kitchentableconfidential

[kitchentableconfidential]

Let me tell you about burgers

Over the course of a few months last year, I had the heart-stopping opportunity to sample some of the best burgers New York City has to offer. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill burgers either, oh no. These are burgers ground from top shelf steak from the night before, stuffed with bone marrow, and flash grilled.

Sit down. Strap in. We’re going for a ride.

... But before we begin, I must acknowledge my confidante in these exploits. I met through my mutual friend Gavin, who opined to me during HasCon that we both lived in NYC and had a shared fondness for burgers. And so began a short-yet-sultry affair that brought us to some of the finest burger joints the city can muster.

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First on our hit list was a favorite secret of mine, nestled on Prince Street in western SoHo is Raoul’s. A classic French bistro, you’d be forgiven to never know this place sells burgers. There’s a good reason for that- they’re not on the menu and require a few hoops to acquire. 

Raoul’s crafts these secret meat treats from the unsold cracked pepper steaks from the previous day, sold only to those who attain one of the coveted bar stools when they open promptly at 5pm. Asked how to best tackle this beast, the bartender stated the preferred experience was to cut the burger in half and enjoy it au jus with the cream and cognac au poivre sauce that’s served on the side.

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The following week we hit Chumley’s, a dimly lit, no frills, cozy establishment that once was the favorite neighborhood haunt for literary giants like F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, William Faulkner, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and E. E. Cummings. But who cares about them: we want to hear about the burgers.

Nathan, myself, and NYC native Kevin tackled the 86′d burger with abandon, reveling in it’s rich, fatty layer of bone marrow, fried onions, crisp shallots, American cheese, and the tangy, spicy barbecue sauce made with mango, coffee, and jalapeño. (Yes, I Google’d to make sure I got everything correct.)

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Our next stop brought us to Emily, a pizza shop in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Yes, a pizza joint. Burgers here are only served for as long as they have the meats to make them, which the server said can be as quick as an hour after opening. She also noted that we had to get their house pizza (mozzarella, pistachio, truffle sottocenere, honey) on the side. Probably one of the most New York things ever.

The burger itself was a dry-aged blend from DeBragga (a famous butcher shop down the street), blanketed in one year-old Grafton Cheddar from Vermont with a handful of caramelized onions, and served on a pretzel roll.

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Our final excursion together before Nathan went back to his Belgian homeland was the newcomer, having only been open for a week or two before we arrived. Tetsu is a restaurant run by sushi-master Masa Takayama, located on Leonard Street in Tribeca. The industrial-looking space is stunning, and the appetizers we grabbed, though small in portion, top shelf in their flavors.

The burgers (beef or lamb) are only served between the hours of 5-6pm, and are individually flash cooked in a clamshell-like cast-iron device reminiscent of an iron maiden. The patty’s topped with Taleggio cheese and served on a pretzel bun.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Loss.

As a fragile, vulnerable species, it is something we as humans feel often. Whether on our terms or not, we all face it in some eventuality.

And somehow it still hurts deeply. Every time.

What’s incredible to me is how people who I’ve never met before can leave such a profound mark on my life, even though I’ve never met them. That mark, which may have been invisible up to this point, becomes an imprint. Embossed into me by their passing.

Robin Williams.  Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Anthony Bourdain.

Bourdain taught me to appreciate the world around me. To travel as much as possible. Collect every moment along the way and cherish them. 

Hell, this space was conceived as a poor-man’s homage to the man and his work. I didn’t expect it to outlive him.

In the end, we deal with loss in our own ways. But we must never lose sight that no matter how great or how small that sense of loss may seem, we all feel it.

Be kind. Be well.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Open house (sort of)

It’s funny how things sometimes sync up.

Like when my friend Alex invited myself and some friends over one Sunday to his place to play some magic… The same weekend famed fantasy artist Donato Giancola is hosting an open house. Turned out the distance between the two points of interest was roughly 15 minutes.

We ventured out onto the tree-shaded streets into Boerum Hill, in search of adventure. Arriving on the doorstep of the signed brownstone, we discovered that the open house was, in fact, the day before.

Regardless, we were warmly invited into the home, shown up-up-up the myriad staircases (some spiraling) to the uppermost floor of the home. And damn was it an amazing experience.

The walls were lined with pieces dating back to my childhood. Oversized books showcasing artwork and D&D maps. Awards for artistry casually strewn about, some even used for doorstops. Hell, there was original MTG art up in the bathrooms.

I walked out with an original sketch (my first piece of original art!), and a signed book of LoTR art, but my memories will definitely be about the amazingly impromptu open house we were treated to.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Brucon

There are so many ways to write this story. We can focus on the company. Food. Brews. Games. Laughs. But there’s only one thing - one person - at the center of it all.

Let me tell you about Bruce. If you are going to experience an amazing weekend of gaming, I highly recommend you get a Bruce. Bruce is willing to open his home to friends from all over the country. Bruce buys the deli meats. Bruce knows all the best locales for brews. Bruce knows how to bring the heat when it comes to having an amazing weekend. 

The guests may bring the ridiculousness (I brought a cash cannon. Buy one. You’re welcome.), but everyone needs a Bruce.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Regrounding

In bringing this space back to life, I think it’s important to acknowledge something about what I’m doing here. The intent of this space is to give a fairly unvarnished look into my experiences as a traveling gamer that lives in NYC.

That should be inclusive of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. For those looking for the prim and polished side of things, I suggest checking out my Instagram.

The end of 2017 was very rough for me. I suddenly lost my job and one of my grandmothers in the same week towards the end of October. I totaled my car in December. Depression crept in after that, chipping away at me I sequestered myself within the confines of my parent’s house.

I’ve only recently started to feel like I’m regaining what I would consider my “normal” life. Getting back on a steady work schedule, gaming, hell- even dating. It’s important to acknowledge and be open to talking about these experiences, because that’s life ladies and gentlemen.

If we spend all of our energy trying to cling onto the good times, we cease to acknowledge that they are, in fact, good. On occasion, we need to evaluate and subsequently reground ourselves after a rough period to hopefully learn from the experience and take stock in what’s really important.

[kitchentableconfidential]

A Return to Form

Consider this your notice: I’m bringing this blog back from the dead (again). I have what seems like years worth of content to share, so hopefully I can keep a head of steam this time.

In the meantime, enjoy this image of some of the best fried chicken in the city <3

[kitchentableconfidential]

“Happy Birthday, Bruce!”

It’s a hallmark of mine that I mishear, misinterpret, or flatly get information wrong. Chalk it up to having severe ADD/ADHD (I was classified with both as a child), but it’s something I continue to struggle with as an adult.

Sometimes though, it creates spectacular failures that continue to live on as running jokes. Such was the basis of this trip to Syracuse last December, where I mistakenly believed this was a surprise birthday for my friend Bruce.

Boarding a late flight to Syracuse and getting picked up in the snow, all on a misguided belief. 

...Turns out it was one of the most fun weekends I’ve ever had. There were numerous chaos drafts. There was booze. There were beautifully-prepared steaks for those who survived.

So, almost a year later, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE!

[kitchentableconfidential]

Watch Events

Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a deep fascination with anything and everything mechanical. A funny story from the fourth grade was I cobbled together a bunch of rotary phones to mechanically work in series, and the teacher ended up calling me the Unabomber. Needless to say that didn’t go over well back in the Magrini household. But I digress.

You better believe it was a surprisingly full-circle moment when I was asked to work on Rolex and Tudor as clients in my day to day gig in advertising. Suddenly what was old was new again, and I found myself awash in events that celebrated the same types of mechanisms that captured my interest as a child.

Make no mistake, most of these events were more about demonstrating your status as an individual than the celebration of horology. Especially for me, someone who looked particularly out of place in a tee shirt and sneakers amidst the sea of custom suits and overwhelming cologne. For much of this event I even had a security tail following me around the store, which became increasingly funny once I intentionally started trying on more and more expensive hardware.

Take, for example, the piece I wore above. The Rolex Yachmaster II in stainless steel. A watch specifically developed for yacht captains timing the countdowns for the start of their regattas, this watch in this particular configuration of materials comfortably sits around $14,000. Which, in reality, is pittance compared to some of the other models hidden under the shatterproof glass.

I no longer work with Rolex and Tudor in any professional capacity, but I still find the time to make it to as many of these events as possible. There are many interesting, intrinsic parallels between the worlds of gaming and luxury timepieces, though cost of entry certainly isn’t one of them. I just need to make sure I dress a bit more properly the next time.

Oh and also: If anyone has a spare $14k they wish to lend me, I’d greatly appreciate it.

[kitchentableconfidential]

The Calm Before the Storm

It was a year ago that my dearest friends Jason and Danielle got married, which resulted in one of the most legendary evenings I’ve ever been a part of.

But don’t take it from me, I don’t remember a thing from it.

That said, the night before (aka the calm before the storm) consisted of an awesome evening filled with dinner, booze, games, and even more booze.

The night began at a historic tavern, with bottles of sour beer being passed around a smorgasbord of delicious, hearty meals. We then ended up at an activity bar nearby, where I was able to put on my Jersey Shore skeeball skills.

The night ended at the hotel, Conspiracy packs in hand. A great night before a (barely) memorable wedding day.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Fleeced

As someone who love entertaining friends in the city, it is imperative that you have command over the best things to do regardless of where you end up. This is especially the case when meeting up with friends in Times Square after they’ve been sufficiently fleeced by costumed characters.

This daytrip ended up involving top-notch Korean BBQ, a visit to the Nintendo Store in Rockefeller, and skewers of fried pickles overlooking the ice rink in Bryant Park. Well worth the price of admission.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Art at GP Minneapolis 2016

One of my favorite experiences from traveling over the past few years had to be visiting the Russian Art Museum last year during GP Minneapolis. Learning about Russian masters in the presence of some of my favorite artists in fantasy today was an incredible experience.

What was especially wonderful was the intimate setting the gallery provided. The details of art are sometimes hard to appreciate in larger galleries with more recognized artists, as you have more barriers between you and the works. Here there was no such issues, and I made it a point to capture up close some of my favorite parts of the pieces on display.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Rushing Water

A compulsion drew me out tonight. A compulsion to forget my usual routine and follow the sound of rushing water.

The subway ride was silent, the creaks and moans of the cars oddly muted. Muted by the sounds of rushing water.

When above ground, I found myself amidst a sea of people. And yet I felt alone. The others were carried away by rushing water.

In the silence I stood above champagne colored falls framed by impossibly black stone.

I searched for a feeling to adequately convey what I felt in that moment, yet all I could feel was stoic solemnity.

All else was washed away by rushing water.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Halloween in Queens

New York City is one of the most incredible places on Halloween. In particular, the West Village - my spiritual home - is host to one of the single greatest, most outrageous parades you can accidentally find yourself in.

So, naturally, I went to Queens to play Magic: The Gathering.

My good friend Josh was in the city for business, and told me late that he would be participating in a Legacy tournament at The Geekery in Astoria. As I had no plans (I typically improvise my Halloweens), I sprinted home and grabbed my deck.

The experience was hilarious, with lots of laughs all around. After, Josh and I grabbed a bite across the street at some small pub-like establishment.

As expected, there were some choice costumes on the subway ride home. Their regret and impending hung-overness was matched evenly with my excitement at another Halloween randomly maneuvered.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Ron Con

[kitchentableconfidential]

The Gen Con Experience

It’s a rush. The view from the top of the escalators on the opening day of Gen Con shows a literal sea of people waiting patiently for their Neverland to present itself. People from many cities, countries, continents are represented.

Some want to play games. Some want to parade around as their favorite character. Some (like me) want to escape the horrible realities of the world and just play games, eat food, and drink with friends.

People have asked me many times to try and describe the full Gen Con experience. And each time I struggle to reply, largely because the experience I detail isn’t as truly grandiose or overwhelming as the in-the-flesh experience is.

It is easy to say that I will never live in Indianapolis. And yet... Thanks to Gen Con, it feels like a second home. The people? An extended family I never knew I had.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Night Zero

It’s a longstanding tradition to start Gen Con a bit early. Before the heavenly gates of the exhibition hall opens that Thursday morning, we’ve made it a point to increasingly go all-out on Wednesday. 2016 was no exception, proving that properly planning ahead can be a beautiful thing.

Immediately upon landing my friend Preston and I immediately hustled our way into downtown Indianapolis, where a brewery tourbus was patiently awaiting us. We, along with a crew of other miscreants staying with Preston, sampled a wide variety of delectable brews all across Indy. The mead sampled on one of the stops would become an important factor in the late nights of gaming later in the week.

Tipsy from the tour, we dropped our baggage at the hotel and immediately about-faced to head to our traditional Night Zero party stop: Kilroy’s. 

As a bit of context: back during my first years of attending, Kilroy’s was the go late night party stop hosted by friends some friends over at Gathering Magic. At some point the official parties ended, but the muscle memory remained for many of us. Largely because of the delicious combination of $5 Long Island Iced Teas pitchers and delectable pizza breadsticks.

As with all of Gen Con, we ride the fine line of excess on Night Zero. We reminisce about experiences in past years. Toast the new ones we’re about to have. Laugh at the one’s we’ll probably forget while drunk. Then crash (somewhat) early in anticipation for the Greatest Four Days in Gaming.

[kitchentableconfidential]

Tonight

I wrote this in the immediate aftermath of the Presidential Election, at roughly 3am. I never thought to shared it, and instead shared a piece of it at the time. Given the significance of today, I decided to post it.

There are no words that accurately describe what has just transpired. I am cold. I am scared. I am anxious.

There will be talk of what went wrong this day. People will attempt to apply logic and reason to try and explain this. The reality is, unfortunately, very simple: that the voice of the American people has spoken. Loud and clear.

To Mr. Trump: 

Your words now carry the weight of a superpower behind them. Think about that. No longer do you simply represent those who voted you into power, you represent the entirety of the United States of America.

I sincerely hope you understand this. Because I don’t, and I never will.

To all my friends, whom I love very, very dearly:

This is a near impossible task, but I want you to say with me the following things.

“I am bent, but I am not broken.”

“I am loved by my friends, family, and communities I’ve chosen to be a part of.”

“I have support from those around me should I ever need it.”

“We are in this together. We will get through this together.”