Urbanite

Henican: Beauty supply stores have ugly potential

Thursday September 24, 2009 8:17 PM By Ellis Henican

Told you they had some scary stuff in those beauty supply stores.

Hair dyes, face creams — weapons of mass destruction!

Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh had his ag-store farm fertilizer and his 55-gallon drums. Now, if the NYPD and FBI can be believed, alleged terror plotter Najibullah Zazi was brewing his own deadly boom-boom with large quantities of hydrogen peroxide or acetone — purchased off the shelves of local beauty supply stores.

Products made for beauty, turned ugly indeed.

Was Zazi a very busy cosmetologist — or a very explosive guy? Either way, shopping for shampoo at the neighborhood beauty supply store never will be the same.

The experts explained: Hydrogen peroxide and acetone are good for removing nail polish — and just as good for making things blow up.

Who is this guy? As Zazi was arraigned Thursday at the federal courthouse in Denver, he didn’t seem like the sort of man who’d indulge in frequent manicures.

Fussy wasn’t the word to describe him. Vacant was.

And yet, in the past two weeks, court documents said, he diligently prowled beauty supply stores in Denver. Friends from New York came out to help. He might have even done some shopping here during a recent visit to Queens.

Authorities said he put out an “urgent” plea for his own Terry Nichols, the man who taught Oklahoma’s McVeigh how to turn legal chemicals into deadly homemade bombs.
This may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.

The 24-year-old airport shuttle driver, who allegedly received al-Qaida weapons training in Pakistan and visited New York last month, now has been charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. His lying-to-investigator arrest last week in Denver set off raids in several suspected terror spots — and national warnings about attacks on transit systems, sports stadiums and entertainment halls.

Attorney General Eric Holder tried to keep things calm Thursday, saying, “We believe any imminent threat arising from this case has been disrupted.” Give the AG points for trying.

But who could ever walk past another beauty supply store without a furtive glance inside?

Email ellis@henican.com. Follow at twitter.com/henican.

World leaders plead their cases at United Nations

Thursday September 24, 2009 1:32 PM By Emily Ngo

President Barack Obama chairs the U.N. Security Council summit on Thursday, the first U.S. president to do so. (Photo: AP)

Leaders from across the globe — both allies and adversaries of the U.S. — made their pitches before the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday.

Nuclear weapons, the failing world economy and peaceful relations were the most talked-about topics, and even the most reviled leaders had civil words for President Barack Obama. The day, however, wasn’t without theatrics.

Here’s a look at what some representatives said:

Barack Obama, U.S.
Distancing himself from his predecessor, Obama urged multilateralism in a new era.

He declared that the burden of creating a better world, one free from nukes and full of economic opportunity, should not be solely a U.S. responsibility.

“Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world’s problems alone,” he said, later adding, “Nothing is easier than blaming others for our troubles.”

Obama also referenced his Mideast meeting with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders, emphasizing that the Palestinians have legitimate rights and that Israel must recognize them amid U.S. commitment to its security.

Moammar Gadhafi, Libya
In an address that lasted 96 rambling minutes, the leader formerly ostracized for harboring terrorists used his first appearance to blame the U.N. for failing to prevent 65 wars since its founding.

Fumbling with pages of handwritten notes and tearing the U.N. Charter, Gadhafi criticized the veto-wielding countries of the U.N. Security Council, calling it the “terror council” and saying it misrepresents developing nations.

The African leader, however, did have compliments for Obama, calling him “our son.”

Nicolas Sarkozy, France
Sarkozy focused on economic improvements on the world stage, slamming “the behavior of those who still continue to grow indecently rich, after leading the world to the brink of disaster.”

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia
In his first showing at the U.N., the Russian leader appeared to step out from Vladimir Putin’s shadow. He praised the Obama administration’s recent scrapping of missile defense plans in Eastern Europe. The proposed shield had worn at Russian-U.S. relations.

Medvedev sidestepped discussion about curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but earlier hinted at supporting new sanctions against the rogue nation.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran
The U.S. delegation walked out on his speech, but Ahmadinejad perhaps was encouraged by Obama’s willingness to engage him and said he would “shake all those hands which are honestly extended to us.”

Widely condemned for his anti-Israel rhetoric, he assailed the Jewish state for what he said was a “barbaric” attack on the Gaza Strip last winter.

(With AP)

emily.ngo@am-ny.com

A lobby worthy of an Empire

Thursday September 24, 2009 1:14 PM By Garett Sloane

A re-created mural was revealed Wednesday on the lobby ceiling of the Empire State Building. (Photo: RJ Mickelson/amNY)

Maybe when you work in the World’s Most Famous Building, the extraordinary becomes the mundane.

Even when the building’s lobby is restored from its drab 1960s look to its Art Deco origins, you might not notice.

A number of employees who work at the Empire State Building hardly paid attention to the new lobby — or old lobby, rather — after it was unveiled Wednesday. Tourists seemed to notice, even if they didn’t know the look was brand new.

After two years and a $550 million renovation to the entire building, the crown feature of the project — a re-created mural on the lobby’s ceiling — was finally revealed. The mural, an aluminum leaf and gold glaze on canvas representation of the universe as cogs and wheels, is a third the size of a football field. The original fresco, which could not be restored, lies 6 inches above the new one in its deteriorated state.

“The irony is, as famous as it has always been on the outside, [the building] has never been as well known inside,” said Frank J. Prial Jr., the head architect on the project with the firm Beyer Blinder Belle.

The restored lobby, which now evokes the spirit of the original that opened in 1931, is meant to draw more attention to the historical interior, Prial said.

For some people who work here it might take a few days — or someone to point it out — before they realize the giant gold painting unfolding over their heads.

“Typical New Yorkers. Always in a hurry,” Prial said.

Iwona Zielinska, 27, has worked at the building for 3½ years and she didn’t take note of the lobby’s new luster.

When it was pointed out to her, she said, “I have to walk around and really pay attention to it.”

Rey Lynn Goessling, 32, a tourist from Sacramento, had her camera pointed to the ceiling.

“I just think it’s really beautiful,” she said.

What she didn’t know was that she was among the first tourists to see it. She figured it had always been there, but the original was covered in the 1960s with a drop ceiling.

Not all workers interviewed was disinterested in their historically accurate office space.

Clara Kim, 31, and Michael Venezia, 32, who work in the building, were curious about the new look.

“We never look up,” Kim said. “ We were like: ‘Has it always been there?’”

One person who is more than familiar with the new lobby is Anthony Malkin, a managing partner in Wien & Malkin, which owns the building and oversaw the renovations.

“The idea behind the lobby here is we have an absolute gem. One of the most important pieces of Art Deco in the city that had basically been adulterated,” Malkin said. “We looked to bring it back.”

At the same time, the rest of the building’s interior has been — or in is in the process of being — upgraded all the way to the 102nd floor observation deck. The building now features the most modern green standards, Malkin said, and the office floor plans have been opened up to accommodate larger tenants.

“The old Empire State Building is completely modernized for the 21st century, but at the same time is being restored to its original condition,” he said.

gsloane@am-ny.com

Restaurateur Q and A: Russell Bellanca of Trattoria Cinque

Wednesday September 23, 2009 6:24 PM By Lucy Blatter

Trattoria Cinque specializes in thin-crust Roman-style pizzas.

Russell Bellanca is the owner of TriBeCa’s new Italian spot Trattoria Cinque, a restaurant where the focus is on five — five appetizers, five entrees, five desserts and five white and red wines and it changes five times a year. We spoke to him about his new venture.

What was the vision behind the restaurant?
A trattoria, which is usually more casual and homestyle, was something I wanted to do. People are not interested in overpaying for food now. Also, TriBeCa worked because it’s a strong family neighborhood.

One thing we had talked about was doing something they were doing in Europe, which are small, limited menus. That keeps costs down and quality high.

Our tagline is: “Less reading more eating.”

What's the atmosphere like?
We have 9,000-plus square feet. My inspiration was old car factory in Northern Italy. We have images of automobiles and one of private dining rooms is called the Garage. Sections are dedicated to the Vespa and Cinquecento (the first smart car kind of thing); there are old farmchairs painted with Ferrari paint. We’re paying homage to Italy and Italy’s iconic brands. But it’s all done in a subtle, elegant way. [Bellanca’s father owned four of the biggest car dealerships in Rome during the 1960s.]

What are some of your favorite dishes?
There are not many dishes, so we picked extremely carefully. The Caesar salad will be made from scratch in front of people. There are thin-crust Italian pizzas, like the kinds you get in Rome. There’s a gorgonzola, mascarpone, truffle oil and pears that’s really popular. We have the best lasagna. It’s second to none.

Also, we wanted to have a wonderful steak and a chicken. Served whole and roasted. It’s 20-ounce prime-aged rib-eye $25. Nothing is over $25.

What should we expect from the wine list?
We tried about 400 wines and only picked 10. We sell quartinos instead of glasses, so you get more.

TWU contract dispute spills over into the streets

Wednesday September 23, 2009 6:25 PM By Heather Haddon

Transit workers handed out anti-Bloomberg leaflets at a contract protest Wednesday.

The TWU contract fight is starting to get ugly.

Members of the Transportation Workers Union Local 100 protested outside the MTA’s board meeting on Madison Avenue Wednesday, the first public sign of the union’s growing discontent that the agency wants to overturn its contract settlement.

“You should be ashamed,” said Andreeva Pinder, a union representative. “Apparently, legally binding (arbitration) applies to mere mortals, not the MTA.”

Earlier this month, the MTA filed suit against the contract awarded through binding arbitration that granted 11 percent raises to the largest union representing transit workers. The MTA claimed that the three-year contract would blow a hole in its budget, which only factored in raises of about 6 percent.

Helena Williams, the MTA’s interim executive director and CEO, said yesterday that the award would have “an impact on our financial plan,” but declined to say specifically how it could affect fares.

The MTA’s board considered a resolution last week to scrap the suit because of its legal cost and bad impact on labor relations, but decided to table it until incoming chief Jay Walder starts work next month, sources said. The next court date is expected for Oct. 20.
hhaddon@am-ny.com

For foodies: This week's dining briefs

Wednesday September 23, 2009 6:10 PM By Courtney Crowder

Xie Xie is offering a bun and beer for $5.

The ninth annual Pickle Day: Come and celebrate everything brine! This free festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 4th, from 11-4:30 p.m. in the parking lot on Broome Street between Essex and Ludlow. The free samples will include pickle flavors from India, Haiti, Malaysia and the traditional kosher dill of the Lower East Side. In addition to pickles you can taste many other pickled items including okra, tomatoes, lettuce, fish, meat, eggs and limes. There will be music, children’s activities, walking tours and cooking demos too. The festival happens rain or shine. Call the NY Food Museum at 212-966-0191.

Drink wine for charity: On Tuesday, from 6:30-9 p.m. Amanti Vino is hosting it’s first ever wine expo to benefit the New York City-based charity MOSCOT Mobileyes Foundation, which provides free eye care and prescription eyeglasses to New Yorkers who would otherwise not have access to the care. The expo will include tastings of over 150 wines and a chance to mingle with some of the world’s biggest winemakers like Whetstone Cellars and Vineyard 29. Entry is $75 and the night’s profits will go to the Foundation. The event will take place at Irving Mill, 116 E. 16th St. Registration is limited to first 150 people. Call 973-509-9463.

Try 30 different kinds of sake: EN Japanese Brasserie will host a tasting of 30 different kinds of their sake and shochu (a distilled alcohol) on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Takahiro Okada, EN’s sake sommelier, and many sake brewers and distillers will be on hand to answer any of your questions. Along with the alcohol, Chef Abe Hiroki will serve small plates from EN’s menu, including asparagus with a tofu and sesame dressing and deep-friend shrimp fritters. The event costs $40. EN Japanese Brasserie is located at 435 Hudson Street. Call 212-647-9196.

$5 for a beer and a bun: Everyday from 3-7 p.m., Xie Xie, the Asian-inspired sandwich shop by Angelo Sosa, is offering diners the chance to try sandwiches for almost half off. You can choose from the Sweet Glazed Pork, Vietnamese BBQ Beef or Shredded Braised Chicken all served in a Chinese bun, which is less like a hamburger bun and more like a pita, paired with a frosty bottle of 33 Export Lager. 645A 9th Avenue. For more information call 212-265-2975.

Become a cheese connoisseur: Want to learn about cheese? Try Murray’s Cheese’s Cheese 101, to start your connoisseur quest. The class will be held on this Friday, and Tuesday, from 6:30-8 p.m. For $50 you will be served some of the store’s best cheeses while the staff takes you through different types, keys to cheese making and successful cheese pairings. Murray’s is located at 254 Bleecker St. To register visit murrayschees.com or call 212-2443-3289.
 

Thompson: MTA slow on fixing station defects

Wednesday September 23, 2009 6:15 PM By Heather Haddon

An audit of station conditions found needed repairs, such as these stairs on the 33rd Street stop on the No. 6 line. (Courtesy the Comptroller's Office)

Lead paint. Cracked floorboards. Hanging electrical wires. Broken steps.

Welcome to the New York City subway.

A damning audit released Wednesday by city Comptroller William Thompson found that widespread maintenance defects across city subway stations often remain unrepaired for months.

“It’s as if New York City Transit is looking the other way,” Thompson said in a statement.

During the year-long audit of 50 stations begun in July 2007, Thompson’s office identified 100 defects — including corroded metal, platform holes and unstable platform edges — that transit officials had not reported broken. In addition, 15 percent of defects reported in transit’s maintenance database had not been fixed after more than two months.

“It’s true. It’s all true,” said Andrew Albert, a MTA board member. “We’ve seen unbelievable conditions in stations that haven’t even been targeted for renovations.”

In response, transit officials said they are training supervisors to better identify maintenance defects and ensure that stations are inspected at least every 72 hours. Additionally, the MTA will begin overhauling components of stations instead of waiting for full rehabs, which will allow them to respond to problems faster, officials said.

hhaddon@am-ny.com

Downtown Brooklyn's best lunch bites

Wednesday September 23, 2009 6:01 PM By Erin Lindholm

 Nicky's Vietnamese serves great banh mi sandwiches and pho soups.

Between the cool austerity of civic buildings and the fast-food kingdom that is the greater Fulton Street Mall area, Downtown Brooklyn isn’t known for a wide array of lunch options. But that doesn’t mean good spots don’t exist; the key is to look outward. Here are our picks for a week’s worth of lunches for $10 or less.

LOOK WEST
Curry Spot
151 Remsen St.,
718-260-9000
Tucked away on a lonely block west of Cadman Plaza, this new Indian restaurant is one of the neighborhood’s best prospects. The food is adeptly seasoned, and all veggie entrees and most of the meat curries slide in under the $10 mark. A side of basmati rice is included.

LOOK SOUTH
Pacifico, Cafe Bueno, Since 1963
102 Smith St., at Pacific St., 718-237-3141
There is something unusual happening on the northwest corner of Smith and Pacific streets. What used to be a single restaurant has become a cluster of restaurants with a faux-ramshackle vibe. You have plenty of options, including Pacifico (Mexican) and Café Bueno (Euro bistro), but one of the best might be Since 1963, a new barbecue joint that offers a trio of sliders ($8) — chopped brisket with sauerkraut, pulled chicken with coleslaw and pulled pork with pineapple salsa.

LOOK EAST
Nicky’s Vietnamese
311 Atlantic Ave., 718-855-8838
A short walk east along Atlantic Avenue will take you to this eatery, which was selling banh mi sandwiches in the same fresh, Vietnamese flavors long before this trend swept the city. In addition to classic meat and veggie sandwich options ($5-$5.50), the menu includes hot entrees, salads and pho soups.

Bedouin Tent
405 Atlantic Ave.,
718-822-5555
The smell of fresh-baked pita bread will stir up hunger pangs as soon as you walk into this eatery, a few blocks farther east along Atlantic. The hot-from-the-oven pita is omnipresent, in the form of “pitzas” — pizzas made with pita bread ($7-$9) — as well as stuffed pita sandwiches and generous salads and meat plates.

LOOK CENTRAL
Souvlaki House
158 Lawrence St.,
718-852-0443
For every rule there is the exception, and in the case of the Fulton Street Mall area, the exception is this old-fashioned, counter-deli-style restaurant in the middle of it all. For more than 37 years, this spot has been serving souvlaki (gyro) meat pita sandwiches ($6) and platters — as well as kabobs, burgers and piping hot fries. Hey, if you’ve got a good thing, don’t change it.
 

What's in season: Apples

Wednesday September 23, 2009 1:41 PM By Lucy Blatter

Considering that yesterday marked the beginning of fall, it's only fitting that the season's most famous fruit is making its first appearances at farmers markets around the city.

"Apples are just starting to come in now," said Ryan Race, of Race Farms in Blairstown, New Jersey, who was hawking early-season apples at the Union Square Farmers Market on Monday.

Two particularly early varieties of these fall favorites are honey crisp and empire apples.

Honey crisps boast a firm texture and a partly sweet, partly tart flavor — perfect for eating raw. You'll know these red and green fruits by their distinctive two-toned coloration.

Empire apples are sweet and juicy, with a crisp taste that makes them tasty out of hand, diced into salads, or even sliced onto sandwiches. These fruits can also be used in applesauces.

Fresh empire apples cost about $2.50 per pound at farmers markets and greengrocers, while honey crisps retail for around $1.75 per pound.