There Is No Recession

If there really was a recession going on today in the Meatpacking District I wouldn't have seen...

Merkato 55 packed with a line out the door
A 25 minute wait for a table for 1 at Pastis at 6PM
Lines out the door for Bagatelle
The Spice Market packed at 5:45
Halfsteak empty


In other news, Merkato 55 had a small fire today, Buddha Bar is changing its name (its currently a secret) and also was empty at 6PM. STK was empty as well. Bagatelle was a ghost town after the Brunch Party...but started to pick up at around 7:30.

Stussy Great Minds Release

Stussy just released their Great Minds Tees today on their online store. They feature 5 of the greatest minds in history, and put a little raunchy urban twist on them. My personal favorite is the Einstein one depicted below. I just checked, and according to their email these tees were supposed to be available on Stussy's online store today, but I'm guessing Stussy never updated their online site so I have no word on pricing; but check back for further updates!
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A Bathing Ape* Niigata Exclusive Tiger Parka

To commemorate the re-opening of the A Bathing Ape* Niigata store, Bape has released a Niigata exclusive Tiger Hoodie! This hoodie brings back what Bape is all about, which are flashy colors, outrageous designs, and the fact that you need to wear it with the right outfit to pull it off. This parka is a MAJOR improvement from what Bape has released this season (which has been maybe the worst season Bape has releases, but hey, at least there's no fish parkas!). If you live in Niigata, this hoodie goes for ¥29,190 ($305 USD). If you don't happen to live in Japan, hope Pondon will get hold of one!

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Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream FInally Releases Something Good!

FINALLY a good release from BBC/Ice Cream! Ice Cream just dropped their 2nd Striped Puppy T-Shirt and let me tell you, its the best they've released in a while (well besides the pink Marlyn Monroe Hoodie). This tee was just released on Ice Cream's online store and you can get it now for $80 (they still have all sizes but XS in both White and Black). Also, Ice Cream just dropped their Running Dog Belt Buckle! I love all BBC/Ice Cream belt buckles and I hope I can get my hands on one. They go for $120 and come in gold and silver. But the Billionaire Boys Club then ruined the hottness by releasing the BBC Suede Chukka Shoes (which go for $305). So in conclusion, we all scream for Ice Cream...not so much BBC. Oh and sorry about not having a picture of the BBC shoes, but check their site if you're really that interested.


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Nike Killshot Vintage

Designed 30 years ago as a racquetball shoe, the Nike Killshot has comeback for a 2nd try in the sneaker game. This design however does have a bit more destress to them (thus the "vintage" title), but they are still WAY better than anything Nike SB has released in a while! They are said to drop in late April. No word on pricing yet.

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One (One Little West 12)

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Let's be honest, One Group basically owns the Meatpacking District. With restaurants such as Bagatelle and STK and night clubs like Tenjune, they're a big reason as to why the Meatpacking District has a certain caliber of clientele. One is no different from the other restaurants in One Group. One (or sometimes called One Little West 12) is essentially an upscale lounge that's built for parties. With a dining area, 2 lounges, a full bar, and a champagne room downstairs, it gets insanely crowded. I just so happened to go when there were about 4 parties going on at the same time, but I'm sure it gets just as crowded on any other Saturday at 10PM. Now for the food. The menu is set up into 2 categories: Wet & Wild (entrees), and Crave & Comfort (appetizers). The portions are built for sharing, but let me tell you that's a lie as there is no way to share with the portion size they give you. The food is portioned very small and for what it is, the entrees are expensive. But if you go just for the appetizers you'd be fine. My table ordered the Boneless Rib Tacos, the Spring Rolls and the Buffalo Chicken Wings as an appetizer; and I must say everything was good. Now, the entrees are a different story. I ordered the sirloin & prawns, and while the prawns were very good and the sirloin was tender, the steak failed in producing any flavor. The Ahi Tuna and the Short Ribs suffered the same issue, its not that the food was bad, it just wasn't anything to rave about. Now, as a lounge and a place for appetizers, One is a great choice, almost the perfect choice. But if you want a full meal with great food from start to finish, go to Buddakan.

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Blue Smoke

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I just recently went to Blue Smoke on E 27th st in Gramercy in search of "The City's Best BBQ". Now, while I didn't find the city's best BBQ, I did happen to find some pretty good BBQ. The ambiance is very laid back, but it has a certain elegance to it, like a step above your usual rib shack (actually about 4 steps above). Service wasn't spectacular as I saw my waiter only once, and I had to get up and ask the hostess for my check. But the food makes up for it. I ordered the Rib Sampler for one with a side of fries. While the ribs come with little or no sauce on them, once sauce is applied (and your server will guide you in which sauce goes on where), the ribs are wonderful. The portions are big and for what it is the prices aren't awful. Now, is this "The City's Best BBQ", no (I actually prefer WildWood), but it is some pretty good BBQ and its definitely worth a visit!
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Air Jordan V "Raging Bull" Pack

Finally, something in the street wear game that deserves attention. Air Jordan is said to release their Jordan V Raging Bull pack in May of this year. This pack takes the Jordan V, and throws on orange and charcoal ways. Its very simple (well the orange may be flashy but nothing compared to patent leather Bape STAs), but it works better than anything A Bathing Ape* or BBC has released in a while.

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