Nashville Hot Chicken at JACX&CO’S
JACX&CO (28-17 Jackson Avenue), a new food hall in Long Island City (28-17 Jackson Avenue), debuted in November of last year to rave reviews. The food hall is located on the plaza level of The JACX, a 1.2 million square-foot creative office campus developed, owned and operated by Tishman Speyer. JACX&CO’s intuitive architectural design and branding set the stage for the food hall’s culinary experts, with an expansive dining room (reminiscent of a modern, airy courtyard) surrounded by the vendors’ booths which line the perimeter of the space.
The food hall reflects the vibrant culture of its neighborhood with diverse cuisine and versatile culinary options from celebrated chefs. All food options are available for indoor dining, pick-up and delivery, with a full service bar and outdoor dining.
JACX&CO recently opened their outdoor patio – perfect for enjoying a delectable meal from JACX&CO’s standout vendors, including the new Hot Chicken Takeover (HCT), which opened on 5/17.
HCT is a community-focused restaurant serving juicy, perfectly fried Nashville Hot Chicken. Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2014, HCT prioritizes quality ingredients like fresh, never frozen chicken, housemade sides and fixings. A majority of HCT’s employees are hired through its Fair Chance program, which provides supportive employment to those who have been impacted by the justice system and adversity due to incarceration, homelessness and addiction. Some of the items on the menu includes:
Nashville Hot Chicken – marinated for 18 hours and fried-to-order with four heat levels
Miss B’s Banana Pudding – can also be made gluten-free!
Ma’s Slaw – made with tangy vinegar, not mayo
Hand punched fries – fresh cut daily
Ma’s Sweet Tea
The Bar at JACX&CO also serves up expert wine selections for those who want to go the classic route and premium craft beer for those who want to kick back and relax. Those who find themselves looking for a nightcap before heading home would find that The Bar at JACX&CO will more than satisfy their need for a buzz.
Bottles of top-of-the-line drinks filled the shelf from left to right. Surrounded by coat-covered high stool chairs, wooden tables, and comfy ottomans, the bar was full of guests looking to try inventive new drinks and some old favorites. There’s a lot of fun to be had just from the playfully named cocktails: a sweet-with-a-kick Gantry Park Fizz, Sunnyside, Spice & Smooth, Tale of 2 Cities, Side Piece, a classic Jacx & Coke, Queens Gold, and a smooth Highlander.
The full vendor list at JACX&CO’S
Beebe’s - a crispy, thin-crust pizzeria paying tribute to New York City’s original-style pies.
Hot Chicken Takeover - made-to-order Nashville-style hot chicken and delicious sides
Lotus + Cleaver - a fast-casual Chinese spot that highlights a mix of traditional and modern Chinese flavors featuring locally sourced ingredients in curated and make-your-own bowls, fresh salads, and seasonal market sides.
Méxology - chef Ivy Stark’s fast-casual Mexican spot using locally sourced, naturally raised and organic ingredients whenever possible, Méxology features bright flavors and fresh ideas with plates, bowls, tacos, and sides.
Taïm - chef Einat Admony’s popular falafel chain. Israeli inspired Mediterranean street food using the finest quality ingredients and spices.
Jia - specialty Chinese dim sum
Biao Sugar - bubble Tea
Temakase - lively hand roll sushi bar
Ghaya - an all-day Tunisian cafe from pastry chef Ghaya Oliveira
For more information and hours https://jacxandco.com/
Taste of Tribeca 2022
Taste of Tribeca — the 26th annual fundraiser for PS 234 and PS 150 — returned to Duane Park on May 21 after a two-year hiatus. Covid canceled the events in 2020 and 2021, but the volunteer organizers found a way to raise money by purchasing meals from local eateries, which were then delivered to hospitals throughout the city during the pandemic's deadliest days. It raised $70,000 and fed 8000 people.
The 26th Annual Taste of Tribeca highlighted a roster of Michelin-starred, award-winning, and other excellent restaurants, allowing attendees to sample the best dishes and drinks that Lower Manhattan has to offer.
While the weather was unseasonably hot, over 60 of Tribeca's top restaurants came together for an incredible outdoor food festival and public school fundraiser. Participating restaurants included 1803 NYC, AMERICAN CUT TRIBECA, AÑEJO TRIBECA, BELLE REVE, BENARES, BILLY'S BAKERY, BUBBY'S, CITY VINEYARD, CLASSIC NEW YORK BEER, TORCH & CROWN BREWING COMPANY, DOWNTOWN YOGURT & ICE CREAM, EDWARD'S, ESTANCIA 460 & NORTH BAR. FONDA, GIGINO TRATTORIA, GRANDAISY BAKERY, HAMLET HOUND, HOOK & LADDER 8, IL MULINO, INSOMNIA COOKIES, JUNGSIK. KHE-YO, L' ANGOLO TRIBECA, L' ABEILLE, MACAO TRADING COMPANY, MAMAN, MAX, MONK McGINN'S, MONTAUK BREWING COMPANY, MUDVILLE, ONE WHITE STREET, ONESEED, PAISLEY RESTAURANT, PUFFY'S TAVERN, PEPOLINO RESTAURANT, RESTAURANT MARC FORGIONE, SERAFINA TRIBECA, TAKAHACHI, TERROIR, THE HIDEAWAY, THE ODEON, THE PALM, THE ROXY HOTEL, TINY'S & THE BAR UPSTAIRS, TRIBECA GRILL, TWO HANDS, WALKERS, YVES, ZUCKER'S BAGELS & SMOKED FISH, ZUTTO JAPANESE AMERICAN PUB
Guests were also urged to bring their children to the KidsZone (located in Duane Park) for family-friendly activities, which included arts and crafts with Craft Studio and Spotlight Kids, games with Cocoon, edible art with Cricket's Candy, coding with The Coder School, and reading at Book Nook. Fashion Squad School, Dance with Miss Rachel, Arc Athletics, BB Skate Club, and Nicol Squash all gave performances.
All revenues will go toward music lessons, museum and author trips, and technological upgrades for over 800 youngsters at PS 150 and PS 234 public schools. It's never been easier to indulge for a good cause!
Bongos - Dinner through comtemporary noir lens
Bongos (85 Orchard St) — a new neighborhood bistro and cocktail bar located in the LES — has officially opened on May 17.
Owners Michael Beaumont Bray and Noble Harris, who also operate Kind Regards and Dingaling, bring their distinct sensibility to Bongos (Bongos is their first full service restaurant as owners). Bongos is the neighborhood's new go-to spot for group dining, conviviality, and shared experiences, drawing inspiration from supper clubs and designed to feel like a sophisticated and dynamic dinner party every night of the week.
Bongos has a laid-back, welcoming ambience that brings back memories for everyone who walks through its doors. Imagining the dinner party through a contemporary noir lens, they pay tribute to the Lower East Side as they live it – with dinner served until midnight, along with a curated beverage menu and weekend brunch.
Bongos’s menu features modern renditions of classic American Dishes. Popular bites include:
Charbroiled Oysters with pecorino, Aleppo, and herbs
Steak Tartare with black sesame, ancho, and pickled mustard seed
Bongos Chicken with Calabrian relish, house pickles, and herbs
Pacific Whiting with guajillo mojo, sourdough, and fennel
The cocktail menu offers something for everyone; options include:
The Chamomile Martini, plus classic and dirty martinis
"Negronis-ish” – a selection of Negronis and “Negroni-adjacent” libations, including Rum-Banana-Coconut, Mexican Coffee and Mezcal-Coffee-Amaro options
The Bongos Highball (scotch, honey, ginger, lemon)
The Orange Julius (vodka, vanilla, tangerine, lemon)
The Southside (gin, mint, cucumber, lime)
The restaurant's four separate areas (including the amber-hued grand dining room and rear atrium) are all inspired by the Lower East Side's personality and based on the concept of a dinner party in a private residence. Enjoy B-grade noir films on repeat, as well as terrazzo and handpicked outsider art in the decor.
Bongos's menus can be found online here.
Interior photos by Bongos
Grey Lady Happy Hour
Grey Lady (77 Delancey St) — the Lower East Side restaurant and late-night bar inspired by the casual beach towns of coastal New England. Offering an unpretentious, farm-to-table menu of seafood dishes and seasonal cocktails, Grey Lady is a laid-back escape for locals and visitors alike. They’ve been open for 10+ years (a feat in NYC) and are truly better than ever! This place is the spot for happy hour after a long day at work.
What’s On Tap at Grey Lady This Summer?
Dollar Oysters: All summer long, Grey Lady will offer weekday happy hour from 4pm - 6pm — including $1 oysters, $6 drafts, $9 wine, and $10 cocktails
Lobster Rolls: Make sure you don’t miss Grey Lady’s 1¼-lb freshly-shucked Maine lobster rolls – perfect for those who know you don’t have to leave New York to find great seafood
Nantucket-Inspired Cocktails: Enjoy refreshing libations like Grey Lady’s Nantucket Blueberry Lemonade, Sconset Slammer, and Spicy Watermelon Margarita
Grey Lady is open every day of the week until midnight or later (and until 4am on weekends), with reservations via Resy.
Intimate Cocktail Tasting at Bond 45
On May 17, we were welcomed to an intimate cocktail tasting and happy hour with Gabriele Guidoni, Corporate Beverage Director of Fireman Hospitality Group, at Bond 45 in Times Square (221 West 46th Street).
Guidoni demonstrated Fireman's upcoming spring and summer cocktail program with samples of the Pink Grapefruit Negroni Sorbet, Sgroppino Al Limone, The Pain Killer, as well as martinis (which have always been a fan favorite at FHG and continue to see an ongoing demand from guests), including their Espresso Martini. Cocktail samples were accompanied by light snacks, and mocktail choices were available upon request.
Espresso Martini
Pineapple Mojito
Guidoni has been with Fireman Hospitality Group for nearly 8 years and has previously held executive positions at award-winning restaurant groups in Rome, Doha, Vancouver, and other cities. He is a sommelier who attended the Italian Sommelier Association in Rome.
Fireman Hospitality Group features a portfolio of iconic restaurants located in high-traffic entertainment destinations and cultural centers including Broadway, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center – including Bond 45 New York (221 West 46th Street), Café Fiorello (1900 Broadway at Lincoln Center), Brooklyn Delicatessen (200 West 57th Street), Brooklyn Diner (155 West 43rd Street and 212 West 57th Street), Redeye Grill (890 7th Avenue), and Trattoria Dell’Arte (900 7th Avenue).
66th Viennese Opera Ball
The 66th annual Viennese Opera Ball, the oldest and most prestigious outside of Vienna, was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City under the auspices of the US Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center benefited from the gala, which was made possible by the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Jean Shafiroff, a philanthropist, served as the evening's Gala chair. Sylvia Hemingway and Peter Thomas Roth served as vice chairs. A special thanks goes to Ernst Woller, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament, and the City of Vienna for their ongoing support.
Some notable attendees included: President of the Viennese Opera Ball Silvia Frieser, event chair and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Artistic Director of the Viennese Opera Ball Daniel Serafin, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament Ernst Woller, Peter Thomas Roth, Martin Shafiroff, Winemaker Leo Hillinger, owner of A.E. Köchert Jewelers Wolfgang Koechert, Iurii Samoilov, Carolina López Moreno, Emily Mohr, Cole Rumbough, Patricia Shiah, Mrs. Brookfield, Ana Stone, Scott Stone, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Maria Fishel, Kenneth Fishel, Maribel Lieberman, Nicole Salmasi, Alice Lutz, Annabel Oreste.
The evening began with a delicious VIP cocktail hour, which was followed by the formal presentation. The celebration began with their Debutantes, just as it did in Europe. This year's ball had the theme "A Night of Love," with the goal of sending peace and love to their guests and the world, as well as celebrating the love and friendship of Austrian-American friends and connections. To emphasize the night's theme, Royal Flowers, in collaboration with Luz Flora, donated 20,000 red roses. To raise funds for Caritas Ukraine, a donation table was set up.
The Viennese Opera Ball welcomed a new Austrian wine sponsor, Leo Hillinger Wine, for the first time. Leo Hillinger, a winemaker, was also present at the ball. Another event sponsor was A.E. Köchert, and its owner, Mr. Wolfgang Koechert, who presented the magnificent diamond 'Sisi' star brooch at the live auction.
Carolina López Moreno, Iurii Samoilov, Johanna Will, Matthew White, and Donata D'Annunzio Lombardi were among the opera stars who performed at the 66th Viennese Opera Ball. Iurii Samoilov also sang a moving tribute to his homeland Ukraine, singing a folk song to remind guests of the terrible situation in Ukraine, the importance of remembering what is going on in that part of the world, and to help raise funds throughout the evening. Vinicius Kattah conducted the Viennese Opera Ball Orchestra.
Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff
Leo Hillinger, Silvia Frieser, Ernst Woeller, Wolfgang Koechert
8 West Point Cadets
The annual white-tie charity gala celebrates Austria and America's cultural and economic ties, bringing two continents, two cities, and two centuries together in one glamorous evening. It was founded 66 years ago as a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York, by Austrian immigrants to the United States. The gala draws an international audience of diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals.
Photos by Patrick McMullan
You Need PR Book Launch
You Need PR is just as it sounds. It is an approachable guide for early-stage startup companies and individuals looking for a robust PR strategy, but do not yet have the budget or the capacity to hire the full PR firm on retainer. It is an Inc. Original Imprint launching early May.
Life Rooftop
As the summer weather commences, Life Rooftop is the ideal setting to enjoy a delicious cocktail and gaze at the sunset over Central Park.
Life Rooftop is a modern lounge and terrace atop hotel Le Meridien in midtown, with two bars fixing an array of alluring cocktails while also offering delicious bites from Executive Chef Anastacia Song. Life Rooftop’s clever design features a sleek indoor lounge to relax on those breezier nights, with also a covered terrace area to be able to enjoy the rooftop rain or shine. The perfect blend of elegance and comfortability.
Image courtesy of Assante Public Relations
Image courtesy of Assante Public Relations
The extensive bar menu features beautifully adorned craft cocktails as well as various options of bottle service. There’s even a delightful Rope Hanger Punch pitcher perfect for celebrations with friends. Executive Chef Anastacia Song’s menu offers an array of bar bites such as assorted cured meats and cheeses, as well as fun pub pretzels, cajun spice wings and everything bagel pastry pups.
The Seersucker (Rum, Fresh Strawberry, Lemon and Cinnamon) and a Classic Old Fashioned
The Tropical Nymph (Vodka, Blue Curacao, Pineapple, Mango, and Orgeat)
The Rope Hanger Punch perfect for sharing
New York native Anastacia Song switched from medical school to the hospitality industry upon realizing her heart was in the kitchen. She began her career in bartending before learning from Chef Harold Moore at Commerce where she continued to be a Chef de Cuisine in Jersey City, before returning to New York to work at Martha in Fort Greene, and Treehaus in Midtown. She became Executive Chef at American Cut for two years discovering her love of steak before helming the kitchen at Kumi in Le Meridien. Her expertise now brings small plate creations to the Life Rooftop.
Life Rooftop is owned and operated by Disruptive Restaurant Group led by Sam Nazarian, incubating globally renowned culinary brands and critically acclaimed restaurants, lounges and nightclubs.
Start your summer off with a visit to Life Rooftop and catch the dazzling Central Park views for a real living it up in NYC experience!
Tastemakers: The 18th Century French Luxury Market and the Global Art Trade
Last week, Villa Albertine Headquarters located at the French Embassy in New York, hosted an event to honor its recent exhibit called, “Tastemakers: The 18th Century French Luxury Market and the Global Art Trade.”
The exhibition showcased over thirty pieces from the collections of Galerie Kugel, one of France’s most prominent galleries. Some of the works date back to 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and were previously owned by the likes of Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry.
The marvelous collection of luxury items had previously belonged to “Marchands merciers,“ who were the tastemakers of the 18th century French luxury market. As described by Diderot in 1751 Encyclopédie as “makers of nothing, sellers of everything.“
The exhibition was part of series of events Villa Albertine hosted this year. The collection is expected to continue traveling around the world, meanwhile Villa Albertine is hoping to host more events in the upcoming few months. For more information on the Tastemakers exhibit, please visit Galerie Kugel.
Arcadia Earth HoloLens
This month, the Arcadia Earth Exhibit at 718 Broadway will introduce the first mixed reality environmental art exhibit with hololens technology. HoloLens is Microsoft's new augmented reality headset that enables users to introduce interactive holograms into their real world experience. Users use the headsets to activate the world around them by looking in the direction of the holograms they see, bringing them to life and unlocking hidden gems, environmental facts, and lifelike animations. The experience brings together the entertainment of a video game, the education of a museum, and the immersion of a VR experience together.
The HoloLens tour at Arcadia Earth was developed in partnership with Enklu and enhances the extended reality exhibit in New York City, which features captivating experiential art that showcases ecosystems such as forests and the open ocean and global issues such as single-use plastic waste and overfishing. Sharing in the Arcadia Earth mission to empower changemakers, Enklu is an impact-driven team of spatial creators that develop holographic experiences for the real world.
Using HoloLens’ Mixed-Reality to Journey Through Planet Earth | After putting on HoloLens, visitors are welcomed by a friendly orb who acts as their guide through the experience. The headset enhances Arcadia Earth's colorful and sculptural multisensory exhibit with a lit path, gaze-collectible gems and proximity-triggered audio and visuals.
Stepping into the first room, visitors learn about the plight of coral reefs as they view a life-size diorama animated by augmented reality. They are invited to collect holographic gems, each of which offers a new tidbit about coral reefs. Visitors learn, for example, that coral reefs are home to over a quarter of the oceans’ marine life, but that 70% of reefs are threatened by bleaching. Participants watch a holographic coral bleach white before their eyes.
Another gem reveals that by simply changing the type of sunscreen you use, you can help protect these hubs of biodiversity. Clicking on a button sends this recommendation to the participant’s phone to review later. Throughout the journey, visitors have moments to step into a space where they can pause and add information to their carbon footprint calculation, with the goal of better understanding the practical steps they can take to help the planet.
Transforming the Future of Physical Exhibits| Introducing augmented reality wearable devices brings exciting possibilities to the world of Arcadia Earth with the potential to endlessly reimagine the experience. Unlike permanent physical installations, the holograms can be updated at any time to add new information, innovations or entirely new experiences for the visitor. The potential for refreshing exhibits becomes endless.
Tickets for general admission start at $27 off-peak for children, students, seniors 65+, veterans, and active military with valid ID. Other tickets are $39 peak and $33 off-peak, with the HoloLens tour being offered as an exclusive experience accessible by a special ticket price of $59. As part of Arcadia Earth’s mission to be carbon neutral, proceeds from tickets sold will go towards planting mangrove trees – chosen for their effectiveness in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Charitable supporters of Arcadia Earth include Oceanic Global and WWF.
Learn more about Arcadia Earth at arcadia.earth
SWCRF Cocktail Party to Kick Off Hamptons Happening
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted a special Cocktail Party on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, at Versa in New York City to kick off two critical SWCRF fundraising events: the 18th Annual Hamptons Happening and the virtual Step Up To Turn Off Cancer. Events like these have enabled SWCRF to invest more than $100 million in collaborative cancer research, supporting hundreds of investigators around the world and leading to numerous breakthrough discoveries.
Dr. Samuel Waxman, SWCRF CEO and Founder, this year's Hamptons Happening honorees, Bess Freedman, CEO Brown Harris Stevens; Chef Julian Medina, Chef & Owner Toloache, Tacuba, Coppelia, Kuxe, La Chula & El Fish Shack; and Mark Melchiorre, Executive Managing Director, CIO & Head of Brean Investment Group; event chair Mark D. Friedman, co-chairs. For more information visit www.waxmancancer.org/events/hamptons/.
Bess Freedman, Julian Medina, Mark Melchiorre
This year's Hamptons Happenings, one of the most anticipated events on the Hamptons summer calendar, will take place on Saturday, July 9th, 2022, at Kenneth and Maria Fishel's beautiful Bridgehampton Estate. Attendees will enjoy a night of delectable tastings from dozens of chefs, restaurants, and beverage companies while helping to raise critical funds for cancer research.
The Step Up To Turn Cancer Off is a new virtual fundraising event in which participants track their physical activities to meet their daily "step" goal. Almost any activity, such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, yoga, gardening, and so on, can be converted into steps using an easy-to-use online tool. Participants can register individually or as a team, then share their progress with their peers and family to raise funds. The week-long challenge will take place from June 6th to June 12th, 2022. For more information, to register, or to sponsor a participant or team, visit www.waxmancancer.org/events/stepup/.
About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF):
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.
The Grand Opening of Wonderland
Wonderland, a new nightclub and adult nightlife venue in Chelsea, officially opened at 20 West 20th Street with a grand opening party hosted by Rick Ross, sword swallower Le Reine The Thrill, and ax juggler Sam Urdang. This innovative new venue combines a high-energy big-room NYC nightclub experience with the best in after-dark entertainment. Wonderland features a variety of live stage acts, celebrity guest hosts, bottle service, and a mezzanine for guests to dine on. Wonderland is poised to set the industry standard for years to come. On April 28th, former NFL star turned rapper Antonio Brown will perform, followed by a headlining DJ set by Diplo on Friday, April 29th.
Twenty West Partners, who have over 25 years of experience in nightlife and adult entertainment in New Jersey, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, run Wonderland. Richie Romero, one of the forces behind Nebula nightclub, Hidden Lane, Temakase, Innocent Yesterday, and Zazzy's Pizza, leads the team.
SBS Slammer by SBS Designs created and designed Wonderland. The Hybrid SBS Slammer for Wonderland combines today's state-of-the-art Class AB Amplification, which is completely hand-made to spec by SBS Designs with no off-the-shelf parts, and offers High end Analog Processing by SBS Slammer & SBS Designs, which offers the widest frequency response on the market, with the best vintage front end preamp to add full control and unique texture in the voicing of playback, so it provides the sweetest sounds. The DJ booth features high-end Denon hardware, including two SC6000 media players and an x1850 mixer, as well as SBS Modified Italian RCF 2 way monitors powered by an SBS Designs S4 Class A + AB amplifier with 950 watts of pure power, to ensure that the DJs never miss a beat.
The venue was formerly owned by singer-songwriter husband and wife duo Ashford & Simpson and was known as 20/20 before becoming the VIP Room in the mid-1990s and then Wonderland in 2022. The main stage at Wonderland is the focal point, with two 12-foot video LED video walls, mirrored pillars throughout, trace lighting above, and a mezzanine to catch the action from any angle. The space is just under 10,000 square feet, with a capacity of 300 guests spread across two floors. A private members-only speakeasy will also open later in 2022.
Truffle Butter Popcorn, Guacamole & Chips, Baja Quesadillas, a Charcuterie Board showcasing imported meat, cheese, olives, and seasonal fruits, Smoked Brisket Empanadas, a Freshly Baked Jumbo Pretzel, Chicken Fingers & Fries, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, and Wagyu Cheeseburger Sliders with cheddar cheese on a brioche bun are among the small plates In addition, there is a full bar and bottle service menu.
For more information, visit https://nycwonderland.com/ or follow @wonderland.ny on instagram
Photos courtesy of Hideki Aono and Wonderland
Moguls + Legends: The Experience
On Saturday night, April 16th, Business Mogul Magazine and 2x Super Bowl Champion and Legend Willie Parker partnered to produce Moguls + Legends: The Experience
The Black Tie event was filled with memorable moments and amazing foods. DJ Skillz fill the event with beats all night.
The Black Tie event was filled with Music by DJ Skillz, Live Entertainment, Heavy hors d'oeuvres, Open Bar, Bourbon Tasting, Guest Gift Boxes and Silent Auction
Proceeds from the event goes to benefit 39 Legends Foundation programming and Business Mogul "Mini Moguls" initiatives. To learn more about 39 Legends Foundation, visit www.39legendsfoundation.com. To learn more about Business Mogul, visit www.thebusinessmogul.com.
COAST - Theatrical Screening in NYC
On April 14th, MovieMaker Magazine hosted a special one-night-only NYC theatrical screening of COAST, followed by a Q&A with Melissa Leo and the creative team, at Angelika Film Center.
Written by Cindy Kitagawa, who was inspired by her own childhood experiences, and directed by Jessica Hester and Derek Schweickart, COAST is about the explorative experience of self-discovery at the turning point from youth to adulthood.
The film’s charismatic cast stars Fatima Ptacek (longtime voice of Dora the Explorer); stand-up comedian Cristela Alonzo (Cars 3); Academy Award® winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter); Mia Frampton (Bridesmaids); Mia Xitlali (Max); Ciara Bravo (Cherry); and Kane Ritchotte.
COAST is presented by Publicly Private and is a Journey Home Film in association with Big Vision Empty Wallet & Gemini Team Go, premiered in theaters and on VOD on April 8, 2022.
Set in a Central Californian farming community, COAST is a coming-of-age drama that revolves around 16-year-old Abby, who is desperate to escape the trappings of small-town life. A chance encounter with the lead singer of a touring rock band sets Abby to her life’s biggest dilemma as she is presented with the opportunity to leave her family and friends behind in search of a better life. The film explores the role of female friendships in the quest of finding home and shows in an insightful way the safety timeless relationships can provide in the future’s uncertainty.
In the journey of self-discovery, COAST is about finding your truth through music. The film’s energetic live performances feature music by Christian Zucconi and Hannah Hooper (Grouplove), Alex Walker, Kane Ritchotte (More), The Ceremonies, Black Match, and others.
Director of photography DJ Harder powerfully draws the audience into the film’s setting with original imagery and absorbing landscapes of nature. By the film’s end, the audience identifies with the struggles of teenage years, and the question of finding yourself becomes a personal one. Where is home, and where do you have to return to when you’re feeling lost?
Fifth Annual French Heritage Society Book Award
French Heritage Society's Fifth Annual Book Award, hosted by Villa Albertine, was held on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Notre-Dame: The Soul of France by Agnès Poirier was chosen unanimously for the award.
Benefactors received a complimentary copy of the winning book and an invitation to attend a special champagne pre-reception with the winning author prior to the moderated discussion. Proceeds from this event will support restoration grants selected for funding by French Heritage Society's New York Chapter.
Distillers Cut: Chocolate Spirit Tasting & Cocktail Event
Our/New York hosted a Chocolate Spirit Tasting and Cocktail Event on April 9th to celebrate the launch of their latest creation, Our/New York Cocoa Vodka.
When they’re not making the smoothest vodka in NYC, O/NY’s distillers are often exploring various distillation techniques and botanical combinations. Their latest project, a cold-distilled limited-edition cocoa vodka, is as delicious as it sounds. Experience the new spirit and the creative custom cocktails crafted with it by the bar team at Manhattan’s first distillery since prohibition.Each cocktail tasting will be thoughtfully paired with locally sourced bites. To end the night, a full sized cocktail, an indulgent dessert, and a custom locally-crafted gift for you to enjoy at home.
Program included:
A fresh palate cleanser to prepare for initial spirit tasting
A 80 proof Our/New York Vodka & a limited edition chocolate vodka
3 cocktails crafted to highlight our latest project, a cold-distilled cocoa vodka, each thoughtfully paired with locally sourced bites
1. Our/CoCo-Old Fashioned with Duck L’Orange
2. Our/Holy Mole with Chicken OR Veggie Mole
3. Our/Neopolitan with Cheesecake from Juniors
A dessert cocktail experience
Our/Coco Espresso Martini with Cookie, Micro-fruit Salad & Annelies Cave Aged Reserve from Murray’s Cheese
Locally-crafted chocolate gift box
The event was an amazing experience and we would not be surpised to see it become a tradition there.
Isla New York
Isla pronounced “Eye, Luh” is a secret gem located in the heart of midtown. Situated in the boutique Hendricks hotel, but you certainly shouldn't discount it for that reason. It still feels like its own location with a very intimate dining room and a gorgeous bar that greets you as you step in.
We ordered the oysters, fried quail, and chicken liver mousse starters. Oysters set the tone immediately and were exceptionally fresh and flavorsome. The quail was delicious as well, but the chicken liver mousse was a life changing dish. The explosion of flavors that happens when you bite into the mousse is unexplainable, you just have to try it for yourself. For entrees we ordered seared scallops and roasted chicken. Everything was so flavorful and cooked perfectly. We don't like to dine at the same places, but we'll certainly be back here!
The menu encapsulates Australian style cooking - creative dishes and a seasonally driven dinner menu with excellent cuts of meat paired with bright flavors alongside vegetable focussed dishes. Isla is designed to fit the bill for your morning coffee, a mid-week lunch walk-in, an intimate dinner date or a social gathering spot, providing a convivial eatery boasting healthy, always-fresh, seasonal, high-quality ingredients and dishes, alongside an engaging service.
The food here is magnificent. Presentation and quality matched the setting perfectly. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu but will always be getting the Chicken Liver with Bacon Mouse and the Seared Scallops!
Canary Club
Ideal for a night out with friends or a romantic date, Canary Club’s unexpected decor and entertainment make for a truly unforgettable evening. Inspired by the intoxicating energy of New Orleans, this unique supper club features a variety of live entertainment to go with your meal, including live jazz, funk, soul, disco, plus weekly comedy shows. Located in the heart of New York's Lower East Side at 303 Broome St, make sure you check out this vibrant bi-level spot
Opened in October 2019 by husband and wife duo Ryan Chadwick and Emily Frantz, Canary Club recently updated many of their menu items and cocktails. Canary Club’s menu includes colorful, modern American dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven. Highlights of the menu included perfectly roasted garlic & parsley creole escargot, prepared in the classic French fashion, and hoisin pork belly lettuce wraps. The differing flavor profiles were both equally delicious, a feat not easy to pull off. The crown jewel of the dinner menu was the featured Canary Club Fried Chicken with voodoo spice, crystal hot sauce, and waffle fries.
The signature cocktails were modern and exceptional, with names after the artists and art pieces from the Dada & Surrealist movements. Van Gogh’s Ear fittingly blended absinthe, cognac, grenadine, cachaca, and citrus to create a vivid and bright cocktail reminiscent of the paintings it referenced. The Two Fridas was also one of the recommended signature cocktails, with reposado tequila, mezcal, aperitif wine, thym liqueur, and cassis mixed together for a fiery, statement-making flavor combination that Miss Kahlo herself would certainly enjoy. And by featuring unique zero-proof cocktails, Canary Club ensures that you can partake in the fun even if you’re not drinking.
From the crafted and thoughtful meals and drinks to the handpicked selection of music, this elevated neighborhood bar can’t be missed.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe and Pizza & Shakes
There’s nothing like the cozy feeling of diner food and Carnegie Diner is here to cure your cravings!
Image courtesy of @CarnegieDiner
Although the famous diner reopened its doors a few years ago, its food options have continued to expand ever since. Carnegie Diner & Cafe, which is located on 205 W 57th Street, has everything from omelettes and pancakes to seafood and burgers.
Image courtesy of @CarnegieDiner
Carnegie Diner & Cafe also serves desserts, ranging from cheesecakes to pies, which can satisfy any sweet tooth! But if you’re in the mood for some pizza and milkshakes, walk down the street to find yourself at Pizza & Shakes, Carnegie Diner’s sister-store.
Image courtesy of @CarnegieDiner
Pizza & Shakes an original premier pizza, milkshake, and gelato restaurant providing high-quality food while combining fun and vibrant ambiance. Pizzas come in one unique size and one price featuring a variety of chef's specialty pizzas as well as a build-your-own option. Premium milkshakes include the basic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cookies and cream. Gelato milkshakes are also available in various flavors using their authentic Italian gelato.
Both restaurants offer delivery and pickup, but if you’re ever in Midtown in search of the best diner food there is, look no further than Carnegie Diner & Cafe! For more information, visit www.carnegiediner.com or https://www.pizzashakes.com.
Made in New York Pizza West Village
Last night Made in New York Pizza opened its second location at 561 Hudson Street between Perry and West 11 streets with great fanfare at a party that celebrated NYC. The new location features a robust menu of pizzas in both traditional and square pies and by the slice along an impressive art collection of murals, NFTs and graffiti art that celebrate NYC. It is owned and operated by restaurateur Eytan Sugarman in partnership with Chef Lou Tomczak formerly of Emmy Squared. Sugarman’s partners in the project include Gary Vaynerchuk, Guy Oseary, Ryan Tedder and DJ Clue.
Guests at the party, with beats by DJ Clue, included Broadway power couple Orfeh and Andy Karl and sampled the Made In New York Spicy Pepperoni Square and new specialties such as The Drunken Grandma (grandma style square with fresh mozzarella, vodka sauce, fresh basil), Street Fair Square (sausage, shaved Vidalia onion and chopped cherry pepper), and new Margherita (fresh tomato sauce, pecorino, stracciatella cheese, basil and extra virgin olive oil). New vegan options, made with Violife Cheese were also available and included a cheese pie, a plant based pepperoni pie and a "vegan grandma" with hand crushed plum tomatoes, fresh chopped garlic, and Sicilian Oregano.
Also at the event was renowned Graffiti artist Lord Henry who created a graffiti mural on the restaurant's floor that is reminiscent of 1980’s era street art. Guests also took in several NFT’s from Sugarman’s personal collection including a rare Bored Ape Yacht Club Ape and The Very, Very Very Lucky Black Cat, which are a part of the mural. The “A Love Letter To New York” mural-consisting of a full wall canvas work that encompasses hundreds of images of iconic people, moments, and images of NYC- was also on display for all to see. Images on it include famous sports moments, scenes from movies shot in NYC, NYC iconic artists like Basquiat, Warhol, Keith Haring and LeRoy Neiman.
Made in New York Pizza's new location will be open from 12PM-12AM daily for take out, dine in and and will also deliver. It is at 561 Hudson Between West 11th and Perry.