My Empire of Dirt

Every now and again, walking through her streets, I remember that this city is the best one in the country… that the books and movies and art and culture and subculture that praise her are for good reason. And I am grateful to have known her so long, though we’ve grown apart a bit. She holds a sacred place in my youth, the starting point to all I’ve become. New York.IMG_5314

So you act a tourist, succumbing to pushes and shoves, and you resist the urge to speed walk through her. You stop and see from a new place. And you’re briefly like them, waiting patiently to look. Watching them watch the art at the Museum of Modern Art, they become part of it. And it is amusing, so many walking exhibits.IMG_5324

The MoMA‘s space was runneth over with tourists. But of course.IMG_5333

Ensor’s Masks Confronting Death IMG_5340

They would not listen, they’re not listening still. Perhaps they never willIMG_5336

Watching The DanceIMG_5342

The False MirrorIMG_5348

“She’s a full-on Monet… From far away, it’s OK, but up close, it’s a big old mess.”IMG_5351

This little girl ought to be an internet meme. After this ridiculous pose, she leaned against Klimt’s work with a disaffected expression. Disgusting, really. IMG_5357

Home inspiration.IMG_5392

“The” Tree at Rockefeller Center.
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And after the bustle, another meal at Dirt Candy. Vegetables Here ↓IMG_5396

The Kentucky Lemonade had the color of beet but all I tasted was bourbon. There are much worse things than this.IMG_5403

Korean Fried Broccoli: These deep-fried broccoli bits in a Korean-spiced batter are one of Dirt Candy’s signature appetizers. I loved them, as I do anything plant-based and deep-fried. I did crave a bit of sweetness, just a drizzle, to balance them out.PicMonkey Collage1

More deep-fried delights: the Jalapeño Hush Puppies with a sweet vegan maple butter. PicMonkey Collage2

Carrot: Little baby carrot sliders on little baby carrot rice buns, topped with some textural delights. Whimsical and inventive–This is Dirt Candy. PicMonkey Collage3

Broccoli: Grilled and smoked stalks of broccoli with broccoli kraut and a mustard barbecue sauce on homemade buns.  On the side, broccoli rabe chips. This was a heavy combinations of dishes! I couldn’t finish these beauties but appreciated them fully.  PicMonkey Collage4

I’m stuffed in my head, heart and belly. Goodnight, New York. Thanks again.