Tuesday, June 25, 2019

New York $3 PBR BEER Dive Bars


$3 PBR Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer


    .
.
.
New York and the $3.00 PBR, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer has been a God-Send to many New Yorkers. As you all know, the US Economy has been in the Shitter for the past 5  years or so.
Many people are out of work, and many who are working, are taking home Half-as-Much Money or more of what they used to make. People have had to buckle down and give up or curb many things they enjoyed previous to the current state of our economy, which is in almost a Depression Era State.
Yes, everybody says that we are not in a Depression, we're in a recession. Those are the Rich and Well-Off, The 1%-ers  talking. To many, the state of our Union and their feelings are of Depression.
So, because of the Terrible State of our Economy you have given up eating out 3 times a week, you buy less clothes, spend less on Entertainment and any number of things. You haven't had a vacation in the past two years, maybe more. You've given up a lot. We all have.
Now when it comes to socializing, going out for a few Beers or Cocktails with some friends, you've had to cut back on that too. But hey, you gotta draw a line somewhere, and everyone is entitled to a few drinks to unwind every now and then, and to be with friends. Yes times are bad, people are hurting, you need your friends more than ever. And having a few Beers or Drinks is one of the most common adult ways to do so. It's natural and part of everyday life. You should be able to have two or three drinks or beers and not have to spend a small fortune doing so. You should be able to have 2 beers for about $10 including tip, and about $16 for tow drinks including tip. That's reasonable. That's what most people pay around America, and even less. But we don't live in America, we live in the greatest City in The World, New York, and Cocktails and Beers here can be oh-so-dear. "Expensive!" Expensive as Hell, "Ridiculously Expensive." It's absurd and outrageous, with many places thinking it's normal and OK to charge $16.00 or more for a measly little Cocktail made by a friggin so-called "Mixologist." Ha!  It's not OK, what's a person to do? So yes, we live in New York, and having a couple cocktails here can be a costly undertaking.. What is a Poor Working Guy or Working Girl to do??? Well Boys and Girls, let's Thank God for that great thing of wonder and the Bars and establishments who so graciously and kindly serve it, The $3.00 PBR, That's right, a $3.oo Beer in The Land of The Over-Priced $16.00 Cocktail, Manhattan, New York, NY..... It's quite Sad, Greedy too, not to mention "Ridiculous Ludicrous and Insane."  
Yes, Thank God and let's thank the Kind-Hearted proprietors who serve $3.00 PBR'S or any Beer for just $3 or $4 in a New York Bar. You are doing your fellow man a public service and we thank you for that. Whoever you are, you are to be commended, and Shame-On-You, all those places that serve $14 PLUS Cocktails. "RIP-OFF" !!! Wish the masses would Boycott these places and patronize places like Blue & Gold Bar, 7B, and anyplace who has a heart. Bars that serve 3 and 4 Dollar Beers.
I just have to say, it's great to go to a place like Blue and Gold Bar on East 7th Street and know that you can have 3 or 4 Beers for just $12 to $16, accounting for a Buck a Pop for the Barkeep. Now that's pretty good. I have had the best times hanging at Blue & Gold with some friends. You sit at the Bar or get into a nice comfy booth, drink your Beers ($3 PBR'S), relax, listen to the Music, Chit Chat, and just enjoy, and it's not going to cost you The Shirt Off Your Back.
Yes, you can have 4 Beers, tip included for the price of 1 Rip-Off Drink at one of those Rip-Off Joints. And if you are Dumb enough to have four drinks in one of those places, guess what it's going to cost you? About $75 my friend.
Well, do the Math, and if you can afford $75 for only 4 drinks, God Bless You. And if you can't, you've got an alternative. Right, your local $3.00 PBR Joint. They're a God-Send.
 Daniel Bellino Zwicke

 Copyright 2008 Daniel Bellino Zwicke

PLACES To GET A $3.00 PBR in NEW YORK


BLUE & GOLD BAR in the East Village, on East 7th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. Blue & Gold has long been a favorite of mine ever since I lived in the East Village from 1982 to 1994. It's just a cool ol normal old style bar with a pool table, standard 50's 60's Bar Decor, and Best-of-All $3.00 PBR'S and $6.00 Cocktails. I love it.7B   a.k.a. The Horseshoe Bar, also in the East Village, a bastion of cheap and fare prices in Manhattan and Land of The $3.00 PBR and other $3 and $4 Beers.  7B  is located on the corner of Avenue B at 7th Street, hence the name "7B"  ... The nickname Horseshoe Bar comes from the shape and dimensions of the bar, "Horseshoe Shaped." The bar has been the setting of numerous movie shoots, including the scene in Godfather II when Frankie Pantangeli (Frankie 5 Angels) goes to this bar for a meeting with the Rosato Brothers, and Danny Aiello raps a Piano-Wire around his neck. A scene from Crocodile Dundee and other movies as well ....  But Best of all, at 7B they serve $3.00 Beers, cheap drinks, and they have a photo and sell Potato Chips and Pretzels which practically no bars in Manhattan ever do any more. And this is a good thing when you get the munchies from the Beer. Glory Hallelujah, thank God for 7B .. 


. .
2ac44-bi-leb-small


The BIG LEBOWSKI COOKBOOK

Daniel Zwicke



NEW YORK & The $3 PBR RE-VISITED 2019  


I first wrote this piece way back in 2008. I was unemployed at the time, and not doing as well as I am today. What a difference a decade makes. No, I'm sill not rich, no where near it, though I have saved a bit more money, and definitely doing a lot better than I was when I wrote "New York & The $3 PBR," and how much it meant to me, and a good many New Yorker's at the time when New York and America had gone into a major recession and financial downturn. Many lost their jobs, as did I, and millions other fellow Americans. Many lost their jobs, and got new jobs at half their previous pay and even worst. And on top of it, the average price of a cocktail in New York was somewhere around $14, and many places at $16 &$17 before tip. Just figure on Twenty Dollars a drink at those places. And with sky-high rents, what was a person to do? If you wanted to go for 2 or three drinks, it could cost you $40 to $60 just for  a few drinks. Again, "What is a person to do?" I person has to drink, doesn't one? Well no, it's not really a necessity, like, air, water, food. Or is it? Yes, for many it is. The ability to go out for two or three drinks, and not pay, "An Arm & a Leg" so to speak. Shouldn't your average Jane or Joe Shmoe be able have two or three drinks for just about 20 Bucks or less, including tax, tip, drinks, everthing? "Hell Yeah!" Well my good friends, just like back in 2008 when I wrote New York & he $3 PBR, believe it or not, you can still go to bars in NY and get a three dollar beer, a $3 PBR, and even for just $2.00 ... "I Love it!" This is certainly good news. I was thinking about those places, and wondering, did they still have $3 Beers? Yes They do. There are even places where you can go and get a Shot & a Beer for just Six Bucks. Yes I said $6.00 ... "Well, where the Hell are they," you want to know? Read on my friends.


WHERE to GET $3 BEERS & MORE CHEAP DRINKS in NEW YORK ?


BLUE and GOLD BAR ... East 7th Street, EAST VILLAGE, NY NY  ... "They Still Got $3 PBRs" and you can get a SHOT & BEER for just $6. ... "Still my Favorite Bar" in New York


7B Horseshoe Bar at the corner of East 7th Sreet & Avenue B in he East Vilage of New York ...  Yes they sill have $3 PBRs and other Beers, and one of the Very Few Bars in NEW YORK where you can still buy Pretzels & Potato Chips , "Love It!"
169 BAR ... Lower East Side, NEW YORK NY ...  $3 PBR'S, GENESSEE CREAM, MILLER HIGH LIFE, MILLER LITE and other Beers.

RUDY'S ... 627 9th Avenue "HELL'S KITCHEN" NEW YORK NY, between 44th & 45th Streets ... Pitchers of BEER for Only $8.00 & FREE HOT-DOGS .. $3 Pints of RUDY'S BLONDE LAGER


MILANO'S "New York's Favorite Dive Bar" ,, 51 East Houston Street, New York, NY .. No, they may not have $3 PBRs, but $4 cans of ROLLING ROCK, a great Jukebox, and the fact that it's NYs Favorite Dive Bar is good enough for me. I've had lots of wonderful times here, spent banging back a few brews, dropping cash into the Jukebox to play all my favorite songs (NO HIP HOP RAP CRAP), and sing along with my Pals. We've had many legendary nights here.



 
MilanosBARmenu


Milano's Bar

Note Old CASH REGISTER





  WELCOME to The JOHNSON'S ... 

123 Rivington Street, NY NY ... 

$2 PBR'S  

WelcomeJohnsonsBARnyc.png

Welcome to The Johnson's










NEW YORK

GREEK DINER COFFEE CUP









PABST BLUE RIBBON BEER










NEW YORK COFFEE





Saturday, June 22, 2019

Our Favorite PICASSO Painting





SLEEPING PEASANTS

Pablo Picasso

1919


We just love this painting, as do so many others. Daniel Bellino says, "I absolutely went nuts for this wonderful little painting the moment I saw it. I love Picasso, and this little painting is my most favorite of all. The first time I came upon it, at the MOMA, I was astonished. I must have looked at it for almost 15 minutes, before moving on." That's how it captivated. I never get tired of looking at it. This is the genius of Picasso. And just one of so many examples.



"What's your Favorite Picasso painting?"



Read and See More PICASSO !



.




Thursday, June 20, 2019

Best Carbonara in Rome & NewYork Spaghetti





JOHN'S East 12th STREET

NEW YORK

Read about the best SPAGHETTI CARBONARA in Rome, Italy and good old New York City, the place to get the best Italian Food in America.

The 110 year old John's of 12th Street has been serving up great Italian food for more than 100 years to hungry New Yorker's. It's the place to get the Best Speedino alla Romano (Fried Mozzarella) in town, they serve up tasty Baked Clams , and yes one of the Best Plates of Spaghetti Carbonara in all of New York.

And with the original 110 year old decor still in tact, John's is a place not to be missed. Best Selling Italian Cookbook Author Daniel Bellino "Z" says "John's is a Living Museum Piece," that you don't just look at things, but live it. It's a shame more of these great Old School Italian Joints were not preserved. Specifically, Lanza's which was another 110 year old restaurant  (Sicilian) that was recently shut down ("A SIN") along with 112 year old DeRobertis Italian Pastry shop two doors away. "The City should not let these things happen," Bellino says. I wsih there had been a program put into place, wereby the city of New York would buy these buildings with old restaurants in them and lease the reestaurant spaces to capable restaurateurs to kkep the places going, "Places like Lanza's and DeRobertis should never Die. It's a dam shame, and a Sin that we lost those two places. Now, we can never get them back. Thank God, we still have John's. And Monte's over in Greenwich Village."









CARBONARA RECIPE

And MORE


.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Italian Bars New York NYC

DanteBAR


The BAR at DANTE
 
Dante Bar has 12 different varieties of Negronis that they offers from their well-stocked bar. In particular? Dante seeks to bring the European tradition of the aperitivo, a refreshing cocktail or glass of Prosecco or Italian Wine, enjoyed late afternoon, or early evening, all over Italy, and of late, the hottest thing to do in New York as well.




 
MontesTRATTORIAgreenwichVILLAGEny.png


Monte's Trattoria

Greenwich Village


Monte's has been around a long time. One-Hundred and One Years as a matter of fact. The restaurant opened in 1918 and has been owned and operated by 3 Italian Families in the restaurants 101 year (so far) history. Originally opened in 1918 by the Monteverdi family. The Monteverde family first opened a Wine & Liquor store on the site, and in 1918 opened the restaurant, it is said as the family had heard of the oncoming event of Prohibition and the 18th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which would prohibit and outlaw the sale and consumption of alcholic berverages. The Monteverde's took smart action and opened an Italian Restaurant in the highly concentrated Italian neighborhood of the southern part of Greenwich Village, and the rest Greenwich Village Italian New York history. The Rosasco family of Greenwich Village became the 2nd Italian family to own Monte's. 

In 1983 the Mosconi Family who came from Piacenza, Italy in Emilia Romagna, bought the restaurant in 1983, and have been running it ever since, and had a big 100 Year Anniversary Party in 2018, Celebrating the restaurants 100 Birthday. 

Monte's Trattoria is one of the few restaurants in New York that fits into the genre that New Yorker's know as an Old School New York Italian Restaurant of which there used to be many all over Manhattan, but now few remain, and Monte's Trattoria is one of them The restaurant is headed by Chef Pietro Mosconi with the help of his son Peter Mosconi who handles front of house operations, the business end of things and whatever else needs being done. This partnership works quite well, as Monte's many regulars will attest to, as the restaurant is World Famous, and not only has "Local Regulars," but regulars from all over America, and even the World.
Now most wouldn't think of Monte's as having one of the Best Bars in the city, or even Greenwich Village, but it does. And we mentioned the regulars? Well some of Monte's most loyal regulars are the folks who hang out at the bar, and not just to drink, but have what many know as one of the best places to get great Italian food in all of New York City, especially Chef Pietro's wonderful home-made pasta, like: Tortelloni, Agnolotti, Lasagna, Gnocchi, and both Meat and Cheese Ravioli.

Yes, the food is fine, as is the service, and ambiance of the place, but, "weren't we talking about the bar?" Yes, lets' get back to the bar. It's one of those little known facts, by a few hundred (or thousands) of those in the know, and it's more or less those in-the-know, and those who merely serendipitous stumble upon the place by accident who truly know, the secret of the bar at Monte's. Yeah the regulars like; John B., Julio, Dr. Mike, and all the rest know that Tony The Bartender (and Peter Mosconi now & then) mix up one of the Best Old Fashion Cocktails in town, as well as perfect Negroni's (Superior to the more famous Dante Negroni), Killer Margarita's made with Grand Marnier, spot-on Martinis, Manhattans, and anything else your little heart may desire. Yes the barmen (Tony & Peter) really know their stuff, and take pride in what they do. So if you're looking for an Aperol Spritz or properly made Negroni, Monte's is the go to Italian-Bar in Greenwich Village New York.

MONTE'S TRATTORIA ... 97 Macdougal Street, GREENWICH VILLAGE ,  NY NY  


BabboBAR.png


The Bar at BABBO
GREENWICH VILLAGE
NEW YORK
 
Well, Mario is gone, and the place is  famous for its Italian Food. It used to be uber hard to get a reservation to procure a table there, but it's a lot easier, ever since the departure of Celebrity Chef Mario Batali (we'll not talk of his departure). Anyway, although Babbo may have lost a little of its luster, it's still a dam good place to eat, and has, along with Monte's Trattoria, one of the Best Italian Bars in Greenwich Village, New York. Yes, a great Italian Bar, and not just for its restaurant and food. What constitutes a great Italian Bar? Well first and foremost, the bartenders must be versed in the art of making a Negroni, as well as pulling a perfect Espresso Italian Coffee. You should know how to make a good Manhattan, and Martini's, as well as have a solid knowledge of Italian Wine which are served at the bar as well. Having a great personality is  required and of utmost importance. Now we don't want to knock the bartenders at Babbo, they are professional and courtesy, and make great Negroni's and other cocktails, but we have to say were lacking in having the personality that makes the Greatest of Bartenders, and a great Bar requires great bartenders, it's the # 1 element in the equation. Not the liquor, nor the ambiance, though very important, the single most important aspect of a Great Bar is a great bartender, who must have all the elements required; have a outstanding personality, mix great drinks, be friendly and efficient, "that's it." 
We found, on our rounds of the Italian Bars of Greenwich Village, our two favorite Italian Bartenders were Tony and Peter, both of Monte's. The bartenders at Dante were quite good as well, Bar Pisellino "Not So Much."
 
VolareNY.png
 
Someone once told me, that "going to Volare is like going to your favorite Aunt's house for dinner." That's assuming that your aunt (my Aunts Helen & Fran) is a great Italian cook. Everyone treats you like you were part of the family. That's the kind of place Ristorante Volare is. And it's an Old School this great city of ours is losing fast. Lucky for us, Volare still survives, and it survives very well "Thank You." Yes it's an old school "Red Sauce Joint," that serves all the New York Italian Red Sauce Classics, like Spaghetti & Meatballs, Baked Clams, Veal and Chicken Parmigiana just the way  you like it. Yes, you''ll be fed all your classic Italian dishes, and you'll be fed well. And if you're hankering for just a little cocktail or two, in cool old New York Italian joint, going to Volare will fit the bill quite well. Your not going to get any new style so-called Mixologist Cocktails at all. But if you're into the old classics, like a properly made Martini or Manhattan, then you've gone to the right place. And if you want a nice plate of Spaghetti with Clam Sauce or a  nice thick Italian Style Veal Chop, again, "you've come to the right place."


RISTORANTE VOLARE ....  147 West 3rd Street, GREENWICH VILLAGE, New York



 
BarPesillino


Bar Pisellino

GREENWICH VILLAGE


Bar Pisellino has all the elements to make a great bar one day, and one of the best Italian Bars in Greenwich Village. As of now, they're not. Yes they have, if not all, then many elements to make it a great Greenwich Village Italian Bar. They make good Negroni's, and Aperol Spritz's, have a good selection of Amari (Amaro), and the place is well appointed, however it's missing quite a lot, the place just doesn't have a great vibe. When I first walked in and looked at the menu, I thought, "Wow," this place is great, but as I sat there looking a the menu, and then getting my drink, the place just didn't feel right. The vibe was not good, a combination of being quite contrived (not Organic), and because of this fact, drawing a crowd that just wasn't right, not cool, but a crowd filled with followers, the types of  people who only go to a place that's one of the hottest spots in town, and unable to find a truly cool unpretentious great restaurant or bar on their own. They have to read about it on Eater, Instgram, or wherever.
Anyway, Bar Pisellino has a lot of potential, and maybe after all the noise dies, the followers stop going there indroves, and the place starts filling with neighborhood people, along with well-healed tourists, and business people, the bar just might get a better vibe than it does now, which is, "not so good."
 
Johns12thSTREETbar
The BAR
JOHN'S of 12th STREET
  John's of 12th Street is not in Greenwich Village technically, but we've just got to include it in our Best Greenwich Village Italian Bars. John's is in the East Village, east of Greenwich Village, so, close enough. The fact that this place has been there on East 12th Street in New York, that it has all its original decor, including the 110 year old bar, and that the place was once a Speakeasy that saw that likes of one Charles "Lucky" Luciano who  a couple blocks away, and the fact that it has many famous celebrities and famed Mobsters (Joe Maseria), we've just gotta include it here as well.
Belly up to the bar that Lucky Luciano drank at, and where the great John Lennon once ate at, and the likes of legendary Italian Prize Fighter "Rocky Graziano," also of the neighborhood. Have the bartender make you a Campari & Soda and just soak up over 100 years of New York Italian History, you'll not find another place like it, as sadly two great 100 year old Italian Food Establishments, DeRobertis Italian Pastries, and Lanza's Restaurant (Sicilian American) closed down in the past few years (A Sin!).
John's of 12th East Street (302 East) East Village ... New York NY  
Johns12thStreetnyc.jpg
John's of 12th Street
NEW YORK , NY
photo Daniel Bellino-Zwicke
   
Documentary Film
"JOHN'S of 12th STREET
by Vanessa McDonell
 
c58f0-screen2bshot2b2016-08-042bat2b8.00.442bpm
SUNDAY SAUCE
LEARN HOW to MAKE
SPAGHETTI MEATBALLS
and More ...
 
Fanelli Cafe
PRINCE STREET
Soho
  Cafe Fanelli is one of New York's oldest we, preserved Old Bars. What is w Cafe Fanelli's first opened  as a bar on the corner of Prince Street & Mercer as Prince Cafe in the year 1872 by Italian immigrant Nicholas Volpe. The Fanelli family bought the bar in 1922 and re-named it Fanelli's Cafe. The building was first erected in 1847 and its commercial space was operated as a grocery store from 1863, before a var opened there in 1872. During Prohibition Fanelli's was a Speakeasy from he years of 1920 to 1933. Though no longer owned by Italians, nor in Greenwich Village, because of its Italian-American history and the fact that Fanelli's has retained so much of its former old-bar decor, we've include it in this piece. So if you're looking to experience a wonderful piece of old New York, go have a couple drinks at Cafe Fanelli.  


GENE'S
West 11th Street
GREENWICH VILLAGE

  Gene's first opened it's doors in 1919, and operated as a "Speakeasy" during Prohibition. Gene's has a long storied history of Italian and Artistic Greenwich Village, providing, staving artists, poets, and writers of the Beat Generation, and other eras, with inexpensive affordable Italian meals.  




Old Vintage Postcard
GENE'S
 


The Bar at GENE'S
GREENWICH VILLAGE

NEW YORK







RAO'S

EAST HARLEM

NEW YORK









"Nicky The Vest"


Tending Bar at RAO'S

NEW YORK



.





.


Sunday, June 16, 2019

Hurricane Sandy Odyssey NewYork





Base of The FLATIRON BUILDING

NEW YORK

Aftermath of HURRICANE SANDY

October 2012


I'm walking up 5th Avenue, just south of the Flatiron Building in New York, the day after Hurricane Sandy hit New York around 8 PM the previous night. The storm knock-out all Electricity below 26th Street in New York, which included my apartment in Greenwich Village.

I knew they had electricity above 26th street so I went on a quest in search of  Coffee, food, and electricity to charge the batteries in my Laptop Computer, my tablet, and Cel Phone.  I thought I'd be able to fulfill these requirements at a Starbucks somewhere, but Star Bucks failed me and all of New York by not being able to pull together crews to open at least 2 or 3 of their stores in Midtown Manhattan. Starbucks Failed New York and the people of the city of NY at a time when we needed them most, during Hurricane Sandy. Satrbucks SUCKS ! And they do not have an excuse that because of the hurricane, they couldn't open any of their locations, McDonald's did, and if they did, Starbucks should have been able to and they didn't. They probably didn't even try, they Suck. I've never really liked Starbucks, and I don't support them, and this I will never forget or forgive Starbucks for not helping New Yorker's when we needed it most, during Hurricane Sandy. If McDonalds was able to open some of there locations and they did and I went to one and had a large coffee and a Black Angus Cheeseburger and used the Wifi and that really helped me out, and helped the people of New York, so once again I want to say STARBUCKS SUCK, you Failed the people of NEW YORK when we needed you most.

So anyway, I couldn't find one dam Starbucks open. Those SOBs. I did find a McDonalds and had a nice time there. Before I went to the McDonald's in midtown, I went up to The Waldorf Astoria Hotel and plopped myself down in the lobby of the Waldorf for a couple hours, hung-out,and charged my batteries and had a great time there.

I left the Waldorf and as I was walking from east to west, I came upon a McDonald's that was open, so I went in. I ordered a large Coffee and a Black Angus Cheeseburger and I was in business. I sat down and enjoyed my coffee and burger, and I was happy.






Calm Before The STORM






HURRICANE SANDY

ONE MANS ODYSSEY

FRANKENSTORM

NEW YORK CITY

October 2012

And WHY STARBUCKS SUCKS !!!!





COFFEE

Most peopel probably don't think about it, but for many of us (Millions) Coffee is one of the most important and loved things in all our lives. It's almost a necessity to many. We all must air to breath, and water, and food to survive, clothing, and the shelter of a home and roof over our heads, and after these absolute necessities to actually staying alive, to live, Coffee comes right after these things taht are an absolute must to staying alive. Yes, Coffee is an option, but the # 1 most popular, "Must Have" options to living a happy life, "We've got to have IT." We gotta have our Coffee in the morning, and thorughout the day, but we have to have tht first cup to get us going in the morning, and if we don't, we're not happy campers.

The day Hurricane Hit New York, we (New Yorker's) wanted food, shelter, we wanted Electricity, some of us had it, and some  didn't. I for one was one who didn't have electricity, and we were without it for 5 days, but I for one made due. Well, not just me, a few million of us in the New York Metropolitan area. Anyway, again, I must reiterate, Starbucks failed us on this day when they could have and should have served us well. They didn't, and for this, I say again, STARBUCKS SUCKS ! Do you hear me Starbucks? You SUCK !


So, I walked from my home in Greenwich Village. I walked up Sixth Avenue in search of Coffee, Food, and Electricity. I did find all 3 eventually, but not at Starbucks, do you know why? Starbucks Sucks, that's why. McDonalds managed to open a couple locations, but Stabucks didn't, they were all closed. Starbucks didn't serve New Yorkers coffee when they needed it more than ever, they Suck.

Anyway, I wanted to go to The Ace Hotel to get coffee and electricity, but they weren't letting anyone other than guest to go into the hotel, so I continued on looking for a Starbucks, which I found, but they were all closed, Starbucks couldn't manage to at least open a couple Starbucks, the way the McDonald's Corporation did, serving New Yorker's when they needed it most, McDonald's came through, Starbucks didn't. Starbucks SUCKS !


Saturday, June 15, 2019

The Day Caffe Dante Died

"IT'S OFFICIAL"
 
CAFFE DANTE HAS CLOSED
Caffe Dante shut its doors yesterday, Sunday March 22. 2015 ... A very sad moment as I watched my friend of 30 years Mario Flotta pull down his pictures of the many Celebrities that have spent time at Caffe Dante over the years. I had to hold back my tears when I said goodbye to Mario and he and his  two sons Mario Jr. and Anthony locked the doors for the last time.
 
I said goodbye to Mario and his sons and walked around the corner to go home, knowing my second home had closed for good. One of those sad moments in life, but one one must deal with never-the -less. 
 
 
ME & MARIO
 
Greenwich Village Writer Daniel Bellino Zwicke
and
Mario Flotta Sr. at Caffe Dante on The Day of its closing, 100 Years
after opening on Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village ... A Very Sad Day to say the least.
 
 
 
MARIO 
 
Copyright Daniel Bellino Zwicke
Yes it was quite sad day, the day my favorite caffe closed. I first started going to Caffe Dante in the Summer of 1985, after my first trip to Italy. I had passed by numerous times but never went in, for some reason the place didn't appeal to me at the time, Caffe Luca around the block on Bleecker was my spot, and I loved it. I had been going to Caffe Luca quite often for three years before I set foot in Dante for the first time. The thing that got me going to Caffe Dante was that my good friend John Lee went there almost everyday, and he loved it, so I figured I'd give it a shot, and so I did. And so I went, and I liked it,and after a while, Dante became my daytime caffe, and Luca was were I went for my night time caffe, and I did this for a few years, never going at night, but several times a week, during daytime hours, and I soon became a regular Caffe Dante, and all the Maltese waitresses knew me, and I knew them, and I got to be friendly with the owner Mario Flotta and his sons; Anthony, Peter, and Mario. The waitresses at that time were Grace and Patricia, both from Malta, there was a Moroccan girl as well, my good friends Ada and Antionetta both came from Naples, Italy about a year later in 1986.
So I'd go to Dante several times a week when I could, which were any days that I didn't work lunch at the restaurant, or I had the day off completely. And, as for Caffe Luca which I loved going to for years, and loved it, something happened. The old Italian guy *can't remember his name), sold it to the two brothers who worked there. I hate to say it, but for some reason, the water glasses started smelling like a wet mop, and it didn't stop. Som although I loved Caffe Luca, because of this, I just stopped going there. I didn't want to, but the "wet mop thing' wasn't a one-time-deal, it was constant, and because of it, I just stopped going, no more Caffe Luca. About 8 years after I stopped going to Luca, the place, sadly closed down.
So, Dante was my caffe, I went ther almost everyday for 30 years from 1985 to 2015 when my buddy Mario Flotta sold the place. Yes, Mario had become a good friend. You  don't go to a place almost every day for 30 years, and not become friends with someone. Going to Caffe Dante was like being with family. I had my Espresso, Cappuccino, and many Caffe Lattes over the years, thousands of each. Some days I went there two times in a day, and on a few occasions I'd make 3 trips in one day to Caffe Dante. The days I went twice in a day, which were many, I'd go in the morning or afternoon, and then I'd go there, meeting Jimmy S. or Jimmy B., or with Dante or Merceditas, both ex-girlfriends who I had long relationships with.
Yes many times I'd be there with friends or a girlfriend, hanging out socializing, having a good times. Going there with friends was I'd estimate somewhere between 20 to 25% of my total visits of thousands of visits over the years, the other 75 to 80% I'd go there on my own, to read and relax, or write, But I was never alone, most of the time, some of my caffe-friends were there and we'd chit chat, and converse, and one does in a cafe. Ad if none of my cafee friends were around, there was always the girls. The girls? The waitresses, some of which became friends and we'd have dinner parties together, sometimes go to Arturo's or Lomabardi's for Pizza with Rose, Tony, Ada, and Jimmy Starace. We were all friends.
Yes, I read a lot of books in Caffe Dante over the years. I read The Count of Monte Cristo at least 2 times there, biography's on Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis, Grace Kelly, Talouse Lautrec, Picasso, Gaugin, Vasco de Gama, Christopher Columbus, Ernest Hemingway, and many more. Yes, I love biography's. Yes, I read novels s well, and I started writing, mostly essays on all sorts of things, some short stories like "Espresso at 4" about the four Italian Ladies from the neighborhood who had espresso at Caffe Dabnte at 4 PM everyday for years. These ladies were wonderful, and I'd sit there with my Cappuccino and listen to theit entertaining conversations. These ladies, you'd think could solve all the problems of the world, listening to them. And I loved there heated discussions on how to make, Meatballs, Pasta Fazool, Lasagna, Marinara Sauce, or Ragu Napoletana. Yes I loved seeing these ladies every day at Dante, and listening to their lovely little conversations about this=that-and-every-other-thing. I miss these sweet lovely Italian Ladies; Babe, JoAnn, Mary, and Maria. I miss Caffe Dante and seeing Rose (friend / waitress) and talking about food and all sorts of things with here, but mostly about food, recipes, and how to make different dishes. Rose was a dam good cook (still is).
I always said, Caffe Dante was my second home, and it was. It was the same I believe for all of the many regulars. I wrote my first book (La Tavola) in Caffe Dante. Yes I had so many good times there over the 30 years that I went there. The caffe opened in 1915, and my buddy Mario Flotta owned it for the last 44 years of its existence. Mario wanted to keep the place going, and for his sons to have the place, but they weren't interested. It sad. When Mario had his second heart attack, it took a lot out of him, and since his sons had no interest in the caffe anymore, Mario decided to call it quits, and very sadly so. 
What was Caffe Dante, New York's most authentic Italian Caffe for exactly 100 years, is now a high-price cocktail bar / restaurant. Mario sold the name, and the guy who bought it was smart, and he wanted to buy the name Dante, so now he can say that his place has been there since 1918. Yes this is true, but sadly Caffe Dante died in the year 2015. Those of us who were regulars miss the place dearly. We miss seeing each other (the regulars), we miss Mario and the girls, Ada, Antoinetta, and Rose. Well, as they say, nothing last forever, "things change," and quite sadly Dante change, it died and we miss it dearly.
.
Damiel Bellino Zwicke
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUNDAY SAUCE
 
by Daniel Bellino-Zwicke
 
 
 
 
 
SEGRETO ITALIANO
 
SECRET ITALIAN RECIPES
 
 
by Daniel Bellino-Zwicke
 
 
 
 
 GRANDMA BELLINO'S ITALIAN COOKBOOK
 
RECIPES FROM MY SICILIAN GRANDMOTHER
 
A NEW COOKBOOK
 
by Daniel Bellino
 
 
 
NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED SICILIAN RECIPES
 
DUE Mid APRIL 2015
 
In Paperback & Kindle on AMAZON.com
All Photographs & Art Work are the Property of Daniel Bellino-Zwicke and may not be published or used without written consent.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Trump s Sloppy Tuxedo






READ about TRUMP'S SLOPPY TUX

Why did President Trump Meet with Queen Elizabeth

with Such a SLOPPY ILL FITTING TUXEDO ?

Does he have a Stylist ?

A Tailor ?

Or was this OFF THE RACK ?

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED ?

READ About PRESIDENT TRUMPS SLOPPY TUX


Always REAL & Never FAKE NEWS


.



Keith McNally Reopens Pastis Meatpacking NewYork NY





The BAR at the New PASTIS



I stopped by tee friends and family party at Pastis the other night, and I'm happy to say, the genius that he is, Keith McNally has done a great at recreating his famed French Bistro Pastis on Gansevoort Street in New York's Meatpacking District, a neighborhood that McNally is most responsible for sparking the boom of the high-voltage neighborhood with his opening of the original Pastis Bistro back in 1999.

Before McNally opened Pastis on 9th Avenue in the Meatpacking district of NY, there were just two restaurants there, Florent which opened in 1986 and Maccerleria (2002). There were no hotels, no Apple Store, no high priced clothing boutiques. Some of the namesake business of the meatpacking district, the wholesale butchers who supply New York restaurants and meat markets with meat were still there, and some had bolted to Jersey City, like now famed butcher Pat LaFreida. Once McNally opened his French Bistro Pastis, the neighborhood exploded, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney opened boutiques in the neighborhood, night clubs opened, and slick boutique hotels were built. We now have an Apple, Soho House, The Standard Hotel and The Gansevoort, and in early June 2019 Keith McNally is reopening his beloved Bistro Pastis. Beloved that is by New Yorker's, tourist, high powered high rollers, and celebrities like; Sir Richard Branson, Bono, Sarah Jessica Parker, and many more.

I sat there with my glass of Beaujolais, happy in the fact that it was once again open, Keith's old subway tiles (in storage) were back, as was the tile floor, Zinc Bar, and all the fixtures and feel that made Pastis, well Pastis. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Keith is a Genius, and he always gets it right. He is now partnered with famed Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr who it seems should be a good fit, considering the fact that Keith is getting a bit older and recovering from a recent illness, but the man is back, and we all wish him and Pastis well.



Thanks Keith.







"KEITH"



Besides his many famous New York City restaurants Keith McNally's restaurants are famous for having by-far The Best Fries in Town (Pomme Frites). The McNally Empire's famed French Fries were first introduced by the Late / Great Chef Patrick Clarke at The ODEON restaurant (Keith's 1st) back in 1982.



READ More on KEITH McNALLY'S Empire





The New PASTIS


52 Gansevoort Street

Night of  Friends / Family Party

June 4, 2019

New York, NY

Meatpacking District



READ  "HOW KEITH McNALLY CREATED The MEATPACKING DISTRICT"

And The GENIUS of KEITH McNALLY

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke Oct. 3 , 2012


/