Benovic Bradley

So, I’ve only been a re-instated resident of the NYC-Metropolitan area for about a week, but I’ve already had empinadas from two different places.

First off, let me say that the only empinadas readily available in Rochester would most likely be purchased from Juan and Maria’s Empanada Stop at the Rochester Public Market. The empinadas are “good,” but with tax, are $3.47 a pop. (I’ve got to give Juan and Maria credit though — purchase an empinada and bring in one of their widely circulated coupons and you can receive a second empinada or a plate of delicious rice and beans for a penny) That’s quite expensive.

For $1, on Junction Blvd. in Queens, you can purchase an empanada chock full of chicken, potatoes and other delicious veggies.  Taste wise, they’ve got Juan and Maria beat…and price wise, it is obviously a blowout.

But the real empanada stop in Corona is the Empanadas Cafe on 108th Street. A quaint, cozy looking place, Russell and I have driven by it dozens of times. On Wednesday, we finally decided to give it a try.

The menu is simple and cheap. Three types of flour are available (corn, white and organic whole grain), in addition to a multitude of filling options ranging from the classic shredded beef to the Hawaina (which is stuffed with ham, pineapple and mozzarella cheese). There are also more than half a dozen vegetarian options available, which I appreciate.

As far as price, the shrimp and whole grain empanadas are the most expensive…at only $1.75 a pop! Prices for dessert empanadas start at $1.10 and savory empanada prices start at $1.25. And yes…they taste amazing!

So my ultimate question is…why are Juan and Maria scamming Rochester?
Empanadas are obviously cheap to make, and if they can be sold in NYC for as cheap as $1, then they can be made and sold in Rochester for just as cheap (if not cheaper?).

Benovic Bradley

This Is Spinal Tap, the funniest mockumentary of all time, will be playing at the Dryden Theatre tonight.

I will be in attendance with my dear friend, Bridget.
Several years ago, Bridget and I had decided to throw a Spinal Tap appreciation party, only to realize that most of our friends had never even heard of the film!

These days, movies about music take themselves all too seriously.
The last two that come to mind are 8 Mile and Hustle and Flow. Both great movies, with commendable soundtracks that captured the endurance it takes to be a successful musician these days.

But Spinal Tap takes us back to the days when rock-n-roll meant money, leather and elaborate (but not always successful) tours.

My advice to today’s artists? Take a hint from the boys in Spinal Tap and don’t take your gig too seriously. Rock and roll is meant to be fun.

What’s most amazing about this mock rock/metal band is that it culminated a huge following. So much so, that the “band” still reunites for gigs like Live Earth, and real rockers like Soundgarden cover their “hits.” Just proof that good music, “real” or not, can have an impact.

And if you haven’t heard the soundtrack to this film, you have not heard rock and roll. See you at the theatre!

Benovic Bradley

Summers rock at the Greater Rochester YMCA!
Join your local branch today.

Benovic Bradley

This morning, I got to experience my first coffee cupping [a coffee tasting procedure].

I’m usually wolfing down my coffee, trying to get the caffeine to inject directly into my bloodstream, but today, I learned that a fine coffee should be appreciated and cherished as much as a gourmet wine.

I learned that coffee is perhaps the most flavorful beverage known to man, containing up to 50 percent more flavor elements than wine.

If you’re a coffee drinker, I strongly recommend attending at least one cupping ceremony in your lifetime, to truly understand the back behind the brew.

Benovic Bradley