Sachin Agarwal
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Pictures from Barcelona 
Last month I took a little vacation to Barcelona. It was my first time in Spain and I loved it. It's a beautiful city with some great museums, churches, and lots of cool modern architecture.While there I went to Casa Batlló, la Sagrada Familia (including a long and sometimes scary winding staircase, don't look down! check out the picture), Arc de Triumf, Catedral de Barcelona (great views from the roof), tour of Palau de la Musica, La Pedrera (another Gaudi house), Museu Picasso, some cool design stores, and more.We were staying right on La Rambla which was amazing, just steps away from lots of restaurants, cafes, and bars. I had lots of excellent coffee and chocolate treats throughout the days there. The food highlight was this awesome place called Mamacafé in El Raval. The food and service were amazing.Thursday night in Barcelona was my big partying night and I made full use of it. I got to a club early, became friends with the bartender, and was getting free shots throughout the night. It was wild. I'm not sure how I wandered home at night, and I didn't wake up on Friday until 7pm!Click here for the picturesSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-18 04:50:10
Last month I took a little vacation to Barcelona. It was my first time in Spain and I loved it. It's a beautiful city with some great museums, churches, and lots of cool modern architecture.While there I went to Casa Batlló, la Sagrada Familia (including a long and sometimes scary winding staircase, don't look down! check out the picture), Arc de Triumf, Catedral de Barcelona (great views from the roof), tour of Palau de la Musica, La Pedrera (another Gaudi house), Museu Picasso, some cool design stores, and more.We were staying right on La Rambla which was amazing, just steps away from lots of restaurants, cafes, and bars. I had lots of excellent coffee and chocolate treats throughout the days there. The food highlight was this awesome place called Mamacafé in El Raval. The food and service were amazing.Thursday night in Barcelona was my big partying night and I made full use of it. I got to a club early, became friends with the bartender, and was getting free shots throughout the night. It was wild. I'm not sure how I wandered home at night, and I didn't wake up on Friday until 7pm!Click here for the picturesSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-18 04:50:10
New York City highlights for December
I haven't been good about keeping my New York restaurants and attractions list up to date recently but I'm hoping to get it updated over winter break. My New York attractions list is looking good and I'm getting stuff done, but the restaurant list is growing out of control so I need to do some prioritizing there.Anyway, here are some highlights:1. The Stanton Social - THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Amazing tapas place. Every item will blow you away. Go in a big group to try more food. Wow.2. Schillers Liquor Bar - Great restaurant in LES. Always tons of fun, great drinks, great food.3. On Friday I went to The Burger Joint, a hidden burger place inside the fancy Parker Meridien hotel. Great burgers and fries. Beats the Shake Shack, and you don't have to stand in line outside for 45 minutes (though that can be a good thing on a nice summer day)4. On Saturday I went to Ruth's Chris for the first time. Pretty awesome. I don't think I'll go back to Peter Luger's again unless someone is visiting NY and wants to go there because it's famous. The steak was great (on par with Lugers). The chopped salad was amazing, all the sides were great, and the apple tart was perfect. Given Luger's horrible service, I'm glad to have a new favorite steak.5. On Saturday I went to the Brooklyn museum with Gary. We went for Annie Leibovitz, which was good, but the Ron Mueck exhibit was totally amazing, some of the most mind blowing art we've ever seen. GO TO THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM AND SEE THIS.Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-18 04:50:10
I haven't been good about keeping my New York restaurants and attractions list up to date recently but I'm hoping to get it updated over winter break. My New York attractions list is looking good and I'm getting stuff done, but the restaurant list is growing out of control so I need to do some prioritizing there.Anyway, here are some highlights:1. The Stanton Social - THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Amazing tapas place. Every item will blow you away. Go in a big group to try more food. Wow.2. Schillers Liquor Bar - Great restaurant in LES. Always tons of fun, great drinks, great food.3. On Friday I went to The Burger Joint, a hidden burger place inside the fancy Parker Meridien hotel. Great burgers and fries. Beats the Shake Shack, and you don't have to stand in line outside for 45 minutes (though that can be a good thing on a nice summer day)4. On Saturday I went to Ruth's Chris for the first time. Pretty awesome. I don't think I'll go back to Peter Luger's again unless someone is visiting NY and wants to go there because it's famous. The steak was great (on par with Lugers). The chopped salad was amazing, all the sides were great, and the apple tart was perfect. Given Luger's horrible service, I'm glad to have a new favorite steak.5. On Saturday I went to the Brooklyn museum with Gary. We went for Annie Leibovitz, which was good, but the Ron Mueck exhibit was totally amazing, some of the most mind blowing art we've ever seen. GO TO THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM AND SEE THIS.Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-18 04:50:10
The East Village Community
No one would ever think New York can have a small town kind of feel. I don't know any of the people who live in my building, and the second week after I moved in one guy told me I shouldn't even bother trying to meet people.While my apartment may have no community, the area around me and all the businesses are the best little community I've ever encountered. Never before have I known so many of the people who operate the businesses that I go to. A couple weeks ago I was walking down 4th Avenue and the dry cleaner on 6th st and his wife were walking to the train and they said hi to me. The following day I walked by Jimmy of Jimmy's 43 and he said hi.And I know almost everyone who works in my gym. They aren't just random employees who come and go every month. They have been there for months and are extremely knowledgeable and willing to help.Tonight I ordered food delivery from Nolita House a great bar Joe and I went to about 4 months ago, once. Since then I've just been getting delivery. For some reason today the food took almost an hour and a half to come. I called them up to let them know (not really to complain). The person I spoke to told me to speak to the manager. I told him I wasn't complaining, but he said the manager should know.I remembered the manager's name was Scott. "Scott you probably don't remember me but I was there a few months ago." "Remind me of the details." "I'm an Indian guy and was there with my Korean friend." "Oh you work at Apple right?"Pretty amazing. He gave me my dinner for free and told me I had to come in to the bar for some free rounds. I remember when Joe and I were in the bar drinking we enjoyed talking to Scott and learning about how he had taken loans from his family to start this bar on his own. Afterwards Joe really wanted to open his own bar.There's so much competition in New York for food and drink service that business owners go out of their way to make you happy. I'm all about great customer service so I love it!Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
No one would ever think New York can have a small town kind of feel. I don't know any of the people who live in my building, and the second week after I moved in one guy told me I shouldn't even bother trying to meet people.While my apartment may have no community, the area around me and all the businesses are the best little community I've ever encountered. Never before have I known so many of the people who operate the businesses that I go to. A couple weeks ago I was walking down 4th Avenue and the dry cleaner on 6th st and his wife were walking to the train and they said hi to me. The following day I walked by Jimmy of Jimmy's 43 and he said hi.And I know almost everyone who works in my gym. They aren't just random employees who come and go every month. They have been there for months and are extremely knowledgeable and willing to help.Tonight I ordered food delivery from Nolita House a great bar Joe and I went to about 4 months ago, once. Since then I've just been getting delivery. For some reason today the food took almost an hour and a half to come. I called them up to let them know (not really to complain). The person I spoke to told me to speak to the manager. I told him I wasn't complaining, but he said the manager should know.I remembered the manager's name was Scott. "Scott you probably don't remember me but I was there a few months ago." "Remind me of the details." "I'm an Indian guy and was there with my Korean friend." "Oh you work at Apple right?"Pretty amazing. He gave me my dinner for free and told me I had to come in to the bar for some free rounds. I remember when Joe and I were in the bar drinking we enjoyed talking to Scott and learning about how he had taken loans from his family to start this bar on his own. Afterwards Joe really wanted to open his own bar.There's so much competition in New York for food and drink service that business owners go out of their way to make you happy. I'm all about great customer service so I love it!Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
New pictures
Kasabian and Mew - Saw Kasabian perform at Webster hallIntrepid Air and Space Museum - Cool planes and stuff on an aircraft carrierCentral Park Zoo - Saw the polar bears, penguins, sea lions, and more!New York Botanical Garden - Chihuly glass sculptures at the Bronx Garden. Very cool, highly recommended. It ends this month so go now!I knocked a bunch of stuff off my to do list. The last thing I want to do before it gets cold is the Bronx Zoo.Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Kasabian and Mew - Saw Kasabian perform at Webster hallIntrepid Air and Space Museum - Cool planes and stuff on an aircraft carrierCentral Park Zoo - Saw the polar bears, penguins, sea lions, and more!New York Botanical Garden - Chihuly glass sculptures at the Bronx Garden. Very cool, highly recommended. It ends this month so go now!I knocked a bunch of stuff off my to do list. The last thing I want to do before it gets cold is the Bronx Zoo.Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Vermont foliage
Meena and I rented a car (got a sweet upgrade to a Chrysler Crossfire!) and drove to Vermont to check out the turning leaves. We stopped at an apple farm and picked apples, had some yummy cider donuts, and walked around small New England towns.Tim reminded me about the episode of The Family Guy with The LeafersClick here for picturesSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Meena and I rented a car (got a sweet upgrade to a Chrysler Crossfire!) and drove to Vermont to check out the turning leaves. We stopped at an apple farm and picked apples, had some yummy cider donuts, and walked around small New England towns.Tim reminded me about the episode of The Family Guy with The LeafersClick here for picturesSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Heather Graham
When I was waiting outside LAX for my mom to pick me up, Heather Graham walked right by me. By the time I realized it was her she was passed me and about to cross the road to the parking structure. Wow, she's hot.I called Gary right away.Sachin: Dude, Heather Graham just walked by meGary: Did you talk to her?Sachin: No I didn't get a chanceGary: You should just treat her like a normal girlSachin: I did. I got all nervous and didn't say a wordSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
When I was waiting outside LAX for my mom to pick me up, Heather Graham walked right by me. By the time I realized it was her she was passed me and about to cross the road to the parking structure. Wow, she's hot.I called Gary right away.Sachin: Dude, Heather Graham just walked by meGary: Did you talk to her?Sachin: No I didn't get a chanceGary: You should just treat her like a normal girlSachin: I did. I got all nervous and didn't say a wordSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Watch me on TV tonight!
I went to the taping of Conan O'Brien tonight and saw Charles Barkley, Kristin Chenoweth, and Cat Power.The overall experience was much, much better than a Daily Show taping. We were only in line for about one hour for just over an hour of entertainment (vs 2 hours in line for a 24 minute Daily Show). The studio is much nicer, though still much smaller than you would expect.Overall there was a lot more energy in the program. Conan O'Brien is hilarious. Plus everyone got a free tshirt. You can't beat all that for a free show!Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
I went to the taping of Conan O'Brien tonight and saw Charles Barkley, Kristin Chenoweth, and Cat Power.The overall experience was much, much better than a Daily Show taping. We were only in line for about one hour for just over an hour of entertainment (vs 2 hours in line for a 24 minute Daily Show). The studio is much nicer, though still much smaller than you would expect.Overall there was a lot more energy in the program. Conan O'Brien is hilarious. Plus everyone got a free tshirt. You can't beat all that for a free show!Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Another trip back to San Francisco
I was in the Bay Area last week and I had a great time seeing everyone. I was out everyday for lunch and dinner with friends and family who I hadn't seen in a while. It was a lot of fun.I really, really miss being at Apple. I love being inside the Apple campus. I miss having an office and showing up to work and being surrounded by my coworkers. I miss going out for lunch and coffee breaks, after work at BJs. I now realize what an incredible group of people I work with and I love going back and seeing them all.Besides being at Apple, I saw all the Stanford folks as well, which was great. Monday night i took care of my craving for Mexican food and then went to Josh's place in Boulder Creek. Tuesday was the long standing weekly dinner. Wednesday was SFWednesdays, Thursday was Aki time in Mountain View (spending time in "The View" scared me to not want to move back to California), and Friday was casual drinking and hanging out with great friends in Noe Valley.Usually my photo albums are pictures I've taken, but this time I was able to get other people to take pictures with my camera. I think putting an SLR out on a table makes people want to pick it up and start shooting. I just set it at ISO 1600 and f1.4 to maximize low light shooting.Click for the pictures (there are a lot!)When I was off getting coffee on Friday, Eric decided it would be funny to release the hand brake on my car (I don't lock it), push it out of its spot, and feed it some rubber ducks. Such a punk!Thanks to everyone for hanging out with me last week, and for letting me sleep on various couches across the Bay Area :)Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
I was in the Bay Area last week and I had a great time seeing everyone. I was out everyday for lunch and dinner with friends and family who I hadn't seen in a while. It was a lot of fun.I really, really miss being at Apple. I love being inside the Apple campus. I miss having an office and showing up to work and being surrounded by my coworkers. I miss going out for lunch and coffee breaks, after work at BJs. I now realize what an incredible group of people I work with and I love going back and seeing them all.Besides being at Apple, I saw all the Stanford folks as well, which was great. Monday night i took care of my craving for Mexican food and then went to Josh's place in Boulder Creek. Tuesday was the long standing weekly dinner. Wednesday was SFWednesdays, Thursday was Aki time in Mountain View (spending time in "The View" scared me to not want to move back to California), and Friday was casual drinking and hanging out with great friends in Noe Valley.Usually my photo albums are pictures I've taken, but this time I was able to get other people to take pictures with my camera. I think putting an SLR out on a table makes people want to pick it up and start shooting. I just set it at ISO 1600 and f1.4 to maximize low light shooting.Click for the pictures (there are a lot!)When I was off getting coffee on Friday, Eric decided it would be funny to release the hand brake on my car (I don't lock it), push it out of its spot, and feed it some rubber ducks. Such a punk!Thanks to everyone for hanging out with me last week, and for letting me sleep on various couches across the Bay Area :)Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Halloween 2006 in the West Village
Amanda Kahn had an awesome party at her place in the West Village which included Patron shots, pumpkin bread muffins, and easy access to the parade. It was a whole lot of fun (the only time I got out this past week since I had a deadline at work). I incorporated my facial hair into my costume by being Teen Wolf. (Nik, lemme know if you want to borrow my Teen Wolf jacket or ears sometime)Click here for the picturesSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Amanda Kahn had an awesome party at her place in the West Village which included Patron shots, pumpkin bread muffins, and easy access to the parade. It was a whole lot of fun (the only time I got out this past week since I had a deadline at work). I incorporated my facial hair into my costume by being Teen Wolf. (Nik, lemme know if you want to borrow my Teen Wolf jacket or ears sometime)Click here for the picturesSachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Great concerts, see Imogen Heap in SF!
Last week Gary and I saw The Album Leaf. I liked one of their songs off the OC soundtrack last year, but I was re-introduced to them a few months ago by Gary and I fell in love with their new album. We saw them at North Six in Brooklyn, a great venue.But the reason I blog now is I just got home from seeing Imogen Heap at Webster Hall. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Imogen has lots of energy, she is funny, and puts on an amazing show. She has one of the most unique sounds and performances I have ever heard/seen. I hate it when I go to a show and the artist goes on stage, doesn't say a word, and plays their music exactly how it is on the album, what's the point of that?She will be in San Francisco next month and i *highly* recommend the show. Imogen was also featured on the OC soundtrack, the Garden State soundtrack, and on Scrubs. I think if I buy every album for every artist found on those programs I could never go wrong...I haven't so far.p.s. the opening act, Kid Beyond, also totally rocked.Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35
Last week Gary and I saw The Album Leaf. I liked one of their songs off the OC soundtrack last year, but I was re-introduced to them a few months ago by Gary and I fell in love with their new album. We saw them at North Six in Brooklyn, a great venue.But the reason I blog now is I just got home from seeing Imogen Heap at Webster Hall. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Imogen has lots of energy, she is funny, and puts on an amazing show. She has one of the most unique sounds and performances I have ever heard/seen. I hate it when I go to a show and the artist goes on stage, doesn't say a word, and plays their music exactly how it is on the album, what's the point of that?She will be in San Francisco next month and i *highly* recommend the show. Imogen was also featured on the OC soundtrack, the Garden State soundtrack, and on Scrubs. I think if I buy every album for every artist found on those programs I could never go wrong...I haven't so far.p.s. the opening act, Kid Beyond, also totally rocked.Sachin Agarwal, 2006-12-04 04:46:35