Thursday, March 26, 2009

Eat, Shop, Be Merry

EAT
(Sat. & Sun., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; L’Ecole, 462 Broadway, at Grand St.)
What do the words duck terrine, croquet monsieur and Hamachi tartar mean to you? Your first guess is probably not a cheap brunch. The students of the French Culinary Institute are presenting a mouth watering meal consisting of the finest of French cuisine all for under $20. Pastries, smoked salmon and steak oh, my!

SHOP
Wink Warehouse Sale (Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; 188 Columbus Ave., at 69th St.)
Hot shot designers like American Vintage, Rebecca Minkoff, Rich & Skinny, Madison Marcus and many more for 80% off! Get ready to claw your way to success, Rebecca Bloomwood style.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Monday Night Movie Madness

310 Lounge; 310 Bowery; March 23; 9 p.m.212-477-1979

Skip the usual Monday night drone which usually involves some combination of Ben & Jerry’s on your neighbor’s couch and head over to the 310 Lounge to enjoy a classic double feature that promises two faux horror films, cheesy sci-fi films, and more cult favorites. Alongside your viewing pleasure, the lounge offers 2 for 1 drink specials on margaritas so you can drink to your heart’s content.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Seduction at The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Seventh Avenue at 27th Street

The name says it all. Seduction at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a steamy look into the role sensuality plays in fashion. The exhibits featured present a number of impressive collections from the flamboyant works of Jean-Paul Gaultier to Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein and Clueless favorite Azzedine Alaia. Over seventy looks will be displayed from eighteenth century pieces to today and attempt to enlighten museum-goers on the elaborate and multifaceted relationship between the history of clothing and their seductive undertones. The exhibition explores the societal norms and tendencies hidden behind many trends and fashion statements.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

St. Tropez Thursdays

(Eden; 268 W. 47th St.; 212-398-2188; 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.)

Tired of the same old, same old of your usual Thursday night haunt? After work happy hour has just been updated with “St. Tropez Thursdays” at one of the newest Manhattan rooftop lounges, Eden. Mark your calendars (starts May 22nd and goes throughout the summer) for an assortment of themes, DJ’s and presenters showcasing New York City’s growing talent. Perks include no cover and the option of bottle service along with an incredible view of the city.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Black List Project

The Black List Project might sound like a clandestine mafia association, but don’t let the sharp name fool you. The mastermind of Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and Elvis Mitchell, The Black List Project is actually a personal documentary which follows a journey into what being black in America is really about. Among the sounds and sights in the film are infamous names in literature, entertainment, sports and education including the likes of Serena Williams, Chris Rock, Colin Powell, Toni Morrison, Russell Simmons, Al Sharpton, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, and Sean Combs. Photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders captures twenty-five striking portraits which will be presented at the Brooklyn Museum now through March 29, 2009.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Inauguration Express

It's a little more than 24 hours before our shuttles start rolling down to Washington DC to take people to the Inauguration festivities. So far, we have had to rent 3 buses to give us more capacity. The demand has been huge. Lots of people want to go to Washington DC, but there are no trains, buses, or planes with seats left. We're apparently one of the few companies with seats still available to get from New York City to Washington DC for the Inauguration of President Obama.

I'm in DC right now, and the excitement is palpable. I've been in several hotels today, "making the rounds," and everywhere you go there are people getting dressed for their ball. I heard one woman say she was going to a "Soul Food Festival" that one of her old friends is throwing at their house.

The free concert today was a huge success. I haven't heard a count of how many people were there, but it sure looked like several hundred thousand.

Our tours and shuttles have been delayed with all the traffic (mostly pedestrian), but so far it's been better than we expected.

There are plenty of portable restrooms everywhere you go. All of the Smithsonian Museums, the Old Post Office, and the Reagan Visitors' Center are all open, all day, so there won't be any problem finding someplace to keep warm if you plan to be out on the mall all day.

Stay tuned for more information, as it becomes available.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Valentine’s Day in New York City

The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park (Two West St.; 212.344.0800)
Known for over the top extravagance, the Ritz-Carlton has previously featured Valentine’s Day packages for upwards of $850,000 (private jet, flawless diamond, butler and Bentley included), but for those of us with seemingly shallow pockets, the waterfront five star hotel has more reasonable alternatives. Their decadent Chocolate Bar, aptly located on the 14th floor, hosts a sumptuous gourmet buffet consisting of chocolate desserts, carnival-themed chocolate sculptures, bottomless champagne and some of the most spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. This romantic getaway is definitely worth the steep price-tag.

Romantic Dinner
One if By Land, Two if By Sea (17 Barrow St.; 212-255-8649) has been awarded "Most Romantic Restaurant in New York" by a number of dining experts. On Valentine’s Day your choice will result in a rich, succulent meal complemented by the soft glow of a fireplace and tunage provided by a baby grand piano. Aureole (34 E. 61st St.; 212.319.1660) is another great option in Manhattan’s Upper East Side which offers an exclusive aphrodisiac tasting menu on Valentine’s Day.

Carriage Ride in Central Park
For $34, you and your sweetheart could be driven through Central Park under a warm blanket in a carriage. What could possibly be more romantic on Valentine's Day?

Tiffany's (727 Fifth Avenue on 57th St. & Fifth Ave.)
“The best place in the world, where nothing bad can happen,” was the working mantra of Breakfast at Tiffany’s protagonist Holly Golightly, but for your loved one, it’s the truth. With thousands upon thousands of square feet iced in diamonds of every shape and facet, you’ve got nothing but options my friend. Lucky for you, Tiffany representatives are by your side helping you pick the perfect piece of bling. It’s hard to get it wrong when diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Flute Wine Bar (40 East 20th St. ; 212.529.7870)
Gramercy locale Flute is the perfect spot for cuddling with your Valentine. You can bask in the romantic ambiance set off by rows of champagne bottles reaching a dramatic ceiling, candle lit lounge, fireplaces and warm artwork. While you’re there, try one of their signature drinks like the Green Kimono (a sparkling melon cucumber martini) or Mambo King (a coconut lime martini). You could also opt for the traditional but always welcome, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne duo.

Champagne Limo Ride
Call up Onboard Tours and set up a private champagne limo ride around Manhattan while enjoying a gorgeous view of the city. We’ll take you to all the romantic hot spots and even plan your itinerary based on your preferences. Our New York City connoisseurs can recommend the best restaurants, sights and attractions for your romantic night on the town.

Empire State Building Observation Deck
It’s been done in “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle”, but to witness the majestic views from atop the Empire State Building alit on Valentines Day is a something you can’t see in movies. A quick whisk away to the 86th floor and small $26 fee later, you and your loved one will be greeted by the sparkling sights of New York City while standing quite literally on top of the world.