Current Goal: Monetize My Restaurant Passion

If you've ever eaten with me (or probably if you've ever spoken to me), you know.  I love food.  Mexican food, desserts, Ethiopian Food, cream cheese.  Indian food, garlic bread, Thai food, and tofu.  It's all beautiful to me, and meals in my company are more like celebrations that last hours.  I enjoy every bite, bask in every moment, and appreciate (almost) every morsel.

Being in New York City, I'm constantly tempted by the compendious food choices that surround me.  When I do decide to go out I find myself spinning in circles in an attempt to decide which place to enter.  There are thousands of restaurants in the city (I tried to devise methods for accurately estimating but fear I have yet to think of an efficient way of doing so) and I want to go to taste what every single one has to offer.  

I'm not sure if it's the overachiever in me, the romantic idea of accomplishment that comes with eating something from every restaurant, or the value I place on the social currency of truly being able to offer solid recommendations to people based on their interests, but I might be a lot obsessed with the thought of eating in every New York City restaurant.  I achieved this in Northampton, Massachusetts right before I moved away, but the issue of closures and change in the city would make such a feat nearly impossible in New York City.  

Still, I would very much like to explore the idea of trying.  Because of money restrictions such an idea is out of the question, but of course I'm not willing to give up so quickly, and here is where I need your brilliant minds.  If I were to pursue this goal I would need a lot of money.  Some sort of funding would need to be made available, either via a V.C, sponsorship(s), or a means of monetizing my restaurant attendance (perhaps Super Size Me or Fast Food Nation style?) would certainly be in order.

If I could get that, or if I were to propose such a thing, what would be required on my part?  For the unadulterated pleasure of thought exercises, I wish to explore the proposition below:

According to a Google Answers response the Census Bureau recorded 14,590 restaurants and bars in New York City at the end of 2002.  For the sake of estimation and such, let's just assume there are 15,000 restaurants in the city.  I'm not a math major here so correct me if I'm wrong, but if I went to one restaurant per day, it would take me 15,000 days or 41.1 years to conquer the city's food venues (not taking into account leap years).  At an average of $25 per meal (I pulled that number from thin air) I would need $375,000 to eat out once per day for the next 41.1 years.

The first thought that pops into my head when I think about 41 years is the way native New Yorkers talk about how New York used to feel in the 1970's.  It seems like a completely different world, and with different worlds undoubtedly comes different restaurants.  Few of the mainstays from when I began my project would still exist 41 years from now, meaning I should, in theory, give up on the idea.  

But then I think about how wonderful it would be to try every restaurant.  It wouldn't be a matter of which restaurant I wanted to experience, but for what occasion and when I wanted to experience it.  I can imagine drawing graphs and posting oversized maps illustrating my quest through the city's cuisine.  

When I was little (like two or three) I wanted to be a pirate.  Something about that desire still fascinates me, but this restaurant proposition even beats the dreamy elements of choosing "pirate" as a career path.

I may not ever get to every restaurant in New York City, but what if I could eat in every location?  What is Grotto on 100 Forsyth Street today might be a completely different restaurant in 2050, but I would still be able to say that I, at the tender age of 22, once sat in that restaurant back before they started serving whatever will be the unimaginably futuristic and trendy cuisine of 41 years from now.

The visions of the past are mostly irrelevant to most, but in my eyes that doesn't devalue the idea of chasing my goal. The restaurants I attend may not always exist but I know I'll always remember the way it felt to bask in the nautical environment of Grotto, for example, as I shared entrees of tortellini and pork with someone I hope will still be in my life in one way or another 41.1 years from now.

Unwavering I stand.  I'm not saying there won't be nights when I want to stay in, but I foresee unmatched good times.  I could become the Beatle Bob of New York City's restaurants, the foodie version of Dale Webster (the man who has surfed every day for more than 32 years), or the aficionado of food history in New York.  Whatever the case, it sounds like a beautiful mission.  

Anybody care to share how I could monetize this or find some sort of funding?  I'll show you lots of appreciation, and if you're lucky, take you out to dinner.

***

Today's music recommendations honor two wonderful artists who, in my opinion, have provided beautiful work on New York.

LCD Soundsystem - "New York I Love You" (The scenes are from a Carson film about NYC in the 1950's)

Kelly McRae - "BQE" (I couldn't find the actual song in video form, but check it out.  It has some of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard when it comes to appreciating the city.)

A Shameless Event Plug For An HX Event

As some of you may or may not know, one of my many moonlighting occupations resides with HX Magazine. This weekend the magazine is hosting a Gay Life Expo in the NYC Javitz center (11th Av/36th St), so if you're fresh off the Stop the H8 Prop 8 protest near City Hall this weekend and wondering where to go afterward, walk Northwest young man/woman/anything in between.

The Expo features networking events, a career center, vendors, charities, and much more. Obviously, it's the performers and musicians that have me most excited. Below you'll find a list and short summary of what some of them are all about. Enjoy and I hope to see you in the Javitz center this weekend.
SATURDAY / NOV 15

Show # 1
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Poodle skirts and wholesome 1950’s high school girl stereotypes coupled with sidesplitting antics and a ten year reunion that takes place in the typical miniskirt culture of 1968, The Marvelous Wondrettes are a sensational act that will take the Gay Life Expo by storm with their renditions of “Respect,” Son of a Preacher Man,” and much, much more.

Jonathan Whitton
One look from Jonathan Whitton’s glimmering eyes and you’ll melt into heavenly eternity.

Emily McNamara
Emily McNamara grew up belting “Bettie Davis Eyes” into her hairbrush as she swooped around the living room with creative stuffed-animal-leaping dance moves. If you ask her about it today she’ll still admit to the same living room renditions, only now she is living the life she had dreamed of as a girl.

Show # 3
Naommon
French born fashionista Naommon (pronounced NOW-mon) crossed the pond with a grungy, florescent New York in mind. Now based in Harlem, his latest collection of bouncy bass lines and dark, sequin lined disco tracks spew with sultry refrains and images of the beautifully moody New York that keeps us gliding across the dance floor against hard bodies covered in sweat.

Peppermint
To know Peppermint is to love Peppermint. She’s been deemed HX Magazine’s Drag Queen of the Year, Entertainer of the Year in the Glammy Awards, and a part of Paper Magazine’s 10th Annual Beautiful People issue. Constantly on the nightlife circuit and always a pleasure, Peppermint is sure to deliver

Lori Michaels “Me & the Girls”
Lori Michaels just released her full length album “Living My Life Out Loud” and she’s ready to rock the stage with her Pink meets Timbaland in the back of a hot club style.

Murray Hill
Polyester clad, mustachioed Murray Hill emceed Madonna’s record release party, hosted a Antony and the Johnsons show, and appeared in Gossip’s video for “Listen Up.” If there’s anyone who is connected in the New York performance world it’s Murray Hill. He may not have won mayor of New York in 1997 (he received 341 write-in votes) but he’s guaranteed to step up to the stage and fill the room with laughter.

SUNDAY / NOV 16
Show # 1
Neon Glitter Bliss
If beats could kill I wouldn’t mind going out on the ethereal, hook filled syncopation of Neon Glitter Bliss. Pounding the scene with warm original sounds, the Brooklyn based electro pop trio sounds wonderfully familiar but completely original at the same time. The name says it all; this out of the box trio is pure bliss.

Show # 2
Brian Kent
Recently featured on Project Runway and Sirius Radio’s Out Hot 20, as well as Billboard’s #5 Breakout Dance Club Play, Brian Kent’s light, airy progressive house throbs with sexual energy. Earnest and melodic, but also spinning in whirlwinds of sound, these club thumpers will keep house fiends hot under the collar all night long.

Show # 3
Broadway Boys
Everything seems perfect when the hottest voices currently working on the New York stage agree to dress in dandy suits and let it all belt out. Redefining the classics we can’t live without and making original compositions sound as appealing as the standards, the six hunks that make up the Broadway Boys promise to keep you on the edge of your sequin seats in sheer delight.

Dorothy Bishop
Redefining everything from Puccini and Dusty Springfield to Cher and Donna Summer, this Southern born, Yale trained soprano, serves up tantalizing opera hovering over fast paced dance tracks and undeniable synth hooks. Many have called Dorothy Bishop’s performances “popratic,” and there’s no doubt her sense of humor and three octave vocal range will leave you begging for more.

Brett Gleason
A former New York State Gymnastics Champion, Brett Gleason has always been drawn into obscure musical landscapes. Now a one man band, he plays his own piano and guitar before weaving the live sounds into dark digital soundscapes. Part Fiona Apple, part Aphex Twin, Gleason will serve up a New York based ferocious sonic chaos that actually makes sense.

Margoh! Channing
Claiming William Hung and Britney Spears as inspiration, Margoh! Channing has finally embarked on the singing career she said she lost after a night of undeniable passion with Neil Sedaka. With her fluffy black updo, humongous sense of humor, and long black sequined dress she’s sure to bring you along on a snarky, playful romp through fifteen minutes of fame that will surely last a lifetime.

***

Neon Glitter Bliss

In the spirit of this weekend's expo, you can of course see this transcending trio this weekend in the Javitz center. My favorite tracks are "Wilted Flower" and "Drama." In fact, I would very much enjoy a society where dramatic situations were suddenly created with people gallivanting along and singing "I don't want no, (high voice) drama; in my life this, (high voice) moment. I don't want no, (high voice) drama; till the casket, (high voice) closes."

To enjoy the music, click on "Audio" in the widget below and then select the songs you'd like to listen to (or just follow the link above).

A Quick Pause

I don't dare pause too long for risk of losing my forward momentum, but every now and then I step back from eating a cupcake with a friend or enjoying a beautiful brunch only to realize that I might be one of the luckiest people in the world.

I have by no means achieved everything I would like to achieve, but opportunities have flown in my direction in heavy doses and the people that surround me have not only been unwaveringly supportive of my pursuits, but they have helped me enjoy life to the fullest.

Just tonight, as I was dancing home with my iPod pumping my advanced copy of a chart topping artist and breathing in the view of the Brooklyn Bridge by my house I realized that I should keep better track of the little victories. Below is a short list of some of the most memorable moments while I was working during the past couple weeks.

THE 45 KING
This is a man whose work you know even if you aren't already aware of the fact that he's a legend in hip hop. If you know pop culture you've heard "The 900 Number," his track that inspired "Let Me Clear My Throat." I had the pleasure of talking to The 45 King to set up interviews through Tuff City Records, and he's chill.

LYKKE LI
Lykke Li, the Stockholm sensation whose airy hallway voice made its way to America Ting Ting's style, also gave me some of her time. You can see the in print story below, as well as view a couple of the songs you'll probably recognize.




DJ HAZE
Word on the street is that Foundation Magazine is the new Source Magazine, and Foundation has embraced me from the start. I recently interviewed DJ Haze (who has worked with Juice, Lil' Wayne, The Game, etc) and his feature shouldd hit the press soon. Feel free to rate or download his mixtape below.

Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com

JOEY VEGA
If you know what bombing New York City meant in the 80's and 90's you know Joey Vega. This crucial hip hop legend designed the latest cover for the new 900 Number remix album Tuff City Records is releasing, and he shared a lot of history about the hip hop scene in New York City, a culture he helped create.


Off the top of my head, those are the most memorable career moments since El dia de los muertos at the beginning of this month. It's probably a good representation of the career side of my life here in New York, and you can absolutely expect ascension in the next couple months.

***

Before we return to the quick buzz of our daily lives I would like to take a moment to bet my music prediction talents on an emerging artist.

Some people excel in just about everything they try and Trevor "Trouble" Andrew seems to fall in that category. He secured a Burton sponsor in the snowboarding and skate world at the age of 14, and now at 27 Virgin Records just signed him. He's been somewhat of an underground sensation since the release of his EP in 2007, but in the summer of 2009 he's going to release a full length album. Trevor Andrew's mashup krunk rock is different enough to be edgy, humid enough to be hot, and poppy enough to absolutely dominate the radio waves.

Check out "Chase Money" below:

Apex Beat: Introducing

Yesterday, in an absolute flurry of excitement, I began explaining my preliminary plan for a thesis topic and academic journey. In passing, I quickly directed all parties interested in "How Brands Make Meaning in the Modern Media Landscape" to posts threaded by obvious key words, as well as one random tag.

That tag was Apex Beat, and that's the name I have assigned this series of writings. If you see a post of that title, you'll know right away what it's about.

ON THE NAME'S ORIGIN

I've been told that the "Apex Beat" also known as "PMI" (point of maximum impulse), is the point where your heartbeat is most apparent. The name resonated with me immediately, and because it's directly related to strength, pulse, and heart, it only seemed natural.

And so it begins, my Apex Beat.

***

For all you music fans, I recently interviewed DJ Haze a mixtape DJ and beat producer who has worked closely with The Game and many others. Haze mentioned that rap is dead because people are stuck in their expired ways for creating music. Southern beats are Southern beats are Southern beats, he argues, and so the industry needs a new face.

DJ Haze argues, and I think he is right, that the revival and resurrection of hip hop lies in someone who dares to be innovative. The new sound is a mixture of the best from not only multiple regions, but multiple music styles.

The Very Best already subscribes and applies this line of thought to their dance floor movers. Check out their mixtape below, and if you liked Vampire Weekend pay special attention to their "CapeKodKwassaKwassa" remix.

So Wanna...Know What Lauren Proctor Studies in Graduate School?

"What is it that you're studying at NYU?" The question in and of itself sounds simple enough. It's a non threatening way to make small talk, but the simple inquiry catches me off guard every time.

For starters, when people ask what other people are studying they usually expect an answer that can be given within a single breath. Marketing, English, Economics, or even Electrical Engineering. Simple, accessible, telling.

I, on the other hand, am affiliated with a program that's title alone contains enough syllables to make you dizzy. When I tell some people that I belong to the Gallatin School of Individualized Studies I see their eyes glaze over in what is either disinterest or absolute confusion. Those that stick with me through that part usually want to know what that means, and I used to think that actually knowing what I was studying would help me describe it to an outsider.

Now I realize that even though I'm beginning to solidify my topic of study, the good ole' twelve second elevator pitch simply leaves people confused and wondering again why I go to NYU. I'm tempted to print out business cards and hand them a link to my blog saying, "If you're really interested read this guide. If not, don't worry about it and thanks for asking."

For everyone who is still reading, here is why I go to NYU:  Within the next year and a half I want to become one of the leading scholars in how brands can make meaning in the modern media landscape.

What exactly, does that mean?  I'll talk a little bit about my theories this evening, but you can rely on periodic (or at least semi periodic) updates on my research right here.  All my posts will be filtered under "Apex Beat," as well as something like "Graduate School," "Marketing," "Brands," "Media," or something along those lines.

In the meantime, I'll tell you the foundation of my studies.  I am convinced that the new digital world in which we live is changing how we live and communicate (to a certain degree).  The media landscape is different than it was in the past, and this transformation is forcing brands to change how they relate and connect to people.

I'm not arguing that traditional TV spots and magazine ads will disappear, but lately I have seen the emergence of a new trend.  People are redefining how they relate to brands, and brands need, in part, to redefine how they reach people.

I want to be part of this revolution.  Not only that, but I want to help foster new ways for brands to create positive, meaningful relationships with consumers.  People shouldn't have to endure advertising, they should be able to enjoy it.  The push, pull of advertisers vs. consumers should be over, and the consumer should always win out.

That is, until brands figure out how to create positive communities and loyalties based on what they offer their consumers.  I believe that in the new digital world the best brands will succeed by creating content driven ideas that engage people at the core of their being and the essence of their passion(s).  In a relevant and meaningful way, brands will become the indispensable facilitator of the type of success people seek, and in doing so everyone will win out.

Brands will send messages in ways that connect consumers, and consumers will get what it is they want.  At least that's the goal formula I plan to crack in a year and a half.  

Stay tuned, and stay aware.  I'll keep you updated right here on this blog, again, under the tag "Apex Beat."

***

Academic breakthroughs should be matched with ethereal beats.  Check out Dri, a chilled out female vocalist whose voice swims in the clouds above a dreamy set of musical landscapes.  Think Enya meets M.I.A in the most soothing, underground artsy way possible.

Dri - "You Know I Tried"