Holiday Cocktails

Happy holidays everyone!

While champagne is probably the #1 holiday beverage, NYC bars are mixing up some over-the-top drinks to celebrate the season.

Since calorie counting is now du rigueur in the city (what a buzz kill!) I spoke with a nutritionist to find out the damage.

Cheers!

San Diego Travel Story amNY

Ahhh San Diego. The good life. amNY had me look into this sunny city's event schedule for the upcoming months...and check out a few hotspots. Click on the image to read more.

The Surrey Hotel NYC

This is one of my all time favorites in the city. And the day spa is a can't-miss destination.

Bars in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

If you find yourself looking for a fun bar crawl in NYC, come to Ninth Ave! Ok, I may be biased because Hell's Kitchen is my 'hood, but amNY still had me round up some rockin' bars below 57th St. Click on the image to read the full article.

Gospel Brunch NYC for amNY

San Diego Food & Wine Festival: This Could Be You

Image by Matthew Meier.

Sometimes, we must leave our beloved New York City to stick our noses into another city's food and wine fest. It's a hard life.

Why not join in the fun for the San Diego Food & Wine Festival? Starting November 18th and ending on the 22nd, this foodie fest is the perfect getaway weekend. C'mon, you know you want to swirl and sniff under the sun!

The 6th Annual Food & Wine Festival is actually quite affordable and hands-on. Most events, like a pasta making class taught by James Beard award-winning Chef Alex Stratta, cost just $75 a ticket.

Image by Al Bruton.

If classes aren't your thing and you just want to sample the goods, the Grand Event costs $125 per ticket and features 170 wineries, 70 of San Diego's best restos, and live entertainment.

We can't guarantee Shamu.

For more info or tickets, please visit www.worldofwineevents.com or call 619-342-7337.

Boozy updates to follow after the Festival.

amNY Sexy Travel Ideas

What can I say? amNY had me look into ways to heat up your next

vacation.

Haakon's Hall

Civetta

Pierre Loti West Review

Bark Hot Dogs Review

Brklyn Larder Review

The Fries at Five Guys Gives Michelle Obama a Rise

According to an article on cnn.com, the First Lady has the hots for Five Guys french fries.

Ms. Obama recently stated, "I have a good relationship with french fries and I would eat them everyday if I could."

Just another reason why we adore the Obamas.

We're wondering why Five Guys is her all time fave for fries though. Thoughts?

Touchdown! Best NYC Bars for Football Season

Wondering where to catch the game this season? If you're not a huge fan of the Giants or Jets, you can find a host of bars that root for various hometeams nationwide.

amNY had me check out a variety of bars, many offering specials on beer and local treats (like pierogies!) for loyal fans.

You Can Meet Mario Batali

Though he hasn't been seen on Iron Chef for some time, we still like the antics (and the food) of everyone's favorite redheaded chef, Mario Batali.

You can catch a glimpse of him tomorrow, September 23rd, at Food Emporium from 12:30 to 2:30pm., where he will be debuting his latest line of pasta sauces. Yum! We hope there are samples.

The Food Emporium BridgeMarket is located at 405 East 59th St.(59th & First Avenue).

Two E at The Pierre Hotel

Citysearch asked me to take a look at this super swanky lounge, located inside the historic (but recently renovated) Pierre Hotel. We love Ringo, the bartender! You rock, sir!

The Gates

This fascinating club features a membership program...but the inside has some of the best people watching you can dream up (think male models in 80s Ts drooling over dainty small plates). Citysearch had me check it out...let me know what you think, if you can clear the velvet ropes.

Griffin NYC

Citysearch had me check out the newest MePa speakeasy...and it had a surprisingly easy door.

Palace Gate NYC

What could be better than Gossip Girl, champagne, and al fresco drinking? You'll find all 3 at this outdoor lounge (the sometimes-set of Gossip Girl). Citysearch had me write up Palace Gate, the patio space outside the swanky Palace Hotel.

Edison Ballroom NYC

Fans of swing can do their thing at this swanky (if older) ballroom (located in a historic Midtown hotel). I reviewed this spot for Citysearch, and wish I had practised my ballroom dancing skills!

Forty Eight NYC

Wondering where to drink near Rock Center? I've got your home base. Check out my review of 48 for citysearch.

Project Runway Party (and Fashion Show) at Touch

Photos by Trel Brock

We heart fashion week. Especially when it involves fun parties at lounges we love, like Touch.

Known for its convenient midtown location and cool bar that lights up when you touch it (not to mention the color-changing walls), Touch hosted Project Runway contestant Ra'mon Lawrence's fashion show on Friday. Loved it!

The creative designer presented his colorful 2010 Spring collection, where models were outfitted in bright draped dresses, and boys in khaki shorts and festive shirts.

There were Grey Goose cocktails on hand, along with plenty of Piper Heidsieck champagne.

Familiar faces in the show included an ANTM alum (last season's Celia Ammerman), and a star from the Bold & the Beautiful, Heather Tom.

We sat next to Shaq's wife, Shaunie O'Neal. I was tempted to tell her to tell her husband how much Kazaam meant to me, but I held back.

NY Craft Beer Week

Forget about your Pabst for a moment. NYC beer lovers are going to knock back some serious craft brews during the 2nd-annual Craft Beer Week (Sept 11-20).

Wondering if you should buy the $35 passport? Only serious suds lovers should go for it..many events are free.

amNY had me outline the top 5 must-see events during the festival.

Click on the image to read the article. Happy drinking!

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian's Food Cravings

Since we previously reported on Nicole Richie's pregnancy cravings (juicy In n Out burgers), we thought it only fair to let you know what KK is longing for--and it's not an engagement ring!

It's not pickles and ice cream either. This mom-to-be and reality star craves fruit platters and virgin "Miami Vice" cocktails, according to the Las Vegas Sun. Are you yawning?

We were hoping for something more decadent, KK! At least she has been indulging in Twizzlers, Pinkberry, and Mexican food on occassion, according to the article. Thoughts?

Hudson Terrace NYC

The Real Housewives of New York had their season finale party here (if you recall, I attended and saw a Chuck Bass look alike). This bi-level party space is worth the trek to Twelfth Ave, especially for the water views.

Click on the image of my Citysearch review for more info, or click here. Bottoms up.

Oasis at the Giraffe Hotel NYC

This chi-chi rooftop lounge features dynamite views in a relaxing garden setting. For more info on Oasis (located on the top floor of the Giraffe Hotel), click on my review of the space for Citysearch, or here. Cheers!

Absinthe Wine Bar NYC

I reviewed this darling wine bar for Citysearch--their small plates were fantastic, and cheap...under $10 a pop.

Click on the image to enlarge, or visit the original post here.

Best Bars for Fall in NYC

amNY had me find the hottest bars to check out this Fall. They vary wildly from a Coney Island-themed bar (equipped with live clowns and alcoholic snow cones) to a throwback cocktail lounge in the Empire State Building.

Click on the image to scope out these party spots!

Hotellx.com Review of OPUS Montreal

Just 1.5 hrs away (on a plane), Montreal beckons with smoked meats, North America's best bagels, and several luxurious (yet affordable) hotels.

Check out my review of Montreal's chic OPUS hotel by clicking on the link above, or at hotellx.com.

Tomatoes and Vermentino Wine Sound Divine

It's hot, you're starving---and you have no time to thow together a meal. Sound familiar?

Luckily for you, tomato season is in full swing. Click here to find your local greenmarket for fresh- off-the-vine veggies, including succulent tomatoes.

Whether you slice them up and layer them with rows of mozarella and basil, or throw together something slightly more complex, like a Tuscan Bread Salad (go here for a great recipe), they pair well with a refreshing white wine, like Villa Antinori Bianco 2008 (pictured) from Tuscany.

While light, this wine is medium bodied and quite aromatic. Made in Tuscany from a blend of five grapes (Trebbiano, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio), the Vermentino is a great accompaniement to a tomato-based dish.

According to foodandwine.com, Vermentino wines are "assertive and savory, with a salty, lemony edge. Though the grape grows throughout Italy, the Vermentinos of Tuscany and Sardinia generally have the most character and the most complexity."

We love all things with an edge, especially if they are lemony.

Cin cin!

Pineapple Express: Van Gogh Vodka

Warning: You can paint yourself into a corner with this premium vodka!

Made in small batches in Schiedam, Holland, Van Gogh Vodka captures the crisp, juicy flavor of a ripe pineapple without the mess. (Have you ever tried to cut up a pineapple? Don't.)

And while some choose to sip this vodka neat, I think it tastes best chilled with a dash of club soda.

If pineapple isn't your thing, Van Gogh makes some other interesting flavors, like blueberry and espresso. Maybe if no one's watching, you can give your morning coffee a bit of a kick.

You can learn more about Van Gogh Vodka here.

hotellx.com review of Duo at the Four Seasons, Maui

Going to Maui anytime soon? Check out my review of Duo, the poolside steakhouse, at the Four Season's Hotel in HI here.

Thursday Night Magazine Story: Craig Hopson (Le Cirque) Interview

Wondering what Craig Hopson is up to in Le Cirque's esteemed kitchen? Thursday Night Magazine had me get the skinny.

Thursday Night Magazine Story: Scotch

Click on the image for my interview with David Robertson, the trailblazer behind revamped Scotch brand, The Dalmore, or on Thursday Night Magazine's website, here.

Cheers!

Nicole Richie Craves In-N-Out Burger

Guess whose pregnancy cravings include juicy cheeseburgers from In-N-Out at 2am? None other than the still skinny, but pregnant, Nicole Richie, according to gossip site I'm Not Obsessed.
On a recent trip to San Diego, we fell in love with California's best burger (again). We also adore the not so secret names (i.e. Animal Style) that insiders have given to various versions of the iconic burger.

We think it would be genius for someone to open an In-N-Out in NYC! What do you think?

Much Ado about Tu Do Restaurant

Put this on your To Do list: Tu Do restaurant, located at 102 Bowery, New York, NY 10013; (212) 966-2666.

This is the kind of Vietnamese restaurant where the menu features pictures and you order by number, and perhaps you may not receive what you originally ordered.

No matter--the delicious and fresh grilled meats and noodle dishes will satisfy your cravings, regardless of what they are.

And delightfully, most entrees cost $10 or less.

Recomended dishes:

Pho soups

Ga Nuong Xa: BBQ Chicken & Lemon Grass On Salad (pictured)

Suon Nuong: BBQ Pork Chop On Salad

Marshmallow Day is August 10

There seems to be an official day for almost every food item--including the oft-neglected but beloved marshmallow.

This August 10th, take a moment to think of the chewy childhood favorite, since it's National Marshmallow Day (or so we've heard!).

Hmm..let's ponder this occasion for a moment. Perhaps we love marshmallows enough to give them an official day because they connect us to our collective primordial past, in which we stood around a fire, attempting to burn our food on twigs.

There's no fire necessary to enjoy marshmallows, though. Personally, I think they taste best slightly stale.

And unsurprisingly, a brand of artisanal marshmallows has hit the market, Plush Puffs. These designer marshmallows come in a variety of flavors including vanilla bean, cinnamon, and simply s'mores--ensuring you'll never have to attempt to make the tasty snack over a campfire again (unless you really want to).

Visit http://www.plushpuffs.com/ for more information and ordering.

Seafood Showdown: Coney Island

We heart food competitions.

So what could be better than eating seafood on Coney Island's "Beer Island" (with beer specials, 'natch), especially when the proceeds go to charity?

Here are the details:

8/15/09: You show up to Beer Island between noon and 4pm with $24 in hand (unless you book online, which will save you $4), taste some delicious seafood, and suck down some suds in the sun. Watch as one lucky contestant wins $400 prize for a "people's choice" award (and hopefully donates it to their charity of choice).

In the event of rain, you'll show up on 8/16/09 instead, same time, same place.

Directions: http://www.beerislandconeyisland.com/

Contact: fassfoods@gmail.com

More details: http:/fassfoods.blogspot.com

amNY Story: Bars In Queens

Wondering where to drink in Queens? amNY had me find 5 festive bars near LIC worth checking out, including lounges with gay go-go dancers and Irish bars offering karaoke competitions. Click on the image to get a peek.

Try This Jerk

If you find yourself near Prospect Park one of these sunny days, you owe it to your tastebuds to check out the jerk chicken wings ($7.50) at Cheryl's Global Soul.

These grilled chicken wings are juicy and spicy and very well seasoned. Plus, they pair awfully well with a sorrell-based drink. It's like going to the islands...only cheaper.

Need we say more?

Cheryl's Global Soul

236 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238(347) 529-2855

Daniel Restaurant

Daniel is one of those iconic Manhattan restaurants feeding the creme de la creme of New York society the creme de la creme of French cuisine.

Check out my full-length review of Daniel for hotellx.com here.

Daniel
http://www.danielnyc.com/

60 E. 65th St , New York, NY 10065-7056 (212) 288-0033

Blame Canada: Tim Horton's Taking Over 12 NY Dunkin Donuts

As the New York Times reports here, the Canadian donut chain is now taking over 12 Dunkin Donuts locations in NYC and Brooklyn. Sounds good, eh?

The transformation to Horton's was welcomed by Gov. Paterson at the Penn Station unveiling.

For those of us (Canadians) who adore the Northern goodies, we are truly delighted.

Jennifer Aniston & Bradley Cooper Dine at Il Cantorini

Many people rely on Gawker Stalker to discover celebrity hangouts in the Big Apple.

We're thinking it's as simple as lurking in front of Italian eatery, Il Cantorini (32 E 10th St NYC NY 10003) where Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Aniston were recently seen on a date. Curiously, E online reports that CoopIston prefers Pellegrino to vino.

Yes, we just made up CoopIston.

Photo by: Peter Kramer / AP; PA Photos / Landov

Known for feeding A-list couples (like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes) tasty Tuscan dishes, Il Cantorini features Italian specialties like ossobucco (veal shank), risotto (changes daily), and tagliolini al funghi (homemade pasta with wild mushrooms).

Maybe this restaurant week, you should wine and dine with the stars--or just be a third wheel on a celebrity date you aren't supposed to be on. Check out Il Cantorini's restaurant week menu here.

amNY Fine Dining for Less

Wondering where you can wine and dine without breaking the bank?

amNY had me find 5 upscale restos where you can indulge for less. Click on the image to see the story, or here:

It's never too hot for...

It's never too hot for...a delicious meatball sandwich, especially one that recalls cool summer days in Scandanavian countries that we may or may not have ever visited, like the one (pictured) drizzled with Lingonberry sauce from Aqua Cafe near central park ($9.95)

This meatball sandwich gets an extra blast of cool when layered with a side of refreshing, super-thinly sliced pickled cucumbers ($2.95/side).

Swede dreams are made of these...