Fall Descends

Ben Ferrari's New York Street Style

As fall descends on New York, our intrepid photographer stalks the streets for the city's most interesting men

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEN FERRARI

October 7, 2011

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Tobacciana

In the environs of West Broadway and Spring there is a sanctuary that goes by a warm, inviting name OK-Cigars. It is not just about the cigars but valuing an archaic culture, when it was normal to sit down and make friends with the person next to you.  I shared a smoke with a few of the amicable patrons and received a brief history lesson of the tobacciana and its neighboring art gallery.

It is an attitude that renders a refreshing take on the enjoyment of one's day seeing these gentlemen on a Tuesday afternoon gathered nonchalantly around a steel staircase smiling, laughing and sharing stories. Many leagues away from the hype of self fortification of alcohol at 2:00am on a Saturday that defies too many people's social lives.

Sincerely Yours,

Cigars Open

Dandified Passer By

Late afternoon on Elizabeth Street Mr. Porter caught my eye and now he has yours. 

His New York

It is a sight often over looked by too many people. Maybe for the reason that the slower one walks in New York the more money one loses, something tourist have not grasped yet.  So, take the blinders off and lose the iPods when in the streets. 

Omar defies the rakish look and unfettered way; alone, smoking an unfiltered cigarette on the sidewalk of 21st and 6th just after a thunderstorm. Omar could have cares, concerns, responsibilities, ten children and his business going bankrupt but one would never know it.  I for certain am seeing less and less of this demeanor in this fair city and wish the elegance, and mystery would return.

Black Palm

Paul Smith Has His Way at 108 5th Avenue

East Saint Louis Toodle-O

There is one woman that had me, and when we parted she still had me.  For anything disavowing she did it could not cure my love for her.  Two separate lives we live now, but at a moments notice if all were to change I would leave everything.  It is sad I know. Being able to lie better to women than to tell them the truth, finding that insecurity is caused by lack of satisfaction, that Burgundy can taste a bore and the endless search for unknown pleasures gets me out of bed.

Most Truest,

CL

To Be Reclined to Old Men with Straight Razors

This is a fine place.

A Gentleman Has Taste, Vodka Does Not

Made-to-Measure

Rarely is it seen that one puts on loose fitting underwear, shoes 3 sizes too large, and drinks Champagne out of a Bordeaux glass.  The items mentioned for the most part can be fairly inexpensive compared to a $600 suit, yet they fit. The question is so, why would someone casually spend $600+ on a suit with a decent name brand but not take into consideration the fit ?

Let me let most of you in on the secret. The fit is what makes the suit look desirable to most passer byers not the fabric, nor the name brand.  But, when combining Dormeuil with a made-to-measure Italiano fit, one has found a second skin that one will have a hard time shedding.

L'effort

Money is beautiful. The way it can make one look sophisticated, on the vanguard, secure and blanket one's flaws. However, I would not be so quick to say that flaws are a negative trait as I do admire in Sake and Armagnac when the brew master decides not to mill or distill the life out of a product.  It turns out the imperfections can add a bit of peculiar character that displays a certain appeal by meandering away from the norm.  Now, effort is the prime word that has been rolling around in my head.  Effort displays sincerity, genuineness,  and it means one has solely dedicated their time to make a lasting impression.

Then again, who doesn't love money ?

Being Wilde

Courtesy of Zinc Photography

Vespa Play

Subways of New York City

There Ain't No Land Like Dixieland to Me

In passing on a raining night down Smith Street the Clover Club's doors were open and pushing out 1920's tunes.  The stripped down 5-piece with a muted trumpet, fiddle, upright bass, and two acoustic gypsy guitars was Gatsby.  That night, front gentleman Mr. Arenella wore black tie with a top hat, singing in a warm, haunting yet masculine manner, while directing His Dreamland in between sipping his  martini.  It was a contagious affair being truly lost in the moment, while watching this fanciful man play his trumpet and sing songs into every woman's heart.  To say the least, it was quite a copacetic evening. The big cheese is Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra that performs at Gin Mills all around New York City.

A Waterfall of Txakoli

Txakoli (choc-oh-lee) or Txakolina digs its roots into the Basque Country of Spain.  This is a wine of culture, tradition and of the season.  One rarely sees this wine exported outside Spain with the United States being the one prime exception.  Not like it matters but the main varietal that produces Txakoli is Hondarrabi Zuri, which yields a dry, fresh, fizzy, style of white wine with citrus flavors and floral aromas.  Now, what makes Txakoli unique ? The presentation.  One should serve it in a tumbler not a wine glass, the pour should be above the shoulder to break up the carbonic gas and Txakoli is 11% alcohol so to consume an entire bottle alone will not be frowned upon.

Adored Producers: Txomin Etxaniz, Ameztoi, Xarmant

The Waterfall 

New York City Subway Scene

Casual done casually

A young Dandy at work or not

Like Minded Gentlemen

Our official photographer has parted ways and reconciled differences with the Charles Lappel outfit.  Mr. Klimek has been quite the unsurpassable talent and while he was remunerated for his craft by transfering his vodka martinis and Grand Marnier shots to our tab he will be dearly missed.  Onwards, the search begins for the next underpaid talent.

Truest Regards,

CL

Maison Premiere

This is regale.  One can tell high-minded thought was placed on everything from the exit signs to the stately beverage program.  Maison Premier is a post Eighteenth Amendment New Orleans Raw Bar and Lounge serviced by moustached and suspendered gentlemen that appear to be before their time.

Scooter Bottega

Brooklyn, New York

These brave gents have the minerals it takes to tackle not just the modern but the Italian born VINTAGE beasts.  Outfitted in a garage the size of a New York City studio, with greased hands, lip locked Malboros, and Tom Waits crunching through the speakers one is self assured that that dented, paint chipped, rusty Vespa or Lambretta will breathe life once again.  Just ask for Robbie.

A Faithful Alternative to Paris

Nolita Rush

La Femme

This is an earful.

 LA FEMME - Sur la Planche by JeromeBboy 

Flirtation is Often the Zenith

- Grand Cru -

PERSONALITY

Romanée-Saint-Vivant is flirtatious : one cannot help loving it. Behind this grace resides a strength in such perfect balance that, at first, it was imperceptible.

Les Talons Hauts

Chartreuse VEP

Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé

The King of Kings, the Howard Hughes of aviation, the Jacques Mesrine of criminals, the Lapo Elkann of style, the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti of Burgundy and the J.D. Salinger of the 1950s. What does VEP have in common with the above ? Power & Force.

A Sartorial Code

A Lifestyle

Chicago in Bloom

The Art of Laces

Left: More of a casual touch with the white sole and orange lace but hangs on to the classic wing tip design. 

Right: This is dead on formal, with a whisper of style. 

Sprezzatura

The art of making difficult look simple.  I would take it further and say the gift of making it look simple.  Very few have the gift but for those that do not, it always gives one something to strive for.  Yes, with a certain attitude and approach difficult will visually appear simple.

Difficulty that Appears Elegant is a Constant Display of Fluidity and Control

Sailing
Bow tie
Driving a pre-1965 Vespa
Swirling wine
Skiing
Grooming
Posture
Arsenal of witty quotes
Clothing accessories

**The Master was Gianni Agnelli

All In a Days Work

Cool Hand Luke

Nous Sommes En Couple Depuis.....

Styled

What does one wear before he steps into the spotlight ?

Muscadet is for Lovers

France is the example when it comes to citrus flavored, mineral driven, dry white wines that can split one's tongue with it's razor like acidity.  That being so dramatically put, one automatically leans to Chablis, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume.  Why ? These are wines of familiarity, quite easy to pronounce and one may for a moment appear like they know a thing or two.  However, there is one wine that falls through the cracks.  The wine is the Phillip Seymour Hoffman in 'The Talented Mr. Ripely' or the Paul Giamatti in 'Saving Private Ryan.' Everyone knows they exist but no one pays any attention to their talent.

This morning with the astute Jo Landron of 'Domaine de Louvetrie'

The hidden talent is Muscadet Sevre et Maine or just Muscadet. Hailing from the grape Melon de Bourgogne in the Nantes region of the Loire Valley.  A fresh wine, known from its salinity, citrus notes and minerality.  Unfortunatley, Muscadet has plenty of vapid examples so stick to one of these five producers; Andre-Michel Bregeon, Domaine De L'Ecu (Guy Bossard), Domaine Pierre de la Grange (Luneau-Papin), Domaine de la Louvetrie (Jo Landron) and Domaine de la Pepiere (Marc Ollivier).   These rarely pass or approach $50 on a wine list and fine examples are displayed at $15 in wine shops. Act like you know a thing or two and order a Muscadet, the sommelier will probably pause and give you a nod. 

The First Thing You See

Quite a grandiose feel to Salvatore Ferragamo's 2011/2012 Autumn/Winter Men's Collection. A tailored 1970's line-up lavished with trench coats, military jackets, pimp hats and sunglasses.

The look at 6:10 owns it.

The Club's Cocktails

Pulling from the pre-Prohibition era for inspiration is Carroll Garden's own 'Clover Club.'  An establishment that seems to more than satisfy the locals of this Brooklyn quartier.  Clover Club does not just stop at the candle lit tables, the rustic wooden bar, draping curtains or the fireplace back room to cover the minimal requirement for their themed approach.  The Club keeps the local Dr. David Wondrich in mind, an expert in antique cocktails and history of American cocktails, to further their integrity.  Fitting songs like 'Sheik of Araby,' 'Tears' ou 'Chattanooga Stomp' are not present at The Club because that would be too intelligent.  However, music popular among the indie, Brooklyn crowd fills the ears of the patrons. As if one could predict it the appearance of the mixologist at The Club are vested, sleeves rolled up, tattooed and facial haired gentlemen constructing American classic cocktails.  Do not get the wrong idea this place is satisfying.

My Little Secret

Burrowed in Little Italy, around the corner from Chinatown and just down the block from Nolita is the newfangled 'The Mulberry Project.' After scaling down a flight of unlit stairs one arrives at an unmarked and apparently an impassable door.  At this point one decides to chose wisely and push themselves through the door into the subterranean. Black is the shade and red the color of The Mulberry Project. A classically shaped bar with red steel stools, fruit stuffed into bowls and tables with black leather seating helps set the mood. It's an establishment that revolves around the bartender's choice. Speak of a spirit, or cocktail and the rest is out of grasp.  The bartenders will emphasize the fresh fruit, which takes a shotgun seat in the cocktails. When the hours drift, the atmosphere develops, and the alcohol will take control.