Tag Archives for Robert DeNiro

KolorBlind Spotlight: Robert De Niro … acting, producing & directing his KolorBlind life!

Robert De Niro, Jr. or as he will forever be remembered Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II is an American movie legend.

The man known as De Niro was born in Greenwich Village, New York City although his ancestry includes (most of what is known today as Western Europe) Italian, Irish, English, German, French, and Dutch. Artistry is a natural gift for this man as it runs in the family; the son of  a painter and poet, and an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor on his paternal side, it didn’t take him too long to find his calling.

After a series of small movie roles, he shot to limelight in the 1974 release of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, playing the young Vito Corleone.  The director had remembered his previous auditions for the roles of Sonny Corleone, Michael Corleone, Carlo Rizzi and Paulie Gatto, in The Godfather.

This outstanding performance earned him his first Academy Award, for Best Supporting Actor. He became the first actor to win an Academy Award speaking mainly a foreign language, in this case, multiple Sicilian dialects (although he delivered a few lines in English).

Film Career

De Niro has been featured in over 88 movies and has directed over 31 movies to date, this is in addition to several award nominations and wins:

Academy Award

BAFTA Award

To state that he’s had a successful career in Hollywood is an understatement. He’s one of the most respected actors in our era. His passion for the arts led him to co-found the film studio TriBeCa Productions and the popular Tribeca Film Festival.

He is also known as a very successful business man who has co-founded three of America’s most successful restaurants. While other Hollywood elites have ventured into the hospitality industry and failed, De Niro continues to thrive. His ventures include New York’s Nobu and TriBeCa Grill, which he co-owns with a developer Paul Wallace and Broadway producer Stewart F. Lane. In addition, he owns Ocanda Verde a restaurant inside of  Tribeca’s Greenwich Hotel run by executive chef and co-owner, Andrew Carmellini.

According to the July 2010 issue of Gourmet magazine, De Niro is in negotiations with an internationally renowned chef, Natalia Jibladze, to launch a yet unnamed restaurant in Manhattan under his Tribeca trademark.

He was in Malaysia recently, and while having lunch with the Malaysian Prime Minister’s wife, was asked to open a Malay restaurant in Alor Setar– Kedah, Malaysia.

The man is a genius in the  hospitality industry, his business sense is one to emulated.

De Niro’s career and accomplishments are too many to list. However, one of his recent project is the support of an initiative called A Logo for Human Rights. The project’s goal is to create an internationally recognized logo to support the global human rights movement. 

Not only is De Niro a veteran actor, director, producer, political activist and humanitarian, he is also KolorBlind. De Niro has been married to actress Grace Hightower for 15 years. Although the relationship suffered a few setbacks and almost collapsed, they were able to rekindle their love.

The De Niros have a total of six (6) children between them. De Niro is father of four (4) children (Drena, Raphael who are pictured above and biracial twins Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrik with former model Toukie Smith). With Hightower he has two children Elliott and Helen Grace.

De Niro is a great example of a caring and nurturing father, wonderful husband, and is a role model for the KolorBlind family. Thank you for all you’ve done, all you continue to do and the legacy that will outlive you.

Wishing you peace, health, and continued success in everything you do.

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Restaurant Spotlight: New York’s Nobu, Tribeca Grill & Locanda Verde

 

Tribeca, NY has become synonymous with the Tribeca Film Festival, not only is the “Triangle below Canal Street” (TriBeCa is an acronym) famous for its festival, it is also home to three of New York’s most successful restaurants: Nobu, Tribeca Grill and Locanda Verde.

Who runs Nobu, Tribeca Grill and Locanda Verde?

These restaurants aren’t successful by chance, their success can be attributed to its co-owner Robert De Niro, Jr. The highly acclaimed actor, director, producer and two-time Academy Award winner, DeNiro was instrumental in bringing the artistry of Nobu first to New York and now around the world.

His support of the brand draws actors, musicians, and socialites alike. De Niro has co-founded and provided creative direction for all of the owned Nobu Restaurants. Located in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, Nobu, Tribeca Grill and Locanda Verde each restaurant has uniquely become a landmark in the ‘Big Apple’:

What is Nobu?

Nobu New York, the flagship restaurant of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, has been a pioneer for Japanese cuisine since its opening in 1994. Nobu partnered with restaurateur Drew Nieporent and Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro to bring his modern Japanese to Tribeca.

Nobu draws upon his classical training at sushi bars in Tokyo and his life abroad in Peru, Argentina, and around the world to create a whole new trend in Japanese cuisine.

The resulting dishes, including Yellowtail with Jalapeno, Tiradito Nobu Style, Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce, and Black Cod with Miso, make Nobu the innovator of new style Japanese food.

What type of food can I expect?

BabySpinachAndGrilledShrimp.jpg

Nobu Next Door

What is Tribeca Grill?

Tribeca Grill is a true New York City landmark. Co-owned by renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent and legendary actor Robert De Niro, the Grill continues to receive many prestigious awards including, the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator Magazine every year since 2002.

As a must-visit wine destination, the Grill features an extensive list featuring the world’s largest selection of Châteauneuf du Pape (over 250) as well as many rare California Cabernet verticals. The 2,000 selection, 20,000 bottle list is one of only seven restaurants in New York to receive the Grand Award.

Executive Chef Kamal Rose’s market-driven menu features robust dishes such as Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Rataouille and Seared Sea Scallops with Butternut Squash, Chanterelles & Smoked Bacon Risotto.Crush

What type of food can I expect?

What is Locanda Verde?

Locanda Verde is a casual, energetic, affordable neighborhood Italian taverna in TriBeCa serving celebrated chef Andrew Carmellini’s soul-satisfying riffs on Italian cooking. It’s airy, bustling, and easy-going: a comfortable, light-flooded place open from dawn to late night; the food and service are as casual, as easygoing and as well-conceived as the space.

Claim a spot in the cafe for a great cappuccino and one of pastry chef Karen DeMasco’s irresistible pastries, or order up a serious breakfast or brunch feast; relax over lunch at a sunny table by the window, or in our outdoor cafe seating; meet friends for a house cocktail or a specialty Italian beer and a snack or two at our generous, convivial bar; or settle into the banquets and kick back with a leisurely dinner, perhaps with a bottle of wine from our reasonably priced, wide-ranging Italian list.

What type of food can I expect?

How can I contact them/make reservations?

The restaurants can be contact directly via their websites Nobu, Tribeca Grill, Locande Verde or you can make reservations using Open Table. These restaurants are perfect for celebrations and/or wedding receptions. For those who ask where to take your dates, these New York restaurants are the perfect spot. They are also close to NY attractions and other landmarks.

If you are not from the New York area, make sure you visit the next time you’re in town.

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The battle of the races: BM/WM vs. BW/WM

In what seemed like the battle of the races: BM/WM vs. BW/WM on Twitter yesterday when In Flex We Trust’ blogger Ice and Luceeria stirred up quite a discussion. The topic was why black men preferred white women and the response was why black women prefer white men.

Although I am not in total agreement with them both, I felt I’d still share their views on why interracial relationships occur between the black and white.

A lot of what’s cited as the reason either race prefers the other borderlines on stereotypes and a narcissistic trait, so for those of you who are not too familiar with the American way, this DOES NOT apply to every black man/woman or every white man/woman.

Read the top 10 reasons for yourself and judge and let me know what your thoughts are.

10 reasons why black men prefer white women 10 reason why black women prefer white men
1. White women are just more FUN to be with. There isn’t an easier way to explain it, but If you just want a fun relationship void of nagging, complaining and the like…date a white girlfriend. 1. White men have their life in order. Take a look at Robin Thicke, Chris Noth, Robert DeNiro, Justin Chambers, David Bowie just to name a few. What do all these powerful, rich and famous men have in common? They’re all married to BLACK WOMEN!
2. Have you ever had oral sex with a white woman or has she ever gone down on you? If you’ve experienced it before, then you know what I’m talking about. 2. White men are excellent lovers. Have you ever had oral sex with a Suburban man with full lips and an appetite? White men definitely know how to pleasure a woman.
3. White women love taking care of their men. Cooking…not a problem. Cleaning…not a problem. Is there anything else you want…it’s not a problem with them. 3. White men love to take care of their girlfriends. Do you need your car washed, oil changed or perhaps your gutters cleaned or a new chandelier installed? ‘Joe’ has that all covered.
4. White women don’t give their boyfriends as many headaches as women of other races. There’s very little nagging and complaining. They don’t go through your phone and neither do they want to know who everyone on your contact list is. 4. White men are mature and respect their girlfriends. I don’t constantly have to yell at ‘Rob’ for coming home late because Rob is responsible enough to know when to be home. I don’t have to nag ‘Rob’ to be responsible because he knows what his responsibilities are. I don’t have to go through ‘Rob’s’ phone or email because I suspect foul play. I also don’t have to worry about ‘Rob’ calling me 5453 times in a row because I didn’t respond quickly enough to his initial text message. ‘Rob’ doesn’t accuse me of sleeping with every man I say hello to. ‘Rob’ doesn’t make unexpected visits past my house to see whose car is parked in the driveway.
5. White women have no problem spoiling their men with gifts. They actually love to buy gifts for their men. It’s an ego booster for them. Take a look at Kim Kardashian for example; have you seen the gift she bought for Kanye West for his birthday? Need I say more? 5. White men are a lot more generous. I once dated a white man and within 4 days, I got a bouquet of exotic flowers, an edible arrangement and a $200 date. A black man will buy you lingerie for Christmas and get upset when you’re not excited at his gift. I’m not saying material gifts are the foundation towards a successful relationship, but black men are stingy with their money. It’s almost near impossible to get a black man to give or loan you $200 dollars.
6. White women are not looking to be in a rap video. She’s also not interested in her boyfriend buying everything in the bar or lighting up the club with sparklers. She just prefers to dance and enjoy her drink(s). 6. White men aren’t trying to become music A&R on Twitter. Some of my black brothers spend COUNTLESS hours on Twitter, dissecting mixtapes, albums and blogs but have never tweeted about a day at work. You’re not producers or hitmakers! The majority of white men I know have goals. Try starting up a conversation with a white man, and before too long you’ll know of his goals and aspirations. If you don’t believe me, spend some time on Twitter during business hours you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
7. White women don’t mind experimenting in the bedroom. Women of other races are a lot more restrictive. You can basically try out different things with a white woman in the bedroom and she’ll smile through it all. 7. White men appreciate and respect my requests in the bedroom. I believe that making love should be more than just the act. It’s a bonding experience designed for pleasure and growth. But should a black woman suggest a specific position to a black man, he begins to accuse of unfaithfulness and questions himself on whether he’s in a relationship with a ‘slut’. If you ask a white man to stick a finger in your back?
8. It’s easier to introduce your white girlfriend to your friends and family. For example: “Hi everyone, this is Amber” is a lot easier than saying “hi everyone, meet Shaniqua”. 8. White men are more family oriented. My grandmother doesn’t have to worry that ‘Tom’ will steal her sterling silver gravy boat at Thanksgiving dinner. He also always remembers to bring a bottle of wine for Aunty Tamika.
9. White women don’t talk back or argue with their boyfriends or husbands. If you add a little aggression to your tone, she’ll do whatever you say. This is not the case with women of other race, who would rather argue or fight. ALWAYS! 9. White men listen. I don’t have to tell ‘Tom’ more than once what I would like him to do for me. I’m STILL waiting on Dayquan to remove his hair brush and du rag from my car.
10. White women don’t mind getting their hair wet, especially in the summer time. Who wants to be at the pool or by the beach with a woman who’s afraid of getting her weave wet? White women just jump in the pool without worrying about their hair. 10. White men LOVE my hair. Whether my hair is weaved, pressed or naturally twisted. I’ve ALWAYS received compliments from Caucasian men. They touch it (with permission), play with it and I’ve even had one help me twist it before. In additions, they understand that while black women don’t often get their hair wet, we don’t smell like a wet dog when we do.

Do the above lists seem familiar? If yes, it’s because I posted an article about two weeks ago similar to this. Read it here…

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