So The Bronx at night… officially a bad decision. Brian wanted to see if he could find the restaurant where Salazzo was killed in The Godfather, and supposedly it was deep in the Bronx. And someone told us that particular part of the Bronx isn’t that bad.

Oh, but it is. You don’t want to be caucasian in the Bronx. Not at night. You could cut the racial tension with a knife. We were white, and we were not wanted. There were random people standing alone in random spots, and it reminded me of delivering pizza to the ghetto in Waco, with the crack dealers on every corner. You could feel their stares pierce your soul. Needless to say, we got out of there VERY quickly. I don’t want to think what would have happened had we stayed a second longer. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable in my life. It was very… very… scary.

I guess trying to find a restaurant in a real notorious borough where a fictional character was slaughtered should have set off red flags, and I guess it did. But Brian said he talked to Ruth, who works in the Bronx… so… whatever. I’ll never go back. I’ll keep to the Manhattan / Queens / Brooklyn areas.

But now for a pleasant update: Work has been interesting. I came to the realization this week that a production company, at least so far as the one I’m with goes, doesn’t actually MAKE anything. They hire all technical workers from out of company. Almost no one in house is responsible for shooting and editing and what have you. This bit of knowledge deflated my already diminished expectations further, but luckily things look to be on the upswing.

On Saturday, I went on a shoot with the producers I’ve been spending most of my time working for. Upon arrival, the resident equipment guy, Assaf, gave me this really long lecture about never leaving equipment alone and about all kinds of protocol which should be common knowledge, but apparently had been ignored in recent weeks by other members of the staff.

On location, they made me the guy responsible for moving little bits of equipment such as cables and monitors. I was yelled at a few times, told to hurry up. So I did, taking the barked orders in stride. After all, if I can bark out obnoxious orders like that on my own set, why shouldn’t they? By the end of the day, Assaf pulled me aside and thanked me for the good work and said he felt like he could trust me, and that was rare. I guess most people just don’t know what the hell they’re doing… and I do. Or something like that.

Monday, I’m supposed to go see him in the equipment room and he might have some stuff for me to do. I don’t know what that entails, but I’m almost certain it’s better than logging tapes, and it’s one step closer to the production side of a production company. All this is just to say that things are getting better with work, and I think I’m actually starting to enjoy it a bit. Just don’t let them know that.

As for my free time, this weekend has mostly been a really lazy weekend, and I’ve loved it. Thursday I kicked my own ass by walking the long loop around Central Park (roughly 6 - 8 miles, including trip to and from the Park). It took about two and a half hours, but it was so beautiful. I’m in love with northern Central Park (the Harlem area). The little ponds and waterfalls and Harlem architecture in near sight just make the area absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I can’t wait to go back.

Then Friday night, Travis, Brian and I went to Little Italy again… and I had the greatest meal I’ve had yet in New York City… details to follow:

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MEALS OF NOTE:

“Da Gennaro Ristorante” - Italian - Pollo alla Bolognes, White Zinfindel
Thoughts - OH MY GOD, THIS PLACE ROCKS! The Pollo alla Bolognes is chicken breast, topped with a slice of prosciutto, smothered in melted mozzerella, on a bed of your choice of pasta and marinara sauce (I chose Fettucine). I really don’t know what to say other than THIS MEAL WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Easily the best meal I’ve had in New York so far. I think the restaurant was brand new, because the place was packed, so we were seated outside (luckily it was a nice evening, 55 or 60 degrees) and the manager came and chatted with all the customers, leaving business cards for people to take. The glass of white zinfindel wasn’t particularly special, but that’s ok because the meal was just THAT amazing. Highly recommended. If my family and I are ever up here at the same time, I might have to bring them all here. No. I WILL have to bring them all here. THAT amazing.
Total Cost - $28 (includes $15 plate, $6 glass of wine, tax and tip)