Lifestyle

Lifestyle

KFC Goes Back To Its Roots

I was lucky enough to score an invite to KFC's "back to their roots event" in midtown where I got to witness firsthand the new "Chicken Mastery Program" that each future restaurant employee must complete before going on the job. They brought along SNL legend Rachel Dratch along with certified KFC personnel and even a volunteer from the press corps in…read more
Lifestyle

I Keep My Word And Head Back To The Hard Rock Times Square For More Burgers…But Also Indulge In Nachos, Cowboy Steak and Apple Cobbler

Okay, as mentioned in my recent review of the latest and greatest Hard Rock burgers, there are more to try. But my eyes and stomach also went straight for their legendary giant plate of nachos which is enough for about six! The manager told me it was in their Top Five items and I could see why--they are gorgeous and…read more
Lifestyle

I Hopped To IHOP on National Pancake Day–And Was Completely Dazzled As I Drizzled On The Syrup!

I recently attended a bloggers' breakfast that included a presentation from affable IHOP President Darren Rebelez. I was impressed how knowledgable he was about the menu and went into the current IHOP choices. They are ever expanding thanks to a team of gourmet executive chefs as advisors. They not only have ridiculously great pancakes--with plenty of promotions that will get…read more
Lifestyle

Tea With NBC’s Bobbie Thomas: Everything I Wanted To Know About Infertility But Was Afraid To Ask!

  Whomever said that infertility and scones don't mix have not had tea over baby talk with the gorgeous Bobbie Thomas, the NBC Today Show personality/style maven who went on camera to discuss the problems she was having a baby at age 41 due to cysts and other problems. No one has ever discussed this on their regular TV gig before…read more
Lifestyle

Shakin’ It With Shaklee Life Products! (Yes, There Are High Nutrition Products That Taste Good!)

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have a one-on-one meeting with the friendly and super-informative Dr. Bruce Daggy, an internist who is the Chief Science Offer at Shaklee. Shaklee was interestingly enough the first company to come with with a meal replacement/nutrition shake over 50 years ago--and over the years they have updated the formula for both taste and…read more
Lifestyle

Anisette: A Comfy Country French Bistro That Will Tease Your Taste Buds!

I love breezy  bistro style restaurants where you can sit inside at the wine bar or take an outside table and people watch. Anisette at the NW corner of 19th Street and Third Avenue is totally captivating. They have simple country French decor and a menu to match with very reasonable prices for luscious dishes that range from a world-class…read more
Lifestyle

Boppin’ ‘N Biting With Babeth’s Feast–The Ultimate Foodie’s Frozen Food Line

I recently got to attend a bloggers' dinner at the back of the wonderfully organized Babeth's Feast store on Third Avenue between 80th and 81st Streets. Most foodies turn their noses up at frozen foods but as the manager points out, it does not make a difference if you used all the highest qualities to begin with. Many customers have…read more
Lifestyle

The Friars Club Pays Tribute To Their Long-Time Abbott–Yeah, That Ol’ Blue-Eyed Guy–At The Pierre Hotel!

  The world-famous Friars Club celebrated Frank Sinatra¹s 100th birthday with a gala at the Pierre Hotel on January 11, 2016.  Friars Club President, legendary talk show host, Larry King, was be the Master of Ceremonies. Many of the show¹s performers worked directly with Sinatra over the course of his incredible career. Norm Crosby, Tony Danza, Robert Davi, Tom Dreesen, Shawn King, Deana Martin, Frank…read more
Lifestyle

Carolee Jewelry: Class, Luxury And Style At The Right Price!

It never ceases to amaze me how many great designs the legendary 42-year-old jewelry company Carolee comes up with each year. They always have 30 to 35 jewelry designers on hand and not only have their own line that you can see in the center of the costume jewelry departments of Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, Macy's and other popular department stores, but…read more
Lifestyle

Mulino A Vino: This Avant Garde Italian Eaterie Might Just Be NYC’s Greatest (And It’s Only A Year Old)

Being of Italian-American descent and having both Northern and Southern Itaian members in my family, I am very fussy when it comes to "real" Italian dishes. Mulino A Vino on 14th Street between 8th and 9th is steeped in both old school Italian traditions (mainly ones from the Milan area where the owner Paolo Meregalli comes from) mixed with clever twists…read more
Lifestyle

Paname: Where Classic New York Neighborhood Warmth Meets Classy Contemporary Parisian Fare!

Paname is a Sutton Place neighborhood gem at 1086 Second Avenue (between 56th and 57th Streets) that features classic French fare in large portions for reasonable prices. Items are plated with a modern feel, and every presentation is a work of art. The native Parisian proprietor Bernard Ros has a long history in the restaurant business and had a successful 17-year run…read more
Lifestyle

An Unforgettable Visit To The Alex Soldier Studio: Puttin’ On The Glam!

I recently visited legendary Russian jewelry design Alex Soldier's studio in the garment district of Manhattan. My eyes lit up upon entering the clean and chic space filled with display cases of not only his fabulous precious and semi-precious jewelry currently for sale in luxe stores like Neiman's and Bergdorf's, but real gold and gemstone awards he created for the…read more
Lifestyle

FFS 2015: The Reason I Was The Most Full Press Person At The Show Was Because Of All The Unique Exhibitors With Goodies Galore!

It's no secret that I'm a foodie and when the Fancy Food Show comes to New York's Javits Center the last Sunday in June (for a total of a three-day stint), I'm the first in line to "nosh around the clock" and check out both the old classics and newbie food items on exhibit. I always have to go press…read more
Lifestyle

Semsom: Lebanese Fare That’s Tantalizing To The Senses (And Taste Buds)!

I recently sauntered on down to Semsom at 2 Astor Place, to the immediate left of the legendary Astor Place Haircutters, an East Village mainstay for 40-something years. It took the place of the Financier Patisserie that use to be on this loft-like ground level spot. Semsom is not your typical "run in and grab a bite" fast food place. The…read more
Lifestyle

Spa Time: For Kids Only! A Visit To Milk & Cookies Salon And Spa On The Upper East Side (at 1196 First Avenue)

One of the cleverest outposts for kids was opened about six months ago on the corner of 63rd and First: the Milk & Cookies Salon And Spa. It's colorful, cute and provides great services with a twist--when manicures, pedicures, facials and haircuts are done, customers get to sit at a counter where they are served fresh milk and cookies. They get to…read more
Lifestyle

Hummus 21: Kosher Middle Eastern Fare With The Friendliest Service Anywhere

Right in the heart of midtown--First Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets to be exact--is Hummus 21, a Kosher Middle Eastern restaurant that provides super-fresh homemade classics like Hummus (of course), Babaganush, Mediterranean grape leaves and my personal favorite, Bureka, a baked puffed pastry stuffed with wild mushrooms and potatoes. Should you go here, I strongly suggest starting your dinner off…read more
Lifestyle

Uncle Sam’s Heads Here From Beijing–And Boy, Does He Make a Juicy Burger!

It's certainly funny to think that a place named Uncle Sam's exists in Beijing--and that they give American burgers a run for their money. Featuring the legendary Pat LaFrieda Meats--which are usually found only in NYC's priciest steakhouses--you'll want to eat two or three of these 4 ounce burgers with unique trimmings and flavors everyday. Uncle Sam's just opened up…read more