tasty Mortadella, "King of All Baloneys."

As I read farther into the article, I was so happy to see a picture of a gorgeous "Taylor Ham and Egg Sandwich." And it immediately brought out the in Jerseyite in me. As anyone who grew up or ever lived in New Jersey, they'll tell you of their Love of "Taylor Ham," the unofficial "State Meat." Taylor Ham? Why? Well, first off, Taylor Ham was invented in Trenton New Jersey. It's super tasty. Jerseyites and former ones (like Me) Love it, and you can only get it in New Jersey. More or less. Why? I don't know. Can Jerseyites be smarter than New Yorkers who have never caught on to this wonderful Pork product from the Garden State. After moving to New York some 26 years ago, besides from missing my family, my only other regret of leaving New Jersey, is missing and yearning for my beloved Taylor Ham. You just can't get it in the Big City. Well, hardly ever. Do New Yorkers not like it? Is it reserved for Jerseyites only? Don't know! All I know is I miss it inside a Taylor Ham and Egg Sandwich or on my breakfast plate accompanying a couple fried eggs.

Reading the article and be reminded of my "Long Lost Love," Taylor Ham, I'm also painfully reminded of another recent dumping by a Loved one. That being my beloved "McRib." How I Love it so! After a brief Love Affair with her, way back in 1989. She disappeared! Why? I do not know. And for some 21 years. And then one lovely day last year. It was in October, what day I do not know. She reappeared. Back into my life once again. And the Love Affair was on again. On my part like it never ended. I Loved, as much and more than ever. Forgiving her and not think of the long cruel Separation brought on by her. She had deserted me. But I didn't care. We got together more than 20 times this passed October, November, and was it a few days into December? I do not know. Once again, my beloved McRib disappeared. Into a dark December night. Why? I do not know? I only know that however long it may take. I'l wait. Just please my Love, do not make it another 21 years. My beloved McRib.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

TREBICCHIERI 2011 .... NEW YORK February 18

As most Americans will not know that the magazine

"Gamero Rosso" is the Italian equivalent of the Wine Spectator when it comes to Italian Wine, rating and writing about them.

Instead of a 100 Point ratings system used by the Wine Spectator and others, Gamber Rosso gives their top rated wines Trebicchieri or "Three Glasses" and Two Glasses is very good, the equivalent of a 88 or 89 on the 100 Point Scale.

Here is a List of Some of Gamberro Rosso's "Trebicchieri" Wines for 2011. The Grand Trebicchieri Tasting to be held in New York on February 18, 2011

Albana di Romagna Passito AR ’08 Fattoria Zerbina

A. A. Gewurztraminer Kastelaz ’09 Elena Walch
A. A. Valle Isarco Sylvaner R ’09 Kofererhof
Amarone della Valpolicella Vajo Armaron ’05 Serego Alighieri
Barolo La Rocche del Falletto Ris. ’04 B. Giacosa
Barolo Monfortino Ris. ’02 G. Conterno
Barolo ’06B. Mascarello
Bolgheri Sassicaia ’07 San Guido
Brunello di Montalcino Ris. ’04 Biondi Santi
Camartina ’07 Querciabella
Cervaro della Sala ’08 Castello della Sala Umbria
Chianti Classico Rancia Ris. ’07 Felsina
Cof Sauvignon Zuc di Volpe ’09 Volpe Pasini
Cupo ’08 Pietracupa
Franciacorta Brut Secolo Novo ’05 Le Marchesine
Gattinara Osso San Grato ’06 Antoniolo
I Sodi di San Nicolò ’06 Castellare
Le Pergole Torte ’07 Montevertine
Langhe Costa Russi ’07 Gaja
Marsala Vergine Ris. ’81 Pellegrino
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ’08 Villa Medoro
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ’06 Valentini
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo San Calisto ’07 Valle Reale
Montiano ’08 Falesco
Primitivo di Manduria Es ’08 Fino
Rosso Gravner ’04 Gravner
Rosso Piceno Sup. Roggio del Filare ’07 Velenosi
Sangiovese di Romagna Sup. Avi ’06 San Patrignano
Taurasi Radici Ris. ’04 Mastroberardino
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Castello di Semivicoli ’08 Masciarelli
Trento Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Brut ’01 Ferrari
Veneroso ’07 Tenuta di Ghizzano

FIVE GREAT NEW YORK BURGERS and Where to Get Em!!!

The "SUPER MOON"

The "SUPER MOON" !

Love it Early in the Evening when its at it Largest, I believe. Didn't see it as I was working inside. Had forgotten all about the Big "Super Moon" until I got home from work at about 12:15 AM.... I'm always in awe and Love to See the Big Bright Moon, low on the horizon. When I was in my house listening to the radio and heard about it. I put my shoes back on and went outside to see it. It was 12:40 Am. I go out and look up into the sky. There it is. Disappointing. Only because by this time it was High up in the sky and just looked like a normal everyday Full Moon, not the Super One I was looking for. I Missed it.
Se La Vie!

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

GRAYDON CARTER ...Da Silvano to the "WAVERLY INN"

WAVERLY INN

Mary — Graydon Carter may have been wasting his time launching and editing magazines all these years. The 58-year-old's true calling is restaurant promoter. Carter's Vanity Fair is doing fine, at least among the middle-aged middle-American women who make up the core of its readership: the glossy title is a carefully-disguised supermarket tabloid. But Carter has had greater success recently with the restaurant the Canadian bon vivant opened up just a few doors from his house. The Vanity Fair editor was a regular at Da Silvano's on Sixth Avenue; he and his friends lent the Italian restaurant an allure, which brought a celebrity clientele, and press mentions. But look at this chart of mentions of the restaurants in the Nexis press database: Carter's new restaurant, which drew Lindsay Lohan and Cameron Diaz last Friday, has eclipsed his old haunt.

FEUDING RESTAURANTEURS...Silvano Marchetto and Giovanni Tognozzi

Writing about the long-running feud between the owners of Da Silvano and Bar Pitti, Joshua David Stein gets an earful from Silvano Marchetto. Silvano describes how he hired Giovanni “Bastardo” Tognozzi as a waiter in the late eighties, then canned him for taking too long to set a table, and then rehired him only because he thought he had gone from being “irrational” to “normal.” Of course, after they opened Bar Pitti together, the friends ended up having a falling out that Stein spends 2,500 words documenting. So what does Tognozzi have to say about the matter? “First, I am tired of talking about Silvano,” is all he’ll tell the Post. “Second, whatever he says about me, I don't care.” We’re going to give Tognozzi the PR victory here.