Looks Good (11.9.08)

Clifford Owens, Prelingual, 2008. C-print, edition of 5, 30 x 40 inches.

Clifford Owens at On Stellar Rays Gallery: An exhibition of photo-based work by the Queens, NY resident. This marks the first solo exhibition for both the gallery and the artist. On view through December 14.

The B Sides at Aljira Center for Contemporary Art: A group exhibition curated by Edwin Ramoran that explores the relationship between house music and contemporary art. Opens Saturday, November 22 with a reception from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Apple Pie Pizza with Vanilla Ice Cream: Dough makes everything better, right? Kevin of Closet Cooking whips up this caramelized pizza pie goodness.

Responsible Chocolate on The Moment: Jill Santopietro puts eight organic chocolate bars to a taste test. While I'm fond of Dagoba Chocolate bars (especially the extra dark kind), Santopietro writes, "moldy taste, astringent, acidic, over-roasted beans, not smooth...give it to your next-door neighbor who eats everything." Ouch. Perhaps I should follow her tips for a proper chocolate tasting:

"Buy bars of the same or similar cacao percentage. If your tasting includes milk and dark chocolates, start with the dark and move toward the sweet. Put a piece in your mouth, let it melt slightly on your tongue, and then swoosh it around. Cleanse your palate between tastings with water or bread. And don’t forget to take notes. For more feedback, do it with a group and taste blind if you can."

Banana Coconut Custard Bread Pudding: Food blogger Alejandra Ramos notes that the pudding is exceptionally lovely with a glass of white wine. Her Whole Wheat Pear & Cognac Crostata looks pretty good too.

Sharon Core, Melons and Morning Glories, 2008. Chromogenic print, Edition of 7.

Sharon Core on The Moment: The Times Magazine blog features images from Core's current exhibition at Yancey Richardson Gallery, which builds on her earlier exploration of the relationship between painting and photography, originals and appropriation. In 2004, the artist exhibited a series of Thiebaud inspired C-prints at Bellwether Gallery. The new body of work is based on early 19th century still life painting, in particular the work of Raphaelle Peale. On view through December 6.

National Vanilla Cupcake Day (November 10): Celebrate with this four star recipe from New York's Magnolia Bakery.