The drink menu here is extensive, and quite lovely. All of their cocktails sounded amazing but I just felt a beer was more suited for the meal, and went with a Black Hog Strawberry Gose. I’d never had a gose before but this was perfect! Light and crisp with a pleasant fruity flavor that totally complimented my dinner.  Now, on to the good stuff.

They have pickles, and yes, they’re really good but that’s just the tip of the iceberg with this place. I made a statement about fried chicken a while back, and I have to say the chicken at Jacob’s Pickles also ranks quite highly at the top of my list of best fried chicken in like, the entire world. Their menu is extensive and it’s hard to make choices, so go with a group and share stuff.

Our neighbors at the table got a flight of pickles and couldn’t finish it so we were gifted with their leftovers (I know it sounds weird but it wasn’t.) Personally, I love the pickled green beans the best, or dilly beans as they’re called on the menu. Crunchy, snappy and super tangy, they’re a great way to start off.

My favorite thing on the menu is called the BBQ Smothered Pepper Jack Chicken sandwich. Yeah, just read that name again and try to picture it- believe me when I say it’s better than you can ever imagine. It’s a massive piece of extremely crunchy, juicy, fried chicken, on top of their homemade biscuits that are to die for, and smothered with their housemade barbecue sauce and shredded pepper jack cheese. It’s so aptly named, let me tell you. The plate is absolutely enormous so it’s perfect to split.

The biscuits are part of their fame, and well worth it too. Buttery, soft, moist, I could eat just those for dinner and be totally satisfied.

Everything always looks good, but I recommend getting anything that comes with the cheddar grits. Goodness, they’re good. I’m not a southern girl so it’s not like I know that much about grits, but I can tell you these are absolutely incredible. Totally cheesy (so of course I like them) and perfectly smooth, I like to alternate a bite of the sandwich and then a bite of the grits, just for some balance throughout my meal.

For some reason we thought we could handle more food, so we also ordered a side of poutine- it’s a weakness of mine, I can’t turn it down. This wasn’t traditional poutine, as it wasn’t completely covered in gravy, but it was so delicious and really filling. The fries seemed to have soaked up the gravy so they were very flavorful and salty, but were still crispy. The best part was the obscene amount of cheese on top, forming them into a giant mass of happiness.

I cannot possibly recommend this place enough. The food is incredible, the price is totally reasonable, the atmosphere is pleasant and the music is rockin’. They do it right over there, so if you’re in New York, go now. I will say it gets pretty crowded and they don’t take reservations for small groups, so be prepared to wait a little bit, but know that the wait is 100% worth it.

The post Restaurant Review: Jacob’s Pickles 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.

If you were ever looking for people to ride with around the City, and develop some more motorcycle skills, this is your chance. Since living in this grand ole city is very sketchy at times (okay, all times) on a motorcycle, it’s nice to be able to escape the Taxi Cab Death Squads to the mountainous regions of the north. And at a reasonable $45 with meals included, it’s not going to take fuel out of your tank.

While we try and wrangle up an actual bike for the ride (We’re looking at you Ducati!) check out the event page below for more information. And if you sign up, drop us a line and show us what kind of iron you’re riding.

http://www.aetherapparel.com/journal/2014/04/11/urban-adventure-nyc-escape-from-new-york/

The post Aether Apparel Escape New York Motorcycle Ride 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.

The Planning:

This is a crucial step because we all have our listservs and text chains, but you can’t use those. You must start a new chain for Man Dinner. It will be hard enough coordinating everyone’s schedules without the usual emails. With a date set you’ll now need to pick a place which is not as difficult as one would think; you’re going to a steakhouse (this needs no discussion). Now call around and find the place that can accommodate you on your chosen night. I’d recommend Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in TriBeCa.

The Execution:

Since everyone finishes work at a different time you don’t want to have a set plan for the pre-dinner drinks, but rather let the person out drinking first pick the spot. This spot will ideally be a dive bar. Why a dive bar you ask? Dive bars are great: bar games, cheap drinks and music. The only downside and the main reason you or your pals ever don’t wanna go to one is because there are never a lot of girls. Well, guess what? It’s Man Dinner so you get to that dive bar and start crushing beers and taking shots. Raccoon Lodge is great for this given its downtown location and proximity to Wolfgang’s and other steakhouses.

You’re at your steakhouse and it’s time to shed your dive bar persona. Head to the bar and grab a Macallan 12 and buy a couple for your friends nearest you. Let the liquor show your love.

Ordering should be simple with one guy acting as the go between. “Wine for the table.” “Seafood towers for the table to start.” “Steak for the table.” Feel free to improvise the sides.

The Aftermath:

This is when all Man Dinners begin to take a turn because you’re drunk and can no longer resist the urge to want to meet those of the fairer sex. Head to a beer hall. Houston Hall works perfect for this since you can continue to be manly drinking liters of beer while interacting with girls if that strikes you. This will be your last stop as you’ll soon realize you’re bombed and losing people quickly.

The post The Perfect Man Dinner 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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