Gaysville finally comes to the West Village. After nearly a year of wondering if I would find more in my neighborhood than uptight pushchair dronettes, finally I was blessed with streets overrun by gay men dancing and bopping to the sound of music and the floats of the New York Pride Parade.

Stood for 4 hours on 5th Ave watching the antics, followed by the last couple of hours on my balcony (read fire escape) looking down on Christopher Street. I heard rumors that over 1 million attended, explaining why the area looked like a bomb-site by the end of the evening. Thankfully, the wonders of the Department of Sanitation meant that by the time I headed to the gym at 6am this morning (just mentioned that in passing for those sitting agasp at the concept – I am a new man!) the place was as spotless as a spotless thing can be in New York City. The numbers do suprise me a little, since that would represent about 10% of the Manhattan population base – but they (being the Gay Mafia) tell me this is a major visitor attraction. Anyhoo numbers aside it was a fun day with mild sun and plenty of shirtless men around. All good.

So that being that I am taking the day off work (Monday) for a bit of rest and relaxation in the glorious weather of the first few days of summer.

Categories: Live From The Field, New York
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Who said Gods have no need to dream?
They dream darkest and most,
their night eyes inflaming a realm
their waking weeps as lost.

Chafing through torture of control
burning mastery, they serve;
sleeping in soul made mortal
embrace their human love.

The lonelier their peaks of cloud
the closer their dreams come
to warm plain and peopled hillside
- Gods most have need to dream.

Categories: New York
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There are times in life when you are reminded of where you came from and some of the values that have influenced who you are today. Yet, also to hold in tension the values of those who’s divergent path is so different to your own.

The Queen was the struggle between historical traditions and their modern evolution. I was touched by the raw capacity to compromise, even in the face of humiliation, matched with the capacity of a people to forgive and share a mutual concern amidst conflicting interpretations.

One criticism that is often made about modern New Zealand, is that we lack an identity. The Queen reminded me of the influence the British worldview has had on the psyche and identity of us as a people. We do have an identity, one that is formed on the premise that values and traditions must change if we are to survive, yet always to respect those whose values have paved a path upon which we could walk into the future. Our identity is deeply rooted in respecting others, yet not being afraid to move forward with new and naive dreams for the future.

I think I can only see that now that I live in the United States, where this worldview is in such contrast. It also surprises me that The Queen has peaked such interest in the United States and can only assume it is because of the power of the story of the Peoples Princess rather than anything else.

So I have come to two conclusions, first that despite the nay sayers I believe in the New Zealand identity, and second, I think Helen Mirren will win best actress at this years Oscars.

And a great Waitangi Day to all you Kiwi’s out there.

Categories: New York
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Yes people – it is Restaurant Week in New York – well Restaurant Fortnight to be exact – hmmm I wonder if anyone else has noticed the obvious marketing cock-up – ah well, welcome to two weeks of hype for visiting some of the over-priced yet dearly coveted restaurants this city has to offer.

Being a sucker of mass hysteria – I joined friends at the greatly touted Japanese stop in town – Megu – 62 Thomas Street, New York. Check out the website – (well don’t check it out if you use Firefox, it stuffs things up – hmmm maybe an omen of things to come).

We arrived on New York’s coldest damn day this winter – at a balmy 2F my toosh was shaking when I arrived hahaha. So it was a relief to be ushered into a warm flight of stairs and up to the reception area. Shame the welcoming committee was rude and I was poked and prodded by reception herders as though I was the runt in the Kobe beef collection. That welcome aside, we then entered what has to be one of the stunning dining rooms in the city. Hats off to the designers, the carved Buddha, the white leather seats and booths, the warmth of the staff calling welcomes to you as you entered – top marks for that.

There is one thing about hype – it either heightens your expectations or it numbs them. I was ready to be wowed. There is nothing better than Japanese food prepared with true artistry and served with genuine warmth. Alas no. Friendly they were, sure. Really nice food, sure. But guys – you are meant to make me jump with surprise, either through innovation or through the simple purity of food technique and execution – especially when you set yourselves up as one of the great kitchens. Didn’t see much of that. The deep fried oysters were juicy, but heavy, no light tempura here. The Kobe beef balls with foie gras, deep-fried (I’m seeing a theme here), were tasty, but heavy. And the scallops with a foie gras and teriyaki sauce, well, were scallops with sauce.

Bottom line – in a place like this, when you have to send your appetizers back because they weren’t what you ordered, then have to wait until everyone else at the table has finished their mains before yours even arrives – well, to me it is just as bad as someone spitting in your hamburger before they serve it at the fast-food outlet (at least they would have a justification – they are underpaid!).

I always think, is this a place I would take my closest friend to, full of excitement and mystery, to make him feel wonderful – aaah no. Shame though. I feel like a hamburger, with a slosh of integrity.

Categories: New York
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Kiora people … finally a little bit of snow has hit the Big Island. I foolishly decided it might be nice to take a walk around the city. 15 minutes of the wind blowing -10C up my back, it was time for a drink (11.30am is technically lunch time isn’t it?!). So I retreated to my all-time favorite, Bouchon Bakery, had me a little potatoe and aged cheddar quiche, a glass of wine, oh yes I forgot, and a miniature lemon sabayon. Just one of those days – for one of those places.

I felt giddy on my return home and snoozed the afternoon away.

The evening has been an indulgence of three saved episodes of Gray’s Anatomy (w/- box of tissues), Boston Legal and even an Ugly Betty.

LOL I feel such a slob I should apologize, but hey, no one is around to apologize too

Categories: New York
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