Digital Dessert Goals, A Sweet Treat!
Having a sweet tooth is an especially notable trait, but during quarantine, it can become even harder to satiate. Luckily, whether you’re a sweets loving enthusiast, a dessert lover, or someone who only sprinkles sweet treats into their lives every now and then, Digital Dessert Goals, is for you. A two-day online event, which took place on July 31st and August 1st,(and still has tickets available through August 8th on their website), is a virtual dessert event that invites prominent New York dessert shops to explain and demonstrate their most popular products. To make the deal even sweeter, you receive a virtual goody bag with all kinds of delicious surprises inside.
Vendor: Gracie Baked
Vendor: Little Red Kitchen
Vendor: We the Birds Macarons
The first day of Digital Dessert Goals opened up with Tipsy Scoop, which specialized in liquor-infused ice cream. They showed attendees how to make two of their famous cocktails. First up was the Day Drinker, which contains an array of gummy bear and fruits that were so bountiful in color you could taste the alcohol filled dessert just by looking at it. The second Cocktail, called Party Like It’s Your Birthday, was just as fun and festive as the first. The video demo was incredibly detailed, ensuring you would be left with no questions. Not only did its step by step guidance ease the process, but the video was easy to find and highly accessible on the Digital Dessert Goals website. The 21+ ice cream cocktail tutorial was followed by a 14-year-old boy baker named Michael -- the mind behind the up and coming Michael’s Desserts. Michael is an inspiration in the baking world, and the world in general as he is a No Kid Hungry Youth Advocate. In his video, he demonstrates how to make homemade ice cream, a skill everyone needs. The Friday itinerary concluded with a DIY nail art tutorial by the founder of Sip Shop Eat. A nail tutorial was the perfect note to leave off on, allowing you to treat yourself after a day of baking and to start the next with a fresh set of hands.
Vendor: Mini Melanie
Vendor: Spoonable Spirits
The second day of Digital Dessert Goals started with a live workout. This much needed and appreciated activity further justifies a day of baking and munching on your homemade treats. Following the workout, which was sure to get your blood flowing and stomach rumbling, the day continued with an interchanging between two live zoom panels and pre-recorded demos. The live panels, that can still be accessed on the website to be rewatched, covered prevalent topics in the food industry such as how to be a food influencer and how to run a food business. The first panel consisted of speakers from The Hungry Hutch, Brunch Boys, A Taste of Koko, and Foodie in New York. The second saw speakers from Mini Melanie, Malai, Macaron Parlour, Twisted for Sugar, Third Culture Bakery, and WoodSpoon. There was also a live demo of how to make Ruby Chocolate Coconut Macaroons, presented by Red Velvet NYC. Just the name of the demo is enough to have you salivating, but once you watch the video and make the tasty dessert yourself you will be left speechless and craving more.
Vendor: Candy Connections
At 4 pm, the two-day festival concluded with a chance to meet other guests and the Dessert Goals founder Miraya. This festival which typically takes place in NYC and LA saw its tenth event online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sweetness of the event extends past the demonstrations and tips on how to succeed in the industry, but $1 for each purchased ticket was donated to an organization called No Kid Hungry. There is also an online marketplace where you can purchase items from the 20+ vendors. If you have any interest in desserts -- whether you are an adamant fan or passively engage with sweet treats at the end of a meal -- this event will leave a good taste in your mouth. Digital Dessert Goals will have all videos available until midnight August 9th, all you need to do is purchase a ticket and you will have a day sweeter and more flavor-filled than most.
Mochidoki is Back!
Big news for all mochi lovers! Mochidoki— the beloved, New York-based mochi ice cream company known for their imaginative Japanese-inspired desserts — has reopened their first brick-and-mortar location: an interactive flagship in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood (176 Spring Street) for both takeout and delivery.
Now, Mochidoki isn’t just any mochi ice cream. With its perfectly pillowy consistency and an array of flavors, there’s a significant difference between the mochi ice cream here and ones you can find at the grocery store. To lead flavor innovation at the flagship, Mochidoki recently announced a new Culinary Director, Natsume Aoi, formerly the Executive Pastry Chef at the highly-acclaimed Morimoto, who also trained under Jean Georges at Mercato in Shanghai. Growing up in Japan, Aoi learned to make traditional Japanese desserts under the watchful eye of her grandmother -- an experience she combined along with her classically-trained French pastry technique to offer a new kind of mochi ice cream, Mochi Creations (Mochidoki's signature flavors with artful toppings) in distinctive flavors like:
Espresso Cup with espresso mochi ice cream, a tempered chocolate cup and cinnamon meringue
Kakigori with red bean mochi ice cream, white chocolate glacage, a flurry of tempered white chocolate, shredded coconut and pandan jelly
Mandarin with the creamsicle-like mandarin orange mochi ice cream, dark chocolate glacage, pistachios and orange jelly
PB&J with black sesame mochi ice cream, almond butter, slivered almonds and raspberry coulis
Matcha Latte with matcha mochi ice cream, a swirl of kinako cream, white chocolate pearls and silver leaf
Cobble Hop with summer 2020's milk candy mochi ice cream, white chocolate glacage, granola and mixed berries
Alongside new Mochi Creations, Mochidoki SoHo offers signature flavors a la carte, such as Coconut with toasted shaved coconut, Black Sesame, a vegan lineup including Lychee and Chocolate, and more -- using only the highest-quality, natural and non-GMO ingredients. Mochi is available in single pieces, or in customizable boxes. Beverages including Nitro Matcha, Nitro Cold Brew, and Matcha Lattes are also available.
Mochidoki’s direct-to-consumer website has also expanded its delivery zones this summer. Now, residents in AZ, CA, NV and UT -- along with 26 other states nationwide -- can order the treats online with two-day shipping (perfect for kids, cookouts, or sending as a gift during this time of distance).
So what are you waiting for? Get your mochi on.
WoodSpoon Brings Home-Cooked Meals To Your Door
Ever since the outbreak or even before the COVID-19, food delivery has always been a godsend for many. Now more than ever, the food service industry is relying on takeout and delivery orders to keep businesses afloat. Restaurant and food service people have been hit the hardest. Now, some of those folks, are finally getting some help. There is now a new app that helps out of work restaurant chefs who are utilizing the idea to sell their signature dishes from home and earn an income by doing that.
The newly launched WoodSpoon app connects customers with New York City’s best home chefs to deliver delicious homemade food across Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. WoodSpoon is a new community-based, two-sided online platform that facilitates the process of ordering a variety of dishes from local cooks. The app’s respected lineup of chefs and home cooks are given a platform to share their culture and passion with others, creating an inclusive culinary experience for all. Customers can order for immediate delivery or schedule ahead on WoodSpoon’s free mobile app for iOS and Android. Customers are provided with a quick, reliable delivery service from the chef's kitchen, to their doorstep.
WoodSpoon Co-Founder Merav Kalish Rozengarten
WoodSpoon Co-Founder Oren Saar
Oren Saar, the Co-founder & CEO of WoodSpoon, officially launched the app this week after beta-testing it since the fall of 2019. Saar took his experiences working at Google and Boston Consulting Group after graduating from MIT, to create WoodSpoon, which has served over 3,500 diners since inception.
There are over 100 home chefs on the WoodSpoon app including Israel's Bake-off winner Shay Golan, Xiomara and her husband Aiman Reyes, who was a noted chef in Tel-Aviv for over a decade, plant-based chef Rachel Hazen, Neapolitan culinary star Giuseppe Amato and Kevin Martinez who helms from the Dominican Republic and previously worked at Jean Georges and Nobu. Diverse dishes available for purchase range from Salmon Sushi Bowls and Challah Bread, to Shakshuka Baguettes, Chicken Quesadillas, and everything in between. WoodSpoon provides the opportunity to taste dishes as varied as a decadent Persian custard called Mahalabi and Tunisian Fricassee.
Users can receive 15% off their first three orders by using the code Launch2020.
Better than Beer? - Seltzer Land Kickoff Party at Slate
On Tuesday night, March 10th , Cannonball Productions hosted a night full of fun, food and sparkles at Slate. Reason for the occasion was the promotion of the first nationally touring Hard Seltzer festival, Seltzer Land, which will be celebrated all across the country, starting in Minneapolis on April 18th.
Credit: Constance Faulk
To provide selected guests with a taste of what’s to come, Cannonball Productions cooperated with Corona which provided a variety of samples of its first Corona hard Seltzer. The selection of the refreshing and low-calorie drink included fruity flavors such as Blackberry Lime, Mango and Cherry.
Credit: Constance Faulk
Hard Seltzers gained increasing popularity over the past years which led many brands to develop their own version of the originally launched Spiked Seltzer by Bon & Viv in 2013. Accordingly, Seltzer Land’s participating brands are multifold and include common favorites like White Claw, Truly, Bud Light Seltzer and of course the Corona Hard Seltzer to only name a few brands that provide some of the over 100 hard seltzer varieties.
Credit: Constance Faulk
Credit: Constance Faulk
For this event, Cannonball Productions also had a surprisingly creative assembly of finger food. After an exhausting swing on one of the many playground-like features Slate has to offer, guests were invited to indulge in lobster rolls, cheese selections and mini tacos.
Credit: Constance Faulk
However, the kick-off event was, as its name suggests, only the beginning of a whole year of sparkling fun. Seltzer Land will be touring various destinations as for example San Francisco, Denver and NYC throughout most of this summer. Participants will be able to choose between the daily brunch sessions and afternoon parties.
Credit: Constance Faulk
Both tickets will be available for less than $59 which doesn’t only make this event a great opportunity for all Hard Seltzer lovers but also a relatively affordable treat. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.seltzerland.com/
Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy Speaks to The Excellence of French Cooking
Loulou, a warming yet sophisticated bistro and speakeasy, opened on Wednesday 4th of March, in the heart of Chelsea. Loulou, named and styled after the owner’s rescue dog, brings traditional French cooking in line with cosmopolitan, eye-catching cocktails and sleek city design. When struggling for a name and image perhaps all restaurateurs should turn their heads to their best friends.
Loulou’s on 8th and 19th. Photo: Victor Hugo
The brainchild of Mathias Van Leyden and Mino Habib, Loulou exemplifies Chelsea bistro; it exudes excellent maximisation of space, has a familiar and upbeat atmosphere and of course, delicious, wholesome food. Upon walking into Loulou’s, I feel New York; the bustling ambience, exposed brick and hanging plants mingle with mid-week catch ups, budding romances and cheers. Lots of cheers!
Interior of Loulou, Photo: Victor Hugo
The menu offers familiar comforts, cooked to perfection, from Pan-Fried Scallops to Duck Leg Confit. The Charred Octopus with White Bean Ragu was a personal favorite, especially when accompanied by a spicy tequila cocktail served in, quite literally, a bird glass. Other items on the menu include, Whole Grilled Branzino, Rib Eye for Two and Ratatouille, and Flatbreads, Charcuterie & Cheese Boards.
Pan-Fried Scallops. Photo: Victor Hugo
Executive Chef Jarett Brodie has spent years in the industry and this definitely shows. While perfecting his craft, Brodie has worked in the kitchens of some of NYC’s finest restaurants, including Jean-George’s Mercer Kitchen, Nios at The Muse Hotel and most recently Chef de Cuisine at The Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square. Brodie’s approach is minimalist in content but action-packed in flavor; choosing to highlight great products by letting the local and the seasonal steal the limelight.
Stunning Octopus, a treat for all the senses. Photo: Victor Hugo
Downstairs we come to the speakeasy, where novelty fun tumbles around this intimate, glitter-ball-filled space. The lower level speakeasy is accessible from the street through an antique coca-cola machine, which opens up to a simple black staircase and a solitary chandelier for guidance. It screams speakeasy and I am not disappointed, as cocktails, music and quirky art abounds.
Loulou’s feels established. They look like they have been doing this for years, and most probably will be. I felt at ease as a diner and a drinker, leaving with the distinct feeling that I would be coming back again.
Sushi Lab's 1st Anniversary
Its been one year since Sushi Lab started their experiment omakase at what used to be a concierge area inside the Sanctuary hotel. After a year of success and glowing reviews, there is no reason to slow down. The lab even expanded to back areas with now being able to serve 18, with 10 guests at the bar and table seating for an additional 8 guests.
The Sanctuary Hotel's owners Hank Freid and Brandon Freid are the father-son team behind Sushi Lab. Their luxury boutique hotel is home to Tender Restaurant and Lounge, Haven Rooftop, Sushi by Bou and now Sushi Lab
In honor of Sushi Lab's 1st Anniversary, anyone who orders The Lab Experiment will receive a complimentary carafe of Gekkeikan Sake valued at $16 from March 9th - March 20th.
The Lab Experiment is the newest addition to Sushi Lab's delicious menu. Executive Chef Frankie Chen offers guests a 16-course experience like no other with pieces like Yellowtail with Korean gamate, seaweed and shiso flower,Arctic char with confit tomato, Medium Fatty Tuna, Bluefin tuna with fried oyster, ikura, yuzu zest, Hokkaido Scallop Uni, Golden Eye Snapper with Egg, Shima aji with shitake mushroom and ankimo, Issaki: Japanese Gruntfish, Botan ebi with bottarga, Otoro, chutoro, kaluga caviar, gold flakes, Wagyu with Hokkaido Uni & Beets, Unicorn with crab, uni, popcorn powder, Smoky Miso Soup and Mango Sorbet with minako shell.
You will not find a better deal in the city, come visit Sushi Lab ASAP!
C-CAP 30th Anniversary Benefit
On Tuesday, February 25th, C-CAP hosted its 30TH Anniversary Benefit at Pier Sixty - Chelsea Piers, New York City honoring two industry icons; Richard Grausman (founder C-CAP/Chef/Author and Sarabeth Levine (world-renowned Baker/Author/Restaurateur).
Janice Huff, (NBC Chief Meteorologist) emceed the evening and shared the mic with Tim Zagat (Co-Founder Zagat), Marcus Samuelsson (C-CAP Board Chair/Chef/Restaurateur/TV Personality) and Carlton McCoy (President & CEO Heitz Cellar) who shared the important work and success stories of C-CAP and the honorees. Red Carpet guests included Justin Tuck (2x Super Bowl Champion), Howard Cross (NY Giants Super Bowl Champion), Charles Smith (NBA Veteran), Judge Patricia DiMango (CBS Hot Bench), Ryan Field (ABC Sports Anchor) and Dee-Morris (Actor/Singer/Songwriter Gotham (FOX), Shades of Blue (NBC), to name a few.
Photos by C-Cap
“I want to thank everybody who joined us in supporting our special C-CAP 30th Anniversary Benefit. I’m gratified to be recognized by my peers and honored for my work with C-CAP. I look forward to many more successful years and continuing to work with the chefs and students who are my extended family,” Richard Grausman, C-CAP Founder & Chair Emeritus.
“It is such an honor to work with the C-CAP students and Richard throughout the years. It was a special night seeing all the guests, students, alums and celebrities who came out to join us in our celebration. I’m beyond grateful for this recognition and I look forward to many more years of supporting the C-CAP students and alum,” said Sarabeth Levine, World-renowned Baker/Author/Chef.
Photos by C-Cap
“It was an exciting night honoring Richard Grausman and Sarabeth Levine for their incredible impact on the industry and important work with C-CAP. They inspire C-CAP students, alumni and all of us with their dedication and passion. A special thank you to all who came out to support the C-CAP 30th Anniversary Benefit,” said Marcus Samuelsson, Chef, Author and Restaurateur.
“This was the best C-CAP tasting benefit in 30 years that broke all records raising over 1.2 million. We had over a thousand guests and great food by 35 of the top restaurants in New York City. The room was filled with buzzing with energy all night. Best of all, the night celebrated a wonderful cause helping underserved high-school students gain careers in the food service industry, said Tim Zagat, founder Zagat.
Guests enjoyed the finest signature dishes by NYC’s hottest chefs along with world-class wines by Heitz Cellar, cocktails and specialty Vodka drinks by Tito’s top mixologists. Talented C-CAP students and alumni assisted with the grand tasting showing off their culinary skills alongside the chefs. Guests participated in an exciting auction with once-in-a-lifetime culinary, culture and travel packages. The night celebrated the finest in the industry and guests had a once in a lifetime opportunity to savor the exquisite food tastes by the “hard to get into” restaurants in one night. The night raised over 1.2 million and will benefit C-CAP’s career readiness programs.
Photos by C-Cap
Participating restaurants and chefs included: Abigail Kirsch (Matthew Tiscornia), Almond (Jason Weiner, Alex Nieto), Aretsky’s Patroon (Ken Aretsky, Aaron Fitterman), Bâtard Tribeca (Markus Glocker), Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse (Admir Alibasic), Bouley at Home (David Bouley), Café Boulud (Jerrod Zifchak), Casa Nomad (Yvan Lemoine), Cosme (Evelyn Velazquez, Isabel Coss), Cuisine Solutions (Bruno Bertin), Estiatorio Milos (Costas Spiliadis), Four Seasons Hotel (John Johnson), Gramercy Tavern (Miroslav Uskokovic), Hudson Yards Grill (Michael Lomonaco, Wayne Harley Brachman, Daniel Rutledge), Indian Accent (Manish Mehrotra), JAMS (Jonathan Waxman), Le Bernardin (Eric Ripert, Thomas Raquel), Locanda Verde (Deborah Racicot) (Loi Estiatorio (Maria Loi), The Loyal (John Fraser), Michael's (Michael McCarty, Kyung Up Lim), Nobu 57 (Matt Hoyle), Park Avenue Winter (Zene Flinn), Perrine at the Pierre (Ashfer Biju), Portale (Alfred Portale), Porter House New York (Michael Lomonaco, Wayne Harley Brachman, Daniel Rutledge), Quality Eats (Craig Koketsu), Decoy/ Red Farm (Eddie Schoenfeld, Joe Ng), Red Rooster (Marcus Samuelsson), Sarabeth's (Sarabeth Levine), Shake Shack, Storico (James Miller), TabeTomo (Tomotsugu Kubo), Untitled (Evan Tessler) and Vaucluse (Michael White, Jared Gadbaw).
About C-CAP
C-CAP(Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) is a national nonprofit co-chaired by chef, author and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, and founded by culinary educator Richard Grausman, provides underserved youth with educational and career opportunities through the culinary arts. It is a curriculum enrichment program linking public high school culinary teachers and their students to the foodservice industry. C-CAP’s various programs work together to help prepare students for college and careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. https://ccapinc.org #CCAPinc #CCAPBenefit #CCAP30
TOP MARCH NYC EVENTS
Young Patrons believe the performing arts can open your hearts and minds. They formed the Young Patrons group to bring together arts-oriented New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds with mixed artistic interests who strive to make arts and culture a more intentional part of their lives.
2. Winter Ball with School of American Ballet
The event kicks off with cocktails at the majestic David H. Koch Theater, followed by dinner and dancing on the Promenade, which is transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful dining room. SAB’s students make Winter Ball an evening you will always remember with their performance of a piece created for the event by an up-and-coming choreographer. Dessert and dancing at the after-party, hosted by SAB’s Young Patrons, keeps the dance floor packed late into the evening.Your participation will make every aspect of SAB’s ballet training program possible — providing scholarships for our students while supporting our world-renowned faculty, maintaining our studios, and offering vital student programs beyond the classroom.Just interested in the Afterparty? Learn More and buy tickets.
3. SCOPE New York 2020
The 20th edition of SCOPE New York returns to its Chelsea location at Metropolitan Pavilion. Known for presenting groundbreaking contemporary work, SCOPE New York will welcome 60 international exhibitors at its centrally-located venue.
The first fair to run concurrent with The Armory Show, SCOPE New York’s spirit of innovation has consistently forged the way for emerging artists and galleries. Attuned to nuances in the market and itself an influential force in the cultural sphere, SCOPE continues to usher in a new vision of the contemporary art fair.
SCOPE New York opens on Thursday, March 5, 2020, with the Platinum First View and VIP & Press Preview, and will run through Sunday, March 8, 2020.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scope-new-york-2020-tickets-88153197587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) presents the Third Annual Memories Matter Gala.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Doors Open 6:30pm
Dinner to follow
Pier 60
Chelsea Piers
New York City, NY
6. St Jude Gold Gala
Join us for the ninth annual St. Jude Gold Gala: An Evening for St. Jude in New York City, New York.
As a guest at this event, you'll enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dancing, along with a special silent auction and raffle.
Since its inaugural year in 2012, the Gold Gala has fundraised $1 million for the children of St. Jude.
https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/dinners-and-galas/gold-gala.html
Afternoon Tea & Burlesque at Elsie Rooftop
Elsie Rooftop takes brunch and high tea to a different level. You won’t be able to simply sip on a mimosa when Lady Mendl and her friends dazzle you with their performances. They make brunch an immersive experience.
Elsie Rooftop was named after Elsie De Wolfe, also known as Lady Mendl, an American actress, interior decorator, author of The House in Good Taste, and a prominent figure in New York, Paris, and London society. The lounge honors her with a Saturday High Tea and stunning burlesque show. Lady Mendl shows off her powerful vocals while her friends put on an interactive show on stage and on the pole.
Lady Mendl and her friends
Now because this is no simple brunch, Elsie Rooftop offers signature tea infused hot and cold drinks. Hot tea infused cocktails include a Chamomile Honey Toddy, Bourbon Peach Green Tea, and an Earl Grey Old Fashioned. They also have London Society which is made with black tea, Bulleit Rye, Montenegro, honey, and lemon. But, if alcohol isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the show with tea of your choice.
London Society and The Duchess
When it comes to food, Elsie Rooftop also does it a little differently. High tea usually includes finger sandwiches, scones, cookies, and pastries, but Elsie puts brunch food on the menu too. They serve Truffle Grilled Cheeses with Bacon, Black Angus Sliders, Wild Mushroom Flatbreads, and assorted finger sandwiches (Cucumber and Chive Aioli on White, Smoked Salmon and Herb Butter on Multigrain, and Prosciutto, Apple, Goat Cheese on Whole Wheat). As for the sweets lovers out there, Elsie Rooftop has assorted tarts and cakes too.
Tea with Lady Mendl only happens on Saturdays so definitely check it out. It is a classic New York high society experience you don’t want to miss. Elsie Rooftop is located on 1412 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
Tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tea-with-lady-mendl-immersive-high-tea-and-brunch-experience-tickets-85849418923?aff=Website
Thrillist Fasties Awards
The fast food industry is a $238 billion and growing industry in the US. With the influx of plant based menu items, even vegetarians are flocking back to their guilty pleasures. While everyone has their own favorite fast food places, does anyone really deserve the title of being the best? Thrillist attempted to answer this question by having the first fast food awards show.
Photo by Thrillist
Photo by Thrillist
On Wednesday, February 19th, Thrillist announced winners for The Fasties to celebrate the world of fast food with 16 curated categories that honored our favorite chains, dishes, and fast food trends of the year. Some of the headline making debates of 2019 were put to rest as they revealed the superior chicken sandwich and most satisfying plant-based burger.
Photo by Thrillist
Photo by Thrillist
The tongue-in-cheek award show, hosted by YouTube stars David So and Tim DeLaghetto of Thrillist’s Send Foodz, was a deep-fried riff on "traditional" award shows, with enough special sauce to make it something uniquely their own: a playful culmination of our longstanding, widely consumed editorial fast food coverage.
Photo by Thrillist
Photo by Thrillist
Thrillist’s editorial team divided the categories amongst themselves to taste and assess all the restaurant items nominated to make the winning selections. Thrillist has remained committed to covering the latest and greatest in fast food -- from seeking out the most delicious chicken tenders to going so far as to find the absolute best pickles in the game. Below are the list of winners and nominees.
Best Fried Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes - Chicken Sandwich (winner)
Chick-fil-A - Chicken Sandwich
McDonald’s - Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Carl’s Jr. - Big Fillet Chicken Sandwich
KFC - Crispy Colonel Sandwich
Best Burger
Culver’s - ButterBurger Cheese (winner)
In-N-Out Burger - Double Double
McDonald’s - Quarter Pounder With Cheese
Whataburger - Double Meat Whataburger
Wendy’s - Dave’s Double
Best Plant-Based Burgers
White Castle - Impossible Slider (winner)
Carl’s Jr. - Beyond BBQ Star
Carl’s Jr. - Beyond Famous Star With Cheese
A&W - Beyond Burger
Burger King - Impossible Whopper
Best Fries
Arby’s - Curly Fries (winner)
McDonald’s - Fries
Chick-fil-A - Waffle Potato Fries
Taco Bell - Nacho Fries
Checkers/Rally’s - Famous Seasoned Fries
Best Taco
Del Taco - The Del Taco (winner)
Taco Bell - Crunchy Taco
El Pollo Loco - Chicken Taco Al Carbon
Jack in the Box - Taco
Taco John’s - Crispy Taco
Best Dessert
Yoshinoya - Cheesecake (winner)
Taco Bell - Cinnamon Sticks
Wendy’s - Frosty
Culver’s - Vanilla Custard
Jollibee - Peach Mango Pie
Best Chicken Tenders
Raising Cane’s - Chicken Fingers (winner)
Popeyes - Tenders
Culver’s - Original Chicken Tenders
Chick-fil-A - Chick-n-Strips
Long John Silver’s - Chicken Tenders
Best Breakfast Sandwich
Chick-fil-A - Chicken Biscuit (winner)
Taco Bell - Breakfast Crunchwrap with Bacon
McDonald’s - Bacon, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle
Subway - Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
Wendy’s - Breakfast Baconator
Best Coffee
Culver’s (winner)
Chick-fil-A
McDonald’s
Sonic
Jack in the Box
Best Sauce
Culver’s - Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce (winner)
Chick-fil-A - Chick-fil-A Sauce
Raising Cane’s - Cane’s Sauce
McDonald’s - Honey Mustard
Whataburger - Spicy Ketchup
Best New Menu Item of the Year
Popeyes - Chicken Sandwich (winner)
Burger King - Impossible Whopper
KFC - Kentucky Fried Wings
Taco Bell - Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme
Chick-fil-A - Mac & Cheese
Regional Chain of the Year
Culver’s (winner)
In-N-Out
Del Taco
Whataburger
Bojangles’
Chain of the Year
Popeyes (winner)
Burger King
Chick-fil-A
Wendy’s
White Castle
Menu Item of the Decade
Taco Bell - Doritos Locos Taco (winner)
KFC - Double Down
White Castle - Impossible Slider
McDonald’s - Szechuan Sauce
Popeyes - Chicken Sandwich
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ketchup (winner)
Most Valuable Pickle (MVP)
Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Pickle (winner)
Studio Day with Phillip Lim - Introduction of the 2020 FW Collection
On Monday, February 10th from 1pm-8pm, Phillip Lim debuted his 2020 Fall and Winter collection for women and men at their flagship store in NoHo. Since the event was free and open to anybody, the diverse crowd made up for a broad range from Fashion Week experts to upcoming designers as well as spontaneous spectators and food fanatics.
The latter were particularly pleased by the small hors d’oeuvres that were generously provided by Fish Cheeks, NoHo’s acclaimed seafood-focused Thai restaurant. The collaboration was initiated by Phillip Lim who also hosted his brand launch at Fish Cheeks, the designer’s personal favorite. Just like the designer, guests were soon swayed by the selection of toasted cod over watermelon and a chicken pork ensemble over pineapple.
But the focus was neither on the described hors d’oeuvres nor the open bar which offered wine, beer or tequila, but obviously on the designer’s new collection. Just like the objective of the event the creation of an open space that welcomes everybody, the designs were also applicable to a wide range of taste and color preferences.
In Phillip Lim’s usual manner, the design pieces displayed the brand’s luxury and yet effortless style while successfully maintaining an air of extravaganza rooted in responsible modernity. The FW20 collection accordingly employed recycled cruelty-free wool serge as well as organic, toxic-free finished cotton to name only a few of the many sustainable elements.
The appreciation of all, including even largely unexplored, material, was further resembled in the collection’s style which suits people from all kinds of backgrounds and age brackets. Accordingly, youthfully tailored shells and skirts were in constant alternation with more streamlined and minimalist pieces which left no browsing eye dissatisfied.
All in all, the event was a huge success which was also demonstrated by the sheer and unexpected quantity of guests visiting the flagship store that day. And rightfully so. Especially in today’s times, collections like Phillip Lim’s take an important stand for nonconformity, tolerance and freedom and should be celebrated for that.
Wine & Spirits Magazine's Top 100 Symposium
The Wine and Spirits Magazine put together an incredible Symposium that showcased the top 100 wineries from around the world. Attendees were able to try the best of the best while enjoying incredible cuisine. We explored the venue, trying absolutely everything that was offered to us.
One of our top picks from the festival was a 2017 Vintage Straw Wine from Mullineux Family Wine. Andrea Mullineux and her husband Chris Mullineux established their winery in the Swartland region in 2007. Due to its delicious taste, Mullineux Family Wine quickly became one of South Africa’s most celebrated brands. Andrea is the owner and winemaker, and we were delighted to speak to her about the process of making such an exquisite wine.
If you are unfamiliar with what straw wine is, don’t worry because at first we were too. After speaking to Andrea we discovered that sweet wine is made differently depending on the environment it is grown in. After the grapes are cut they are laid on straw mats where they dry for three weeks. This method is used to concentrate the sugar, the flavor, and the acidity, giving it a complex taste. When the dried out grapes are pressed, it takes twenty four hours to press out the honey like juice from the grapes. It is then put into barrels where the fermentation process is started naturally. Andrea informed us that “the longer and slower the fermentation, the more complex and the more depth the flavor,” which is why she leaves it to ferment for eight to ten months.
We were also drawn to Catena Zapata’s booth because of the intricately designed label. After tasting the delectable Catena Malbec Argentina we spoke to Pablo Piccolo and learned about history behind the new label and about the winery itself. Catena Zapata was one of the first to bring European techniques to Argentina when they founded in 1902. The beautifully illustrated label which was released in 2015, and tells the story of the birth, death, and rebirth of the Malbec. The label starts with an image of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen of France and England. Next to her is a woman representing all of the immigrants who brought the vines from Argentina to the new world. As you continue to turn the bottle you can see Phylloxera, who killed most of the Malbec living there. Then sitting next to her is Bodega Catena Zapata, symbolizing the reemergence of the Malbec.
We loved learning about the history behind the wine! The vineyard is located in Medosa Catena, and it is one of six vineyards in Medosa owned by Catena Zapata. After trying a glass we quickly understood why they are so well known for their wines.
After trying so many incredible wines back to back for hours, we got a little hungry. Luckily several restaurants had booths showcasing their extraordinary dishes. One of our favorites was Junsik’s Bossam. Bossam is pork belly with ssamjang aioli. Jungsik is an incredibly well known Korean restaurant with two Michelin Stars.
Another dish we were salivating over was the Yuzu Cheesecake with Kishu Mandarin from Bâtard. The scrumptious mini cake paired perfectly with a sweet dessert wine. The cake was amazing on it’s own, but the Royal Tokaji 2013 Betsek wine really enhanced the flavor.
The Wine and Spirits Symposium is the perfect event for those in the wine industry, wine enthusiasts, and anyone who just likes to drink and eat. We can’t wait until next year so we can have more of the best wines in existence.
Photos from Wine & Spirits Magazine
TOP FEBRUARY NYC EVENTS
DJ, dancing, casino gaming, raffles, open bar and hors d’oeuvres
🍷 Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils
🍷 Olivier Leflaive Frères
🍷 Stéphane Aviron
🍷 Domaine Faiveley
🍷 Château Fuissé
The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Gala will be held on February 23, 2020 at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall. Maestro Iván Fischer will host the all-Dvořák program: Legend; Evening's blessing, from Four Choruses; Slavonic Dance; Violin Concerto, and Symphony No. 8.
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The Bronx Letters Foundation Food for Thought Benefit brings some of New York's best chefs together in one place for an incredibly delicious evening.Our foundation supports the UA Bronx Academy of Letters, a 6 to 12 public school located in the South Bronx, our country's poorest congressional district, which is a mere 3 miles from Manhattan's Upper East Side.By supporting our foundation, you are making a difference in the lives of our scholars. You are embracing the chance to help to break the cycle of poverty one kid at a time. Thanks to generous donors like you we are able to offer our 600 at-risk, high-needs students a challenging, inspiring, college preparatory, safe learning environment with life-changing enrichment opportunities.Join us and be a part of the solution!
6. The DREAM Project’s 8th Annual
What: The DREAM Project’s 8th Annual Benefit and Awards: Sueños 2020
When: Thursday, February 27th, 2020 | Red Carpet: 6:30 PM | Main Event: 7:30 -10:00 PM
Where: The Mezzanine, Wall Street (55 Broadway, New York, NY 10006)
Theme: Celebrating Dominican Independence and the Independent Dominican Woman
Why: To raise the funds used to operate programs, impacting 8,000 youth in more than 27 disadvantaged communities, closing the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic.
Co-Hosted by: Kathy Romero, Global Entrepreneur and Celebrity Event Planner, Tony Peralta, contemporary artist and community leader, and Michel Zaleski, DREAM Chair and Founder.
Invited Celebrities: Actor Taye Diggs from Rent, Chef Kelvin, Actress Dasha Polanco, Leslie Grace, Misty Copeland and Anthony Ramos
Available for Interviews: Board Members (Pre-Event) . Contact us for Celebrity availability at the event.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suenos-2020-tickets-86122973131
Website: www.dominicandream.org
Carnegie Diner and Cafe
It’s hard to pick a staple NYC Diner -- that one classic, iconic place that will not only impress your tourist friends, but fulfill your desire for hearty New York food. I mean, there’s the Stardust Diner, the Empire Diner, the Pearl Diner, Kellog’s Diner...JUNIORS….the list goes on and on. And, as of last Monday, January 13th, there is now another place contending for the top spot: the Carnegie Diner and Cafe, located at 205 West 57th Street .
The first thing you’ll notice about Carnegie Diner is how well lit it is. Carnegie is a diner that just glows: the lighting is golden, the people are cheery...the place just gives off a certain bright and happy vibe that’s usually so hard to find around midtown.
The second thing you’ll notice about Carnegie Diner (depending, of course, on the strength of your nose verses your eyes), is just how great the diner smells. And I don’t mean only inside. What I mean is that Carnegie Diner is the sort of place that smells amazing even while you’re standing outside on the corner of 57th and 7th ave. I’m saying that the aroma of the waffles, burgers, milkshakes and fries that Carnegie Diner serves up is so strong and stunning that it’s impossible to not stop mid-stride and wonder where the scent is coming from (as evidenced by my friend, who was was super excited when she found out that the place we were going was, in fact, the very place that smells exactly like buttered pancakes and lemon cheesecake).
And luckily, a great smell always equals great food. In addition to classic American fare (think pancakes, burgers, and seasoned home-fries), Executive Chef and Culinary Director Stathis Antonakopoulos has also brought Greek food to Carnegie’s menu, including phyllo dough spinach and cheese pies, as well as some modern fare, such as the much coveted Vegan Impossible Burger. There are some fun desserts in the mix as well -- in addition to your standard Vanilla/Chocolate milkshakes, Carnegie Diner has dreamed up their own Oreo Cookie Cake Milkshake, Brownie Extravaganza Milkshake, and -- wait for it -- a Chocolate Pancake Milkshake.
So, the next time you’re craving some greasy, delicious diner food, stop in at Carnegie Diner and have your fill. In true diner fashion, the restaurant will be open from 6am - 11pm during the week and from 6am to midnight on the weekend, so there’s bound to be a time you’ll be able to stop in and have your fill.
For more information about Carnegie Diner and their delectable menu, visit their website at www.carnegiediner.com, or their instagram, @carnegiediner.
TOP JANUARY NYC EVENTS
The 10th annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival is going to be EPIC! ……It’s a Southern Fried Good Time! Thank You Manhattan for a decade of outrageous fun – we are now going to spread our wings a bit and head across the river to Brooklyn. It’s time for one hellacious day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
Each Guest Receives a Souvenir Glass and the first 300 VIP get a Souvenir Bag.
BEAST CAGE: The Beast Cage is Back and Serving Up EXOTIC SMOKED MEATS all day: Alligator, Lamb, Bison, Longhorn Rounds, and much more.
The SHRINE OF SWINE is back! Enjoy whole hogs during each session. Pork worship at its finest!
Enjoy seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters from the deep South.
Dance Or Rock Out to the DJs playing all your favorite tunes.
Browse brewerania, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories.
Bacon Eating Contest
Aquarius specialty cocktails and water are complementary to all ticket holders. Full meals will be available for purchase. Tickets begin at $95 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.aquariusnyc.com Guests will also be invited to help save the ocean and the planet by donating $10 to Oceanic Global, AQUARIUS 2020’s official ocean conservation charity and sustainability partner.
The Winter Show is the leading art, antiques, and design fair in America, featuring 70 of the world’s top experts in the fine and decorative arts from ancient times to the present day. The Winter Show is an annual benefit for East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. The Winter Show maintains the highest standards of quality in the art market, and each object is vetted for authenticity, date, and condition by a committee of 150 experts from the United States and Europe.
Tickets
Art Party Ticket
$250 ($200 for Whitney Contemporaries members), admits one
Artist Sponsor Ticket
$500 ($450 for Whitney Contemporaries members), admits one
The purchase of an Artist Sponsor ticket allows the Whitney to extend a complimentary ticket to an artist of its choosing.
Art Party proceeds benefit the Independent Study Program and other education initiatives of the Whitney.
The Largest Travel Trade and Consumer Show in North AmericaThe New York Times Travel Show attracts more than 35,000 attendees with over 700 exhibitors from more than 175 countries, making it the largest travel trade and consumer show in North America. Join us for the 2020 show on January 24 – 26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.GET MORE INFORMATION
Sotheby’s Wine is hosting the annual Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux—and we’d like to invite you as our guest! This premier event brings together Bordeaux’s leading producers in celebration of the 2017 vintage, for a lively evening of tastings at Cipriani 42nd Street.
11th Annual Latke Festival
On Monday the 16th of December the 11th Annual Latke Festival took place at the Brooklyn Museum.
26-plus participants competed against each other for top latke honors in six different categories, including two new ones: Best Vegetarian and Best New Participant Latke.
A “civilian” (home cooked) competitor was also new this year, the winner of a latke recipe contest conducted by the Jewish Food Society. The winning recipe was made by Great Performances, New York City’s premier catering and events company that presents the Latke Festival every year as a benefit for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to nutrition and healthy cooking education for children in underserved neighborhoods.
The category Best New Participant was contributed to the larger number of new competitors, including Ha Noi House, Manhattan’s Graffiti Earth and Brooklyn’s Baoburg and more.
They had to compete against yearly returning participants like Veselka, Dizzy’s Club, Mama O’s and The Norm.
Jewsish Food Society's Russian Latkes
Besides the jury of influencers and food experts, such as Kate Krader, Bloomberg food editor and chef Rozanne Gold, the visitors also had the chance to vote for their favorite Latke and therefore determined the winner for the category People’s Choice Best Latke.
The winner in the category Best Overall was the first-time participant Hanoi House with a sweet potato and shrimp fritter latke.
Veselka and The Bankers Club at 120 Broadway shared the first place in the category People’s Choice.
A huge variety of Latke’s, from classic to decadent, were presented to the visitors and ready for them to try. With one being even more tasty than the other, it was very hard to come up with a personal decision.
Besides the numerous Latke options there were also other food offerings, including Pearl River Caviar, a pickle buffet from Jacob’s Pickles and a jelly donut and bread spread by Orrwasher’s.
Baoburg's Latke
Drinks were provided by Grey Goose Vodka, Angel’s Envy Bourbon specialty cocktails, Schmaltz Beer, City Winery Wines, GuS’s Soda and Brooklyn Roasting Company’s coffee.
The 11th Annual Latke Festival was a great night with delicious food, tasty drinks, good music and a unique atmosphere at the Brooklyn Museum that made a great start of the Holiday Season.
Photos by Great Performances
J.Bespoke, Sports bar for the sophisticated
NoMad, the neighborhood known for high concentration of trendy bars, lounges and restaurants, has a new speakeasy to add to the list. J.Bespoke is a new sophisticated cocktail lounge, that was created to fill an untapped niche – a refined venue that plays athletic events in an upscale, speakeasy setting.
Helmed by brothers Jesse and Eric Jacobs, J.Bespoke was conceived with just 50 seats, personalized service, and a lounge that offers a luxe counterpoint to the city’s mainstream sports bars. Guests enter J.Bespoke through an unmarked brass door at the back of Devoción Cascara + Coffee – the well-appointed space, designed by Gregory Okshteyn of Studios GO, boasts high ceilings, wood paneling and a comfortable seating environment. The video and sound system is also top-notch, featuring 4K LED flat-screen TVs and immersive audio.
While major events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series are big nights at J.Bespoke, the daily focus is on New York’s beloved sports teams; when games aren’t in session, the TVs recede into the background and cocktails, bites and music take center stage.
The cocktail program features libations like the Bespoke Old Fashioned (Old Forester bourbon, green chartreuse perfume, orange and Angostura bitters, demerara), Call Me Bell (Montelobos mezcal, fresh lemon juice, orange bell pepper, basil) and Nitro Cold Brew Martini
(Belvedere vodka, Montenegro amaro, Devoción cold brew coffee, honey; on tap) complemented by small plates like Karaage Fried Chicken Bites (ginger-soy marinade, yuzu kosho aioli) and Spicy Honey Pizza (soppressata, provolone béchamel, house fior di latte, mozzarella, spicy honey, black pepper).
Next time you find yourself looking for a place to watch the game without giving up the chic, come to J.Bespoke at 121 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016.
Photos by Andrew Bui and Nitzan Rubin
The Cabin NYC Winter Reveal
The Cabin NYC recently revealed a stunning new festive look and winter menu items at its unique venue in the East Village. The space, designed by DNR Luxe, features a fusion of rustic and modern with a sleek and cozy feel, providing the ideal refuge from the hectic city life, offering specialty cocktails and innovative twists on American Classic dishes.
Even better, the space is transformed by season to suit the change in weather and therefore inevitable change in mood. The winter look includes a central decorated tree and wreath wall that adds an ephemeral compliment to the wooden features. The attention to detail shines through with areas perfect for fun festive photos!
Chef Dennis Aponte introduced the creative new winter menu items: Hillbilly Chili, Cajun Blackened Shrimp, and my personal favourite the Mac N Cheese Brûlée which is a sweet almost dessert version of the classic dish.
Specialty additions to the drinks menu were The Dirty Snowman, Mulled Wine and Seasonal Beer Bluepoint Winter Ale.
Mulled Wine
The creation of the Dirty Snowman with Brazilian rum, egg nog, vanilla extract, dash of nutmeg and cinnamon
The Dirty Snowman, Hillbilly Chili and Seasonal Beer
At the end of the evening, I was surprised to emerge back into the city after spending the last couple hours immersed in the chic bar meets mountain chalet atmosphere of The Cabin.
Come take shelter from the cold at The Cabin NYC at 205 E 4th St New York, NY 10009, and be warmed up with some scrumptious food, cocktails, and holiday vibes!
Naughty or Nice at The Skinny
First there was Jingle Hells, then it was Helliday Inn and now The Skinny on the Lower East Side transformed into its newest anti-holiday pop-up Naughty or Nice. Naughty and nice guests attended a preview that debuted the floor-to-ceiling over-the-top gaudy Christmas decor, unique cocktails like Milk n’ Cookies, The Horny Stag and Grinding up Against the Gingerbread Man and food menu offerings including Reindeer Balls (deep fried sausage stuffing and gravy), a Turducken Burger and Elf Weenies n’ Blankets.
A boozed up angry Santa greeted revelers as they walked in and seductive burlesque performer Velvetina Taylor had the crowd going wild. Guests also enjoyed games like a Wheel of Misfortune and the Holiday Claw Machine, which offered a chance to win absurd prizes.
As the holiday approaches NYC, it becomes difficult to choose the right bar to go to, but the holiday pop-up at The Skinny definitely merit a trip. The ambiance is extraordinary and the cocktails and staff are truly exquisite. You will be treated like royalty upon arrival and every aspect of your experience will be amazing.
Naughty or Nice will welcome visitors now through through December 31st. For more information, visit: https://www.theskinny-nyc.com
Photos by The Skinny NYC
Sola Pasta Bar Brings Exquisite Simplicity to Soho
Any restaurant that has a giant cheese wheel at both its literal and gastronomic centre has me at the word go. And Sola Pasta Bar, which recently stormed onto West Broadway, is no exception.
Cacio e Pepe in preparation
Sola is as much a visual experience as it is an edible one. Guests don’t just merely glance into the kitchen; it is the central feature of the restaurant, completely open to eager eyes ready to follow their food’s journey from prep to presentation on plate. I was quite transfixed watching the team of 5 chefs, expertly weaving around each other in the modern kitchen, complete with gastronomic gadgets galore. It works exceptionally well at ensuring hungry guests.
Aperol Spritz to appease the senses
Expertly sliced Prosciutto di Carpegna by Fratelli Beretta, with sharp yet complimentary Vezzena cheese set the evening off in a traditionally Italian style, especially with the arrival of a tangy, fresh Aperol Spritz to wash it all down. Next I was prepared for my taste buds to be wheeled over by the exquisite combination of cheese, pepper and pasta. Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe is a bastion of innovative Italian cooking and Sola’s interpretation more than delivered. Guests watch as their pasta is delicately twisted and turned within the giant wheel of Monti Trentini Pecorino cheese, before the signature black pepper seasoning is added and then served.
Sola’s signature dish, Cacio e Pepe
Creamy Polenta plated with Porcini Mushrooms, dusted with a generous helping of Urbani White Truffles made for a hearty and flavorsome third course. This dish is simple yet effective, each individual ingredient speaks clearly for itself. This is indicative of Sola’s philosophy in general. The restaurant’s story begins with the vision of the three founding owners: Nicola, Simone and Massimo Sola (Awarded Michelin Star Chef). Simplicity paired with excellent quality of ingredients is the mantra. Their mission is to pay exquisite attention to authentic flavors and exceptional Italian cuisine, in its simplest form.
To end, the underrated combination of Pear and Chocolate is served with the flaky crunch of Filo Pastry, by Bindi. It’s a smooth, velvety end to an evening that went above and beyond expections in order to delivery Italian authenticity at its finest. From vegan options to five dish pasta tastings, there is certainly something to satisfy all preferences and palettes.