Where is the Hawaiian Sweet Bread?

After returning from a nice (albeit rainy) trip to Cali to see the familia, I was reminded of a Left Coast fave: King's Hawaiian sweet bread.

After putting two rolls of the stuff into my purse (lol) for the flight, I realized that this product is seriously addictive.

Once you start eating it, seriously, you kind of can't stop. So I searched four delis and three major grocery stores, and so far I've come up empty handed. Where can you find Hawaiian sweet bread in NYC? I mean really, is this too much to ask in a city where you can get whatever you want whenever you want?

It doesn't even have to be the King's bread. I would take the Lord Privy Seal of Hawaiian bread if that makes it easier to find.

What Does MPD Stand For?

amNY had me find out. But you have to read the article to discover it for yourself.

Ha!

Goldfinger's Lair? Tzigan, New York

There seems to be enough gold in new MePa club Tzigan to potentially settle the national debt.

Tzigan, which is an obscure reference to a band of gypsies, is located on the lower level of Villa Pacri, below the Italian-bistro hybrid resto, La Gazzetta. And it is a room decked out in gold, gold and more gold. So much gold, in fact, that we're concerned it may be Goldfinger's underground lair. Only a villanous creature intent on world domination could dream up such a space!

Tzigan is the type of place where a certain supermodel might throw a diamond-encrusted cell phone at her foolhardy assistant--only to be blinded by the bling all around and awkwardly miss, shattering another celeb's Lalique-bottled, 25 year old Scotch. Not that we witnessed such a scandal at Tzigan. But we're just saying, it could happen at a place like Tzigan.

Here's more on Tzigan, courtesy of amNY.

Wine Horoscope

Palm readers. Frightening fortune tellers (like the one pictured here). The bizarre machine in that weird Tom Hanks movie, BIG.

There's no need to resort to extremes, people. You can figure out what the stars have in store for you--especially if it relates to drinking.

I wrote a highly controversial "Wine By Sign" article for WineMag.com. Sheesh...I really got a lot of crap for that one. But I have to say, it was surprisingly accurate for readers.

Click here to read your wine horoscope.

Does it resonate for you? Or does it drive you to the drink?

This Man Makes Wine....In Tunisia!

Surprised? Don't be. Tunisians have been making wine since...the beginning of time. Practically.

So if you're wondering, "where is the most exotic wine-making destination in the world?", could the answer be Tunisia?

YES!

Chit-chatting with the owners of Reunion surf bar one evening (the only cool bar near Times Square, really), I noted that Le Poisson wines were appearing on wine lists city-wide. 'Natch, it is made by a French-Tunisian family. Bien sur.

I explored the trend for Wine Enthusiast, and sat down with the winemaker's son, and importer, Phillippe, for an interview session.

Read the full interview here.

The Superman of Sommeliers?

Anyone been to GILT lately in the New York Palace Hotel? I love this super-swanky spot (so do the producers of Gossip Girl...and TRUST there are a lot of Chuck Bass lookalikes).

I must admit part of the draw is the resto's somm, Patrick Cappiello. Is it just me, or does he resemble Clark Kent? No really, take a closer look.

A self-confessed wine "geek," Cappiello kills the wine list. Practically murders it.

Read the full Q&A session here.

Take the Plunge

You're fed up with the Gansevoort in MePa. (You're fed up with MePa. Period.) But that doesn't mean you need to shirk the Gansevoort for good.

Consider the Gansevoort Park Avenue, and its Plunge Bar. There's a pool with a bathing beauty (er...painted on the floor), wraparound rooftop and killer pasta. That's right. I said pasta. Eat that, models!

Wanna know more? Read my full review at amNY.

Bottoms up!

Most Haunted Bars in America

You asked for it.

Halloween's right around the corner, and you're getting ready to party, all dressed up at your favorite watering hole. But have you ever wondered if the undead like to drink as much as you do?

Wonder no more, fellow imbibers. We've fearlessly lassoed (yes, that's a word) America's most haunted bars for Wine Enthusiast. Click on the image for all the gory details.

And Happy Halloween!

Could You Do Seven Hours in a Spa?

We could. And you can too. Check out my Luxe Life column (above) for Wine Enthusiast .

If Wine Enthusiast magazine could be compared to Gilligan's Island (an analogy that somehow works, keep reading)...Luxe Life would be the Mr. and Mrs. Howell on the ship.

Extravagant. Over-the-top. Dedicated to the finer things in life.

That's why the Guerlain spa in New Orleans blew my mind. Seven hour spa treatments?

YES YOU CAN!

Click on the image to read more.

Trend Watch: Mobile Mixologists

Amsterdam has always been forward-thinking. Take its liberal marijuana laws, for example. (We're just saying...)

Now you can add a mobile mixology academy to this modern city's long list of cool traits. The trend has already popped up in New Orleans, as I reported for Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Just click on the image above to read all about it.

Cheers!

Interested in Trying Exotic Meats?

No, we don't mean SPAM. (Ewww!)

If you're interested in trying alternatives to basic beef, click on the above image to read my article, "Wild at Heart" published in Wine Enthusiast's November issue.

It outlines some great, sustainable options served at several stellar restaurants.

Dig in!

Huffington Post: Article Snatchers!

HuffPo is a great source for gossip, news and entertainment.

Apparently, it's a great resource for my articles too! Looks like my Midtown Restaurants round up for citysearch.com has made it to the Huffington Post. Thanks HuffPo!

Looking for great eats in midtown? Casa Lever (pictured), Le Bernadin, and The Modern all made the list.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/27/top-12-restaurants-in-mid_n_740281.html

Citysearch Guide to Lincoln Center Eats

Wondering where to eat before or after your trek to Lincoln Center? Citysearch had me source the best of the West (side) so click, and read on!

Enjoy the show!

Where to Eat in Sunnyside, Queens

Find yourself in Sunnyside? Here's a Citysearch guide to where to head for food and drink.

Beer Gardens Around the World

Schnitzel. Schlogg. Drindle-sporting servers. Beer gardens are the best! And Wine Enthusiast had me round up the top-notch beer gardens around the world. Click on the image to sate your thirst.

Tea Cocktails Take Over

Cocktail trends come and go, but it looks like one summer staple--iced tea--will stick around all year. The luxe tea trend has fallen off the wagon, and I found a bunch of bars stateside picking up the trend.

Click on the article for more info, or click here for the version on winemag.com.

News from the World of Wine

Wondering what's going on in the wine world these days? Here's a page from Wine Enthusiast's August print issue. We've got flying "wine angels" and exclusive tours in Bordeaux. Click on the image to enlarge. Cin cin!

How to Pair Rose Wine

Wine Enthusiast magazine had me scope out the best ways to pair rose wine...and the winner? Easy one-dish meals. When it's hot outside, who wants to slave over multiple pots and pans?

I asked some top chefs from around the country what goes well with rose (the answer was: practically everything: Yay!)

Click on the image to get the goods.

"Mad Men" Party Guide: Wine Enthusiast

"Mad Men" is arguably the most stylish show on TV. Celebrate the Season 4 opener (July 25, AMC) with these cocktail party tips, from winemag.com.

Best Spray Tans in NYC: Citysearch

As any of my friends could attest, I would do almost anything in the name of journalism. (That usually includes drinking copious amounts of wine and attending openings. Very tough stuff.)

But this time, Citysearch put me up to the challenge: test some of Manhattan's best spray tanning establishments just in time for summer.

Would I emerge orange? Splotchy? Streaky? Would some dare to call me an Oompa Loompa to my face? Perhaps.

But I also discovered which salons offer subtle, envy-inducing bronze shades that enable even the palest of beauties to wear shorts when the weather gets warmer.

Click here to read the original article, or on the image to enlarge.

Sex and the City Cocktails: Wine Enthusiast

While it may be true that Sex and the City 2 is one of the worst movies of all time, it still was vaguely and vacuously amusing.

Despite the photoshopped-to-death gals galavanting inappropriately about Abu Dhabi, we will always appreciate the fact that the fab four put lady cocktail swilling on the map.

In honor of those Cosmo-sipping gals, winemag.com ran my cocktail piece on easy-to-make Sex and the City-inspired drinks made with Rosangel tequila (which is hibiscus-infused). Click on the image to enlarge.

Cheers!

Atlantic City: the Vegas of the East?

Ever wondered if heading to Atlantic City would be worth the 2+ hour trek from Manhattan? The answer is yes!

Of course, AC offers plenty of Boca-esque people watching (apparently the Bedazzler is still widely available) and a dose of Jerzey attitude, but also fabulous dining and chic hotels. Just make sure to use our AC vacation planner, courtesey of amNY!

amNY had me check out the hottest happenings in Atlantic City for summer 2010. Celebs like Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Brody Jenner have long haunted AC's pool parties...but who knew it was such an incredible event destination?

From Lady Gaga to Ice T, you'll find a concert there this summer.

insider tip: The Water Club at the Borgata hotel is the hot new hotel--their stunning spa takes up two floors!

Cute! Floral Cocktails

Mother's Day may be over and done with (phew...we barely remembered to send a card), but you and I both know that moms everywhere really prefer cocktails to flowers any day of the week.

That's why over at winemag.com, Wine Enthusiast's website, we decided to run two floral drink recipes that will be sure to win over mom--or anyone else--you need to impress, but would rather get tipsy.

Never Leave Me, NYC! Get Your NYC Eats Elsewhere

Ahhh, the Big Apple.

We can't live with you, we can't live without you. Or your delicious restaurants. Even when we travel somewhere else, we sometimes get cravings for your signature dishes or drinks (read: pomegranate margaritas at Rosa Mexicano).

We know, we know. It's like the reverse of tourists who visit New York, only to eat at Applebee's.

Go figure!

amNY had me round up some of those signature eateries, and where you can find them on the go. Click on the image to get the full story.

Wondering Who Does Rihanna's Hair?

Whether it's natural-looking extensions fit for a supermodel (Naomi Campbell) or edgy cuts perfect for superstars (Rihanna) onstage, celeb-stylist Amoy Pitters makes folical magic in her swanky, modern UES hair salon.

Citysearch had me take a look at the all-white space for a recent review. Go here to read the original article, or click on the image above.

Here's to good hair days!

Cinco de Mayo = Taco Time!

Wondering where to go on Cinco de Mayo? Wondering what to do? (...um...tacos and margaritas, duh)

amNY had me test some seriously tasty tacos, and rate them, using an un-scientific, but extremely cool "taco-meter"

Click on the image to see which taco took it to the top!

Empire Room: The Iconic Building Gets a New Lounge!

Looking for drinks near the Empire State Building? Head to the lobby level to swill super-luxe (and super-pricey) cocktails in style in the newly-opened Empire Room.

Citysearch had me scope the sultry, Art Deco-inspired space. Click on the image for more info. Bottoms up!

Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Wine Enthusiast

Brussels sprouts: People love to hate them, but haute-y chefs are eager to redeem them--explaining why so many restaurants are serving the embattled sprouts these days.

We think the Brussels sprouts trend merits a recipe, and we've snagged one for Wine Enthusiast's new website, winemag.com. The recipe is a raw version with brown butter vinaigrette, from Circa59 in Palm Springs. Yum!

Click here to see the original recipe on Wine Enthusiast's website.

Organic Cocktails, Biodynamic Wine in NYC

Today may be 4/20, but 4/22 is the greenest of holidays. amNY had me take a look at bars that are serving organic, biodynamic or sustainable tipples in honor of Earth Day. Click on the image for more info!

Would You Eat This? Viktor & Rolf's Perfume Cake

Are perfume cakes the latest trend in the provocative world of pastry?

We have no idea, but Chefs Yannick Alleno and Camille Lesecq of the Hotel Meurice (Paris) created these adorable, apparently edible perfume cakes in celebration of the fifth anniversary of Flowerbomb's launch by Viktor & Rolf.

Flowerbomb is a distinctly floral fragrance, with notes of freesia, jasmin and patchouli.

Whether or not a Cool Water Cologne Cupcake is next remains to be seen.

Mac Attack! Where to Find Mac n'Cheese in NYC. Update: Everywhere

Come on...admit it. You love the mac n'cheese. This filling staple cannot be stopped!

Accordingly, mac n'cheese keeps popping up on menus in NYC (and everywhere else). amNY had me take a look at the 5 tastiest versions of the mac in Manhattan. Click on the image for our top picks.

Booze News: Drink More, Weigh Less. Sweet!

According to an awesome/slightly ludicrous new study, women who booze it up (see Lindsay Lohan, above) are less likely to gain weight in middle age.

Cheers to that!

The study was conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, who followed over 19,000 female imbibers over 13 years. These researchers discovered that those who threw back 1-2 drinks a day were 30% less likely to be overweight by the end of the study.

It has yet to be determined whether the rogues at Captain Morgan's funded the study.

Kraft Unveils Bagel-fuls: Seriously?

We heart baked goods.

But really, are we getting so lazy (or hungover) that we can't even slather cream cheese on a bagel in the morning?

While we may put Pop Tarts in the "kind of fun" category and Hot Pockets in the "funny enough for Jim Gaffigan" zone, we must file away Kraft's new Bagelfuls concept in the "What Were They Thinking" department.

Don't they look like boot-stomped Twinkies? Gross!

Thoughts?

New York Wine Expo 2010

Wino. Lush. Oenophile.

Whatever you choose to call yourself, you know you love the vino.

amNY had me delve into the depravity that is the New York Wine Expo, 2010. Drink up.

Miami Carnival Guide 2010

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone! While Mardi Gras celebrations are getting under way, one of the closest/wildest/spiciest Carnival celebrations can be found in Miami, where the Calle Ocho festival attracts a million revelers each year and is the largest Hispanic party in the US.

amNY had me take an inside look at this amazing celebration, along with trips for tourists and cheap tickets. Click on the image to see this story in close up.

Best Russian Nightclubs Brooklyn NY

You've heard about them...those crazy Russian nightclubs in Brooklyn NY.

And you've always wanted to go, lured by the promise of tasty Russian dishes, crazy Vegas-style shows, and of course, copious amounts of vodka.

amNY had me investigate the best Russian restaurants in Brooklyn, calling upon the advice of our stylish guide, Elle Glazman, owner of Jaime Day Spa (Manhattan), and a regular on the Russian nightlife circuit.

You can find more about Jaime Day Spa here.

Elle knows her way around the best Russian nightclubs and restaurants in "Little Odessa," so check out the story. We promise you won't be disappointed...and it beats a plane ride to Moscow.

Things to Do in Portland, OR

Wondering what there is to do in Portland, OR? Portland offers visitors so many things...from excellent seafood to killer mountain sports, and everything in between, including seedy tours of Portland's mysterious underground--home to white slavery, the narcotics trade, and other salacious activities.

You can read more about our insider's guide to Portland at amny.com, or by clicking on the image.

Best Bars of Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights may not have tons of strollers yet, but like Park Slope, it attracts a youngish crowd of hipersterish imbibers looking to party--on the cheap.

amNY had me take a look at the best bars of Prospect Heights. Click on the image to read!

Cheers!