My Empire of Dirt

Every now and again, walking through her streets, I remember that this city is the best one in the country… that the books and movies and art and culture and subculture that praise her are for good reason. And I am grateful to have known her so long, though we’ve grown apart a bit. She holds a sacred place in my youth, the starting point to all I’ve become. New York.

So you act a tourist, succumbing to pushes and shoves, and you resist the urge to speed walk through her. You stop and see from a new place. And you’re briefly like them, waiting patiently to look. Watching them watch the art at the Museum of Modern Art, they become part of it. And it is amusing, so many walking exhibits.

The MoMA‘s space was runneth over with tourists. But of course.

Ensor’s Masks Confronting Death 

They would not listen, they’re not listening still. Perhaps they never will

Watching The Dance

The False Mirror

“She’s a full-on Monet… From far away, it’s OK, but up close, it’s a big old mess.”

This little girl ought to be an internet meme. After this ridiculous pose, she leaned against Klimt’s work with a disaffected expression. Disgusting, really. 

Home inspiration.

“The” Tree at Rockefeller Center.

And after the bustle, another meal at Dirt Candy. Vegetables Here ↓

The Kentucky Lemonade had the color of beet but all I tasted was bourbon. There are much worse things than this.

Korean Fried Broccoli: These deep-fried broccoli bits in a Korean-spiced batter are one of Dirt Candy’s signature appetizers. I loved them, as I do anything plant-based and deep-fried. I did crave a bit of sweetness, just a drizzle, to balance them out.

More deep-fried delights: the Jalapeño Hush Puppies with a sweet vegan maple butter. 

Carrot: Little baby carrot sliders on little baby carrot rice buns, topped with some textural delights. Whimsical and inventive–This is Dirt Candy. 

Broccoli: Grilled and smoked stalks of broccoli with broccoli kraut and a mustard barbecue sauce on homemade buns.  On the side, broccoli rabe chips. This was a heavy combinations of dishes! I couldn’t finish these beauties but appreciated them fully.  

I’m stuffed in my head, heart and belly. Goodnight, New York. Thanks again.