Craig Groeschel @ the Generation Conference 2008
You heard it here first: Craig Groeschel is coming to the Generation Conference this year. Craig is the lead pastor of Lifechurch.tv. and has consistently been known for being one of the most influential and innovative churches in America today. He’s one of my favorite teachers and it will be an honor to host him this year. By the Way if you haven’t pre-registered for the Generation Conference you can do so now.
NYC: My Personal Favorite Restaurants
If you want some good restaurants here are the ones that I would recommend.
- Il Mulino is definitely my favorite restaurant to go to when I have some extra money to go. It’s a bit pricey but in my humble opinion worth every cent. The service is outstanding. You’ll feel like a king from the moment you walk in. It’s the best Italian restaurant I have been to. Let me clarify, there is Italian like grandma makes and then there is gourmet Italian. Il Mulino is a perfect combo of both. If I could go just for the complimentary appetizers I would. If you decide to go you’ll need a reservation. Good luck seeing that it is next to impossible to get in, but keep trying.
- Remi is my next favorite. I’ve only had good experiences here. Again, not Italian like grandma made but great nonetheless. Repeat: Dont go here if you are looking for Lasagna, canneloni, or chicken parmigana. Its definitely different, and if your used to Italian like me, you will be disappointed if you go with the “home cooked itlalian” mindset.
- For Italian like you would expect if you visited my house here are the places I recommend. First, Carmine’s is always great. Last time I was in NY I took some friends there and we were on a 2 1/2 hour waiting list to get in. Was it worth it? You bet. I have never had anything at Carmine’s didn’t like. All food is served family style and it will make you feel like your eating Sunday dinner with the family after church. In Little Italy here are three of my favorites: Vincent’s, Paesano’s, and La Mela. All three are great with Vincent’s being my favorite.
- Peter Luger is a great place if you like steak. You might run into some sports stars or even movie stars. Also, if you are near Peter Luger during lunch they serve hamburgers - They’re fantastic. They only serve them during lunch, and by the way they only take cash.
- Plataforma is a Brazilian churrascaria restaurant located uptown. If you’re hungry and are in the mood for meat, this is your place. All you can eat steak is piled on your plate until you say stop. Definitely an experience.
- The Shark Bar is a great place for soul food. I haven’t been here in a while, and would love to go back. I heard the guy who played in the movie “the Last Dragon” owns it. Im n ot sure if its a rumor but if it was true it makes it that much cooler. One of my favorite movies ever. WHOS THE MASTER?…Shogun of HARLEM.
- BBQ seems to be catching on in NYC. NY actually has one of my very favorites now- Dinosaur BBQ. That’s Right. New Yorkers can now have the pleasure of experiencing what us upstaters have had for years.
- The Carnegie Deli is pretty interesting. I dare you to get a sandwich an finish it. Personally, I don’t go there often, but if you like sandwich’s you’ll love this place. Seriously one sandwich will probably feed 4 people easily. It’s almost disgusting. Great typical NY cheesecake too…Although if you want true NY cheescake Junior’s just opened a place in Time Square so you can expereince what Brooklynites have had for years. Personally, Im not a huge cheesecake fan. Every once and a while, is okay for me.
- The Rainbow Room is probably the most romantic place that I have been to in NYC. The food, at least when i was there, was mediocre at best, but what the Rainbow Room lack in food quality it more than makes up in ambiance. Last time my wife and I were there Paul McCartney was there with his now former wife Heather Mills. It’s at the top of the NBC building and the views are breathtaking. You have to go when they have a big band and have the dance floor open to make it an unforgettable experience. Another restaurant with a view is the restaurant at the top of the Beekman Hotel. I have only been there for dessert but the views are incredible. The food, however, is nothing to talk about.
Those are my favorites. However, I am sure you will find more great places than you will ever know what to do with. If you have ever
NYC: Some Great Quick Eats
I know I have been talking about food a lot, but to me there is nothing worse than paying for a bad meal. You have to eat, you might as well enjoy it. If your in NY for a short time you might not want to take a long time for lunch and you probably want some quality fast-food. Here are some different places to if you’re in the neighborhood and your not in the mood for Starbucks, Chipotle, or Five Guys. I already told you about pizza and bakeries to get croissants and muffins but here are some other great places to go:
- Dean & Deluca is the greatest gourmet grocery store you will ever visit. It has rows and rows of exotic fresh fruit, homemade deserts, meats, cheeses and more than you can imagine. They have a section of prepared foods along with a place you can buy soups and sandwiches. Buy something from the prepared food case and take it up front and stand, eat and people watch. It’s kind of fun.
- H&H Bagels have the best bagels in NY. For a quick breakfast you can buy a bagel with one of their assorted cream cheeses or just go with butter. These bagels have continually been voted the best in NY. I wholeheartedly agree.
- Reuben’s empanada is a great place to stop in Soho. Reuben’s variety of filled empanadas are something different. My favorite’s are the spicy chicken or potato. Reuben’s is located in Soho right off of West Broadway.
- NYC Hot Dogs. How could I forget the NYC hot dogs. Visitors always want to go to Grey’s papaya. Again, that’s okay. The typical street vendors are better in my opinion. The Key: look for the Sabrett logo on the umbrella awning and you’ll be set.
NYC: My Favorite Places for Dessert
Since we are talking about chocolate, I thought I’d talk about a passion of mine bakeries. A little vice I picked up from my Dad. I remember when I lived in Portland, Oregon how much I enjoyed going to NW 23rd to go to Papa Hyden’s. Their desserts made it more of an experience than just simply having a great dessert. NYC, as always, blows away the competition. Here are some of my favorites and I hope I remember all of them.
- Café Bouley. I went here on a recommendation from a person who had been to a lot of NYC restaurants. They raved about it, so I decided to take my wife there during on of our trips to the city. Talk about an experience, Bouley has it down. They used to have this dessert called “Sweet Pleasures” a recreation of a popular Pierre Herme classic. It was fantastic. But it didn’t begin nor end there. Dessert was served in courses. First they bring out creative sorbet soup. This is can very in flavors but usually is comprised of a cold juice in bowl with three scoops of sorbet. Then comes the Dessert you ordered along with coffee. After you have finished your dessert they bring out a tiered tray of petite fours (little French-style cookies). Disclaimer: I haven’t been to Bouley in a while (about 2 years), so I’m not sure if they still do things the same. I do know they opened one of the best bakeries in NY across the street from their original location at 126 West Broadway. If you want great French pastries and bread this is definitely the place to go.
- French pastries. Ever since I visited France 7 years ago I have been a connoisseur of French pastries. If you love French pastries you have to check these places out. First, Ceci Cela on Spring Street in Soho. If you go ,everything is good but I would recommend chocolate-almond croissants, the pistachio madelines, or the chocolate éclair. By the way, you can order their croissants pre-made and they will ship them to you. The other French bakery located on the same street is Balthazar. All of their tarts and pastries are great. If you like cakie brownies, try theirs. Its my wife’s favorite. The third French bakery is located uptown. Payard is one of the only places anywhere that makes French macaroons.
- Italian Bakeries. Well, let me say this, I don’t know if i’m partial to Utica, but I have had cannoli in Italy, NYC, and NE but I have to say while others can be good none can beat Caruso’s on Bleeker in Utica. I say this because anyone in the city talks about Veniero’s. I’ve been there and it’s okay. The best Italian Bakery I have been to in Manhattan would have to be La Bella Ferrara (not Ferraras) located on Mulberry close to Canal. My grandmother used to buy me Biscotti from here. Outside of Manhattan, there are a couple I would recommend but definitely not worth the drive.
- Cupcakes. About six years ago my cousin told me about a bakery on Bleeker where they were lining up to buy cupcakes. He told me where it was and my wife and I went. The place is none other than Magnolia Bakery. It’s been n movies and featured in SNL skits. The desserts are great. Not just the cupcakes. Second, is one we recently found, Crumbs. My wife got the Hostess, named for the famous hostess chocolate cupcake with cream in the middle, She loved it.
- Bruno Bakery, last but not least is another great place. If you go, I’m sure you’ll be puzzled for hours on what to order.
Those are mine and my wife’s favorites. I’m sure you’ll love them as well. However, the great thing about NY is comparable to what I like about the Word of God (if i can make that comparison). No matter how much you think you know it, there is always some great place that you run into that has been there for years and you just didn’ t know about it.
NYC: Chocoholics Guide to NY
My wife is a Chocoholic. Literally. My brother-in-law often jokes that we are Elves because we basically believe in the 4 food groups: Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn & Maple Syrup. Well, elves missed one. Chocolate. If you are ever in NYC. Check out these Chocolate shops.1. La Maison Du Chocolat. This chocolate is arguably the best you will ever have. They make a great valentines gift too. They have stores all over the world with their original located in Paris France. Their store in NYC is located in the NBC building down the street from Radio City Music Hall. If you’re a chocoholic you wont want to miss this one. Try the truffles!2. Marie Belle. You may have seen tins of her hot chocolate mix a Williams-Sonoma or Crate and Barrel. This little shop in Soho is one of my very favorite places to go to. On one recent trip there we ran into Mike Meyers (Austin Powers) there. In the back they have a chocolate bar that serves cookies and drinks. The hot chocolate is like nothing you ever had. One of my favorites is the cold/frozen hot chocolates. They have them in different flavors but my very favorite is the Aztec. If you’re shopping in Soho don’t miss it.3. Jacques Torres’ Haven. You may have seen Jacques on the Food Network doing some unbelievable chocolate sculpture. Well, you can see some of them first hand at his shop in Manhatten. I always do my best to get a chocolate bunny for my daughters from here for their Easter baskets. The only problem is My wife and I eat more of the bunnies than the kids. Haven also has a chocolate bar and it is extremely good.
NYC Best Pizza…My Opinion!
Every time I take someone from out of town to NYC they always ask me about Famous Ray’s Pizza. I think its because it has been in so many movies. Also, the controversy over which is the “original” Ray’s creates a psychological draw to the place. I’ve been to a few of the Ray’s Pizza’s…They’re all right. Here’s my opinion. I have actually 3 favorites. For the best pizza you just might have to travel outside Manhatten although I hear they have a store in Penn Station now (never been). Here’s Mike Servello’s favorites:
- Rosa’s Pizza in Queens. Hands down the best Pizza I have ever had. They have multiple locations: One on Fresh Pond Rd right off of Metropolitan Ave, one on Metropolitan Ave, and another on 69th St. All three locations are near the neighborhood my mother grew up in. The regular slices are great, but if you go I’d recommend that you try the Sicilian slices or the Chicken Rolls, or just get both. The Sicilian slice is honestly the best you will ever have, trust me.
- Pomodoro Pizza in Soho. If your on broadway heading toward Downtown take a left on Spring St for two great pizza places. Pomodoro (corner of Spring and Mulberry) makes a bunch of non-traditional pizza’s that are a great break from traditional style pizza. My favorites: The Vodka Slice and The Fresh Tomato and Mozzerella. The Vodka slice is to die for.
- Lombardi’s. Just down the street from Pomodoro on Spring and Mott Streets is one of the oldest brick oven pizza places in NY. I cant say I go there all the time, but when I have it is fantastic. If you have never had brick oven pizza….Try it here.
NYC: My favorite Places!
My mom was born and raised in New York City. Some of the favorite times of my life have been visiting my relatives in Middle Village in queens. As I got older, I would venture off into Manhatten for some fun. Over the years I have found a few places that have become traditions for me that I’d thought I’d share with you over the next few days. 
So Lets start with restaurants…Do you like breakfast? If you do, I guarantee you have never had breakfast like this anywhere. Norma’s at Le Parker Meridian hotel is a sure not miss. It is an incredible experience. Modern Decor and a creative menu will have you talking for years about what you ate for breakfast. The only bad part of it is you’ll be doomed to compare all other breakfasts you have to Norma’s for your entire existence. Here are some of things I’ve tried that I love:
- PB&C Waffle ‘Wich Chocolate Waffle with a Peanut Butter and Toffee Crunch Filling
- Chocolate Decadence French Toast Covered in Strawberries, Pistachios and Valrhona Chocolate Sauce
- Carmelized Chocolate Banana Waffle Napoleon
- Scrambled Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Quesadilla with Monterey Jack Cheese, Guacamole, and Salsa
Could or Should?
All right, so I told you all my time of fasting prayer led to one word from the Lord and that was Wait! I felt as if God gave me some personal revelation from the life of Jesus on this whole subject. It seems as though the knee jerk reaction to any problem that I have is to blast it away with my “Faith Gun”, but what if God doesn’t want me to say, in the words of scripture, to this mountain to be thrown into the sea. What if the question isn’t if we could but rather if we should? 4 Scriptures, a couple comments:
- Phil. 2:5-7 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’sdeath on a cross.
- Luke 4:3-4 Then the Devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People need more than bread for their life.’”
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Matt. 7:22-23 On judgment day many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.’
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Matt. 26:52-54 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will be killed by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
Fast 2008
Our two weeks of fasting and prayer at the church were just simply incredible. I was amazed at the intensity and hunger of our people in showing up most every night for over and hour and a half of seeking God! I consider it an honor to be amongst such passionate people. As for me, I have been seeking direction on some key things in my life. The word God gave me: Wait. Wait!?! Anybody who knows me knows I hate waiting, but nevertheless its the word I feel from God. I guess its not just waiting but its the giving up of control that is the hardest part in the waiting. So, I make the decision today to do just that…Wait and be Patient!
Fasting and Prayer 2008
Warning this post might be extra long.
Every year our church begins the year with two weeks of fasting and prayer. I personally have been looking forward to this year in particular because of some major things I need to hear from God about. Recently, I put together a message on fasting and prayer. Im my study, I went through the scriptures and looked at all the different passages relating to the topic. As I was praying through my research I was seeking the Lord for a definition that would some up the spiritual practice of fasting. I know many people would define it by something somewhat obvious which would be abstaining from food a period of time dedicated to prayer. While the definition remains true -I personally think this definition lacks the heart of the practice. After all, fasting isnt a hunger strike. So here’s my simple definition of fasting: Fasting is spending EXCLUSIVE time with God. When I say exclusive time, I mean you have freed your life from every possible distraction - food included but not limited to it- to just be with Jesus. Personally, I believe during fasting and prayer all entertainment should be avoided- Not for the sake of avoidance but for the sake of spending that extra time with the Lord. Here’s my recommendation. While food is great to give up and I personally am doing it, I think GOd would be a lot happier with the Christians if they shut off their TVs, lost the ipods, killed the Xbox and just took all that time we spent on ourself and spent it with Jesus. In Isaiah 58, I beleive GOd makes this point clear when he sarcastically tells them why their going without food was in vein. Look at these two key verses
Is. 58:3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have done much penance, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why! It’s because you are living for yourselves even while you are fasting.
Is. 58:13 …Don’t pursue your own interests on that day…Honor the LORD in everything you do, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. If you do this, the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
Those two verses probably contain more truth and relevance about fasting than any others I have read. I end this post with a quote from the renowned, respected theologian JI Packer from his book Your Father Loves You:
Fasting means to lay aside any pleasurable and/or vital activity for a period of time in order to intensely pursue God and know His mind with the intent of obeying His revealed will. In Scripture we see several purposes for fasting. It’s part of the discipline of self-control; it’s a way of sharing that we depend on God alone and draw all our strength and resources from him; it’s a way of focusing totally on him when seeking his guidance and help, and of showing that you really are in earnest in your quest; it’s also, at times, an expression of sorrow and deep repentance, something that a person or community will do in order to acknowledge failure before God and seek his mercy.We tend to think of fasting as going without food. But we can fast from anything. If we love music and decide to miss a concert in order to spend time with God, that is fasting. It is helpful to think of the parallel of human friendship. When friends need to be together, they will cancel all other activities in order to make that possible. There’s nothing magical about fasting. It’s just one way of telling God that your priority at that moment is to be alone with him, sorting out whatever is necessary, and you have canceled the meal, party, concert, or whatever else you had planned to do in order to fulfill that priority.
God, more than food, more than entertainment, you have my full undivided attention. I will do my very best to dedicate the next two weeks to you and to no other self pleasing thing. May my desire for you and your presence increase… not for religiosity or pseudo-spirituality, not for gifts or gain, but simply for you. AMEN!
- BTW, Ill be out of the blogosphere as part of my exclusive time with Jesus involves the internet. I will be checking email due to work related stuff so I will approve any comments or criticisms. If you are part of our church and are fasting with us I hope your exclusive time with Jesus results in a greater passion for Jesus and people!
