Dan Liu SS19 Collection
On Tuesday evening, September 11, fashion enthusiasts flocked to TriBeCa’s Spring Studios to view the Dan Liu SS19 Collection runway show amidst the excitement of New York Fashion Week. The Canadian designer, originally from Hong Kong, paid homage to his Chinese and Japanese heritage with a collection infused with East Asian themes and patterns.
The show opened with a bold performance from a dancer cladded in a traditional red robe and a white masked headdress. The dancer advanced through the aisles in a series of lunges, kicks, and sharp arm movements led by the twirling of his fan, which, in combination with the dimmed lights and low drum rhythms, made an exciting and energetic prelude to the show.
What followed was a series of beautiful and sophisticated dresses, beginning with whites and pale hues of flowing skirts with recurring motifs of crochet and lace overlay. The color palette then fluidly transitioned to pinks and reds with floral patterns, including embroidered roses and Japanese cherry blossoms, which were complimented by thin fabrics exuding a petal-like delicacy.
Paired with the elegant lines of the dresses were sharp pops of color on the face; the models wore turquoise eyeshadow, cherry doll-like lips, and bright pink blush over porcelain skin.
The variety of floral patterns remained consistent as the collection moved into deeper and cooler tones, and from there fluctuated from star-studded navy blue to black and white chic all the way to rainbow striped vibrance, all of them ultimately returning to the very romantic and feminine feel.
Through their fluttering sleeves, ruffled cuffs, and pleated skirts, the designs embodied movement and texture, drawing out a very sensual and tactile essence. This, in harmony with the presentation’s mood, embraced the ethereal, dreamlike quality that characterized the collection.
Sugar Momma’s Fall Preview Night
In an outdoor showcase of fine dining and cocktails, Sugar Momma restaurant and bar welcomed guests to experience the flavors of its new fall menu.
The evening began with “The Good Stuff”: clever and creative cocktails ranging from the Momma's Martini, a cocktail lit on fire and served with a shot of Prosecco, to a new pear creation made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, pear, honey, lime, and ginger—the perfect drink for the upcoming fall season.
Also featured on the menu were Executive Chef Brent Hudson’s signature Pork Belly with soy caramel, sour apple salad, and crushed cashews (a staple in the Sugar Momma repertoire) along with several brand new specialties, such as the Nordic Crostini topped with pastrami salmon and the Jerk Duck Legs with a house made habanero barbecue sauce. In addition, there was a delicious falafel plate with beet hummus and chili maple roasted cashews, as well as almonds and pepitas to nibble on in between sips of tasty and refreshing cocktails.
Sugar Momma’s quaint location in the heart of the Financial District is, by day, a cafe called Hole in the Wall, which in the evening hours becomes a sexy lounge transformed by candle light and the velvety red glow of a neon sign reading “Hello Gorgeous”. The inviting ambience gives guests the perfect excuse to come in and stay awhile, since after-work is the new after-hours at this hotspot destination.
Photos courtesy of Sugar Momma
Harper's BAZAAR ICONS 2018
On Friday, September 7th, Harper’s Bazaar hosted its annual ICONS Party as part of New York Fashion Week. Often considered the Met Gala of the fall season, the party is the echelon of all NYFW parties. Not the case every year, but for New York A listers, there were two places to be last night: out celebrating Ralph Lauren’s 50th anniversary, or partying with Roitfeld. Most stars probably tried to be seen at both events.
The affair, which celebrates the ICONS September issue of the magazine, was centered around the theme of family -- more specifically, “The First Families of Music.” The September issue presented some of music’s biggest names posing alongside with their loved ones, with full spread featuring the families of Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, Lionel and Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Paris Jackson, Steven Tyler, Erykah Badu, and Keith Richards.
The night did not disappoint — there was lots of style, lots beautiful people and lots of drama. The night began when flocks of Beautiful models and stars showed up at the famed Plaza Hotel in their best gala attire. Christina Aguilera, who was the special performer at the event, made sure all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet in a white gown billowing with feathers. After posing for the cameras, the celebs made their way upstairs to Plaza's Grand Ballroom. However, the major story of the night happened outside the main ballroom in the landing area where the scuffle took place between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj.
Reportedly, the "Bodak Yellow" artist approached Minaj's "address" some issues, and a member of the Nicki’s bodyguards elbowed Cardi B's face, causing a noticeable swelling on her forehead. Cardi B retaliated by launching a red platform shoe at Nicki, which missed. Cardi B was seen leaving the Icons party after the altercation.
Inside the party, most of the fashion personalities and Hollywood superstars did not even know about the clash, or maybe they did not care. Everyone was either too busy or too excited to catch up with their equally-as-famous friends. The main act of the evening happened when Christina Aguilera took the stage and brought everyone back to the 2000s with some of her classics. In attendance were the Hadid sisters, Caitlyn Jenner, Tiffany Haddish and every major model imaginable, from Adriana Lima to Christie Brinkley, just to name a few.
Just another year of past, present and future ICONS gathering to celebrate an unforgettable night.
Room for Tea NYC
It’s no secret that in New York, the accepted order of caffeinated beverages of choice is coffee, coke, and then, if you dare, chamomile. We’re long past the days of tea parties and parlors. The greater the concentration of caffeine, the closer you are to having the traits of a bona fide New Yorker (boisterous, hardheaded, etc) -- at least according to Malcolm Gladwell, who in his essay Java Man, outlines the characteristics of coffee vs. tea.
But Room for Tea, an exhibition on tea culture and diversity, is here to change New Yorker’s snobby, elitist attitude toward the beverage. Created by Parsons graduate Iris Xing, the exhibition features multiple interactive, immersive rooms that celebrate tea’s rich, international history.
Upon entering the exhibition, guests are welcomed into the Summer Boba Court, in which they can try their hand at catapulting pink, plastic “boba balls” into the matching basketball hoops nailed to the wall. But don’t spend all your time playing boba basketball -- you won’t want to miss the next room!
Named the Labyrinth of Tea Origin, the second room of the Room for Tea exhibit features long, winding curtains which guests must navigate in order to make it on time for the featured Japanese Tea Ceremony. Here, guests can unwind while learning about traditional Japanese tea culture, and of course, enjoying a pot of hot tea.
Directly across from the Labyrinth of Tea Origin is the room celebrating Japanese Matcha Culture, which features beautiful paper lanterns and cherry blossom petals! It was almost my favorite room in the exhibit, but in the end, I have to give it to The Milk Tea Metropolis Room, which takes up the entirety of the second floor.
The Milk Tea Metropolis room is dedicated to milk tea culture in Hong Kong, where milk tea became popular after it was introduced by the British. Designed in true Hong Kong style, the room features plenty of vibrant neon signs, as well as subtle references to popular Hong Kong culture: keep an eye out for the pineapple can from Chungking Express!
Tea lover or not, there’s a lot to learn from the Room for Tea exhibition, as well as plenty of samples to change your mind! And as an added bonus, all proceeds from the pop-up will go towards the Trees for the Future Forest Garden program. So be sure to check out the exhibit! Room For Tea, located at 371 Broadway, is currently open, and will officially close on September 22nd. For more information, visit https://www.roomforteanyc.com/, or their instagram, @roomforteanyc.
The Hotline x Kilian
On Wednesday August 1st, a very special “scented” occasion was held at Kilian boutique. The National Domestic Violence Hotline and Killian partnered up to hold a fundraiser and discover more about the mission of The Hotline.
The Hotline is the only 24/7 national organization that has access to service providers & shelters across the US to help people affected by domestic violence. They handle an average of 1300+ phone calls, chats, & texts a day. This is an insane amount of calls, and that is not even close to the amount of domestic violence that happens every single passing minute. You never know what is happening behind closed doors. This is why it is so important to hold these events that spread awareness.
Have you ever experienced the feeling of nostalgia when you smell a certain scent, and it takes you back to a distinct memory? It feels like you are reliving that moment all over again. The Hotline spreads such an important message regarding awareness of domestic violence, and Killian wanted to help everyone remember that. Guests who attended this event had the option to purchase Kilian fragrances and have the proceeds go towards The Hotline. Hopefully, these guests will smell Kilian and they will remember what they learned about The Hotline. Hopefully they will tell their friends about their mission, and more victims will know that there is an organization out there that can help them.
So many victims of domestic violence are scared to tell anyone about what is happening to them at home because they don’t want their partner to retaliate, they don’t want to be judged, or they don’t know how to rebuild a new life. The Hotline offers a completely judgement-free service, safety and help for the survivor, and they even offer counseling to abusers who want to change. They deal with all aspects of abusive relationships, and they truly make the effort to end abuse once and for all from the root of the problem.
1300+ phone calls, chats, & texts a day means $20 average per contact. This estimates The Hotline needs $26,000+ per day to keep their phone, chat and text services operating to provide victims with crisis intervention, options for next steps & direct connection to sources for immediate safety. Your $100 donation will help 5 people receive superior support & guidance. Your $250 kind donation will help 12 people get compassionate, knowledgeable support. Your $500 generous donation will support 25 people with a local resource referral, such as a shelter or legal aid.
Please DONATE today.
Special thanks to Stacy Dreyfus of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Selah Freedom
On Wednesday, August 8, 2018, Selah Freedom launched its NYC Selah Way Foundation luncheon at Wells Fargo located at 150 East 42nd Street. Elizabeth Melendez Fisher, co-founder of Selah Freedom, delivered a heartwarming presentation that included stories and statistics of young children right here in our own backyard.
“It was very exciting to launch the The Selah Way Foundation in NYC to a standing room only crowd of industry leaders. I feel so blessed that we are able to roll out the collaboration with the most highly vetted and regarded organizations coming together to eradicate sex trafficking in America. We will continue to take the best practices and not only make a major impact in America but take the global training arm to save and advocate for children and become interrupters to the process of trafficking happening around the world,” stated Elizabeth Melendez Fisher.
Also speaking on behalf of the organization, was Andy Adler, sports director and anchor for PIX11 News and pre-game host for the Giants, Yankees and Jets. Andy drove the point home, “These young women never had a chance at life. They don’t see an out, Selah is an intervention, a chance to recalibrate and set life on a new path. These young women need an advocate, Selah is a voice for the voiceless.”
Other guests included Tony Richardson, NFL Hall of Fame and NY Jets Commentator, Laura B. Riso, NYC FBI Agent Victim Specialist, Arthur D. Ettinger, celebrity matrimonial attorney Greenspoon Marder and Daina Falk, owner of Hungry Fan and daughter of legendary sports agent David Falk. Guests enjoyed a delicious summer cuisine by Celebrity Chef Chris Nirschel and a performance by DeeMo, Singer - Songwriter - Actor (“Gotham” and NBC’s “Shades of Blue”) who sang HERO, his hit single with his band.
Read my interview with the incredible and inspiring Elizabeth Fisher below:
Me: “Sex Trafficking is an issue that we unfortunately don’t hear much about, it tends to get swept under the rug due to most people just not wanting to acknowledge it because it’s uncomfortable. How do we guide the public conversation about sex trafficking more into the spotlight?”
Elizabeth: “I think that ‘Me Too’ has done a great job of starting the conversation. Now people are talking about what is happening. I think that by creating these platforms to speak out about sexual abuse, it opens the conversation. No one even wanted to speak about trafficking but now that sexual abuse is getting a platform and people are making the connection, trafficking is making headlines.”
Me: “What is the process when you first take a survivor in?”
Elizabeth: “It’s chasing them for years and years to help them realize they’re worth it. We’re in the streets, we’re in the courts, we’re in the jails, we are everywhere that these girls are. We help them take the next step like maybe commit to group meetings once a week, let them see what our house reform is. It’s a lot of dictating them to come to us, then they come and suddenly they get a peer assessment plan, an education plan, a GED, a career path, college goals and everything they need for a new start.”
Me: “There are people who are aware that sex trafficking is a major issue but think ‘what am i supposed to do about it?’ What are some things anyone can do to help end sex trafficking?”
Elizabeth: “Share information and spread awareness. We have “Parties with a Purpose” which anyone can host, you invite friends and we give you a kit with awareness literature and survivor stories to inform the guests about sex trafficking as well as donation cards for fundraising. We just have to start talking about it.”
Me: “I noticed Selah Freedom has a huge presence in Florida and Chicago, do you plan on expanding your presence in New York City?”
Elizabeth: “Yes we are currently doing our outreach and awareness programs here. What you see in Florida and Chicago is housing hubs, we will not have housing here. Our main focus here is prevention. We transport girls from everywhere to our existing housing hubs.”
About Selah Freedom
Selah Freedom has become the nation’s leading service provider to young American girls sold into sex trafficking and has the highest level of outcomes and standards in Selah Freedom’s safe housing, jail and court diversion programs. These programs remove unjust felonies from girls that were sold against their will and charged. Their national prevention program helps to get ahead of it for boys and girls with their network of the BEST PROVIDERS in the nation. Selah Freedom gives survivors in their programs an opportunity to dream again; to discover who it is they were created to be.
About The Selah Way Foundation
The Selah Way Foundation is a global network of leading anti-sex trafficking service providers dedicated to eradicating this issue on a global scale. By locking arms with well vetted, expert organizations in this movement, The Selah Way Foundation creates a solid system of care for survivors of sex trafficking. By the end of 2018, The Selah Way Foundation will reach its goal of raising $15 million (and by 2020, $55 million) to fuel its three initiatives: Prevention, Protection and Provision. These three initiatives will exponentially expand every year to eradicate sex trafficking on a global scale.
Photos courtesy of Selah
Jill Zarin’s 6th Annual Luxury Luncheon
On July 28th, Architechnology Designs presented Jill Zarin’s 6th Annual Luxury Luncheon at Topping Rose House in East Hampton. The event raised funds for Thyroid Oncology Group in honor of Jill’s late husband, Bobby Zarin, who lost his battle against thyroid cancer earlier this year.
The soiree invited guests into an intimate luxury experience filled with high-end beauty products, melt-in-your-mouth delicacies like kobe beef, and plenty of rosé, all enjoyed to the tune of DJ Samantha Michelle’s music.
When asked about the significance of continuing her annual luncheon, Jill answered, "He was just always supportive of everything I did. Bobby always said one more and that’s it. So, in honor of him, one more.”
Jill was supported by a crowd of celebrity friends, including Real Housewives Leanne Locken from Dallas, Vicki Gunvalson from Orange County, Juliet Angus from Ladies of London, Kathy Wakile from New Jersey, and Cindy Barshop from New York. Also in attendance were Heather McDonald, Dina Lohan, and Jill’s best friend and Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger, who flew out from California for the special event.
Guests were free to mingle and enjoy a feast of different experiences, including endless product samples, a designer trunk show, custom hairstyling, and even IV detox therapy by BeWell.
By the end of the day, guests walked away with swag bags valued at thousands of dollars. Those with “golden tickets” were treated to personalized gifts from vendors including jewelry line Kendra Scott, millennial makeup brand Winky Lux, and Lolea Sangria from Barcelona.
Proceeds from the event go toward research to find a cure for thyroid cancer. “Bobby’s team of doctors from MD Anderson, Memorial Sloane Kettering and Mayo Clinic were active members of ITOG’s community and were directly responsible for the treatment Bobby received including the last one that gave Bobby the extra 6 months we had together,” said Zarin. The event was a touching way to give back while commemorating the cause with friends, family, and socialites alike.
About International Thyroid Oncology Group
The mission of the International Thyroid Oncology Group is to create a cure for the most challenging thyroid cancers through the collaborative efforts of unique multidisciplinary team of leading physicians, scientists, and advocates to design, coordinate, and prioritize state-of-the-art clinical trials and correlative science.
Photos Credit: Jonny Nunez
JBF Chefs and Champagne
The James Beard Foundation welcomed Padma Lakshmi as this year’s guest of honor at the annual Chefs and Champagne soiree on Saturday, July 28th at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in the Hamptons.
Chefs and Champagne is the premier culinary celebration of the summer, with New York influencers, culinary connoisseurs, and farm-to-table foodies venturing out East to enjoy unique tastings from over 35 chefs, beverage masters, and artisanal purveyors -- twenty of whom were female. Among the culinary highlights of the night were foie gras macarons, savory smoked egg, and bars flowing with Champagne Boizel and Wölffer Estate wines.
“I am excited to be joining the ranks of previous guests of honor such as Julia Child and Martha Stewart to support the foundation’s mission to make America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone,” said Padma. “Bringing attention to JBF scholarship, women’s leadership, and other impact programs aligns with many of the causes that are close to my heart.”
Padma is an internationally known best-selling author and the host and executive producer of Bravo’s Emmy award-winning Top Chef. Her passion for food, family, and feminism makes her an ideal role model for the future generation of female chefs.
The annual event has been running for over 27 years in support of the work that the James Beard Foundation does to provide culinary education and implement a better food system. Past guests of honor include Marcus Samuelsson, Ted Allen, Daniel Boulud, Bobby Flay, Carla Hall, Thomas Keller, Emeril Lagasse, and Wolfgang Puck.
The Foundation partnered with Rethink Food NYC to make the affair even more sustainable and transform excess food into ready-to-eat meals for the city’s food insecure populations.
“This year’s summer fundraiser had the greatest impact yet,” noted James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach. “The annual event exemplifies our continued commitment to create exceptional experiences all in support of the Foundation’s mission to change the world through food.”
The Foundation is in an energetic pursuit of skyrocketing an evolution in the culinary industry. Issues such as gender imbalance and diversity in culinary leadership are being tackled by JBF and its mission to nurture America’s future food leaders. Thanks to the silent auction, over $100,000 was raised to support JBF’s impact programs including Boot Camp for Policy and Change, Women in Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Smart Catch.
JBF Chefs and Champagne soiree
The James Beard Foundation welcomed Padma Lakshmi as this year’s guest of honor at the annual Chefs and Champagne soiree on Saturday, July 28th at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in the Hamptons.
Chefs and Champagne is the premier culinary celebration of the summer, with New York influencers, culinary connoisseurs, and farm-to-table foodies venturing out East to enjoy unique tastings from dozens of chefs, beverage masters, and artisanal purveyors, 20 of whom were female.
Grand Opening of RFTP at the POD BK Hotel
On Wednesday, July 11, POD BK Hotel presented its guests and visitors with a new bar in town: RFTP. The bar is a lounge located on the rooftop of the POD BK Hotel.
RFTP is the perfect spot for an after-work hangout or a weekend meetup. It features an extensive terrace with a comfy lounging area and a large bar, which offers delicious drinks such as Frosé, Modelo and Pacifico. To complement the drinks, RFTP presents “Vegetable Garden,” which is a mixture of seasonal vegetables served on quinoa with a touch of black olive and burnt leek powder to resemble edible soil, all accompanied by a buttermilk ranch dip. The “Artichoke Dip,” which is a delightful mix of cauliflower, garlic confit, seared fontina, is served with pita chips and guarantees a perfect match to any drink from the bar. RFTP also provides classic side appetizers, such as a charcuterie board and paratha flatbread, which consists of feta, figs, arugula and balsamic.
Extend your visit to RFTP by also staying at the POD BK Hotel, which features a clean and minimalist design with splashes of color. The hotel, which opened in October of 2017, features cozy rooms with bunk beds and queen-size beds, while also emphasizing comfort in a close-knit space. Each hotel room is small, but as one of the staff members pointed out, “You come to New York to be outside of your hotel room.” Indeed, the hotel is a perfect place to rest and re-energize before heading to the city.
247 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Photos courtesy of RFTP
Surf City
Jersey City is no stranger to transformation. Over the last thirty-five years, the city has evolved from a dock and manufacturing town populated with immigrants to a bustling, industrial city with a financial district so powerful, it was given the moniker “Wall Street West.”
But more recently, it seems as if Jersey City is again in the process of shifting its identity -- from financial center to popular tourist spot. Seafood bar Surf City, located right on the edge of the Jersey side of the Hudson River, is my proof in this hypothesis.
Surf City, which draws inspiration from Caribbean cabanas and tiki bars, is a waterfront grill headed by Chef Franco Robazetti that serves up beach fare such as lobster rolls, crawfish, and mussels. This summer, Chef Robazetti, who was named champion of the Food Network hit show “Chopped,” plans to open a raw bar that will also serve sushi, sushi tacos, and poke.
In addition to its amazing seafood, Surf City boasts classic surf and turf options, including burgers and nachos. To go along with the meal, the restaurant offers a varied frozen drink menu, with drinks such as a Banana Colada (Pina Colada, Banana, Dark Rum), and the Island Fusion (Banana, Strawberry, Light Rum, and Coconut Rum).
However, great food is not the only draw of dining at Surf City. Visitors to the venue are also blessed with unparalleled views of the New York City and the Statue of Liberty. But most exciting -- at least in my opinion -- are the giant sized games available to play with it, including a full size shuffleboard court and massive Jenga. Did I mention you can play all of these games while huddled around a roaring bonfire? The perfect solution to those odd, chilly summer nights.
Jersey City isn’t quite the tourist spot it could be. But Surf City is a great, affordable eatery that is worth making the trek over the Hudson River for. Eat some seafood, enjoy the beach, get a little drunk, and explore the other side. Jersey City is shifting as we speak. Don’t you want to say you knew about it first?
Kevin Johnn Resort 2019 Presentation
On a chilly Tuesday evening, crowds gathered on the rooftop of The Dominick Hotel to celebrate to a fashion spectacle: Kevin Johnn Resort 2019 Collection presentation. The collection, which was appropriately titled, “Urban Resort,” merged the worlds of soft touches of resort collections with the dark color palette inspired by New York City.
From pastel colors such as shades of baby blue, to sheer fabrics, some of which included chiffon and silk, the collection certainly pleased the crowd with its summer feel. Yet, since the designer is based in New York, there wouldn’t be a collection without including dark-colored fabrics and more structured fits.
The Kevin Johnn Resort 2019 collection offered a few black gowns with intricate cut-outs, striped and solid black flared trousers, a mesh top with chains layered atop for an embellished look, and dark floral motifs that would pop-up within the collection.
The collection intrigued and inspired. The views of Manhattan from the roof of the hotel set an appealing backdrop for the show. The summer skies allowed the audience to imagine their ideal vacation and the wardrobe to match it. The presentation ended with cheers from the satisfied crowd, certainly setting the mood for the rest of the perfect summer evening.
Photography by Evan Angelastro.
Bagatelle Summer Dinner
Bagatelle, it's not just for brunch anymore! The place that is the staple for upscale, club like brunch parties is also expanding their new dinner menu!
I was lucky enough to be invited to try their swanky new summer dinner menu last friday, and was blown away. This is where you want to bring someone you're trying to impress. Come dressed in your best -- there are some beautiful people in this place, ready to turn all the way up! Also, try sit close by to the tables next to you so that everyone can talk and get engaged!
The décor is elegant and romantic yet, it has a quirky vibe with interesting artwork adorning each wall. I especially enjoyed the Keith Haring inspired statues and the gorgeous chandeliers. However, everything became a bit of a blur once we had our 4th drink.
I must note that the service and attention to detail at Bagatelle is exceptional from the moment you walk in. While Bagatelle has always been well known for their fantastic service, the reality went beyond my expectation. That's before I even had a bite to eat.
Our server was very attentive and super pleasant. He answered all my oddball questions and made accommodation for my friend who couldn’t have any vinegar in any of her dishes.
As for the food, every single thing that came onto our plate was nothing short of excellent. We had quite an array of options that night, starting off with a refreshing appetizer called Salade de Pastque, which was watermelon salad, cucumber, candied pine nuts, ricotta salata, and basil vinaigrette (no vinegar for my friend’s dish – of course). I can honestly say it was the first time I ever had cheese with my watermelon. It would have never have occurred to me to even combine those two things but it was so good and I loved it! The dish really cleansed our palate, and got us ready for the rest of the plates.
The second course was Couteaux de Mer, which was a razor clam ceviche with piquillo pepper relish, and green garlic aioli. Every bite of this, was crunchy deliciousness. The third course was burrata filled with nanyuks vinaigrette and puffed barley.
For the main entrée we had two options. It was either the Cotelettes d’Agneau, which was a spiced marinated lamb chop with fava beans and harissa, or St Jacques Snackees, which was seared Maine diver scallops with bacon and green pea espum. With both choices sounding so delicious, we naturally got one of each to satisfy our curiosity.
And of course it’s impossible to forget the dessert we were served: A champagne mango flavored Pavlova, which capped off what I'd consider a perfect meal.
When I say I've never been fuller in my entire life, I mean it. Every component of my dining experience was delightful. The quality of the food, the stellar service, the club-like ambiance and the phenomenal company. My compliments to the staff and chef Andrew Riccatelli. It's truly a meal I'll never forget.
Would I go back to for more? Absolutely!
Barano: An Argument for Brunch
In his 1999 article, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” Anthony Bourdain breaks down the emotional mechanics of being a restaurant chef. Butter is a cook’s best friend, he reveals, while brunch is a word “dreaded by all dedicated cooks.” Bourdain claims that chefs “despise hollandaise,” along with “home fries, those pathetic fruit garnishes, and all the other cliché accompaniments designed to induce a credulous public into paying $12.95 for two eggs.”
But in the years since Bourdain’s dismissal of brunch as a bastard breakfast, the meal has had a resurgence in popularity. The word ‘brunch’ is now a verb used by both poor college students wishing for an adulthood in which brunch is a regular occurrence, and well paid hipsters reminiscing about their days of student poverty. And while it’s true that it is far too easy to brunch at a place that charges an absurd amount of money for an omelette you could make on a two burner stove, in recent times, there seems to be an increasing amount of innovation within the brunch market -- a suspicion proven true by my recent visit to the nuovo Italian restaurant run by Chef Al Di Meglio: Barano.
Barano is -- there’s no other word for it -- classy. I’ve been to brunches where the sole purpose is to be boozed up by the meal’s end. This is not the case at Barano, where the cocktails serve as a complement to the food. Who knew that homemade, rhubarb pop-tarts would pair so well with mimosas? Eating this dish, I fell into a natural routine: bite of pastry, swig of mimosa, enjoy, repeat.
Other options for Piattini, or small plates, included a house made coconut and cherry granola with sheep’s milk yogurt and honey, Pizza Bianca, and the “Little Gem Lettuce” salad, composed of roasted and raw peaches, Sicilian pistachios, smoked pecorino, and a red wine vinaigrette.
After having our expectations blown away by our first couple of dishes, my friend and I went all out and gobbled up a total of four more entrees from the new brunch menu: an Italian pork sandwich topped with crispy onions, semolina pancakes drizzled in lemon curd, the Benedetto, or poached eggs served in a rosemary biscuit with prosciutto, radicchio, and honey, and an avocado and salmon pizza.
Now, all of these dishes were well crafted, flavorful, and beautiful to look at. But if I had to pick a must try, a top of the pack, a dish above the rest (if only by a few hairs), it would be the Avocado and Salmon Pizza. I don’t like bagel and lox -- there’s something thick, doughy bagels in conjunction with paper thin, slippery salmon that puts me off. But I LOVED this pizza, and so did my friend, who’s normally opposed to fish of any kind. I don’t know what it was -- the toasted sesame seeds? The avocado mascarpone mix? Whatever it was, this pizza beats your standard bagel and lox any day. As an added bonus, the huge pie clocks in at only $18 and can feed two people, which means this dish can officially be added to food under ten dollars that is worth one hundred. An unbelievable bargain.
Barano’s new outdoor patio and extended Brunch service (Friday-Sunday, 11:30-4 p.m), has officially kicked off for the summer season, so be sure to get down there and gorge on all the delicious new dishes they have to offer. For more information (and pictures of Barano’s excellent food), check out their website, http://www.baranobk.com/, and their instagram, @baranobk.
Photos courtesy of BaranoBK
Wildlife Conservation Society Gala
Photos by Julie Larsen Maher and Megan Maher @TheWCS and BFA
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) held its annual gala at Central Park Zoo on June 14 where 500 guests celebrated the leadership of women in wildlife conservation and WCS’s impact on saving wildlife and wild places across the globe.
Photos by Julie Larsen Maher and Megan Maher @TheWCS and BFA
Gala 2018, themed We Stand for Wildlife, celebrated the leadership of women in conservation. Speakers Dr. Jessica Moody, Assistant Curator of Mammals at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Dr. Natalia Rossi, Cuba Country Manager for the Wildlife Conservation Society represented women in conservation.
Photos by Julie Larsen Maher and Megan Maher @TheWCS and BFA
Jessica Moody, Assistant Curator of Mammals at the Bronx Zoo, and Natalia Rossi, Manager of the WCS Cuba Program spoke of the importance of mentoring and nurturing a new generation of women in conservation and the critical impact women have made in saving wildlife.
Jessica Moody said: “As I look at the next generation of young women entering this field with a passion for animals and conservation—and there are many!—I am excited to provide the mentorship I was so fortunate to receive and use the experiences and opportunities I have had here at WCS to empower more women in conservation.”
Photos by Julie Larsen Maher and Megan Maher @TheWCS and BFA
Cristian Samper, President and CEO said: “As women across the professional world have pushed open doors to seize opportunities for leadership, women at WCS have led the world in wildlife conservation—whether in muddy boots, sandy flippers, or veterinary scrubs.
Photos by Julie Larsen Maher and Megan Maher @TheWCS and BFA
During one of New York City’s premiere social events of the season, gala guests enjoyed a cocktail reception around the sea lion pool featuring décor by Lewis Miller Design, followed by a seated dinner prepared by Peter Callahan Catering. Dancing continued under the stars with music by DJ Jane.
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve our mission, WCS, headquartered at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. For more information, visit: www.wcs.org, newsroom.wcs.org. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter @WCSNewsroom, and YouTube.com/user/WCSMedia. For more information: 347-840-1242.
Photos by Julie Larsen Maher and Megan Maher @TheWCS and BFA
Dream Machine
If you’re looking for an escape from reality, look no further than Dream Machine.
A nine-room immersive art installation in Williamsburg, Dream Machine is designed to walk you through different common dreams.
You start by walking through a room of clouds, a room of bubbles filled with smoke, and the dream begins. Each room is a simulation of a different themed dream. There is a black and white room for those who only dream in black and white, and an ocean-blue ball pit for those who dream of being underwater.
My favorite part of the Dream Machine experience happened after I stopped to take a few pictures in the trippy laundromat, where you are given cotton candy. Before my group and I left, one of the workers suddenly stopped us and said “Hey, let me show you something cool.”
She opened a secret door that led to what they call the “Infinity Room”. The Infinity room is a mirrored room with tons of hanging lights designed to make you feel like you transported to outer space. It was incredible.
The rainbow hall is the perfect spot to take photos for Instagram. The entire exhibit is an Instagram jackpot, but this hallway had everyone stopped and posing. The hall changes colors, offering tons of opportunities for the best lighting possible.
After exploring the jungle room, you walk through a hall of shiny, metallic strings and the dream ends. The experience is designed to take about 45 minutes, but with all the stopping for pictures, plan on spending some more time. With a ticket price of $38, you get your money's worth.
Visit Dream Machine by clicking here. Dream Machine closes July 29th.
Taste of Bushwick
On the evening of Tuesday, June 12th, crowds of people gathered at the concert venue Brooklyn Steel for a showcase of Bushwick’s vibrant culinary scene. The event celebrated the 5th annual Taste of Bushwick, which provided relief for those struggling to keep up with the new bars and restaurants opening everyday in Bushwick. The highly anticipated tasting festival has become one of Brooklyn's premier culinary events.
This year’s tasting has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2014, which featured 12 vendors and 200 people in attendance. The 5th annual Taste of Bushwick is the biggest yet and has nearly tripled in size since the first, with an attendance of over 1,000 people.
The event prides itself on celebrating the diverse flavors of the neighborhood, with more than four dozen Bushwick restaurants, bars, and shops, all featuring food and people of different backgrounds. Some of Bushwick’s most renowned culinary institutions convened at the outdoor space to rejoice the neighborhood’s active gastronomic life while offering tastes of their food and drink. All proceeds from the event benefit the upcoming 2017-18 season of theater, dance, puppetry, and performance at the neighborhood’s Obie Award-winning, non-profit theater The Bushwick Starr, located at 207 Starr Street.
Participants included: Archie's Bar + Pizza, Blue Bottle Coffee, Boar's Head, Braven Brewing Company, Brooklyn Cider House, Brooklyn Whiskers Bakery, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, Bushwick Food Cooperative, Bushwick Grind, Cape House, City Bear BK, Elisa's Love Bites Dessert Atelier, Faro, FINE & RAW chocolate factory, Forrest Point, Foster Sundry, Guadalupe Inn Brooklyn, Brooklyn's House of Kava, House of YES, Interboro NYC, Irving Bottle Wine Shop, Kings County Brewers Collective, L'imprimerie, Lucy's Vietnamese Kitchen, Maite Bushwick, Mominette Bistro, OddFellows Ice Cream Co., Owney's NYC Rum by Owney's Rum, Precious Metal, Queen of Falafel, Sally Roots, The Sampler, Sea Wolf Brooklyn, Sey Coffee, Tito's Handmade Vodka, The Wandering Barman, Tony's Pizzeria & Restaurant, Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, and The Wheelhouse
With spectacular fare, live music, and strong drinks, it is safe to say that everyone had an extraordinary time. It was the perfect summer night out.
Photos by Francisco Bravo
Tabasco’s Best on the Block BBQ
On Thursday, June 7, 2018, foodies gathered at Blue Smoke, for Tabasco’s Best on the Block BBQ preview event. The event featured bites from Big Apple BBQ Pitmasters Amy Mills and Jean-Paul Bourgeois, as well as Tabasco’s own selection of sauces.
Tabasco brought the taste of Southern barbecue to New York City. Upon arrival, guests were offered cornbread with a sweet and tangy sauce, which transformed cornbread into a groundbreaking appetizer. Another starter was a twist on an American classic: macaroni and cheese with spicy breadcrumb accompanied by Tabasco Green Sauce. But, if you were aiming for a light appetizer and with a crunchier kick, homemade potato chips with sour cream sauce with chives and bacon would make your night.
After appetizers, guests were invited to a mouthwatering selection of barbecue dishes. Jean-Paul Bourgeois introduced the public to the fried-smoked chicken with Tabasco-spiked honey, broccoli and black eyed pea salad. Amy Mills, on the other hand, brought baby back ribs with tangy pit beans to the table.
To complement each meal and savour the BBQ flavors, Tabasco’s Best on the Block BBQ offered a refreshing and spicy Peperita (tequila lime juice, gentiane liqueur, agave celery bitters, and Tabasco sauce) to all of its guests. Other drink options were also available, ranging from craft beer to wine.
To finish off the delightful evening, guests were invited to dip chicken BBQ drumsticks into a chocolate barbecue sauce fountain provided by Tabasco. Chocolate barbecue sauce is the happy marriage between savory and sweet; at first, the smooth dark chocolate glides through your tastebuds, but then the kicks of Tabasco find their way through. If you fell in love with the sauce, Tabasco provided its bottled version on the way out.
The night certainly had a southern barbecue feel with a Tabasco bite to it. It was a finger-licking barbecue experience that would often require leaving New York. Yet, Tabasco brought it all and more to the Big Apple, allowing more New Yorkers to experience the real tastes of southern barbecue.
Photos courtesy of Hunter PR
The Official Arrival of Clinton Hall to Williamsburg
Clinton Hall, a place for burgers, games, and beer, has finally arrived in Williamsburg! The new location can be found at the POD BK Hotel, and it includes good music, fun games, delicious food, and a large selection of draft beers.
The unique bar and dining experience features 20 beer drafts on rotation, which range from keg-conditioned lagers from the US, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia, and more. But, if you’re in the mood for something other than beer, Clinton Hall offers a few different wines and cocktails worth trying, including the Spicy Margarita (tanteo jalapeno tequila, agave nectar, and fresh lime juice) and the Frozé (Frozen Rosé).
To accompany the wide selection of drinks, Clinton Hall provides an array of “sliders,” “pass arounds,” and “on table.” The “sliders” are finger-licking good, varying from Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich (served with pickled red slaw on a crispy chicken breast, cayenne pepper and secret spice blend) to The Shipwreck (beer battered cornet fish, old bay fries, tomato, lettuce, and tartar sauce). As for the pass arounds, Clinton Hall does not disappoint. Surprising combinations such as Buffalo Cauliflower (crispy florets with Clinton Hall buffalo sauce and crumbled bleu cheese) and Kimchi Hot Dogs (all beef hot dog, kimchi, crispy onion and chili aioli) are mouthwatering.The “on table” selection includes Waffle Fries (with cheddar cheese, jalapeno, and scallions) and Vietnamese Style Crispy Brussels (with mint, crispy shallot, and chili lime vinaigrette).
Photo by The Skinny Pig
After the food and drinks, guests are invited to participate in games such as giant Jenga and connect 4. What better way to finish off the night than to play some fun games in great company? After all, Clinton Hall has it all. With craft beer, great food, and fun, Clinton Hall is the perfect place to go to for a memorable experience. Check out the new location for more: 247 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
Photos courtesy of Clinton Hall
Make My Cake Upper West Side Opening
Make My Cake, Aliyyah Baylor’s café and sweet treats shop, has opened up a new location on the Upper West Side. Inspired by the baking traditions of Alabama and Mississippi, Make My Cake is home to traditional southern sweet treats with a Harlem twist. Aliyyah launched Make My Cake after gathering a collection of family recipes that have been around for nearly 40 years. Now, Make My Cake is home to numerous sweets, including custom cakes and homemade pies, and its fan base includes Jay-Z and Tina Fey, as well as Fortune 500 Executives.
Aliyyah’s mother formed roots of the business in a family kitchen in the Bronx when Aliyyah was only five years old. The family moved to Harlem, where Aliyyah became her mother’s apprentice. However, shortly after Aliyyah attended college, her mother took on a corporate job and passed the business down to Aliyyah.
The business grew rapidly due to its unique recipes. Aliyyah’s grandmother, Ma Smith, grew up in Mississippi on a family farm, where she grasped the details and history of Southern cooking. The rest of the business was inspired by Harlem, since it has become a home to Make My Cake for more than 20 years.
What makes Make My Cake special is that every sweet treat is taken care of differently, strictly following the family recipe guidelines. There are no “mystery” ingredients involved, but there are specific baking methods required. “Our pound cake is truly a pound of everything, made the max 4 at a time,” said Aliyyah. “Our sweet potato pie and cheesecake only use fresh baked not boiled sweet potatoes, [while] our ice cream is made from a custard base my grandmother created when I was young.”
Make My Cake is not a regular dessert spot; it is a place to which you come to savour every flavor of homemade sweets. Whether it is in its original spot in Harlem, or at the new location on the Upper West Side, Make My Cake allows you to travel through various southern flavors. And if you’re not in Manhattan, no need to worry as Make My Cake, is aiming to expand. “We will start to ship nationwide by the end of the year as well as open two other locations, one of them will be in Brooklyn,” said Aliyyah. “Our goal is to open boutique bakeries that can be franchised to the home bakery looking to leap into entrepreneurship.”
Make My Cake
Photos courtesy of Make my Cake