2010 Predictions: Food Trends, Part 2

[This silly image is from RV for Sale Guide]

Another food trend that will be big in 2010, according to Nutrition Unplugged is:

Changing restaurants — Will continue to evolve with initiatives such as no reservations, happy hours, value pricing and a move toward more local ingredients

As far as the "move toward more local ingredients," we've been on board with the locavore movement since we started Asphalt Eden. Check out our links in the food column to the right for tips on where to find great organic and local food. Even though we're surrounded by asphalt, we believe we were created to live in Eden and that it's our job to protect the earth. Part of the way we do this is by choosing to eat responsibly.

Do you have a favorite shop for buying locally grown foods? Which restaurants serve the best local foods?

2010 Predictions: Food Trends, Part 1

[image via Dessert Truck]

In 2009 we reported that Peruvian was going to be the hot food trend. Did we eat Peruvian? Even once? No. It's still on our resolutions list.

For 2010, we have it on good authority that the following will be "in" for food:

Street food — Dining trucks, street vendors, informal and authentic ethnic food, part of anti-restaurant movement

We've actually already noticed that dining trucks have gotten a whole lot more innovative this past year, and are eager for more of the Dessert Truck and the Bistro Truck. This website is devoted to helping you find where these and other food trucks are, so you can track them down when they come to your neighborhood.

Which is your favorite food truck?

2010 Predictions: Color of the Year

[image via Pantone]

Pantone announced that turquoise will be the color of 2010.

According to Pantone:

In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.

After a year of scandals and economic downturns, we need a color that will help us escape our worries. The color is pale enough to be calming and soothing but bright and cheery enough to lift our hearts.

It's a fun color, and we're excited to see the color pop up in unexpected ways this year.

The color is, of course, based on the gem.

[image via Wikipedia]

As a gemstone, we usually see it in Southwest jewelry, so we're hoping 2010 is the year that turquoise makes the leap to non-regional looks.

This handcrafted turquoise ring we found on Etsy, for instance, is simply adorable.

[image via candysart's Etsy page]

This stackable turquoise ring by Maribelle Campa is great on its own or stacked with other rings.

[image via Maribelle Campa's Etsy page]

Which reminds me... Sarah Perlis has a beautiful turquoise ring that would be worth blowing some Christmas money on.

[image via Sarah Perlis]

What do you think of Pantone's pick?

Where would you like to see turquoise? Send us links to any good examples of turquoise you see.

A Look Back to 2009

Asphalt Eden officially launched in 2009. It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by already! Here's a look back at some of our favorite blog entries.

In 2009, we were all about mimosa.


(I'm hearing fuchsia is the in color right now. Stay tuned for our 2010 predictions!)

We snagged some great exclusive interviews! The very first one we did was with one of my personal favorite artists David Kramer.


We discovered Christians have a thing for vampires.



We got an email from one of the organizers of the Christian Book Expo when we bemoaned the fact that the expo wasn't in NYC.


We attended Goodmeet@SALT


John Calvin turned 500 this year, and we were there to celebrate.


We even ventured outside the city and took a day trip to Sleepy Hollow.


What were some of your favorite topics that we covered this past year on Asphalt Eden?

What sort of postings would you like to see more of?

A Study in Sherlock Holmes: Pendant

In preparation for next month's film release, we're scouting out all things Sherlock Holmes.

In homage to the great detective, pin this pendant on your tweed coat:


This hand-painted pin can also be worn as a necklace. The designer, dragoncat, also has other Sherlock Homes-inspired pieces.

A Study in Sherlock Holmes: Pocket Watch

In preparation for next month's film release, we're scouting out all things Sherlock Holmes.

You and Dr. Watson can sync up your watches with this cyberpunk-inspired treasure:


Designed by tempusfugit, this gold pocket watch features a see-through window that lets you spy on the gears inside the clock.

Day Trippin': Church of the Presidents

Attend church with the presidents on your next trip to DC.

"Happy Accidents in a Common Places" Hits Nerves in Its Look at Community

Community. It's something we talk a lot about at church. But how do we form community that isn't artificial? When are small groups, life groups, missional tribes, whatever you want to call them, a hindrance to our faith and development? David Zimmerman -- and those who commented on his article -- raises some of these issues in his article "Happy Accidents in a Common Place" over at Burnside.

Speak of community, have you seen the TV show on NBC? Hilarious.

A Study in Sherlock Holmes: Upcycled Vintage Train Case

In preparation for next month's film release, we're scouting out all things Sherlock Holmes.

Spotted on Etsy: this vintage train-case that's perfect for overnight trips to Dartmoor.

[images via Etsy]

The upcycled carry-on is designed by GetReadySetGO, a Florida (via Michigan) twenty-nine year old. Not only does it feature an on-trend skeleton key, but it comes with a working combination lock (with combo), so you don't end up with your own personal mystery on your hands.

Day Trippin': Fall Foliage in Sleepy Hollow

These are some shots of the stunning foliage out in Sleepy Hollow over Halloween. You just can't see leaves this pretty in New York City. Sleepy Hollow makes for a great day trip, if you're looking to venture out of the city.

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.
Psalms 4:6

A Study in Sherlock Holmes: The Capelet

In preparation for next month's film release, we're scouting out all things Sherlock Holmes.

This chevron tweed wool capelet, being sold by Vancouver's whiteapple on Etsy, would make for charming attire to wear on clue-gathering escapes.

City Grace Uptown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's uptown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10:

The Uptown Community group meets every other Thursday at various locations in the Upper West and Upper East Sides. We listen to each other, reflect on different parts of the Bible together, and pray for one another. Be great to see you there! Contact Steve Wolma (swolma@citygraceny.com) to be included on the e-list that gives the specific info on the next meeting.

The group is led by Pastor Steve Wolma. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

Jersey City Missional Community for Educators

City Grace's new missional community, geared towards educators in Jersey City, meets tonight:

Jersey City Missional Community for Educators

When: Wed, October 14, 8pm – 10pm

Where: Jersey City, NJ (map)

Description: Teaching, mentoring, caring for and loving kids is tough! Come and experience God's grace in your own life to encourage you in your task of raising up the next generation of youth.

[image via City Grace]

Leave your war stories in the comments section.

Write On!

Oscar Wilde once said, "I have spent most of the day putting in a comma and the rest of the day taking it out." If you're feeling a little Wilde, head on over to the Redeemer writers group to get some input from fellow literary types. They'll be meeting tonight at 7:00 at the Redeemer offices, located at 1359 Broadway (at 36th St.), on the fourth floor:

The Redeemer Writers Group is a community founded to develop and support writing talent within the church. This group of writers provides support and guidance to one another as they prepare pieces for submission for publication. No RSVP necessary, just bring a notebook and pen, and join us!

Contact:
arts@redeemer.com

(212) 808-4460 x1344

If you're a writer and would like to see your work featured here on Asphalt Eden, drop us a line.

The Actor/Agent Relationship

Do you really need an agent to get acting work? How much should an agent charge you? What should you expect your agent to do? Can he or she perform miracles and land you that dream role? Find out about the actor/agent relationship when Redeemer's actors group meets tonight at 7:00 at the Ripley-Grier Studies, 520 Eighth Ave., Studios F/G (at 36th St.):

Attend a special evening of dialogue, including Q&A, with legit agent Kevin Thompson of Judy Boals, Inc. Kevin will share his insights about the business of acting from the perspective of an experienced agent as well as answer questions regarding auditioning, casting, and career strategies. Come enjoy fellowship with other actors in the Redeemer community as we seek the good of the city through our work!

Please RSVP by emailing actors@redeemer.com.

For more information about the Actors Group, and to sign up for group email announcements, click here. Also visit Redeemer Actors Group on Facebook.

Contact:
Kenyon Adams, kenyon@redeemer.com, (212) 808-4460 x1344

What have been your relationships with agents? Do you have any you could recommend?

City Grace's First Open-Mic Night

Tomorrow is City Grace's open mic.

[image via City Grace]

"Excess"
Open Mic and Art @ City Grace Church
Saturday Oct 24th - 219 Sullivan St.
Free admission with donation of used clothing for homeless
free food; BYOB
dancing to follow
doors open 8:30 pm

Who's in?

City Grace Downtown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's downtown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10. The group is led by Pastor Ben Spalink. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

Last Day to Register for City Grace's Open Mic

Just a reminder that today is the last day to register for City Grace's open mic.

[image via City Grace]

"Excess"
Open Mic and Art @ City Grace Church
Saturday Oct 24th - 219 Sullivan St.
Free admission with donation of used clothing for homeless
free food; BYOB
doors open 8:30 pm

Signup to perform/present by Oct 21 by emailing kyle@citygraceny.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name and your submission. Welcoming all manner of performances -- original music, poetry, monologues, comedy, or art submissions. Space limited so sign up soon. Limit two songs per artist or 5 min for other.

Equipment on hand -- instrument plugins, upright piano, acoustic guitar, 6 mics, djembe, projector and screen, I-Pod plugin and display space for exhibits.

Hey, and let us know if you're going to be there. We'd love to feature you on Asphalt Eden!

Gift Guide for Foodies

Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes has introduced a line of very modern and over-the-top Easy Bake Oven type products. I have to admit that I'm surprised that there's no "boy" versions of these. Photos and information taken from www.foodnetworkstore.com. Unfortunately, a clean-up crew is not included. Will these be on your holiday wish list?

Cake Bakery (also available with a limited edition autograph) for $39.95

The Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery will let your kids whip up a delicious 2-tiered mini fondant cake just like Duff Goldman of the hit Food Network series Ace of Cakes. No hot oven necessary- cakes are baked in the microwave in 30 seconds! It will take no time for kids to be on their way to creating edible art. The package insert showcases some of the famous cakes featured on Ace of Cakes to inspire your child’s creativity.

Cake Designer Kit for $12.95

Now you can Create original cakes just like Duff, with the Girl Gourmet Cake Designer Kit! You can create square cakes and customize your fondant with unique patterns using the unique decorating tools. Impress all your friends by using the Cake Designer Kit from Girl Gourmet.

Cupcake Maker for $44.95

Leslie, you know you want one ; )

Girl Gourmet brings the hottest trend in food to you - cupcakes! Our cupcake maker lets you make cupcakes in 30 seconds (in the microwave), then use our new froster to create your own cupcake designs. Create and decorate your favorite cupcakes for you and your friends.

I Harvest

Tonight is the opening of Redeemer's annual juried exhibition, which features more than forty works from Redeemer artists and those in its extended community. The evening kicks off at 6:00 at the Redeemer offices, located in suite 400 at 1359 Broadway, and will run til about 9:00. In addition to the art and a chance to mingle with the artists, there will be music and food.

This year's theme is I Harvest, a reference to Matthew 9:37-38, which says: The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His field."

The works on display will also be for sale, and are 10% off at the opening reception.

If you cannot make it to the reception, or want to come back again another time, the exhibition will run through early January 2010. Viewing will be available during regular office hours which are, Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM til 6:00 PM. You may also set up an appointment to view the art outside of these times by emailing arts@redeemer.com.

[Image: Hay Bales, Cabot, Vermont by Walter Lynn Mosely. Oil on Canvas.]

City Grace Uptown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's uptown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10:

The Uptown Community group meets every other Thursday at various locations in the Upper West and Upper East Sides. We listen to each other, reflect on different parts of the Bible together, and pray for one another. Be great to see you there! Contact Steve Wolma (swolma@citygraceny.com) to be included on the e-list that gives the specific info on the next meeting.

The group is led by Pastor Steve Wolma. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

The Power of Dance to Renew Culture

If you're a dancer or interested in the art of dance, Redeemer's dance group will be meeting tonight at 7:00 at their offices, located on the 4th floor of 1359 Broadway:

Join our Dancers Forum for an evening of discussion concerning "The Power of Dance to Renew Culture." Guest artists will include Rachel S. Moore, American Ballet Theater Executive Director; Miro Magloire, New Chamber Ballet Director and Choreographer; Karen Lacy, ABT teaching artist, Metropolitan Opera Ballet and New York City Opera; and other exciting contributors.

Registration required, please email dancers@redeemer.com. Light dinner will be provided.

The evening will also include updates on Dancers Group classes and workshops, as well as information on the spring performances of Perichoresis, Redeemer's dance performance project.

For more information about the Dancers Group, and to sign up for group email announcements, click here.

Contact:
Kenyon Adams, kenyon@redeemer.com, (212) 808-4460 x1344

Do you think dance has the power to renew our culture? In what ways?

Pumpkin Accessories That Aren't Scary

October fashion too easily gets overshadowed by Halloween. Subtler attempts to be festive result in those horrible teachers' sweaters with the jack'o'lanterns and black cats stitched into them -- you know, the I'm dressed up for Halloween but I'm not actually in costume look?

Face it: it's best to avoid trying to make any holiday statement at all with your fashion. If you just can't help yourself, though, here are a few non-scary accessories.

Simple Pumpkin Drop Earrings

Designed by FleursRockAffair

Pumpkin Carnelian Infinity Lariat
Designed by MadeBySam

Pumpkin Patch Wire Wrapped Bracelet
Designed by kschaffter

What do you think? Are Halloween accessories more of a trick than a treat?

Jersey City Missional Community for Educators

City Grace's new missional community, geared towards educators in Jersey City, meets tonight:

Jersey City Missional Community for Educators

When: Wed, October 14, 8pm – 10pm

Where: Jersey City, NJ (map)

Description: Teaching, mentoring, caring for and loving kids is tough! Come and experience God's grace in your own life to encourage you in your task of raising up the next generation of youth.

[image via City Grace]

Leave your war stories in the comments section.

City Grace Announces Open Mic Night

City Grace is hosting an open mic. If you're interested in performing your music, poetry, or monologue, sign up by October 21:

[image via City Grace]

"Excess"
Open Mic and Art @ City Grace Church
Saturday Oct 24th - 219 Sullivan St.
Free admission with donation of used clothing for homeless
free food; BYOB
doors open 8:30 pm

Signup to perform/present by Oct 21 by emailing kyle@citygraceny.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name and your submission. Welcoming all manner of performances -- original music, poetry, monologues, comedy, or art submissions. Space limited so sign up soon. Limit two songs per artist or 5 min for other.

Equipment on hand -- instrument plugins, upright piano, acoustic guitar, 6 mics, djembe, projector and screen, I-Pod plugin and display space for exhibits.

Hey, and let us know if you're going to be there. We'd love to feature you on Asphalt Eden!

Prayer in the Square 2009 Video

On September 20, 2009, thousands of people from churches all around the tri-state area gathered together in the middle of Times Square to pray for the city of New York and our nation. It was an awesome eventwhere Jesus was worshiped and lifted up in the middle of Times Square. If you missed it or you'd like to watch the event again, click the link below and it will direct you to a full length video of the event. Enjoy!

http://www.nycprayer.org/media_center_facebook.html

City Grace Uptown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's uptown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10:

The Uptown Community group meets every other Thursday at various locations in the Upper West and Upper East Sides. We listen to each other, reflect on different parts of the Bible together, and pray for one another. Be great to see you there! Contact Steve Wolma (swolma@citygraceny.com) to be included on the e-list that gives the specific info on the next meeting.

The group is led by Pastor Steve Wolma. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

Grownup Grunge: Part 4

As the economy plunges, grunge makes a resurgence.

Then

Kate Moss typified the whole heroine-chic look of the 90s and taught us how to make grunge look pretty.

[image via The Fashion Launch Page]

Now

We take plaid past the old flannel shirt and work it into our coats.

Regina Plaid Jacket
$24.80
@ Forever 21

The Proverbial Folly

Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
~ Proverbs 16:22

The Proverbial Wise in Heart

The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.
~ Proverbs 16:21

Recent Grads

You've graduated from Intervarsity and Campus Crusade ... now what? This is what:

Recent Grads

Fellowship Groups

Are you an '09 grad new to the city? Want to connect with other '09 grads? Join a recent grads fellowship group and meet other '09 college grads. For more information, guys e-mail alexander.t.maher@gmail.com and girls e-mail 09redeemergirls@gmail.com

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Manhattan

For more information, contact: Susana Gough x1417

Email: fg@redeemer.com

Are are you finding the transition from college to post-college? What do you miss the most? What do you find the most freeing?