Luxe Life NYC - Part 4

Ayada: Delightful Thai Fare Takes Over The Chelsea Market!

July 12, 2019

I was fortunate enough to be able to go to a spectacular press dinner at Ayada in Chelsea Market which is only a couple of weeks old at the time of this writing. It's about midway into the Chelsea Market (just after the landmark fountain) and you can't miss it thanks to the quaint handmade wooden sign and large gong…read more

Food

Fancy Food Show 2019: It Gets Better & Better!

June 27, 2019

The Fancy Food Show is the arguably the best food event in the US every June. It's fun to take your black officially FFS tote and load it up as you walk around tasting the treats and checking out the trends. There are foods from all over the world including cheeses from France, Italy and Greece that are flown in…read more

MISCELLANEOUS

POPSUGAR Play/Ground: A Sweet Weekend Of Beauty, Treats, Fashion & Self Improvement!

June 25, 2019

Wow, I had my first-ever POPSUGAR Play/Ground Experience this past weekend out on Pier 94 and while it was hard to take in the zillions of lifestyle brands, panels, photo ops and yoga classes, I did my best to cover a lot of ground. There were so many celeb guests that my head was reeling. Appearances were made by the…read more

Food

La Goulue: 46 Years Of Clever & Classic French Cuisine On The Upper East Side

June 18, 2019

KLa Goulue has been called a "neighborhood gem" numerous times on Yelp and that is an understatement in my eyes. They serve up classic French cuisine with care and flair--and there are a few American classics like locally sourced fish thrown in for good measure. Overall, they have the most solid "Gaelic grub" on the Upper East Side. Portions are…read more

Food

Osteria 57: An Intimate Fish & Vegetarian Spot That You Will Make One Of Your “Go To” Spots!

June 6, 2019

I was lucky enough to go to a press dinner at Osteria 57 and sample their wonderful Italian vegetarian and pescatarian fare. The location is dreamy--you cannot beat a rustic main floor West Village eatery with dim lighting in an old brownstone for ambiance! Owner Emanuele Nigro was raised in Milan and brings over some of the same ingredients he…read more

Lifestyle

Father’s Day 2019 Gift Ideas: Quick Picks That You Can’t Go Wrong With!

June 4, 2019

It might be challenging to pick out a Father's Day gift and we have to say that there is never anything wrong with asking Dad what he really wants. If you are someone who insists on surprising your father, be sure to keep in mind what he really likes (maybe discuss good gift ideas with Mom, an aunt or uncle…read more

Food

Serendipity 3: A New York Legend Celebrates 65 Years Of Sundaes & Shindigs

May 29, 2019

Serendipity 3 is a New York legend for many reasons. It was put on the map of "go to" places back in the 50s when Andy Warhol and his gang of "on the way up" artists hung out there regularly (the future art superstar was said to just about live on the Lemon Box Pie). Movie stars including Marilyn Monroe…read more

Food

Fogo De Chao: Feasting Brazilian Style And Loving Every Minute Of It!

May 28, 2019

Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse at 60 West 53rd Street (almost directly across the street from MOMA) is the kind of place where you check your diet at the door and just "go for it"! There are so many experiences offered to guests here for one set "per person" price of about $67. It is a classic Brazilian "churrasco" experience…read more

Beauty

Obagi’s Skinclusion Campaign: Celebrating Diversity And Beautiful Skin

May 17, 2019

I was thrilled to be able to attend the recent Obagi Skinclusion event at Lightbox Studios in the Garment District. A lunch time panel was held to discuss the acceptance of diversity in the beauty business as well as society as a whole and guests were urged to take surveys online to discover their own biases before before attending. Questions…read more

Lifestyle

The Arlo Soho Rooftop Bar: Ushering In Summer With Secret Garden Greenhouses

May 17, 2019

There’s always something to do in New York City, no matter the weather. This is especially true for the spring and summer months, when people are itching to get out of their thick winter jackets and finally bask in some warmth outdoors. Public parks still remain the default getaway for many New Yorkers — there are so many to choose…read more

MISCELLANEOUS

The Opening Of Empire Outlets: It’s Time To Shop ‘N Munch!

May 16, 2019

I can't think of a more ideal location for an outlet mall than in front of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in St. George. Empire Outlets will be giving Woodbury Commons in upstate New York a run for their money with over two dozen stores including Gap Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Francesca's, Polo and more. There are over 30 Food…read more

Food

If You Love To Graze & Sip To Your Heart’s Content, Head To Taste Of The Upper West Side On May 17th & 18th!

May 13, 2019

I say it every year: Taste Of The Upper West Side is the best way to sample all the great cuisine 'n cocktails that this classic Manhattan neighborhood has to offer! There is unlimited food from about three dozen eateries of all price points and ethnicities not to mention free flowing alcohol--and you'll definitely be able to get your hands…read more

Beauty

Good Science Beauty: The Magic In Their Products Is Actually Pure Science!

May 10, 2019

I fell in love with Good Science Beauty (which I was unfamiliar with prior) when I attended the recent Beauty Squared show in Tribeca--I loved the samples that I received there so I was thrilled to be invited to their recent press breakfast in their Kips Bay offices. The founder was in attendance not to mention that one of their…read more

Beauty

Alma Lasers Debuts The BeautiFill Fat Transfer System With A Beautiful Breakfast At The Modern

May 8, 2019

I had a lot of fun learning about Alma Laser, Inc.'s new procedure called BeautiFill that gives age-reducing results almost immediately. This is the first laser-based fat transfer system for complete aesthetic contouring. Patients getting this procedure have fat removed from a part of the body (usually the stomach) very gently through a small canula and it is much more…read more

Lifestyle

Testing Omni Hotel & Resorts’ Newest Cocktails (At A Speakeasy No Less)!

May 7, 2019

I was lucky enough to be invited to check out the just-over a dozen cocktails being introduced at every Omni Hotel & Resorts property between now and June 8th. The press tasting that I went to was held at Bathtub Gin, a speakeasy behind the Stone Street Coffee store in Chelsea around Ninth Avenue and 18th Street. It was the…read more

Lifestyle

Mother’s Day Top Gift Picks!

April 29, 2019

Mother's Day often means panicking about gifts last minute but we've got a few great choices ranging from budget-minded to super extravagant! It's a good idea to ask mom what she wants first (just my opinion) so that you are not too off base--but then again, if you want to buy Mom something so luxurious that she would never think…read more

Food

I Went On Watson Adventures’ Munch Around The Village Scavenger Hunt (I Didn’t Win But I Had The Time Of My Life)!

April 22, 2019

I have always had a fascination with the West Village (which is still New York's coolest neighborhood in my opinion), trying out new restaurants and scavenger hunts, so when I had the opportunity to do all three at one time, I jumped on the opportunity. Watson Adventures has many different themes for their scavenger hunts which are about 2 1/2…read more

Lifestyle

Jeffrey Fashion Cares: Maximum Fun & Fashion For Several Great Causes!

April 11, 2019

I had never been to the annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares event before even though it's been going on for 15 years now and I have to say that it is truly unique! They have plenty of stars aboard from both the fashion and entertainment worlds but have arguably the best items available at any charity event when it comes to…read more

Food

Utsav: Reaching Culinary Nirvana In Midtown!

April 8, 2019

My recent visit to Utsav at 46th and Sixth totally made my day--and night! It has a light, airy and elegant vibe with modern ceiling fixtures and lots of windows for people watching down on the street. The entrance is actually tucked away about 75 feet west of the northwest corner of 46th and Sixth, so be mindful of this…read more

Food

Buenos Aires: Authenticity, Argentinian Meats & Friendly Service Come Together For East Village’s Best Brunch Deal!

March 11, 2019

I do not have a lot of opportunities to eat truly authentic Argentinian cuisine so I was thrilled to get an invitation to check out the new $35 brunch special at Buenos Aires, a highly recommended establishment at 513 East 6th Street in the East Village. Every step along the way I was blown away--no wonder it has 4 1/2…read more

Food

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

Beauty

It Cosmetics: Putting Confidence In A Bottle!

February 28, 2019

I love It Cosmetics launch events. They are easily the most creative events for media who have grown tired of the typical cocktail party launches. Since the products are pink, they tend to have pink drinks and food (especially pink cupcakes featuring their fun logo), but they always set up vignettes that test the creativity of party guests. At the…read more

Beauty

The Latest On Lasers: A Cutera Press Event With Dr. Neil Sadick

February 25, 2019

Last Friday's Cutera-sponsored press breakfast for three dozen beauty and health journalists at Park Avenue dermatologist Dr. Neil Sadick's office was an interesting one. Dr. Sadick did a Q&A on the latest Cutera laser treatments Pico Genesis and TruSculpt ID moderated by his journalist daughter Sydney Sadick.Cutera's Pico Genesis is considered the current state of the art laser system for…read more

Fashion

Looking Back On Fashion Week: A Roundup Of Chic Shows & Lounges

February 18, 2019

I find that Fashion Week gets crazier and craziest as the years go on. I have been going for about 25 years and miss when all the shows were more centralized--like the good ol' days of the '90s and '00s when NYFW was in Bryant Park and then later Lincoln Center. Having the shows all over town with one "sort…read more

Lifestyle

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide—Six Sexy Yet Practical Picks!

February 4, 2019

Most people wait until the last minute to buy their significant other a Valentine's Day gift so we have a few ideas that might make things a little easier if you are in a pinch. These can all get to you in only a day or two because these folks are known for superfast shipping! My favorite brand of luxury…read more

Beauty

All About Altreno: The Launch Of The New Game Changing Acne Treatment At The Harvard Club

January 12, 2019

Contrary to what you might think, not that many prescription acne products are introduced each year so the recent launch of Altreno Lotion from Ortho Dermatologics was a very big deal--especially since it is aimed at women. (Four times as many women suffer from acne then men!) This elegant, silky feeling tretinoin lotion spreads smoothly and can be worked into…read more