Blockheads

On my last visit to NY I had the pleasure of dining in downtown, Hell's Kitchen at Blockheads they are famous for their delicious burritos and unique margaritas. Blockheads not only is great but affordable as well. They bartend amazing 4 dollar margaritas, are recognized for their famous "bulldog" drink priced at only $7, this cooling drink includes a margarita with a shot and a Corona on top; seriously, whats not to love? The location is a plus, walking distance from Time Square, with a relaxed urban feel to enjoy your night with great company, what a complete win! Accommodating outdoor seating for those nice days, enjoy the scenery (visit before cold weather arrives). The food is delicious, tasteful and fresh not to mention great portions. Waiters deliver outstanding, attentive and cheerful service. Make sure to make an appearance at blockheads if you are in the area, I guarantee that you will enjoy every bit of it.

Complimentary chips & salsa

Drink menu

Outdoor seating area

The famous "Bulldogs"

Quesadillas

Chicken tacos

Chicken & steak burrito

Rock the Bells 2011 NY!!!

Rock the Bell 2011 was a salute to some of hip-hop's most celebrated MCs, R&B greats and their biggest prized albums. I got to see one of the strongest line-ups ever, featuring Lauryn Hill performing "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", Nas performing "Illmatic," Erykah Badu performing "Baduizm", Cypress Hill performing "Black Sunday" and many more at Governor's Island, NY. Last year Rock the Bells hit the DMV area, unfortunately this year they did not. This year they were in LA, San Francisco, Boston and New York. Most of the day seemed to celebrate how special New York hip-hop was in the mid-late 90's and how important it continues to be since New York is were many of these artists call home. Here are some pictures in order of the acts on the main stage.

Cypress Hill

Cypress Hill was the first performance on the main stage, he did such a great job with getting the crowd ready. He was so pumped through each and every song. He had the audience going crazier then ever when he brought back his number 1 1993 US hip hop chart hit "Insane in the Brain."

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu had to be my favorite, she completely aced her performance and gave extra credit. Her funky & soulful music was such a hit it left the crowd wanting more; it was such a relaxed tease. "Other Side of the Game" and "Apple tree" had to be my favorite as she did such an immaculate job playing the keyboard. She also humbly came down the stage to greet the audience as I was able to get up-close and personal pictures. Couldn't have asked for a better performance, I will anxiously wait for her to come to the DMV area to see her once again.

Lauryn Hill

 Lauryn Hill is such a legend and her album is so memorable. Although, sound effects were not working along side L-Boogie, as she sang and rapped, she kept motioning vaguely and abruptly to the musicians to to play harder or softer. Once her guest co-performer Pras came out I think things fell into place, they rocked the stage together to "Ready or Not." "Lost Ones" and "Ex-Factor" had to be my favorite, she had the crowd singing to the top of our lungs. Lauryn Hill NEEDS to come out more often, she is such a diva!

Nas

Nas closed the night out getting through his 16 year old album with special guest Pete Rock and DJ Premier. His stage setting was literally constructed onto the stage to recreate "Queensbridge" where he is from in New York. He blew everyone away with his lively performance. He also brought out Ms. Lauryn Hill again to sing and rap their famous song "If I Ruled the World." What a way to end Rock the Bells, it was a HIT!!!