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
Invisible Rules of Japan Unveiled
On Thursday January 30th 2020, The Japanese Contemporary Artists Team (JCAT) showcased their exhibition, Invisible Rules of Japan at Noho M55 Gallery in Chelsea.
Don’t Eat While Walking, Mito Nishikura
JCAT artists create art based around a theme, before compiling the pieces into an artbook. One of the aims for this exhibition was to be accessible, for both participants and audience. Each piece consists of a single piece of paper, displayed solely by a clip of the wall, allowing for portable, lightweight art. On this B4 sketchbook paper, artists express the hidden, implicit rules within Japanese culture, in a variety of mediums from illustrations and painting to collage and calligraphy.
Tegatana, Makoto Ambo
Due to Japan’s historical isolationism from the world, many customs, traditions and social cues are unknown to visiting tourists. This can result in unintended embarrassing or offensive faux pas. Invisible Rules of Japan hopes to peel back the cultural curtain and connect the world to Japanese customs, especially ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Invisible Rules of Japan, Noho M55 Gallery.
Having previously travelled to Japan myself, I saw many of the implicit rules I encountered but also some that were new to me. I learnt that when walking through crowds, it is encouraged to make eye contact with strangers and to slightly bow as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the other person. Living in New York City this was an alien concept to me. I was also reminded about the deep rooted significance of rice, and how every single grain is precious and should never be wasted.
The store clerk will not come unless you say “Sumimasen”, youme
The advantage to using B4 paper is that the message is immediate and concise; the information required to be a respectful and conscientious tourist is easy to digest. This is further emphasised by the use of bright colors, comic style characters and bold, effective lettering. I am engaged, I am listening.
As this exhibition showed, bringing life to the culturally unspoken is powerful. It informs in a way that is non-judgmental and cordial. It builds bridges over potential misunderstandings. It breathes color and texture into the invisible.
@giselle Masters the Dance Between Ballet and the Digital World
Romance has always been thought of as a dance. @giselle works to preserve the classic traditions of ballet with the ever-evolving jive of social media and online dating, to create the ultimate experience of dance and love in 2020.
Performance of @giselle. Photo Credit: David Cooper
On January 14, a new imagining of the beloved ballet classic Giselle, was screened at The Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center, New York City. Created by Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY, @giselle updates the 1800’s tragic romance for modern audiences, as dating apps, selfies and emojis reinterpret love, sex and relationships in the 21st century. With the talented cast of ABT's Catherine Hurlin in the title role and Betsy McBride as Bathilde, Pennsylvania Ballet's Sterling Baca as Hilarion, and National Ballet of Canada's Harrison James as Albrecht, @giselle dazzles in both its bold intention and skilful execution.
What makes @giselle so unique is the use of motion-captured digital projections and other visual effects utilised to reflect and critique the digital world we live in. On stage, what is physically a solo dance, morphs into a digital duet, as the projections overlie and pair dancers in body and spirit. This reflects the solitary nature of online dating; the dater alone swipes through the plethora of potential lovers, who exist merely as digital representations rather than living, feeling persons.
@giselle in action. Photo Credit: David Cooper
As Joshua Beamish stated as he introduced the show: “I want the original work to exist within our production as its own ghost - a ghost from another time.” Indeed, Giselle herself embodies this ghost, as her suicide is live streamed; everyone is watching but no one is there to stop her incorporeal transformation. In the second act Giselle dances on as a mere projection, a wisp of a memory, a ghostly hologram for Instagram. Incredibly, using only a single projector, the audience watches this intentionally uncomfortable yet oddly complementary duet; the elegance of ballet paired with the glibness of social media; a dual visual experience of reading between the lines of both dance and online dating.
Catherine Herlin and Joshua Beamish.
After the screening Hurlin, McBride, and Baca joined Beamish on stage to share the creative process. As Hurlin notes dancing with a projector was challenging and distracting. Is this a metaphor for our phones and the digital life they submerge us in? Are we too distanced from the physical, distracted from reality?Additionally, as Baca comments, classical ballet incorporates much pantomime. Social media does too, with all its over emphasis and drama, its insistence on the curated image to over exaggerate reality. Life imitates art after all.
@giselle brings together many opposing forces into complementary harmony; digital and dance, tragedy and comedy, studio and stage, to create a unique and magical encounter. It is a modern ballet imbued with an important cultural commentary. A must see on both screen and stage. Commissioned by TO Live, Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY premiered @giselle at the Vancouver Playhouse in September 2019.
PHOTOS BY SEAN ZANNI/PMC and DAVID COOPER
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.
@giselle Screening at Lincoln Center
On January 14, 2020 a screening of @giselle by Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY was hosted at The Bruno Walter Auditorium in New York City’s Lincoln Center.
Beamish created a new take on the beloved classic ballet Giselle, where dating apps and social media platforms reinterpret love, sex and relationships.
Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY premiered @giselle at the Vancouver Playhouse in September 2019, commissioned by TO Live.
Performance of @giselle by David Cooper
@giselle stars American Ballet Theater’s Catherine Hurlin in the title role of Giselle and Betsy McBride as Bathilde, Pennsylvania Ballet’s Sterling Baca as Hilarion as well as National Ballet of Canada’s Harrison James as Albrecht.
What makes Beamish’s production so unique is the use of motion-captured digital projections and visual effects, that the director applied to reflect the digital world we live in.
"The ballet Giselle is one of the most profound constructions of the classical canon.” said Joshua Beamish, when introducing his show.
Catherine Hurlin and Joshua Beamish
He added: “I want the original work to exist within our production as its own ghost - a ghost from another time. Traditional romance is evaporating. The internet is threatening our ability to value individuals. @giselle shows the evolved hysteria born from unanswered texts, likes, and story views. In today's media saturated environment, is Giselle's descent into "madness" really so shocking? I hope audiences will relate to Giselle's journey and see themselves in the plights, struggles, and joys of the varying characters and their social interactions."
Performance of @giselle by David Cooper
After the screening of @giselle, the performing artists Hurlin, McBride and Baca joined Joshua Beamish on the stage to discuss and share the creative process of @giselle.
Baca emphasized Beamish’s ability to bring the old classic into the present time, by creating a version of Giselle we all know, yet never seen before.
Hurlin, McBride and Baca all agreed on the director’s distinctive characteristic of describing the detailed choreography with his broad vocabulary.
Joshua Beamish, Catherine Hurlin, Betsy McBride and Sterling Baca
The screening of the new interpretation of the ballet classic Giselle wasn’t only a unique chance to get a glimpse of the stunning production, but also to get an insight of the artistic process involved in the new must-see ballet and therefore made a special night for all guests.
Joanna and Brian Fisher underwrote the screening and served as hosts with Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas, Roger Kluge and Denise Roberts Hurlin.
Photos of the evening were taken by Sean Zanni PMC.
Bebe Neuwirth and Chris Calkins, Hank and Gerry Alpert and Jonah Boaker were some of the numerous guests that enjoyed the evening at the Lincoln Center.
@giselle honours the memory of every young life lost to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) complications.
Catherine Hurlin and Joshua Beamish
Brian and Joanna Fisher
PHOTOS BY SEAN ZANNI/PMC and DAVID COOPER
WindowsWear Awards 2020
On Tuesday January 14, representatives from top fashion brands gathered at Marquee New York to attend the 2020 WindowsWear Awards. The mesmerising screen technology of the venue offered a high-tech modern platform to present the awards. Other event sponsors included MICAM Milan, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, GT’s Kombucha and La Maison du Macaron. The awards were hosted by fashion commentator, author and judge on NBC’s ‘Making it’ Simon Doonan.
Host Simon Doonan
With constantly multiplying numbers of retail options, visual creativity combined with technological innovations are becoming increasingly imperative to brand success. The WindowsWear Awards celebrate the world’s most creative brands and innovations impacting the retail industry by showcasing tens of thousands of visual displays from around the world, with nominations given to the ones that show “extraordinary accomplishments” in a variety of categories ranging from interior design to hospitality. Members of WindowsWear then vote for their favourite nominees, with the winners being announced at the annual awards show.
Founded in 2012, WindowsWear provides digital archival collections dating back to 1931 reflecting the physical and e-commerce environments of fashion at the time, connecting creatives across the world. With different types of membership granting varied access and contribution opportunities, the company allows brands to gain “unparalleled competitor intelligence and trend data” in the retail industry and educators can “take students back in time to study visual creative and fashion trends.” Other initiatives include the WindowsWear Messaging App facilitating secure communication between retailers and sellers or buyers.
WindowsWear co-founders Jon Harari, Raul Tovar and Micheal Niemtzow
List of 2020 WindowsWear Award Winners:
BEST INTERIOR: Bottega Veneta
BEST POP-UP: Tory Burch
BEST EXHIBIT/INSTALLATION: Louis Vuitton
BEST AR/VR EXPERIENCE: Clinique
BEST PACKAGING: Longchamp
BEST WINDOW DISPLAY: Etro
BEST HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAY: Bloomingdale’s
BEST ICON WINDOW: Micheal Kors
BEST PROP: Loro Piana
BEST MANNEQUIN: Macy’s
BEST COLLABORATION: H&M and Giambattista Valli
BEST USE OF COLOR: Kleinfeld Bridal
SUSTAINABILITY: Salvatore Ferragamo
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Louis Vuitton
BEST INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: Micheal Kors
BEST USE OF LIGHT: Dior
HERITAGE: Coach
HOSPITALITY: Ralph Lauren
LEGACY WINNER: Nordstrom
MOST LIKED ON @Windowswear: Versace
SIMON DOONAN AWARD: Alice + Olivia
Visit the WindowsWear website to see photos of the outstanding nominated and winning creations.
All photos by WindowsWear
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
Echelon Fitness Experience
The winter season and the approach of New Year may bring with them the paradox of wanting to stay cozy inside yet the urge to get fit to face the year ahead. Echelon fitness offers a compromise, with a variety of home fitness technology to get into shape.
With a studio in Chattanooga, Echelon brought their fitness experience to New York with a pop-up displaying their range of fitness products including trainers running classes to showcase the workouts. Notable attendees at the display included famed trainer Billy Blanks, WWE Star Danielle Moinet, David Barton and fashion designer Marc Bouwer.
I participated in the class held on the Echelon Smart Connect Bike. The motivational combination of an enthusiastic trainer, up-beat music, and the easy to use settings on the bike proved a challenging workout, despite encountering a couple of technical difficulties with live streaming my results to the screen of the bike.
The Reflect Mirrors were also showcased, immersive fitness screens that can bring a virtual personal trainer right into your home with a variety of workouts on demand. The bikes and mirrors are both connected to the Echelon app to keep track of progress and be a part of a fitness community.
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
A Night in Mexico Gala
On Saturday, December 7th, Pildora hosted an A Night in Mexico, a fundraiser supporting the Vida Digna Foundation of Chihuahua, Mexico. For almost 25 years, Vida Digna has sustained the Rarámuri communities of Chihuahua, Mexico. The heart of the foundation is to help these communities gain their basic necessities, such as healthcare, education, and clean drinking water.
The event was created and organized by none other than Pildora’s CEO and founder, Christina Almeida. Growing up in Chihuahua, Christina experienced the Rarámuri people firsthand and was always intrigued by their lifestyle and their love and respect for the planet. Bringing them to light in the New York City community was a dream come true. Not only did she want to raise funds for them, but she wanted guests to have the opportunity to learn from their communities’ respectful and sustainable culture.
The Rarámuri people’s appreciation for nature, love for our earth, and absolute respect for human life are basic fundamentals of the Rarámuri culture. The Rarámuri have been around for centuries and have endured disease and famine, but their ideologies have not changed. Today’s modern world must learn from the Rarámuri if we are to prosper together.
Hosted by Eglantina Zingg and Christina Almeida, the sustainable event began with a cocktail hour, where guests were transported to the streets of Mexico City to the beat of a live band in a space reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s back yard, filled with plants, candles, and rich blues, yellows, and hints of pink. Greenery wrapped in twinkle lights cascaded from the ceiling and bright floral arrangements filled the corners of the room and adorned each table. A traditional Mexican gourmet meal was served while guests enjoyed an opening performance by Aztec calpulli dancers, dressed in beautifully colored dresses and Mariachi hats, performing a traditional Aztec dance.
A silent auction followed, featuring donated pieces from artists from the United States and Mexico, including purses from the Canna Project, a custom jacket from AndAgain, and paintings from Chrystal Rae, JD Miller, and Mateo Nava. A raffle was also held and one lucky guest took home a commissioned piece by artist Chrystal Rae.
Pildora presented its first-ever Positive Impact Award. This award was created to recognize those who have spent multiple years devoting their lives to sustainability, welfare, and the betterment of the world, something Pildora strives to do every day.
Christina presented the award to Victor Almeida and Alfredo Harp Helu for establishing the Vida Digna Foundation and for their devotion to the welfare of humanity and support for the Rarámuri over the last 20 years. The award and awardees represent Pildora’s values as a company and organization. Sustainable communities are at the forefront of everything we do, and so is our appreciation for them.
The night concluded with another performance by the Calpulli dancers in the Mexican Jalisco tradition. Guests were absolutely enchanted and so moved by the beauty and passion of the dancers that many jumped on stage after the performance and danced in absolute joy and celebration of Mexican culture and the Rarámuri.
If you would like to help Vida Digna Foundation, you can donate HERE.
BELLA Cover Launch Party
Vanessa Coppes, the Editor-in-Chief of BELLA Magazine, celebrated the Gratitude Issue Cover Launch Party on Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 at The Gregory Hotel in Midtown New York City. The party was hosted by Sara Gore, Host of NBC’s New York Live.
Vanessa Coppes and Sara Gore
The Gratitude Issue is a special issue of the BELLA Magazine, as was emphasized by Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Coppes and special guest Sara Gore, who is featured in this issue.
In the spirit of gratitude, the profits of BELLA Magazine’s event benefited the Staten Island University Hospital Gruposso Family Women’s + Newborn Center. This feeling of gratitude accompanied the whole night.
Aaron Paul
Guests like Diane Turton, Dr. Tabasum Mir, Andy Peek and Aaran Paul found themselves in a christmas themed venue with a cozy, holiday atmosphere at The Gregory Hotel.
Andy Peek and Dr. Tabasum Mir
The Gregory Hotel is also the location where the shoot of Sara Gore for the gratitude issue took place, which made it an even more special place to celebrate its release.
The pictures of the night were shot by Vital Agialow.
NBC’s New York Live Host Sara Gore
Guests came together to celebrate the BELLA Magazine Cover Launch with delicious food from Culinary Classics Catering and exceptional drinks varying from Prosecco DOC, Vide Vodka, Elouan Wines, Ron Barcelo Rum, Moonshine Tea to 1907water.
This special event was a great closure for BELLA Magazine’s last issue of the year 2019 and creates excitement about what the new year will bring!
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.
Strasbourg Holiday Market with Famille Hugel Wines
Strasbourg meets NYC as the Marché de Noël de Strasbourg-Alsace, Europe’s oldest Christmas market from 1570, brings the holiday magic to Bowling Green Park.
The market in Strasbourg was named “World’s Best Christmas Market” by CNN in 2018 with over 300 chalets and 2 million visitors a year. Luckily, in the true Christmas spirit, a beautiful piece of the market brimming with traditional holiday delights from Alsace is being shared with us right here in the city.
Relief from the chill could be found with warm and fruity mulled wine from the Famille Hugel wines chalet in a section of the market with seating and a buzzing atmosphere of chattering and holiday cheer.
I explored the market’s traditional wooden chalets with decorations and light displays imported from Strasbroug through a scavenger hunt list of items to find, ranging from traditional artisanal crafts such as pottery and intricate hand-made ornaments, to Alsatian Christmas food specialties such as jams, cookies and chocolates, all making exquisitely unique presents for family and friends. For the kids (or adults, I know you want to) Saint Nick is ready for pictures and chats in the central chalet of the market!
The evening at the market closed with Jean-Frédéric Hugel presenting a wine tasting of the Famille Hugel’s traditional, high-quality Alsatian wines. The vineyards in Alsace are currently managed by the 12th and 13th generations of the Hugel family in an unbroken lineage, with more than half of their hectares classified as Grand Cru. Hugel wines are well-known for their yellow labels and how the uniquely dry climate in Alsace produces a dry, slow-ripening grape that compliments most Western and Asian cuisines, making an ideal pairing for meals in the festive season.
Riesling classic known for its elegance and structure, Pinot Gris Classic with power and texture, rich but with dry expression, Gewürztraminer Classic made with a signature grape variety of Alsace, floral and fruity notes, and finally the Gewurtz. Vendange Tardive sweet wine. Accompanied by freshly made tarte flambée.
Don’t miss out on sharing in Europe’s oldest Christmas traditions at the Strasbourg Holiday Market open daily from 11am-9pm up to December 22 at Bowling Green Park, Broadway & Whitehall St, NY 10004.
Brunch at the Ainslie
A few months ago, our team was lucky enough to visit the newly opened Ainslie, a wine bar and beer garden serving Italian fare in the heart of Williamsburg. Last week, our team was once again invited back -- this time to try the newly crafted brunch menu from Chefs John DeLucie and Erasmo ‘Mino’ Lassandro.
The thing about Brunch in Brooklyn is that there’s a lot of it: weekend brunch, weekday brunch, party brunch, boozy brunch...even bottomless pizza brunch. The options are endless, so every place likes to run their own gimmick. Not that it’s a bad thing -- I’ve definitely had a day or two where all I needed was to eat french toast while being serenaded by shirtless waiters. Still, it’s refreshing to visit a place where brunch can be a simple, cozy affair. For a beer garden, the Ainslie is surprisingly wholesome -- manager Joe’s hope is to make the restaurant into a go-to community space for the neighborhood. He’s even planning to host a children’s meet and greet with Santa come Christmas time -- which, lest I forget to mention, the Ainslie definitely has space for, able to accommodate up to 340 people. Santa could definitely bring all of his elves.
But wholesomeness isn’t the only thing the Ainslie serves up. Their brunch menu, available from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, puts an Italian spin on traditional American fare, with a Pancetta & Pecorino Omelette, a Bongiorno Pizza, and Pancakes topped with Gelato. But their traditional food is nothing to scoff at either -- I devoured my Eggs Benedict, and according to my dining partner, the Steak and Eggs are to die for.
So if you’re looking for someplace a little more genuine to enjoy a meal at the Ainslie is your best bet. Check them out @ainsliebkny or at https://ainsliebk.com/.
TOP DECEMBER NYC EVENTS
WINTER WONDERLAND BALL 2019
Friday, December 13, 2019
8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. | #WinterBallNYBG
The Best Holiday Gala in New York!
Black Tie
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-latke-festival-tickets-55945999992
11th Annual Latke Festival
About The Event
One of New York City's most unique and delicious holiday tasting events, the Latke Festival is a charity event benefiting The Sylvia Center and organized by Great Performances Catering. This one-night affair celebrates the best and most creative potato pancakes in our city.
For its fourth year in a row, the 11th Annual Latke Festival will be held at the stunning Brooklyn Museum and is already on track to be our biggest celebration of latkes yet.
Join us and our panel of celebrity judges on December 16th to ring in the holidays, enjoy amazing food and drink, dance to our live DJ and vote for the Best Latke of all!
www.latkefestival.com | #LatkeFest | #TheSylviaCenter | @GPFood | @SylviaCenter
3. Big Band Holidays
What To Expect
Soulful, big band versions of holiday classics
Holiday cheer for all ages
Brand-new songs added to the JLCO’s holiday repertoire
It’s the most wonderful time of year in the House of Swing! The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and music director Marcus Printup continue a beloved New York tradition with Big Band Holidays. Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting holiday program that plays to sold-out audiences every December.
Big Band Holidays is renowned for showcasing some of the most exciting and charismatic vocalists on the scene, with recent editions including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, Vuyo Sotashe, Veronica Swift, and Catherine Russell. This year we welcome back an old favorite, the smooth-as-silk baritone vocalist Denzal Sinclaire. We’re also thrilled to present a Big Band Holidays first-timer: local teenage phenomenon Alexis Morrast, first-place winner of the nationally broadcast Showtime at the Apollo.
4. LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity Inc. is a multimedia entertainment company that transforms captivating stories into multidimensional experiences. By exploring the intersection of art forms, LuminoCity seeks to blur the lines between virtuality and reality when curating unforgettable experiences for all audiences. In the inaugural year of 2019, LuminoCity proudly presents its signature event LuminoCity Festival, a month-long holiday event with an exhibition of spectacular light art displays, live performances, and a celebration of cultures.
5. New Years Eve Gala at The Metropolitan Opera
New Year’s Eve Gala
STARRING
Anna Netrebko
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019
In an unprecedented program to celebrate the new year, Anna Netrebko pulls out all the Puccini stops, starring as Mimì, Tosca, and Turandot in one gala evening. The star soprano will sing Act I of La Bohème, opposite tenor Matthew Polenzani, and Act I of Tosca and Act II of Turandot, opposite tenor Yusif Eyvazov. Conducted by Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and featuring an outstanding cast that also includes baritones Quinn Kelsey and Davide Luciano, and bass-baritones Evgeny Nikitin and Christian Van Horn, this will be an evening not to be missed. Each of the acts will be fully staged and costumed in the respective (and spectacular) Zeffirelli and McVicar productions.
6. New Year's Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park
Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Prospect Park Alliance for Brooklyn's most spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at Prospect Park's iconic Grand Army Plaza. This free event includes live entertainment followed by fireworks at the stroke of midnight. This family-friendly fireworks display, now in its 40th year, attracts tens of thousands of revelers to Prospect Park, making it one of the city's most popular celebrations.
This event is free and open to the public, and will take place rain or shine!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-fireworks-in-prospect-park-tickets-71550955835
Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop- The Perfect Winter Escape
On December 2nd, in the midst of the first snowfall of winter, Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop & Lounge introduced a new winter food and drinks menu designed to warm the body and soul. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with Moet & Chandon champagne and encouraged to try the seasonal cocktails (Margaretha Franklin, Gin Martin, Sweet and Sour Voughan, Nina Cinnamon Old Fashion, Cold Porter, Nut King Cole). The signature drinks featured ingredients such as jalapenos, spiced pear liqueur, cinnamon, spiced rum, and other ingredients known to keep you warm as the temperature drops in NYC. However, if you prefer a more classic drink, Sir Henri has you covered with their Old Fashion, Manhattan, French 75, Cosmopolitan, and select wines and beers.
Cold Porter: Scotch, Elderflower, Luxardo, Passion Fruit
Nut King Cole: Spiced Rum, Frangelico, Fernet Blanca, Amaro, Honey
Old Fashion
French 75
Now of course, what are drinks without food? As guests mingled and took in the cozy ambiance, platters of Sir Henri’s new dishes were brought out for sampling. Chicken and shrimp tacos, barbeque chicken wings, Sir Henri Mini’s sliders, calamari, and a trio of dips (Tzatziki, Hummus, Spicy Feta) with warm pita bread were served and they paired amazingly with the drinks. The chicken wings, calamari, and shrimp tacos are highly recommended!
As the temperature drops, it becomes more difficult to go outdoors, but Sir Henri’s Penthouse Rooftop (37 W 24th Street) is definitely worth the trip. Located on the 18th floor of Hotel Henri, the venue exudes vibes of a Jazz Age speakeasy but brings it back to our time with modern mixology. It is insulated in the winter and open-aired in the summer, making it a great place year-round for views of NYC and good food and drinks.
Holly Jolly at the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge
The Springs, located in Brooklyn, NY, opened their Ho Ho Holiday Lounge on December 5th. This chic bar transformed itself into a Christmas wonderland, leaving every guest with an immediate euphoria. This pop-up lounge managed to incorporate everything one could think of to feel like Christmas has arrived. Greg’s Tree’s Christmas Market occupied both the patio and the side of The Springs. The Christmas trees embrace you with a pine scent, transporting you to a world of relaxation. Comfort was found amongst the trees, the towering reindeer decoration, Santa’s sleigh, and millions of other Christmas trinkets that were either for sale or amplifying the ambiance.
Every aspect of The Springs makes you feel like you are at home: the unmatched generous hospitality, the specially named seasonal cocktails, and Fornino’s pizza which brings warmth and contentment to your body with every bite. They offer a mouth-watering spiked hot chocolate(called “The Springs” on their menu), along with other drinks that will bring you as much fun as their names indicate such as: “Elf’d Up”, “Nog Yourself Out”, “Comet so Bitter”, and many more. Complimenting the drinks was a vast array of pizzas leaving an option for everyone. One was comprised of mushrooms and truffle oil, another was classic Margherita, and lastly there was one with butternut squash and a spicy honey. While these pizzas all had different toppings, what they all had in common, was a savory flavor.
The ceiling was lined with garland and Christmas lights, allowing a sense of magic to resonate through every corner of the room. Some parts of the entrance are garnished with rainbow lights. The back wall and ceiling are adorned with candy cane stripes, bringing about a pepperminty excitement. Scattered throughout are endearing videos of fire places displayed on TVs.
The Springs has an energetic sense of life that flows through every part of the establishment. The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge is open from December 5th- January 1st, and is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.