No, seriously, don’t try and change anything or they will kill you. OK, fine they won’t kill you, but they will tell you that you aren’t allowed to change a DAMN THING about your order.
I took a stroll over to Umami Burger in South Beach recently and chose the Veggie burger, known as the Miami Earth Burger. This delectable choice comes complete with avocado, red pepper flakes, butter lettuce, tomato and Goat Cheese. I am NOT a huge fan of goat cheese. The strong taste seems to overpower and really I need to be in a “goat cheese” mood to enjoy it in my food. This time, I didn’t have much of a choice.
I was pretty surprised to learn that I am not able to change the cheese that comes with the burger I’m paying for. The waitress was very nice (as was most of the staff) so I simply said “OK” and asked for no cheese. She then told me she’d bring me a side of Cheddar. So I’ll put together my own sandwich, no big deal.
When the manager brought out our sweet potato fries, which was very kind, I asked him about the side of cheese that never came out. He then explained that Umami Burger makes their own buns, burgers, cheese, etc, and that everything is put together in a very “Special” way, so altering something like the cheese would throw EVERYTHING OFF make the whole thing taste bad. He then proceeded to explain what goat cheese tastes like. “Sir, I know what Goat cheese tastes like and that’s why I don’t want it, thanks. Can I just have a side of cheddar, separately?” I asked nicely. Then with a very smug, “Manager from Office Space” type of smile-face he just said “No, you can’t.” and walked away. I was so shocked all I could do was laugh.
The Miami Earth burger was tasty, I will say that. Now, since I know food,what tastes good together, etc, I KNOW that some cheddar cheese would have been so good with it. The veggie burger was made with black beans. The bun was a little sweet and crispy. There was avocado involved. I mean, in what scenario does cheddar cheese not fit in with these things?! Honestly, someone please tell me when. I’ll wait.
And it’s like what, only the Umami Lords know what tastes good? For the record I got the goat cheese on the side, and alone it wasn’t too bad, but on the burger it was actually not good. NOT GOOD. Just the sheer fact that they seem so smug and self-assured that no one is allowed to disagree with their cheese selection is infuriating. Oh and my burger had ONE teeny smushed tomato; I was scared to ask for a normal amount of tomatos since they might have kicked me out at that point. Also, I tasted no Red Pepper flakes, which were listed on the menu. Just Saying.
My friend Lynn got the Classic Umami burger and it looked pretty great. I don’t eat meat so I’ll take her word for it- but the caramelized onions and parmesan cheese crisp seemed to really set it off. Maybe they need to try a few variations of their coveted Veggie option and then decide which one they will force on the non meat eaters. Of course I wasn’t at all forced to eat there, but I wanted to. After hearing such rave reviews from my friends and peers, I actually suggested the restaurant to my friend. I wanted to believe. But I guess I’ll leave that to the carnivores.
Umami Burger
1080 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-4334
It’s been a while since we did a Window Shopping Wednesday, but this Pre-Fall 2013 collection of Chanel Boy bags deserves some tear-soaked recognition. Ranging in price from just over $3,000 to more than $5,000 these bags are not for the light of pocket. However, they are so gorgeous and ornate, you guys have to at least see them. Some in detailed Baroque-esque leather, some adorned with chain-mail , some in Pony-hair and all in the iconic flap shape, I want every single one.
Feast your eyes below. And if you can afford it, or chose not to eat for a couple months, head over to Chanel and browse the shop!
Images via BilliDollarBaby
Pencil drawing by Diego Fazio
I think it’s important to take a little time out of your day every now and then and look at art. Wether it’s street graffiti, fine art in a museum, or drawings your little sister did in school, it’s good for you. Each piece took someone time to think, feel and create something from scratch. Art can be such an overused, cliché and annoying word, but at the end of the day, there’s beauty in it. I stumbled on an article showcasing pieces (some paint, some sculture, etc) that are so deep into Realism they look like actual photos. Some of the blew me away. They are below. Enjoy.
Sculpture by Ron Mueck
Painting by Thomas Arvid
Pedro Campos Oil Paint
Gregory Thielker Oil Paint
Kelvin Okafor Graphite Pencil
Lee Price Oil Paint
Bryan Drury Oil on Wood
Gottfried Helnwein Oil and Acrylic
Omar Ortiz Oil Paint
Kim Ji-hoon Pencil
Mike Bayne Oli on Wood
Happy Monday everyone.
While people are stuck at their desks, miserable in their cubicles or wherever they work, I present something to listen to to make our day a little better. We here at 2DopeBitches constantly get music submissions and it’s a mission to try and hear them all, let me tell you. No complaints though, because we get to experience new music from hungry, hardworking up and comers who are tackling their own PR and marketing along with working their 9-5′s all while making the music they are passionate about. That’s dedication. And sifting through the masses we often come across some real talent budding in So Fla.
Enter JR. The 21 year old Broward County native has been working hard on his 14-track mixtape, titled “Make My Mark,” dropping June 25th. His single, “The Good Life,” is an honest, gritty explanation of his struggles and dreams. I love his calm yet confident flow, wich reminds me of J Cole. The beats are well produced and the content is witty. Take a second to listen to “The Good Life” and feel free to check out his Reverb Nation page for more! Watch out for JR’s mixtape, produced by Royal Audio Tunes.
With all the legislation and political outrage/protests for and against medicinal Marijuana kind of becoming old news, are people just not really caring about who smokes what anymore? I recently read an article about the effects of the plant on women’s health, but the first thing that stuck out in my mind wasn’t what it may or may not do to my feminine body, but that no one is upset about how accepted it is.
I think that’s pretty dope.
Finally, the one vice that is pretty much non-addictive is seeming to slowly be taking it’s rightful place in society. I mean, people can get addicted to cigarettes, coffee and alcohol legally, but may go to jail for intending some earth-grown, non-chemical leaves? Well, not so much anymore. It seems that the laws are starting to change on the topic of simple possession.
22 states have carved out legal protections for pot users, ranging from decriminalization in some places [such as Alaska, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island] to medical exemptions in others, to outright legalization in Colorado and Washington. (Article, Wiki)
After reading the Refinery29 article, I suppose I learned a little bit. You actually CAN have withdrawal symptoms if you are a heavy smoker and then stop cold turkey (I don’t smoke so I can’t attest to this.)
“Marijuana withdrawal is subtle. If you’re smoking every day and you suddenly stop, there are symptoms — decreased sleep, irritability, decreased calorie intake — that people don’t tie to stopping marijuana.” That’s because, she says, the withdrawal is not an immediate response. The onset of symptoms doesn’t begin until the day after a person stops smoking, and it doesn’t peak until three or four days later — too late for most people to connect the two.” (Article)
Even with that said, I’m sure it won’t make people lay off the green- it may just answer a few questions like why you couldn’t sleep well for a few days. It’s interesting that the spin of this article was based on how women specifically are affected by Marijuana- the answer seems hazy. Other than possibly lowering one’s fertility, the effects seem to be about the same. However, the marketing may start to change. As the legalization of weed seems to be on it’s way (it’s still a federally illegal, btw,) the push may start leaning towards the shop-savvy sex. Cannabis scented candles and Anti-Aging Weed Treatments anyone?
Find out more about Marijuana’s many purposes and uses, along with businesses and campaigns to make it completely legal !
Please take a moment to listen to a pretty dope instrumental track entitled “My Love Goes” by Morehouse student, Tri Randall. The track is trippy in a moody, calm way. With the angelic voice of Mariah Carey in the background (the track samples her song “Bliss”) Randall manages to still keep your head nodding to the Trap-y sounds. I’ve said it a million times but I LOVE when I can leave a song playing and just sort of zone out in my own thoughts. This is definitely one of those songs.
Head over to Tri Randall’s Soundcould for more chill tracks
This bathing suit is HOT. This isn’t your mom’s old school one-piece. I mean, it’s a skin baring, sultry bathing suit that somehow seems pretty comfortable while showcasing all your goodies perfectly. Could you ask for more? And just in time for the Summer I might ad! The suit comes in Miami Heat White (I’m calling it that), an early 90′s Pastel Pink and Blue combination, and Black (which doesn’t really do it for me). Minimale Animale (the brain child of Fashion Design student turned Stylist turned Designer Cassandra Kellogg) took cues from this great city for it’s Summer 13 collection, aptly titled “Miami Vice.” It’s a little bit classy, very sexy, flashy, and attention grabbing, just like Miami.
I love the decadent feel of this suit. It clocks in at $285, and is available HERE.
Now, I’m going to start doing some hard-core pilates so I can rock this thing with pride. I’ll most likely open a lemonade stand to raise the money needed for this suit too!
SHOP THE MINIMALE ANIMALE SUMMER 13 COLLECTION HERE !
MIAMI ! This Saturday, May 11th, come join us at Style Market Miami! Not sure what that is? You’ve seen it, it’s the huge open-air market on 23rd and NW 2nd Ave in Wynwood during every second Saturday- vendors sell vintage items, hand bags, jewelry, furniture, EVERYTHING. And this Saturday your 2 Dope Bitches will be in attendance!
2DOPEBITCHES.com presents:
THE COLLECTION Pop Up Shop
Featuring Vintage hand-picked Items from the 2 Dope Bitches and original jewelry by Aja
6 pm to 11:30 pm 2303 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33127 Check the Official Facebook Page for info, updates and more !
This is THE COLLECTION‘s first Pop Up Shop so we are really excited. We carefully select our vintage pieces with the hope that people find something they wouldn’t have otherwise. Also, this is the first time the one-of-a-kind jewelry will be available in person. So, come out to our shop and find something unique! THE COLLECTION has women’s vintage as well as unisex and men’s items. So, don’t sleep! Also, don’t forget mother’s day is the next day- so you forgetful people have an extra chance to get a great gift for mom.
My mother and her band members of The Stilettos, including Debbie Harry circa 1973 , NYC
It’s no secret that I almost never listen to the radio. We all know that shit is repetitive and I at least think it can get pretty boring pretty quickly. I will get into a long conversation with you about why I hate a majority of what’s “hot” right now in mainstream music if you let me. That being said, I do like listening to music, even just as a background filler, basically all day. It’s almost as if I can’t make a move without music. My mom was in a band in the 70′s. My dad plays the drums and guitar like Santana. My sister does too, minus the drums, add in the Classical Flute. I cannot escape my musical roots, so I’ll embrace them instead. More on that later.
I have really been on this wave of what I like to think of as Boutique Music- it’s what would be playing (in my mind) at some snooty, upscale boutique where the customer service probably is terrible but you don’t care because they sell Yohji Yamamoto and Comme Des Garcons. I’ve said it before, I really like music I can kind of zone out to. And more and more lately that zone-out music has been electro/soulful/and definitely nothing I’ve heard on the radio. Spotify has really become my best friend, playing me exactly what I want to hear and then introducing me to an artist I’ve never heard of. I know I’m not the only one. Spotify has introduced me to artists and bands such as Disclosure, Quadron, Julio Bashmore and Poliça to name a few.
Below are a few of my favorite songs for the moment. I hope you at least like one as much as I do. And if you are feeling it, head over to Part One of this series. Enjoy!
Disclosure Feat. Eliza Doolittle “You And Me”
DJ Shadow Feat. Little Dragon “Scale It Back” (Silkie Remix)
B. Bravo “Computa Love”
Parallel Dance Ensemble “Juices”
Still with me? Last but not least, here’s my mix, with the help of Frantz Mza, of even more weird jams:
A few weeks ago we got the chance to hang out with YNG during the filming of his video for “Still Not A Player”, the dope new single off his newest project NSTB II. Norma and I had a fun time, talking shi*t, drinking 40′s and eating Wendy’s on the off time, and made sure to strike a few old school poses here and there. Shot in Miami’s Wynwood area by the very talented Unkle Luc, there is no surprise that the visual came out really great.
The video features lots of Vintage Stereon clothing, along with some ILL vintage pieces like that Heat Jacket and Orlando Magics Jersey. A special third dope bitch got thrown into the mix, I forgot her name, but she was a blast to work with also, very well behaved.
DOWNLOAD NSTB II HERE FOR FREE !
Make sure you check out YNG’s OFFICIAL PAGE
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