How To Throw An Urban Garden Party

A cherry willow tree takes center stage in the garden

When my wife's mother was alive, she absolutely loved her garden. 

In memory of that love, my wife Vyna wanted to transform her family home's garden into the one you see here. And so it was no surprise that one day I woke to “we're going to have a garden party”. "Oh really? Anything I can do to help let me know." I replied. For quite some time, I knew that she was feverishly working on a garden design (her very first), as a tribute to Marie. I was delighted that she finally concluded the initial stage of the garden, and was finally ready to entertain her friends and family in a not-so sweltering hot Sunday evening.

Getting ready for the garden inaugural: We served some delicious bites with these Thynk Art and Design Leafplates (a big hit with our guests)

Helping Vyna's dad down the stairs in order to join the folks in attendance

Wilner and Malone Lamothe, and Vyna's dad, Clotaire

The Martinez Family were all smile. Cheers!

Vyna, and Elizabeth Martinez 

Right: Brenda Pinckney (a longtime friend of Vyna), and her friend JoAnn

Our friends David and Christ Palling who will soon be leaving for Philadelphia. We'll miss them dearly!

Designing friend: Doria Kalt

Thank you Patricia and Beverly for coming!

Right: Zynthia Nieves, and her friend Esther

Design friends (and bloggers): Alice Chin, and Younghye Hwang

The garden is mainly composed of ornamental grasses. A true favorites of Vyna's

Bellegray Garden in full swing!

As the end of the event,  we were both grateful to all those who where able to attend, and share this special moment with us. For all the folks who knew her mom well, I think it is safe to say that Marie would of approved. 

Text and Photos Michael S. McConkey

How to Avoid Being Pigeonholed

Conversations over coffee usually starts with "So what do you do for a living?”

Several times in the last few weeks I’ve been asked "So, what do you do in New York?" This question has basically become synonymous with “Who are you?” “What’s your name?” “How do you make your money?” Those various questions do lend themselves to follow-up questions that can keep a conversation going. To be honest, I dislike the notion that I should answer these friendly inquiries in 30 seconds flat.

Business coaches are well-known to teach this type of (crap) pitch. It's a load of codswallop to think anyone can do this (please don't get me started, how can we learn the 'art of listening in 30 seconds?). CNN's Wolf Blitzer takes a minute to ask a question and then he'll say "you have 30 second to answer." How funny is that. Wolf always manages to make me laugh, and I am aware that opinions varies on this subject, and I'll just have to live with it. The great thing about writing a blog is I can let off steam like Andy Murray. I do pride myself of having an attention span of longer than 30 seconds.

British top player Andy Murray letting off steam on the tennis court

Pictured: A coach teaches the important Art of Listening

From left: Wolf Blitzer, CNN top anchorman, Hillary Clinton (I'll leave you to guess the name of the other politician)

As with all conversations I aways hope it leads into a polite conversation and to greater things, although responding to this common question sometimes make us feeling a little uncomfortable because all eyes and ears are upon us, a word of advice...be prepared with a stellar response, and you’ll impress those listening to your reply and take notice of your poise in the light of an (unintentionally) tough question. Beware! In New York (as in most places) people are quick to categorizes you and put you in a pigeon hole, okay for a pigeon but not if you are a peacock.

Me, a pigeon; how dare you? Most of us hate being pigeonholed, however life often dictates that will be at some point 

While living in New York, I'm always asked: Are you a Brit? “Indeed I am, how did you guess?” This is not a good answer... take my word on it. While taking a leaf out of Fox News Bill O'Reilly's this is a "No Spin Zone"

My no spin is that I need to find acceptable answers to a question like: So! What do you do? It's important  to stay within the ethic codes of good manners, I hate being stereotyped, but I understand how perception is a powerful influence on people.

Perception is a powerful influence, don't you agree?

When I find acceptable answers I will practice, practice and practice. I don't want to be unkind or unforgiven to anyone especially to those who want to be friendly towards me. Ha!

 From Left: Michael McConkey, Kahlil Blazia, Theophelis Cooper

Karim Rashid, industrial designer, and Michael S. McConkey, founder of the Top-Up-System

In future I am going to experiment with different answers and then try to take the lead with my own conversational tidbits and let people see that even a Brit in New York can build more meaningful relationships.

When it comes to American-British relationships, words sometimes get lost in translation

Friends and strangers reaching out to communicate over their busy work weeks.
Reaching out to others is always good for business

My favorite time of the day is when I reach out for my coffee. 

Some view New York as a city with cultural, and language barriers and use this fact as an excuse not to try to make things work when it comes to business. This can prove costly, specifically in the hospitality industry. I'm all for keeping our sense of humor when trying to reach out and understand one another. It's good for business! Time for my coffee break. Bye for now!

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

The Shake Shack located in the New York Financial Center

My New York Diary cordially invite you to dinner - a la New York debate style. The thing is, it is my hope that this does not become a "oh my fur and whiskers!" moment.

Were should we eat? Well, how about the Shake Shack at 215 Murray Street, down on Battery Park. Being that it is situated in the World Trade Center, this popular hot spot can't bring a more laid-back New York atmosphere than it already has. The venue in itself brings a much relaxed atmosphere, not a sophisticated one. And you must keep in mind that I did not want this particular diner date to have a "lovey dovey" feel to it.

Does Shake Shack has the best burger in town?

This special dinner would include ten individuals, including my wife and I. The public personalities were chosen not only because I've admired their personalities and accomplishments, but I wanted to have a diverse group of people that most likely would never have come together otherwise.

Tell me, whom would you have chosen?

Serena Williams is a 21 grand slams tennis champion - including six titles at Wimbledon in women singles

Serena Williams
A fierce competitor, with a no nonsense attitude. On the tennis court, Serena Williams wants to win every single point, which makes me wonder, will  she also want to win every debate at the table? Will the other guests take her on? I am a Putney boy (Putney, England) which is next door to Wimbledon and playing tennis with our "bare hands" when we were children was a common playtime in our street.

Chris Cuomo has received multiple Emmy Awards nominations for his ground breaking reporting style. He is currently an anchor on CNN

Chris Cuomo
A respected television journalist, currently co-hosting a morning show on CNN. He is, like most professionals, a licensed attorney. His father, Mario Cuomo, was the former New York governor and his brother, Andrew Cuomo, is the current governor of New York. Tune in to CNN in the mornings, and see how Chris handles his interviews. They're all conducted with great skills and insights.

Lucy Liu is an appointed ambassador to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF 

Lucy Liu

Born and raised in the same neighborhood where my wife mostly spent her adult life, Jackson Heights, Lucy Liu is an American/Chinese actress, model and artist. And may I point out, she is by far one of my all -time favorite actresses. As a strong supporter, and current ambassador of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Lucy Liu is well known for the charities, promotions and fundraising that she supports.

The 21 Grammy awards winner, rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, investor, 

aka Shawn Corey Carter

Jay Z
I have never met a rapper in my life, do they really exist? Well, Jay Z certainly does. The well accomplished rap mogul is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. I'm willing to bet that there is more to this man than meets the eye. I have a feeling he will add a whole different level to our diverse group of personalities during our dinner date. This is what President Obama had to say about him "Every time I talk to Jay Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks. That's somebody who is going to start branching out and can help shape attitudes in a real positive way." Alright Jigga man, welcome to the table.

Tom Hanks, actor, filmmaker, winner of 2 Academy Awards: Philadelphia, 

and Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks

What more can I say about Tom that already hasn't been said? Tom is an accomplished American actor and filmmaker who has been nominated for numerous awards during his career. To my knowledge, his body of work has not received any reviews that are below the mark. And if there are any bad reviews out there, do me a favor, don’t tell me! Why is Tom on my dinner list? Interestedly enough, it is also because of his support for NASA and all things space. This makes him a remarkable dinner guest, and a suitable companion on the table. Did you know that he is a collector of manual typewriters? Tom Hanks - a man of many talents, and interests.

Piers Morgan is a journalist, and public personality that has written eight books, 
including four volumes of memoirs

Piers Morgan
In case you haven't heard, Piers Morgan is a world renown journalist and TV pundit who once replaced the Larry King Show on CNN. While he was there, he became famous for his straight talking (or shooting) on gun control. Piers is currently working as the US editor-at-large for the Daily Mail Online. As a witty Brit he has the knack of occasionally touch the nerves of our American cousins. It will be more interesting with Piers on the table, don't you think? 

Named as one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine,
Didier Drogba is in my opinion "a super athlete"

Didier Drogba
The other sport personality to make the list is an Ivorian professional footballer (soccer to our American cousins) called Didier Drogba. He is the all-time top scorer for his former country the Ivory Coast. He is best known for his playing position as "striker" while at Chelsea. His style of play was powerful and intrusive, and that made him a lone striker (a soccer term). With this particular style, it became impossible for opposing teams to isolate him and knock (kick) him out of the game. Piers Morgan will know all about this man. Didier and Piers sitting side by side? Yes, bring it on!

In 2014, Megyn Kelly was the only woman in media on 

TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential List

Megyn Kelly
Last but definitely not least on my list is American journalist, Megyn Kelly. The former attorney, news pundit and political commentator on the Fox News Channel, is getting closer and closer each day on closing in a $10 Million book deal this year. The first time I saw her on television was last year during her dual with Donald Tramp. Since then, my wife and I periodically watched her show, and we both think that she has a fine personality,  and the right temperament for the Fox Network. She is a must for our meal. Maybe I should pick Donald Tramp! I'd like to end by mentioning that I've noticed that Trump picked on her from a good distant away on that fateful Republican debate night. Wise man.

The Wars of the Chocolates Continue

My good friend Christ showcasing the Cadbury's chocolate she brought me from England (as per my request, no less)

Maybe this is not the best way to welcome in the New Year, but I have no intention of pretending that I'll be giving up chocolates. Especially Cadbury Chocolate - thank you very much.

Lunch and Cadbury chocolate with a friend. What a treat.

In my earlier post entitled: Hershey's vs Cadbury: The Wars of the Chocolates, I made the case as to why Cadbury chocolate was far superior, and the obfuscation of facts from the studies conducted by Team Hershey's made clear whom I wanted to win this war … Let's just say Britannia Rules.

Christ recently arrived from England with her husband, and brought these Cadbury chocolates for me. No, they are not from the States.

Being that I am partial to Cadbury chocolates, I put out a plea to anyone coming back from Britain to please bring back a small present of Cadbury’s chocolates. This could literally save my life. So thank you Christ, your gift was a true definition of what true friendship means.

New Fork City

A New York Pizza

‘The compulsion to write is almost like eating. It keeps me sane.’

In my Top Pet Peeves post, I stated that fast food is one of my top pet peeves. Why? I would never hide the fact that I enjoy eating out once in a while, but not the occasional greasy pizza that is substituted as "food" is no longer on my list. Vyna and I once brought pizza at our local neighborhood food court. Once we sat down and picked up the pizza, we could literally see the greasy oil pouring out of it. Needless to say, our pizzas went straight to the bin, that evening.

UGH! Bad, greasy food is never an option.

New Fork City was the clever headline from a newspaper I once read. The story was about the popularity of indoor food courts in New York City. The BIG trend in NY right now is the popularity of Giant Food Halls. Foodies like me have never had it so good! Great (that word again) news for my friends visiting, and tourists who are now able to choose an array of cuisines all under one roof.

Eating healthy: Now an option at the various food courts in NYC.

New York Food Courts

Seven food halls have opened in the pass five years in the city, from Gotham West Market to Eataly near Madison Square Park, Plaza Food Hall at the Plaza, Gransevoort Market in the Meatpacking District, Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place in Battery Park City, Berg’n in Crown Heights and City Kitchen in Times Square. More are on the way. Can’t wait.

Anthony Bourdain

Outdoor terrace in Forrest Hills, New York: After dinner drinks with friends 
on a hot summer day.

Locals and tourists can enjoy fine dining without the hassle of going to a restaurant (no tip included). What a saving.

That's it for now, see you soon!