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DOWN 2 MARS
I remember being called downstairs in the 7th grade because my chaperone was here. I’m greeted by her back which to some might be disrespectful but I’d say it depends on what they’ve got on. I’m given a warm welcome from a chocolate brown collar lined with fur. A brown back heavily decorated with embroidery and colorful embellishments that could say hello before she did.
“Best friend, you didn’t tell me Angie was our chaperone, she’s so bomb.”
Angie.
She’s been fly for as long as I could remember. Not fly like she’s wearing what everyone else is but fly like she’s got a bird’s eye view on this whole fashion thing. G5, UFO, out of this world fly. And like a UFO this was a rare sighting which would change fashion sense forever. The best part of it all was Scotty, Angie had beamed me up and I was in my own world after that.
Angela Jordan, of Southside Jamaica Queens went to August Martin high school with my brother where she caught his eye and it’s been a wrap since then. Big ups to my brother for not letting her pass because I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Not only has she helped me with freely expressing myself, but has also helped me with building good character and never settling for less.
I took inspiration from her gold door knockers, layered cold chains, jean dresses and fifty-four elevens in the summer. And in the winters her velour juicy sweat suits, Uggs and Fendi bags would warm my soul like a cup of Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate. I loved playing dress up in her closet because I would always feel like a Bratz doll sifting through her accessories and designer shoes, bags and clothes.
Angie became a mother to my niece at the age of 20 and still managed to stay fly, make sure my niece was clothed, fed and thoroughly educated. She was the queen of the sale section whether it be H&M, Nordstrom, Sak’s, a thrift shop, she’d find gold.
“Girl you getting older so clothes are getting more expensive, you have a 40 dollar limit.”
At age 15, 40 dollars sounded like nothing to me, since a shirt plus tax costs 40 dollars at Forever 21. I can distinctly remember the first time she helped me pick out an outfit from the sale section, I was speechless. Prior to I thought the sale section was full of garbage, little did I know. Her determination to maintain her swag while being a devoted mother is a metaphor of her life. She would never let on coming asteroids knock her out of orbit.
“You can’t let one bad thing make you forget all you have to be grateful for. Waking up and being able to wear your favorite pair of shoes to work is a blessing in its self.”
Angie taught me that fashion is not only the clothes I wear but the way I live my life and I’ve been down to Mars ever since.
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Nice to meet ya, La Esquina
After a long afternoon of thrifting with friends in Williamsburg, Brooklyn ending my day with a great meal is essential. I hop on the Uptown L, then a quick transfer the 6 and I find myself at Kima’s suggestion, La Esquina. As a die-hard Mexican food lover, I was skeptical. Walking up on it, I take in the 1970’s style deli awning, which reads, “The Corner Deli”. The restaurant is a smorgasbord of three sectors that could each be considered their own eatery. Taqueria is the deli section of the shop, it is mainly for those who want to pick up food to go or grab a quick bite. Inside it has bar style seating with five yellow stools and outside there are red folding chairs and square tables. It’s vividly colored walls and furniture are a Mexican medley of teal, yellow, red and green. We make our way to the Cafe to give the hostess our party name and count. We are told there will be a 20-minute wait, which is not surprising because this is Manhattan. Luckily, Lafayette Park is right across the street to aid in providing location for our wait. 20 minutes’ breeze by with the help of the entertaining, busy city atmosphere.
We’re seated by the door in the Café, which has a more relaxed color scheme; made up of taupe, guacamole greens and wooden tables. The tables are close to each other but not uncomfortably on top of each other, this adds to the intimate aura of the space. After being bombarded with a million and one questions, our helpful waiter finally takes our orders. I order the “Tinga de Pollo” plate, a pineapple Mexican soda, we all agree on chips and salsa, and guacamole as our appetizer.
Once the chips and salsa arrive, I quickly sample both the festive salsa and rich guacamole. The wait possibly could have been long but I couldn’t tell you for sure. I didn’t experience agitation while waiting due to two reasons, the first being the amazing chips and dip which not only, met my Mexican food standard, but revved me up for the main course. Secondly the dimly lit room with candles to illuminate each table and perfectly sound tracked vibes that radiated throughout the restaurant.
My waiter rests a wooden tray which is heavily decorated with avocado, shredded cabbage, chipotle salsa, sautéed peppers, onions and a sizzling metal black pan. The pan holds Tinga de pollo, a shredded chicken in sauce, white rice, black beans and pico de galla. The steam rising from the pan should be a yield sign however my nervous system couldn’t send the message in time and I quickly dig into the meal with no hesitation. My taste buds are gratefully welcomed with authentic Mexican taste. The Jarritos pineapple soda is refreshing, it is not as sugar heavy as regular soda. A doggy bag is always the regular conclusion to my restaurant trips. However, this time I don��t need one because I finished everything!
Before I leave, I ask the waiter if I can find their playlist on Soundcloud or Apple Music. Come to find out there is a live DJ downstairs in the Brassiere. The Brassiere is the hidden last section of La Esquina. To get to it, there is a speakeasy style walk through the kitchen and cutting of a couple corners to get to the bar, lounge, dining room area. I would love to give more details on the down under but till next time La Esquina!
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