Friday September 16th is PARK(ing) Day: an annual, world-wide event to promote creativity and design in an urban setting. Metered parking spots across the globe will be transformed into temporary mini parks and other types of enjoyable outdoor spaces. The purpose is to support beautification of the city, inspire innovation and promote public goodwill. This is an “open-source” event that invites citizens, artists and activist to “rent” a parking space and create and use an outdoor, urban environment… until the meter runs out!
PARK(ing) Day began in San Fancisco in 2005. Rebar, a design/art studio, converted a metered parking spot in the downtown area into a temporary park. They used the space for the allotted meter time of two hours and a few weeks later a single photo of the transformed space travelled across the web, sparking requests to promote this project in other cities. This event’s popularity has grown each year, and in 2010, 850 parks were created in 183 cities in 30 countries across 6 continents.
Cadence co-founders Gage Couch and Rebecca Bradley built furniture out of recycled wood pallets for their space, and they invite you all to join them in their creation from 7:30am-1:30pm this Friday. “In order to be a success, we must have visitors to use the space, “says Rebecca, “Sometimes we all need to step out of the “norm” and take the time to re-imagine everyday places in a whole new way. Urban transformation powered by the people!”
Gage and Rebecca received clearance for this gathering from several city departments. If you are interested in renting a spot of your own, be sure to contact the City of Fort Lauderdale and clearly outline your plan and purpose. Or, just join in on the fun with Gage and Rebecca. Also, remember that the purpose of PARK(ing) Day is to support beautification of the city, inspire innovation and promote public goodwill. This gathering is not to promote any business, service or product. Happy PARK(ing)! Facebook page: Park(ing) day Fort Lauderdale
Check out some photos from Park(ing) Day in other cities after the jump:
It’s early in the week and there’s already so much new local music circulating the web. Here is a summary of just a handful of local bands that released new music this week.
Retrocities
I think it’s pretty safe to say that Retrocities are big fans of Joy Division, Morrisey, and The Cure. The Pompano Beach trio channels these great bands in their newest EP. The FTLC has been anxiously waiting to hear some recordings from these guys; their latest release doesn’t disappoint. Stream 3 of the 5 tracks below:
Young Circles
HURRY! HURRY! HURRY! Until midnight tonight, you can download for free Young Circles’ newest album Jungle Habits from their Bandcamp. I’m a big fan of this album, and especially love their song 2012– it’s one of my favorite tracks of the year.
Worth mentioning, these experimental rockers are amazing live.
Little Beard
Lo-fi rock band Little Beard make fun, beach cruising music. Think of bands like Best Coast, Wavves, Tennis, or even a little of Jacuzzi Boys. Their latest song Me Too (download for FREE on Little Beard’s Bandcamp) is more of the same. I like everything this band has recorded thus far.
Here are 4 food items we have our eye on at this Wednesday’s food truck rally:
Ground Beef Nachos @ Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill
photo from FoodTruckCatering.com
As an appetizer, we’re going to order some nachos from Coral Springs-based food truck Nacho Mama’s. Ordering tex-mex seems like a no-brainer when it comes to food trucks. Since Nacho Bizness is usually outside of Fat Cat’s on any given weekend night, we figured Nacho Mama’s might be worth a shot. In an article on Miami New Times, one of the owners recommended the shrimp burrito or the skirt steak nachos. Both those items are not listed on their online menu, but if they’re available on Wendesday, we’re might switch our order to one of those.
Custom Grilled Cheese @ CheeseMe Mobile
photo from Yelp.com
I must admit that when I planned on writing this post, CheeseMe’s Mac N Cheese Pancakes were on the top of my list. However, after reading a lot of negative reviews, I’ve changed my mind. The best aspect about this truck is the ability to custom order your own cheesy creation. My eye’s on the Texas Toast with vintage cheddar and roasted turkey. I will add that prices are a little steep (cheese + bread is $6, add $2 -$6 for insertions).
Short Rib Sandwich @ Slow Food Truck
photo from BurgerBeast.com
While a lot of happy reviewers spoke highly of a sandwich called The Ono, I couldn’t find the sandwich on their online menu. So I’m opting to try their other highly praised sandwich Short Rib Sandwich.
G.O.A.T. Cookie @ Sugar Rush
photo from BurgerBeast.com
Almost every online reviewer loves this cookie, so I must try it. It’s a chocolate cookie with fudge inside. With reasonable prices on the menu, there’s no doubt I’ll be ordering more than one item. I’m looking at you Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. This food truck appears to be a sure bet. Make this your final evening stop to cap off a greasy dinner.
Side note: There are so many good food trucks coming this Wednesday, and just because we didn’t include a food truck in this post doesn’t mean they aren’t good– chances are that we have tried them before or will include them in the next food truck post. For reviews of the other food trucks, search Burger Beast. That guy is the aficionado of South Florida food trucks.
Downtown Ft. Lauderdale has a new breakfast locale coming this July, and with the recent closing of Bluejays Cafe (can someone please turn off their Christmas lights), this couldn’t come at a better time. In the spot where Village Pie never opened, Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House will be making its debut. By glancing at their website (and listening to the auto-play banjo music), it’s evident that the owner Rodney Ely is banking on the quality and farmer freshness of his food. According to his bio, Rod is an old school local who has been a part of many successful restaurants from FTL’s past. The walls inside are decorated with vintage photos, further emphasizing his roots in the city. Even though there are no free refills on coffee (“that’s not Folgers in your cup”) and it’s a little pricey for breakfast, the FTLC staff will be eagerly waiting for the announcement of the OB House grand opening. Take a glance at their tasty menu and share in our excitement.
The restaurant is located at 333 Himmarshee St, Ft Lauderdale.
