What Pushes My Buttons

"Comp" Town

First I'd like to say a thanks to everyone who braved the crowds at Snitch Bar on Friday night to come out for drinks...I know the ripped couches, "limited" open bar and water dripping from the ceiling wasn't for everyone, (especially Bridget :), but thank you for making it a fun evening.

So like a high roller in AC or a call girl on the Vegas strip, this ended up being a weekend of comps for me. First was the Friday night drink special at Snitch where I drank for free. Then when we went to Jake's Saloon on 23rd and 7th (great place btw, one of my favs for atmosphere and food), Bridget befriended Jimmy the owner, who proceeded to give us a free round of shots and some birthday tiramasu. Then on Saturday night having dinner at The Stadium in Garrison, New York (a mecca of sports memorabilia for those who haven't been) we had made a loose reservation for 8pm for 4 (with Paul and AnnMarie). Well the hostess was completely overwhelmed and couldn't accomodate us with a table so we willingly sat at the bar. I guess the owner felt bad that they couldn't honor our "reservation", even though we had no qualms about sitting at the bar, and gave us free appetizers and drinks. Big score right there. Then on Sunday night Bridget & I cleaned up at Super Stop & Shop in Yonkers, savings $60 on groceries. So not a bad weekend at all as far as Comps are concerned.

Anyway, on to some of the funnier observations from the weekend. Sitting at the aforementioned Stadium in a glass enclosure at the bar was a pair of old school Patrick Ewing sneakers. I'm pretty sure I had a pair when I was younger. You know the kind of sneaker that was 2 for $20 at Payless. It wasn't Reebok, Nike, Brooks, Adidas, Nucleus, Puma or whatever kids wore back in the 80s/90s. It was a white sneaker with orange and blue piping and a 33 in orange on the back of the sneaker. It was a super high top, the tongue coming half way up your calf, and had a big Ewing/New York Knicks logo on the tongue. It also came with a detachable mop to wipe up the sweat that drips from your brow like Patrick Ewing at the foul line (for those who don't know that reference, do a google search on Patrick Ewing and sweating at the foul line, you'll find plenty of articles about that). Anyway, so i'm sure i had that exact pair...which is funny because had I just had them autographed by Ewing, they would be worthy enough to display in a glass enclosed case at a sports bar while someone dripped buffalo wing sauce from their mouth all over the glass display.

Second observation, why are there so many Hasidic Jews at Woodbury Commons? Did I miss something here? Did they make a Goyum Gap? Goys R' Us? Last I checked there wasn't a store that only sold long black ankle length skirts or only black top hats. I know some of them may be "reformed" but really, they don't sell designer talis at Gucci (those long shawls jews wear with the tassels on the end for those who are not up to speed on the Jewish lingo flying around right now). There's no hair salon that speciailizes in Hasidic curl extensions, is there? Unless these Hasidim are planning to add some color into their wardrobes I find their presence at the outlet stores just weirdly bizarre. Although they could be there to buy cheap sheets in bulk since you know they have to have sex through them and all.

Observation three, all the Asian men trying out handbags at Gucci, Dooney & Bourke, Tod's, etc. Bridget actually made that observation. I know there's "man bags" but do men really walk around clutching little "wristlets" during business lunches? When's the last time you saw a man with a knock off, Chinatown Gucci bag draped under one arm with a briefcase in another. I mean I know I get a lot of slack for making "gay" comments on this blog with my knowledge of American Idol and other references, but not once I have carried anything remotely similiar to a pocketbook around with me. If it's true that Asian influence is taking over here and abroad, anyone not living in a Metrosexual city like NY is in a heap of trouble. Can you see a southener going on a hot date with his cousin in a 57 Chevy shoving his hand gun and pouch of tobacco into a palm sized Fendi bag? Yeah, didn't think so. So if someone can shed some light on this new phenomenon for me that would be greatly appreciated.

That's all the news for now. Until next time America...