KIOSK HELLO

On July 2 we went to the annual, week long Kutztown Festival in search of American things. Although it is billed as a PA Dutch fair there were many people calling themselves PA German. What is the difference? I found out it is the same, check it out on the Wiki, a fascinating story. We ate quite well and had a really fun time. In terms of KIOSK research it was not so great, the standard of craft is not what it used to be (sorry) but in terms of a good, relaxing and interesting day out in a totally foreign culture 3 hours from Manhattan, it was incredible. At one point Yuki remarked on how everyone was really happy and having a fun time, wow! different from New York! Here are some pictures of lollipops, local root beer, handmade pretzels, traditional strawberry shortcake and kids horsing around in a sandbox filled with dried corn. With the price of corn going up like mad these days I hope they kept it for next year! Thank you Yuki for some of the images and Janna, our friend who very wisely moved to Kutztown, for the visit.

How beautiful is this moving truck? Spotted all over Boston, Casey & Hayes. If KIOSK ever owns trucks I have our inspiration, damn it is hypnotic. Just when you are in the dumps about moving, around the corner comes the gold lettering. It sparkles, it shines, it cries out “Your goods are worth their weight in gold to us!” and “Don’t forget about the Circus!” in case you are ready to run away and leave all your crap behind with the movers. And I thought Boston was conservative! Lux! Shit, I can’t stop looking at it! Be sure to view it large.

Not your average coffee shop, Zibetto! Founded by one of the owners of our favorite coffee bar in Stockholm, Sosta, is it run in the tradition of an Italian coffee bar, no tables, walk in, remain standing, have a really good coffee and go. No American coffee is served here and definitely it is contrary to the American style coffee hang-out for hours scenario. Their coffee is one of the best, if not the best, in town. It’s a little out of the way but we traipsed up there on Sunday. Just near the MOMA which is a good thing…don’t let the semi-posh look throw you.

Zibetto
1385 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
www.zibettoespressobar.com

Does this look like your 4th of July weekend at the beach? We all succumb to the fried jazz (not music) while at the seashore. However, I was surprised we fell for it while in the hills of Massachusetts. If you head up to MassMoca, as many do, stop by Pedrin’s, home of the fish fry! (See picture, that is the fish fry on the right) I can say I have had better but why not! They are located just south of Adams, MA. Happy beach weekend if you are at the beach, if not, do not fear fried fish dishes can be found in the hills as well.

We spent the morning recycling. Not all morning….

Lee, Massachusetts, a beautiful town and to an outsider, a patriotic one of sorts at that. It’s massive white Romanesque style church built in 1857, Main Street and Joe’s Diner gives it an All-American touch, in a good way. Rockwell, the most American of American painters we all know and some possibly love, was buzzing around Lee and in 1958 he painted “The Runaway” at Joe’s for the cover of “The Saturday Evening Post”. (If you are in the area it’s interesting to spend an hour or so at the Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge) Hungry around the same time we were in Lee we detoured into Joe’s and had that relatively unknown in my book but who the heck knows the real story dish called “Grapenut Pudding” ( a New England favorite according to “Yankee” magazine among others) and we shared a coffee milkshake, it was a beautiful moment and reminded me of why I love this country deep down under the MANY layers of our current quagmire. Massachusetts is chock full of American history, we all need a little pride in our place of origin to make things happen, let’s hope the next election goes well. Happy July 4th from the heart of New York City!

More things happening, the space is really packed with bags and Jason is sewing away. Sitting among them yesterday I thought it would be great to make a sub-room in KIOSK with the walls made of plastic bags that can hold all of the products commissioned for the Mini-Exhibitions. Will have to talk to Jason about that idea! Don’t forget the party tonight from 6 – 10pm!

People are bringing in bags and bags and sending bags via the post and things are being sewn…It’s hot in our little space! Yesterday Jason made me a rain hat since we had thunderstorms in New York, at first he was making them without a brim but then he started adding one on, good decision and great design. KIOSK commissioned product 2? I think so! Bravo to the day, I am hoping people come visit us on a Sunday even though we are normally closed. I am excited as Jason made a new KIOSK logo and a screen to match it, we decided to screen all the plastic bags from the show at the end of the happening with the logo he created to recycle the bags one step further and keep his Mini-Exhibition going on and on and on…nice! See some pictures of what is going on and of course my really lovely rain hat. Sorry for so many images here, could not choose! What the heck!

One of the most beautiful semi-modernist grocery stores out there can be found in Adams Massachusetts. Not as glorious on the inside however…Big Y yeah

Hi! The PLASTIC BAG HAPPENING is happening!
Here are some pictures of what is going on!
Stop on by!