Queens Nock’in

While it seems hip-hop is making a departure from its original NYC native sound; every now and then a New York MC chooses to challenge this occurrence. -Next up to the mic is Nock, hailing from Hollis, Queens. With a nostalgic 90’s hip-hop flow, Nock is taking us back to the days when hip-hop belonged to the “Rotten Apple”.

On “Queens Finest” he gets straight to introducing himself, his sound, and his life. “I don’t condone but my past is written in stone.” He raps about serious issues in his hometown of queens; but manages to smoothly place these words over a smooth, melodic, feel good beat. On the tracks “This is Us” and “Humble Pie”- which effectively uses Tribe Called Quest‘s addictive Electric Relaxation beat , Nock manages to find a smooth balance between the aggressive sound of NY hip-hop and a laid back tone . Yet, the beats on these tracks are so memorable; almost any decent rapper could sound good over them. But Nock does manage to deliver decent lyrics and not be outshined over the classic instrumentals.

With “Rock Bellz” and “OMG’ he gets straight back to the grit of his native NYC sound. Yet, with these tracks he doesn’t manage to sound unique or capture the same addictive effect as tracks such as “Higher.” His artistic abilities and flow are heard more on smoother tracks. “See I’m a rock star. Pulling strings like guitars.”

Hopefully he manages to stick to the smoother and catchy tracks, which work better for his flow and makes him a more unique and marketable artists. Based on some of his work, being able to smooth out his classic NY sound is a forte he could possibly master. In today’s Drizzy, Nikki, Weezy, and Yeezy hip-hop era, just being a decent MC does not guarantee success. People want a character, a unique persona they can be entertained with. With more comedic rants, similar to the one heard at the end of “Humble Pie”, this decent MC could possibly become a star.

Check out his music @ http://www.reverbnation.com/NOCK

written by Steven Chew

The Chew Chronicles @ SugarCane Restaurant in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, NY

The Chew Chronicles @ Private Stock in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY

The Chew Chronicles @ Fish & Sip in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY

CHEW'in in Rome

2 weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of experiencing one of the best trips of my life. -

I ventured to Rome, Italy. In the"Eternal City", the people were friendly, the sights were phenomenal and the food was TO DIE FOR. Known for its amazing cuisine, historic visions, and passionate ambiance-Rome's beauty captivated my heart, while its food captivated my senses.

While walking through the streets, we stumbled across, Campo de Fiori. A romantic piazza filled with restaurants, evening strollers, and tasty gelato spots. It is here that we discovered, "Baccanate". We sat outside to enjoy the view and to take in the full Roman evening experience.

The staff was friendly, comical and laid back

-which I enjoy. Yet, it was my dish of choice that had me head over heels in love with "Baccanate".

The "Pappardella di farro con pomodoro piccante e pecorino di fossa" -a spicy tomato pasta with pecorino di fossa cheese - was absolutely savory. The perfect combination of subtle spiciness and Italian seasoning created an awesome dish. I paired the dish with a red wine, Merlot.

If ever in Rome, it is a must.

No trip to Italy is complete without a creamy helping of gelato. The Italian treat is served at several places in Rome. Yet, there are certain places known for the best. -Such as "Giolitti". This historic and well-known gelato spot located near the Pantheon is worth the hype. Granted it is a struggle to fight through the crowd to scream out your order. Yet, one taste of this gelato, and you'll be screaming in pure delectation. I had the cioccolato and stracciatella in a cup. While my cousin and traveling partner had the crema, limoncella, and caramel on a sweet cone.

While in Rome, I sampled several gelatos. Though none compared to the taste of Giolitti. -None.

As a foodie, a trip to Rome was a dream come true.

Many wonder if certain cities, well known for their food are worth all the rave they receive.

Let me be the first to tell you that Rome-is worth it!

TasteBuds (photo from Washington Post.com)
When it comes to Jamaican cuisine, an integral dish is the infamous jerk chicken. The spicy meat is a well-known favorite among the island's dishes.
Several , if not all, Jamaican restaurants serve the savory dish, but few can boastfully declare their "jerk" as the best.
One of these few is "Sweet Mango Cafe" in Washington DC. The restaurant proudly calls itself "Home of the World's Famous Jerk Chicken" and lays claim to the "Best Original Jamaican Jerk Chicken" in the DC area. -Yet,
after sinking your teeth into Sweet Mango's jerk, one might declare it as simply-the best.
When visiting the DC area, be sure to move Sweet Mango to the top of your itinerary.-With jerk chicken this good, its nothing short of a tourist attraction.

Sweet Mango is located @3701 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20010 / (202) 726-2646

Sweet Peach of Bed-Stuy

(photo from Time Out New York)

There's something special about a restaurant that feels like home. -and Peaches Restaurant and Bar in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn is just that. The atmosphere is warm, the staff is friendly, and the food is comforting. But you know the restaurant is nothing short of "comfy", by judging the crowd. On a Friday night at "Peaches", it seems everyone comes out to unwind. -Families with young kids, couples on dates, friends gathering for drinks and laughs at the bar . -It feels like a family gathering at grandma's house. The dim lighting, comfortable seating, and quaint decorations also help to create an atmosphere that is aesthetically intimate.

Yet, it is not only this restaurant's regard for Southern charm and comfort; its cuisine is absolutely delicious. "Peaches' " southern and barbecue menu has something for everyone.-Saucy pasta dishes, juicy pulled-pork sandwiches, and sophisticated roasted salmon are a few of the finds on the diverse menu. A pasta lover would enjoy the savory "Germelli Pasta with garlic shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and white wine sauce". The perfectly seasoned, light and creamy dish is the perfect combination of ingredients. And if your in the mood for fish, the entree "Roasted Salmon with Low Country Beans and Greens" is the perfect selection. -But this particular entrees side dish of "Low Country Beans and Greens" is definitely one of "Peaches' " tastiest treats. The side dish of beans and greens, mixed together and served in a bowl, was absolutely mouthwatering. The flavorful spices transformed a simple dish into a surprising delicacy.

I only had the pleasure of experiencing Peaches' dinner selections. Though I've been told their lunch and brunch servings are just as tasty-with sweets such as "Wild Orchards Country Pies"(pictured) and "Peaches Benedict (an interesting twist to the traditional eggs Benedict).
-If your looking for a place the whole family will enjoy, a comfortable location for a first date, or a nice spot to hang out with friends- Peaches Restaurant and Bar caters to it all; while also managing to serve delicious eats. -How many great spots can boast that?

Peaches Restaurant and Bar is located @ 393 Lewis Ave. Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn 11233