Food | Luxe Life NYC

Clinton Hall: Kick Back, Have Fun And Enjoy Creative Casual Fare!

March 6, 2019

My visit to Clinton Hall's location at 230 East 51st Street was, pardon the cliche, a total blast. This place overflows with "fun times"--while it might officially be designated as a "beer hall" in many online food guides, it is much more than that. Sure, they have dozens of artisanal beers including some of their own that they make out…read more

Food

Zavo: Chic Yet Casual Mediterranean Fare On The Upper East Side

December 13, 2018

I walked by Zavo many times when visiting their neighbor Dylan's Candy Bar on the Upper East Side, peering in the large windows and being wowed at the magnificent interior with chic white leather chairs and super elegant ceiling lamps. I wondered if the food could be as good as the decor, which is truly awe inspiring and sophisticated--and sure…read more

Food, Travel

Checking Out The Royally Good New Wine List And Fine Cuisine On Princess Cruise Lines

November 5, 2018

I have never been on a Princess Cruise Lines ship before today so I was really excited when I got added to the guest list for a special press preview introducing Princess Cruises' new wine offerings, curated by Ivy League educated Master Sommelier and Master Of Wine, Doug Frost--a leading expert on the intersection of wine and travel. This guy is…read more

Food

BarBacon: There’s Never Enough Bacon (Even At Dessert Time)!

October 31, 2018

I recently headed to the new BarBacon branch in Union Square in high anticipation a bacon fest of the hugest proportions! I instantly fell in love with the casual open atmosphere that included wood floors, large front windows, dim lighting and large screen TVs. I noticed a huge after work bar crowd as well as people coming in for dinner…read more

Food

Madonia Brothers Bakery: 100 Years Of World Class Bread—And Other Heavenly Baked Goods!

October 30, 2018

I was honored to recently be able to visit the legendary Madonia Brothers Bakery on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and actually get taken into the back room by owner Peter Madonia to see where all the baking magic happens. I was thoroughly amazed not only by the interesting bread making and other large bakery equipment but the intense level…read more

Food

Bon Appétit’s Hot 10: Fun Eats, Fun People!

October 19, 2018

I enjoyed my recent trip out to 99 Scott Avenue in Williamsburg to check out the legendary Bon Appetit Hot 10 party. I was surprised that the guests were mainly young hipster foodies--but they were nice ones without attitude. The event was about what were voted the 10 hottest restos in the country but there were 10 or 15 other…read more

Food

Baby Brasa: This West Village Stellar Peruvian Eatery Will Be Your New “Go-To” Place!

September 2, 2018

Baby Brasa at 173 Seventh Avenue South is a stunning example of classic Peruvian cooking with some Modern American and Asian flourishes thrown in here and there. While you can get some of the finest organic Peruvian rotisserie chicken in town, you can also get gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan cuisine. The accommodating kitchen staff are able to alter their…read more

Food

Oscar Wilde: A Wild And Delicious Ride Into The Past

August 14, 2018

The over-the-top Victorian look of Oscar Wilde on 27th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues is a marvel to behold. There are marble fireplaces, the longest bar in New York (at an incredible 118 feet), elaborate Victorian ceiling lamps, randomly placed oddball vintage furniture and portraits of the man himself, Oscar Wilde. I swear that I even stumbled upon a…read more

Food

Trattoria Italienne: Where The Best European Flavors Mingle!

August 4, 2018

I was thrilled to be able to visit Trattoria Italienne at 19 West 24th Street in the Flatiron District last night--several food blogger pals have raved about their experiences there to me in the past month! While it is billed as Northern Italian with Southern French fusion style food, I noticed a lot of Spanish influences on the menu items.…read more

Food, Travel

Booking.com’s Taste Of Travel Townhouse Event: Innovative Tastes With Marcus Samuelsson!

August 1, 2018

I headed over to the posh yet classic stooped 1891 townhouse at 118 West 76th Street yesterday for booking.com’s Taste Of Travel event. Set up outside was the Taste Of Travel food truck, which lucky passersby were able to sample food from gratis (plus they got to press the flesh with legendary chef Marcus Samuelsson, the host of the event…read more

Food

Perrine: Why It’s New York Restaurant Week’s “Go To”!

July 19, 2018

It’s no secret that I love to dine at Perrine inside the Upper East Side’s tony and legendary Pierre Hotel and I recently took in a preview of their Summer 2018 New York Restaurant Week Lunch deal which costs just under $30 for three courses. Chef Ashfer Biju does a highly creative mix of Modern American and French cuisines with…read more

Food

Opry City Stage: Country Cookin’ (And Pickin’) Comes To The Big Apple

July 16, 2018

For a long time, visitors to Times Square have wondered how this legendarily busy area could be without some great old-fashion country eats—after all, you can get every other type of cuisine around there from Italian to Peruvian to Lebanese especially if you walk west anywhere in the 40s. Well, never fear because Opry Stage is here and it is…read more

Food

The Generous Pour: The Capital Grille Presents A Wine Lovers Utopia For Only $28 Per Person!

July 15, 2018

I adore the Capital Grille and make no secret of it that it is my favorite national upscale steakhouse. But did you know that from July 4th through Labor Day they offer the best bang for the buck in the wine world? For $28 and the purchase of a dinner entree, you get endless pours of seven killer wines from…read more

Food

Chefs & Champagne 2018: Time To Return To The Hamptons’ Best Foodie Gathering!

July 12, 2018

Chefs & Champagne is a stellar event--and not just because it's in the Hamptons where the standards for fete fare is high or because its an official event f the James Beard Foundation. This event held starting at 6 PM on the last Saturday of every July at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, NY, features dozens of the tristate's best…read more

Food

Fancy Food Show 2018 Highlights: Visiting Old Favorites And Checking Out New Innovative Brands

July 4, 2018

I have attended the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center for 20 years now and it never disappoints. It's the ultimate place to check out the latest food trends but also a place where you know you can visit old favorites--and always get to taste something good. It's for three days and you will find yourself incredible full…read more

Food

Lillie’s Victorian: A Step Back In Time, A Step Forward In Fun!

June 20, 2018

Lillie's Victorian celebrates the sense of fun that is namesake, the legendary Lillie Langtry, brought out in her fans. I visited the Union Square area location at 13 East 17th Street just this week and was delighted with the sweet and sentimental vibe created by the exposed brick walls, the high tin-covered ceilings, dramatic carved dark wood extra-long bar, red…read more

Food

The Chinese Club: Blending Chinese & Indian Cuisines And Creating Mouth Watering Results!

June 11, 2018

Last week I was lucky enough to go to the brand spankin' new Chinese-Indian eatery The Chinese Club--located at 102 Lexington Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets in the famous foodie neighborhood of Curry Hill--and was blown away. I have never had this unique combination of cuisines before. The first thing that awaits you at your table in this warm…read more