“Have you ever tried elote, also known as Mexican street corn? If you have, this is better than any you’ve enjoyed before. And if you haven’t? Prepare to have your life changed.”

With its charming neighborhoods, beautiful skyline views, and amazing rooftop bars, Brooklyn is definitely the best borough. If I’m being honest, Brooklyn has the most incredible food out of the boroughs, and it has Smorgasburg, the fabulous outdoor food festival hosted in Williamsburg.

The first step, especially if it’s your first time, is to take a full lap around to survey the premises. It’s important to know what your options are before committing to your menu.  Make sure you go with friends so you can split each dish and have more room for more food.

Now, it’s easy to get overwhelmed because of the plethora of choices, and everyone finds their own favorites at Smorgasburg. But here’s an outline for your food-consuming strategy. Also, these are just some of the things I enjoy there, so don’t feel the need to eat every single one. More power to you if you do.

Pro-tip: Buy a $1 water bottle from the vendors outside the festival as it’s the cheapest you’ll find.

I like to start with a beverage, particularly the Vermont Maple Lemonade, which is so simple and yet unbelievably delicious.

The owner actually drives every weekend from Vermont to bring 100 gallons of his fresh maple lemonade to Brooklyn. I know it sounds basic, but the maple syrup adds a real uniqueness to the lemonade without making it too sweet. It’s also great as a dessert, but I can never wait that long to enjoy it.

Next is the appetizer. Have you ever tried elote, also known as Mexican street corn? If you have, this is better than any you’ve enjoyed before. And if you haven’t? Prepare to have your life changed.

This magical delicacy is from a stand called Vaquero, and it is definitely the best deal at Smorgasburg. For a low low price of $4, you can get a grilled piece of fresh sweet corn, smothered in salty butter, sprinkled with chili powder, rolled in crumbled cotija cheese and then drizzled with lime juice. No big deal. Except it’s a giant deal.

Time for the next course. As you can tell, I’m all about the simply delicious, and this one is no different.

The guys at Santa Salsa do a Venezuelan hot dog like no one else.

I’d never had a Venezuelan hot dog before, but now that I have, I don’t think I can go back to the regular kind. Santa Salsa make a Perro con Todo that will blow your mind, and make you rethink the American hot dog. It’s a kosher all-beef dog in a pretty generic bun but it’s topped with onions, cabbage, ketchup, mustard, cheddar cheese, CRUSHED POTATO CHIPS (yes, potato chips on a hot dog), and this outstanding sweet corn sauce they call Santa Salsa. The service is really slow, but it’s just the two guys behind the counter, so be patient, because it is so worth it.

Okay, next up is the main course, and it’s a stunner. A jianbing is a Chinese breakfast dish that resembles a savory crepe, but is just so much better.

They start with this super thin batter and spread it on a very hot stone.

Next comes an equally as thin egg mixture which cooks with the batter and creates a sticky base for the toppings that come next. The original has scallions, their special house “13 sauce,” their homemade chili sauce, cilantro and this awesome crispy cracker that goes in the middle. Now you can stick with the original and be very happy, or you can up the ante and go for the hoisin-lime beef and really change your game. All of the Asian flavors come together in a tasty mouthful with a fantastic crunch in the middle.

The jianbing is quite large so I definitely recommend splitting it with someone.

If you still have room and you’re not ready for dessert, go for the Big Mozz sticks. Big Mozz makes their own mozzarella right here in Brooklyn and let me tell you, the difference is noticeable. It’s creamy and smooth and makes an unreal mozzarella stick.

They gently batter it and then, of course, toss it in the fryer for a delightful crispy stick. They are enormous, and there’s four to the order so definitely share them.

Now dessert. There are plenty of ice cream options but after all the food courses, I like to go with something light. Enter People’s Pops. They offer a delicious selection of popsicles and shaved ices, all made from fresh fruits and juices and crafted right here in Brooklyn.

I went for the blueberry melon pop which was delicately sweet and had a nice melon finish. It was a perfect end to my really delicious day.

The post Attention Brooklyn: Here’s Your Guide to Smorgasburg appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

The city is broken up into five boroughs, including: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan is the epicenter of it all, and is the most visiting of the boroughs. The question is, where does one begin when exploring the city? Well, tourist traps have become destinations for a reason, so if it’s your first time in the city, go ahead and take a quick stroll through Times Square, make the trip up the Empire State Building, and roam around through Little Italy and Chinatown, but don’t get stuck too long in these areas. There is far more to this city than the tourist traps, and most of the great gems can be found down quieter streets.

Yes, admire and marvel at the awe-inspiring skyscrapers that tower above the city, but if you’re looking to experience the city more as the locals would, head further into some of the neighborhoods of Manhattan that are spread throughout the city. Within minutes from the financial district, you will feel far removed from the hustle and bustle, and discover hip neighborhoods like Soho, Tribeca, East Village, and a bustling but refreshing side of the city in Greenwich Village.

With literally thousands of food options, it’s best to branch away from the main tourist attractions. Try some of the small hole-in-the-wall establishments that are dotted throughout the city to find some of the best slices of pizza in the country, and look for places that are just a couple of blocks away from the main drag. Here are just a few local joints we would reocmmend not missing while in town.

• Bagel Bistro Diner & Gril
• Blue
• Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor
• Marina Cafe
• 120 Bay Cafe

The city is enormous, and although you can spend hour upon hour exploring the city on foot, it’s best to get around by using the extensive subway system. The underground will whip your from Penn Station to Grand Central Station, and out to the surrounding boroughs within minutes. Everyone from labor workers to executives ride the subway, so it can get very crowded, so keep your items close, but sit back and enjoy some of the best people watching on the planet.

Exploring New York City via the subway was a great way to see as much as possible in 24 hours.

A video posted by FactoryTwoFour (@factorytwofour) on Nov 9, 2015 at 8:31am PST

With so much to see in do in New York City, it’s almost certain that you will never have enough time to explore this incredible place. There’s dozens of museums worthy of a visit, thousands of restaurants and cafes, dozens of impressive tourist attractions, and millions of people to watch. One tip is to spread out your activities and try not to do too much in one day; pace yourself, otherwise you will exhaust yourself during your stay. Move at your own pace, and soak up The Big Apple.

The post Take Stroll Through New York City appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

It reminds us all that no matter where we are at in our lives we still have our struggles. Some we may make known, while other we keep bottled up, but they’re present in our lives never the less. Whether it’s a parent failing to recognize a gay relationship, debt, a marriage going south or never finding love of your own, the film runs the gauntlet of struggles we all undoubtedly face in some facet. However, in showing us the bad it also brings to light the good: friendship.

Disaster after disaster plagues the six men set off by the reluctant addition of the brother in law to be, “The Machine,” to their bachelor weekend in the wilderness. However, with each disaster the men begin to learn more about the struggles they face, not only out in the wild, but in the lives that await them back home. Through their very humorous misfortunes their bond is tested, but rebounds stronger by the sincerity each character shows for one another.

While the film certainly inspires to be able to create words that make people laugh and cry the way The Bachelor Weekend did, it more so inspires to make sure a group of friends exist for when you falter and to be grateful for them.

Release Date(s):
VOD: Available on iTunes & VOD: April 15, 2014
Theatrical: Select theatrical release beginning: May 2014
Chicago: Facets – opens May 2, 2014

Director:
John Butler

Screenwriter(s):
John Butler and Peter McDonald

Producer(s)
Rebecca O’Flanagan and Robert Walpole

Cast
Andrew Scott, Hugh O’Conor, Brian Gleeson, Andrew Bennett, Michael Legge, Amy Huberman and Peter McDonald

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Starting at $199 a night the 21 story, 230 room hotel is basically a steal for its Times Square location. Though the price is excellent, it’s the European influences that made me fall in love with the boutique style hotel. In traditional European fashion the rooms are quaint which I for one truly appreciate. I had a very comfortable king-size bed with a wall mounted TV at the foot, a wall to wall window, a large shower and a small desk, what more does one need in a room? Let alone a room that is a block from one of the largest tourist destinations in one of the most happening cities in the world.

Given that the room was, well, just a room it wasn’t impressive or unimpressive. It was a place to sleep, relax and get laid if you should be so lucky, nothing more and nothing less. What really impressed me aesthetically speaking was the lobby/bar. I’ve been to my share of bars, hotel and otherwise, and this one had an inclusive feel that I’ve never experienced. Perhaps it’s that one whole wall is shelves filled with eclectic items including art from David LaChapelle and Andy Warhol to mention a couple or any other of the numerous pieces of contemporary art looming over the multiple couches and tables giving the room a homelike feel. Additionally, they have a small courtyard with outside seating and a rooftop. Unexciting to most, but for those who know New York anytime you can sit outside is reason to celebrate, let alone in the Times Square area.

Billed as “affordable luxury” I feel like luxury maybe a stretch in the traditional sense and “affordable amenities” a better suited term. Free wifi, a Samsung tablet to control your TV, lights, curtains and go online, grab and go-style cafeteria, complimentary Apple computer usage and printing, the amenities are a plenty, but luxury, eh. The furniture seems a bit Ikea-ish throughout and the baths have a pre-fab feel.

For the amount of amenities, location and price point the citizenM Times Square is a must for a night or vacation. Or in my case a yearlong lease.

The post citizenM Times Square appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

FactoryTwoFour: So, you’re a bear?

Teddy Richardson: Yes. Been one all my life.

Would you consider your site a parody of Terry Richardson or more of an homage?

I wanted to create something fun, a bear-ody. Terry’s obviously well accomplished and talented and I just wanted to have some fun with him.

I think most would agree you’ve succeeded in creating a few laughs. What made you pick up photography?

I had always been interested in photography. I picked up a camera when I was just a cub and it came pretty naturally. I really enjoy being behind a camera.

I’ve seen some pics with you and models and it looks to me like you enjoy being in front of the camera as well.

It definitely helps to have an assistant around. Most of the time the girls I photograph just can’t resist a photo with a 6ft. bear.

At least they don’t find you unbearable. Sorry, I had to. How long have you been shooting models?

I’ve been shooting models for about eight years now, but only recently started a site for myself. I got bored of my past commercial work and really enjoy the personal work I’m doing now.

When you say recently?

[The site] has only been live for about two months.

I see, and have you been well received since your launch?

Its been going pretty well for me. People seem to enjoy what I do.

Any hard numbers yet on traffic to the site?

My Instagram hit 1200 fans a few days ago and for not really publicizing or working to get the name out that’s pretty decent.

Not bad at all and so everyone knows what’s the handle?

@TeddyRichardson

I’m also on Facebook and there’s always teddyrichardson.com

Right now how are you finding girls to shoot? 

The first few were friends of mine. Now I’m starting to get contacted by girls who’d like to shoot… which is nice.

Yeah. Let us know if you need an assistant.

Anytime.

We’ll take you up on that. Anyone out there you’re dying to work with you haven’t yet?

My favorites right now would be Alyssa Arce, Emily Ratajkowsi, and Devin Brugman. Would be awesome to shoot them.

What’s next for Teddy Richardson?

Hopefully a booking with one of the girls on my list, or maybe a lifestyle brand needs a lookbook shot. I’m here to work!

The post We Sit Down With The One And Only Teddy Richardson appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Most recently LaChapelle was back in the spotlight with LAND SCAPE, an exhibition of new photographs to run through March 1st at New York’s Paul Kasmin Gallery. The exhibition kicked off Friday, January 17th to a packed house of fans, friends, former models of his and last but not least, LaChapelle himself. Though under the LAND SCAPE moniker the exhibit features two themes: Refineries and Gas Stations. While both feature the vibrant color characteristic of a LaChapelle picture it’s the size of the photos that first stands out to you. With the average height of the pieces around five feet they required you to stand further than the crowd would allow to take them all in, but up close you could see the reasoning for the scale: the use of household items. Refineries featured energy drinks, batteries, old cellphones and so on, all of which would be lost in a piece of a lesser scale.

Putting the surface elements aside, the pieces’ narratives begin to become apparent. Refineries with the use of everyday items in a sense pays tribute to the what makes these products possible, but at the same time smoke and recycling of materials make you aware to the waste associated with refineries and these products. Similarly, Gas Stations places the gas stations amongst nature which gives us the fuel we need, but also shows nature overtaking it depicting its ability to both create and destroy. LaChapelle clearly has a unique voice and strong beliefs and LAND SCAPE is a refreshing exhibit that features both those away from the world of celebrity which helped shape his career.

The post David LaChapelle: LAND SCAPE appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Why will you love them:

1) They’re cheap. Daily drink specials vary at each, but most, if not all the bars, feature a half price bar till 8pm making your well liquor drink $3.

2) Beer pong.

3) Location, location, location. No matter what part of the city you find yourself you’re never far from one of these eight diamonds in the rough: Upper West Side (x2), Upper East Side, Greenwich/West Village (x3), East Village and Lower East Side.

4) Food. Though the traditional bar fare most are priced just around ten bucks.

5) The people. Lets face the facts. You’re there to drink cheap and have fun, as are they.

One last pro-tip: Each location is branded under a different name. Down the Hatch, Stumble Inn, Jake’s Dilemma, The Gin Mill, Off the Wagon, The 13th Step, 3 Sheets Saloon and Hair of the Dog.

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