Kaizar was back visiting from rainbow land to visit friends and family back here on the East Coast. He's a regular on this blog as long time readers and friends know.
On Friday at noon, I waited in line with the rest of the trendy sheep at Muji--the new Japanese clothing/home furnishing store in Soho. First five hundred people received a free bag. Hook, line, sinker!
It took me nearly half an hour to move from the back of the line to the front.
And by front, I actually mean to the corner--the midway point to the store, which is next to the CB2 store.
After work, I met with Stan at the Ramen Setagaya, the first US branch of a popular Japanese ramen noodle chain. This ain't your cup of noodle MSG laden ramen. It's not a place to go to enjoy a leisurely paced meal. The line for this small East Village ramen bar is approximately 15 minutes long. The menu consists of basically, uh, ramen soup and predictable appetizers like dumplings. I can describe the food in two words: FUCKING DELICIOUS.
After bouncing around to a few places, Stan and I met up with a couple friends of mine at Latino Bar. One of the girls there at the table was done for the night.
And in case you aren't sure which girl is passing out, Stan helpfully points her out.
Me, and Chloe and her awesome Christmas sweater.
The shy birthday girl, Cristina.
Chloe and maybe the not-so-shy birthday girl. (Happy birthday Cristina!)
One person in this photo is for tips than the other two. Hint: It's not me or Chloe.
We then made the move to the old standby Botanica. This is the expression Stan usually makes while in the middle of a surgery at his hospital.
Forgot your name, sorry!
Haha, I look like I'm plotting Hussain's death.
But I'm not! I love Hussain!
Kaizar finally rolls in after his [censored]!
The aftermath of Hussain's diatribe towards [censored].
Stan rocking my hat better than anyone else.
This guy owes me because as a good samaritan I woke him up when the subway arrived. I thought it was midnight or ish when I got in the subway to go home, but it was closer to 4 am. A good night!
On Saturday night I went to an annual Thanksgiving dinner party thrown by Lauren's boyfriend.
Stan and his "Woop Woop" wine he picked out and brought.
Kaizar looking sophisticated.
Lauren and couple of her friends.
Ah, nice group photo.
HAHAHA. The most hilarious photo of the night in my humble opinion. Kaizar speaking with....a giant with a very giant-ish name, Otto.
I don't condone this behavior of throwing out perfectly good turkey!!!
Lauren's boyfriend is very insistent on this.
Kaizar taking one last bite. Look at that grease about to drop off.
Afterwards we headed to some party downtown. This guy woke up as I was about to take a photo of him sleeping. I think he was the birthday boy. Some dancing and stuff happened.
The next morning, er, afternoon I met up with Kaizar and Hussain for brunch at my favorite restaurant, White Privilege.
Hussain's insane job requires TWO motherfuckinblackberries.
Me and Hussain while we waited for everyone else to arrive.
We chilled around, and then had dinner at Hussain's apartment: awesome take out Indian food (Thanks corporate account!) and the famous chicken and rice from the guy on midtown.
That's it for now, kids.