HIP, YET HIDDEN.

a contemplative and rainy monday

2010-05-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

"Let yourself be silently drawn
by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray."
- Rumi (13th century)

Pour les français:

"Laissez-vous être silencieusement attiré
par la force étrange de ce que vous aimez vraiment. Elle ne vous perdra pas"
- Rumi (13eme siècle)

Clue Seeker: an LA-based street artist

2010-05-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Just saw "Exit Through the Gift Shop," a film by the graffiti artist BANKSY. Anna and I have a street art fascination thanks to wandering the streets of Berlin and this documentary just whetted my appetite for more. The film's message was create your own art...or at least take notice. Here's my contribution. Look for it on Beverly and Fairfax. Hopefully MBW won't steal it too (go see the film!)

travel + leisure

2010-04-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

LA meets CAPETOWN by la voyageuse featuring Citizens of Humanity jeans

a stroll in primrose hill

2010-03-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

a stroll in primrose hill by la voyageuse featuring Cath Kidston jewelry

ready, set, summer!

2010-03-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

Decoupage for 2010! Just bought Sperry Top-Siders and read an article in the New Yorker about this new site so I gave it a go. Hello, inspiration and time wasting...

Buzzards Bay Breeze by la voyageuse featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

It's Stew Weather (even in LA)

2010-02-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

West African Peanut Stew. In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, I often ate it served over rice but this is a delicious stew version.

* 1 spray(s) cooking spray
* 2 medium onion(s), roughly chopped
* 1 medium green pepper(s), cored and roughly chopped
* 1/2 pound(s) sweet potato(es), peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
* 2 medium carrot(s), peeled and thinly sliced
* 2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
* 2 Tbsp ginger root, fresh, minced
* 1/2 tsp ground cloves
* 1/2 tsp table salt
* 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
* 4 cup(s) vegetable broth, reduced-sodium
* 6 Tbsp peanut butter, natural, creamy variety
* 8 cup(s) spinach, leaves, stemmed, packed, chopped

Instructions

* Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and set over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.

* Stir in the sweet potato, carrots and garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Add the ginger, cloves, salt and cayenne; cook for 30 seconds.

* Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth.

* Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer slowly, stirring once in a while, until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.

* Add the spinach; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Yields about 1 2/3 cups per serving.

Notes:

Keep the heat low as the soup simmers so the peanut butter doesn't break (that is, in culinary terms, "doesn't fall out of suspension" or separate).
*Thanks to Weight Watchers

QU'EST-CE QUE L'ART

2010-02-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

SHOE FETISH

2010-02-04T08:26:00.001-08:00

TEN COOL COVERS

2010-02-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

1. Dan Black, "Hypntz" (Notorious B.I.G.)
2. Lady Sovereign, "So Human" (The Cure)
3. The Knife, "Heartbeats" (Jose Gonzalez)
4. Tori Amos, "I don't like Mondays" (Boomtown Rats)
5. Sonic Youth, "Superstar" (The Carpenters)
6. Johnny Cash, "Hurt" (Nine Inch Nails)
7. Ween, "L.M.L.Y.P." (Prince)
8. Yael Naim, "Toxic" (Britney Spears)
9. Beck, "True Love Will Find You in the End" (Daniel Johnston)
10. Portishead, "Requiem for Anna" (Serge Gainsbourg)

Thoughts here and there

2010-02-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

Ouagadougou graffiti

Bright February

2010-02-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

February 2006 in Lorient, France

It's the little things

2010-01-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL LOSERS

2010-01-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Beautiful documentary that explores the underground art world in NYC in the 1990s. Visually pleasing, awesome soundtrack, and convincingly communicates the message that all things that begin underground are eventually appreciated. Who cares, anyways, because it's art for art's sake.

Motivation vs. Uncertainty

2010-01-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

2010: DESIRE / POSSIBILITY / CREATION

2010-01-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

For 2010, we are simplifying HYH. Our intention for this blog is to reflect inspiring images, words, and ideas. We're not quite sure how it will turn out but come follow us!

Fauché but still enjoying the good life

2009-09-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
Fauché: adjectif masculin singulier
1 misérable, indigent, déshérité, pauvre
[antonyme] riche, opulent

You've heard Suze Orman's spiel, read a few budgeting blogs, began clipping coupons and spent many weekends lounging at home drinking two buck chuck...As provident, thrifty twentysomethings, we want to offer you our best advice to ride this recession on out:

WARDROBE:
-Bring your antihistamine and eyedrops and get digging at GOODWILL for some one-of-a-kind finds. You'll be proud and do your daily good deed.
-Live like the French and splurge on one essential item like REPETTO flats or a black oversized BLAZER

DRINKS:
-Just can't force yourself to whip up yet another dinner for you and your friends? Seek out BYOB restaurants in your city. Bringing your own wine will save you loads on your bill. Hit up MONSIEUR MARCEL (Los Angeles) or SURDYK'S (Minneapolis) for the cheapest Côtes du Rhônes.
-We are also loving Trader Joes' SIMPLER TIMES brew. A 6 pack is $2.99!

TRAVEL:
-Join Bing and receive forecasts of (domestic only) airfares. Includes advice on when to buy.
-Because traveling is a NECESSITY, now's the time to crash on the couches of your mother's cousin's stepdaughter in Prague. Just don't forget to pick up some chocolate or flowers before you arrive.

FREE TIME:
-Join your local library branch and request forthcoming books that will only be available in hardback for at least a year.
-It's free Yoga week! Listen up, boys. It's not just for women. Alleviate arthritis and back pain while decompressing.

Any other suggestions?
*Thanks to HYH contributor CAROLYN BERSNAK for the picture*

SNAPCRACKLEPOP

2009-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

August 27, 2009

SNAP
Delicious in-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and heirloom tomatoes, make wonderful salads! Try panzanella, a traditional Tuscan bread salad. Here is a fabulous recipe:
http://thevibranttable.com/?p=81

CRACKLE
Quentin Tarantino's newest film, Inglourious Basterds, is excellent. Awesome. Phenomenal. You have to see it.

POP
The Gap's new 1969 jean line features the boyfriend jean. They are cool, comfortable and only $39.50.

HYH GEM

2009-07-28T09:06:00.001-07:00

July 28, 2009

Meet Molly, our premiere HYH Gem.

HYH: City?
M: Minneapolis.

HYH: Describe your personal style.
M: The perfect balance of laziness and put-togetherness, classic with southwestern hippie influences, with both feminine and masculine touches, and almost always polished off with a scarf.

HYH: Most cherished item?
M: My cowboy boots. I found them in a thrift store the second week I moved to Madison my freshman year of college. They were 20 bucks and I've already resoled them once, and will continue to until I pass them onto a daughter or niece someday...

HYH: I feel best wearing?
M: One piece swimsuits, red lipstick, nightgowns.

HYH: I never break this fashion rule...
M: Showing too much skin.

HYH: Favorite item of clothing?
M: My boyfriend's flannel shirts.

HYH: I would never be caught wearing?
M: Anything that makes me look too much like a hipster or a prude.

HYH: My next "must have" purchase?
M: My most recent "must have" purchase was Hanae Mori's Magical Moon perfume.

HYH: My style inspirations?
M: My sister, my sister's best friend, my boyfriend, my best friend who lives in Brooklyn.

HYH: My cinematic inspirations?
M: Breathless, Sweet Dreams, and, of course, Audrey Hepburn in any film.

HYH: Favorite adult beverage?
M: It's a tie between any good bottle of red wine or a cold Stella Artois.

HYH: Now share 3 hip, yet hidden establishments with us.
M: The Plaza Bar, Madison, WI; The Clown Lounge at the Turf Club, St. Paul, MN; The Hexagon, Minneapolis, MN.

HYH music you're not listening to YET

2009-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

July 22, 2009
HYH depends on friends to let us know what's happening in their corners of the world. This is from contributor Carolyn Bersnak, a performer, writer, and sushi fanatic living in Brooklyn, NY.

Glaswegian (aka "of or relating to Glasgow, Scotland") bands are all the rage right now, at least in this girl’s Williamsburg apartment:

"THE ACTUAL, PHYSICAL CD"

My roommates and I can’t seem to get enough of Scottish bands lately, especially, Frightened Rabbit. I’m still coming off the high of seeing them live for the first time at the Village Voice’s Siren Festival on Saturday, July 18 at Coney Island.

Frightened Rabbit first came to my attention in March when I hosted David and Stephen, two friends and music enthusiasts from Scotland. After hours of sightseeing and wandering endless city blocks, my houseguests and I found ourselves at the (former) Virgin Megastore at Union Square (sidenote: I greatly miss their amazing DVD sales. Troop Beverly Hills for $5? Yes, please!)

While perusing the music section David asked if I knew of Frightened Rabbit and when I replied that I did not, his face reflected pure horror. "You must buy this CD now!" Being the frugal, budgeting artist that I am, I promised I would buy it later on iTunes. I was completely genuine with my promise but this would not suffice. David doubted my sincerity, insisting it was the type of album in which one MUST own the actual, physical CD. We argued for a moment over who was going to buy it and in the end, he bought it for me as a gesture of gratitude for my hospitality.

The next morning, as the Scots (David and Stephen) were en route to Austin for SXSW (South by Southwest, a renown music festival), I awoke to a lonely apartment. I put my new Frightened Rabbit album, Midnight Organ Fight into the CD player (they aren't obsolete yet!) and lounged on the sofa. David was absolutely right. Everyone should have this album. What stood out to me immediately was Scott Hutchison's heavily accented and emotive voice. While it catches your attention, it is the combination of catchy melodies and brutally candid lyrics that suck you in.

On a weekend trip a few days later, I made sure to grab the CD. This is kind of album that you can’t wait to listen to in the driver’s seat of a car and hit the open road, with the windows rolled down...a feeling us New Yorkers miss out on way too often! Within hours of my departure, my roommates called me, demanding its whereabouts. Obviously, they were just as hooked as I was.

Several months later, I often pose the same question to my friends, “Do you know Frightened Rabbit?” When I hear "No...," my face lights up (instead of David's innocent disdain) and I enlighten them with a Hip, Yet Hidden band that is worthy of a myspace page visit AND possession of the actual, physical CD.

Check out Frightened Rabbit on their U.S. tour with fellow Scots and Fat Cat Record labelmates The Twilight Sad and We Were Promised Jetpacks this fall.

Sep 13 Morrison, Colorado
Sep 14 Lake City, Utah
Sep 15 Boise, Idaho
Sep 16 Seattle, Washington
Sep 17 Portland, Oregon
Sep 18 San Francisco, California
Sep 20 Los Angeles, California
Sep 22 Tucson, Arizona
Sep 24 Austin, Texas
Sep 25 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Sep 26 Birmingham, Alabama
Sep 27 Atlanta, Georgia
Sep 28 Tallahassee, Florida
Sep 29 Orlando, Florida

HYH PICKS MUSIC

SCOTTISH BANDS:
Frightened Rabbit
We Were Promised Jetpacks
The Twilight Sad

SNAPCRACKLEPOP

2009-07-21T14:59:00.001-07:00

July 21, 2009
SNAP: Go see the documentary, Food, Inc.! It gives a whole new meaning to corn as a crop and also makes you think twice about the FDA's accountability.

CRACKLE: Matte nail polish.

POP: Stay hydrated in this heat! We're loving ice water with loads of mint leaves and a fat lemon wedge.

SNAPCRACKLEPOP

2009-07-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2009

This is the section where HYH tells you our three most favorite things. This week, it's a fashion tip, an artist and a cool travel destination.

SNAP

Belts worn cinched tightly around the waist or gathered low on the hips, either way will add that je ne sais quoi to your outfit. At HYH, we currently love the look of a collared dress paired with a black, studded belt.

CRACKLE

Artist Erika Somogyi creats prints that pull you into a softer, more colorful world that borders between dream and reality. Check her out on littlepaperplanes where you'll find her work and an interview:
http://www.littlepaperplanes.com/artist/418-erika-somogyi

POP

Montreal is a magical destination. The city's laid-back, fun and free vibe is refreshingly different from anywhere else. Check out the Plateau neighborhood, Schwartz's Jewish Deli and vintage shopping on the avenue Mont-Royal.

HIP, YET HIDDEN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

2009-07-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

July 2, 2009

Mary Risley grew up in Western Massachusetts and attended the College of Wooster in Ohio where she pursued a degree in fine art. She has been working with jewelry for the past five years and recently learned how to work metal through her aunt who is a silversmith. Under her teachings she began to master a technique using a rolling mill. A rolling mill can be used as an embossing tool that imprints a hand-cut design onto the surface of the sterling silver.

Her jewelry line MareRiz is one of a kind; Once the design goes through the roll mill, it cannot be used again. This makes every piece is unique and distinct. A combination of semi-precious stones and the embossed metal comprise the majority of Mary's jewelry designs. She is based in Northampton, MA.

HYH: Can you describe the concept behind your work?
Mary: I've always been drawn to lines and form from nature. Natures asymmetry and clean lines are amazing! There is a certain concept that motivated the artwork for one of my first shows back in college, which consisted of all sculpture pieces. It is the concept in nature that although you will have two maple leaves next to one another and they look the same, every single maple leaf is different. Not one is the same. Just like animals and humans. We are all different. We have the same mold but you will never find an identical one.

HYH: Do you experiment with other artistic media?
Mary: Though jewelry is my primary focus, sometimes I need to mix it up. I will paint a quick picture or do a quick collage, just to give my creative juices some variety.

HYH: What has been inspiring you recently?
Mary: The beads that I buy inspire me. I recently went to two bead shows and when i walk around a show, I search for beads, handle them, and have a vision. As for my silver design work, my boyfriend and I have been spending a lot of time in the wilderness so I've been inspired by the design and texture of leaves.

HYH: Where can we purchase your jewelry?
Mary: Besides at Etsy, Gallery 31 in Orleans, MA and Pinch Pottery in Northampton, MA carry my line.

HYH: How has Etsy helped you?
Mary: Etsy is a great tool for having your own shop space. But, because it is so vast, it becomes a bidding war for those jewelers who can price the lowest. When you have something like metalwork that is more labor intensive, you can't underprice yourself. So in return it becomes hard to promote myself within the Etsy community. I have been using it primarily as a referral agent as it helps potential customers to get a visual of my creations.

HYH: Can you share with us some HYH gems in New England?
Mary: The town of Northampton itself is definitely HYH. For those readers who live in Boston, it would be a great day trip as it is only an hour and a half from the city. Their first stop should be this great cafe called Woodstar. The owner is a pastry chef and they display work from local artists. After enjoying the town, a great hiking trail is the Chesterfield Gorge. It is a gorge that continues as a river trail for about 10 miles in the fabulous Western Mass wilderness.

SNAPCRACKLEPOP

2009-06-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2009

Welcome to a new feature where HYH recommends its three new favorite things to you. This week we have our music, beverage, and literary picks.

SNAP

Roma di Luna: husband-wife duo who began performing in 2004 as street musicians in downtown Minneapolis. Their latest album, Casting the Bones, "explores new sonic territory while still embracing the art of traditional folk songs and storytelling."

CRACKLE

Zywiec Beer: it's Polish and it's delicious

POP

Broken Glass by Alain Mabanckou: Comedy? In the Congo? Yes, it exists and this book is definitely worth your while. Also now being performed as a play.

THE LOWDOWN ON FROMAGE

2009-06-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

June 19, 2009

It's hard to branch out from the trustworthy staples of laughing cow cheese, Trader Joe's Brie, or Kraft's cheddar block. BUT, why not find the little gourmand in you and give the string cheese you've been eating since 1995 a break?

CHEESE 101

The taste of cheese is largely dependent on what type of milk is used, what the animals were eating before they were milked, and the various aging techniques used by fromageurs that give it distinct flavors.

Q. What is "Artisanal?"
A. Handmade cheese, not mass-produced in a factory.

Q. What kind of milk is in cheese?
A. Goat, sheep, cow, and even buffalo (Buffalo Mozzarella). Are you lactose-intolerant? Try goat cheese, it has the least amount of lactose content.

Q. How do I pair cheese with wine?
A. There are no rules here. Be experimental and observe what tastes good together. A good idea is to pair wine and cheese produced from the same region together. Saltier cheeses often go well with sweet dessert wines as well, so opposites attract too.

Q. Why is cheese so much more amazing in France?
A. The Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. has hefty regulations that fromageries must meet in order to be legally be sold. All cheese in the US undergoes pasteurization, resulting in flat and bitter consistency and flavor, not rich and gooey. Additionally, cheese sold in the US must not be older than 60 days, the FDA's aging requirement for raw-milk cheeses.

Pasteurization processes + "young" cheese = what we have access to stateside

SO, I'M NOT GOING TO FRANCE ANYTIME SOON...

Fear not, there are amazing cheeses out there. Next time you are at the grocery store or farmer's market, search for something produced locally.

HYH picks:
Goat: Pondhopper Tumalo Farms (Oregon)
Cow: Hooligan Cato Corner Farm (Connecticut)
Blue: Tilston Point Mineral Point (Wisconsin)
French: Reblochon (Savoie region) and Morbier (Franche-Comté region)

HYH Pairing Pick:
Bordeaux and camembert

"A meal without cheese is a beautiful woman with an eye missing"-Brillat-Savarin (from La Physiologie du goût)

*Special thanks to A.O.C. (8022 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles)

THE HIDDEN FACE OF KREUZBERG, BERLIN

2009-06-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

June 18, 2009

HIDDEN CHI-TOWN

2009-06-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

JUNE 10, 2009
Them Cubbies. Those Midwestern smiles as you walk your pooch down Wrightwood. The sparkling waters of Lake Michigan beckoning you to come in for a chilly dip. HYH presents Chicago!

HYH picks:
ROCKS Lincoln Park: $5 burgs and sweet potato fries

THE BLUE LINE in Wicker Park: outta-this-world mac and cheese

THE CHICAGO DINER in Boystown: Go for the vegan milk shakes--even the boomers are sold!

STANLEY'S in Lincoln Park: cheap and fresh produce

UBERSTEIN in Wrigleyville: get a stein filled with Hofbraü

POWELL'S USED BOOKS in South Loop: Gives NYC's THE STRAND a run for its money

HYH outdoors:
Meander through LINCOLN PARK from Diversey and head south. Take it all the way up to Navy Pier if you have it in you! Stop for some beach volleyball along the way

Also not to be missed is MILLENNIUM PARK for some cool photo opps, fantastic skyline views, and films under the stars throughout the summer

LES BONNES ADRESSES

2009-06-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

JUNE 9, 2009
Everyone has their little secret spots. In a city of around 10,000 cafes, countless gourmet restaurants, and top fashion, Paris' secret spots may not be so secret when shared with its 10 million inhabitants. But to each individual, there may still remain special, hidden treasures. We at HYH would like to share with you some of our favorite addresses:

Vintage shopping has exploded recently in Paris, and there are many shops all over the city to choose from. Freep' Star is a tiny shop that's crammed with great finds and super low prices. It's in the Marais, a short jaunt from quaint boutiques and unique shopping.

Freep' Star, 8, rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie 75004
http://www.freepstar.com/

In the same neighborhood as Freep' Star is the Parisian mecca of Lebanese food, L'As du Falafel, 34, rue des Rosiers. Another equally tasty and authentic spot is Le Coeur du Liban. Situated one block from the Canal St. Martin, it's a little more hidden and off the beaten path. It offers great people watching in a recently gentrified neighborhood. You'll find the homeless inviting 12 year-old hipsters into their "homes".

Le Coeur du Liban, 56, rue de Lancry 75010

Back in the neighborhood of the Marais, at the intersection of Rue Bretagne and Rue Charlot (and Rue everyone here is beautiful and well-dressed), is the chic Cafe Charlot. It is not cheap, but it is worth it. The striking entryway leads into a small room of white-tiles and yellow-lighting. The decor is complemented by the artsy people that frequent the cafe for brunch, burgers and drinks. HYH recommends the Saint Chinian on the wine list.

Cafe Charlot, 38, rue de Bretagne 75003

Located right across the street from the hip Cafe Charlot is a small, covered market that happens to be the oldest food market in Paris (it dates to 1615). Most tourists walk right past without noticing it. Although discreet, it's open daily and should not be missed. The unique thing that this market offers are the various pre-made dishes that you can eat next to the stands on brightly-covered picnic tables. You'll never forget the colors, tastes and aromas.

Les enfants rouges, 39, rue de Bretagne 75003

Connected to a fabulous Moroccan restaurant, le 404, is an exciting bar where dancing begins as early as 10pm. While walking through the interior, you'll see colorful lamps, crowded couches and a dancefloor fueled by new wave music. Even the bartenders join in the sweaty fun, you're almost guaranteed to see them mixing drinks, shirtless. If the interior is too steamy, go through the back door to the refreshing patio.

Andy Wahloo's, 69, rue des Gravilliers 75003

This last spot is a real find, coined a "secret" bar. On the outside, look for the taxidermy raccoon in the window, right of the big, blue door. Tell the bouncer that you've been there before to assure your entry. On the inside, you will find floor-sweeping, velvet curtains and candelabras in the dimly-lit room. It stays open on the weekends until 5am, so it's a perfect after-hours spot. Expect to see most people salsa dancing to everything from classic oldies to gangsta rap.

Curio Parlor, 16, rue des bernadins 7500

FARM TO PLATE

2009-06-05T10:03:00.001-07:00

June 5, 2009.
Farmers Markets are a Southern California institution. Exotic aromas, vibrant colors, and unseen prices converge in Grand Central Market, an off-the-radar shopping jewel in Downtown Los Angeles. Open everyday from 9-6, Grand Central is the oldest open-air market in LA (est. 1917) and the largest one at that. It is located on the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building, former home of Frank Lloyd Wright's office. The exterior facade is original and the inside has recently been restored.

Though you may not see as many celebs and the like shopping here, you'll pay 1/3 of the price of LA's other markets. With produce vendors, restaurants, coffee shops, a butcher and seafood stand, Grand Central Market offers a much-needed escape from the bubble of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

To our whole living and superfood-devoted readers: if you follow a strict organic diet, the produce selection is not as wide as Hollywood or the Beverly Hills' markets but you will appreciate vendor Jones Grain Mill for your homeopathic needs.

HYH picks:
Tacos Tumbras A Tomas Goat Meat Tostada ($3.50)
Sun's Produce Cherries ($.99/lb)
Jones Grain Mill specialty teas, holistic health needs

If you go:
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Garage parking: one hour free with minimum $10 purchase

http://www.grandcentralsquare.com/

Prenzlauer Berg Treasure Trove

2009-06-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

FOOD IS ART

2009-06-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2009
From the outside, this restaurant doesn't look like much, marked only with the street address and large, floor-to-ceiling curtains draping the entryway. On the inside, thirtysomething waiters with three-day beards serve in the minimalist 1930s decor of white tiles, mirrors and wordy slates. The anonymous exterior and interior offset perfectly the masterpiece creations that are coming from the kitchen. The earth-tone stone plates are the just-right backdrop to the explosive color and swirl of textures and ingredients that come together to create new flavors and forms.

Le Chateaubriand, at 129, avenue Parmentier in the 11th arrondissement of Paris is an absolute gem. Run by Basque chef Inaki Aizpitarte, one of the top 20 up-and-coming stars worldwide according to Food & Wine magazine, this bistro is one of Paris' best finds. Considered a 'bistronomique,' thanks to its economical prices - 16 euros for the lunch menu, 45 euros for the dinner menu (not including wine) - it's affordable. Everything on the menu is organic, including the wine, and the smallish portions leave you feeling alive and content--not glutted.

We had reserved a table weeks in advance, and it was a good thing, because as soon as the hour hits 9, the place fills up quickly with people waiting at the bar for a seat. The crowd is old and young, a sea of intellectuals, connaisseurs and hipsters all sharing the knowledge of this hidden hot spot. The scruffy, cute waiters are neither friendly nor rude as they coolly help customers pair wines with each course. Dinner is five courses, and you have to make the difficult choice between cheese or dessert for the last one. Our menu in mid-March looked like this:
1- amuse bouche (mussels, green onions, scallops in a tiny dish)
2- foie gras covered in poppy seeds served with radishes
3- codfish served with brilliant purple endives, grapefruit and poutargue (salty, flat fish eggs)
4- pig's cheeks served in broth with legumes and anchovies
5- cheese plate or mint merengue

Each course is a brilliant combination of color and flavor. The codfish course looked like a beautiful orchid. The anchovies glinted golden on top of the tender pig's cheeks. The mint merengue looked like a plump spring blossom. The plates are canvases for innovation and exploration. Each bite can offer an entirely different taste as you select different items to melange on your fork.

If you can't make it to Le Chateaubriand, one valuable lesson can be practiced, nonetheless. Regard your food as a myriad of possibilities, mix different things on your fork with each bite, savor the different flavors. Food is art.

Bienvenue

2009-05-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

May 30, 2009
It's almost 10PM on a cool April night in East Berlin. We are two twentysomethings rejuvenating our creativity and curiosity by escaping the cold, hard realities of grad school and working full-time.

Trudging along Schönehauser Alle in the eclectic neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg, we're in search of fried plaintains; A taste of Berlin's multi-ethnic foodie culture. After a delicious East African meal at “Massai,” we plan to find a hopping nightclub and enjoy a pint of Berliner Pilsner. But first we need some fuel.

Our guidebook promised us "cylindrical lamps," "harp-like music," and "spongy bread that soaks up every bit of flavor." But, despite its claims as the fully updated 2009 Berlin city guide, our idyllic restaurant is nowhere to be found. Luckily, Berlin is dotted with kebab stands ready to feed exhausted tourists like us for a measly four euros.

Satiated yet disgruntled, we decide creating a blog is the only logical solution to keep foodies and fashionistas (and all things in-between) abreast with what is hip. Guidebooks are too permanent. In today’s shifting economic climate, destinations like restaurants and boutiques are fighting to stay afoot. Relying too much on a guidebook during your adventures (abroad and in your backyard) is a waste of your time. By the time you find your guidebook-promised fried plaintains, you probably could have knocked back a few Berliner Pilsners with Johan, an upcoming Kreuzberg sculptor.

Welcome to your international portal to the hip, yet hidden.

HIP, YET HIDDEN.

a contemplative and rainy monday

Clue Seeker: an LA-based street artist

travel + leisure

a stroll in primrose hill

ready, set, summer!

It's Stew Weather (even in LA)

QU'EST-CE QUE L'ART

SHOE FETISH

TEN COOL COVERS

Thoughts here and there

Bright February

It's the little things

BEAUTIFUL LOSERS

Motivation vs. Uncertainty

2010: DESIRE / POSSIBILITY / CREATION

Fauché but still enjoying the good life

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HYH GEM

HYH music you're not listening to YET

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HIP, YET HIDDEN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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THE LOWDOWN ON FROMAGE

THE HIDDEN FACE OF KREUZBERG, BERLIN

HIDDEN CHI-TOWN

LES BONNES ADRESSES

FARM TO PLATE

Prenzlauer Berg Treasure Trove

FOOD IS ART

Bienvenue

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