NY Cheese & Wine Week
The 5th edition of the New York Cheese & Wine Week is back and will take place from March 7 to 16, 2022. Created by Jean-François Hesse, founder of Essential PR, this tasty celebration brings together top European dairy and wine producers from the Savoie region of France.
For this celebratory week, participating restaurants and venues throughout the city will offer enjoyable tastings and pairings prepared by the executive chefs and professional sommeliers.
For the cheese lovers out there, you will have the opportunity to try a variety of cheeses from flavorful blues, and creamy brie to hard sheep’s milk cheese. Prime quality producers include Emmi Cheese, Savencia Fromage and Dairy, Germain Fromagerie, Fromagerie Henri Hutin, and Fromi.
If you are looking for a silky brie with nutty notes, I recommend Brebirousse D’Argental without a doubt! Made from pure pasteurized sheep milk, it doesn’t only look pretty, it tastes good as well!
For a more fruity flavor, and a creamier texture you can also try Époisses, which is made from cow’s milk and is produced by Germain Fromagerie. From the same producers I suggest you try Le Pico, made from goat’s milk, it has a melty center and a rich taste that I loved!
Head over to the locations below to try all these amazing cheeses and many many more!
Le District, Manhattan - CHEESE STATION
Murray’s Cheese, Manhattan - CHEESE (Rogue River, Caveman Blue, Berthaut Epoisses, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Murray’s Cave Aged Gruyere, Roquefort Papillon, Cypress Grove Little Giant, Rogue River Smokey Blue, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue and Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue)
Murray's Cheese Grand Central, Manhattan - CHEESE (Rogue River, Caveman Blue, Berthaut Epoisses, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Murray’s Cave Aged Gruyere, Roquefort Papillon, Cypress Grove Little Giant, Rogue River Smokey Blue, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue and Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue)
Zabar’s, Manhattan - CHEESES DISPLAY (special on Papillon Roquefort and St. Agur. Display on Gruyere and St. Andre)
As for wine lovers, you won’t be disappointed either! Exquisite wines from the Savoie region of France are waiting for you. You shouldn’t miss trying the Richel Savoie Blanc 2020 that combines a light texture with fruity aromas and notes of honey.
You can taste and love it in the participating restaurants and venues below.
Amelie Wine Bar, 566 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024 - WINES OF SAVOIE (Richel Savoie Blanc 2020 - Tomme de Savoie)
Amelie Wine Bar, 22 W 8th street, New York, NY 10001 - WINES OF SAVOIE (Richel Savoie Blanc 2020 - Tomme de Savoie)
Balthazar, Manhattan - WINES OF SAVOIE BY THE GLASS (Savoie Blanc Viallet '20)
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, Brooklyn - WINES OF SAVOIE (Richel Savoie Apremont la Combelle white, 19USD)
Fiaf, Manhattan - WINES OF SAVOIE. Molière is in the Park: March 10th.
But let’s not forget, the full experience of the New York Cheese & Wine Week is found in the pairings of executive chefs and talented sommeliers!
Check the list below for the full, unforgettable, and tasteful experience!
AOC East, Manhattan - CHEESE AND WINES OF SAVOIE (Richel Savoie Blanc 2020 – Richel Mondeuse Paradoxe 2017)
Bacchus, Brooklyn - CHEESE AND WINES OF SAVOIE (3 cheese: St-Andre, Roquefort & st-Agur. Cheese plate $24, pairing add $24)
De Gustibus Cooking Scool at Macy's 8th Floor, Manhattan - Class Tasting of Cheeses and Wines of Savoie from 1pm to 3.30 pm with Anthony Giglio, wine expert. on March 12th
Felix, Manhattan - CHEESE AND WINES OF SAVOIE
Intercontinental New York Barclay, Manhattan - CHEESE AND WINES OF SAVOIE (Cheese plate: Gruyere, Emmentaler, Tête de Moine and Roquefort, with honey comb and cranberry and Rasin bread lavash. Cheese Dish: Grilled Raclette Sourdough Sandwich with onion compote. Wines of Savoie)
Murray's Cheese and MC Bar, Queens - CHEESE AND WINES OF SAVOIE (Rogue River, Caveman Blue, Berthaut Epoisses, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Murray’s Cave Aged Gruyere, Roquefort Papillon, Cypress Grove Little Giant, Rogue River Smokey Blue, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue and Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue)
Nougatine, Manhattan - CHEESE AND WINES OF SAVOIE (Saint Andre, Appenzeller, Brie Belle Etoile, Langres)
O Cabanon, Manhattan - CHEESE PLATE & WINES OF SAVOIE (Cheese plate and wines of Savoie during all the Cheese and Wine week and a Party on March 10th. Blue Cheese Sald & Wallnuts, Brie a la Truffe, Roasted Pork with Comte, Tartiflette Epoisse, Special Cheese Board, Brie CheeseBurger. Wines of Savoie: Crémant Domaine Jean Perrier et fils, Abymes Domaine Jean Perrier et fils, Mondeuse Maison Richel, Savoie rouge Maison Philippe Viallet)
And as the french saying goes,
Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup… et allez à New York Cheese & Wine Week!
Vive la France!
Discover Gramercy’s Hidden Lane
New York’s newest hidden gem is Hidden Lane in Gramercy. Located at 129 E. 15th Street, this lounge is a townhouse turned bi-level bar, lounge, and outdoor garden. This intimate bar is ideal for a date night or after-work happy hour, and is available as a venue to rent for private parties.
The interior of the second floor
Hidden Lane also features a backyard with a picturesque garden illuminated by beautiful lit up trees. The interior displays were recently renovated with barn-wood paneling and painted white brick throughout. The space is accented with an ornate brass ceiling and features an upstairs lounge with lounge seating, a cozy fireplace, and a separate bar area.
The backyard area
Their extensive craft cocktail list includes The Antidote made with Bombay Gin, Lillet, Elderflower and lemon, The Junglebird with Plantation Dark Rum, pineapple, Campari and lime, a Spice Girls spicy margarita, and an addictive Espresso Martini made with Cognac.
Drinks on the bar
Steps away from Gramercy Park, Hidden Lane is open from 4pm to 2am during weekdays and from 2pm to 3am on weekends with an amazing M-F, 5pm - 8pm happy hour with $8 margaritas, as well as a Beer & Shot combination for $8. Guests can also enjoy $2 off all draft beers as well as $2 off mixed drinks and cocktails.
One of the signature cocktails and the menus
We attended their recent Winter Cocktail Soiree which included delicious pies and meatless meatballs from Zazzy's Pizza in addition to chocolate covered doughnuts and cookies from Innocent Yesterday on the Upper East Side, which were delivered especially for the occasion.
Valentines and February Events
February is the month of love, and there’s nowhere better to be than in NYC. Whether you’re spending Valentine’s day with your significant other, your family and friends, or by yourself, we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in NYC.
1.Bond 45 New York (221 West 46th Street)
Couples can enjoy live entertainment with their dinner at Bond 45 in Times Square, as well as Redeye Grill across from Carnegie Hall by Pianist & Singer Desmond Scaife Jr. who will be performing from 6pm – 10pm on Monday, 2/14.
At Bond 45, GRAMMY Award Winner Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks will perform from 8pm to close, bringing back the swinging music of the roaring 20’s and 30’s. Vince and the Nighthawks have appeared in films including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, Finding Forrester, Revolutionary Road, HBOs Boardwalk Empire, as well as Town Hall, Jazz At Lincoln Center, the Newport Jazz Festival and the 92nd St Y for the past four decades. Celebrities who have enjoyed Vince’s shows include Mel Brooks, Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Tommy Tune, Molly Ringwald, Michael Feinstein, and many others. There is a $25 cover and $25 F&B minimum.
2. Sereneco (113 Franklin St)
Sereneco is offering a pre fixe menu key details are below:
Menu highlights:
Hudson Valley Duck Confit Frisee Salad (apple, walnut, dried cranberry, blue cheese, maple balsamic)
Salmon Crudo (pistachio, mint, lime, breakfast radish)
Braised Lamb Shank (polenta, gremolata, butternut squash, brussels sprouts)
Steelhead Trout (broccolini, black rice, pistachio, cranberry, brown butter vinaigrette)
Lentil Stew (carrot, celery, shallot, garlic, spinach, arugula salad)
Full prix fixe menu: here
Cocktail highlights (in addition to a robust natural wine & craft beer list):
Dorothy Parker Sour (rose-infused gin, Aperol, rosemary, lemon, egg white)
The Greenpoint (Japanese whiskey, Carpano Antica, yellow chartreuse)
Sereneco Derby (bourbon, rosemary, honey, grapefruit)
Future G&T (Future gin, Boylan heritage tonic, ginger, apple, star anise)
Price: $65 pp
Reservations via Resy
3.Due West (189 W 10th St)
An elevated but approachable neighborhood bar offering unique, well-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu by former Locanda Verde chef Victor Bonano.
Due West highlights include:
Canned craft cocktails: Born out of the pandemic and exclusive only to Due West, 4 of the gastropub’s signature cocktails are canned and feature original artwork by Vincent Bolognini. Due West will be donating a portion of the proceeds for the Seasonal Hard Seltzer canned cocktail to the Billion Oyster Project which is restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities.
Monday Industry Night: Hosted by Employees Only veteran doorman, Sean Campbell, Monday nights at Due West entertains the finest of New York City with the best in local sports including Monday night football happy hour specials, and one of a kind cocktails.
(credit: Mochidoki)
4. Valentine’s Day at Mochidoki
The brand has just introduced a new flavor, Raspberry White Chocolate, ideal for Valentine’s Day. This flavor features raspberry ice cream accented with white chocolate, combining fruity flavor with the sweet and delicate snap of chocolate curls. Replace your usual box of chocolates and pick up the flavor at Mochidoki’s brick-and-mortar shops in SoHo and the Upper East Side. It’s also available for nation-wide shipping via www.mochidoki.com.
Customers can also opt to gift a Signature Collection (with 12 bestselling flavors) a Vegan Signature Collection (with 6 oat and coconut milk based flavors), or a mix-and-match 4-piece or 24-piece box of favorite flavors, including Strawberry, Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and many more.
5. Restaurant week Jan 18 - Feb 13
NYC Restaurant Week returns this winter with two-course lunch and three-course dinner options across the five boroughs, including top-tier restaurants and neighborhood favorites.
Returns this winter with its signature deal: 2-for-1 tickets to some of the best musicals and plays on stage right now. Prefer to splurge? Opt for upgraded seats at $125 per ticket.
Drinks and Bites at Due West!
Located in the heart of West Village “Due West” is an elevated but approachable neighborhood gastropub with a vibrant ambiance and a great selection of food and cocktails!
The bar offers unique, well-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu by former Locanda Verde chef Victor Bonano. The space is nicely decorated with navy velvet banquettes and cool modern art hanging on the walls, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Looking at the menu you’ll find raw bar options and a well-selected array of small bites and shareable plates accompanied by a beautifully curated list of cocktails. We began our night with cocktails and I had the Dw Sour which I loved! Dw Sour combines Barr Hill Gin, egg white, and citrus flavors. Would definitely recommend it if you like strong and sour drinks! As for old fashioned lovers, don’t worry Due West has you covered too! You can make your own old fashioned, just as you like it, by selecting the spirit, the sugar, and the bitters!
For food, we shared some plates, and each was better than the previous one! From the small plates, we got chicken bites with yuzu honey, fries with duck fat, and baked oysters with garlic butter and herbs. The chicken was sweet but rightly balanced and had a delicious crispiness that I couldn’t resist! It was my first time having fries with duck fat and although I was a bit hesitant at first, their taste was clean and truly delightful. As for the baked oysters, they were very flavorful and simply exceptional! I will surely order them again when I’m back! We also couldn’t resist the temptation and ordered the three cheese flatbread, which is very tasteful while also light. I could easily eat all of it before even realizing!
When the flatbread came, I was done with my cocktail and decided to try one of the bar’s canned craft cocktails which had caught my eye on the menu since the very beginning. Born out of the pandemic, Due West offers 4 of their signature cocktails canned and carbonated. The cans are beautifully designed and feature original artwork by Vincent Bolognini. Due West will be donating a portion of the proceeds for the Seasonal Hard Seltzer canned cocktail to the Billion Oyster Project which is restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities. I love both the purpose and execution! I ordered the Seasonal Hard Seltzer and was really amazed! It had a fresh, fizzy taste with strong aromas, being light and delicious! Definitely one of the gastropub’s highlights!
I highly recommend Due West for drinks and bites and I encourage you to try their Seasonal Hard Seltzer if you want great taste and to support the bar’s initiative to contribute to the Billion Oyster Project.
Are you there yet?
Have a look at Due West’s menu here https://www.duewestnyc.com/menus/ and check out their IG page @duewestnyc to get a feel of the restaurant along with their most recent updates!
P.S. We were there on a Wednesday but found out that on Monday nights Employees Only veteran doorman, Sean Campbell, hosts Industry nights entertaining the finest of New York City with the best in local sports including Monday night football, happy hour specials, and one of a kind cocktails. So we’ll absolutely be back to check that out!
International Sous Vide Day
You might know that February 9th is National Pizza Day or that August 10th is National S'mores Day, but unless you’re a little more in-tune with the culinary world, you might not know that since 2018, January 26th has been known as International Sous Vide Day.
Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC
Created by Dr. Bruno Gossualt (who also celebrates his birthday on the 26th!), Sous Vide is a simple yet effective French culinary technique in which food is vacuum-sealed in a bag, then cooked to a very precise temperature in a water bath. The result? A juicy and tender bite that can’t be replicated any other way.
Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC
So how should you celebrate Sous Vide Day? This year, Cuisine Solutions will be hosting a virtual celebration on Sous Vide Day with renowned masters of the craft, including Chefs Daniel Boulud, Eric Barale, Marc Ehrler, and Scott Randolph. At a preview hosted at Chef’s Boulud’s Michelin Starred restaurant Daniel, guests were given a little taste of each of the Chef’s sous vide specialites, including seared octopus “à la plancha” with grilled sweet onions, grape must poached leeks, potato ‘’Boulangère’’ and ‘’Beurre Marchand de vin’’; pork belly with sous vide lentils; and khao curry John Dory casserole with Moose Lake wild rice and cauliflower. It was hard to pick a favorite, but, as each chef will be demonstrating how to cook these dishes during the live event, you’ll be able to follow along and choose for yourself! If you’re a budding chef or gourmet home cook, this chance to learn a few Michelin-star secrets is really an opportunity like no other.
Gerard Bertholon, Daniel Boulud- Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC
And no good dish is complete without a drink to pair it with. If you really want the full sous vide experience, we definitely recommend sipping on a few of these Specialty sous vide cocktails throughout your meal as well. All crafted by Grand Marnier Ambassador Xavier Herit, these specialty cocktails including the Grand 65, a play on the brand’s signature Grand 75, with Grand Marnier, Lallier® Champagne, and a pineapple cryoconcentration, as well as the Manhattan Park—a twist on the classic Manhattan which included Grand Marnier, Russel’s Reserve® Rye, and 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso.
Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC
International Sous Vide day only comes once a year, and, in our opinion, it’s worth just as much hype as National Pizza or Smore’s Day. Sign up to be part of the virtual event at https://www.internationalsousvideday.com/ or follow @cuisinesolutions for more news and updates.
Join La Familia at Money Heist: The Experience
Join the heist at the new Money Heist: The Experience, by Netflix and Fever. Guests can now become a part of the iconic gang and test their skills at breaking, entering, and heisting in this immersive event, which debuted at Brooklyn’s landmarked skyscraper and bank hall, formerly the Williamsburg Savings Bank Clocktower, at One Hanson Place.
The experience combines the thrill of an escape room with the excitement of immersive theater. Based on the global hit show, it is held in a vast, cathedral-like space with 63-foot vaulted ceilings, 40-foot windows, elaborate mosaics and marble arches. At 512 feet, the Williamsburg Savings Bank Clocktower was constructed in a modernized Byzantine-Romanesque style and was once the tallest structure between Manhattan and Paris. Built in the 1920s, the outer-building is capped by a gold dome and boasts a four-sided clock face.
The original model of the Bank of Spain used in the hit TV Show, and a portrait of the character Berlin
Guests are recruited into the notorious gang by Lisbon herself—into a brand new story inspired by the hit series—and immersive experiential heist, having their nerves tested as they attempt to follow The Professor’s latest daring plan and break into the jaw-dropping landmark site. Ultimately, guests will find out if they have what it takes to infiltrate the vault and earn a spot in the gang. With elements of improvisation and spontaneity, every experience is different so you can come back again and again!
A member of the gang makes a hostage video with two guests
Co-produced by Netflix and Fever, the leading entertainment discovery platform, Money Heist: The Experience is a high-energy theatrical event featuring a unique storyline that is parallel to the show. Money Heist: The Experience made its debut in Paris in July and, this winter, will make its debut in the United States in Miami then New York City, followed by additional cities around the globe, including London and Mexico City.
Tickets are now on sale starting from $44 per person. To ensure participants’ safety at each event, ticket capacity will be limited with strict COVID-safety measures in place. Local COVID-guidelines and restrictions will also be strictly adhered to.
Food and cocktails available for purchase after the experience
Monopoly’s new Edition – Play the Brooklyn Way
Right at a time where many of us might not be able to explore our new or old Brooklyn neighborhoods the way we normally would, Monopoly is offering its newest addition: The Brooklyn Edition. Released a few weeks ago, the new edition offers up to 6 players a fun way to remotely explore known buildings and locations in their area.
From finally buying a Brooklyn brownstone townhouse to finding metro day passes on the Q train, the game offers a broad variety of creative and well thought-through details showcasing the familiarity of creators with our beloved neighborhood. To further enhance the playing experience, creators such as Dennis Gavaghen, representative from Top Trumps USA, also “incorporated important feedback from locals to truly make this a fun and engaging game for Brooklynites and beyond”.
By doing so, they also ensured that even well-accustomed Brooklynites might discover some not yet well-known cultural attractions. The Community Chest in particular showcases the cultural diversity around Brooklyn by highlighting attractions such as the ‘The World of Good’ exhibition of the Jewish Children’s Museum.
But it's not just the cultural diversity that finds important recognition. The new edition also features small Brooklyn-based restaurants and businesses. From free cheesecake at Junior’s Restaurant to shopping at Awoke Vintage, players are provided with inspiration to take their explorations from the board to the street. A Monopoly fan herself, Liz Powers from Awoke Vintage is sure that “locals and visitors will be thrilled to play and what a great way to celebrate Brooklyn”.
So, if you are still looking for Christmas presents or fun ways to bring the whole family together for the holidays, the new Monopoly Brooklyn Edition offers a few hours of interactive engagement for locals, visitors and all those that have not yet had a chance to explore our beautiful neighborhood themselves.
Don't Miss out on Greenpoint's newest restaurant!
Located on the ground floor of Greenpoint's historic Pencil Factory and on the corner of Franklin street is “Sereneco,” a warm and healthy restaurant that opened only this September.
As I was about to open the all wood front door, a woman who was walking by stopped my friend and I to say “You are in for a treat because the chef is insanely good.” Well, that’s a good sign to start my night, isn't it? Upon entering, the host warmly greeted and seated us at our table. As we walked to the table, I couldn't help but notice the modern design of the space with high ceilings, wood furnishings, and overhead lanterns.
The restaurant offers contemporary, seasonal New American food in a bright and airy space that pays homage to the building’s original structure. Led by Owner & Beverage Director Billy Van Dolsen and Partner Jim Nawn, the restaurant is a peaceful oasis for locals and visitors alike. Sereneco is really cool in that it gives you the feeling of a cafe kind of place during daytime, and more restaurant vibes during nighttime.
Looking at the menu and you’ll find extremely unique, satisfying dishes. We began our night with the seared octopus which comes with a side of black puree, marinated olives and a fennel salad. I’ve never had black puree before, but it was definitely worth the try. As for the cocktails, I had the Dorothy Parker Sour; so good that the second round was on the table before the main dish arrived. High five to the bartender! We were actually told that the bar offers a variety of cocktails with New York State-produced gins paired with botanically compatible tonics and garnishes; as well as beers exclusively sourced from Brooklyn and natural organic wines.
For my main dish, I had the delicious Seared Cod. It came with a Vadouvan Curry broth, basmati rice, dried cranberries and pistachio; and my friend ordered the Braised Short Rib which came with potato mash, glazed baby carrot and gremolata. She mentioned it was “cooked just right to provide both a crispy and tender flavor.” We ended it with an Apple Crumble dessert, and we were simply just savoring the moment. Just as the woman at the door said, the food was indeed insanely good and gave us the feeling of a meal that’s home cooked by a chef.
One thing that shouldn’t go unnoticed, is the service. All-star for this wonderful service. It was excellent and went smoothly making our night fun and relaxing.
The restaurant had a steady flow of customers without feeling overly crowded, a healthy sign for a new spot opening during a pandemic. I highly recommend eating and/or drinking at Sereneco. You'll support a local business and enjoy yourself.
P.S: We were there on a Tuesday and found out that Sereneco offers Happy Hour from Tuesdays through Wednesdays where guests can enjoy select cocktails for $9, glasses of wine for $8, and beers for $6.
Don’t hesitate to look at their menu here sereneconyc.com and check out their IG page @sereneconyc for the look and feel of the restaurant!
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Celebrate the holiday season with some appreciation for art and culture by taking a trip to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Battery Park. With the ‘GoghFESTIVE’ experience, people of all ages can enjoy this one-of-a-kind VR experience complete with galleries, a drawing study, and state-of-the-art video mapping technology all about Vincent Van Gogh’s life and works. The exhibit has also partnered with many local businesses to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to the exhibit’s attendees.
Listening to a live performance by the Freeport High School Select Chorale while in the exhilaratingly beautiful immersive room was truly a unique experience, while the VR experience allows you to step right into the mind of Van Gogh and see his world come to life before your eyes. You can also explore Van Gogh’s bedroom reconstructed from his ‘The Bedroom’ painting.
After it’s highly anticipated arrival in New York City on June 5th after selling out in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the exhibit has been given an extension through the holidays and the New Year. Located on the former trading floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange, now known as Skylight at 300 Vesey Street in Battery Park, the completely immersive (yet still socially distanced!) experience provides visitors a unique look and intimate understanding into the life and work of Van Gogh. The one-of-a-kind event is made possible by Exhibition Hub, an international entertainment producer and Fever, a leading entertainment discovery platform who have collaborated with Running Subway, a New York-based entertainment production company, to serve as the local producer.
Find more information and book your tickets on the website here
Instagram: @vangogh.experience link
Facebook: Van Gogh Expo link
NYC Holiday and NYE Events
credit: Raphael Mendez
Amor Loco, a lively, new Mexican restaurant that recently opened in the Theatre District, is hosting a New Year’s Eve Party that will include live music and two burlesque shows hosted by Lucy Buttons at 9:30pm & 11:15pm, including one performance with fire involved! Guests will be steps from the Times Square revelry without having to brave the cold :) For a party of 2 ($65 per person), guests will receive one appetizer, two entrees, one dessert and two margaritas or cocktails of their choice. At midnight, guests will also receive a free flute of champagne as Amor Loco toasts to the new year! Reservations are recommended through Resy or by emailing info@amorloconyc.com. Walk-ins are always welcome, but subject to availability.
2. Daintree Rooftop & Lounge (25 W. 38th St.) invites you to party the night away while perched high up in the Manhattan sky with unbelievable views of the Empire State Building. The special night will include a live DJ, passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and fireworks at midnight. Tickets begin at $95. Doors open at 9pm and you can book your experience by visiting, https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/daintreenyc
Credit: Front of House)
3.Feliz Cocteleria at The Garret Cocteleria (349 Broome Street)
Feliz Coctelería — the uber, festive holiday pop-up at The Garret Coctelería — will be hosting a New Year’s Eve fiesta with holiday cocktails and Taco Towers (serving 4-5) with shrimp ceviche, tuna tartar, chips and guacamole, hot sauces, and good vibes to toast in the New Year. Reservations are available via Resy. Each reservation includes a taco tower ($50 per table).
Credit: Briana Balducci
4. Dingaling(116 Avenue C (at 8th Street)
East Village’s stylish neighborhood bar, Dingaling, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party to welcome in 2022. Tickets ($150pp) include a full open bar, champagne toast and – of course – great tunes from local DJs and fancy hot dogs from 8pm - late. Tickets available via Eventbrite
5. Bandits (44 Bedford Street)
Bandits, the watering hole from The Garret Bars (Borrachito and The Garret Bars), will transform into a glittering, 70’s-inspired party for New Year’s Eve with the theme All That Glitters Is Gold. From 5pm-10pm, Bandits will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu ($75pp; available on Resy), with dishes that feature a modern take on old school diner and dive classics, along with a champagne toast and additional cocktail pairing.
After dinner, from 10pm-2am, Bandits’ All That Glitters Is Gold party will include an open bar and champagne toast at midnight. General admission tickets are available on Resy for $150pp. Table reservations are also available on Resy, starting at $250, including a bottle of champagne and 3-tier Seafood Tower.
Bandits’ bar will remain open until 4am for cash bar service. Reservations available here; tables available here
6. Hidden Lane (129 E. 15th St.) has you covered if you're workin' 9am - 5pm, with a special holiday happy hour menu from 5pm - 8pm, Monday to Friday. Grab drinks with friends and coworkers with specially priced cocktails include Hidden Lane's House or Spicy Margarita for $8 as well as a Beer & Shot combo for $8. Guests can also enjoy $2 off all draft beers as well as $2 off mixed drinks and cocktails. There are also $5 well shots and $5 domestic beers to make your 5pm - 8pm great. More information can be found by visiting, http://www.hiddenlanebar.com
7. Slate (54 W. 21st St.) in the heart of Chelsea, opens at 4pm, Monday-Thursday and has a happy hour till 8pm with $5 Bud Light, $6 Well Drinks, $8 House Wine and $9 House Margaritas and House Martinis. Enjoy a drink while playing ping pong, pool, giant jenga or the world’s largest Pac Man. For more information, visit https://slate-ny.com/
8. Brooklyn Chop House (150 Nassau St) in FiDi will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a multi course dinner for $145 per person. Appetizer options include rock shrimp tempura, chicken lettuce wraps, chicken satays with peanut sauce, vegetable spring rolls, bacon cheeseburger shumai, or pac man seafood dumplings. For entrees, guests are given a choice of 24 oz ribeye steak, salt & pepper 4lb lobster for 2, 7lb Long Island Peking Duck for two, spicy Kung Pao chicken, or sea bass with black bean and fresh garlic. The variety of sides will feature different fried rice including lobster, soft shell crab, and chicken along with french fries and onion rings, crispy seaweed, and Bok Choy. Desserts include ice cream or sorbet sampler, red velvet cake, or peanut butter cheesecake. A choice of two appetizers and one entree are available to one to five guests and six guests or more will be served family style. For more information, visit https://www.brooklynchophouse.com/
9. American Brass (2-01 50th Avenue) in Long Island City features an Early New Year’s Eve menu with availability from 5pm - 7:30pm for $90 per person and a late menu with availability from 9pm - 10pm for $225 complemented by a champagne toast at midnight as well as an open bar. The early menu includes Sourdough Focaccia for the table with a choice of Charred Carrot Salad, Steak Tartare or Grilled Octopus for the first course. The second course includes Branzino, Roast Chicken, a Wagyu Flank Steak and Mushroom Lasagna with parmesan mousse, crispy oyster mushrooms and preserved truffle. Dessert features Red Wine Velvet Cake, Honey Walnut Tart and Chocolate Rosemary Custard. The late menu features an Amuse Bouche and Sourdough Focaccia for the table, with a choice of a Poached Duck Egg, Kampachi Tartare and Cauliflower Velouté for the first course. The second course includes Mushroom Lasagna and Ricotta Cavatelli, the third course features Ocean Trout with champagne sauce, smoked trout roe and marble potatoes, Short Rib served with black truffle pomme purèe, confit king trumpet mushrooms and sauce diablè, and Grilled Cauliflower with vadouvan spice, golden raisin chutney and marcona almond ‘tahini’ and desserts include Red Wine Velvet Cake, Honey Walnut Tart and Dark Chocolate Mousse. Reservations can be made by visiting, https://www.americanbrasslic.com
10. Amali (115 E 60th St) New Year’s Eve special will feature a full course tasting menu for $150 per person. The special year end menu includes Burrata Di Bufala served for the table, Potato Gnocchi, Tajarin Pasta, and Filet Mignon. And be sure to indulge in a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.amalinyc.com/
Credit: Front of House
Credit: Front of House
11. The Garret East (206 Avenue A) and The Garret West (296 Bleecker Street)
Nestled above Five Guys Burgers and Fries, overlooking 7th Avenue in Manhattan, sits The Garret West. For New Year’s Eve, The Garret West will offer a no-frills celebration to ring in 2022. No tickets required, just a cash bar with champagne toast at midnight. Reservations available here; tables available here This New Year’s Eve, The Garret East will transform into a chic evening party to manifest “No Bad Days” in 2022. Ticketed entrance will be from 9pm-2am. General admission ($100pp) includes an open bar and champagne toast at midnight. Tables and private room reservations, ($150pp) include open bar, champagne toast at midnight, and a taco party platter from Borrachito. General admission and table reservations are available via Resy.
12. Fornino at Time Out Market will celebrate New Year’s Eve. For $100, guests are given entry to Time Out Market’s scenic terrace with incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan across the East River. Vendors will include Fornino along with others. Additional entertainment includes DJs and a live Latin Jazz band at 10:30pm. The Rooftop’s midnight toast lets you ring in the new year with an individually-sized bottle of bubbly right as we roll into 2022. https://www.timeout.com/newyork/time-out-market/new-years-eve-2022-at-time-out-market-new-york Fornino (849 Manhattan Ave) will also celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special pizza love fest kit to bring home for the holiday. The special menu features a full meal including an imported cheese and fruit plate, large salad, two heart shaped pizzas, tiramisu and strawberries, and a bottle of either prosecco or wine. To top off the holiday season, the special will also include party hats and noisemakers. The Pizza Love Fest Kit available for pickup or delivery on Friday 12/31 from 4 to 7pm. Orders can be placed by 2pm on 12/30 at https://www.fornino.com/
Feliz Cocteleria Holiday
Credit: Front of House
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Garret Bars’ immersive holiday pop-up, Feliz Coctelería, is back and more festive than ever!
The uber-popular, seasonal pop-up (which first launched in 2020) returned to The Garret Coctelería (349 Broome Street) on 11/26. Just in time for the holidays, Feliz Coctelería offers much-needed respite and warming drinks. We’d love for you to keep the exciting news in mind for any December openings coverage or holiday-themed guides.
Credit: Front of House
Credit: Front of House
With Latin-inspired holiday decor, twinkling lights, eclectic ornaments, and colorful textiles, Feliz Cocteleria is a celebration of Navidad and the holiday spirit - channeling the merriment of the festive season. Key design elements include:
Large palm trees adorned with Christmas lights will be scattered throughout the pop-up
Traditional snowflake paper chains will be decoratively strung from the ceiling
Christmas trees will line the walls and restaurant booths
Gift-wrapped tables where guests can enjoy their festive libations
Hanukkah-inspired blue and silver adornments & floating dreidels, menorahs and more will offer an all-encompassing holiday experience
A lifesize floating sleigh with a mariachi band to delight restaurant-goers
And the return of the holiday llamas!
Feliz Cocteleria’s limited-edition holiday drinks are served in delightfully seasonal glassware (think: snowmen, Santas, and other festive trinkets), curated by Beverage Director Max Stampa-Brown. The pop-up’s holiday cocteles combine vibrant Latin American flavors with holiday season nostalgia.
A few fun beverage highlights include:
Epazote Hot Toddy - Epazote Hot Tea, Ginger, Spiced Apple Cider, Lemon, Guajillo-infused Bourbon
Rocco’s Hot Cocoa - Golden Rice Milk Latte, Powdered Chipotle Powder Blend, Chocolate, Mezcal, Green Chartreuse Marshmallow
A Lump of Coal - Blackberry, Mint, Mango Butter, Black Sesame, Tequila, Lime, Egg White, Chilean Red Wine
Rose & Lenny - Babka infused Slivovitz, Cream of Coconut, Clove & Cardamom, Turmeric, Lime
Fig Tree in Nolita - Mexican Gin, Fig, Ginger, Cacao Nib Sweet Vermouth, Lemon
Holiday House NYC Fall Opening 2021
Myra Biblowit, Frederico Azevedo, Jean Shafiroff, Iris Dankner, Chris Cohen
Photo by Holiday House
Holiday House NYC hosted the opening of their Fall 2021 ‘Coming Together’ Tabletop event on Wednesday, December 8th at The Elizabeth Taylor Mansion, helping to raise critical funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Founder and breast cancer survivor, Iris Dankner, was joined at her exciting and festive live showcase by co-chairs Queer Eye For The Straight Guy’s Thom Filicia, Amy Lau and Jean Shafiroff. Over 200 guests walked throughout the stunning three-floor space, while enjoying bites from Elegant Affairs Caterers and sips from Tito’s, Danos and Wolffer Estate. The evening featured the talents of designers including Austin Gray Design Group, Badilla Painters x Rio Hamilton, Barbara Ostrom Associates, Beth Donner Design x Andrea Correale, Eric Haydel Design, Evan Mason Designs, Pembrooke & Ives, Kim Seybert, Leeann Lavin, Michele Safra, Mottahedeh, Purvi Padia Design, Sandi Berman x Deluxe NYC, Unlimited Earth Care by Frederico Azevedo, and Vanessa Deleon Associates. Each presented chic and cutting-edge holiday tabletop designs featuring the latest interior design trends.
Photo by Mark Sagliocco
Among those in attendance included Myra Biblowit, Patti Carpenter, Jay Dankner, Rebecca Hakimian and Sabrina Hakimian, Debra Halpert, Anne Keating, Brooke Morrow, Gary Mindlin and Amy Rosenblum.
The event sponsors included Jiun Ho x Cambria, 41 Madison x Waterford, Top Hat Home Services, The Melissa Cohn Group, FJ Hakimian, Sebastian Capital and Stark. Media Partners included Modern Luxury Manhattan and Hamptons Real Estate Showcase.
Tanya S. Lewis, Marjeth Cummings, Denise Gordon
Photo by Mark Sagliocco
Founded by interior designer and breast cancer survivor Iris Dankner in 2008, Holiday House is an interior design showhouse in which top interior designers and lifestyle brands can showcase their talent. All proceeds from Holiday House events benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You can learn more about Holiday House by visiting their website at www.holidayhousenyc.com
Holiday House NYC’s Fall 2021 ‘Coming Together’ Tabletop event will be running through December 10th with general admission tickets priced at $50. Tickets can be purchased here.
MAD About Jewelry Opening Benefit
Jeannie Sui Wonders, Barbara Paris Gifford, Anna Sui, LaVon Kellner, Isabelle Sui
Museum of Arts and Design’s (MAD) recently appointed Nanette L. Laitman Director, Tim Rodgers, opened the twenty-first edition of MAD About Jewelry on Monday, December 6, 2021, saying, "Welcome back to the Museum and thank you for welcoming me to my first MAD About Jewelry. Thank you to our MAD About Jewelry Director Bryna Pomp for championing one of the Museum’s most beloved benefits, showcasing designs of more than 40 emerging and acclaimed US-based jewelry artists."
The week-long show and sale of one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry opened with a benefit evening honoring esteemed educator and advocate for contemporary craft Helen Drutt English. MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen lauded Drutt as the Founder and Director of her eponymous gallery in Philadelphia, which was among the first galleries to make a commitment to the modern and contemporary craft movement. She has transformed our understanding and appreciation of craft. For the past 35 years, Helen has been an integral part of MAD’s history to showcase artists advancing jewelry as an art form. "
The annual MAD About Jewelry acquisition prize was presented to artists Amy Lemaire and Michael Nashef. MAD's Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Ladson Chief Curator Elissa Auther shared "Each year this award is presented to luminaries in the field of jewelry. The prize is in keeping with MAD's long-standing commitment of presenting jewelry as an art form. We are the only American museum with a gallery dedicated to the display of contemporary and modern studio jewelry with our own collection of more than nine hundred pieces. Pieces from Amy and Michael now join our collection."
Chairs for the evening were LaVon Kellner, Deidre Quinn, and Kay Unger. Advisory Committee members attending included MAD Board Members Michele Cohen, Marsy Mittlemann and Barbara Waldman, as well as Susan Ach and Ted Taylor. Guests included MAD Board Member Marian Burke, MAD Chairman Emeritus Barbara Tober, MAD Luminaries Co-Chairs Alexander Hankin and Christina Senia, Kathy Chazen, Chrissy Crawford, MAD Associate Curator Barbara Paris Gifford, Levi Higgs, Mary McFadden accompanied by her daughter Justine Harari, Anna Sui with her nieces Jeanni Sui Wonders and Isabelle Sui, and Shining Sung.
PHOTOS by Darian DiCianno for BFA
Travel Back in Time with Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks
Step back in time at Bond 45 with the Grammy award winning band Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks. More than anything, authenticity and quality music are quintessential values of the Nighthawks, and Bond 45 takes this in stride.
Produced by Steve Garrin, guests can now enjoy dinner and dancing to iconic big band scores of the 1920’s and 30’s every Monday and Tuesday nights. Vince and the Nighthawks have appeared in films including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, Finding Forrester, Revolutionary Road, HBOs Boardwalk Empire, as well as Town Hall, Jazz At Lincoln Center, the Newport Jazz Festival and the 92nd St Y for the past four decades. Doors open at 7:30 pm with performances from 8 to 11 pm. To sample some of Vince’s music, you can visit his website here: https://www.vincegiordano.com/
Vince and the band perform.
In addition to the spectacle of live jazz, guests are sure to enjoy Bond 45’s elevated Italian cuisine. Quality ingredients, generous portions and unique takes on Italian classics make for an unforgettable meal, but make sure to leave room for the indulgent and delightful desserts. Nestled in a rustic space decorated with wreaths and twinkle lights, Bond 45 is also the perfect locale for a meal during the holiday season.
Spaghetti Carbonara with freshly cracked pepper and parmesan cheese
As the food and drinks were brought out by the convivial staff, special guests took their turns to join the band. On this evening, local jazz musicians were encouraged to join as well as Breakfast Club star Molly Ringwald and archivist for the Great American Songbook Michael Feinstein. Recent guests have also included pop star Carly Rae Jepsen. The spontaneous atmosphere (and proximity to Broadway) means that no two nights will be the same, and there’s endless potential for star-studded guests to stop by for a tune.
Molly Ringwald performs with the band.
Michael Feinstein sits in to sing.
Interested in spending New Years Eve in the Roaring 20s? Ring in 2022 with this Gatsby themed celebration, complete with live tunes performed by the 16-piece band Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, a three-course prix-fixe menu inclusive of a Champagne Toast at midnight, and views of the Times Square ball drop and Central Park’s fireworks. The celebration will go from 8:30 pm to 12:30 pm and starts at $250 per person for bar and upstairs seating and $400 per person for premium seating. To book, email newyearseve@thefiremangroup.com
TOP DECEMBER EVENTS
HOLIDAY HOUSE NYC FALL 2021
‘COMING TOGETHER’ TABLETOP EVENT
What: Holiday House NYC is returning to New York City for a LIVE event, which will showcase their beloved design industry members and talented interior designers as they come together to raise critical funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
A VIP press preview will be held from 5:00pm – 6:00pm prior to the main event to allow the media exclusive access to the designers and conduct interviews with Holiday House founder Iris Dankner.
Who: The event is co-chaired by Amy Lau, Campion Platt, Jean Shafiroff and Andrea Stark.
Over a dozen leading designers will each design their own chic tabletops to showcase cutting edge décor and lifestyle concepts to be viewed by the design industry, Holiday House’s loyal patrons and the affluent NYC community. Designers will include Austin Gray Design Group, Badilla Painters x Rio Hamilton, Beth Donner and Andrea Correale, Eric Haydel, Evan Mason Designs, Kim Seybert, Leeann Lavin, Michele Safra, Mottahedeh, Purvi Padia Design, Sandy Berman, Unlimited Earth Care and Vanessa Deleon Associates. The event will also include interactive experiences including a cocktail making class.
When: Opening Night Preview: December 8, 2021
6pm – 9pm
General Admission: December 9, 2021
11am – 8pm
December 10, 2021
11am -5pm
(Times of events will be announced at a later date)
Where: The Elizabeth Taylor Mansion
10 West 56th Street
New York, NY 10019
Holiday House invites the community to ‘Come Together’ for an evening of beautiful tabletop designs with hors d’oeuvres by Elegant Affairs in celebration of being able to reunite after spending a year apart.
Sponsors for the event include Jiun Ho x Cambria, 41 Madison x Waterford, Top Hat Home Services, The Melissa Cohn Group, FJ Hakimian, Sebastian Capital and Stark. Media Partners include Modern Luxury Manhattan and Hamptons Real Estate Showcase.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). To date, Holiday House has raised almost two million dollars for breast cancer research.
Tickets for the opening night preview are priced at $250 and general admission are priced at $50. Tickets can be purchased here.
The annual exhibition and sale of one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry returns to New York's Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) for its twenty-first edition.
MAD About Jewelry is open to the public with free admission, December 7 through 11, showcasin more than 40 emerging and acclaimed US-based jewelry artists, including Pamela Love, Of Rare Origin, MoAnA Luu, and Tiffany Vanderhoop.
For collectors, connoisseurs, fashionistas, and all who share an interest in the interplay of art and design, MAD About Jewelry provides an unparalleled opportunity to converse with and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field in support of the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
3. Feliz Cocteleria Holiday Pop-Up
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Garret Bars’ immersive holiday pop-up, Feliz Coctelería, is back and more festive than ever!
The uber-popular, seasonal pop-up (which first launched in 2020) returned to The Garret Coctelería (349 Broome Street) on 11/26. Just in time for the holidays, Feliz Coctelería offers much-needed respite and warming drinks. We’d love for you to keep the exciting news in mind for any December openings coverage or holiday-themed guides.
With Latin-inspired holiday decor, twinkling lights, eclectic ornaments, and colorful textiles, Feliz Cocteleria is a celebration of Navidad and the holiday spirit - channeling the merriment of the festive season. Key design elements include:
Large palm trees adorned with Christmas lights will be scattered throughout the pop-up
Traditional snowflake paper chains will be decoratively strung from the ceiling
Christmas trees will line the walls and restaurant booths
Gift-wrapped tables where guests can enjoy their festive libations
Hanukkah-inspired blue and silver adornments & floating dreidels, menorahs and more will offer an all-encompassing holiday experience
A lifesize floating sleigh with a mariachi band to delight restaurant-goers
And the return of the holiday llamas!
Feliz Cocteleria’s limited-edition holiday drinks are served in delightfully seasonal glassware (think: snowmen, Santas, and other festive trinkets), curated by Beverage Director Max Stampa-Brown. The pop-up’s holiday cocteles combine vibrant Latin American flavors with holiday season nostalgia.
A few fun beverage highlights include:
Epazote Hot Toddy - Epazote Hot Tea, Ginger, Spiced Apple Cider, Lemon, Guajillo-infused Bourbon
Rocco’s Hot Cocoa - Golden Rice Milk Latte, Powdered Chipotle Powder Blend, Chocolate, Mezcal, Green Chartreuse Marshmallow
A Lump of Coal - Blackberry, Mint, Mango Butter, Black Sesame, Tequila, Lime, Egg White, Chilean Red Wine
Rose & Lenny - Babka infused Slivovitz, Cream of Coconut, Clove & Cardamom, Turmeric, Lime
Fig Tree in Nolita - Mexican Gin, Fig, Ginger, Cacao Nib Sweet Vermouth, Lemon
Alexa in a Pear Tree Holiday Window
The holiday spirit is back in NYC and there's a new must-visit holiday window in town-the world's first smart holiday window, "Alexa in a Pear Tree."
Come see the interactive display with your friends, family-and pet! Located at 63 Spring Street (corner of Lafayette Street) in SoHo, the window will be open to the public starting December 3-12 (12-9pm daily) and is a free experience, where you can ask Alexa to turn on festive holiday smart lights, play Amazon Music holiday originals, and more.
You can also recreate the magic of the window at home by using the following commands:
Ask Alexa to Play Holiday Music: Using your Echo device or Alexa app, say, “Alexa, play holiday music” to start up seasonal hits, including new exclusive Amazon Originals from Leon Bridges, Day + Shay, Camila Cabello, and more.
Bring the Holiday Cheer with Smart Lights: As you’re decorating, add Smart Bulbs or Smart Lightstrips to control lights and change them to festive hues like red, green, and blue by voice with your Amazon Echo device.
Smarten Up Decor: Use an Amazon Smart Plug to add voice control to your electronic holiday décor, lamps and so much more. Just plug in, use the Alexa app to get started, and then activate your holiday décor by voice (“Alexa, turn on the tree.”).
Get Help with Gift Lists: Last-minute shopping? Find out the latest device deals by asking “Alexa, what are my deals?”
Try Alexa Skills:
Families can say, "Alexa, open Call Santa Claus," and Alexa will connect them to Old St. Nick and all his friends at the North Pole!
If you say “Alexa, where is Santa?” kids can track Old St. Nick before and during Christmas.
If you say, “Alexa, open Holiday Yule Log” the Yule Log will pop up, specifically optimized for the Echo Show and Fire TV.
Create a Routine: Routines are shortcuts for Alexa, saving you time by grouping together actions so you don’t have to ask individually. For example, you can enable a Routine that is triggered when you say, “Alexa, make it festive” to create a fun, festive house feel by having Alexa turn on smart light effects and play cozy holiday music.
Photo Credit: Tory Stopler for Alexa in a Pear Tree
Naughty or Nice at The Skinny
The Lower East Side bar and lounge The Skinny (174 Orchard St) is now the most extra holiday bar in town. The Naughty or Nice Holiday Pop Up Bar at The Skinny is now open to the public through the end of January 2022. The festive bar is decked in floor-to-ceiling, over-the-top, gaudy Christmas decor and boasts interactive games like a Wheel of Misfortune and a calendar full of surprises. Rudolph and his reindeer friends can be spotted on the wall alongside a wall of Bad Santa photos.
Expect events that will place you on the naughty list like seductive burlesque performances, naughty Christmas caroling, karaoke and more complemented by mouth watering holiday-inspired food and Coping Mechanism cocktails that will make you feel good about being bad. Naughty or Nice has live music nightly and maybe if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of Santa, a Drag Queen Grinch or Mrs. Claus. For more information, visit: https://www.theskinny-nyc.com
Photos are courtesy of Daniel Kwak
PLAY IT SAFE Short Film
“Coaxed into playing a racial typecast in a fellow student's play, Jonathan is faced to either challenge prejudice, or play it safe.”
Directed by Mitch Kalisa and starring Jonathan Ajayi (BIFA’s Best Newcomer, Screenstar of Tomorrow), PLAY IT SAFE won the Oscar Qualifying Grand Jury Award for Narrative Short at South by Southwest, and has been selected by many other festivals including (BFI) London Film Festival, Telluride, Nashville, Palm Springs, AFI.
In a U.K. drama school where students are being encouraged to “take up more space,” student Jonathan is firstly confronted by pressure to play a stereotyped role in a play. Then a seemingly harmless acting exercise becomes a particular challenge which he has to decide whether to face, in front of his watchful peers and teacher.
The short delves into issues of racism that need to be addressed in artistic institutions and the entertainment industry as a whole, pertaining to stereotyping in casting along with diversity and representation.
Behind the scenes of PLAY IT SAFE courtesy of London Flair PR
This story has been in the works for 7 years by director Mitch Kalisa, with the idea for it planted in his head ever since he took acting classes as a teen. Through the process of acting classes, Kalisa eventually discovered that his “real passion lay in crafting stories and then developing them into a performance” leading to his grounding in creating character driven stories.
Producer Chris Toumazou and Jonathan Ajayi both grew up in West London and attended Arts Educational School, and referenced the school as a perfect setting for Kalisa’s visualization of setting for the short film. Arts Ed were incredibly supportive of being the shooting location for the short even in light of the delicate themes of the film with both Head of Drama Julie Spencer and production manager Di Stedman championing the film's production. In fact, an open casting was held for current students of the school to be background actors, but the team were so overwhelmed with the performers’ talent that some of the featured student roles were cast through the open call.
The final scene of the short with particularly gripping cinematography conveys Kalisa’s goal for the film to ruminate on the actions of the class and teacher in face of Jonathan’s choice, also encouraging self-reflection from the audience.
Images courtesy of London Flair PR
The Hard Seltzer Fest Seltzerland Will Hit 22 Cities in 2022
Seltzerland's 22-city 2022 tour will kick off in San Diego on January 29th at St. Mark Golf Club - 12 events across the US are on sale right now at https://www.seltzerland.com/2022-cities-page.
Cannonball Productions has announced the second season of its highly-successful nationally-touring hard seltzer festival, Seltzerland, with tour-dates in both new and returning cities. The 22-city 2022 tour will kick off in San Diego on January 29th at St. Mark Golf Club, followed by Los Angeles on February 5th at Bixby Village Golf Course, Phoenix on February 26th at The Great Lawn at Sportsman's Park, Houston on March 12th at Wildcat Golf Club, Dallas on March 15th at Lake Park Golf Club Executive Course, Tampa on April 2nd at Westchase Golf Club, Nashville on April 30th at Riverside Golf Links, Charlotte on May 7th at Paradise Valley Golf Course and Milwaukee on June 5th at Lincoln Park Golf Course before heading to NYC on August 6th at the Brooklyn Expo Center, Denver on September 10th at Overland Golf Course and Atlanta on April 23rd at John. A White Golf Course with additional stops soon to be added along the way.
The fest’s groundbreaking launch took place in Chicago in August 2020 and visited five cities in total that year by taking the event from large-scale indoor venues, to the great outdoors during the pandemic. The fest’s success was palpable, which led to Cannonball Productions embarking on a sold-out 20-city tour in 2021, which hit golf courses coast-to-coast from Scottsdale, Tampa, Atlanta and Nashville, to Austin, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas and Miami.
In 2022, guests will bask in the bubbly, spending the afternoon tasting over 100 hard seltzer varieties including White Claw, Mike's Hard Lemonade Seltzer, Vizzy, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Playamar, BuzzBallz and Sparking Ice Spiked, while indulging in mouthwatering munchies along the way. Each event will have fun music, epic games and one-of-a-kind immersive experiences, all while attendees sip on hard seltzers from iconic national and beloved local brands.
"Clearly, hard seltzer is here to stay." said Cannonball Productions Founder & CEO Kate Levenstien. "We are excited to give everyone the opportunity to sample the best hard seltzers and find new favorites, all while enjoying great company, fun activities and beautiful weather on rolling green golf courses."
There are two ways to experience Seltzerland with General Admission and VIP tickets offered. General Admission tickets begin at $29 and VIP tickets start at $49. VIP ticket holders will kick off the event with premier timeslots, a full-sized can of hard seltzer, a specialty cocktail, a commemorative tasting glass, exclusive swag and more!
For tickets and tour updates, visit https://www.seltzerland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seltzerland/ Instagram: @seltzer_land
Ticketing inquiries can be directed to hello@cannonballproductions.com
French Heritage Society Cabaret Evening
On Friday, November 12th, 2021, French Heritage Society hosted their annual Gala Dinner Dance – A Cabaret Evening Celebrating the City of Lights – at a private club in Manhattan. From the guests’ joyful reunions over cocktails to the kinetic dance floor that kept the Alex Donner Orchestra playing well into the night, the evening warmly celebrated the return of in-person French-American amitié.
The evening honored Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Tony Award-winning writers, producers, and founders of BroadwayHD.com, for their impressive contributions to the theatre. Special Events Chairman CeCe Black awarded the couple with a stunning Daum Crystal trophy. The cabaret portion of the program, introduced by FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein, featured Robbie Fairchild, multi-talented star of An American in Paris on Broadway and beyond. Fairchild held guests enraptured with intimate set of beloved Gershwin classics, accompanied by the gifted musician Kate Davis.
The elegant fete was held at the behest of Gala Chairmen Liz McDermott Barnes, CeCe Black, Stark D. Kirby, Jr., Jay R. Paul, and Jean Shafiroff, and in the presence of Consul General of France in New York Jérémie Robert and Cultural Counselor Gaetan Bruel. Gala Co-Chairmen included Geoffrey Bradfield, Elisa Fredrickson, David and Susanne Gray, Michael Kovner and Jean Doyen de Montaillou, Bruce Horten, and Ann Van Ness. Further flair was added by New York Chapter Co-Chairmen Guy N. Robinson and Odile de Schietere-Longchampt and the event’s wine consultant, FHS Board Member George Sape.
Esteemed guests included: Board Chairman Elizabeth Stribling and President Comte Denis de Kergorlay, Board Members Timothy Corrigan, Christian Draz, Ronald Lee Fleming, Kazie Metzger Harvey, Michel Moscovici, and Young Patrons Circle Chairmen Blake Funston and Johnsonie Casimyr. Also attending: Christine and Max Ansbacher, Susan and Gerald Baker, Sharon Bush, Patricia Duncan, Susan Gutfreund, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Margaret and Gregory Hedberg, Rolf Heitmeyer, Sylvia Hemingway, Marife Hernadez and Joel Bell, Daniel Hurstel, Paul and Ursula Lowerre, Kenneth and Ellen Roman, Thomas and Patricia Shiah, Lynn and Pascale Franchot Tone, Kelly Williams and Andrew Forsyth.
Proceeds from the Gala Dinner Dance benefit French Heritage Society’s mission to ensure that the treasures of our shared French architectural and cultural heritage survive to inspire future generations. Beginning in 2022, FHS will celebrate its 40th Anniversary year with a full calendar of events leading up to a highly curated trip through Paris and gala evening at the Petit Palais, a stunning Belle Epoque masterpiece, in October 2022