FROM THE STREETS

GMHC and a host of 50 brother and sister agencies hosted their annual AIDS WALK NEW YORK on Sunday May 17th. It was a cold blustery and wet Sunday morning; but the weather wasn't enough to stop thousands of walkers young old and all ages in between from coming out and supporting the cause. The air was filled with concern regarding the turnout in these tough economic times. Last year The Walk raised 7.5 million dollars and this year only netted 5 million but every penny in the bucket helps and there were plenty of big name sponsors and teams on hand including The Gap. Macys, Pfizer, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, AKA Sorority and Columbia University just to drop a few names.

Overall the music by WKTU, the food by Whole Foods Market NY and plenty of give aways from top designers and the official Sponsor CBS Channel 2 made the day a huge success.

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

New Haitian AIDS Service Center
Nouveau Centre de services sida haïtienne
New York City continues to establish itself as the clear and unchallenged leader in full service healthcare, prevention, programming diversity and funding in the fight against HIV/ AIDS.
The state of NY pays the rent of thousands of infected and afflicted PWAs, issues free specialized medical insurance, Aids Drug Assistance and very generous food allowances. The extent and complexity of these programs far exceed nearly all other programs public or private in the country.
The newest service to join the ranks is a unit of the highly recognized and established Housing Works. The Housing Works Haitian Community Services Unit is located in a heavily populated Haitian community of Brooklyn. This is a exceptionally noteworthy service in a much needed community because of stigma, immigration concerns and religious persecution. On hand are staff members of Haitian descent or experience who can relate first hand and communicate in French or traditional Kreyole. Kudos and praise to the Housing Works Agency and staff for realizing and answering such a significant call for service. Housing Works, Inc. primarily works with residents of NYS but can make referrals in other areas.New York continue de s'imposer comme le leader incontesté et claire dans un service complet de soins de santé, de prévention, de la diversité de programmation et de financement dans la lutte contre le VIH / sida.
L'état de NY paie le loyer de milliers de malades infectés et touchés, les questions de libre spécialisées d'assurance médicale, médicament contre le sida et l'aide très généreuse les indemnités de repas. L'ampleur et la complexité de ces programmes dépassent de loin tous les autres programmes de près, publics ou privés dans le pays.
Le tout nouveau service de rejoindre les rangs est une unité du très reconnu et établi de logement Works. The Housing Works haïtienne Unité des services communautaires est situé dans un très peuplée de la communauté haïtienne de Brooklyn. Il s'agit d'un service exceptionnel à noter dans un grand besoin en raison de la stigmatisation, de l'immigration des préoccupations et des persécutions religieuses. On part des membres du personnel sont d'origine haïtienne ou de l'expérience qui peuvent être liés de première main et de communiquer en français ou traditionnel Kreyole. Kudos et de louange à l'Agence de logement et le personnel pour la réalisation et de répondre à cet important appel de service. Housing Works, Inc travaille principalement avec des résidents de NYS, mais peuvent faire des renvois à d'autres domaines.

THE CHEF'S CORNER

Mommas way gets a makeover!
As a Chef and Caterer one of the most challenging tasks I encounter with clients is the selection of specific dishes. Not because of choices or ideas but personal preference and concept. The simplest of dishes can blossom complex and potential disasters if not well researched in advance. A middle aged woman of color comes into the shop and requests “Macaroni & Cheese” for a party of 40. This seems like a simple and easy order. After closer examination I immediately realize the booker did not fully qualify the order. Does the customer mean Traditional Baked Macaroni & Cheese that costs considerably more than its contemporary counterpart of Macaroni with Cheese Sauce? Will it be served as a side dish or as an entrée item? These questions are illustrations of the traditional vs. contemporary.
Traditional Baked Macaroni & Cheese is very rich with fresh eggs, a minimum of three types of sharp cheeses and fresh cream in addition to the macaroni. Developed on the plantations of the deep south during the slave era it was a casserole that was prepared on Sundays and special occasions. Due to the richness, time consuming preparation and cost Baked Macaroni and Cheese was a much celebrated treat. Many healthcare professionals and food manufacturers have condemned the traditional dish as unhealthy and life threatening.
Macaroni with Cheese Sauce is a contemporary cost and time saving interpretation. Most often it consists of milk, one type of cheese and flour in addition to the macaroni. It can be prepared in 1/3 the time it takes to make the traditional version. The cost effectiveness and preparation has made this version very popular amongst cooks, schools and families on the go. It is heavily advertised by food manufacturers that market quick fix boxed and canned versions. Healthcare professionals are not excited about the contemporary version but prefer it over the traditional.
There is a generation of people that have never eaten the traditional version. My customer was middle aged and may have meant the baked or contemporary versions as a New Yorker. After calling and personally speaking with her I learned she wanted the traditional but decided to order a pan of each. When considering serving traditional dishes and cuisines it is very important to always consider who the guests are, their ages, palates and your expectations of the final dish.
Here are recipes for the traditional and contemporary versions!
Traditional Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Serves 12-14 people3 ea. 1 pound boxes Elbow Macaroni – small
cooked and drained completely
9 Whole Eggs, beaten
1 cup Heavy Cream
½ cup Evaporated Milk
1 tablespoon Dry Mustard
to taste Kosher Salt
to taste White Pepper
½ teaspoon Granulated Garlic
1 pound New York Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar—grated or shredded
½ pound New York Sharp White Cheddar— grated or shredded
½ pound Mozzarela-- grated or shredded

Cook macaroni until it is JUST getting soft (too soft and you'll have mush) Drain the water completely and set aside. While the macaroni is cooking put together the royale by beating together the eggs, heavy cream, milk and the dry ingredients. Oil the casserole dish (glass Pyrex or Corning Ware Casserole works best). In a large bowl combine the macaroni, the royale and the cheese and layer into the casserole. Cover with the casserole lid or aluminum foil will work. Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes or until the center is soft set, remove the lid or foil and sprinkle cheese on top for garnish and bake uncovered an additional 6-12 minutes until done in the center.

Contemporary Macaroni & Cheese Sauce
Serves 12-14 people
2 ea. 1 pound boxes Elbow Macaroni - small
1 ½ pounds Velveeta Cheese
1 ½ cans Evaporated Milk
¾ cup Real Butter
½ gallon Whole Milk
7 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
4 ½ teaspoons White Pepper

While cooking macaroni JUST until getting soft (too soft and you'll have mush), cut Velveeta into small pieces and get other ingredients open and ready to go. Drain Macaroni and return to large pot over medium-low heat.
Add Velveeta Cheese, butter and evaporated milk.
Important: KEEP STIRRING OR IT WILL SCORCH.
Add whole milk to the level where the macaroni is just covered.
Keep stirring until all cheese and butter is totally melted and mixed. Turn off heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.

PASSPORT AND JETWAY

Rain Rain GO Away!
During the early part of the week I was feeling down and sick of the constant rain and cold so I decided to sneak away for a long weekend. I found a great deal on AA for Santa Domingo my old stand by get-away. Arrived Thursday afternoon, the weather was nice and hot but overcast. “Just can’t getaway from the rain”
The city was empty no tourist and only locals that work and live in the area. I loved being able to get out and around without being hassled for change, food and the tourist predators. PACOS was uncharacteristically empty as well as “The Conde” in general. The Nepolitano Casino and Hotel has really scaled back. The Casino is a separate unit from the downsized hotel and restaurant now. The new marina area is now open and basically a big disappointment. I can’t believe it took three years and millions of dollars to create essentially a huge parking lot with a handful of little huts for vendors. The locals are not patronizing it as there are no shaded areas and extremely hot under the Dominican sun. Everyone is still opting for the palm lined Malecon.A pleasant surprise was the sight of the now very muscular Henry. He explained how an associate killed his brother and he shot the guy dead and was sent him to prison. He did a few years and is now trying to get his act together.
Louis and a few other s quit their jobs at “Eucalyptus” to work for JDs. The problem is that with the opening of the new club “GAZELA” and their happy hours, free nights, super shows and lower prices JDs has lost a significant share of the market.Honestly that’s being nice about it, the bottom line is JDs is finished and just refusing to close. Both of the new clubs “GAZALA and CHA” are larger with more appealing décor and better pricing that is translating into huge consistent crowds for them. I checked out all of them Saturday night and JDs had FOUR people including myself and not counting the staff. The VIP lounge is no more so it is now a smaller space with the same old décor from years ago, not to mention a hefty entrance fee with no specials or show.Notable was the closing of the chic “WHISKEY LOUNGE”.As usual I stayed in my favorite apartment six at Anthony’s Camilo House Apartments. I continue to be a huge fan and patron because they seem to always evolve in the most subtle of ways. Anthony is still managing, Marie is still keeping house, she has to be the best housekeeper in the DR, gone are the adult cable stations (due to the slowing economy I suspect) but a pleasant surprise was the relocation of the office- no longer in the entrance hall to give an added sense of privacy. I really love this subtle touch as a person who enjoys vacationing in non hotel atmospheres.
It actually rained every day but only for short periods. I was able to hang out in the caves something I do all the time when in the capital and some very choice pieces as usual. I wrapped it all up on Tuesday morning as Friday is the beginning of the Memorial Day Weekend and there will be too many tourist, hustlers and bad attitudes for the kid.