Luxe Life NYC - Part 6

Merchants Cigar Bar: The Lounge With Something Extra!

January 28, 2023

Not too many cigar bars operate in New York City and I personally can only think of three or four. Merchants Cigar Bar at 62nd and First Avenue is special not just because of its fine selection of alcohol and cigars (with a bartender who is an expert on both) but because of its elevated Modern American menu. Everything is…read more

Food

Brine: New York’s Juiciest Chicken Is Both Chic ‘N Cheap!

December 30, 2022

I recently visited Brine, which is a new casual chicken eatery in Chelsea at 106 Eighth Avenue…and was really “wowed”! I had only heard of brining turkey before but these guys brine chicken for a solid 24 hours, let it rest to a certain temperature and then fire grill it! It comes out so juicy that you might not even…read more

Travel

A Perfect NYC Staycation: Relaxing To The Max At The Dominick Hotel!

December 29, 2022

I have gone to events at the Dominick Hotel in Soho before including one of the Luau Nights at their memorable and well-reviewed El Ta’Koy restaurant. This resto is worth checking out for a lot of reasons and not just because it has great Hawaiian fusion fare which includes incredible short rib tacos and a Cuban sandwich that includes both…read more

Food

The Brooklyn Deli Times Square: Classic New York City Deli Food Served With Smiles!

December 21, 2022

I think that I have discovered New York’s best corned beef—had it yesterday at the Brooklyn Deli Times Square (1501 Broadway) as part of a classic Reuben on a potato roll. The pastrami’s not too shabby either but the corned beef is in a league of its own. Interestingly enough, there is a pizza bar behind glass as well as…read more

Food

A NYC Legend Grows! Checking Out The Opening Of The Latest Dim Sum Palace!

December 19, 2022

I was lucky enough to get invited to the grand opening of the seventh location of the renowned Dim Sum Palace and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There was plenty of fanfare including fabulous lion dancing that started in front of this cozy but large eastern Chinatown location and moving through the crowd…read more

Food

Osteria Accademia: And Now For Something Completely Different!

December 15, 2022

I was thrilled to be invited to experience the newly opened Osteria Accademia on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Osteria Accademia is a classy and sophisticated small Italian restaurant with Mediterranean overtones that is perfect for intimate dinners with loved ones and friends. It’s library-like vibe is really something different in terms of atmosphere and you can see that the guests…read more

Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide For Your Artistic Friends: Great Gifts From Cameras To Watercolor Paints!

December 1, 2022

Finding the perfect gift for your artistic friends can be challenging. After all, artists need different sets of tools to match their interests. Author Alfredo Vernazzani explains that many artists contend with the world differently and this manifests in their chosen medium. Soon that note, it wouldn’t hurt to know a thing or two about the art forms that your…read more

Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Of Food And Drink Gifts!

November 9, 2022

Everyone loves to get little goodies in their Christmas stockings, but in my book, the big goodies are even better. I have chosen some of my favorite chocolates, meat packages, classic Italian veggies preserved in EVOO, hot sauces, wine, tequila and more that anyone and everyone would want to keep on hand for holiday guests just popping in or even…read more

Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Fun Finds For Friends And Family!

November 7, 2022

It is hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner. I feel that it is never too early to start shopping, but if you are a hardcore procrastinator, thanks to modern technology you can wait until the day before Christmas and still get a package delivered via Amazon Prime. Here is a selection of items in all…read more

Lifestyle

Beauty & Fashion Holiday Gift Guide: Unforgettable Looks, Scents, Skincare and Makeup!

November 7, 2022

Everyone knows a beauty and fashion maniac—and you probably are one yourself! Here is a list of sure fire great fashion and beauty gifts for all budgets and all tastes! Fill your holiday season with great scents and healthy skin from head to toe! The 2022 L’Occitane Classic Holiday Advent Calendar features 24 beloved formulas for daily surprises, and is…read more

Food

Comodo: Amazing Latin American Fare With The Spirit Of NYC

October 30, 2022

I recently visited the one-year-old Latin American restaurant Comodo in the Freehold Hotel at 23 Lexington between 23rd and 24th Streets. Upon walking in for the first time, I was impressed by the 1920’s vibe of the decor, dark lighting and cozy booths. I quickly noticed the rollicking scene by the large wooden bar in the center of the dining…read more

Food

Legasea Bar & Grill: An Oasis In The Center Of Midtown

October 19, 2022

Legasea Bar & Grill in the Moxy Times Square has the perfect atmosphere for an entertaining dining experience--but that is to be expected from the legendary Tao Group Hospitality. I recently went to Legasea and liked that it had a casual vibe with high end yet simple cuisine. There is truly something for all tastes here! The menu is a…read more

Food

NYCWFF 2022: Where Food, Fun & Friends Collide

October 17, 2022

Every year I go to NYCWFF and basically just attend the Grand Tasting, which lets guests sample cuisines both common and exotic. This year I attended three events and had a blast at all of them. All of the NYCWFF Tasting events have a party atmosphere and the bigger ones are outdoors. The most commonly used locations for their larger…read more

Food

Pavé: The Homemade Bread Themed Cafe That Rises Above The Rest

October 16, 2022

Pavé at 20 West 46th Street in midtown--partially brought to you from the folks at the fabulous and funky Hawaiian eatery Noreetah in the East Village--is causing a sensation by serving high end quick breakfast and lunch options at super reasonable prices (sandwiches are generous in size and run $7 to $12, for instance). They just opened on 9/21 but…read more

Food

Eclairs That Care: Lady M Confections Is Donating 100 Per Cent Of Proceeds Of Their New Pink Eclairs To Support A Very Good Cause!

October 13, 2022

How "sweet" is this?! Lady M Confections, creator of the world-famous Mille Crêpes, recently announced they will be donating 100% of proceeds from their Pink Éclairs sales throughout the month of October to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for Breast Cancer Research. Lady M’s Pink Éclairs ($6 each) are a classic choux pastry filled with strawberry custard cream and topped…read more

Food

The Tin Building Opening Party: Jean-Georges’ Dream Marketplace Becomes Reality!

September 29, 2022

The opening party for the Tin Building was a truly unique experience! It started out with a ribbon cutting, a drum corps and dancing troupe dressed up in chef's garb, confetti, 1920s cars and some circus performers. Inside this giant foodie marketplace created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten are counters of fare from raw seafood to burgers to Mexican food to "old…read more

Beauty

CEW’s Beauty Bazaar: Interactive Beauty At It’s Finest (And Most Fun)!

September 16, 2022

CEW always holds great events that entice beauty fans, executives and media alike. The Beauty Bazaar that I attended recently included booths from CVS, Spa Chicks and Johnson & Johnson--as well as a phenomenal gift bag that was chock full to the brim with the latest items from brands like YSL, Olay, Rimmel, Coola, Too Faced, L'Occitane and more. My…read more

Food

Taste Of The Upper West Side: Better Than Ever In Its 14th Year!

September 16, 2022

It goes without saying that Taste Of 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 60 plus eateries not to mention an open bar–and you’ll definitely be able to get your hands on exclusive signature cocktails and try wines from…read more

Fashion

NYFW For Spring-Summer 2023: A Few Of My Wow Moments!

September 15, 2022

NYFW is not what it used to be. There are less designers, less parties and less swag--especially when it comes to press people like yours truly! I still had a good time. Here are a few moments that really turned my head! My favorite designer of the week was...Vivienne Tam! Here colorful flowing prints had the crowd going crazy. She…read more

New York Events

The Fragrance Foundation Media Connections Brunch: Bringing Together The Best Of The Industry To Celebrate Diversity And Opportunity!

September 11, 2022

The Fragrance Foundation (TFF) recently hosted an intimate gathering of about 40 industry leaders, including brand owners, designers, media, influencers and style makers to celebrate New York Fashion Week and learn the latest on #FragranceForwardTFF sweeping industry-wide initiative dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the fragrance industry, at every level. Kathleen Hou, Francisco Costa, Linda G. Levy, Musa…read more

Fashion

A NYFW Must-See: The Jane Morgan In My Style Performance Gown Exhibit At The 3 West Club!

September 10, 2022

I had a fabulous time at the Jane Morgan In My Style launch party this past Friday night in midtown on the fourth floor of 3 West 51st Street, also known as the 3 West Club. I was hoping Ms. Morgan would turn up since she curated this exhibit herself with the help of Bonnie Bien from LaPresse PR and…read more

Food

Side Door: A Cool And Casual Midtown East Gastropub Experience!

September 5, 2022

I have to say that I have not had much Gastropub experience but I have had enough to know that Side Door--conveniently located at 151 East 57th between Third and Lexington--has an insane variety of cuisines that puts them light years ahead in this grub genre. German specialities like weinerschnitzel, Polish/Ukrainian legends like pierogies, American BBQ classics like rib stickin'…read more

New York Events

The El Ta’Koy Soho Summer Luau: Summer In The City Fun With Amazing Views!

September 1, 2022

I never knew about El Ta'Koy until a I got a pitch letter from its PR team inviting me to one of their Soho Summer Luaus out on Terrace On 7 at The Dominick (246 Spring Street)--the most luxurious and modern hotel in Tribeca. I had not had Hawaiian food in years and when I read that they had a…read more

New York Events

The Landmark Hospitality 20th Anniversary Party: Fun, Food And Fireworks On The Hudson!

August 26, 2022

Over the past 20 years, Landmark Hospitality has built a huge and diversified portfolio of restaurants, venues and boutique hotels in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas. (Hudson House in Jersey City hosted a party for Nancy Shevell's family freight business and hubby Paul McCartney actually performed!) To celebrate the "Big 20" milestone, owners Frank and Jeanne Cretella (pictured above…read more

Food

Il Gradino: Stellar Southern Italian Fare On The Upper East Side!

August 20, 2022

Il Gradino, a new 66-seat Southern Italian eatery started by Diego Argudo the beloved former captain at the legendary Scalintella, is filled to the brim starting every night about 6:30 and that is for a few different reasons. The first reason is that the food is prepared to order, meaning that the staff gladly takes your preferences into consideration and…read more

Food

The Yale Immersive Dining Experience: Great Food, Wine And A Little Pasta Making Session!

August 19, 2022

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Yale Immersive Dining Experience presented by the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable and La Molisana pasta held at Yale's main and very gorgeous dining hall, Schwarzman Center. Press and food service business professionals gathered together for 90 minutes of making fresh pasta with some of La Molisana and Schwarzman Center chefs. I found…read more