Free Arts NYC: Summer Social Edition
Lights. Camera. Auction. On July 17th at 7 p.m., Free Arts New York, a heart-warming charity which provides mentors to underprivileged kids, held their 7th annual fundraiser that was hosted by their Junior Board. It took place at a restaurant space, Freehold, in Brooklyn.
When entering the event, I was immediately engulfed by a sense of community. From the floral photo booth wall to screens which flickered with pictures and the organizations message, the attendees’ support was palpable. The event had both outdoor and indoor locations. Inside, there were cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and most importantly, the items involved in the silent auction. Located outside was a craft table in which you were able to decorate a paper bag for elementary-aged children to bring their projects home after a “Free Arts Day.” All who saw the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful creation leapt at the chance to participate with jubilance.
As the night came to a close, the winners of the silent auction were announced. It was notable that every bid placed was done so for the kids.
The fundraiser was of ample success and emphasized just how focused Free Arts NYC really is on providing less fortunate children with opportunities to explore creative outlets and cultivate other skills.
Photos from Free Arts NYC
House of Showfields - The Most Interesting Store in the World
The convenience and ease of online shopping has meant a decline in the inconvenient and not always easy brick and mortar shopping. You know, the kind of shopping where you’re not really shopping, but just following someone around while they touch things and exclaim over how cute it is. It’s no surprise that people would rather shop in a way that doesn’t require them to walk around, or leave their house, or even get dressed....but the House of Showfields is here to change that. BIG TIME.
House of Showfields, monikered as “The Most Interesting Store in the World,” is a brick and mortar in Soho, NYC, that gives Brands a place to showcase their individuality. The store is chock full of cubicles and art dedicated to specific products from specially curated brands: Quip, Inkbox, Skura, NURIA, The Farmer’s Dog, and many, many more.
But what really makes Showfields “The Most Interesting Store in the World” is its aims to facilitate “deeper offline connections” between brands and consumers. What does that mean? It means that the employees at Showfields are fully decked out in their brands gear. It means insta worthy installations with demos. It means performance art and conversations with the artist. It means edible art that you can both taste and take home. Showfields is fully committed to shopping as an experience, rather than a chore. By appealing to the senses of taste and touch, Showfields reminds us of what internet shopping lacks: interaction.
For a full list of brands you can experience, check out HOUSE OF SHOWFIELDS on their site, http://www.showfields.com/, or their instagram, @showfields.
Photos by House of Showfields
Gigawatt Garden
One of my favorite things about showing people around New York is being able to take them to “hidden foodie gems” in the city. Think ‘Los Mariscos,’ an authentic taqueria accessible through a secret side hallway in Chelsea Market. Or ‘Burger Joint,’ a divey burger spot located inside the swanky Parker New York Hotel. Now, I can add another one of these gems to my list: Clinton Hall’s Gigawatt Garden, a cute summer space accessed through the lobby of the POD 51 Hotel at 230 East 51st Street.
The Garden, which had its official launch on July 16th, is the perfect place to spend a few boozy summer nights. In addition to live music, the space offers patrons a number of board games to choose from, from super sized Connect Four to Cards of Humanity. No matter what, there’s definitely some sort of entertainment here for everyone.
Then, of course, there’s the food. Loaded waffle fries, soft pretzel bites, buffalo wings and both beef and veggie burger options -- the next door Clinton Hall does an excellent job of making sure visitors will be satisfied with their meal. Bonus Tip: GET THE DONUTS! These soft cinnamon doughnut holes come with your choice of chocolate or caramel drizzle, and they are decadent. I had to stop myself after four, but could have easily devoured about five more. Instead traded eating more donuts for some of the Frose -- totally delicious and refreshing, but again, GET THE DONUTS.
So, if you’re looking for a chill place with a backyard vibe to kick it in the middle of the city, the Gigawatt Garden is your best bet. And if you’re looking for something a little extra, drop in on a Tuesday for some Drag Bingo! I almost guarantee it’ll be more exciting than any other game of bingo you’ve ever played in your life.
Photos by Gigawatt
The Lil Num Chick Sammy
Craving a burger, but can’t decide between pork belly or fried chicken? Well now you don’t have to. Sweet Chick and Num Pang Kitchen are collaborating for the very first time to bring the best of the farm to your stomach.
Their love child, the Num Chick Sammy, is stacked with crispy fried chicken from Sweet Chick, melt-in-your-mouth five-spice pork belly from Num Pang, refreshing Asian slaw to cut the grease, and chili mayo on a fluffy brioche bun. This hearty, but perfectly balanced sandwich is only available until July 21st at Num Pang Union Square and Sweet Chick LES. Get yours before it’s gone. Don’t forget to also try Sweet Chick’s Chicken and Waffles or other Southeast-Asian inspired eats from Num Pang.
Move over BLT, the Num Chick Sammy is here to take the title of the best sandwich.
AICNY & Puglia Demo Chef Kitchen
In celebration of Italian cuisine and the Italian chefs of America, noted international and Italian chefs gathered to showcase a repertoire of authentic Apulian, or Puglian, recipes to be paired the most popular wines of the region, such as Primitivo, Nero di Troia and many more. The event, held on the evening of June 25th, was organized by the Associazione Italiana Chef di New York (AICNY) in collaboration with Puglia in Rosé, Cantine Due Palme and the Restaurant Associates (RA) for Scavolini.
Many flocked to the kitchens of the beautiful and distinguished Scavolini SoHo gallery to experience the flavors of Puglia through dishes from featured chefs such as Rocco di Spirito, Davide Oldani, Roberto Caporuscio, Stephen Yen, and Michael Lomonaco. The event also commemorated the great legacy of Anthony Bourdain, whose portrait stood in the corner of the gallery.
American and Italian food and wine bloggers and sommeliers worked their way from one kitchen space to the next, sampling charcuterie in between occasional stops by the bar for a glass of wine to pair with their plate. Every surface in the room was covered in food, spanning from whole wheels of cheese to platters of cured meats to olives, peppers, and fresh herbs. Favorite dishes included pasta served straight from a cheese wheel onto a plate, garnished with freshly grated summer truffles from Italy, and granchio burrata gnocchi. Desserts were also a big hit, including a tiramisu that was light yet rich and indulgent, calling for a sip of rosé to wash it down.
The evening came to a hallmark moment when all the chefs congregated outside in the middle of the street, halting traffic for a photo all together in celebration of food, wine, Puglia, and the art of cooking, with Anthony Bourdain’s picture at the center.
Vinho Verde Wine Experience – Sippin’ on Portuguese Wine
like no other wine in the world.
For those who don’t know, Vinho Verde is the Portuguese wine that originated in the historic Minho province in the far north of the country.
However, Vinho Verde Wine Experience is an event in New York City that offers endless Vinho Verde tastings to Wine lovers along with food pairings from some of the NYC’s hottest restaurants.
The Vinho Verde event took place in Midtown Manhattan. There were around fifteen different wines accompanied by food, mixologists slinging cocktails, live music, top sommeliers teaching you about Vinho Verde, and a print photo booth capturing the entire experience.
People were tasting and educating themselves on different Portuguese wines, chatting with one another, roaming around with their branded stemless wine glasses, dancing to the DJ’s favorite songs, and having small bites from NYC’s best restaurants.
Seeing that the event is one of the most hotly anticipated parties on the summer social calendar, the venue was big enough to fit the whole Vinho Verde experience. As for the Vinho Verde Wine Portuguese producers, they were educating their guests on the history of their wines and answering all the questions.
I learned a lot of things about Vinho Verde that blew my mind. Did you know that the Vinho Verde region has produced wine for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine regions in Portugal? I think that’s fantastic! Also, The wines of Vinho Verde have long been known for their vibrant fruit, low alcohol and refreshing qualities; a true combination that makes them one of the most versatile partners with food. Another thing I learned from the producers is that Vinho Verde is an ideal wine pairing for salads, seafood and Asian cuisine, and can be served alone or as an aperitif.
“Vinho Verde is Portugal’s largest wine region, with 19,000 grape growers farming over 51,000 acres of vineyards.” said the producer at the Manuel Costa & Filhos stand who gave us a tasting of the Melodia Wine.
As for the food presented, it was mouthwatering. It was the perfect food combination to enjoy different Portuguese wines. The food selected for the event created amazing pairing combinations with Vinho Verde, ideal to enjoy the right experience.
Fresh Seafood Ceviche “Tigre de Leche” presented by second, Handcrafted Vegan and Chicken Dumplings with a gluten free hot sauce presented by Silly Chilly Dumplings, Porchetta and beef sliders presented by Bread & Spread and the best My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream.
As you walk into the event, you can spot a vibrant and colorful cocktail bar where top mixologists were crafting Vinho Verde cocktails. Brightly coloured drinks that went by “Sunset Breeze”, “Summer Fling” and “All Day Cooler” were served.
After hours of sippin’ on Portuguese wine, the day ended with fun games, photo booth pictures, and endless memories.
Urbani Truffles Cruise Party
There’s little that can improve a New York City sunset, but the addition of fine Italian food and drinks does just that. On Friday, June 28, Urbani Truffles held their annual cruise party on a Hornblower Hybrid Yacht at Pier 40, the event had spectacular views of the Hudson River. Guests were invited to celebrate the anniversary of the largest Truffle exporter in the world - Urbani Truffle. patrons were wined and dined with delicious truffle delicacies and were taken on a cruise of Manhattan!
One of the most interesting and complex flavors in the culinary world: the truffle, a common name for Hypogeous fungi was the main attraction of the night.. To my surprise, as a vegetarian I had plenty of options to eat from, my personal favorite - the truffle pizza was delectable and savory. Made out of fresh truffle, this delicious soft pizza will leave you wanting more.
The event was chock full of surprises with performers for entertainment, and glamorous cigar girls featuring Switzerland’s Villiger Cigar collection for the guests.
The magnificent evening was wrapped up by cruising around Ellis island with friends and family while sipping on finest champagne and enjoying the tunes and views.
Check out Urbani at - https://www.urbani.com/
Photos courtesy of Urbani
The Central Park Conservancy - Evening In The Garden
New York City is the greatest city in the world -- at least in my eyes. However, New York would quickly lose its status as number one if it weren’t for Central Park. This 842.6 acre park in the center of Manhattan is home to ballfields, tennis courts, handball courts, playgrounds, ice skating rinks, boat rentals, swimming pools, running trails, and more. When I think about my fondest memories in New York, having picnics and people watching in Central Park with my friends comes to the forefront of my mind. Central Park fosters community, physical activity, and serves as a needed escape from the concrete jungle that is New York City.
On Wednesday, June 19, over 500 New Yorkers ventured to the Central Park’s Conservatory Garden to attend the14th annual Evening in the Garden, the flagship summer benefit hosted by the Greensward Circle, the Central Park Conservancy’s network of young professionals. The event raised over $100,000 in support of the Conservancy’s mission to restore, maintain, and enhance Central Park.
The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization that manages Central Park and is responsible for raising the Park's annual operating budget. The Conservancy’s staff is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. The Conservancy also operates the Park’s visitor centers, provides public programs, and serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. The Greensward Circle is a group of philanthropists committed to preserving Central Park for future generations through annual support.
Every aspect of the evening was a display of excellence. Delicious dishes were served, my personal favorite was the modern South Asian street food provided by The MasalaWala. Dessert was provided by the infamous Georgetown Cupcakes and Dorée’s Spirited Sorbet Scoops from Erv’s on Beekman. The little rain that fell that night only enhanced the experience, the mist made the gardens appear even more lush and mystical. The fog covered park coupled with the live jazz created a dream like experience.
The Evening in the Garden was a picturesque event, filled with mouthwatering food and drink, excellent music, and wonderful outfits. Most notably, however, Evening in the Garden helps maintain New York’s most celebrated park by bringing together young philanthropists.
Photo credit: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
Go Green and Drink at Clinton Hall’s Rooftop Beer Garden
Save the Beer, Save the World … or was that Save the Cheerleader? In any case, drinking at Clinton Hall’s new Rooftop Beer Garden will take you a step in the right eco-friendly direction. The 2,000-square foot rooftop space located at the POD BK Hotel in Williamsburg is the first solar powered rooftop bar in Brooklyn and ready to take on both the environment and thirsty New Yorkers.
Just off the L train on Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn’s newest and greenest beer garden has been added onto the beer hall’s current ground space which serves the always delicious Clinton Hall bar food, beer and cocktails. Games are of course a part of the experience, now they are just being played four flights off the ground. Getting to the top is part of the experience, with intricate murals lining the walls as you wind your way up the spacious outdoor staircase.
When you make it to the top, grab a spot at one of the picnic tables to enjoy a bite and drink from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon’s new culinary offerings. The menu includes Taco & Margarita flights, an Angry Lobster Roll, Guac and Chips, Crab and Cobb Salad and of course a summer must, Cider Frose.
Come for the day day and stay for that Instagramable sunset, either way the Rooftop Beer Garden is a welcome summer oasis.
The Museum of Sex- Stag: The Illicit Origins of Pornographic Film
Pornhub and the Museum of Sex collaborated to bring naughty secrets of the early 20th century into the 21st century. The exhibition highlights “stags,” the earliest portrayal of sexual and social relations which were typically hidden in historical records because of their illicit nature.
Upon entrance, visitors are immersed in a dark theater-like-room to mimic a stag viewing party. In the 1900s, only heteronormative sexual activities were portrayed, and viewers of these parties were mainly the heterosexual middle class. Thanks to the collaboration between Pornhub and the Museum of Sex, covert stag films are now accessible to people of all classes and sexualities.
Vintage desktop PC playing an adult film
The exhibition also includes individual display screens of different themes in vintage adult films: American Milestones, Femme Fantasies, Bondage, etc.
In the beginning, the salacious films depicted sexual activities in a comical and satirical way, often focusing on the plot of the story.
Toward the late 20th century, adult films came to focus more on the sexual activity itself and professional filmmakers left the industry, making way for amateur producers.
The unveiling of these silent black and white short films aims to celebrate the history of the adult entertainment industry and honor the filmmakers and producers of that time. Stag: The Illicit Origins of Pornographic Film is open to the public from June 21st to October 21st.
Other exhibitions such as Punk Lust: Raw Provocation, Mariette Pathy Allen: Rites of Passage, James Bidgood: Reveries, and the carnival and arcade-like Funland: Pleasures & Perils of the Erotic Farground are also available for viewing.
Visit the Museum of Sex for some interactive 4D fun!
ROLLN
“Someone sold their soul to be able to make their vegan tuna roll this good.”
- My friend upon their first bite of ROLLN’s Avocado & Vegan Tuna
In the looming and beautiful shadow of the Flatiron district sits a small sushi oasis named ROLLN. This sushi sanctuary sits at the unique location of 38 East 23rd st, doors open to welcome flatiron workers and park frolickers alike. Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the cleanliness of the eatery. The contrast between the dusty weathered streets versus the smell of fresh, fragrant rice is tangibly refreshing and invigorating. Be prepared to breathe in and let all your senses take a vacation here.
The rolls themselves are placed neatly together in a glass display, steam from their creation still rises off the nori indicating their fresh and delicious status. From California to Teriyaki Chicken to Salmon Avocado roll, all of these options sit perfectly and briefly stacked until their inevitable food adoption. The only hard part of eating food this good is deciding what to try first.
ROLLN is the ongoing exploration between Australian Expats: David Tam and Gavin Tseng. This endeavoring partnership sought to bring fresh and hand rolled eats to their community and source their ingredients from certified sustainable and organic distributors only. With proprietary quinoa-based rolls, vegan options and a 100% gluten free establishment, ROLLN continues to raise the bar on quality and food accessibility. Other establishments, take note.
Photos by ROLLN
GLWD 19th Annual Midsummer Night
On Saturday, June 15th, three hundred guests attended 19th Annual Midsummer Night Drinks benefiting God’s Love We Deliver at the historic Samuel Parrish house, est. 1889 in Southampton, NY. This signature event supports God’s Love We Deliver, the only organization of its kind that cooks and home delivers 1.8 million nutritious, individually tailored meals annually to clients living with severe illnesses, their children and senior caregivers.
“We look forward to Midsummer Night Drinks every year,” says David Ludwigson, Vice President & Chief Development Officer of God’s Love We Deliver. “It’s a special way for our guests to support God’s Love and kick off the summer season with a really fun event.”
Guests bid on God’s Love program items such as meals for one year for a person living with HIV/AIDS or the special holiday meals that God’s Love We Deliver sends to their clients.
Guests left the beautiful evening with “Chuck’s Famous Brownies,” baked with love by Chuck the Baker, who has been the baker for God’s Love more than 28 years.
God’s Love is the New York metropolitan area’s leading provider of life-sustaining meals and nutrition counseling for people living with severe illnesses. All of the agency’s services are provided free to clients, and full of love. In its history of more than 34 years, God’s Love We Deliver has never had a waiting list. Because the demand for the services of God’s Love has grown more than 135% in ten years, this year’s Midsummer Night Drinks was more important than ever.
Photos by Patrick McMullan
Haven Rooftop - Summer Kick Off Party
It’s officially summer in New York City, and that means baseball, sun dresses, barbecuing, and most importantly rooftop bars. On Monday, June 17th, the Haven Rooftop hosted its seventh annual summer kickoff party. Held atop the Sanctuary hotel, located in the heart of Time Square, the Haven Rooftop provide the perfect setting to unwind on a summer night. The kickoff party offered anything but a mundane monday, the drinks were flowing, the music was playing, and the people were having fun.
Even though it was a cloudy day, the Haven Rooftop was a sanctuary from the rain and muck of New York. The atmosphere was upbeat and cheerful. And the views of Midtown Manhattan from the rooftop were breathtaking.
Throughout the night an array of mouth-watering appetizers were served, including sliders, tuna tartar, truffle cheese bread, and watermelon with mint and feta. An extensive selection of beers, wines, liquors, and signature craft cocktails are offered at Haven Rooftop. All the drinks are very refreshing, perfect for hot summer nights. My personal favorite was the Cloudtini, a cocktail made with Grey Goose and lychee puree.
The Haven Rooftop is the spot to go to enjoy delectable modern American cuisine and indulge in delicious cocktails while conversing with friends and listening to music.
Photo Credit: Will Cadena
Wildlife Conservation Society Gala 2019
Photo Credit: Angela Pham/BFA.com
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) held its annual gala at the spectacular Central Park Zoo where 600 guests celebrated WCS’s impact on protecting the planet’s most ecologically important wild places and the extraordinary species that call them home.
Gala 2019 honored entrepreneur, philanthropist and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his dedication to conservation, protecting the world’s oceans and coral reefs, and combating climate change.
Said WCS Chair Alejandro Santo Domingo: “Mike Bloomberg has demonstrated that a global leader taking local action can change the world. His commitment to protecting the world’s oceans and coral reefs from the effects of climate change and other threats has led to a fruitful partnership with WCS through the Vibrant Oceans initiative. Mike Bloomberg’s strong focus on climate change has been truly inspirational.”
Said Michael R. Bloomberg: “We must do all we can to leave our planet healthier and stronger than we found it. The Wildlife Conservation Society has been committed to that work for over 100 years. Thank you for this honor, and to everyone who has been a part of this mission – because your work is important now more than ever.”
WCS President and CEO Cristian Samper said: “As we work together to tackle the causes and impacts of climate change, we must embrace nature-based solutions like wetlands and forests that help to store carbon and enhance resilience to today’s storms. We must also work together to preserve wild places—nature’s strongholds on land and sea—that provide animals and people with protection, food, and shelter. Here at WCS, that’s exactly what we’re doing. As we approach our 125th anniversary in 2020, we can point to decades of successful, science-driven, field-based conservation impact in 60 countries around the world.”
A lifelong philanthropist, Bloomberg founded Bloomberg Philanthropies, which focuses on five main areas: public health, education, the environment, the arts, and government innovation. He serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action, with the charge to galvanize the efforts of local and regional governments, businesses, and civil society. He is co-author, with Carl Pope, of the New York Times bestseller Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet. Bloomberg has long supported the Wildlife Conservation Society and its mission to save wildlife and wild places around the world. The Wildlife Conservation Society has also been a strong partner to Bloomberg Philanthropies in the fight to conserve the world’s oceans and protect coral reefs from the worst effects of climate change through the Vibrant Oceans Initiative.
As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS has safeguarded the planet’s important natural strongholds over the past century, helping to create more than 300 protected areas on land and sea. Additionally, WCS’s network of urban wildlife parks is the largest in the world, connecting over 4 million visitors a year to nature and science, creating a powerful force for conservation in New York and beyond.
All proceeds raised through Gala 2019 will help WCS set the standard for conservation science, action, and education, as it has done since its founding more than 120 years ago.
About the Gala
Gala 2019 celebrated Conservation for a Sustainable Future and WCS’s impact on protecting the planet’s most ecologically important wild places and the extraordinary species that call them home. During one of New York City’s premiere social events of the summer, gala guests enjoyed a lively 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 Chris Stiles.
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, based 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: wcs.org, newsroom.wcs.org.
Photo Credit: Angela Pham/BFA.com
Lang Lang Young Scholars Concert
On Thursday, June 13th, the Lang Lang Young Scholars presented their first in a series of concerts. The night was filled with magic and music.
"We believe that music has the power to make the world a better place and with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, we strive to achieve this every day,'' declared CEO Leszek Barwinski-Brown, as he welcomed a capacity audience to their first Young Scholars Concert at Steinway Hall. Lang Lang himself chose the performers--- offering a note to the program, "My wife, Gina Alice, and I send our love and support . You’ll forgive us for not being there as were on our honeymoon in China.”
A disarming talented and stunning Aliya Alsafa, 14, played Ravel, Mozart, Liszt and Morton Gould. With remarkable command. Amir Siraj 19, now an alumnus of the program, played Mozart, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Currently he’s at Harvard, studying both piano and astrophysics (and a member of the Steinway Young Artist program).
Among the audience were board members David Hyrck, Kyle Wool, plus his wife Soo Yu. Also guests Teri Agins, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Joanna Fisher, Stephanie and John Foster, Barrett Frelinghuysen, Michèle Gerber Klein, Luchia Hwong Gordon, Sylvia Hemingway, Kate and Gary Parr, Sana Sabbagh, Klara and Larry Silverstein, Mengmeng Wang, and Victoria Wyman
Leszek Barwinski-Brown closed the concert saying, "Without your friendship, we could have never accomplished and of this" A Moët & Chandon reception followed.
Photos courtesy of Lang Lang Young Scholars
The Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards Dinner and Auction
On June 4th, Cipriani's cavernous hall was graced with joyous conversation, stunning guest regalia, and incredible artists across the creative spectrum. This event commemorated the 20th anniversary of Gordon Park’s historical photograph A Great Day in Hip Hop with guests like QuestLove, Fab 5 Freddy, Fat Joe and Slick Rick in attendance to re-stage the scene. The Gordon Parks Foundation is a group dedicated to preserving the works of the late artist, Gordon Parks, along with furthering his vision for the empowerment of growing artists.
Widely considered the most influential African-American photographer of the last hundred years, Gordon Parks work documented American poverty through the unique lens of elevated humanity and dignity. From his early work with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) to his photo essays on Harlem Gang Leader Red Jackson, Park’s ability to humanize what popular media had demonized set him far above his contemporaries at the time.
The Gala kicked off with a showcase of Park’s work followed by a dinner and awards ceremony. Guests were able to chat and sip cocktails while gradually progressing around the gallery space. Each work amalgamated small groups of attendees who spoke of the history and composition admiringly. The gelatin based photo prints, some presenting Park’s most notable work, could be bid on and bought to support the foundations ongoing initiatives.
With guests of honor like Raf Simons, Kehinde Wiley and Chelsea Clinton mingling amongst many other honorable attendees, one would be pressed to have missed this incredible turn-out.
Bluemercury Turns 20!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Barry and Marla Beck, the founders of makeup retailer Bluemercury, have a lot to celebrate this month, as their company celebrates its 20th anniversary. On June 11th, Bluemercury hosted a celebratory cocktail party at their New York Hilton Flagship location. Notable guests included several big names in the beauty industry, such as Simon Huck, Public Relations and Marketing Executive, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, interior designers, and Holly Thaggard, Founder of Supergoop! DJ Marjorie Gubelmann, known as MadMarj, provided the music for the evening, as guests enjoyed refreshments and learned about the history of Bluemercury since it opened its first store in Georgetown in 1999. With almost 200 locations, the company has had tremendous success, carrying leading brands in the beauty industry such as La Mer, RéVive, Hourglass, Kiehl’s, NARS, and M-61 Skincare. The luxury beauty brand and spa retail chain joined Macy’s, Inc. in 2015, and its stores are embedded within local communities.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Photo Credit: Getty Images
During the celebration, guests listened to Marla and Barry’s remarks on their Bluemercury journey. The couple reflected on their company’s humble beginnings and marveled at the success the company has found. When the couple first started the company in 1999, they were in trouble, and they bought a local boutique in Washington, D.C., and reopened it as Bluemercury. They never imagined that their local beauty boutique would become a key player in the beauty retail scene. The Becks accurately predicted that opening stores in convenient locations would lead to Bluemercury’s success. The Becks are not afraid to mix business and personal life and have stayed true to their vision of having a familial feeling to each store by remaining completely involved in all parts of their company, even with three kids and 184 locations.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Attendees were each gifted a LAFCO X Bluemercury Spa Candle, which was created by Marla Beck and LAFCO to replicate the Bluemercury spa experience. Guests also left with a perhaps newfound understanding of what it takes to run a beauty empire and the power couple behind all of the incredible stores.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dizzy’s Club: Where Jazz Gets You Drunk
In New Orleans they say “pass a good time” when wishing someone pleasure and fun. When I visited the city of Jazz, I had no glass in my hand but music still got me drunk: The rawness in the artists’ pieces. The emotions in the melody. The joy in the trumpet. And the melancholy in the piano... I’ve passed the best time surrendering to the music. I never thought I would ever get that NOLA feeling again, until I went to The Summer Super & Jazz Evening at Dizzy’s Club at the Jazz Lincoln Center.
There, I got the chance to see Christian McBride Big Band’s performance-and they hypnotized me. Jazz got me drunk for the first time since I visited New Orleans last March, and I was enjoying every second of it. Dizzy’s Club handpicks grand artists and offers the authentic Jazz experience in the midst of Manhattan. The elegant, wooden-interior looks like a violin with its beautifully shaped curves. The club oversees a skyline that changes color as the sun sets. The service is simply impeccable, and the food is varied, sophisticated, and exquisite. Everything tasted delicious. Everything sounded beautiful. Everything looked pretty. All of my senses were pleased. It was easy to surrender to the music.
That night, I didn’t pass a good time. I passed the best time. Thanks to Dizzy’s Club, I relived my New Orleans experience and got drunk on Jazz again.
Dalup - A Modern Indian Restaurant
As a self proclaimed foodie I have traveled to nearly every corner of New York in search of tasty food. And I can attest to the fact that even in New York City it is extremely difficult to find restaurants that are affordable, environmentally sustainable, healthy, and appetizing. Fortunately I had the privilege of attending the opening of Dalup, a modern Indian restaurant that miraculously meets all of these criteria.
Located at 350 7th Avenue in Chelsea, Dalup is the perfect place to grab a quick bite during a lunch break or to sit down and spend an evening with friends and family enjoying the many delightful delectables it has to offer.
Bravo’s Top Chef alum Dave Martin created the menu with the goal of developing a lighter, more approachable and modern version of traditional Indian cuisine. He achieved this by producing a completely dairy-free menu, additionally the oil used in each of the dishes is minimal. Full, bold flavors are established through the freshness of the ingredients and the proprietary spice blend. Ultimately lending authentic flavors that do not sit heavy in your stomach.
Dalup is the perfect restaurants for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Signature dishes include the Dalup Naan Roll featuring house-made Naan bread with antibiotic-free Chicken Tikka Masala (that is cashew milk-based), wrapped with cilantro and greens that will be available. Other features include a build-your-own “Veggie Karma” bowl with freekeh, Korma Curry (coconut milk-based) with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, carrots and peas, served with tomato chutney, raita and pickled citrus. Everything is made in-house including the dough for the Naans and Dosas which are made from scratch.
When I entered the restaurant I was immediately greeted with warmness. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly. After talking to the owners, the chef, and the employees it was clear that on every level there was a genuine excitement for the future of Dalup.
Dalup practices modernity not only through its recipes but through how the food is actually made. Dalup utilizes specialized engineered equipment to bake their Naan bread and their grilled kebab-style meat. Dalup even has a custom developed robotic Dosa machine that makes Dosas on order. Dalup also donates a portion of their proceeds to Girls Who Code, a national not-for-profit organization with the mission to close the gender gap in technology.
Every aspect of this restaurant was developed with extreme care and consideration. From the meats and produce that are locally sourced from socially responsible vendors to the innovative technology used to cook the food. I had a truly wonderful night and am looking for to spending many more nights eating at Dalup.
American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope
There are very few occasions where one might find themselves helping fight cancer and tasting the most popular dishes of New York City’s best restaurants in the same room. On May 23rd, the American Cancer Society hosted its 14th annual “Taste of Hope” event at the Metropolitan Pavilion to simultaneously celebrate the NYC food scene and fundraise for cancer research. Thanks to nine months of hard work by event co-chairs, Mark D. Friedman and Jamie Koff, many of New York’s most popular restaurants and beverage vendors set up tables at the benefit, including chefs from restaurants as famous as Nobu, Tao, Baby Brasa, The Smith, Benjamin Prime, and The Magnolia Bakery. The 14th annual Taste of Hope event recognized Michael Lomonaco, chef and partner of Porter House Bar and Grill, and Ralph Scamardella, chef and partner of TAO Group restaurants, as this year’s Culinary Honorees. The Corporate Honoree was Otto Cedeno, founder of Otto’s Tacos, and the Survivor Honoree was Dana Cowin, former Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine. In the past 14 years, the event has raised over $1.8 million towards its goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
Photo Credit: Hideki Aono
In addition to tasting food from New York’s finest restaurants, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction prizes, donated from esteemed organizations and brands such as Tory Burch, Levain Bakery, Ark Restaurants, and Balenciaga. These extravagant prizes and decadent food tastings were all donated with the intention of raising funds to support the American Cancer Society in their fight towards a world without cancer. The American Cancer Society uses all of its funds to beat cancer from every angle, including research, lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening activists to create awareness. Not only were guests able to experience the finest food Manhattan has to offer, but they were also contributing to a future cancer-free world.
Photo Credit: Hideki Aono