i call this piece: Veselka. notice that this photograph is back-focused. this was entirely purposeful. a commentary on the fact that even in this exquisite little cafe, the food is merely the background and hence, the setting in this scene. the people (who are in focus in the back) are the true subjects, eventhough their faces are cut out and from first glance it appears the empty dishes are the focal point. this was inspired by the mural in Veselka that deftly expresses the true essence of the bustling restaurant on second avenue without depicting hardly a single dish - instead, it's artist serves up an elegant schmorgesborg of facial expressions and gestures from the cafe's patrons. ahem. or i just don't know how to use my camera, yet.

in all honesty, though, there really is a great mural that covers two of the walls of the restaurant. and a sign in the corner of it that says that the artist takes commissions. if i won the trifecta for this year's kentucky derby i would commission him to paint my appartment. i was at this restuarant twice in 18 hours this weekend. if you've never been there, it's got all the great features of a diner (round-the-clock-hours, affordable prices, fries) with added bonuses like better food and waiters with ukrainian accents. i highly recommend the strawberry parfait.