Soule Restaurant: God Bless... Cell Phones

I love getting a new cell phone. It gives me time to clear out my personal life.

Really.

I just got a new phone. I won’t say the cell phone provider’s name, nor will I say the maker of my new phone, ‘cause they didn’t cut me a check.

And I don’t pay the 20 dollars or whatever the charge is to have them transfer over my contacts. I like to go through all the numbers I have:

Mom and Pop.

My daughter.

My supervisor for those days I have to call in sick (or when I score some tickets to a Yankees game).

My boss at my 2nd job.

And then I come across some numbers that I need to self debate with.

Paris: The stripper that I met at Goldfinger’s in Queens. She told me that she liked me a lot and for $500, I could have "relations" with her.

Delete.

Lisa R.: Email address only.

Delete.

Vicky: Young lady that told me she can't speak with me for a year. She needs to find herself. Who the hell was I talking to then?

Delete.

Melissa Q.: The enigma wrapped in a riddle. She loves me. She hates me. She loves me. She hates me. She yells at me. Apologizes to me. Lives in another state.
Save number for comedic purposes.

There's also the DO NOT ANSWERS I have to add. You know, the crazy stalkers, the lunatics…

Who am I kidding? The only lunatic I know is writing this.

I wonder how many people have put me under DO NOT ANSWER. Guess I'll never know.

SHAMELESS PLUG: August 15th, I'm performing at THE DUPLEX in the Village at 9:30PM.
“ANOTHER NIGHT WITH ILL AND FRIENDS” will be just as crazy as the first night.

Last show was a success and by success, I mean, wasn't raided by the police. If anyone is interested, seating is limited and you can go to www.theduplex.com and look for the show under August 15th for reservations. Or you can call 212-255-5438.

Tell 'em ILL sent ya.
Victor Torres

Soule Restaurant: The Buzz

The city-owned Strand Theatre at 647 Fulton Street will be renovated for expanded use by BRIC – the Brooklyn cultural organization that manages Celebrate Brooklyn… Homeless? The city will buy you a plane ticket to anywhere… Coke is introducing a new product: Carbonated Milk. Is it just me who’s a bit skeeved?... Cops in Brooklyn are investigating "multiple animal tongues nailed to various trees" in Prospect Park. Huh?... The Daily News has a report card on our beaches, and of the 13 rated in the annual "Testing the Water" guide, things aren't looking so good… Former MTA worker and new multimillionaire Aubrey Boyce picked up his $133 million from the Mega Millions folks at Grand Central -- nearly $55 million (post tax) in a lump sum payment. Is he single? (I’m kidding!)… At a time when many families are cutting back on eating out, the City Council is reminding parents that there’s a way their children can eat for free. The Department of Education’s Summer Meals Program provides free breakfast and lunch for children under 18… Word on the street is that British mega-brand Topshop may open its doors in Fort Greene next year. Like H&M but trendier, Topshop has more of a cult following and is a bit more expensive. The opening of the Soho store was so intense that they now employ bouncers to keep order among the masses…

Soule Restaurant: Summertime in the City!

Summertime in the city.

For some, this elicits images of a concrete jungle with heat emanating from the sidewalks and smoggy air.

New Yorkers have a secret, though. Summer in New York is the best! There’s so much to do, whether you remain in our great borough of Brooklyn, or visit surrounding areas.

Aside from being the home of the greatest Caribbean & Soul restaurant ever, Brooklyn is filled with cultural and nature-related activities.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one; bring bread to feed the ducks as you lounge at the lake enjoying your Soulé picnic. Adjacent to BBG lies Prospect Park, where you can bike or hike, paddleboat or picnic. The Bandshell features live musicians all summer as well. Cross the street to visit the Grand Army Plaza library and Brooklyn Museum; both are great escapes on rainy summer days. Brooklyn is also home to many street fairs and festivals. Check out www.visitbrooklyn.org or www.celebratebrooklyn.org for more information.

One of the cool things about the city of New York is it’s an island; hence, you don’t have to rule out the beach when making summer plans.

Coney Island’s amusement park is a blast! Walk down a bit to Brighton Beach, or hop on the bus over the Manhattan Beach for a fun day in the sun.

Manhattan is an excellent options as well. Visit the South Street Seaport and take a Circle Line boat around the Statue of Liberty. Some have DJs and bartenders… excellent option for a nice summer night. Of course there’s always the oasis that lies at its heart: Central Park. Bring your bikes or roller blades, a baseball and glove; or bring nothing--exploring is just as fun. Need a break from the outdoors? Try the Museum of Natural History, on 81st Street, across from Central Park.
Dinosaur bones never fail to fascinate my son.

Outside of Brooklyn and Manhattan, there’s the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanic Gardens or Flushing Meadow Park. Or you can do what most people who come to New York do: shop!

Just outside the city, there’s Woodbury Commons, Jersey Gardens, or the Tangier Outlets of Riverhead, Long Island. Long Island is also home to Splish Splash Waterpark and the beaches and vineyards of Southampton.

Just don’t forget to order your catered lunch from Soulé in advance!

Soule Restaurant's Calendar of Events

Sunday, July 12th
All Day Michael Jackson Karaoke
In honor of Michael Jackson, Soulé is hosting an All-Day Michael Jackson Karaoke on Sunday, July 12th. Bring your favorite Michael Jackson CD and be prepared to tell your favorite Michael Jackson stories!


Tuesday, July 14th & 28th, 7pm – 11pm
Spoken Word Open Mic
Soule’s next Spoken Word Spotlight is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th, from 7pm. See you there!















Saturday, July 25th, 8pm - 11pm
Live Jazz at Soule!

Daniela Schachter and Oleg Osenkov Live at Soulé on Saturday, July 25th from 8 – 11pm!!

Enjoy their smooth vibes over dinner with your sweetheart…

Gentlemen—THIS is the date she won’t forget!



Soule's Homestyle Caribbean Soul Food Brunch
Every Sunday

Soule's delicious Caribbean & Southern-Style Sunday Brunch is the perfect family tradition. Southern Fried Chicken with Waffles, delicious Jamaican Ackee & Saltfish, or American Eggs with Bacon and Toast, (or any other variation!)

Family Sunday Brunch, every Sunday!

Come taste the flavor of Soule!

Soule Restaurant: Spotlight on BAHAMAS

The Baja Mar, named by the Spanish, consists of about 700 islands, 2,400 uninhabited islets and cays extending for about 760 miles, of which about 30 are inhabited. Located off the coast of Florida, the capital is Nassau; other islands include Grand Bahama, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Andros, Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Rum Cay/San Salvador, Cat Island, and Eleutera/Harbour Island. With a population of over 300,000, ethnicity is 85% black, 12% white, and 3% Asian and Hispanic; however, the original settlers were Arawaks, decimated by disease shortly after Columbus’ arrival in 1492.

Although the official language of the islands is English, Creole is also frequently used, bought by Haitian immigrants.

The country has a colorful history; with English settlers seeking religious freedom; pirates who used its shallow waters to trap and plunder ships; an escape for Confederates after the Civil War, who migrated with slaves rather than acquiesce to the Union’s victory, and rum running during Prohibition. Its economy now consists predominantly of tourism, financial services, and international shipping, and is one of the richest Caribbean islands.

Soule Restaurant: Michael Jackson, The Legend

Before Farrah Fawcett’s unfortunate passing, I watched Good Morning America features on her life and felt… uh… very little. I mean, her death bought attention to our need for cancer research; but personally, I felt nothing.

Ed McMahon’s passing elicited a similar apathy. I mean, these are public figures, not personal friends.

And then there was Michael.

No… other than in my imagination, we’d never met. And yet, Michael Jackson was a prominent figure in my life. His music was a tremendous influence to generations of people. He revolutionized music videos, created fashion trends, and raised the bar for musicians.

I remember playing the Jackson 5 Christmas album when I was younger, (you know… the big black CD). I would sit and stare at his image on the album jacket and imagine the person he was.

I imagined that he was somewhat rebellious, but sweet; full of energy and passion for his music, with an infinite love for his family and friends. I wanted to know the person behind that tremendous talent, and I like to imagine that my estimation of his character was very much on point.

I remember watching a Michael Jackson special on our state-of-the-art 11-inch black and white TV. No HD, but yet, when he danced, my heart pounded. I watched as people in the audience passed out and were carried out over the crowds and felt their overwhelming awe of being in his presence. I wanted to be there.

I understood the magnitude of his being. Long before Thriller… long before Never Never Land… long before the scandals that I choose not to believe… I understood that this man was a genius.

Michael Jackson’s talent was so considerable, it was virtually impossible to contain. It forced him to become somewhat of a recluse, or risk being lovingly torn to pieces by his adoring fans.

I remember when my friend Marlon got the Thriller album. She told me that it came with a black, curly hair that was very shiny and smelled really good, stuck in the album jacket. Hair that she’d discarded.

I was devastated.

Didn’t she know? That was Michael Jackson’s hair! I couldn’t believe she could be so callous and insensitive. Things were never the same between us afterwards.

Michael Jackson tried to make us raise our standards as a people. He admonished us to reflect on the Man in the Mirror while considering those who were less fortunate. He wooed us with Baby Be Mine, made our hearts soar with the Butterflies of first love and nursed us through our first heartbreak with Who’s Loving You, while still allowing us to Remember the Time of love. A man who is now tragically, inexplicably Out of Our Lives.

When Princess Diana passed away, I understood that we had lost a great woman; a humanitarian. I understood the period of mourning that spanned nations.

With Michael Jackson’s death, I am greatly saddened. I feel as if I’ve lost a personal friend; a friend who contributed much in his lifetime, and was misunderstood in many ways. A tragic figure who will remain a legend until the end of time.

I’m saddened.

Tremendously saddened.

And I will love him forever.

Soule Restaurant: Sons of Liberty - Patriots or Terrorists?

It is commonly believed that Britain’s levy of a tax on tea was what started the Revolutionary War. In reality, the Tea Act placed no new tax on tea; it simply gave a tax break to the East India Tea Company.

The company was struggling due to competition from tea smuggled in to the colonists and sold for less. In order to help the East India Tea Company, Britain reduced their tariff on tea, allowing them to lower their price and effectively compete with the smugglers.

Although this would have benefited the colonists economically, many assumed the viewpoint that Britain preferred to help the private tea company rather than see colonial smugglers profit.

This view was already prevalent due to the controversial Stamp Tax imposed by Britain on November 1, 1765. Britain felt that it was their right to tax the colonists to pay for the Seven Year War, for which they believed the colonists had benefited. Without representation in Parliament; however, the colonists believed any taxation to be unjust.

The Sons of Liberty was a secret organization that performed most of the acts that spurred the war, including the act now known as the Boston Tea Party.

Largely through violence, they forced the resignation of many stamp distributers within the colonies.

They raided the ships in Boston and tossed the tea into the ocean, polluting the local fishing area, and attempted to frame the Mohawk Indians by dressing in their native garb.

Patriots or Terrorists?

I guess that depends on whose history you read.

Soule Restaurant: Food Facts: Spinach

Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence; a source of more than 20 different measurable nutrients, and yet one cup has 40 calories and no fat!
Especially rich in Vitamins C & A, spinach helps to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which makes it stick to the walls of blood vessels. Just a salad size portion can lower blood pressure in 2 – 4 hours.

One amazing effect of spinach consumption is its ability to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Spinach possesses a carotinoid called neoxanthin that induces cancer cells to self-destruct. In the intestines, it converts to neochromes which puts prostate cancer cells into a state of stasis, stopping them from replicating.

Other benefits of regular spinach consumption includes protection against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, and conditions with inflammatory symptoms like arthritis and asthma.

Finally, spinach is very rich in iron; a very important fact because iron is usually found in red meat. Eating spinach can provide that iron without the fat and calories!

Soule Restaurant: Happy Birthday America!

Happy Belated Birthday, America!

I was in Maryland this festive 4th and had an interesting thought... Well, to me anyway...

America celebrates its independence. Cool. But in this day and age of Twitter, Facebook and Myspace, we leave ourselves open to let people know everything we are doin'. Just imagine if in revolutionary times, there was Twitter.

Paulrevere61: The British are coming! The British are coming! I'll start my ride at around 11 PM so the non-computer users will know. LOLOLOL

…Knowing good and damn well that some British officers probably followed his tweets.

*BANG*

They cut him off at the giddy-up… and we are now eating tea and crumpets.

Or perhaps General Washington post victory tweeted:

WoodToothGeorge: LMFAO aT aLl My HaTeRz!!! DelaWaRe RiVeR ShOuLdA Came HaRdEr ThAn Dat!

I say this to say that we are becoming lazy, but are willing to give all our information. Pick up a bottle of Mountain Dew-- Mountain is now abbreviated... and not even correctly.

It says MNT DEW. Mt. Is the proper abbreviation.

You can now follow Sportscenter on Twitter. You know where else you can follow Sportscenter? On Sportscenter.

Sad, aint it?

Victor Torres

Soule Restaurant: The Buzz

Soulé is being reviewed by Flavor Isle! Stay tuned… The Green Grape on Fulton Street was recently named New York Wine and Spirit Retailer of the Year! Congratulations, neighbor… A new hotel is being built at 231 Duffield Place, near a Sheraton Hotel now under construction… Join Soule at the July 26th Eco & Art Festival at Prospect Park’s Carousel Entrance! Go green with free workshops and activities for children. All sponsored by Senator Eric Adams… There are plenty of beautiful women across the East River, but Miss Manhattan isn’t one of them. That’s because this year’s reigning Miss Manhattan, Inga Schlingmann, lives and works in Brooklyn… The measles is back—in Brooklyn! City officials said that at least 11 cases of the measles have been reported in the last two months… The Great Recession is pummeling home prices in Brooklyn, indiscriminately gutting real estate values in almost every neighborhood surveyed, a recent study revealed… A new tree-lined landscape is being created on the cleared surface of what was Pier 1, next to Fulton Ferry Landing, the pier closest to Brooklyn Bridge... “Brooklyn in Transition: A Photographic Essay of the Gowanus” is currently on display in the Grand Lobby of the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza…