Looks like we’re a step closer to the inevitable robot takeover day. A parking lot that moves vehicles using lasers and all sorts of machinery is set to open next month in Chinatown. This wouldn’t be the first time that the NYC metro area has a opened such a lot. The folks across the Hudson in Hoboken, has already seen the kind of destruction robotic parking has wrought. In 2004, a Cadillac Deville was dropped six floors, and in a Jeep four stories the following year. In 2006, cars were trapped in for 26 hours. Yet, I do admit being intrigued, but at $25 a day, I still won’t be taking the vee-dub to Chinatown for weekend dim sum.

As I’m counting down the week before I head over to catch some sun at St. John, I’m also quite concerned about having to board a plane that will unleash a frightening amount of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Boycotting airtravel is out of the question. Face it, most of what we do will contribute to the destruction of the environment. Cars of course are the easiest to blame. We also have to consider the ways in which we light and heat our homes. By far the biggest contributor are airplanes. Climatecare.org provides CO₂ calculators for concerned world citizens to see just how much they are contributing, and a payment scheme to offset this carbon emissions. The money then goes to fund renewable energy, energy effieciency, as well as reforestation projects all around the world.

[photo by: Trekkerpanda/Flickr]

Oh great, first poultry, then beef, then taco bell, and now squirrels. Can’t we just eat something without any warnings?

[photo by: Jim Bailey]

It’s only 2 months since we returned from the jaunt to Japan, and now we’re looking to head out again. This time around, we’re headed to St. John for some R&R and a retreat from the New York winter. We were able to cash in some miles for the free airfare, but the accomodations will still cost a bomb. I’d much rather be lodging at the Westin at Cruz Bay, but we’ll be eco-camping, albeit luxuriously, at Maho Bay. There won’t be any sightseeing, wandering around cities, figuring a subway system, or any language barriers. It’s nothing but a week of laying on the beach under the Virgin Island sun.
[photo by: st. john guide]

When Time Out New York recommended skipping out on Blue Ribbon and head to Taro Sushi over at Dean Street, we just had to give it a try. The place reminded us a bit of Japan. It is small, it is cramped, it is packed, it is a bit rushed, and the sushi was great. The chef was a bit stingy with the fish, however. There were even a few offerings from the Tsukiji market that brought back some fond, delicious memories of 7am sushi. The biggest disappointment, however, was their decision to place a set of California rolls in the sushi and sashimi combination platter. Don’t be turned off by the long line of waiting patrons as the tables are turned around rather quickly. As for the alternative to Blue Ribbon label, yeah, the food is right up there, but without the hefty price tag.

[Taro Sushi, 446 Dean St (Cross Street: Flatbush Avenue) Brooklyn, NY 11217]

[photo by: adlaw/flickr]

Mexican food is always a great standby when I’m hungry and just not in the mood for any other cuisine. It’s cheap, and so filling that it sits in your stomach long enough to skip out the next meal. With Mexican food, you pretty much know what you are getting. All dishes is some kind or combination of rice, beans, cheese, veggies, and meat wrapped in various sizes of tortillas. While there are so many Mex-joints to choose from, Tacos Nuevo Mexico is the real deal, serving octopus salads, Oaxaqueño tamales, and lengua (tongue) tacos alongside the usual quesadillas, enchiladas, and burritos. In its modest space in Park Slope, Mexican families rub elbows with the usual Park Slope set, chowing down massive portions while glancing up to watch a bit of Telemundo. Do however, resist the urge to dance when a rump shaking tune is blasted off the jukebox. For a complete Mexican experience, hit the bar next door for a michelada.

[Tacos Nuevo Mexico, 489-491 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, btwn 11th & 12th]