Rays Picks NYC – Page 18

Pio Pio Hell’s Kitchen

Pio Pio Hell’s Kitchen
604 10th Ave
(between 43rd St & 44th St)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 459-2929
Official Site

There are quite a few chain restaurants that started right here in New York City and have become successful locally and nationally, even worldwide. Restaurants like Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack are now all over the country, with one opening in Dubai. Dos Cominos and Sushi Samba. One of my favorite NYC chain restaurants is Pio Pio, a Peruvian restaurant that has branches in Manhattan, Queens, and Bronx.

Chicken is one of my staple proteins (along with fish), it’s simple to cook and it’s also very easy to overcook. At Pio Pio they take pride in their chicken. It’s moist, seasoned perfectly, and full of flavor. The Latin culture has many ways of preparing their chicken, but Pio Pio’s has a distinguishable taste that can only be found here. They also have a green spicy sauce that elevates the flavor to new heights if one enjoys spicy food.

I’ve also had a few of their starter dishes, like Cebiche Limeno. Made with fresh corvina chunks marinated in lime juice and mixed with red onions, and cilantro. It is slightly acidic and is reminiscent of a similar dish that I had in the Phlippines growing up. Also the Calamar Frito (fried calamari) is very tasty as well, fried perfectly so that the calamari is still soft and easy to chew.

Pio Pio has two combos that are great for a group of four, The Matador and Peruvian Combo. For $36 The Matador combo includes a full chicken and comes with rice and beans, tostones, salchipapa, and an avocado salad. The Peruvian combo which includes a full chicken served with an avocado salad and fries with hotdog for only $30. During lunchtime a $10 special is offered. It includes a half chicken and comes with your choice of one side and an avocado salad.

Not only does Pio Pio have great food but they also have a Red Sangria that is by far one of the best, in my opinion as well as my friends that have dined here multiple times, in New York City. The sangria has a rich fruity sweetness that is not overbearing while the alcohol can still be tasted in the background.

Hells Kitchen’s Pio Pio is different from the rest of its other locations. It has a flare of sexiness with the décor and interior that rivals even the trendiest restaurants below 14th street. The restaurant space is massive and has no problem accommodating dinner parties of 8 or more with ease, unlike it’s other locations where the space is limited.

Guests are greeted at the entrance by the host before being lead to their table. There’s a lounge section in the front packed with beautiful people on any given night. The lounge is followed by a long narrow marble bar that leads to the concrete steps downstairs to the dining area which is situated below street level. The high ceilings and walls are covered in tree branches that intertwine within each other. Several communal wooden tables with wooden chairs are spaced perfectly. During dinner service the noise level is amplified in this boxed in dining room, but never the less it’s still a pleasant dining experience along with service that is attentive.

What I love about Pio Pio is the consistency of their food. I know that I will have the same flavor and quality whether I am eating at their Jackson Height location or the one in Hells Kitchen. Their prices are cheap for the quality of food that they serve.

Compared to the Murray Hill location, which I used to frequent, the Hells Kitchen Pio Pio has become my favorite location. The atmosphere takes the dining experience here to another level.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

How To Separate The Yolk From The Egg Whites

Here’s a cool way how to separate the yolk from the egg whites.

SUAC Restaurant

SAUC Restaurant
Via Laietana 49
08003 Barcelona, Spain
933 21 01 89
Official Site

*This restaurant is now closed

When I was in Barcelona a few months ago I wanted to visit a Michelin Star restaurant, of course I’ve heard all about the great restaurants that the region possessed, like the now closed El Buli and El Celler de Can Roca.The closest restaurant to my hotel was SAUC restaurant at the Ohla Hotel. A one Michelin star restaurant, it is known for its classic Catalonian cuisine prepared with a modern technique by Chef Xavier Franco.

Located on the mezzanine of the Ohla Hotel, SAUC is small and has a clean modern décor. The interior is designed with hard wood flooring, a black wall that serves as separator between the kitchen and dining room as well as counter, and it is surrounded by glass windows overlooking the street. While the covered tables and the low ceilings provided a dim lighting giving it an intimate atmosphere. Oddly enough the space and atmosphere reminded me of SHO Shaun Hergatt and Ai Fiori here in New York City.

Now on to the food, I began with an amouse bouche of olives in different textures. The one that left a lasting impression were the black olives that looked and had the texture of a gummy bear but with a black olive taste. My first course was the Spanish mackerel with almond milk poured over it. Surprisingly enough the almond milk and mackerel created a milky fish flavor. The second course, was the potato artichoke with poached egg, it was good but nothing spectacular. The entrée, cod fish with beans was very enjoyable.The salty flavor of the fish was neutralized by the beans when eaten together. To finish the meal I had Milfull and Cream with strawberries for dessert. It was very good, the dessert wasn’t as sweet as I expected and was well balanced. I paired my meal with a handpicked white wine by their sommelier which enhanced each of the flavors in my meal.

SAUC was a good choice to have a Michelin Star meal in Barcelona. The food was very good and the service was not less than spectacular while the setting was subdued and intimate.The question I would like to ask is, can this restaurant be as successful in New York City as it is in Barcelona? New York diners and critics are thorough when it comes to Spanish cuisine, just ask Miguel Romera. Then again Gastroate, on the Upper West Side, has been well received here. There’s only one way to find out and that is to dine there and have your own opinion like I did. In my opinion (SAUC Restaurant) will do very well here in NYC.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Behind the Kitchen Door Book Trailer

Behind the Kitchen Door: What Every Diner Should Know About the People Who Feed Us is a groundbreaking exploration of the political, economic, and moral implications of eating out. What’s at stake when we choose a restaurant is not only our own health or “foodie” experience, but the health and well-being of the second-largest private sector workforce—the lives of 10 million people, many immigrants, many people of color, who bring passion, tenacity, and important insight into the American dining experience.

Official Website

Quimet Y Quimet

During my week long vacation in Barcelona Spain, I wined and dined myself with some of the freshest seafood that the Mediterranean had to offer. I ate through the tapas bar and drank the wines from the Catalonian Region. Oddly enough, I enjoyed their wine. I wandered around Barcelona and discovered places to eat and towards the end of my trip I asked my hotel concierge for a restaurant recommendation. At first he gave me a list of touristy spots but after I asked him where would he eat if he wanted a very good meal, that’s when he recommended Quimet Y Quimet.

Quimet Y Quimet is a tapas bar that has been run by the Quim family for generations. I was told by one of the staff that the gentleman making the food behind the bar is a fourth generation Quim. The space is small, standing room only, and cubed in with walls full of various wines all the way to ceiling, and a stainless steel bar where guests can park themselves and enjoy their food. Getting to the wooded table in the center of the space can be quite challenging since this place is packed with locals and a few tourists. While some waited outside, sipping their wine, until a space opened up. You will be rubbing elbows, literally, with fellow patrons like I did.

The tapas and montaditos (open face sandwiches) at Quimet Y Quimet are made from the highest quality and most expensive canned seafood’s and meats. I was really impressed at how good the canned foods are, Spain produces some of the best canned foods on the market. The menu is abundant and most of the dishes are priced between 1 to 3.50 Euro and the cheese plates will run around 9 Euro. I had a memorable feast here.Beginning with “olivas rellenas” or stuffed olives. The olives were stuffed with a seafood mixture making it a great starter. Then I had the “Combinado de queso” or cheese combination. I enjoyed the flavor of these Spanish cheeses, from sweet to sour, it was amazing–except of course the goat cheese, just a personal preference.

After my cheese plate, I ordered mostly the montaditos. I tried mainly seafood plates, except for the Pate con Setas which was made with pulled meat topped off with mushroom. The pulled meat was soft and moist while the mushroom was somewhat sautéed and tasted very good. Then the Salmon, yogurt y miel trufada, it is a version of salmon cream cheese in America but instead of cream cheese they use yogurt and top it off with truffle honey. This was the best plate I had. The truffle honey and its distinct sweetness combined with salmon along with the light texture of yogurt was enough to come back to Quimet y Quimet. Next was the “Langostinos Con Piquillo”, the red peppers (which are grown in Spain) along with the caviar is packed with flavor. Then there was the Sardinas Con Erizo, a whole sardine topped off with sea urchin, and the Sardina Ahumada y Tomate Seco, chopped sardines with tomato sauce. Both were amazing.

I left Quimet Y Quimet satisfied; there wasn’t a single dish that I did not like. Their wine list was extensive, but I enjoyed the local white wine that went well with my dishes and it did not disappoint.

The only regret I had on my trip was that I didn’t find out about Quimet Y Quimet earlier. It was the best tapas/ restaurant I had the opportunity to enjoy in Barcelona. It was also a great way to end my trip. If I ever come back to Barcelona, Spain I will definitely try to visit this place again. Hopefully they stay open; then again it has been open for four generations!

Quimet Y Quimet
Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25
08004 Barcelona Spain
934 423 142

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

est 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge

est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge
@ Hotel Stanford
43 W 32nd St
New York, NY 10001
(212) 563-1500
Official Site

On 32nd St, between Broadway and 5th avenue, also known as “Little Korean Way”, is the Hotel Stanford. During the hours of 6pm-2am the hotel opens its doors to everyone for their lounge, est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge. This little gem seems out of place, yet it is the perfect spot in an area where you would least expect it to be.

As you walk into the lobby of the hotel you can see the foldout sign with brightly colored chalked writing with the lounges happy hour specials and hours of service written in brightly colored chalk. Continue further inside the hotel until you reach a small set of stairs on the right of the elevator and up the narrow staircase into what is an impressively styled space.

est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge is dimly lit. Dark wood bookcases decorate the far right wall as they embrace sleek metallic silver leather sofas and sitting chairs. Matching dark square wooden side and coffee tables accent the sitting area. A communal table is centered in the bar surrounded by high-back cushioned dining chairs and three round laced chandeliers of different sizes hanging above it. To add to the space and decor is a Grand piano near the bar itself on the left. You would think the lounge would be lacking in space to fit anything, but this place is roomy and spacious enough to hold its regulars as well as groups. The wine bar gives an intimate and sophisticated feel with its dim lighting and minimalism, yet it is contemporary enough to keep the atmosphere casual and humorous by placing pictorial drawings with witty sayings along the right side of wall.

Although wine is what est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge is best for when coming here—their wine list consists mostly of French wines such as the Malbec and Pinot Noir which you can buy by the glass or bottle—they also serve cocktails and beers, as well as the prerequisite cheese and meat tapas, East-Asian inspired plates, and desserts. A glass of wine runs at an average of $12 but a happy hour special daily from 6PM to 8PM cuts the prices in half. Being a white wine drinker I enjoyed the Château St. Jean Fume Blanc. It has a fruity and acidic taste that is very similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.

On the several occasions that I’ve had the opportunity to visit the lounge, it has never been overly crowded. The noise level is at a minimal and the music is not overpowering throughout the space, allowing patrons to have an intimate conversation. Because of its location, est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge attracts mostly the after work crowd that empties out after 7PM to catch their scheduled train at either The Path or Penn Station. It’s a great place to meet up with friends and family for a nice relaxing glass of wine.

Hidden wine bars and lounges are no stranger to New York City as there are quite a few of them and more that I haven’t yet discovered. In the case of est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge it was recommend by a friend and I have since enjoyed coming here.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be mature. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

The Bean East Village

With two locations, and a third opening soon, The Bean is one of the few local independent cafe’s here in Manhattan. A mix of cafe and internet cafe, this small community coffee shop has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Both cafe’s are equally popular and busy, but the East Village location is a favorite. Once located down the block east of the current location on 1st avenue, The Bean was booted out to make way for another Starbucks. Although it hasn’t suffered from the franchises bullying, regulars frequent business from early morning until closing keeping a steady stream of patrons.

The Bean East Village gives off a warm, homey feel with it’s large windows and variety of comfortable seating, the corner location creates a spacious and roomy place to sit back and relax. Bench seats decorated with colorful plush pillows and small marble round tables line against the floor to ceiling windows on your right as you walk into the main entrance. A large table, etched impressively with spices give additional seating for those with laptops, and toward the back two well used love seats, coffee table, and high-back sitting chairs give this area a feel of sitting in your own home with friends just chatting. A small internet bar is also available for patrons use, while cool art works are hanging on the walls throughout the space.

At any given day the café is packed with East Villagers along with their dogs and young college students working on their thesis (NYU is a few blocks North). The staff here are courteous and efficient, and look just like they’d also be sitting in the cafe enjoying a cup on their day off.

The Bean is mostly known for it’s coffee, but also serves a vast array of pastries, sandwiches, and signature teas and Latte’s. They also have pastries and sweets for the Vegan . The Dirty Chai Latte, their signature drink is a must have. It consists of a Chai Latte with a shot of espresso. The espresso compliments the sweetness of the Chai as the steamed milk regulates the latte overall. It makes for a perfectly balanced latte, although it was far from the “life changing event” that the lady behind the counter told me it would be, nevertheless it was delicious.

With a great atmosphere, unpretentious environment, friendly staff and most of all great coffee. The Bean in the East Village is a treasure that East Villagers possess. It is a café that locals can brag about to their friends and families. I don’t think you can do that with your local Starbucks.

The Bean
54 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 510-7714
Official Site

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Eat It Don’t Tweet It by American Hipster

This is a funny video that every food lovers and bloggers must watch. Enjoy!!!!!

Asia Dog

No one thinks of America’s staple, the hot dog, dressed up other than with mustard, onion sauce, or sauerkraut. When most people think of this favorite quick bite, it’s of baseball games, Coney Island, or those many push carts that we know are housing “dirty dogs”. A hotdog for the Manhattanites on the go or hipsters on the move has just rolled onto Kenmare Street in NoliTa section of Manhattan. Its name is Asia Dog.

Asia Dog has taken a role that will test the diehard hot dog fans. Here is where you won’t find toppings associated with one of the favorite “on the go” meals of New York. Instead you will find a mixture of julienne vegetables seasoned with chutneys or Ethnic sides toned down to accommodate their new mates all mixed together to combine different flavors that go with your hotdog of choice. Not only does Asia Dog cater to the beef eaters, but the Vegetarians, and non-red meat eaters. They definitely want their customers to feel satisfied.

Asia Dog is a cool, yet tiny spot where the wood breakfast bench style forms an “L” shape upon entry. They have a stand up counter also and behind a wood counter are two people that have that relaxed young artsy look, one taking your order and the other preparing it. Above them is a huge menu that is concise and clear. Each topping choice is listed with their ingredients. The prices aren’t that bad either. For $8 you can enjoy two dogs with topping of your choice.

A few of my favorite hotdogs are the “Ginny”, a house made Kimichi with Nori flakes. The Kimichi with the chicken hotdog combination is something that I never thought would work but it hits to the point on this one. The “Sidney” topping consist of a Thai mango relish (cucumber, red onions and cilantro) with crushed peanuts that compliment the smoky flavor of the hotdogs. The “Vinhn a Bahn Mi” topping, made out of spicy aioli, pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeno and cilantro, comes with a pâté that can be ordered as pork or veggie. This topping is usually made for Vietnamese sandwiches but this also works very well with the hotdog. A side order of Korean Yam Fries is a good compliment to go along with the hotdogs. Sweet fries that are deep fried and served with a tangy, yet spicy mayonnaise sauce complete the meal at Asia Dog.

Combining East Asian flavors on an All-American comfort food was genius. The concept behind this eatery may have never been thought about, but in a city like New York where diners are exposed to all kinds of cuisine and are more adventurous, Asia Dog is perfect for New York.

Asia Dog
66 Kenmare St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 226-8861
Official Website

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other humanity even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

La Silhouette

La Silhouette
362 W 53rd St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 581-2400
Official Site

*This venue is now closed

A few months ago Zagat.com ran an article about the 8 most underrated restaurants in NYC. I’ve been to a few of them (SHO Shaun Hergatt and Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar) and was surprised to see La Silhouette on the list.In a city full of great restaurants it’s easy to overlook a few gems. La Silhouette debuted without a splash and besides a review by Adam Platt of New York Magazine who gave it two stars; it was never reviewed by the NY Times or any other major publications. Located in Hells Kitchen, this French American restaurant is owned by 2 former Le Barnardin general managers, Tito Rahman and Sally Chinoris, and the executive chef Matthew Tropeano is an alum of Le Grenouille a NYC institution.

Situated in a modern apartment building along 53rd street, the restaurant can be easily passed if one is not paying attention. My first impression when I walked in was it’s not as big as I thought it would be. The front area has soft lighting and a small gold wooden bar with six red leather bar stools. The bar scene here is non existent, but you come here to eat. The host/hostess counter is manned by the owners Tito and Sally who take turns greeting guest as they arrive. When I was ushered into the main dining room I passed through a series of dimly light rooms (where guest can also choose to be seated) that were ideal for casual dining. The modern and luxurious interior of La Silhouette provides an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Just before entering the sunken dining room there is a second bar for busy nights. The dining room is squared off with clean white walls, one of which is painted in red striped like the American flag. Laminated uncovered tables are paired with banquet seats against wall to wall carpeted floor.There’s also a space above the main dining room which is perfect for a private dining.

La Silhouette’s French menu with a Modern American flare is some of the most delectable dishes I’ve had; the ingredients are of the highest quality. The average price of an entrée is north of $30. It’s expensive, but that’s the norm for NYC fine dining. If you are in the mood to splurge, try their $95 five course tasting menu ($55 with wine pairing) like I did the first time I dined here. I let Chef Tropeano showcase his skills and enjoyed the evening of gastronomic festivities.

I’ve tried numerous dishes here and enjoyed most of them. Starter dishes like the Poached Farm Egg with “Truffles” and, oyster mushroom was very tasty; the egg was poached perfectly while the truffles added a depth of flavor. Another great starter was the Long Island Fluke Tartare with American caviar, citrus vinaigrette, poppy seed flatbread. I love this dish, the fresh fish combined with citrus vinaigrette and the saltiness of the caviar bursts with flavors that complement each other.

Among the entrée dishes, the Poulet Roti “Avellino” braised cannellini beans and kale, tomato confit, lardons, chicken jus was incredible. The chicken was cooked perfectly; it was juicy, tender and packed with flavor. The Butter Poached Lobster and Bass with celery root-apple “slaw” and leek fondue sauce américaine was another amazing dish. It was a great combination of seafood with the perfect touch of buttery flavor. The Filet & Beef Short Rib yukon potato purée, roasted shallots, burgundy beef jus, was tasty and with a mouthwatering beef texture. And finally, the Wild Mushroom Risotto truffle oil, parmigiano had a creamy flavor that worked well with the truffle oil’s earthy flavor.

La Silhouette’s desserts were equally satisfying. I indulged in the Popcorn “Crème Brûlée” candied honey crisp apples, caramel popcorn, salty caramel ice cream; and theMilk Chocolate Terrine coffee cremeaux, passion fruit sauce, ice milk sorbet. Pre-desert flavored ices were served as a creative way to transition to desert.

Service and hospitality here are exceptional. The well-trained staff are very pleasant, welcoming and accommodating. This is a reflection of the owners and their years of service working at high end restaurants were the focus is not just on the food but the entire dining experience. Tito and Sally greet old and new guests like they’ve known them for years. It’s a welcoming atmosphere that makes each and every guest feels right at home.

If La Silhouette was located more toward the east it would have probably been noticed by a lot more people. But having eaten here multiple times, it’s a truly an “underrated” restaurant. It’s great food, luxurious setting and impeccable hospitality makes this restaurant one of the best I’ve visited so far in NYC. I just hoped that Pete Well of the NY Times would visit and review it and give it the proper credit that it deserves.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.