Friends and food is always a good mix. Family and food is even better.
Chris picked me up at work, while I just finished googling where I could find a supermarket that is open late on a Sunday. Luckily for all of us I found a 24 hour supermarket that was more than willing to fit my needs. I threw cubed steak, green plantains, avocados and eggs into my cart, everything else would have to come from home.
Karli, Marc’s girlfriend was visiting NYC on a business trip, and since she leaves tomorrow, tonight was the only chance we could have snuck some quality time together. 
While packing my bag at home, I made sure to season the meat, while Chris helped by shredding some cheese, that way when we got to their place, everything will be ready to cook. As soon as we arrived, we said our hellos and I jumped straight into the kitchen.
The place was beautiful, it was very minimal with exposed brick through out the apartment. I was in love.
Since Karli was in the mood for Dominican food, I was the closest thing she was getting. Especially since none of us wanted to even attempt to go outside in this freezing weather. I decided on making some mangu, so the plantains went straight into bowling, one of the things that take the longest to be done. Especially since you want them to turn a nice golden color since I was going to be smashing them a little later.
The brothers did what they do best, nothing. Even though they did offer.
Saturday Night Live 40 was keeping them pretty occupied so I wasn’t complaining. Especially since Karli and I took advantage of that time to do what us girls do best, gossip.
As much as he pretended to keep watching television, I knew he was being nosy everytime we were cracking up. Chris comes over and asks what we’re talking about, I laugh and tell him “you”. Why lie? hahaha I tell him, this is how girls bond, talking about the stupidities boys do. He gives me a smirk and an eye roll.
Wine was served, and now that the steak that was wrapped in bacon and was put in the oven, it was time to bake the avocados as well. I broke an egg in the middle and then sprinkled mozzarella cheese on top. Karli help mashed the plantains, and while I served and made the plate pretty, I could now say dinner was officially served.
The men sat down and it was nice to just sit there, talking, drinking vino and getting fat. I like usual, am always the first one to finish my food, I’m like a garbage disposal, while everyone else ate like little birds. I got compliments, and I was happy knowing everyone else was happy. Once dinner was over, everyone gathered around the television, while I on the other hand was in awe of how deep the bathtub was, I prepared myself a bubble bath and decided to spoil myself.
Omg, I put on some Etta James, and my glass of wine disappeared in no time. Everyone was comfy, and I got a little comfier when I put on my onesie. Hey, I don’t play. I had a great night hanging out with Marc & Karli. She’s been trying to convince me in to going to L.A. and to be honest, I really don’t need much convincing, just a big wallet.
It’s been a little while since I’ve done anything fun, or at least considered a bit of fun…who am I kidding, I enjoy myself all the time. What should be saying is it’s been a while since I’ve attended an art show or any gallery for that matter. Something I’ve always loved to do. Not only do I get to see stunning new works, I get to network. Being in the art scene is having your own little community. Everyone basically knows each other, and if you don’t you know someone who knows someone.
We bump into a style that looks fairly familiar, and I tell Chris, “this looks like the same artist that Matt (Chris’s brother) has in his room, the Bob Marley piece”. Chris looks at me says “Nah” I was pretty sure of it, especially because the signature looked so familiar, it was an “M” with certain swirl to it, I tell him ” Text Matt a pic of the piece and we’ll find out right now.”
Next thing you know the artist comes up behind us, and recognizes Chris right away, I have never met her before, and she starts talking about her piece, and Chris is just laughing, surprised at how small the world is, and shocked at me that I even realized the connection between the two paintings. Sometimes you just know.
Before our arrival, I text my aunt Scarla, I know she lives around the neighborhood and she’s always willing to discover new surroundings and appreciate the creative lifestyles. I ask her to join us, and a few moments later she arrives at the scene. As usual I’m always happy to see her. She parked right in front of the gallery and a friendly stranger comes up to her right away warning her that she’s about to get a ticket. Scarla has always been a smooth talker, she was already given the ticket but the cop tells her don’t worry about it and rips it up. I need to learn that gift of gab, like yesterday!
