Sophisticated Weddings - Release Party
I wish planning a wedding could be as easy as it was for Cinderella. Let the fairy godmother design your appearance, and you are ready to outshine everyone else in the ball. Well, it’s a sweet dream, but it is hardly the reality. Planning a wedding is not an easy task. Of course, those glory days are comprised of smiles and sunshines, but they also require a tremendous amount of time and energy. There are decisions to make: your wedding dress, the venue, food, drinks, music, photography, and your hair. At this point, I might have convinced you of hiring a wedding planner for your big day. If not yet, wait till you see the release party of Sophisticated Weddings.
On Valentine’s Eve, Sophisticated Weddings held their magazine release party at the iconic Capitale. The majestic building instantly revived the scene where Cinderella is walking into the royal ball with her glass slippers. Following her steps, you will be able to enjoy the same royal treatment in Capitale’s 15,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom renowned for its lavish decorations. This Roman classic 1895 landmark features tall Corinthian columns, Venetian glass, marble mosaic floors, and a 65-foot coved ceiling. With a modern LED Lighting System that lights up the room in any color scheme, Capitale is a perfect venue for any sophisticated celebrations.
During an exclusive photo shoot & interview with Sophisticated Weddings, recently engaged CBS “S.W.A.T” star David Lim and his gorgeous fiancé (and model) Marketa Kazdova praised Capitale as a perfect location for their wedding shoot. I know the word “perfect” is sort of overused nowadays, but they mean it. In celebration of its latest issue, Sophisticated Weddings’s release party at Capitale is a conclusive proof of the love-birds’ verdicts.
In the ballroom, the air was sweetened up by a wealth of dessert collections. Capitale presented a cookie table, on which the coconut cookies dripped by chocolate sauce completely caught my heart. Another dessert table was served by La Maison du Macaron. The flavor of “Pink Champaign” was definitely the one that could have enchanted your guests and advanced your party.
If you paid enough attention, you would find a mysterious elevator with red velvet curtain attached. Took it to the second floor, and you arrived at the “secret parties” where guests gathered into small groups, having their happy hours, and refreshing themselves from the main ceremony. The Red Room was presented with messages from Babor Spa at The Dominick, and a Tarot Card Readings table hosted by Angela Lucy. The Coffee Bar was filled with the aroma of Cupa Cabana coffee, a live cigar roller from La Casa Grande Cigars, and a six piece Cuban ensemble. Want to taste a freshly-rolled cigar by artisans, have a cup of energizing espresso, immerse yourself in the exotic music, or take a peek at your destiny? This is the space for you.
The Red Room
The Coffee Bar
Cody Raisig, Jessie Weidinger Cox, Billy Reilly, and Mara Peralta at The Dominick
"Summer House" Cast Members: Carl Radke, Hannah Berner, Paige DeSorbo, and Jordan Verroi
While I was enjoying a sip from my favorite “Belmont Jewel” cocktail, the “Chandeleria Girls” and the beautiful sound of the electric violin threw me into the scene of “Beauty and the Beast”. Immediately after this transient illusion, a plate of mini smoke salmon cones arrived and led me to another world of fantasy.
As you can see from the lightings, there were two worlds in there. The ballroom at front was a miniature wedding ceremony with its elegance and nobleness, while the one in the back gave you a taste of the “After Party Carnival”. Among all the cuisines, the wedding cake created by My Daughter’s Cake immediately blew my mind. Appropriately infused by Christie Brinkley’s Bellissima Prosecco, the wedding cake delivered a silky texture and the delighting flavor of the sparkling wine simultaneously. Guests ate, drank, chatted, danced, and sang with the DJ. Can you imagine how joyful it was to witness the girls laughing and dancing in their wedding dresses? It made me realize how much women deserve to enjoy their weddings the way their guests do.
Sophisticated Weddings Publisher Steve Sendor, Editor-in-Chief Samantha Sendor, and Christie
It was 10 p.m. After three hours of hilarity, the curtain was ringing down. Every guest left with a Bloomingdale’s “medium brown bag” stuffed with gift cards, chocolate, soap, and of course the latest issue of Sophisticated Weddings. Flipping through the magazine, I got to see the finest venues, planners, photographers, designers, and jewelries in the city, while stretching my horizons further to the traveling options of Uganda, Anguilla, the Bahamas, and more around the globe. This “Wedding Bible” completely opened up my imaginations of my own wedding, and it really boosted my confidence in embracing this magical occasion upon its arrival.
Christie Brinkley Sampling A Cake by My Daughter's Cakes
Christie, Steve Sendor and Markéta Kazdová Photographed in The Red Room
When you marry your true love, the last thing you should be worrying about is dealing with all of the potential clashes and frustrations that could happen on your big day. Use your discerning eyes to choose the right team, and that’s all you need. Give it a toast, celebrate the moment, and dance if you are in the mood. You deserve the best of everything.
Photos courtesy of Sophisticated Weddings
Kill Bar Preview Night - A Quentin Tarantino Themed Pub
Imagine the one place to drink Bloody Brides and SangRitas, bite into your “Kill Bill Burger”, socialize, and watch the screened Death Proof movie, all at once. You’ve guessed it: a Quentin Tarantino themed bar. It’s launch comes at the perfect time, now that the release of his new film, “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” (STARRING LEONARDO DICAPRIO AND BRAD PITT!) is approaching. Filled with a laid-back, positive energy, Kill Bar is a cozy gastro-pub in Williamsburg. Here, you can celebrate some of the greatest films, actors, characters, and one of the most talented movie directors of our time.
When I first stepped foot inside, on a Wednesday night, I didn’t expect to feel so much warmth and care from the staff. Everybody was smiling and considerate. The waiters were attentive. The bartenders were very engaging. The owner was super friendly. The staff was so welcoming, that I didn’t feel like I was surrounded by strangers.
As I was chatting about Tarantino’s famous feet shot, and sipping some of my delicious “Brooklyn Tap Water,” a plate of Buffalo Cauliflower was placed in front of me. “Would you like some?” asked the waiter. I bite into my food and delicious hot flavors explode in my mouth. The chef’s twists to her Tarantino-inspired recipes turn all of her food (including the Pussy Wagon Tacos, the Poppin Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño, and the Hateful 8 Wings) into an affordable yet unique, and spicy, culinary experience.
After a long day, Kill Bar is the geek-out-on-Tarantino, casual, after-hours spot to chill at. Watch movies, meet other or new fans, have a drink, and eat that Kill Bill Burger, “the cornerstone of any nutritious breakfast”-Pulp Fiction.
Grand Gourmet - The Flavor of Midtown
On Tuesday, February 5th, Cipriani 42nd Street hosted the 2019 Grand Gourmet – The Flavor of Midtown. After a three-year hiatus, this upscale benefit event finally came back to celebrate the Grand Central Partnership's 30th Anniversary, as well as a beautiful and warm evening in NYC's February.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Cipriani 42nd Street is a tribute to the architecture of masterpiece inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and the perfect venue for sophisticated celebrations. With towering marble columns, soaring ceilings, magnificent inlaid floor, and glorious chandeliers, it is a visual spectacle that never fails in impressing its guests with its pure beauty inherited from the old world.
This year's Grand Gourmet featured 43 upscale restaurants that represented the distinguished flavor of Midtown. Ambling among tables, I got to taste a great variety of cuisines such as the ‘BluePoint Oysters' served by Grand Central Oyster Bar, Pera's signature ‘Fresh Lamb Adana Cut Roll', ‘Black Sesame Waffle Tarts with Tuna Tartare & Spicy Mavo' from The Sea Fire Grill, and ‘Crispy Duck' by Café Centro. The delighting samples were all prepared with fresh ingredients, high quality, aromatic flowers, and creative table settings. After three hours of binge eating, my stomach was contentedly stuffed with the flavor of not only Midtown but also around the globe.
If I am asked to choose one of the highlights of Grand Gourmet, it would be the instant photo booth. The photo booth offered a unique experience where guests could dress up in chef caps and hold the giant forks. Give the camera a big smile, and let's call it a night with happiness.
I walked out of Cipriani with the best cuisine tasting experience I've ever had. Some guests were chatting with their friends and enjoying the breeze outside, having an intermission before going back for the second round. The flavor of Midtown lingered in my mind for the entire week, and I will definitely come back to it very soon, especially when Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
Aquarius 2019
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
On Saturday, January 26th, the ordinarily industrial Long Island City was treated to a bit of opulence through the return of Secret Summer Aquarius, an “Arctic Chic” sustainable seafood and cocktail event. Held at The Foundry, a fully restored 19th century building, which boasts 3,000 sprawling square feet of space and offers up stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along with a gorgeous indoor Greenhouse.
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
The affair featured interactive, insta worthy rooms, for their fashion forward, millennial cliente. The stunning space was filled with delicacies from the sea that were perfectly paired with complimentary spirits. Aquarius comes to life each year courtesy of the talented producers of Secret Summer, Tyler Hollinger of HighLife Productions, Andrew Maturana of RAPT and Allison du Val of The Foundry.
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
Sustainable seafood offerings were as vast as the ocean. MF EVENTS had a raw bar filled with oysters served three ways. Midtown Greek hotspot Kellari Taverna, CA'PISCI in Williamsburg, Crazy Taco Mex, Neapolitan Express and My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream all offered up delicious snacks as well. Awe-inspiring accessories were available to purchase from Nuun Watch Official and Penelope Traveling Boutique. Guests commemorated the magical evening with photoshoots in the 4Five Photo Booth. Immersive experiences took shape throughout the night with Winter Burlesque from Karina and two all-star performances from Hudson Horns that brought down the house. The night's soundtrack was provided by DJ Sasha Hart with guitarist Neon Jesus in the main room and DJ Ryan Vandal in the Albra Room. Revelers were able to warm up inside or outside by lit firepits.
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
World class brands were also brought on board for this exclusive party. Coney Island Brewery provided craft beer and hard sodas. Barr Hill Gin & Caledonia Spirits, Tanteo Tequila, Spring 44 Distillery and The Finnish Long Drink and Ketel One served up their premium spirits. Ardbeg & Oysters offered guests Ardbeg 10YO Bloody Marys and the 10YO Long Islay paired neat with Oysters for purchase from MF Events. Polar Seltzer Water and Töst and Harmless Harvest Coconut Water ensured guests stayed hydrated all night long. Guests were also able to sample ginger beers from Fentimans Botanical, and sparkling probiotic drinks from KeVita.
Secret Summer, the country's only farm-to-bar cocktail festival, will return to The Foundry on August 4th. For more information, please visit: http://secretsummernyc.com
Bell Book & Candle
Photos: Michael Weber
Went here with a small group of friends for a private dinner on Tuesday night. The place could be a bit hard to find. It's in the middle of the street and in a basement, but don’t let the confined entrance waver you from stepping in and having a grand time.
Bell Book & Candle (BB&C) has a snug yet rustic decor. It's an intimate space, dimly lit. After a long day, I especially appreciated the tranquil setting so we didn’t feel like we had to yell to talk to each other.
BB&C revolves around homegrown, organic, sustainable and overall responsible procurement. The menu rotations are seasonal and heavily influenced on creations from the aeroponic roof-top tower garden. Finding muse in the regions of America and focusing on the modern aspect and range of the melting pot, BB&C's food strives for a component of innovation and uniqueness.
Everything on the tasting menu were delectable, cooked just right, and full of flavor. No disappointments! The most outstanding dish, however, was definitely the “crab stuffed Montauk fluke” which came with sautéed spinach lemon seaweed butter sauce. I have now told all my friends about this dish which was the most delicious crab I have ever had. The main dish was the Chicken in a Pot – a whole roasted chicken with potatoes, carrots and chicken gravy. The chicken is served with skin, and is succulent. The rich and juicy gravy was the perfect compliment to the dish.
Photos by Michael Weber
Drinks were flowing all night. BB&C offers a list of classic American cocktails crafted with seasonal ingredients. The wine list features both American and international selections. Drinks are mostly $15 which is very reasonable for this area and experience. The cocktails are fantastically named and just as delicious. You can taste the careful thought and the personality of the bartender that goes into each drink. There is a great variety, however, I particularly enjoyed “Soup of the day” which was a brilliant concoction with extra dirty martini and house made blue cheese olives. The service was great, everyone was welcoming and worked as a team to make sure all was well taken care of.
This probably will become one of my favorite restaurants in NYC, hands down one of the best in the west village, perfect for a date but also fun for a group dinner. And with the food changing seasonally, there is always a reason to go back.
Bell Book & Candle is located at 141 W 10th Street. or more information or to make your reservation, please visit bbandcnyc.com and call 212.414.2355.
BB&C is having specials for the Super bowl and Valentine’s day.
Valentine's Day - 7-Course Vegan Tasting Menu in addition to a 7-Course Non-Vegan Tasting menu so that vegans and meat lovers alike can enjoy their very own individual tasting menus together, side by side. Executive Chef John Mooney will prepare Caramelized Tofu, Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Toasted Hazelnuts & Black Truffle and Spinach and Wild Mushroom Taco for the vegan menu. Non Vegan items include Surf & Turf with grass fed beef filet & Crab Stuffed Montauk Fluke with potato gratin, wilted spinach, and Old Bay butter, a Quail Egg Benedict with Osetra, house cured salmon and béarnaise as well as Lobster Tacos with tomatillo avocado salsa. Both menus are $75 per person or $200 per couple, which includes a bottle of Cremant de Bourgogne Brut.
Super Bowl - Bell Book & Candle will offer an exclusive Super Bowl Sunday menu while guests watch the game on two 75" HD projectors complete with surround sound. Menu items include BB&C Smoked Whole Wings with Chipotle BBQ, blue cheese and hot sauce for $3 each, Drunken Bean Dip with goat cheese, tomato, and grilled flatbread for $10 and a BB&C Patty Melt Burger with grilled onions, vintage cheddar and rooftop pickles for $17.
Photos by Michael Weber
PortuGrill NYC
Stopped by Portugrill last night and WOW is all that I can say. This is hands down the best chicken I've had in the area. The staff was welcoming, warm, and greeted me with a huge smile. The menu had an array of mouthwatering choices such as grilled chicken, churasco (skirt steak), and Portuguese sausage, with great prices to match. You literally cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
Before my meal, I stopped to ask the warm man behind the counter for recommendations. As it turns out, the man was Al, the owner of Portugrill. Al, who is probably one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he turned his love for his mother’s Portuguese charcoal broiled chicken into a specialized piri piri chicken dining concept. You can tell he was passionate about the food and the way it’s made - it was a local and refreshing experience.
I went with Al’s recommendation of white meat chicken with sausage and grilled pineapple. The food was beyond good. It almost felt like home cooking because of how fresh and flavorful each bite was.
While there, I took the time to learn about the Portuguese method of cooking chicken. First, the chickens are butterflied and brined overnight. They are put into grill baskets, which rotate over a gas flame and allow the chicken to be slow grilled, while being continuously basted and seasoned with water and piri piri pepper. Then everything comes with the house special green sauce, made with avocado, garlic and yogurt.
Portuguese chicken is unique and hard to get around New York. This new spot is very important to the city and will provide some of the best authentic Portuguese foods you will ever have.
Everything I tried was delectable and the chicken is freshly grilled when you order. The potatoes, lime cilantro quinoa, and black beans were also so good -- basically everything I've tried makes me want to go back, so stop reading and go try it !!!
PortuGrill opened its doors on the Upper East Side on January 9th. PortuGrill serves fresh Perdue chicken and all of the chicken is hormone, antibiotic and blemish free, and all sides are non-GMO, sustainable and locally sourced.
PortuGrill is located at 1215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10028 and will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For further information call (917) 261-4001 or visit www.portugrillnyc.com.
Soho Cigar Bar's 20th
On Wednesday, January 16th, Soho Cigar Bar celebrated its 20th Anniversary in NYC. The hotspot is one of New York’s oldest cigar bars and lounges, which was formerly known as Circa Tabac. Walking into the bar is like stepping back in time, all the while enjoying a true New York City experience where you can indulge in the finest cigars, classic cocktails, rare whiskeys, delicious food and top-notch service.
Owner Lee Ringelheim and GM Michael Dounoulis, who is the only certified Cigar Sommelier in the state, welcomed over 150 guests over the course of the evening. Hudson Whiskey Old Fashioneds were poured as guests circulated the bar, getting to see how cigars are made along the way. Every person in there made the spot feel cozy and at home. One drink turned into 3 (or 6?). People had an amazing and relaxing time. Mike, GM, is great at making his costumers feel welcome.
The warm and welcoming environment of Soho Cigar Bar is reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy with plush leather furnishings and art deco inspired décor. Modern touches include a state-of-the-art ventilation system and flat screen TVs throughout, discreetly hidden behind timeless art photography.
Partygoers walked away with a gift bag filled with Soho Cigar Bar merchandise, ranging from ash trays and cutters, to commemorative lighters, in addition to Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey shot glasses, Balvenie Doublewood 12-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, Frey freshener, a Madame Paulette stain removal kit and a copy of the newest issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Soho Cigar Bar is open to the public 7 days a week beginning at 12pm. For more information or to make reservations, please visit, http://www.sohocigarbar.com.
Stax Ice Cream’s Winter Treats Launch
The creations at Stax Ice Cream are rooted in the belief that ice cream is a treat to be enjoyed even during the coldest time of the year—and, after trying their new winter flavors, I’m convinced. Prepared for the holidays, this charming little ice cream shop offers respite amid the busy streets of Chinatown in the form of cozy Christmas decor and seasonal sweet treats.
Founders Sophie Gao and Vida Feng strive for quality with a personal touch. Their ice cream is handcrafted in small batches and every dessert is cleverly and delicately adorned. Stax isn’t your average ice cream shop, and certainly not the place to quickly grab a vanilla or chocolate waffle cone; aiming to deliver a unique experience, the ladies at Stax have developed and perfected innovative flavors that pull from both Western and Eastern palates, including fruity pebbles, jasmine milk tea, ube, cornflake bourbon, and more, all which can be made into one of their famous “Cremella” donut ice cream sandwiches. Because who needs a cone when you can eat your ice cream in a donut?
For this holiday season, the launch of Stax Ice Cream’s Winter Treats collection will debut a new line of treats for their Treats Bar in addition to their Holiday Mini Ice Cream Cakes featuring three new winter flavors: Peppermint Oreo Bark, Roasted Oolong Milk Tea, and Red Velvet & Cream. Not only are the ice cream flavors irresistible, but the cakes themselves are adorable—the Roasted Oolong cake is exquisitely decorated as a snowman with a candy corn nose, while the Red Velvet (my personal favorite) is a red-nosed reindeer with pretzel antlers. The Peppermint Oreo cake is a brand new take on one of their classics—a unicorn—but this time with a seasonally appropriate candy cane striped horn.
These sweet, winter-themed inventions will be available at Stax until the end of the month along with the spreading of holiday cheer and #sweetvibesonly.
10th Annual Latke Festival
On Monday, December 4th, the highly anticipated 10th Annual Latke Festival returned to NYC. Having consumed lotsa latkes during the festival at the Brooklyn Musuem last night, a panel of 13 judges and 500-plus latke-loving attendees determined the winners of the culinary competition and fundraiser for The Sylvia Center. The judges declared the Hoppin' John Latke, black-eyed peas, rice and potato latke, BBQ brisket, braise collards, crispy onions from Brooklyn’s Benchmark Restaurant their favorite, naming it Best Latke – this is Benchmark’s second consecutive year for that honor, having snagged the Best Latke award at last’s year’s event.
For the two new awards at the 2018 edition of the festival, the judges cited the Falafel Latke from Kulushkat, the Brooklyn-based Middle Eastern eatery as Best Creative Latke and Dima’s Sweet & Savory Short Rib Latke, slow braised short ribs, prune reduction and micro greens from Manhattan’s venerable Veselka got the nod for Best Traditional Latke, its foundation being the 64- year-old Ukrainian restaurant’s traditional homemade latke. In a festival first, Veselka’s entry was a double winner, also named the People’s Choice Best Latke!
One of most deliciously fun and eagerly anticipated events on New York City’s Holiday Season calendar, the Latke Festival – celebrating the scrumptious versatility of the potato pancake – was presented by Great Performances, the highly-acclaimed New York-based catering and events company, as a benefit for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching nutrition and cooking in underserved communities through hands-on experiences on the farm and in the kitchen. The evening showcased 24 latke creations, from the classic to the decadently imaginative, by chefs from such establishments as: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola; FONDA; FryGuys; Korso; Mama O’s; The Norm; Riss’s Knishes; and White Tiger. See complete list of participants here.
The judging panel of influencers and food experts included: actress Debi Mazar and her celebrity chef husband Gabriele Corcos, hosts of Cooking Channel’s Extra Virgin; Dana Cowin, host of Heritage Radio’s Speaking Broadly (formerly long-time editor of Food & Wine); Alex Mayyasi, editor-in-chief of Gastro Obscura; David Berliner, president and COO of the Brooklyn Musuem; Tine Redwine, host of News12 CT’s “Chef’s Quick Tips;” Lee Schrager, director of the South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, and Howard Axel, CEO of Four Freedoms Park. The full list of all 13 judges can be seen here.
“We’re so grateful to the participants who brought their culinary creativity to our event. It’s very gratifying all the winners have been long time supporters of the festival and The Sylvia Center. In fact Veselka has been part of the Latke Festival all ten years of its existence,” notes Liz Neumark, the founder and CEO of Great Performances, which produces the event annually, and who also established The Sylvia Center. “It’s so intriguing how different the winning latkes were, demonstrating, once again, the myriad ways chefs can work with potato pancakes.”
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ABOUT THE SYLVIA CENTER
A nutrition education and youth development organization that works in high-need, high-potential communities to show young people and their families how to establish healthy habits that lead to happier and more productive lives. The nonprofit works with more than 2,500 young people annually across New York City’s five boroughs and in Columbia County, N.Y. Through hands-on experiences in the kitchen and at on a farm in upstate New York, students learn to prepare and enjoy healthy food made fresh, whole ingredients.
Ten students from The Sylvia Center’s “Cooks for Health” program at the Williamsburg Community Center in Brooklyn are competing in the Latke Festival this year. For more information about The Sylvia Center, please visit www.sylviacenter.org.
ABOUT GREAT PERFORMANCES:
Established in 1980 as a waitress service that provided flexible part-time employment to women pursuing careers in the arts, Great Performances (GP) has grown to become New York City’s largest privately-held full-service catering, events production and retail hospitality company. GP is particularly distinguished by a propensity for innovation, a commitment to sustainability—GP was the first and remains the only catering concern in the U.S. to own and operate an organic farm*-- and a dedication to building communities around food. GP’s roots in the arts are reflected by its exclusive partnerships with such prestigious cultural institutions as the Brooklyn Museum, BAM, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater and Asia Society. For more information about GP, please visit greatperformances.com.
Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography
TGA NYC: The Experience
I don’t know how, but it took me a whole year to get over to TGA NYC, the luxe sports bar located on the ground floor of the midtown Crowne Plaza Hotel. Still, no need to whine about lost time. I’ve been to TGA, I’ve tried it, and the verdict is in: I love it.
A high step above the usual midtown sports bar, TGA is practically a carefully designed and high ceilinged piece of modern art. Even now, decorated for the holidays, the white christmas trees and twinkling lights remind guests that TGA isn’t just an ordinary “Done with the grind of the day” after work drink spot -- it’s a cool, “I made a zillion dollars out of nothing,” after work drink spot, complete with a back-alley beer garden and creative cocktails. And then, there’s the food.
My friend and I started out with a whopping three appetizers: A Loaded Mac and Cheese with shrimp, short rib, and bacon; the TGA Jumbo Crab Cake, served with pineapple relish, sour cream, and black bean sauce; and Risotto Croquettes filled with a creamy truffle sauce. Everything was delicious -- I stuffed myself silly -- but I have to give the top prize to the crab cake. I don’t mind pineapple on pizza, but I now love pineapple on crab cake. Not a combination I would have expected, but definitely one I hope to try again in the future.
The real star of the meal, however, was the risotto I ordered for my entree. While the dish can be ordered with steak, shrimp, mushrooms, or asparagus, I, at the recommendation of my waiter, chose the three cheese. I was not disappointed. My biggest fear with risotto is that it’ll be bland, but the three cheese was a far cry from -- my friend ended up abandoning his amazingly seasoned Braised Beef Short Rib to eat what, as he put it, was “the best risotto he’s ever had.”
A huge shout out to Chef Israel Calderon for his wonderful dishes and beautiful presentation. TGA NYC is truly an experience, and in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a happy hour, they offer what’s sure to be a world-class bottomless brunch on the weekends. So check it out! And maybe I’ll see you there -- because I’ve already made another reservation.
For more information about TGA NYC, check out their website, https://www.tganyc.com/, or their insta, @tganyc.
Global Alive Luncheon at Nerai
If I had to name the three most prevalent ethnic cuisines in New York City, I’d go with Italian, French, and then Japanese. After that? Maybe Indian. Or Chinese. It’s subjective -- you can agree or disagree about the order, but I think it’s fair to say that Greek Cuisine is usually not on many New Yorkers radar, especially when looking for a sophisticated place to dine on a night out. After Wednesday afternoon luncheon at the gastronomically inclined Greek restaurant Nerai, however, I’d say it’s about time that changed. Greek food is here, it’s delicious, and it’s beautiful.
Nerai, located on East 54th Street, has to be one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve ever stepped into. The exterior -- light colored and draped with twinkling lights -- is a far cry from the concrete and glass facades that dominate Fifth Avenue. It’s elegant, glamorous… but of course, the restaurant’s real sell is the food.
To start off the luncheon, guests were served an amuse bouche of Tzatziki and Tarama along with a dish of grilled halloumi cheese, served with fresh figs and a fennel salad glazed with balsamic.
Following that was the “Xtapodi Sti Skara,” or Grilled Octopus served over Santorini fava with caramelized onions. It was only about the third time I’ve had octopus, but even I could tell that everything was perfectly cooked and flavored. And as much as I liked the octopus, I loved the next dish: the “Orzotta Thalassino,” a seafood orzotta featuring octopus, shrimp, mussels, and calamari. When I go back to Nerai (which will definitely be soon), this is 100% what I will be ordering.
To finish up what had already been an outstanding meal, the chefs at Nerai whipped up a “Paidakia Sti Skara,” or lamb chops served with honey glazed carrots, dolma, and oregano jus, and then followed it with a decadent dessert: A Tsoureki Bread Pudding filled with almonds, chestnut gelato, and praline cream. And is all of this doesn’t already sound amazing, just know that In addition to the fine food, Nerai had their talented Wine Director, Mr. Michael Coli, choose the wine pairings for each course. I don’t think there was single person by the end of the meal who was not only happily stuffed, but a little sloshed -- in the classiest way possible.
Special thanks to the host, Evageline Plakas, and Grigoria Kamaterou, for sharing their enthusiasm and love of Greece!
The Water Tower Bar
The Williamsburg Hotel (96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, New York) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated opening of The Water Tower, a sleek, intimate lounge and nightclub, which is set to open its doors today, Friday, November 16.
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The Water Tower, located high in the sky above the hotel’s rooftop, boasts unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows encased in steel. With cozy sofas throughout the intimate space, the unique bar transitions from a sophisticated lounge to a contemporary nightclub in the later hours, featuring nightly live entertainment from a rotating list of DJs from around the world.
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The beverage menu offers inventive libations, all created by renowned mixologist, Rael Petit, whose forward-thinking approach to mixology led him to celebrated restaurants like L'Orange Bleue and The Standard, before taking the helm at The Williamsburg Hotel in May 2018.
Cocktail highlights include the luxe Heart of Gold (Patron Gran Platinum, Cocchi Americano, white truffle-infused aperol), Message in a Bottle (Bacardi 4yr, clarified milk, Chinese cinnamon cordial, blue majik pineapple juice, lemon), Purple Rain (Empress Gin, Cocchi Americano, Pear Williams, Plant People CBD oil) and Les Gnomes (Absolut Elyx, Singani 63, Ancho Reyes, ginger syrup, lemon juice). Guests are also able to enjoy luxurious bites created by Executive Chef Nic Caicedo, like the Seafood Plateau (chef’s selection of fresh local and wild seafood with seasonal accompaniments), White Truffle Grilled Cheese(fontina, comte, smoked gouda, and white alba truffles, on Brooklyn Bread Lab brioche), and Caviar Tastings (Siberian sturgeon, classic osetra, and golden osetra served with traditional accoutrements).
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The Water Tower was constructed with industrial materials like steel, glass, and brass, and the decor is punctuated with plush velvet couches and chaises. The lounge is accessible via a VIP elevator, and colorful murals painted by a local artist line the walls, offering an apt mix of grit and glam that pays homage to the neighborhood’s history.
The launch of The Water Tower will mark the opening of the hotel’s sixth property concept, with others including The Ballroom, The Library Bar, The Restaurant, The Rooftop + Pool, and Brooklyn Bread Lab, a warehouse kitchen focused on crafting artisan breads, pastas, pastries, and pizza dough from house-milled grains.
The Water Tower will be open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00pm - 4:00am. Reservations can be made by emailing watertower@thewilliamsburghotel.com.
For additional information, please visit thewilliamsburghotel.com.
Freehold Brunch
The word “brunch” holds a special meaning in the hearts of New Yorkers. Brunch is a weekly tradition for those who live in the city, typically celebrated on Sunday with a good group of friends. There are places all over Manhattan that offer a tasty meal and cocktails to beat the “Sunday scaries.” But head down to Brooklyn and you’ll find Freehold - the refined yet urban restaurant that can do it all.
This well-rounded restaurant checks most of the boxes one looks for in choosing a place to eat, drink, and have a good time. The Freehold has mastered creating a space that has a unique aesthetic and artistic feel. While the Freehold operates day-to-day as a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, special events offer live music, dancing, and special performances that transform the space from day to night. Sundays at the Freehold usually start off quiet as guests gather for brunch and by mid afternoon- the music turns on.
Known for their savory dishes, the Freehold recently unveiled their newest brunch menu. The selection offers gourmet dishes of both breakfast and lunch favorites such as the “Smoked Salmon Scramble,” cooked over an English muffin; the “Brunch Burger,” a ground patty stacked with Munster cheese, fried egg, and the works, and a simple egg platter, scrambled with meat and made to perfection. Yummy vegetarian options now include the “Housemade Yogurt”, with berries, granola, and honey, the “Everything Salad”, and a plant-based veggie burger named the “Impossible.”
Also introduced were a range of cocktails perfectly crafted for the afternoon. The “Dirty Chai” tastes of chai, cinnamon, and tequila. A fruitier choice is the “Bloodhound,”a vodka-based drink disguised with a splash of grapefruit.
To celebrate, The Freehold generously hosted an intimate brunch in their private dining space. Tables were served courses of each dish, family-style to share and taste throughout the course of the afternoon. Both the food and cocktails were well received by guests, leaving no plate untouched. Overall, the event was very successful in launching their new menu.
Heading to Brooklyn? Make sure to stop by the Freehold to check out their new menu. Or make a trip; it will be well worth it. Brunch at the Freehold is served both Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Photos courtesy of FreeHold
Red Bull X Pac Man
Red Bull recently celebrated the release of their limited-edition Pac-Man inspired cans by hosting a party of retro perfection. The 80’s themed event took place on November 8th in the cozy downstairs of the Flower Shop.
Different patterns and textures filled this hole-in-the-wall pub located in the Lower East Side. The Flower Shop’s unique interior is artistically dated and unconventional, the perfect setting to instill nostalgia for the past. The vibe of the place is truly unique. The couches, flower displays and framed pictures invoked a comfort level similar to that of being at home. The downstairs is finished to be a friendly space to hangout with a fireplace and pool table.
Of course, Red Bull shook things up a bit by adding Pac Man to the decor mix for the evening. A live-action Pac Man game took center stage, and guests were encouraged to beat the infamous “high score.” In true gamer fashion, pinball machines were also a part of the excitement, as well as the newly launched cans that were modeled inside the screens of old-school television sets.
To satisfy every guest’s Red Bull craving, a specialty cocktail menu provided three drink options creatively named Pinky’s Drinky, Level Up, and Ghosted. All were deliciously blended and gave a noticeable kick of energy.
The party was powered with music from Hannah Bronfman and Kitty Cash. Pac Man himself was even there to meet-and-greet with guests, snapping photos with his fans all night.
From start to finish, the downstairs of the Flower Shop was packed, a full house by all means. The location, theme, and occasion were the perfect way to honor the collaboration of Red Bull and Pac Man. The Pac Man designed cans are currently in-stores now, be sure to check them out! The promotion will run from October 29th to the end of the year.
Food Loves Tech 2018
This past weekend, Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn’s all you can eat and drink innovation expo, Food Loves Tech, returned to Industry City. The festival is known for being an experience that brings your mind and your taste buds into the future.
On Friday, the prelude to the expo called the Future of Cocktails took place. Sponsored by Belvedere and Blue Point, this year’s opening night to Food Loves Tech brought together the most forward-thinking bartenders and spirits, taking guests on a bar crawl of the future.
Now in its third year, Food Loves Tech focuses on how technology and innovation shape the way we cultivate and consume food. The two-day festival included immersive installations, tastings, leadership panels, and dining experiences. Guests got to test the technologies of the future impacting the food chain from field and sea to the next generation.
The expo returned with more than 90 food innovators and dozens of experts showcasing their creations as well as many of NYC's most respected chefs, who presented their progressive, awe-inspiring imaginings.
Educational presentation not only included digital technology, but also new alternative ingredients, best practices, sustainability, composting, appliances, and even shifts toward more simplistic approaches of the past. The expo also featured panels on food-related technologies in food genetics, environment, health, homes, restaurants, urban agriculture, and more.
At the two day-long, walk-around event, guests gained an insight into what they will be eating in the future - and how it will be made.
The charity partner ReThink Food will ensure all excess food from the event will provide meals to those in need.
The Food Film Festival 2018
Last week, The Food Film Festival returned to New York City for its 12th straight year! The four day Festival featured a series of events where food and film lovers got to Taste What They See on the Screen...right in their seats! The festival offers a unique experience where guests get to actually taste the foods they see on the screen right in the comfort of their own seats. It was a dream come true for food and film lovers alike. That's always followed by an official Festival After-Party with more food, drinks and fun, served up by chefs and restaurants from New York City and beyond.
The four-day festival which ran from Oct 24th to the 28th and showcased independent films accompanied by different dishes featured in said films. This year, the Festival kicked off with the World Premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown / Lower East Side presented by CNN Original Series.
The episode follows Bourdain on a personal journey through this formerly bohemian New York City neighborhood, as he meets, shares meals and reflects with music, film and art trailblazers including Richard Hell, Deborah HARRY and Chris Stein, Lydia Lunch, Fab 5 Freddy, Danny Fields, Amos Poe, Jim Jarmusch, Kembra Pfahler, John Lurie, Clayton Patterson and Harley Flanagan, whose collective cultural impact in the 1970's and '80's has sustained through the decades. 100% of proceeds from opening night will be donated to the Bronx Letters Foundation, a charity that was supported by Anthony Bourdain.
Thursday night, Guests were treated to an exclusive Eat & Greet with Saxon + Parole Chefs Brad Farmerie and Chef Nicole Gajadhar. Beer, wine, cocktails, films and tastes were all part of the exceptional experience.
Friday night celebrated many dishes of New York City's cuisine in Edible Adventures #16: Stories of New York. An eclectic mix of foods and films made here in New York City were presented to the patrons.
Saturday's festivities featured the magic of cooking meat over fire at Fire and Smoke: Texas BBQ and Beyond, bringing together Black's BBQ from Texas, Izzy's Smokehouse from Brooklyn and more. On scene, were the pit-masters responsible for bringing Central Texas Style BBQ to new spaces and chefs who can harness smokey goodness of fire-roasted meats. Presented were also the world famous brisket from renowned Kent and Barrett Black of The Original Black's BBQ in Austin, Texas.
Finally, the Festival closed on Sunday with All You Need is Brunch!
It has been another amazing year for The Food Film Festival, and they could not have done it without the help of so many - and just to name a few - In The Raw, Bloomberg Philanthropies, CNN Original Series, Schweid & Sons, Mann's, NY Distilling Co., Night Kitchen, and their non-profit beneficiary, The Billion Oyster Project.
Photos courtesy of The Food Film Festival
Dessert Goals: Joy Edition
In preparation of their dessert-only food festival, which began this past weekend and will continue on to the next, Dessert Goals held a preview on Saturday, October 13th, providing a special sneak peek of all the sweetness to come. As New York’s first all-dessert festival, this year’s Dessert Goals: Joy Edition provides a taste of the city’s dessert scene, featuring works from New York’s best experts on everything sweet, from trendy novelties to exotic delicacies to plain simple deliciousness.
In the spacious, waterfront location of Sound River Studios in Long Island City, over twenty unique dessert vendors set up shop amidst a mirage of rainbow colored streamers, balloons, and candy bracelets. Fitting with the theme of Joy Edition, the event was pet-friendly and welcomed pups to join in on the fun. With desserts and puppies, it doesn’t get much better.
The collection of the desserts themselves can only be described as a diverse medley of all the goodies NYC has to offer, spanning from the fresh lightness of Meringueshop’s 100% vegan aquafaba-based dragon fruit gelée meringue treats, to the all-out decadence of Sugar and Water’s “dossants” aka donut croissants aka flaky, buttery, sugar powdered goodness.
Other innovative creations include I CE NY’s rolled ice cream, Stuffed Ice Cream bouquets, and Keki Modern Cake’s purple yam “bouncy” cheesecakes while more classic delights include maple walnut pie from Petee’s Pie Company and traditional Canadian butter tarts made by BTarts. Whether it be creations or originals, Dessert Goals has something for everyone, not excluding those with dietary restrictions; Smoothme’s all natural “nice” cream, made with frozen fruit and coconut cream, is the perfect sweet treat for health-food enthusiasts and vegans (and frankly, those of us who could use some fruit after eating six donuts). Dessert Goals: Joy Edition covers all the bases: desserts you never knew could exist, desserts you’ve always wanted to try, matcha everything, and Instagram-worthy treats almost too beautiful to eat.
Photo credit: Liang Shi / @omgdessertgoals and ratya Jankong / @pj_photographer )
Bacon and Beer Classic
On Saturday, September 29th, the highly acclaimed Bacon and Beer Classic made its way back to New York City. The Classic, which is known for taking over entire professional sports stadiums, brought the festival to USTA National Tennis Center in Queens, NY.
From savory to spicy to sweet, ticket holders experienced bacon like never before. Over 50 NYC restaurants including— American Cut, Queens Bully, In Good Company Hospitality, Tipsy Scoop, Wafels & Dinges, What the Dillaz, The STUF'D Truck, Schmackary's, Sands Jerk Hut, Rudy's Cuties, Route 66 Smokehouse, Marcha Cocina, La Bella Torte Truck, International Wings Factory, F. Ottomanelli Burgers, Dang BBQ, Corfu Grill, Burger Envy, Brooklyn Pizza Market, Brooklyn Baked & Fried, Adril's Kitchan, Hoodoo Brown Barbeque and The Nugget Spot -- served up their most original bacon dishes. The event also had a Hormel Chef Showdown where celebrity chef alum from Chopped and Hell's Kitchen including Chef Ariel Fox, Barett Beyer, Frank Bilotti, Chef Sterling Wright and Chef T created their most unique bacon bites. That tasty grub was complemented by unlimited samples of craft beers from local and regional breweries including Wartega, Avery, Port Jeff and Downeast Cider House.
A panel of esteemed judges included Man v. Food host Casey Webb, NYC Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie, Barstool Sports video personality Glenny Medoro, WPLJ's Joe Pardavila, Chef and Food Stylist Ashton Keefe, Food Instagrammer Dara Pollak, The Brooklyn Brewery's Eric Brown and certified cicerone Gabrielle Barry. They awarded Clinton Hall's Bacon Bacon Bacon Sliders the Best Savory Dish at the Classic, Sweet Chili's Spicy Bacon and Peanut Caramel the Best Sweet Dish, the CBBR Dilla from What's the Dillaz as People's Choice and BarBacon's Kentucky Fried Bacon Bites with Thai Chili Honey as the Best Overall Dish at this year's event. Best Overall beer went to the Zoktoberfest from Kings County Brewers Collective. DuClaw Brewing Co. took home top prize for best dark beer. Five Boroughs Brewing Co. won top honors in the Pale Ales and Lagers category. Sloop Brewing Co. won best IPA. Harlem Brew had the night's best Amber/Red/Wheat beer. Kings County Brewers Collective also won the best Sour category. Ace Cider was awarded best cider at the Classic and the People's Choice award went to BrewDog.
This year's event offered attendees a slew of new games and activations in addition to old favorites. IHOP debuted their all-new seasonal IHOPS Pumpkin Pancake Stout at the Bacon and Beer Classic and in between bites and sips, guests bobbed for bacon, danced to live music, partied in a biergarten, played corn hole and giant Jenga at the Mobile Man Cave.
VIPs enjoyed exclusive access to Court 17, which was full of additional bites, a donut wall and adult beverages. Those exclusive ticket holders also got a one of a kind opportunity to tour Arthur Ashe Stadium and get on the court for photos.
Photos courtesy of Bacon and Beer Classic
Taste Williamsburg Greenpoint
Fall’s officially started, but block party season isn’t over until we review the street event to top them all: Taste Williamsburg Greenpoint, the biggest summer tasting event in all of the New York City.
A tradition of nine years, Taste WG is a celebration of the many local eateries that give North Brooklyn it’s distinctive, local flavor. Restaurants, bars and breweries both old and new gather together to put out samples of their menus for everyone to enjoy, with this years sampling including tostadas from Zona Rosa, bruschetta from Leuca, and mac and cheese from Pies and Thighs, among many, many, others. Some of my personal favorites were the donuts from Du’s Donuts, as well as a brand new pasta from @baranobk.
In addition to the abundance of delectable treats, Taste WG also provides entertainment for the whole family -- live music, a DJ set by electro DJ ghostbaby, and activities and games hosted by the YMCA. This year, kids and parents alike could participate in yoga, basketball, a massive Jenga play corner, and even take funky, prop filled pictures in a complimentary photo booth in between trying out bites or beer.
And in case the food wasn’t enough to tempt you, all proceeds from Taste WG go to The Firehouse North Brooklyn Community Center, an organization that fosters civic and community activity in Brooklyn.
For a full list of participating vendors at Taste Williamsburg Greenpoint, check out their website, http://www.tastewg.com/ or instagram: @taste_wg.
Slate NY
One of the most recognizable faces in Flatiron just had a face lift. Slate, which has been a staple in Chelsea since 2000, just had a $2 million-dollar renovation, which was cause for recent celebration.
On Thursday, September 27th, The Lure Group's CEO Aristotle Hatzigeorgiou welcomed over 500 guests to take in Slate's all-new look during a massive carnival themed bash. Drinks were flowing as revelers rediscovered this massive 16,000 square foot adult playground, which now boasts three bowling lanes, a secret karaoke room, a BYOB (Be Your Own Bartender) pouring station with 20 adult beverages on tap and a 20-foot slide to get partygoers from the top to ground floor without having to lift a foot.
Real Housewives of New York Stars Dorinda Medley, Ramona Singer and Tinsley Mortimer, Summer House Stars Lindsay Hubbard and Lauren Wirkus and New York Mets Hall of Famer John Franco were among the notable names in attendance who took in a performance by Jazz Vocalist Hannah Gill and danced into the night with music courtesy of DJ Kasey Berry.
Guests also got in the action at the ping pong and pool tables, Skee-Ball, pinball and at Slate's new 8-player foosball table. Shot-skis were poured by the team at Club Getaway who were on hand to raffle off a weekend away at their adult sleepaway camp in the Berkshire Mountains. Executive Chef Darryl Harmon also showcased some of his new signature dishes at the party and guests got to indulge in cotton candy on glow sticks. Slate came alive with vaudeville-like acts occurring throughout the night featuring mimes, contortionists, clowns and even a human disco ball, many of which will return regularly for Slate's new weekly Magic Monday party.
To check out Slate's new look, visit www.slate-ny.com