Celebrity Spotting: New Orleans

Where can you find Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and other Hollywood stars? Why..in New Orleans, of course!
We looked at some hot spots and under-the-radar places the stars come out when they come down South.
Since the film industry has blossomed in NOLA, celebrity sightings are an everyday occurrence in the Crescent City.

http://www.neworleans.com/blog/2012/10/hollywood-south-tours-new-orleans/

Best Bar You'll Probably Get Kicked Out Of

Jennifer Aniston is always working out (compulsively, *shudder*) at the gym downstairs when she stays here. Rob Pattison and Kristen Stewart make out over spaghetti (Disney style) at Locanda Verde next door. And now you're trying to sip cocktails behind the glass door, through the lobby, to the left, at this unnamed bar with a killer fireplace that nobody wants you to know about.

If you're lucky, you're sitting on a plush couch in the chillest space possible, reserved for major, stadium-filling and slightly aging rockstars roasting before the flames like marshmallows, eyeing inappropriately their cohorts and miscellaneous, underdressed glitterati. So don't mess this one up, okay?

Order the fig cocktail and you won't be sorry.

Greenwich Hotel

377 Greenwich Street

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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?

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.