By Zena Gray signed by the president, and upheld by the Supreme Court, a law that does nothing more than extend the possibility of health insurance to the millions of Americans who do not presently have it. Mind you, this law was based on a proposal from a conventional think-tank and taken out on the test track in Massachusetts by a Republican governor who also happens to have been the party’s 2012 nominee for president of the United States. That is why the government of the United States continues to remain closed.
N
ot one single person should be surprised.
Well maybe the few still living with child-like naiveté could not have seen this day coming. But when voters elected the worst Congress in history in 2010, they set forth the surefire decision that this day would come. Of course in the past we’ve had Congresses that were more remiss, more negligent, more indolent and more malicious, but there has never been a single House of the Congress with a more disastrous grouping of political aspiration, political foolishness, and vain displays of politics than those that exist in this one, which in turn has resulted in shutting down the federal government.
Why you ask? Because this glorious group of intellects that was put together disapproves of a law passed by a previous Congress,
“The only real consequences will be felt by the millions of people affected by what this Congress has forced upon the nation, which was the whole point all along, wasn’t it?”
We have elected a national legislature in which Louie Gohmert and Michele Bachmann have more power than the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Americans can’t look to place the blame anywhere except on ourselves. We elected this collective assembly of ungovernable people. From the Bible-thumpers to the absolute frauds, we have elected people to govern us who do not believe in government. We have elected a national legislature in which Louie Gohmert and Michele Bachmann have more power than the Speaker of the House of Representatives. We have elected a national legislature that looks into the mirror and sees itself already cast in marble. We did this. We looked at our great legacy of selfgovernment and we handed ourselves over to the reign of morons. (continued on page 3)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Education Page 5 Tom Suozzipg.5
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Blue8Sky EPIC pg.8 Page Harlem School of the Arts
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My child is going to college at
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Their tomorrow depends on your words today.
Help complete your child’s future by encouraging them to get a college degree. Call the Hispanic Scholarship Fund today at 1-877-HSF-INFO or visit YourWordsToday.org to learn more.
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THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN This is what they came to Washington to do — to break the government of the United States. It doesn’t matter any more whether they’re doing it out of pure impractical philosophy, or at the command of those backing their campaigns, or at the prompting of their party’s base. It may be any one of those reasons. It may be all of them. The government of the United States belongs to all of us, and it has essentially been broken. For arguments sake, you could see this coming down through the years, probably since it was said that the government “was” the problem in Reagan’s
Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams Senior Editor Zena Gray International Correspondent Ann Brown Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor Distribution/Advertising Darrel Murdaugh
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First Inaugural Address, or when Bill Clinton claimed that the era of big government was “over,” through all the endless attempts to find “common ground” and a “Third Way.” Ultimately, we all wrapped ourselves in good intentions but most of these failed. There is no compromise to be had here that will leave the current structure of the government intact. Now we must make a plan and figure out what needs to be done? The first and most important thing is to recognize how we came to this pass. Both sides did not do this. Both sides are not to blame. There is no
(CONTINUED) BY ZENA GRAY
compromise to be had here that will leave the current structure of the government intact. I am less optimistic than are many people that this whole thing will result to the credit of the Democratic Party. For that to happen, the Democratic party would have to be demonstrably ruthless enough to risk its own political standing to make the point, which the Democratic party never has shown itself capable of doing. The only real consequences will be felt by the millions of people affected by what this Congress has forced upon the nation, which was the whole point all along, wasn’t it?
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BUSINESS HOW TO SIMPLIFY ACCOUNTING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES By Gary Milkwick
When you are running a small business it is tough to keep up with taxes, invoices, accounts, etc., and it can all be overwhelming. Accounting is also a time consuming process, but don’t let that intimidate you. The trick is to break down the process into smaller parts that are easier to manage and implement bookkeeping strategies: 1. Calculate a minimum monthly profit and write down your ideal monthly profit. It all starts with knowing what money is actually coming into the business and knowing what you would like bring in. This is the first step to making it happen. You will need to keep proper records of all invoices and payments to get an idea of what you make in a month and to figure out how much it will take to keep your small business running. Keeping track of these records will show you when invoices are paid, if you’re missing payments, how long it takes customers to pay you, and if you’re having difficulties collecting payments from particular customers. By keeping track you can come up with an exact number you’ll need to earn each month. 2. Keep your personal separate from business. The biggest mistake you can make is to mix business with personal, which can lead to some complicated issues and keep you from knowing the true state of your finances. Avoid using your business card to pay for personal expenses and use petty cash for small daily expenses. Make sure you maintain separate bank accounts for your business and personal finances. This will save you so much time in the long run and make it easier to keep track of expenses.
3. Maintain records. It is imperative to always keep all receipts, invoices, bills, bank statements, etc. If you write down a number for office expenses today and forget to keep your receipts, a few months from now you will not remember where that number came from. Keep your receipts and financial documents organized in a way you can easily find them. You can file vendors’ bills alphabetically and deposit statements can be filed by date. Try using an app like OneReceipt to help you keep track of your finances and organize both your paper and digital receipts. 4. Establish a routine. Accounting may be a dreaded task for non-accounting professionals but it’s important to stay on top of. You should establish a routine and stick to it. It’s easier to do your accounting once every week or two then to let things build up over a few months which will certainly cause some headaches. Try to set aside a little time each week to take a look at your finances, even if it’s only 20 minutes. You’ll feel better knowing exactly how your business is doing and it will allow you to make more informed financial decisions. Come tax time you will be more organized and prepared if you have established a routine and most importantly followed it. 5. Weigh the benefits of hiring a bookkeeper versus DIY accounting. DIY accounting can be made easy with the right computer software that will help you keep track of income and expenses, prepare tax documents, back up records and more. Managing your own accounts can also help you cut costs and gain financial insight into your business. However, once your
small business grows past a certain point, you may find it easier to hire a bookkeeper or accountant who has more experience to keep your accounts in order. Additionally, the do it yourself tax software programs will not stand behind you in the event on an audit. The experts at 1800Accountant.com are ready to assist you in handling taxes, bookkeeping and financial matters. They will help you establish a sound bookkeeping system, find more deductions,minimize tax liability and save you valuable time and money. 1800Accountant actually signs your tax returns so in the event of an audit they are held accountable.1800Accountant.com offers plenty of resources needed to stay on top of your finances at affordable, flat-rate prices. For more information on 1800Accountant and the services they offer please visit www.1800accountant.com. Gary Milkwick is currently Vice President at 1800Accountant. com. Gary previously worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he performed work for several Fortune 500 clients. He also worked at a regional accounting firm in Atlanta, Georgia that provides tax and consulting services to small business owners. Gary has made appearances on ABC, NBC, Fox Business, Sirius XM Radio, and Bloomberg Radio as an expert on the taxation of small businesses and small business owners. He has also been quoted in the New York Post, New York Daily News, CBS Moneywatch, Crain’s New York Business, and CNBC.com.w
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POLITICS Hempstead Democratic Committee & Multicultural Coalition for Tom Suozzi On Thursday, October 3, 2013, Nassau County Executive Candidate Tom Suozzi attended the New Hempstead Democratic Committee and The Multicultural Coalition for Tom Suozzi’s Dinner and Dance Gala. The event was held at Verdi’s in Westbury. Also in attendance (not pictured) was Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, District Attorney Kathleen Rice, County Comptroller candidate Howard Weitzman, County Clerk candidate Laura Gillen, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assemblywoman Michele Schimel, Assemblyman Charles Lavine; Legislators Joe Scannell, Judi Bosworth, Wayne Wink, Judy Jacobs, Carrie Solages, Robert Troiano, Delia DeRiggi Whitton, Dave Denenberg, and Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, as well as Legislative candidates Laura Curran (LD 5), Ed Kraus (LD 13), and Lisa Daniels (LD 7).
RUSSIAN INTEREST IN THE CARIBBEAN CONTINUES TO EXPAND By David Jessop
Over the last two to three years Russian interest in the Caribbean has been a growing; so that today Moscow’s diplomatic profile and its economic presence in a number of Caribbean nations is now stronger than at any time since the end of the cold war. Although Russia’s interest is on a much smaller scale to that of China, its presence, its alternative approach on foreign policy issues, its economic interest, and its re-engagement with a changing Cuba, represents a significant alternative in the broadening spectrum of Caribbean relationships. As such, it reinforces the view that newer actors may gradually rebalance the historic dominance of Europe and North America. At its most obvious, the new Russian presence in the Caribbean is demonstrated in the form of its tourists coming into the region in rapidly increasing numbers, enabling the sector to diversify its source markets and grow again an industry suffering from increased global competition, slow economic recovery and an early start in tourism. Until two years ago, Cuba was the only Caribbean destination for Russian visitors (76,500 arrivals in 2012) but now, so rapidly have Russian numbers to the Dominican Republic increased, that Russia has overtaken Germany as a source market and may soon do the same in relation to France, its third largest market after the US and Canada. NewYorkTrendnyc
According to Dominican Republic tourism officials some 158,415 Russian visitors visited the country in 2012, a figure 35 per cent higher than in the previous year, and one that they hope will grow by around 51 per cent this year. In part this reflects the huge investment the country has put into promoting itself in Russia as a part of its drive to develop new source markets. But more significantly it speaks to the Dominican Republic’s ability to incentivise and grow airlift, so that there are now twelve scheduled flights a week from Moscow and St Petersburg, with charters additionally coming from both cities and Ekaterinburg.
the new Russian presence in the Caribbean is demonstrated in the form of its tourists coming into the region in rapidly increasing numbers...... Moreover, Russian visitors fit the profile most sought after by tourism sector in the Caribbean. Most are aged between 25 and 45, come from an educated, upper upper-middle class demographic, have high purchasing power and increasingly want sun, sea and to shop ideally where some Russian is spoken; a challenge the Dominican Republic is rising to. What this suggests is that most of the Anglophone Caribbean has some catching up to do. So far, Jamaica is the only Caricom nation actively courting Russian tourists, receiving a twice weekly service from Moscow into Montego Bay. However, Barbados, the Bahamas and some Eastern Caribbean nations have also begun to consider the possibilities, although in some cases runway extensions may be required to facilitate the high take-off weight of long east bound flights. October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
The second significant change in the Russian presence in the region has been the dramatic improvement is Russia’s relationship with Cuba. Earlier this year the Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, signed ten wide ranging agreements significantly strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, effectively reversing its withdrawal following the fall of the Soviet Union. Russian companies are also increasing their bauxite related investment in Jamaica with Rusal, which controls 65 per cent of Jamaica’s alumina capacity and operates three of the island’s four refineries, investing US$100m in a coal-fired electricity generating plant, with the objective of reducing its energy costs and reopening idle plants in 2016. There is also interest in investing in the tourism sector. In the Eastern Caribbean there has been a rapid growth in interest in investment in tourism to take advantage of citizenship schemes being introduced there. In St Kitts for instance, where government has removed visa requirements for Russians, a recently announced US$50m investment is partly backed by a Canadian agency that promotes to wealthy Russians and others, locations where investment for citizenship is possible. What this suggests is the need for the region and for those beyond to form a judgment free from the past, to determine how best to relate to Russia in the Caribbean and to seek to hear more about how it sees a future partnership developing. David Jessop is the Director of the Caribbean Council.
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ENTERTAINMENT Cuba Gooding Jr., gets Caricature at Sardi’s
IT’S A BOY! CONGRATULATIONS TO HALLE BERRY & OLIVIER MARTINEZ!
Cuba Gooding Jr received his caricature on the wall at Sardi’s which is a Broadways traditionfor actors. Cuba recently ended his stellar lead performance in the play The Trip to Bountiful, also starring Vanessa Williams and Cicely Tyson who received a Tony Award for her performance in the remake of this historic play.
According to reports, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez welcomed a baby boy over the weekend.This is the Oscar winner’s second child. She married French actor Olivier Martinez in July. The healthy baby, who was born in Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has a big sister, 5-year-old, Nahla, Berry’s daughter with exboyfriend Gabriel Aubry. In April, Berry said about the impending arrival: “This has been the biggest surprise of my life, to tell you the truth. Thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me. So it’s been a big surprise and the most wonderful.”
Congratulations to the couple!! Photo credit: Darrel Murdaugh
DEMI LOVATO ANNOUNCES TOUR SET TO LAUNCH FEBRUARY 2014
starring
Dee Dee BriDgewater Written & directed by
Stephen Stahl
t he F inal C omeBaCk oF a l egenD t he B eginning oF a l egaCy
“stunningly good!” -BBC “Marvelous theatre!” -Daily Telegraph
“you feel as if you are in a Billie holiday concert.” -Financial Times telecharge.com 2 212-239-6200 2 ladydaytheMusical.com The Little Shubert Theatre 422 W. 42nd St. 2 Betw. 9th & 10th Aves.
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Platinum-selling music artist and The X Factor judge Demi Lovato announced exclusively on a Facebook Q&A yesterday that she is launching THE NEON LIGHTS TOUR on February 9, 2014, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at Pepsi Live At Rogers Arena. Produced and promoted by Live Nation, the North American tour will support her latest Hollywood Records album, DEMI, and visit 27 cities across the United States and Canada, including shows in the New York City area, Chicago,Toronto, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Nashville. “Neon Lights” is the forthcoming single from DEMI and will impact at radio in early November. THE NEON LIGHTS TOUR will also feature lead special guests, Little Mix, performing on their first U.S. tour, as well as Cher Lloyd who will also perform on select dates. The X Factor finalists turned hit-making girl group, Fifth Harmony, October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
will also join their X Factor mentor on all dates throughout the tour. DEMI, the 4th album from Demi Lovato on Hollywood Records, is out now and features the chart-topping, double platinum-certified single, “Heart Attack,” and “Neon Lights.” The album hit #1 on iTunes in 50 countries and debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. “Heart Attack” reached #5 on the Billboard Top 40 Radio chart and became the 3rd Top 10 hit of Demi’s career. The video for the song has amassed over 100 million views on VEVO, while a remix of the single also hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. Demi appeared in a guest starring role on the Emmy Award®-winning show GLEE. Earlier this month, she returned for her second season as a judge and mentor on The X Factor. www.newyorktrendnyc.com
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ENTERTAINMENT R&B Divas: LA — Watch the “Divalogues” on TV One Fans of TV One’s saucy reality show, R&B Divas: LA, will be happy to know that the they’ll be given the chance to watch the “Divalogues” stage production (shown during the series) in its entirety. Tune in to TV One to watch Lil Mo, Chante Moore and Claudette.
Patti LaBelle & El DeBarge at the NYCB THEATRE at Westbury, Sat. 11/9
Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual songs have created the unique platform of versatility that the Grammy-winning LaBelle is known and revered for. The revered singer of such hits as “Lady Marmalade”, “New Attitude,” “If You Asked Me To,” and
LaBelle has won seven NAACP Image Awards, two American Music Awards, received three Emmy nominations, a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, she reunited with Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx for the first time in 30 years for the critically acclaimed Labelle reunion album, Back to Now. “Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God,” LaBelle says. “I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it…It’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.” El DeBarge is an acclaimed soul singersongwriter and record producer. He was lead singer and co-founder of the former family group DeBarge in addition to enjoying a successful solo career in the 1980s, garnering three Grammy nominations. El DeBarge’s hits include “Who’s Johnny,” “Love Always,” “Rhythm of the Night,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now” and “You Wear It Well.” In 2010, El DeBarge released a well-received “comeback” album called Second Chance, which received universal acclaim from music critics and resulted in two Grammy
Live Nation is pleased to present Patti LaBelle and El DeBarge at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Saturday, November 9 at 8 p.m. NewYorkTrendnyc
“On My Own” (with Michael McDonald) has enjoyed a fruitful 52-year career in show business, releasing over 50 albums. October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
nominations.
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ENTERTAINMENT HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS HONORS LAURENCE J. FISHBURNE, GINA TORRES, ARTURO O’FARRILL, CHRIS ROCK & PHYLICIA RASHAD For nearly a half-century, the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people. Located in Harlem’s historic Hamilton Heights, this pioneering, worldclass institution brings together music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and musical theatre instruction under one roof. Serving young people, ages 2 to 18, from the under-served communities of Harlem, across New York City, New Jersey and Westchester County, HSA leverages its reputation for excellence and roster of celebrated alumni to empower youths and constantly revitalize its surrounding community. The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) celebrated their 2013 Fall Benefit last week at Lincoln Center with an evening of awards, musical and dance performances and celebrity honorees. Yvette L. Campbell, President and CEO, Harlem School of the Arts (HSA introduced David Ushery who served as the Master of Ceremonies). Arturo O’Farrill, a Grammy Award winning musician and composer performed with an HSA student during the program. There were also be dance performances from an HSA master class and from a modern dance duo.
For more information about Harlem School of the Arts, visit www.hsanyc.org.
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ENTERTAINMENT Gospel Concert to Benefit Youth at Risk Scholarship Fund By Phil Andrews
On Friday October 25, 2013 STW Advocacy for at Risk Youth will be presenting a Gospel Benefit our scholarship fund; awarding scholarships to youth striving for a higher education at a University, College of Trade School of their Choice. The Gospel Concert will take place at the African American Museum 110 North Franklin Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. The Concert will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. An evening of Gospel featuring Alyssa-Marie Prendergast & Sam Simpson & The Gospel Suns About: STW Advocacy for at Risk Youth, Inc. is a Non-forProfit organization whose mission is to provide support to deserving students on Long Island by awarding scholarships, volunteering at after school programs and youth centers, holding dialog sessions on topics concerning today’s youths, donating, back to school supplies, and introducing youth to career opportunities. Tickets $30.00 in advance/$35.00 at door. Event Sponsors: New York Life and BennyB’s
BOOKS Perception of Black Males... Seeing Should Not Always Be Believing
central exposure medium to “Black Males” is television and the media. This is where perception is built in the eyes of other cultures/ races as well as African-American youth. In media African American males are given a narrowed view they see of themselves. Whether it’s the African American character with his
By Dr. Frederick B. Covington
As a pediatric occupational therapist one of my areas of expertise is visual perception. Many people confuse this with visual acuity or simply being able to see an object. This confusion causes many problems in our community. What someone may see is one thing, however, what someone may perceive is totally another. For example, when you see a letter “B” you understand that it is the second letter of the alphabet and that it makes the “B” sound. You come to know this through your observations and exposure to the letter “B.” The mediums of exposure could be educational television, teachers, books, and a number of other things. Now, let us take a similar scenario. One comes to know “Black Males” through observation and exposure to “Black Males.” Here, the
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pants hanging off his waist and underwear showing, to the super beyond belief athlete,
October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
or seeing a highly disproportionate number of African American faces on the show “Cops,” they are bombarded with negative images. To directly confront and combat this problem I have authored a book entitled “Just Not Me.” “Just Not Me” was written to highlight these untrue stereotypes and explain to young African American males that they are much more than the simplified images they encounter in the media. It is written in a simplified “Dr. Seuss-like” manner to be appropriate for young ages. It can also be used as a point of discussion for teenagers and young adults as well. The key to thwarting negative perceptions is to intervene at a young age. We must show these young men positive images. If the media does not give us a “Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable” (The Cosby Show) and instead gives us “Love and Hip Hop” we have to guide our youth to that which is positive. No longer can the media’s negative stereotypical images give our youth definition. We all must stand as positive beacons in the media’s dark realms and empower our young men to say that those images on TV are “Just Not Me” (www.JustNotMeBook.com). www.newyorktrendnyc.com 9
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RADIO/TV TAVIS SMILEY SHOW EXPANDING ... “SMILEY & WEST” ENDING The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI announced today that it will be expanding to two hours beginning January 2014. The new two-hour format is a renewal of Smiley’s commitment to conversations of importance to America. The show will continue to focus on a wide range of issues including politics, business, health, sports, arts and culture, and will feature a broad spectrum of newsmakers and commentators. Tony Marcano, formerly of Weekend Edition on NPR, will be the program’s senior producer. The final edition of Smiley & West will air the weekend of Dec. 27, 2013. “I was blessed to work with my dear Brother Tavis and we stood on the forefront of bringing prophetic perspectives to loyal listeners on the important issues we face today,” said West. “As I move forward, I carry with me the knowledge that Smiley & West leaves a
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definitive mark in public radio.” “Creating a radio show to co-host with Dr. Cornel West is one of the highlights of my career,” Smiley said. “I have been blessed to work alongside the person I regard as America’s leading public intellectual.” Smiley and West are appreciative to Public Radio International (PRI) for the opportunity and grateful to the listening audience for its embrace. They emphasized that Smiley & West would not be the outstanding show it is without the expertise and hard work of producer Joe Zefran. Both agree that it is critical to offer differing viewpoints on the airwaves, especially the stories of the more than 45 million Americans living in poverty. Smiley will be devoting more time to the Tavis Smiley Network, the first online programming network for BlogTalkRadio.
October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
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RESTAURANT REVIEW KOKUM: A SOUTH INDIAN THRILL SPICES UP CURRY HILL garlic, and coriander, and whose texture satisfies almost as much as its flavor. The Soft Shell Crab roast, cooked to medium-spicy perfection black pepper and shallots, is also sure to wow the taste buds.
Ask any well-seasoned New Yorker where to go for the best bite of any regional cuisine and she is likely to steer you away from any of the city’s popular “food districts.” For it would be a foodie offense of the highest order to venture to Chinatown, Indian Row or Little Italy for their respective fare (or, God forbid, a slice of NYC pizza!) Despite having once been considered “safe bets” for visitors, locals have often regarded these areas as unsavory, offering diners sub-standard cuisine lacking in authenticity. The one exception to the rule is the everevolving Curry Hill, due largely in part to the trendsetting palate revelations of restaurateur Shiva Natarajan (of Chote Nawab, Malai Marke, Dhaba, and Chola fame). Natarajan has repeatedly reinvented Indian cuisine with a simple yet effective formula: keep it authentic. And while it may seem to purists that tradition and creativity can be at odds when it comes to food preparation, he has consistently debunked this theory by combining unrelenting authenticity with enough inventive flair to excite the most sophisticated palate. His latest creation, Kokum, is a solid testament to that precision. Unlike the standard fare of dosas and daals found in many of the area’s other restaurants, Kokum is a tribute to the genuine, enchanting offerings of exclusively South Indian cuisine, with a menu unlike any other. Kokum (which is a souring agent native to South India, similar to Tamarind) is a tribute to the cuisine and culture of Kerala, a state in Southern India known for its lush vegetation, crustaceans, coconuts and exotic spices; all NewYorkTrendnyc
of which account for it’s coveted cuisine. The simple, casual yet stylish décor is modeled after the interior of the “Snake Boats” used in the boat races that are also popular in the region. A prominent spice exporter since as early as 3000 BCE, Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic practices, and so it would follow that an outstanding feature of the Kokum menu is a distinct attention to spice and flavorcombinations that manages to both soothe and excite, but not overwhelm, the palate. For instance, the Veg Upma appetizer (steamed cream of wheat implanted with tender veggies) is almost a comfort food—until the exotic flavors kick in to excite. The Kumily Chicken, tender chunks of perfectly (but not overly) spiced chicken with green chilies and curry leaves, is a divine starter for those who may want to venture into the taste sensations gradually, while the Lamb Oolarthiyathu— succulent pieces of meat sautéed with coconut peppercorns and shallots—will satisfy even the most demanding spice aficionados. For a dose of the proprietary spice, try the Shrimp Kokum which is marinated and sautéed with shallots. The entrees feature a variety of mains from every category, from poultry dishes to seafood to the lamb and goat delicacies more traditional throughout the country. The Kerala Chicken Stew is a creamy concoction of coconut, veggies, and whole masalas. The Meen Pollichathu, flaky fragrant fish roasted in a plantain leaf and gorgeously presented, is almost a holistic experience—pleasurable to four of the five senses; or the absolutely tranceinducing Crab Ullarthu, cooked in coconut, October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
There’s an extensive selection of vegetarian entrees on the menu, most of which are also vegan. Quite a few are prepared with healthy root vegetables, and some with veggies that are delightfully unexpected, such as the Jackfruit Thoran, which features the exotic and tender Jackfruit, stir-fried in coconut and has a consistency and flavor similar to chicken. The Avial Malabar is an eclectic mixed vegetable dish with yogurt, coconut, and curry leaves, and the Erissery is a delicious combination of red pumpkin and black-eyed beans with southern spices. Pair any of these a side of the several specialty rices (tamarind, coconut, and lemon infusions, among others) and you have a meal that would satisfy even a stout religious carnivore. One notable feature of the Kokum menu is the substantial dosa and Indian “street food” selection that includes a Dosa Stall, Uttapam (Indian pancake) Stall, and Muniyandi Dosa Villas featuring the most addictive, gigantic dosas this side of the Ganges served with six dipping sauces ranging in flavors from sweet and spicy to tangy and thick. The dosas come with a variety of fillings, like spiced potatoes and onions in the Masala Dosa or spicy Chettinad pepper chicken in the Pepper Chicken Dosa. Or there’s the Onion Chili Uttapam, studded with onions and green chilies. Just when you think the meal can’t get any more exciting, there’s an otherworldly cocktail list that truly takes Kokum’s fabulous flavorcombinations to level next. The Tadi Fling mixes light and dark rum with sweet vermouth, lime, and pineapple juices, and the Tropical Kerala is a surprisingly light concoction with gin, Saint Germain, lemon juice, triple sec, and mint. The Kokum, featuring its namesake along with cardamom-infused vodka, lime juice, honey, green tea, and a splash of tamarind water, should probably not be missed. There is also an extensive beer and wine menu, with offerings by the bottle or by the glass. Kokum is located at 106 Lexington Avenue, 212-684-6842, www.kokumny.com. Kokum is open for lunch every day from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Lunch Box specials available daily. Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5 to 10 p.m., Fri & Sat. 5-10:30 p.m. www.newyorktrendnyc.com 11
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TREND
Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties
NEW YORK October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
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NYTREND SPORTS
COWBOYS VS. REDSKINS Justin A.Williams, Sports Editor
The 3-2 Dallas Cowboys faced divisional rival the 1-3 Washington Redskins. The game was a test for two of the games most talked about quaterbacks as Tony Romo of Dallas sought to establish himself as an elite quarterback and Robert Griffith III sought to prove he has fully returned to the level of play he achieved as a rookie. There was no love lost between these two bitter nemeses as the lead in the NFC East division was at stake. Both defenses had much to prove as both were coming off bad performances and had been inconsistent for most of the season. The game featured a plethora of the games brightest stars on both sides of the ball, all determined to put their team at the top of the division.
NY Trend visits AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium in Dallas Texas
Statue of Tom Landry, first coach of the Dallas Cowboy stand in front of the stadium.
New York Trend photographer Robert Taylor was at the AT&T Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Redskins game and got a backstage pass to the locker room, historic statue of Tom Landry and the official Dallas Cowboys Roster and field.
PHOTOS: ROBERT TAYLOR@NYTREND
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October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013
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