TASTEFUL TUESDAY

"One cannot Think well, Love well, Sleep well, if one has not Dined well" 


                                                                                                 -Virginia Woolf

              

Dine well is just an understatement for the newly opened Dean St Restaurant located exactly on Dean Street and Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights Brooklyn.  This neighborhood hotspot fulfills any diners needs from dining, happy hours, brunch, live music, even children activities.  With such comforting decor and American cuisine, the owners of Dean St restaurant have definitely achieved their goal at making their guest "feel like home every time you walk in the door."

Visit Dean St on Saturday or Sunday for brunch where you and yours can sip Mimosa's and enjoy delicious brunch options such as Banana's Foster French Toast, Cheese grits, their signature omelet, and much more!  Have a dinner date or a family dinner, tasting such appetizers as Fried Corn on the cob with Jalapeno pepper and parmesan cheese, Crab cakes, pulled Pork Sliders, and can you believe it Ratatouille.  Savour Pan Roasted Chicken or even Pan Roasted Salmon.  For those who prefer something that doesn't require a fork Dean St has you covered with brunch sandwiches like the Bacon, Egg, and cheese on a homemade ButterMilk biscuit and for dinner a Cuban sandwich with fries, Beer Battered fish & chips, Turkey Burger with mixed greens and a full menu with more delectable choices.  If there is any more room left for dessert try the Fresh fruit cobbler or 1STCLASSLADIES fave the Chocolate Blackout cake, you will be satisfied!!

Other than the obvious great food, Dean St offers a warm, relaxed, home feeling atmosphere.  Contributing to their design and also dim but vibrant lighting indoor using ceiling lights and candle lit table settings.  Not to mention the cozy view of Brooklyn from its large windows.  Bringing Dean St to a whole nother level of ambience is the Live Jazz Music played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 p.m.- 11 p.m.  (for exact artist playing check their site here  LIVE MUSIC) Dean St also caters to it's children diners by having story time and sing along on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

With delightful service, comfy decor, live jazz music that will definitely enlighten your dining experience, a savory menu and drinks Dean St is the ultimate place to be!!!

VISIT

DEAN ST RESTAURANT

755 DEAN ST

BKLYN NY 11238

PH # 7187833326

   

THATS MY KINDA RECIPE

RED VELVET CAKE

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (recommended: White Lily)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 box confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup chopped lightly toasted pecans

For the Red Velvet Cake:

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round layer cake pans.

Sift flour, baking soda and coco together. Beat sugar and eggs together in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl mix together oil, vinegar, food coloring, and vanilla. Add to the bowl of eggs and sugar and beat until combined.

Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet mixture by alternating the buttermilk and dry ingredients. Always start with the flour and end with the flour.

Pour batter into pans. Tap them on the table to level out the batter and release air bubbles. Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted near the middle comes out clean but be careful not to over bake or you'll end up with a dry cake.

Let layers cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before turning out of pan. Cool completely before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting:

This is the "official" cream cheese frosting recipe but we always use about 1 1/2 recipes on each cake to cover it well.

Let margarine and cream cheese soften to room temperature. Cream well. Add sugar and beat until mixed but not so much that the frosting becomes "loose". Add vanilla and nuts. Spread between layers and on top and sides of cake.

*courtesy of The Food Network*

Music Monday

“Excellence is my presence.
                                     
                                          Never tense, never hesitant.”
                                                                                         — Notorious B.I.G.



                                           

                                                        Live From The Stuy  
  IT'S OFTEN SAID THAT YOU FIND THE RAREST OF TREASURES IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACES; SO WHY WAS I NOT SURPRISED WHEN FIRST INTRODUCED TO UPCOMING RAPPER KASSIUS BRIKKZ? 

 WELL FOR ONE THING, OUR FIRST ENCOUNTER WAS AT THE ONE AND ONLY BED STUY FLY. AND WHILE HIS DEMEANOR WAS LAID BACK, YOU COULD SENSE HUNGER IN HIS PRESENCE. HE HAS SUCH AN ASSURANCE OF HIS SKILL, AND AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH WE CAN SEE WHY!
HAILING FROM THE BED-STUY AREA OF, BROOKLYN NEW YORK. WITH INFLUENCES SUCH AS LUDACRIS, EMINEM, AND THE LATE GREAT B.I.G.. BRIKKZ  DECIDED TO TAKE HOLD OF HIS DESTINY, ENGULFING IN HIS CREATIVITY. NOW TAKING HIS GIFT OF RHYME MORE SERIOUSLY. PUTTING OUT SEVERAL FREESTYLES AND VARIOUS FEATURES. BUILDING MUCH HYPE AND PRAISE, BRIKKZ FINALLY RELEASED HIS DEBUT MIXTAPE "OUT THE BASEMENT" WHICH WAS RECEIVED GREATLY. AND AFTER FURTHER INSPIRATION THROUGH FATHERHOOD; HE ASPIRES MORE THAN BEFORE TO BE THE NEXT BIG THING OUT OF "THE STUY". NOT ONLY BRANDING A NAME FOR HIMSELF BUT FOR WHERE HE WAS RAISED. ACCORDING TO HIM "IT'S THE BROOKLYN WAY"

Kassius Brikkz & 1stClassLadies

1CL: Who is Kassius Brikkz?

KB: Kassius Brikkz is split personality. A combination of good & bad, or day & night. The Reincarnation of what Hip Hop use to be, needs to be, and sounds like. The reincarnation of Biggie as I like to say. (Hope I don't come off as a cocky person. But I'm just trying to make a name for myself, a ground that only I can stand on.) I wanna be as Different as possible, even outside of music. 

1CL: What is Hip Hop to you?

KB: Hip Hop is life itself. The everyday struggles, happiness, sadness, & confusion. Its poetry wit a dope beat. Its art, culture, & fashion. Its a sport. Pieces of your mind that you capture for everyone else to experience & enjoy. Some agree,disagree,or can't comprehend.
 

1CL: Who are some of your influences?

KB: Eminem, Ludacris, Cam'Ron, Notorious B.I.G, Fabolous, Nas, Lloyd Banks, & Tupac. As far as the generation now: Rick Ross, Tyga, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Big Sean, & Vado.
 

1Cl: If there was anyone you could sit and exchange ideas w/who would it be? Why?

KB: I don't have a specific person,because I admire everyone's own contribution to Hip Hop. But I would say, Rick Ross at the moment. Him & his dream team he put together is killin' the Rap game. He's a business man first & a dope artist after. I've seen him grow from "Everyday I'm Hustlin" to having the world sayin "Maybach Music" & quoting his add-libs. I see him as becoming a Mogul soon, & branching off his legacy into each of his artist. Datz "#Bawse" lol
 

1CL: How would you describe your flow?

KB: My flow is anything I wanna make it depending on how the beat makes me feel soulfully. Wether smooth, Loud, or fast, when I'm ready.
 

1CL: Do you feel Hip Hop is dead; if so what can you do to revive it?

KB: Just stay true to yourself and be real. Be original & always have fun with it. Its more than music.
 

1CL: What has been your most Humbling moment as a artist?

KB: Getting good criticism on my craft from Tyga (Lil Wayne's protege). You know, a nigga had to stay humble & cool. Present myself as a Artist & a fan, not a male groupie lol. I almost didn't get a chance to speak with the homie. But he heard my music through a friend & he wanted to hear more & gave me his contact info. Seeing the young generation of Hip Hop like myself compliment my skill & passion was a honor & a lesson. Imma keep that memory for life.
 

1CL:What would you like to tell our readers/your future fans?

KB: That HipHop will never die as long as humans like Me are around to keep it DOPE with the art, personality, and lifestyle. To push for your dreams no matter how far they may seem. As Ice Cube said "as long as you got a tongue, you'll never be too old to rap". Just be creative,& versatile as possible. I will always be humble & open-minded.
 

1CL: What's your next project?

KB: My sophmore Mixtape I'm working on called "r e a d y t o L i v e" dropping next year 2012. Its gonna be like, a reverse sample of Biggie's last album ("r e a d y t o d i e".) Just with a 2012 twist from Me.               

 

1CL: Where can people go to find out more about you and your music?

KB: They can check Me out on www.KassiusBrikkz.com / www.HotNewHipHop.com/K_B /www.Youtube.com/KassiusBrikkz & www.DineroSpot.com (I also update on Facebook. Just search "Kassius Brikkz") Follow my Twitter: @Kassius_Brikkz_

                                        Kassiuz Brikkz ( Go Get it)

                                     


                                     And Now For a Lil Dessert...

                                              "We found Love" by. Rihanna

                                      
                                    "Harsh" by Styles P ft. Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes
                                   

                                   

                                            " 100 Hunnit " by. Wale & Meek Mill

                                           

                                        " Heisman" by. Tyga ft. Honey Cocaine

                                          

                                               "Hater" by. Miranda Brooke

                                         
 
                                                                                                                                                             

SOULFUL SUNDAY

"Never lose sight that just being is fun"

                                               Katharine Hepburn

CELEBS

When: Tues Oct 25th 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

What: A date with "Jersey Shore's" Snooki in Manhattan as she launches her new book "Confessions of a Guidette"

Where: Barnes & Noble 

              555 5th Avenue

              NewYork, NY

SHOPPING

When: Sat Oct 22nd- Sun Oct 23rd 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

What: The Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton Sample Sale to benefit Lighthouse International.

Where: Light House International

              111 East 59 street

              NewYork , NY

 FOR MORE INFO

When: Sun Oct 23rd 

What: Saks Friends & Family Sale

Where: Saks Fifth Ave

              611 5th Ave

              NewYork, NY

FOR MORE INFO

When: Wed Oct 26th- Fri Oct 28th starting at 5:00 p.m.

What: Yves Saint Laurent Sample Sale

Where: Metropolitan Pavillion

              125 West 18th St

              NewYork, NY

FOR MORE INFO

FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS

When: Sun Oct 23rd 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

What: Join 75 restaurants, local shops, and food trucks at The Grub Street Food Festival.

Where: Essex St & Hester St

              NewYork, NY

FOR MORE INFO

When: Tues Oct 25th 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

What: Pumpkin Carving Class & Contest

Where: SideBar

              120 East 15 street

              NewYork, NY

FOR MORE INFO

When: Fri Oct 28th 

What: Fusion Fridays

Where: Club Rebel

              30th St bt 7 & 8 Ave

              NewYork, NY

              

Scandalous Saturday

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Fashion Friday

"Fashion is architecture; It is a matter of proportions"

                                                             -CoCo Chanel

BOLD COLORS

Though it might be 2011 Fall Season many designers have used the 1960's theme to recreate the "Bold Color" look for their collections.  Ranging from the brightest blues, oranges, greens, pinks, and yellows, your ensemble is guaranteed to never have a dull moment.   Several looks from designers Marc Jacob and BCBG have been flaunted down runways and represented to the T.  For a try this look at home, dress up any casual look with a bold pair of shoes and accessory!!

GOTTA HAVE'S

 Aqua Ponte 

                                                                                                                      "GIRLFRIEND BLAZER"

 ALDO Shoes "LEWI"

Rachel Roy "LACINA"

Rachel Roy "MYNDY"

 Rachel Roy "MARQUESA"

TopShop "STEREO"

Thoughts for Thursday

Domestic violence is America's hidden war. And the battleground is in all our homes.

~ Michelle Bussolotti

On Thursdays We Wear Puple

       






    On August 4, 2011, Maurice Barner,41, attacked his girlfriend Deanna Bazemore, 46, in the apartment they shared on Fulton Avenue, Brooklyn New York.  Barner allegedly hit her in the back of her head with a hammer and stabbed her eight times, five times in the chest.  He then locked the door as she attempted to crawl to safety.  Bazemore died of multiple stab wounds to the torso at Lincoln Hospital where she was employed and had recently received a promotion.  Barner was arrested hours later and charged with second degree murder.  Barner has has eleven domestic violence charges filed against him, two being from Deanna.  The family of Deanna Bazemore along with Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson are working vigorously to pass the Deanna Bazemore law (link listed below) that will fight against domestic violence and require harsher punishments for repeat offenders. 
         
           Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called Domestic Violence. Domestic abuse or spousal abuse for another name, happens when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic violence or abuse is used to gain control over another and to maintain that control. Tools used by an abuser maybe fear, shame, intimidation and/or guilt to bring their patner down and keep them there. This could be physically, emotionally or mentally not jus limited to the partner but the ones that are dear to them.  It is said women are to be cherished and held gently. We speak of them as “frail flowers of life” and are not to be abused. “Never hit a girl” is what boys are taught from the time they are old enough to listen. And rightfully so. Violence should never be tolerated. Domestic violence and abuse to does not happen to just a particular peson however. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels.  It happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships.Though women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused—especially verbally and emotionally, although sometimes even physically as well. 

Domestic abuse usually starts with threats and verbal abuse and later  esculates to violence. Physical injury may be the most obvious danger, but the emotional and psychological affects of domestic abuse are also severe. Emotionally abusive relationships can destroy a persons confidence, leading to anxiety and/or depression making one feel helpless and alone. No one should have to go through this kind of pain and the first step to breaking free is recognizing that the situation is abusive. Once one can acknowledge the reality of the abusive situation, then they can get the help they need to get out.

      There are ways to tell if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship. If they seem afraid of thier partner or avoid certain conversation because they are afraid of upsetting them. If they  have excuses for every altercations and/or believe it was thier fault. If they seem numb emotionally or helpless is another way of telling they are in an abusive relationship. Emotional abuse is no less destructive. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often minimized or overlooked—even by the person being abused. The scars left behind by such abuse run deep. In fact, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse—sometimes even more so.

Power and Control Wheel

        Then there is the role of the abuser. His or her behavior includes belittling thier partner such as yelling, critizing, or embrassing them. They have controlling ways like constantly checking on them, always need to know thier where abouts, not let them see family and/or friends as well as limiting the money, car and phone. Controlling abusers ae also very jealous and posessive of thier partner. Then there is the threats and physical aspects of the abuser. Thier temper is very unpredictable so you never know what mood thier are going to be in. They will threating the loved one with bodly harm or dealth. Commiting suicide if you leave them is another threat used to make one feel guilty and like they need to stay. After threats comes destroying property like cloths and meaningful items followed by the physical abuse which is considered the domestic violence. In any situation in which a person is forced to act in unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity is considered sexual abuse. Forced sex, even if it is by a spouse or intimate partner with whom you also have consensual sex, is an act of aggression and violence. Not to mention, people whose partners abuse them physically and sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or killed. Physical assault or battering is a crime, whether it occurs inside or outside of the family. The police have the power as well as the authority to protect anyone from a physical attack.

There is another ribbon for awareness of a cause this month besides pink. Alot of people don't know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and that the color of the ribbon is purple. The purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to make the community aware that domestic violence exists and that help is available for victims.

Nine major Times Square billboards, including ABC Supersign, American Eagle, Bank of America, Clear Channel Spectacolor, Disney, TSQ Digital, Nasdaq, Thomson Reuters and Walgreens were simultaneously lit up in purple to shine a light on an issue that impacts nearly one in four women in America. Also in Manhattan, the Con Edison Clock Tower turned purple and will shine as a beacon of domestic violence awareness through October 18^th.  

 SIGN THE PETITION FOR DEANNA BAZEMORE

Know Your Rights & The Law For Domestic Violence