Tanqueray Debuts ‘Tanq Holiday’ with a Historic NYSE Closing Bell Moment
To mark the unofficial start of summer and toast to long weekends ahead, Tanqueray Gin, the No. 1 gin in the U.S., partnered with the New York Stock Exchange to introduce a spirited new tradition: Tanq Holiday.
To mark the unofficial start of summer and toast to long weekends ahead, Tanqueray Gin, the No. 1 gin in the U.S., partnered with the New York Stock Exchange to introduce a spirited new tradition: Tanq Holiday. This playfully British-inspired activation took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, as a way to honor cocktail culture, the trade community, and that blissful shift from work to play.
Making history in the process, Tiffanie Barriere—award-winning mixologist and respected beverage educator—became the first mixologist ever to ring the NYSE Closing Bell. Her presence at the stock exchange wasn’t just symbolic; it was celebratory. At 4:00 PM, Barriere rang the bell, signaling more than just the close of trading—it signaled the beginning of Tanq Holiday and a nationwide invitation to unwind with a martini in hand.
Following the ceremony, the NYSE hosted a private Tanqueray Happy Hour, where Barriere served as Program Beverage Director, curating a bespoke cocktail menu inspired by the prestige and energy of the exchange. Guests sipped on classic Tanqueray Martinis and other gin-forward creations while learning cocktail techniques through an intimate mixology class led by Barriere.
The event also set the stage for Tanqueray’s Martini Month, a June-long celebration spotlighting the legacy of the martini and the bartenders who have helped shape it into one of the most iconic cocktails in history. With Tanqueray’s signature spirit at the center, Martini Month will pay tribute to both the enduring craftsmanship of cocktail-making and the vibrant culture of the trade community.
As the long weekend rolled in, Tanq Holiday gave New Yorkers—and the nation—a reason to raise a glass, shift the mood, and officially welcome the season of martinis.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe and Pizza & Shakes
There’s nothing like the cozy feeling of diner food and Carnegie Diner is here to cure your cravings!
Image courtesy of @CarnegieDiner
Although the famous diner reopened its doors a few years ago, its food options have continued to expand ever since. Carnegie Diner & Cafe, which is located on 205 W 57th Street, has everything from omelettes and pancakes to seafood and burgers.
Image courtesy of @CarnegieDiner
Carnegie Diner & Cafe also serves desserts, ranging from cheesecakes to pies, which can satisfy any sweet tooth! But if you’re in the mood for some pizza and milkshakes, walk down the street to find yourself at Pizza & Shakes, Carnegie Diner’s sister-store.
Image courtesy of @CarnegieDiner
Pizza & Shakes an original premier pizza, milkshake, and gelato restaurant providing high-quality food while combining fun and vibrant ambiance. Pizzas come in one unique size and one price featuring a variety of chef's specialty pizzas as well as a build-your-own option. Premium milkshakes include the basic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cookies and cream. Gelato milkshakes are also available in various flavors using their authentic Italian gelato.
Both restaurants offer delivery and pickup, but if you’re ever in Midtown in search of the best diner food there is, look no further than Carnegie Diner & Cafe! For more information, visit www.carnegiediner.com or https://www.pizzashakes.com.
Gray Hawk Grill
If there’s one thing to thank Gossip Girl for, it’s bringing the Upper East Side back into the limelight. What was previously a haven for wealthy trust fund families is now a trendy new hotspot for young professionals looking to live large à la their favorite Upper East Siders. Our pick if you’re looking to spend time above 60th? The Gray Hawk Grill, a New American restaurant located at 1556 Second Ave that’s the ultimate food stop for anyone looking to eat authentically UES.
Owned by UES resident and native New Yorker Steve Millan, Gray Hawk Grill is the pinnacle of the classic New York food scene. You won’t find trendy doughnut burgers or copious amounts of cheese here—taste takes precedence over flashy social media food anyday. Instead, get ready to bite into one the best burgers I’ve had in a while: a Double Truffle Burger loaded with delicious truffle aioli and crunchy fried onions. If you’re a truffle lover, this burger is a must-have—along with being slathered in truffle sauce, it comes with a ramekin of even more truffle aioli for dipping your hand cut fries. Not a truffle fan? No worries, there’s plenty more perfectly seasoned dishes to pick from, including a very hollainsidey Eggs Benedict and a first rate Steak & Eggs.
In addition to being a truffle haven, Gray Hawk Grill is the perfect place for eating through half of the city in a single meal. From Master Purveyors for beef to Orwashers for bread and The Little Pie Company for desserts, all of the ingredients you see are sourced from top-rated New York businesses. The result? A memorable dining experience that’s the finishing touch to a day on the UES.
So if you find yourself around the Met one day, feel free to walk a few avenues over and try out the Gray Hawk Grill. From cocktails to brunch to dessert, it’s the ultimate place to satisfying all your city cravings—and maybe even find some new things to be a fan of.
Make a reservation for Gray HawK Grill at https://www.grayhawkgrill.com or follow them on Instagram: @Gray_Hawk_Grill Facebook: @GrayHawkGrill Twitter: @GrayHawkGrill.
Vote. Because It Matters.
Election day is Tuesday, November 6. New York offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person.
Voters registered in New York can look up where to vote on New York's site or at GetToThePolls.com.
No early voting
New York does not offer an early voting period. If you will be unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot by mail or by visiting your local election office.
What to bring
If you've voted in New York before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include: a current and valid photo ID; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.
Rock'n'Roll at SUSHI ROXX
If you’re looking for a restaurant experience unlike any other, turn to Sushi Roxx. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this Japanese restaurant offers both delicious food and a live dance show, performed by none other than the waiters and waitresses, who are also talented singers and dancers. But this isn't the Stardust Diner. Sushi Roxx is a little more selective with their musical choices: their show “We Will Roxx You” only features music from world famous rock artists such as Aerosmith, AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, and Journey.
Although the restaurant has been open for a few years, it has recently launched a series of new menu items in order to go along with the musical dining experience. The venue, which exudes romantic Asiatic influences, offers delicious specialty cocktails named after Marvel and DC superheroes, such as the Green Lantern (Jameson, blue curacao, peach, lemon), the Skywalker (Avion Silver, honeydew, agave, lime, jalapeno, basil), and the Black Panther (Aviation, Creme De Cassis, blackberry, lime), as well as additional food items, such as sushi pizzas and rolls with combinations varying from spicy tuna to lobster. There is something for everyone to enjoy while singing along to some of the most popular throwback songs of the 20th Century.
For those craving something sweet to finish off the night, fun desserts, such as Nutella S’mores (nutella, marshmallow, graham cracker), Berries and Creme (seasonal berries, lemon, schlag), and Death by Birthday Cake (chocolate cake, whipped cream, chocolate fudge, vanilla cream) are just a few choices of sweets available for anyone interested in getting a sugar rush after a gleeful night.
If you’re up for some old school music with a fun twist and delicious food, or would like to spice things up by visiting a new restaurant in the midst of New York City, make sure to reserve a table at Sushi Roxx by visiting http://sushiroxxnyc.com/, and check out the menu by clicking here.
Photos courtesy of SUSHI ROXX
Cochon555 NYC 2018
On Sunday, January 21, Cochon555 tour made its way to NYC and hosted their pork feast at SECOND. More than 500 guests gathered at the affair to binge on the over 1,500 pounds of heritage breed pork raised on family farms.
Every year, five chefs are chosen from each stop on the tour to compete against one another by cooking a whole heritage hog using their own pioneering techniques and flavor profiles. The winner from each city is dubbed the “Prince or Princess of Porc” and invited to compete in the national championship Grand Cochon, which is going to be held in Chicago on September 30th.
This year, the New York City’s Princess and Prince of Pork, were Ginger Pierce and Preston Madson of Jams by Jonathan Waxman, for the splendid consumption of an entire Mulefoot cross raised by Heather Sandford of The Piggery. The winning menu featured a Charcoal Roasted Chilled Loin, Pimento “Head Cheese”, Pigs Blood Tortilla Chip “Nachos”, Mulefoot Cracklings, Fried Bologna Sandwich, and the Bourbon Maple Bacon Push Pop to end on a sweet note.
The event also raised $3,800 for Cochon's sister charity, Piggy Bank, a start-up farm in Missouri that serves as a kickstarter for new family farms and a safety net for those in the wake of a disaster (flood, fire, and disease).
Additionally, winners were named in the Somm Smackdown -- best wine paired with heritage breed pork -- and Punch Kings -- a whole-bottle punch bowl competition featuring Breckenridge Bourbon. Kristen Goceljak of Little Park won Somm Smackdown with her selection; Parusso, 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo Spumante from Piedmont, Italy. Tom Walker of Pig Bleecker won Punch Kings with his “Confederate Punch”, combining mint-infused Breckenridge Bourbon, lime, sugar, absinthe, cucumber, sparkling water, and bitters.
The best part of the event was the communal feasting, which consisted of a 40-course gourmet tasting menu taken standing up with endless wines and hand-crafted cocktails from some of the best bars in New York City.
The Welcome Lounge ushered guests into the Buffalo Trace Punch Bar followed by the Signature Starter Bar and Cheese Experience featuring Cello, Cypress Grove, and local cheesemonger Formaggio Essex Market. Guests sipped sparklers from Topo Chico; enjoyed a signature Gin Cocktail Experience presented by Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin; and The Manhattan Project featured premium bourbon from Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, and Breckenridge PX Cask Finish topped with Luxardo cherries.
Invitees learned about pairings at the TarTare Bar showcasing chef Garrison Price from il Buco Alimentari & Vineria and the wines of Antica Napa Valley; stunning wines from the portfolio offerings of Codorniu and The Lineage Collection paired with organic pates from Les Trois Petits Cochons, and the racy Wines of Germany paired with a culinary pop-up spotlighting a “Taste of New York City” with Chef Stefano Marracino or Paola’s.
Cochon555 also debuted a new experience called Trompo “Hora de Familia” hosted by Danny Mena of La Loncheria in celebration of its first Global Cochon555 event in Mexico City later this year. Just before awards, guests received a sweet ending via an Innovative Dessert Pop-Up highlighting celebrity pastry chef Zac Young of Craveable Hospitality and Cat Schimenti of Baked by the Ocean and Gelso & Grand.
Unlimited food, drinks, good people, and all for a good cause, what else can you ask for?
About the Cochon555 US Tour
The Cochon555 US Tour executes a yearly host of authentic, hyper-local food events focused on raising awareness for heritage breed pigs through the world’s first nose-to-tail pig cooking competition for the past ten years. This epic pork feast visits 20 major cities in North America annually and stages over 60 events. The tour is comprised of an array of live expressions including Heritage Fire (live-fire cooking in mountainside and vineyard settings) and Heritage BBQ (global grilling traditions). All Cochon555 events cultivate a long-term impact for heritage species raised by family farms, in top culinary markets in North America. Both educational and inspirational messages are circulated among 16,000 guests; 2,200+ chefs; 150+ family farms; and 16 culinary schools. Since 2009, 50,000+ consumers have experienced heritage pork, more than $500,000 has been donated to charities, and over $750,000 has been paid directly to our farmers. For more details and videos of events, visit www.cochon555.com or follow @cochon555 on Twitter and Instagram.
About Piggy Bank
Launched in 2015 by Brady Lowe - founder of the Cochon555 US Tour and Taste Network - Piggy Bank is a pig farming sanctuary. Harboring a Noah’s Ark-worthy selection of heritage breeds, it provides free genetics and business plans to emerging family farms. Piggy Bank aims to change the future of food by creating a community in which small farmers can learn about safer, more responsible practices and benefit from the sharing of genetics, livestock, and the very information needed to not just survive, but to thrive as small businesses. The Piggy Bank farm, located in Missouri, raises pigs to be gifted to communities dedicated to elevating the cause and expanding through a model of social and agricultural transparency. Piggy Bank is a nonprofit corporation with federal tax exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3). Follow the Piggy Bank conversation on Twitter @PiggyBankOrg. For more information, watch the video http://j.mp/PIGGY_BANK or visit www.piggy-bank.org.
Photos courtesy of Cochon555
The Sound Bite Restaurant
The Sound Bite is New York's newest jazz club offering live music and a taste of Southern, Cajun and Italian cooking. Chef (and Emmy Award-winning news anchor) Julian Phillips teamed up with his wife, renowned jazz vocalist, Barbara King, to create new spot in Hell's Kitchen.
In celebration of the public opening on Friday, January 19, 2018, media were invited to preview the restaurant the day before. Guests entered at the restaurant to the melodic and mellifluous voice of Barbara King, who serenaded the guests all night long. The interior of the restaurant looked like something straight out of a newsroom. The restaurant theme marries media with jazz melodies and pays homage to both industries – fully equipped for live broadcasting and live jazz performances. In addition, the walls are filled with autographed headshots of media and jazz icons.
A cocktail tasting started the event, and the drinks were intoxicating in a good way. The unique cocktail menu consisted of unconventional flavors, and was curated by nutritional biochemist, author and explorer Alex Ott. Ott has crafted beverage menus in more than 300 of the world’s most well known establishments. The Sound Bite’s cocktail names are derived from slogans used in the news industry like “The Live Shot,” “The Crash & Burn,” and “The Headliner.” The crowd's and my personal favorite was definitely "The Kicker."
At last came the the tasting. The eatery specializes in blackened wings and fusing Cajun, Southern and Italian flavors. Julian's Famous Blackened Wings, Southern smoked Mac-N-Cheese were passed out, and not surprisingly, nearly everyone asked for seconds, and even thirds. The delicious wings were some of the best I ever had, and the seasoning leaves your fingersnails bit dark, so be sure to lick them good afterwards.
The Sound Bite opens to the public today, so be sure to stop by today and look for dishes like Julian's Famous Blackened Wings and "The Kicker" to go along with it. The space will feature live jazz music Friday and Saturday nights and is also wired for live productions.
The Sound Bite Restaurant is located at 737 Ninth Avenue between 49thand 50th Streets.
Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra 2018 Gala
The Budapest Festival Orchestra (BFO) held its annual Friends of the Budapest annual concert and gala on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.
The BFO, under the direction of Iván Fischer, played to a sold-out audience that included Edie Falco and Twyla Tharp. The program opened with Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2 played on period instruments---Maestro Fischer wife, Gabriella Pivon, among the performers. The evening’s soloist, pianist Dénes Várjon, received standing ovations, as did the whole Orchestra. In a fitting ending, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2 closed out the concert. The beautiful music, which was sensitively conducted and exquisitely performed, was one of the best renditions I have ever heard. I had goosebumps throughout the whole performance.
Following the concert, Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra hosted a gala dinner with Daisy Soros presiding as the evening’s honorary chair and Kathryn Livingston Forgan, Christine Schott Ledes, and Kati Marton as the evening’s gala co-chairs. The dinner took place at the Grand Promenade just outside the entrance to the orchestra. Each table consisted of a member of the symphony to mingle with the patrons. Dinner guests included Tony Bechara, Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Nancy Brinker, Noreen Buckfire, Susan Gutfreund, Sylvia Hemingway, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lehrer, Governor and Mrs. George Pataki, Sana Sabbagh, Jean Sharfiroff, Stephanie Stokes, and Barbara and Donald Tober.
The 2018 gala committee included Susan Bender, Stephen E. and Radka Benko, Nicolette Pathy Bingham, Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Ildiko Butler, Aaron Feinstein, Sylvia Hemingway, Ambassador and Mrs. Andrew Jacovides, Caron and Geoffrey Johnson, Andrew and Heidi Lee-Komaromi, Ambassador Ferenc Kumin, Doctors John and Daisy Merey, Mrs. Terez Rowley, Aniko Gaal Schott, Laine Siklos, Stephanie Stokes, Mr. and Mrs. David M. Tobey, and Sylvia Tóth.
Maestro Fisher used the occasion to announce the inaugural Vicenza Opera Festival and a performance of Verdi’s Fallstaff, concerts, and a dinner hosted by Countess Caroline Valmarina and her family. Like the concert, the October Festival will soon be completely sold out.
A special thanks to Laine Siklos, who was the most gracious table guest. Laine, who is on the committee, kept me entertained throughout the night. She was able to hold a conversation with anyone, and her presence exuded confidence and commanded attention in the best way possible.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE BUDAPEST FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA
The Budapest Festival Orchestra was founded by Maestro Ivan Fischer in 1983 and recognized as one of the world's greatest musical ensembles. The Orchestra performs over 200 concerts each year at the world's most prestigious music festivals (Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart, Salzburger Festspiele, and Edinburg Festival), and concert halls (among them Carniegie Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, and Musikverein Wein). Their many educational activities include special performances for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a series of concerts in abandoned or neglected synagogues in small towns across Hungary, and the Juilliard Apprentice Program whereby Juilliard students study with Maestro Fischer and members of the Orchestra.
The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra's mission is to support programs of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Members have the unique opportunity to build a closer relationship with the Orchestra both in the United States and in the Budapest through special events with Maestro Fischer and the orchestra musicians. The Friends support the major programming initiatives of the Orchestra including Dancing on the Square, Community Weeks, U.S. touring, and the Juilliard Apprentice Program, as well as chamber music concerts with important visiting Orchestra members in Manhattan residences.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BFO: http://friendsofthebudapestfestivalorchestra.org/
Facebook: @bfo.en
Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan Company