FRIED CHALUPA
The people, places, things, and ideas in and around New York City. Providing nouns one barrio at a time.
Fried Chalupa

Dark Knight pandemonium runs rampant in Time Square

This morning at 12:30 am ET I was fortunate enough to catch a screening of the Dark Knight in Time Square. As many had expected the line of anticipated NYC moviegoers went on for blocks hours before the showing. I even caught this pic on my camera phone of a loyal fan decked out as the Joker, fully equipped with face paint and the purple suit.

Once inside the theater it was a madhouse. People were hollering in the aisles throughout every twist and turn of the movie. I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but the Dark Knight was remarkable. Well worth the wait, and the obnoxious few in the audience.

Batman’s gadgets were creative, the action was fierce, and Heath Ledger absolutely killed the part of the Joker. He was sadistically awesome. Go see the movie. My only regret was taking chocolate candy that melted in my pocket.

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Free movies in New York City

I’ve been a hermit lately but I figured enough is enough.  I use money as an excuse to stay home but there are many things to do for free in New York City. For example, Hudson River Park is hosting free events in the summer.

Last night I went to go see Almost Famous on pier 54. It was great. Free movie, free popcorn, and free bottle water. They have limited seating but you can also bring blankets and chairs yourself. Supposedly you’re not supposed to bring in alcohol but I saw many of people getting schlitzed on beer and bottles of wine.

Today, the Hudson River Park is hosting outdoor boxing at 7 pm on Pier 84. Can’t beat that. See ya’ there.

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Baby Ava’s on the loose in the NYC


Went by this weekend to pay a visit to one of the newest residents of the NYC, baby Ava. Born into the world on July 8, I envision her as a future Longhorn. The most adorable thing I’ve seen in the city since that baby I came across in Central Park learning how to walk and then falling over.

Kinda makes life a little bit brighter. Let’s just hope Ava can learn the subway system faster than I did.

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Sloppy Nights In New York City


I could not think of anything decent to write on at this present moment and my body has a newly acquired sunburn from my trip to Florida which is making me cranky. Thought I would post on the differences in culture from Florida and New York but really there’s not much to say. One state is known for oranges while the other for cheesecake.

So instead I thought I would post a painting I made a while back, titled, 'Sloppy Nights In New York City.' It was just staring me in the face as I was on my computer. Is it art? Maybe not, but I like it. However, would be tempted to sell for $350 and a twelve pack of Capri-suns.

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SwayzeFest in Manhattan

Patrick Swayze would be proud of the festivities that took place on the Upper East Side of Manhattan last night. Coworker, Larry Hahn pulled out all the stops for his first annual, SwayzeFest. Paying tribute to a great career, patrons dressed up in their favorite Patrick Swayze themed costumes while continuous screenings of such classics as Point Break and Ghost where shown throughout the night.

The winning costume of the night went to the man wearing a cocktail dress and blue wig inspired by To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, with an honorable mention going to the Roadhouse character.

The truly momentous part of the night came when two of NYPD’s finest showed up at the door and began playing beer pong with everyone. Only in Manhattan can you see this. That’s right, two cops ON DUTY took time out of their busy schedule to toss little ping pong balls in blue plastic cups filled with Pabst and Bud Light. Apparently they were also big Swayze fans…

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50 most eccentric people in New York City

Yesterday Gawker compiled its 50 most eccentric people in New York City and I gotta tell you the list is pretty remarkable. You got some real winners and wackos here. My favorites include ‘Elegant Elliot Offen’ who jogs around Manhattan in women’s lingerie and a street beggar on Columbus Circle who crafts such creative signs as “Ninjas killed my family – need money for kung-fu lessons.”

However, I was surprised that none of the eccentrics in my Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood made it. For example, the 'gypsy lady' who reads palms and wards off evil spirits for two dollars would be in my top 10 NYC eccentrics.

Never a dull moment living in the NYC.  Let me know if you have any other notable eccentrics that you think should be named and glorified.

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New York City turns many of men into a metrosexual

This weekend I came to the realization that New York City turns many of men into a metrosexual. According to Wikipedia, metrosexual is a neologism generally applied to heterosexual men with a strong concern for their appearance, or whose lifestyles display attributes stereotypically seen among gay men.

Here are the facts. One. The number of NYC men that I heard saw the Sex in the City movie almost outweighs the number of women. Two. There are just as many straight men in New York City nail salons than there are women (not just in Chelsea). Three.  I’ve seen more guys wearing eyeliner in the NYC than any other city. Four. Guys wear tighter pants than the girls. Five. People like my buddy Andrew have just as many beauty supplies as my girlfriend.

My own transformation into metrosexual land. One. I now wear Benetton. Two. I have let my girlfriend put cover-up on my face to hide pimples. Three. I've gotten my eyebrows waxed before. Four. I know what couture means. Five. I went to my first nail salon today to have a manicure.

Have you or a loved one become a New York City metro?

Shout out to the Flores family. Thanks for an outstanding meal at Babbo this weekend. It was magnifico. Stay classy.

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Everyone’s your friend in a New York City bodega

Urban dictionary defines a bodega as a hispanic/spanish/latin mini-mart, kind of like a 7-11, but usually smaller and more like a liquor store atmosphere. These bodegas are not just known as comedic material in Half Baked, they are also a common part of the New York City environment.  On almost every street corner you can find one of these mini-marts with an endless supply of stale baked goods and expired milk.  But, what they lack in quality they make up for in customer service. 

Every time you go into an NYC bodega you will always be referred to as, ‘…my friend.’ As in the cashier will say, “I give you good price on that five day old bread, my friend” or “If you touch you buy, my friend.” It’s great. It’s as if all these people took an English class and they learned that anything they say is delightful as long as they add, ‘my friend’ to the end of the sentence.  Wonder how bodega shoppers would feel if this phrase was changed to, “Bush buddy?”  For example, “Would you like your dented can of soup in a plastic bag, Bush buddy?”

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You can have the crane, I’ll take the tomatoes with salmonella

Did your mom always nag at you to eat your vegetables? Well, apparently she was trying to give you salmonella, at least if she was serving you tomatoes.  All over the news and especially the NYC media, people are talking about the harmful affect of these killer tomatoes. Manhattan media news and gossip blog, Gawker, politely warns citizens that, ‘THE RAW RED TOMATOES IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR MAY HARBOR DEADLY MICROBES PREPARED TO ROT YOU FROM THE INSIDE.’ Wow, how that paints a dramatic picture.

It’s a bit satirical. Last week, the deadliest thing to hit the streets of New York City were cranes. Which I can comprehend.  A collapsing crane can take out a whole building in a matter of seconds taking multiple lives at one time. On the other hand, these raw tomatoes filled with salmonella mostly cause diarrhea, possibly leading to some unfortunate irritation. 

Give me the tomato, you can have the crane. I can crush a tomato, but a crane can crush me.


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Our gut got ‘Googled’ in NYC

Remember your school’s cafeteria food? You probably had that weird beef substance that was passed off as a form of meatloaf, and now you’re terrified to set foot in another cafeteria.  Well, I’m sure Google could change your mind. Laura Zanzal and I got the chance to dine at the Google cafeteria located in Chelsea.

Their gourmet cuisine was as good as touted.  Take the best buffet you’ve had and multiply it by 50,… and then add 10.  In fact, Laura called the experience, ‘the best day of her life,’ as she was stuffing peanut butter bars in her mouth.  Google has everything you could possibly want for a meal, from sushi to steak. Oh ya, and did I mention it was all free!

Without a doubt if I was a condemned prisoner, I would ask to take a look at Google’s menu for my last meal.



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