Al Pacino - Spectacular! A short review of the Merchant of Venice

The Jewish banker, Shylock, was incredibly alive in Al Pacino’s performance at Broadway last night, which made the 3-hour play go fast.

The play, at the Broadhurst Theatre, a quite small theatre at 44^th Street, had its stage well designed. The round dark steel framed scenario easily interchanged the atmospheres of Venice and Genoa, by moving the fences along and using the colors of the costumes.

The presence of Al Pacino at the stage was heavy, bringing with him all of its greed character. His revenge against the catholic merchant flowered as his lines were spoken.  Byron Jennings played Antonio, the Venetian Merchant, which was a really intense performance reaching its peak when Antonio got bankrupted.

The role of Bassanio was made by David Harbour. He acted with too many gestures, as if he need that to demonstrate his feelings. I wasn’t able to count how many times he move his hand to his mouth as if he was surprised or sad.

Among all the controversies and discussions about the relationship of Antonio and Bassanio, Daniel Sullivan chose to present a very close one, even suggesting the homosexuality of Antonio. 

Charles Kimbrough, as prince of Aragon, had a great presence, and it was a really nice surprise, giving the comedy, as expected by the play.

And, at last, Lily Rabe was wonderful as Portia, giving all the strength that her character needed, playing with men, as with they were sometimes stupid.

The play does worth for Al Pacino himself. He has a great presence, and he even knows how to silence himself in order to give a space to the other (as during the judgment of the foreclosure of the bond).

Regardless the interpretation of the contract entered into by Shylock and Antonio, which perhaps made the “Merchant of Venice” so famous, by which Shylock were allowed to take the flesh of Antonio but not to spill a single drop of blood, the play really stressed the women’s strength. It is Portia who is responsible to conduce for that end, as well to make Jessica (Shylock’s Daughter) realize the importance and the meaning of love. Where all the men were occupied thinking about money and religion, and at the same time the decision had to be according with the Venetian precedents, she was the only one able to give an answer. We can see the respect of freedom of contract; at the same time it allowed us to find a fair judgment.

Manhattan - Piano Due

Piano Due is a bar/restaurant in Midtown. I never been to the restaurant, I always restrained myself to the bar, which occupies all the entrance of the place. The bar (surrounded by a balcony) stays in the middle. It is really a nice place for a happy hour.

With my Manhattan Challenge in mind, I sat at the bar and order to Jessy a straight up Manhattan.  Surprisingly, she asked me what kind of whisky I would like on that. First, I told her to choose, than (perhaps not wisely, since it is better to have the barman (in this case barwoman) the burden) I changed my mind and asked for a Canadian whisky (as the IAB recipe states). She promptly agreed and made the cocktail just in front of me, which is really great.

Now the cons: no bitter – this made the Manhattan very sweet. The dryness totally disappeared from it. After drinking almost half of it, I notice that the lack of angostura spoiled the entire drink.

She also dropped 3 cherries on it. A good think perhaps, but under the situation, just made it sweeter.

Final Grade: 7.00. And let’s move to the next one.

No excuse to stay at Home - November's Greatest Concerts!!

If you are looking for fun, here is a list of very good music events that will be held in NYC next November!

Date	Event	Venue
01 – Monday	Eric Person	Blue Note Jazz Club
03 – Wednesday	Bruce Springsteen	Beacon Theatre
04 – Thursday	Lebowski Fest	Brooklyn Bowl
	Social Distortion	Roseland Ballroom
05 – Friday	Interpol w/ White Rabbits*	United Palace Theatre
	Blues Traveler	Brooklyn Bowl
	Colin Stranahan	Blue Note Jazz Club
06 – Saturday	Roger Waters*	Madison Square Garden
10 – Wednesday	Experience Hendrix	Beacon Theatre
12 – Friday	Annual John Lennon Tribute	Beacon Theatre
12 – Friday & 13 – Saturday	Man.. or Astro-man? w/ Dexter Romweber Duo	Bowery Ballroom
	Dave Mathews Band	Madison Square Garden
13 – Saturday	Ariel Pink’s Hautend Graffiti w/ Os Mutantes	Webster Hall
	Sebastian Grosso	Pacha
16 – Saturday	Kings of Leon	Madison Square Garden
17 – Sunday	Darwin Deez	Mercury Lounge
22 – Monday 23 – Tuesday 24 – Wednesday	Bob Dylan*	Terminal 5
24 – Wednesday	Paul Oakenfold and Nervo*	Roseland Ballroom
27 – Saturday	Dave Brubeck	Blue Note Jazz Club
28 – Sunday	Michael Buble	Madison Square Garden

* highly recommended!!

If you are searching for a special concert, in any city of the world, I recommend you to subscribe Songkick. There you can track your favorite artist and venues, and know whenever a good concert you happen close to you!

Are just the taxes? or Freeze!! Give me your wallet!

Once you move from a foreign country to Brazil you are allowed to bring all your personal belongs with you, with no regard of their price, and you don't have to pay taxes for it. This is based on a general assumption that all those goods you are bringing is of your personal use. So the government won't impose any tax on that, since you already paid the taxes on the respective country of origin.

There is some exceptions to that. Ff you are moving to Brazil, you cannot bring brand new goods, nor things with the purpose of reselling. Another exception is motor vehicles, it is not possible to bring to Brazil any vehicle with combustion ignition, such as motorcycle or cars.

If you want to do that, you must import the vehicle and pay all the related taxes, which will increase a little bit the price of it. For example, a car that costs around US20,000 in the US, you going to pay around U$21,000 just in taxes (plus importing costs) (to check the Federal Taxes click here) plus shipping and handling cost plus DMV and Environmental Agency fees, which can easily reach U$3,000 more.
So, a car that costs U$20,000 in the US would land in Brazil at U$45,000.

Ok, you would think. It is expensive but those are the taxes and while they are there, we need to leave with it and just pay it. But why there are things (including cars) that reaches the Brazilian stores at 5 or 6 times their "normal" prices??

And here, a very annoying example that not just makes us mad, but re-think about the greed of some exclusive importers.

A friend of mine has a kid who is intolerant to the milk protein; thus, he needs a special milk called "Neocate". So, this is not just a regular powdered milk, which could be changed for any brand at any time. It has a very specific and important purpose.

In Brazil the price of a can of Neocate (400gr/14oz)  is "merely" R$625.48 (around U$370.00) + s&h. A little bit expensive for a can of powdered milk substitute, essential for some kids, is'n it? So, this friend asked me to buy one can for him, since it is cheaper here. And so I did.

The result: I bought the milk at Amazon.com. Can you guess the price?

Come on… guess it… this would be fun… K

With expedited shipping it was U$121.44. Yes, it was almost 1/3 of the price.

And then, you would say, come on, considering the taxes and the profit of the store, is not sooo bad.
And then I would reply: yes, if I had bought one!

Believing or not, this price was for a pack of 4 CANS!!!! which, surprisingly, makes U$30.00 for each of such can!! 12 TIMES LESS THE BRAZILIAN PRICE!!!

Next time, they could just point a gun in our faces and ask for the money, it is easier and nicer!!

Hot Dogs - Are they really made from those cute animals??

Perhaps there are two things that New Yorkers could be proud to have a lot..

Dog Walker - From ABC

Hot Dog Places and Dogs!

Gray's Papaya at 8th Ave w/ 37th St

In almost every corner of the city there is a Hot Dog Cart.. and in almost every house there is a Dog. Besides all the French Bulldogs and Pugs there are a lot of Labradors and Golden Retriever. The big dogs are place in the same square foot as any small dog, as if they were happy. In my building, for example, there is a guy who lives with a Great Dane and another one that has a German Shepherd, God knows what more to expect.

Recently, the New York times wrote a review about the Cat People, and its conflicts and advices in a city of Dog People (Cat People Are People, Too – by Sloane Crosley).

But, maybe, they shouldn’t be so upset, since all dog owners, differently from what Sloane wrote, neither are into a fashion breed style nor need a “real friend”, but they are part of an evil plan to raise dogs and sell then to make hot dog sausages(!)… As everybody says, nobody knows from what they come from…



Maybe, this is why Gray’s Papaya (supposedly the best hot dog of New York City – maybe of the entire world) is so great!! The secret is inside the sausages: they just use the tenderest part of Siberian Husky. Who knows… Perhaps, Taco Bell discovered that recipe and I tried to do some Chihuahuas Tacos. 

Gray's Papaya

But, seriously, for U$1.50 and 2 blocks from my house, Gray’s Papaya is my best option, even if the sausage is made from something I don’t want to know.

In some weeks I will be visiting Brazil, and I will take a picture of a local Hot Dog,so you can check the difference of styles:

NYC Hot Dog = bread + sausage + mustard + ketchup (and in places like GP: read onion sauce)

Brazilian Hot Dog = bread + sausage + mustard + ketchup + mayonnaise + mash potatoes + green beans + corn beans + flower (farofa) + small French fries + tomato sauce + and whatever you can imagine + and some times pressed).

A final question: Do you really believe that people sell kosher and halal hot dogs in those streets carts?

PS – just two more things, I don’t believe in veggie or soy sausages! And no, those places don’t make food from dog!

Manhattan - Bagatelle

First about Bagatelle. It is a really nice restaurant in the "meatpacking district", from the same owners of Kiss&Fly. From outside it resembles more a club/bar than a restaurant, since it has a really good and loud music, conducted by a DJ. A young (30’s) crowd makes the scene. I definitely wouldn’t suggest you to take your parents there, unless they are into noisy places.

Since I went there for the Manhattan, I just stayed at the bar, looking for the waiters coming and going with a lot of wonderful deserts.

So, let’s go for the review. I asked Nicolas (bartender) for a straight up Manhattan. He took around 10 minutes (!) to prepared it and finally delivery it  in a short glass (not the classic cocktail glass), which made me grab the glass enterely, heating the drink more quickly with time. 

Instead of cherry, he used a lemon, part of the skin, as if he peeled it (not sliced as they put in beers).

Not against innovations, but the flavor of the lemon overwhelmed the flavor of the drink, it became citric and a tart, and not dry as I like it. You could still feel the strong flavor of the whisky, but it was under the lemon’s shade. The angostura taste, I couldn’t find.

Final grade: 6,5 (yes, it lost 1/2 a point because of the glass). It doesn’t worth going for the Manhattan, but for sure the place has lot more to offer. Salud!!

Best Manhattan of Manhanttan

Among all my personal philosophies one I think everybody should follow:

"You must try the signature food/drink of the place you are".

Examples of that:
Philadelphia = Cream Cheese
New York = Cheesecake / NY Steak
California = Sushi (California)
Puerto Rico = Piña Colada

This philosophy is especially great when the name of the place is the name of the dish/drink, as it happens with the world famous Manhattan. And you can have it straight up or on the rocks. But, common, if you are going to a Manhattan you shall go straight up!

Original Recipe according to IBA (international bartenders association):

5cl Rye or Canadian whiskey

2cl Sweet red vermouth

1 Dash Angostura bitters

Maraschino cherry (garnish)

The first time I drunk one was at the Bourbon Street in São Paulo. Many years had pass since one month ago, which I tried again at Buddakan (NYC).

With an amazing texture and flavor, it made me rethink about the role of the cocktails, and also create a personal challenge.

Which is the best Manhattan of Manhattan?? Until now, just Buddakan with a big 9 (which is subject to alteration).

So let's start the competition.



Photo from: Daddy's Martinis



Sir Ken Robinson - Changing Education Paradigms

Sir Ken Robison is an well know education expert, and besides all the critics that people shoot on him, he really makes us think outside the box with his lecture about public education.

Some people say that he doesn't present any solution for the problems he point out, at same time he just approach the subject in an tangential way. But the question has been established and we need at least to discuss it.

Steak Tartare II

Tartare - photo from my own recipe :)

Tarantino's Mind

Amazing!! Brazilian short movie - with subtitles...




Tip from Torero

Steak Tartare - More than just Raw Beef

About 3 years ago I found myself really in love with Stake Tartare, and I went far to discover all of its flavor. To me Steak Tartare is more than just a regular dish. As an appetizer or an entree, its consistency changes with the several recipes. It can be creamy, spicy, dry, with french toasts, french fries, side salad, you named it. Particularly, I prefer it with a creamy consistency, with a light taste of mustard and the sufficient spiciness to break the "egg flavor", and not so much cappers.

From that time to know, I decrease a little bit the quantity of Stake Tartare meals; however, along those years I was able to try different recipes in different countries, such as Brazil, France, and the United States. In addition, I created my own recipe, which follows more my taste than any measure guidance. The ingredients are as follow:

filet mignon;

onion;

garlic;

capers;

egg;

Worcestershire sauce;

Dijon mustard;

cognac;

parsley;

green onions;

Tabasco;

olive oil; and

cornichons.

As you can see I don't use anchovy fillets on my recipe...

The origin of this dish is uncertain, but (at least Wikipedia) says that it names from Central Asia, but for sure it was the French that made it famous as it is now.  Some other European countries have different names for it. In my “home” town, Curitiba, we used to have in a German restaurant a dish called Panther’s Beef (carne de onça), which is a simpler way of doing it, but not less tasty. The grounded (or chopped) raw beef, with onions, parsley and green onions, goes over a wheat bread, and you spread brown mustard on it.

I will use this blog to discuss more about the Steak Tartare and its different techniques, including restaurants reviews.

In the mean while, try to figure out your own favorite recipe!

Empire State Building Lights - What is it telling us?

A symbol of NYC, the ESB frequently changes its colors. The 102-store building located in the 34th street, which had its construction completed on 1931, and became the world's tallest building (after 2001 sadly return to the position of NYC's tallest skyscraper), has three stages of lights on its top.

Its floodlights change colors to match with events and other special events.  At its official website (http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_lightingschedule.cfm), but the site "What Color is the Empire States Building" (http://whatcoloristheempirestatebuilding.com/) makes it way more attractive. Check it Out!

What Color is the Empire States Building
front page on Oct 25

More photos:

US Tennis Association
Open Finals Weekend - Sep 13

ESB with its 'standard' lights - white, white, white

Tune on African Horn - Ethiopian Jazz

Maybe this is new for some people, but Ethiopia is a land of great music, especially jazz. During the 60’s and 70’s it was possible to hear great music in Addis Ababa’s cafes and clubs. Duke Ellington made his presence over there. More important, however, was (or is) the Ethiopian Fusion that was created and among the musicians from that time Mulatu Astatke is considered one of a kind.

However, with the overthrow of the “Rasta God” (as Bob Marley would say), Emperor Haile Selassie, by the “Derg”, Mulatu had to flee from his own country. With his bad also went the smile. The sound got quiet… and become a whispering in the African corner.

The communism regime create more than just hunger, violence and terror came with it. Censorship of speech and music let the vivid artistic scene of Ethiopia become a pallid and starving atmosphere.

Nonetheless, it seems the time is changing again for the colorful Africa. With no doubt the Éthiopiques series (with its 25 volumes so far) helped the world to understand such amazing sound, but the new generation has its own value in order to recreate the music scenario of that country. Again it is possible to see musicians playing in Addis. And Mulatu is also making his contribution, by creating jazz village in Addis to train youngster.

This week the Economist released an interview with Mulatu Astatke, which you can read it here: http://www.economist.com/node/21012023

For a feeling of his sound check out the Little Screen (below).

Enjoy!

What the French Can Do For You!

Last Wednesday (October 20) Phoenix step into the Madison Square Garden to play for a magnificent crowd. Since many of its hits were remixed along the years, I went expecting a mixture of rock&roll and electronic music, as for what they became known.

Before anything, however, it is important  to recognize two things. First, I wasn't able to find a "General Admission Ticket" for the PIT, and I ended with a 200 Level Seat. A lot of people might disagree with me, but I am not used to have a seat in a rock concert. Second, I was really in the mood for the concert, which really can make a difference, especially if you are going to attend a concert by yourself.

Outside the weather was chilled, but once I got to the MSG I saw a really excited mob. Like me, the year range was 30's, with lots of foreigners (lots of French - why??), so I felt really comfortable there. (I still find really annoying when I am the only blue dot in a red square place).

Time for a beer, find my seat, and BANG! The concert started... and different from my early expectations, it started in a pure and solid rock and roll. Power drums, loud guitars, and Thomas Mars' voice appeared in a perfect cadence, making the fans jump from their seats in a instantaneously action - Lisztomania.

With an clean concert, they made more than lots of big fancy productions. And this is what rock and roll is all about. Just some lights, a wonderful set list, a lot of energy and a crowd that went crazy at the end of every song. Their focus were more on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (but I prefer I little bit more their first Album, United), as their well acclaimed album, but they could arrange well their hits.

While watching the concert, it made me remember the Vampire Week concert, a month before, at Radio City. Not even close from what was happening at MSG on that moment. A "crazy-mature" band! Mars throw himself to the cluster several times, as if he were at a underground club.

From the middle to the end they started to calm down, as with the French cover of La Fille Aux Cheveux Clairs (Johnny Hallyday) - as expected since it was on their setlist.

What wasn't expected was the next performance. From nowhere Daft Punk arouse, and my first anticipation become true. The electronic-rock finally appear with all its strength. The French were together, and Daft Punk finally got out of its concert hibernation. Mixing Around the World with Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger was extraordinary. If anyone could imagine any surprise, this was the best one!! And with the concert, Phoenix “finally” got out the “indie” label to enter into the select group of bands – the question is, what we can expect next? Now the level is high! 

  

Set List:

1. Lisztomania

2. Lasso

3. Long Distance Call

4. Fences

5. Girlfriend

6. Armistice

7. North

8. Love Like a Sunset

9. Run Run Run

10. Rally

11. Rome

12. Funky Squaredance

13. Honeymoon

14. La Fille Aux Cheveux Clairs

15. If I Ever Feell Better

16. Around the World/ Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (w/ Daft Punk)

17. 1901 (w/ Daft Punk)

- photos and videos will be published soon.