It was a slow day for me. Breakfast again at Balthazar and then off to a meeting at the Bowery Hotel. Previewed  Wings and Horns Fall 09 and chatted with Shane about Canadian fleece. Stuff was looking really nice. Hats off to Craig and Chris and Shane of course.

Then I was off to Grand Szechuan in Chelsea. Always stop in when I’m going to the galleries. Mapo Tofu was unreal. One of my favorite dishes ever. Spicy wantons and cellophane noodles. and a coke of course. so freakin good. The Galleries not so much.

I had a mellow afternoon, watched some tennis and chilled. Met Michael for dinner at Lucky Strike. This place never fails. Spicy Rigatoni (house made) and sausage. Yummy. Pissed I didn’t take pictures. Then we rolled through Soho and made our way to Chibi’s on Mott and Prince in Nolita.They always have Django on the box. I like that. I guess it’s a Sake bar but I only drink Duvel when I’m there. We drank Duvel none-stop and then got punted at close. Was a really nice evening. Thanks buddy

Started the day off at Balthazar for breakfast. Read the paper, drank coffee and chilled out. Love people watching in there. Say what you will, but it’s a great spot to bring in the day solo.

Then I rolled over to the Lower East Side to hit another one of my favorite Malaysian places. Canal and Ludlow. Chowfun noodles and Curry. Unreal. 

On my way to the next meeting I stopped into Odin and made my only purchase of the trip. Nepenthes wool Sports coat . I’m a sucker for the casual jacket. $150.00 and made in New York. Wore it out of the store. New York makes me wish I could wear a casual suit every day.

Met up with Michael Williams at Cafe Select for another banger of a meal around 1:00pm. 2 poached eggs over white polenta and pancetta. Go get it. Amazing. Another example of Michael’s golden touch. Super place with a super guy. We will be friends for a long time. The service was shit but it didn’t matter because we had endless things to talk about.

Especially his new 50mm lens and the cat behind him in the kelly green mac and jungle print hat.

Had to get Michael back to work so I joined him and walked to P+W Headquarters. Super space and really nice product in there. Olch and Red Brick Sole were tops for me. Wish I could wear my Olch ties more.

I left P+W and cruised around a little more. Peeped the new Rogan store and Billy Reid. Very nice spaces. Could not miss Dashwood books while on Bond Street. Spent a lot of time in there. One of the very best book stores for photography. 

Went to Nom De Guerre. I’ve been in and out of that shop since the beginning when my friend Vic did their identity with Isa and Holly. I’ve always been most struck by the counter they built from stacked beams. Really beautiful.

Headed back over to hook up with the gents at FSC for dinner and what turned out to be one of the show-stoppers of the trip. Dinner was great. The Rusty Knot with the Brothers Bray was equal. We were on the pool table all night. Met some nice ladies who beat the pants off of us. Not literally, I’m a married man. Dropped Taavo off at 3am. Late for us old folk. Had a head ache in the morning. Hilarious shit went down besides Taavo and Martin in matching outfits again. 

I just got back from New York. It was great to be with family and friends. I ate so much amazing food and drank with so many amazing people. And was lucky enough to catch the Eggleston show the day before it closed.

For 4 days I stayed with my dear friend Vic. One of my closest buddies, he has superior style and taste. And a very cute english bulldog named Tyson.

Wednesday:
Lunched it with Martin at Freeman’s Alley and chewed the fat with Taavo. Hard to take them seriously while wearing the same shirt. Good thing I didn’t wear mine.

Then we headed upstairs for some business and were joined by the Brothers Bray. The meeting room is shared by the tailor on the left side of the image.

All four guys are top notch, incredibly generous and great to work with. Much appreciated fellas. 

Ending the day at Mas with my pops. One of the best food experiences I have ever had.

The Super Moto…Husky, Aprilia, KTM, i’d ride em all.  My friend Mike Martin has one. Maybe he’ll let me ride it next time i’m in SF. hint, hint.

Brothers Bray never cease to amaze. We might have to send this one into production. What do you think?
Thanks Chris. 

New Freeman Transport shirts. get them here