Missing a Trend

When it comes to trends, I usually like to just keep up just enough to stay relevant. I read a lot of blogs and online opinions, so I like to think that I know what's "in," but I don't always indulge and follow the trend. This summer it became clear that Birkenstocks and ugly sandals in general were definitely in. I had every intention of following the trend and speculated for months over which pair I should get. Black, white, rose gold? The possibilities were endless.

 

Clearly, I have waited too long to hop on this trend as all of the colors that I want are sold out in my size and fall is nearly upon us, which isn't really sandal weather. Then upon further research, I realized that I'm extremely behind the trend as Vogue said that Birkenstocks were popular last year. What a complete let down! What trends should I hop on next?

Dave Chappelle and Hartford

I'm a standup comedy nerd, so I got a kick out of this one.

A year ago, a friend of mine...we'll call him Trayne...went to see Dave Chappelle in his doomed headliner slot at the Funny or Die Oddball Comedy Fest tour stop in Hartford, CT. Chappelle, who's best known for his performance as Achoo in Robin Hood: Men in Tights (not really), walked out on stage and started his performance, many audience members heckled him with trademark catchphrases from Chappelle's Show, he got pissed, and sat on stage angrily for a while before finally storming off.

Angry fans blamed Chappelle, people questioned his mental health, ticket holders demanded a refund. Chappelle blamed unruly and disrespectful fans, and the population of the city of Hartford. He went on a "Fuck Hartford" tirade, and swore he'd never come back. I can't say I blame him; as "New England's Rising Star," Hartford is about the dimmest thing I've ever seen.

Fast forward 1 year, to very same tour, in the very same city. This year's lineup looked pretty ridiculous: Aziz Ansari, Louis CK, and Hannibal Burress, to name a few. As Redditor mariaavap tells it:

Every comedian killed it and Louis Ck had a great set that overall left everyone in the crowd pretty satisfied. So Louis says goodnight and everyone starts to get up. Then he turns around and adds in something like "Oh yeah. Everyone, Dave Chappelle."

The man who'd swore he'd never come back came back. He came back and he did 15 minutes of hysterical material mixed with self-reflection, apologizing, and reinforcement of his previous observation: fuck Hartford. Famous friends stood by to watch the man work. Aziz, Louis, Jim Norton, Sarah Silverman, Hannibal, Amy Shumer and some others seemed enthralled from backstage (h/t Shullmaster3000)

Hannibal and Amy, where do I get one of those jumpsuits???

You can watch a crappy cell phone video of the surprise performance below. I'm glad one of my comedy idols has rescinded his vow to keep clear of the Nutmeg State, but I would suggest his next visit be to NHV...because fuck Hartford.

Delaney's in Westville

The news that Delaney's Restaurant and Taproom has burned down is just devastating. Not only is it a great restaurant/bar in a neighborhood that doesn't have much else going on, but Delaney's is a New Haven institution. Amazing food and more beers on tap then one could possibly need.

Personally, my New Haven story started at Delaney's. When I moved to New Haven after college, I didn't have a job. I was going on interviews nearly every day and nothing was working out. After about a month, I was so broke that I realized I needed to get something. Delaney's hired me and I started working there full-time. The money was good and the clientele and my co-workers were awesome. Shift drinks were a great perk and shots of Tully after a long day were nearly mandatory. After another month I finally landed a full-time 'real' job, but decided to stay on at Delaney's. For the next year I waitressed part-time and spent a lot of time there with new friends.

I'm so sad that this place is no more, and only hope that there is some way they can rebuild. Where else can I get a chicken caesar roll-up and a craft beer?

Oysters & Beers at a Baltimore Market

I spent last weekend in the Charm City visiting a friend, an ex-New Havenite who now lives in a really fun part of town called Federal Hill. One thing I've always found fun about a city larger than my own is the open-air market; like Redding Terminal Market in Philadelphia, or the Ferry Building Market in San Francisco, or La Boqueria in Barcelona. They are cultural melting pots where you can spend an entire afternoon wandering amongst fresh produce vendors and butchers, shell out a couple bucks for some fresh, local cuisine, and share a few beers with the locals.

Baltimore has a few, including the World Famous Lexington Market, which has been around since 1782.

Historic Lexington Market

I've visited my friend in her new neighborhood a few times now, but had yet to go explore the Cross Street Market, a few doors down from her place, at Light and Cross Streets.

It was just before a pre-season Raven's game, and the place was packed.

I quickly found myself standing at an oyster bar, eating fresh-shucked Marylands and Bluepoints, drinking gigantic beers out of a 32oz. plastic cup.

I ate like 10 of these.

I met some friendly folks eager to share a laugh, and tell me all about the years they've spent pre-gaming at the market much like they were that day. Apparently, it's the place to be before a football game, and the next time I'm in town, that's where I'll be. If you're ever in the area, be sure to stop by. I really wish NHV had something like this.

Shuck yeah!

August

Did everyone see The Daily Nutmeg today? They exposed one of my favorite/best kept secrets in New Haven, August: Upscale Bar and Eatery. They have been open for a few months and are currently my favorite place to grab a drink and a small bite with friends or on a date night.

To say this place has it all is an understatement. The owners treat you like you are old friends and the decor is amazing. It's small, cozy and the perfect place to grab a glass of wine. So basically, go there now before everyone else in the Elm City takes your spot!

Here's What

Something about this week has me in a grumpy mood, which is pretty ridiculous since it's a short week for me work-wise. I'm trying to shake it off and focus on the positive, so here are a few things that I'm happy/excited about:

My Gallery Wall:

Thanks to reader comments and a little hard work on a Sunday morning, my gallery wall is finally complete. I think it turned out really good and I'm excited to add on to it as the years go on.

New Haven Road Race:

I'm not someone who loves exercise or even running races, but there's something about the New Haven Road Race that feels different. It's on a flat course through the city and is the perfect end to Labor Day weekend. Also, with all of the cool weather we've been having, training has been super easy and even somewhat enjoyable.

Black Hog Brewery Tasting Room:

 

Event alert! Black Hog Brewing Co.'s tasting room is opening on August 30! I have been a fan of everything Jason Sobocinski has done, from Caseus to Ordinary and everything in between. While I haven't had the pleasure of tasting Black Hog beer yet, I have no doubt it will be amazing.

Baltimore:

Selfishly, I'm excited to get out of the Elm City for a little bit and head down to Baltimore to see a dear friend. A short break from work and the doldrums of summer is exactly what I need!

What are you excited about in the coming weeks?

I Once Had a Comic...

...in the school newspaper, UConn's Daily Campus, while I was in college. It was called Death by Lunchbox, and it stood out because I couldn't draw, so I used my awesome Photoshop skills to collage images together into jokes, puns, and topical observations.

Here's a sampling (sorry for the poor scan quality):

This one was probably my biggest hit.

This one fell pretty flat, but I still laugh at it to this day.

George W. Bush was President at the time. This was an actual question someone asked at a press conference.

Uggs were just getting hot. The big question on everyone's mind was "should I get Uggs?"