Luxe Life NYC - Part 8

An Incredible Afternoon At Chocolat Harlem!

August 10, 2023

In 2010, restauranteur Leon Ellis decided to open up Chocolat Restaurant and Bar located on Frederick Douglas and 120th street. There is no doubt that this is a location with an eclectic and diverse crowd that truly represents Harlem. Chocolat serves a delicious array soul food and contemporary American cuisine—with some international favorites thrown in here and there! I noticed…read more

New York Events

Hamptons Interactive Brunch: The Fourth Time’s The Charm!

August 7, 2023

The Hamptons Interactive Brunch presented by Vanessa Gordon of East End Taste and super party planners Sean Koski and Brian Kelly from Tickets2Events is one of the most memorable events of the Hamptons summer season. It’s been held four times so far and you never know what to expect as an influencer except that the food is always fantastic—that is…read more

Food

Isle Of Us: An “Island” Of Great Gifting Items For Foodies!

August 3, 2023

I recently made my first ever visit to Isle Of Us which has been wowing folks on the Upper East Side for about a year now with high end, restaurant quality healthy dishes at a much better prices—and probably bigger portions. Founded by restaurateur Lisle Richards in collaboration with Chef Matt Aita (Food & Wine Chefs Club, Le Philosophe),…read more

Food

Finestra: I Couldn’t Wait To Go Back For Yorkville’s Best Southern Italian Fare!

August 2, 2023

I know that I just reviewed Finestra a couple of weeks ago but I just had to go back ASAP! I visited with a friend going to the Hospital For Special Surgery for a second hip replacement the next day, and I knew that she and her husband would appreciate some authentic Italian food and a relaxing atmosphere before the…read more

New York Events

The Hamptons Interactive Brunch: Good Food, Good Will And A Sampling Of The Newest In Health & Beauty Products!

August 1, 2023

Why am I so excited for this coming weekend? Because on this coming Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:30 AM, Hamptons Tastemaker Vanessa Gordon & Celebrity Event Planners Brian Kelly & Sean Koski of Ticket2Events will host the invitation-only 4th Annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch at the stunning waterfront eatery Baron’s Cove, 31 West Water Street in Sag Harbor, NY. As…read more

Food

Red Horse By David Burke: There’s No Horsin’ Around In This Kitchen! A “Bit” Of The Best In Modern American Fare!

July 31, 2023

I always say that David Burke is possibly the most unique and creative chef out there. I have been to five of his restaurants dating way back when he first got famous for his legendary Upper East Side eatery David Burke And Donatella 20 plus years ago and have loved every one. Sorry to sound like such a fan girl…read more

New York Events

Jill Zarin’s Luxury Luncheon: Unforgettable Fun In The (Very Hot) Sun! Wine, Food, Beauty Brands, Fashion & More!

July 30, 2023

I have been to five of Jill Zarin’s Luxury Luncheons and the last one might just might have been the best. It was held for the second time at the Halsey House, the oldest house in the Hamptons, which has been open to the public since 1960. As usual, it was produced by the talented team of Brian Kelly and…read more

Food

Finestra: Classy ‘N Quiet Dining In The Heart Of Yorkville

July 21, 2023

I have lived in the East 70s for 25 years and I cannot figure out how I never made it to Finestra (conveniently located on the NE corner of 73rd and York Avenue) before! This charming spot gets a big lunchtime and dinner crowd from the people working at nearby businesses as well as all the local hospitals like Lenox…read more

Beauty

A Massage At The Naturopathica Spa In Chelsea: A Bit Of Heaven In The Middle Of One Of The Big Apple’s Busiest Neighborhoods!

July 18, 2023

I recently went to the Naturopathica Spa in Chelsea at 127 West 26th Street to get one of their amazing Defy Messages and to peruse their many holistic skincare products and even check out their signature scents. They have fabulous 30-min Holistic Facial appointments if you only have a little time in your day for a spa sessions but why…read more

Lifestyle

Jill Zarin’s Luxe Lunch Is Back And Better Than Ever!

July 6, 2023

Celebrity filled and highly anticipated, the Jill Zarin Luxe Lunch (aka Jill Zarin Luxury Hamptons Luncheon) produced by Ticket2Events is back with a gift bag valued at up to $5,000 and more! Entrepreneur and TV personality Jill Zarin (Real Housewives of New York, Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, & the soon to be released Amazon Freevee series The Goat), is…read more

Food

Fun At The 2023 Edition Of The Fancy Food Show At The Javits Center! My Favorite Munching Moments!

June 27, 2023

The Fancy Food Show comes once a year to NYC and San Francisco, and it’s a place where legendary specialty food brands meet with possible distributors and stores—but these brands also take on the press and check out the competition. The FFS is also one of the best place to launch new products in the entire food industry. This spectacular…read more

Food

Ocean Prime: Offering The Perfect Father’s Day Brunch And Dinner Nationwide!

June 15, 2023

It’s no secret that I love Ocean Prime and that is for three very simple reasons: prime dry aged meat, huge portions and presentations with a real “wow factor”! They are pulling out the stops for Father’s Day with a delicious dinner special and brunch! The dinner special available all Father’s Day weekend long (Friday, June 16 through Monday, June…read more

Entertainment

My New Favorite Supper Club: HFC Underground At The Hunt & Fish Club!

June 14, 2023

Hunt & Fish Club Presents HFC Underground is a celebration of the Great American Songbook that you can catch once a month at 7 pm (the show actually starts at 8:15 pm while dinner is served beforehand). This is part of the legendary Hunt & Fish Club’s special Broadway-themed cabaret concert series, where you can enjoy Broadway music while indulging…read more

Lifestyle

Father’s Day Gifts: Quick Picks That You Can’t Go Wrong With!

June 6, 2023

I have put together a few of my favorite Father’s Day gifts that pretty much could please any guy from 25 to 100! All of these items range from $50 to $279 so they won’t break the bank, either! I love to find boxes for dads who like to snack—but also like to do it in a healthy way. Bona…read more

Food

Caliza: Super Authentic Mexican Fare In The Heart Of Tribeca!

May 24, 2023

My recent visit to Caliza on Greenwich Street was a real treat. I had read the all the reviews stating that they have the best guacamole in town but I was really there to put their margarita and wagyu beef tacos to the test plus try a couple of their gorgeous desserts! Caliza is the brainchild of Chef Daniel Mendoza…read more

Beauty

Inside The Be Chic Be Glam Event At Ulta Herald Square—Featuring Styling By Nick Stenson Beauty & BCBGMAXAZRIA!

May 17, 2023

I was so excited to attend the recent Be Chic Be Glam event in Ulta Beauty Herald Square that celebrated the partnership with BCBGMAXAZRIA and Nick Stenson Beauty (which recently launched remarkable all-natural luxury hair products). Every guest got styled both hair-wise and fashion-wise and I want to thank my stylist Shqipe Gocaj—who freelances at many of NYC’s biggest fashion…read more

Food

The LA Times Coast To Coast Tasting Event: Bringing Together The Best Of LA & NYC!

May 10, 2023

The Los Angeles Times Coast To Coast tasting event returned for the third year, bringing L.A. and NYC together for a night of legendary eateries. The event featured award winning chefs and restaurants from both cities serving up a couple of their famous dishes for guests to sample. (Portions at each booth were actually quite generous!) Hosted by The LA…read more

New York Events

The Pierre Hotel’s Ballroom Grand Reopening Cocktail Party: Glamour, Great Eats ‘N More!

May 9, 2023

The always fashionable Pierre Hotel is fast approaching its tenth decade in business and the ballroom—which has been THE society showplace for galas, weddings and musical performances—has recently undergone an amazing renovation! There was a cocktail party to celebrate the reopening recently and they pulled out all the stops (just as you might have expected)! The best thing is that…read more

Beauty

Mother’s Day Quick Picks: Amazing Beauty & Fragrance Gifts!

May 5, 2023

If your mom is a beauty and fragrance fanatic, here are some of the latest and greatest that appeal to all tastes and styles. No brand of fragrance celebrates NYC more than Bond No. 9--and yes, their flagship store is indeed at 9 Bond Street! Their latest scent, the fruity floral NYC Flowers is a unique combo of Anjou Pear,…read more

Lifestyle

Mother’s Day Gift Picks From $17 To $1000

May 2, 2023

Mother's Day is almost here and so I have created a list of some of my favorite things! (Move over, Oprah--LOL!) This is a big variety of items from jewelry to makeup from $17 to $500 and some of these items combined together in a gift basket would surely make for a memorable Mother's Day gift. Just for the record,…read more

Lifestyle

Mother’s Day Hot Picks: Find Something Special For All Kinds Of Moms!

May 1, 2023

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and that means rushing out last minute for a gift that you may or may not be sure that your mom will love! We’ve got some quick picks that we are positive your mom will love! Everything shown here is priced from $25 to $325 so your wallet won’t be empty and we…read more

Food

Brunch At Osteria Accademia: Authentic Italian Fare In A Library Atmosphere!

May 1, 2023

I was happy to be invited for brunch at Osteria Accademia at 93rd and Amsterdam after enjoying a fabulously authentic and classy dinner there five or six months ago. The service is quick and friendly, the portions are respectably sized and the prices are in the medium range (brunch entrees are $17 to $28). Some items are fresh takes on…read more

Food

Sweets ‘N More—For The Sweet Mom!

April 29, 2023

Everyone’s got a bit of a sweet tooth and undoubtedly your mom would love to let loose on her special day and sample some of New York’s great “sweet spots.” If you are not in NYC for Mother’s Day, every place in this list has items available for mail order and a lot have discounts if you are signing up…read more

Beauty

The Beauty Show Is Back In NYC April 30th-May 1st! (It’s The Go-To Event For Everyone Who Wants To Be A Beauty Insider!)

April 26, 2023

I am a longtime attendee of The Makeup Show so I am very excited about it coming to Chelsea’s Metropolitan Pavillion at 100 West 18th Street this Sunday and Monday. There are not only great classes but guests get access to pro discounts at brands such as Alcone Company, Lumify, Nudestix, B3, Danessa Myricks Beauty, ESUM Beauty, Make Up For…read more

Food

GG Tokyo: Unique Cocktails And Modern Japanese Cuisine Make This Your New “Go-To” Spot!

April 24, 2023

GG Tokyo has got it all—truly unique food and cocktails that you can’t get anywhere else, ultra modern and quirky art and a cozy dining room and bar area. Think of “rustic charm” meeting “chic and sophisticated” and you’ve got GG Tokyo. There are cozy tables and booths but you might want to sit at the bar. It’s clean and…read more

Food

Venchi: A Heavenly Place For Chocolate And Gelato Fans!

April 23, 2023

In case you have been curious about those “places with the giant white ice cream cones just outside the front doors” that you have seen around town, they are Venchi chocolate and gelato boutiques. If you do a search on the web, you will know that they are wildly well received and that many New Yorkers visit the various stores…read more

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