Eat Brazilian, and Practice Portuguese!

Rice 'n' Beans

Check out this tiny Brazilian hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, where just about anyone will love the food. Pick your favorite meat, and a sauce and you are all set. Try sides of fried yucca and sweet plantains. The traditional caldo verde soup (potatoes, finely shredded kale and sliced sausage) is the best I have had in Manhattan! The Carnival Salad is also a great choice. Be authentic and order Guarnana for your beverage. The waiters will speak to you in Portuguese as well, if you are so inclined...


Rice 'n' Beans Restaurant
744 Ninth Avenue (bt. 50 & 51)
(212) 265-4444
www.ricenbeansrestaurant.com

Really Good Chocolate

Michel Cluizel

I love dark chocolate, and I love French chocolate the most.

What is really great about this tasty, high quality chocolate is the chance to sample delicious choices from single origins. Have fun and try all the different kids offered! Bars are very good to have on hand, if you ever have a chocolate craving. ;) Bonbons make great gifts, and they even have cute packaging if you go in the store (like colorful stained glass boxes!) You can also buy online if you are not in NYC or Paris.

Chocolat Michel Cluizel
ABC Carpet & Home
888 Broadway, 1st floor
(212) 477-7335
www.chocolatemichelcluizel.com

Recipe: Greek Style Fritata

-5 eggs
-bunch of leeks
-4-5 celery ribs, chopped
-1 red onion, diced
-2 garlic cloves, minced
-bunch of fresh mint, chopped
-bunch of fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
-bunch of fresh dill, chopped
-handful of toasted pine nuts
-feta cheese, crumbled
-Kessari cheese, grated
-olive oil
-sea salt
-freshly ground pepper

You can chop all of the vegetables the day before.

-Chop the white and light green parts of the leeks, and place in a bowl. Rinse the leeks several times with cold water (they are very dirty!), and drain in a colandar.

-Place leeks, onion, celery, garlic in a bowl.

-Heat oil in pan. Sautee vegetables until clear. Add salt pepper, and remove from heat. Stir in herbs, pine nuts and cheeses.

-Whisk eggs with some oil, and add to vegetables in pan. Cook in oven until firm.

Brunch and a (artsy) Movie

Jane
Angelika Theater

Why don't you make a brunch reservation (www.opentable.com of course!) and go out to the newest artistic film afterwards? Jane on Houston has an amazing selection of super-fantastic brunch items (poached eggs, french toast, even steak for a hungry guy friend!) along with fabulous brunch cocktails--if I drank Bloody Marys, this would be THE PLACE to order from. ;)

Jane
100 W Houston St
(212) 254-7000
www.janerestaurant.com

Check out the great selection of non-mainstream, foreign and artistic films at the Angelika theater. They have many show times and quite a few choices to select from on any day. It is a short walk from brunch.

Angelika Theater
18 W Houston St (@ Mercer St)
(212) 995-2000
www.angelikafilmcenter.com

Stylish Sushi

Nobu 57

Nobu is indeed, one of the most fabulous restaurants...the hype is true! Look past all of the investment bankers and enjoy the modern/naturalistic decor, and note that bar seating doesn't require reservations. The martinis are all fabulous, as is everything on the abreviated bar food menu. Act like a regular and ask for the avocado tempura (only on the main dining room menu).

Nobu 57
40 W 57th St
(212) 757-3000
www.noburestaurants.com


Other NYC Locations:

Nobu
105 Hudson St
(212) 219-0500

Nobu Next Door
105 Hudson St (bt Franklin & N Moore)
(212) 334-4445

Take a Relaxing Bath

SABON

I love the products at this store. The fragrances are interesting and natural, like lilac, ginger, musk, lemon, rose, or some scents in unexpected yet wonderful combinations like a patchouli/vanilla/lavendar body oil. One of the greatest products is the bath salts ball ($5). Dissolve one in a hot bath, and relax. Your muscles will feel so good afterward and you will emerge with a sense of serenity. Other products to try are the bath oils, scrubs and hand cream.

Stores are located in multiple areas in Manhattan, and can be found in Boston, NJ, Chicago and Ontario. If you are outside of these areas, don't worry. You can also purchase online.

(866) NY-SABON
http://www.sabonnyc.com/

Tapas and Flamenco

XUNTA

Check out this great place where your tables are either barrels or picnic benches, fishing nets hang from the ceiling, and a stage stands next to the bar, where on weekends you can watch a live Flamenco show. Everything on the menu is fantastic. Start with a pitcher of Sangria or bottle of wine, and order about 5 things on the menu. Keep a copy of the menu and continue ordering small plates as you go--service is fast.

Try these:
-bacon wrapped dates
-flaming mushrooms in brandy
-grilled sardines
-octopus with paprika
-Manchego and quince
-string beans with garlic
-spicy potatoes
-corn bread with tomato
-grilled steak

Xunta Tapas Bar
174 First Avenue (bt 10 & 11 St)
(212)614-0620
www.xuntatapas.com

Eat Jamaican Food

Maroons

Try this place for tasty Jamaican food. (Half of the menu is also dedicated to Southern cooking.) The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the music gives it a good vibe. Try the jerk chicken wings and okra puffs as an appetizer. Steak and fish dishes were excellent choices on a recent visit. Entrees have a nice selections of sides to go with them, such as green beens, collard greens, sauteed spinach and white corn grits (excellent).

Maroons
244 West 16th Street (bt 7 & 8 Ave)
(212) 206-8640
www.maroonsnyc.com

Have Lunch Overlooking the Ocean

Brockton Villa

This is one of my favorite spots in La Jolla. Grab a table on the deck and watch the waves of the ocean, or sit inside by the abalone shell covered fireplace when temperatures are chilly out! This place is great for breakfast or lunch, and especially nice to go with a best girl friend or your mom. I like everything on the menu, but sandwiches such as the salmon BLT, crabcake with red pepper roulade and Morrocan lamb with feta are all good ideas. All of the salads are very delicious and they make great fresh iced tea too. For breakfast try any of the egg "steamers" with a cappucino.

Brockton Villa
1235 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7393
www.brocktonvilla.com

Eat Freshly Caught Seafood

Point Loma Seafood

Swing by this fish market right after you fly in to the San Diego airport. Sit among fishing boats and sailboats in the lovely breeze of Point Loma and share one of their sandwiches or fish plates. Top choice for the menu is the fried oyster sandwich. Other favorites are the crab cake sandwich, fish sandwich (fried or smoked fish) and the shrimp sandwich. Order a fresh iced tea, lemonade or even a bottle of chilled wine to enjoy with your meal. A great idea is to bring a cooler with ice and take some fresh fish home to cook that night! The huge selection of smoked fish is amazing (smoked at the market!), and definately worth trying a few kinds of fish. Mmm....


Point Loma Seafood
2805 Emerson Street
(619) 223-1109
www.pointlomaseafoods.com

Recipe: Red Wine and Portobello Mushroom Pasta Sauce

This is a great way to use wine that you didn't finish!

-1 package sliced mushrooms, or 3 large portobello mushrooms, sliced--and then cut into 1" pieces
-1/2 bottle leftover red wine
-olive oil
-garlic, chopped
-1 yellow onion, diced
-1 carrot, diced
-2 celery ribs, diced
-1 large can organic diced tomatos (from Italy)
-1/2 small can tomato paste
-salt, freshly ground pepper

-organic whole wheat pasta
-fresh parsley (flat leaf)
-freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in pan. Add carrot, onion, celery and cook for several minutes. Add chopped garlic. Cook all until onions become clear. Add wine and cook for a few minutes. Add mushrooms. Once wine is reduced, add tomato paste. Once that is combined, add diced tomatos. Cook 15 minutes and serve over freshly cooked pasta. Sprinkle parsley and cheese over individual servings.

Variation: Stir some marscapone cheese into the sauce at the end for a creamy version.

Get Your Hair Cut!

Bumble University

Check out the Bumble and Bumble salon's "university". Once you are approved as a "hair model", you will be able to get the hottest new style, FREE!! You can choose from a long or short cut, and they will custom tailor the cut to your preference and to suit your face. Allow 2 hours for the experience, since it is a learning environment for the stylists. Besides, this is a great excuse to stop by Pastis for quick meal at an off hour (good bet= Tuna Nicoise salad). Pick the late (8pm) appointment and wander through some Chelsea galleries first--there is bound to be a few openings you can pop into!

Bumble and Bumble University
415 W 13th Street (bt 9th Ave. & Washington St.)
floor 6
New York, NY 20014
866.7.Bumble
http://www.bbumodelproject.com/
model@bumbleandbumble.com

$2 Tacos

Sabor A Mexico

This is the place to go for tasty two dollar tacos in NYC. My favorites are the soft tacos: chicken and beef, and of course don't forget sides of sour cream and guacamole! Their fresh made salsa is delicious and original--a spicy mix of tomatillo, onions, cilantro and spices. The sangria is great as well--keep in mind that for two people, no more than half a pitcher is needed! The location near 90th is the cutest and best for dining in.

Sabor A Mexico
1744 First Avenue (bt. 90 & 91)
(212) 289-2641

Sabor A Mexico II
233 East 77th Street (bt. 2 & 3 Ave)
(212) 439-8301

Asian Art and Cocktails

First Fridays at the Asia Society

Make sure to check out this fun event the first Friday of each month at the Asia Society. Enjoy a cocktail while networking with other young (21-39 year olds) professionals from diverse backgrounds including finance, art, non-profit, etc. This is also a great time to view the current exhibitions at no cost. Galleries are open the entire time, with two curator led tours during the evening. Exhibitions are always interesting and range from traditional art to contemporary/experimental.

First Fridays
6-9pm
Asia Society
725 Park Avenue (@ 70th St)
(212) 288-6400
http://www.asiasociety.org/

Chips & Margaritas

Maz Mezcal

As you know by now, I find it very difficult to find proper Mexican food in NYC. I am therefore on a constant search for Mexican restaurants in the hopes of finding non-fancy, real, delicious, authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices like you will find everywhere in Southern California. This place, alas, does not offer such...

However, the bartenders make great margaritas and it is a fun place to hang out for a drink or two in the summer. Pick a table by the open wall or sit at the bar. Skip the food on the menu and enjoy the fresh chips and three salsas that come in a ceramic boat, and also order the guacomole, if so inclined. I love to ask for Corazon tequila for the maragaritas I order here, and of course, I get the rim salted.

Maz Mezcal
316 East 86th Street (bt. 1 & 2 Ave)
(212) 472-1599
http://www.mazmezcal.com/

Not-So-Ceviche Ceviche

Crave Ceviche Bar

OK, I know everyone has been reviewing this new restaurant. However, everyone has been saying the same thing! All the reviews read like a summary of what must have been the restaurant's opening press release...

What I think:

I thought everything I tried here was great. It was not ceviche though! The raw fish was very fresh and flavorful, and the combinations of flavors (tuna with yellow watermellon, salmon with chorizo and mushrooms...) were unusual and tasty. We also tried the white sangria, which was nice with watermellon and peach pieces. The wine list was minimal. The decor was cute and the space is tiny--it felt like being in a little place somewhere on the beach. So, come here for a cute evening, some little fish slices and a glass of wine or sangria. This is no ceviche paradise. The End.

Crave Ceviche Bar
946 Second Ave (@ 50th St)
(212) 355-6565
http://www.craveceviche.com/

Recipe: Sparkling Sangria

I must be the only person who does not usually enjoy traditional sangria. It is always either too sweet, or too alcoholic tasting, and I don't enjoy apples or orange rinds in my drink! Try this light sparkling version--it is great for summer.

-2 peaches or nectarines
-blueberries
-raspberries
-prosecco or sparkling wine
-Cointreau

Remove skin from peaches or nectarines and cut into cubes. Place in bowl or container and cover with Contreau. Soak for several hours.

When you are ready to make drinks, take white wine glasses and fill with several spoonfulls of soaked peaches or nectarines, several blueberries and several raspberries. Fill to top with prosecco or sparkling wine.

Drink Sake

Sake Hana

This tiny place on the Upper East Side is great. The colorful seats and dim lighting make for a very funky yet elegant backdrop to sushi eating and sake drinking. The rolls are very inventive--like a roll we love that incorporates fresh mango slices! They have lots of sakes to choose from, and each sake comes in its own special carafe with matching glasses, depending on what you order. If you are a regular and get to know the friendly and knowledgeable staff, they just may offer you a taste of something not on the menu! We have tried many interesting sakes in this way that have made their way back from Japan and which are not available in the US.

Make sure to check out:

Speaking of which, twice each year they hold a $55 sake tasting, with usually around 15 different types of sake. Many of these, again, are brought in specifically for the event and not available in the US. At the sake tasting events, sushi (and sake desserts!) are abundant and you get to meet the brew masters of the various brands.



Sake Hana
265 East 78th Street (@ 2nd Ave)
(212) 327-0582

Recipe: Easy Party Appetizers!!

I love inventing appetizers for parties. Here are some small, easy to make ideas that you can throw together last-minute. They are all highly delicious.

-toast squares
-marscapone
-honey
-pistachios (shelled, unsalted)
-kumquats

Spread thin layer of marscapone on toast square. Layer thin slice of kumquat, one pistachio nut, then drizzle a small amount of honey on top.

-rosemary-olive oil crackers
-manchego cheese
-quince paste
-prosciutto (optional)

Place a small rectangle of cheese on cracker and same size slice of quince paste on top. For variation you can also add a small slice of prosciutto between the cheese and quince.

-flatbread with seeds
-aged goat cheese
-fresh pesto
-dried cranberries (optional)
-walnuts (shelled, unsalted) (optional)

Place small slice of cheese on flatbread. Drizzle with pesto. You can also place one or two dried cranberries, or a piece of walnut on top.

-toast squares
-smoked salmon
-creme fraiche
-fresh pesto or chopped chives

Place small dollop of creme fraiche on toast square. If using pesto, put small amount on next, then place small piece of salmon on top. Top with small amount of fresh chopped chives, if using. You can also top with some fresh ground pepper if you like.

Sushi Delivery on UES

Iron Sushi

This place is fantastic for take out. The fish is really fresh, they give you very large pieces and it is not too expensive. I like to order the sashimi, but also enjoy ordering the rolls for variety.

Iron Sushi
355 E 78th St (bt 1st & 2nd)
(212) 772-7680
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=2844&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=37

Recipe: Fabulous Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

I know everyone has a recipe for this. However, in this recipe you avoid the sauce becoming runny and also don't have to deal with cucumber seeds.

1 large cucumber
Fage fat free yogurt
flavorful olive oil
fresh dill, leaves removed from several stalks
1 lemon
garlic, finely chopped
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Skin cucumber and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out seed with a spoon. Thinly slice cucumber and place in a bowl. Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let sit for 20 minutes.

Place chopped garlic and dill in another bowl. Cover with olive oil and then squeeze juice from one lemon. Add fresh pepper.

Drain accumulated water from cucumbers. Stir yogurt into lemon/olive oil mixture, then stir in drained cucumbers.

Voila. This is great served with grilled chicken breast, salad with lemon juice dressing and hot chickpeas. A great way to make the chickpeas is to saute garlic, onions and colorful bell peppers in olive oil, and add a can of chickpeas. (If you have the time, it always tastes better to make your own beans from scratch.)

Wow--Beer Pong!!

Aces & Eights Saloon

So I know everyone played tons of games of beer pong, all throughout college. However, as we all know, at NYU students are much too busy wandering around the bars/art gallery openings/random park gatherings etc. to spend our time playing loud beer games like frat kids.

BUT, don't worry--you too can play beer pong AND live in Manhattan! I played for my first time a couple of weeks ago and loved it (put aside your fears of cleanliness!!) It was a lot of fun so I suggest everyone get your teams together and go battle:

Aces & Eights Saloon
1683 First Ave (corner of 87th Street)
(212)860-4020
http://www.acesandeightsnyc.com/

I Love Ceviche

Mancora

I just love eating ceviche and this place is great. It is inexpensive, has a great youthful/international vibe, and has a delicious selection of ceviches. The chicken choices are all also fabulous, and there are some good steak options too. You must make sure to check out nightly seafood specials (such as the whole grilled baby octopuses on a recent visit) which are always wonderful and interesting. I love the house margaritas, and the pisco sours. There are also some good wines by the glass. Stay away from the sangria which is too sweet.

Mancora

99 First Ave (corner of 6th Street)

(212) 253-1011

Try Organic Dry Cleaning

Divine Touch Organic Cleaners

Once you convert to divinely organic cleaned clothes, you will never go back to smelly, itchy traditional dry cleaning that wears out your clothes and makes them look overall drab. I found this place after too many of my great clothes had been ruined by various dry cleaners and have been confident taking even the most delicate garments there ever since.

The prices for women's clothing are roughly the same as anywhere else in Manhattan, and they deliver all over the West side. Men's shirts may seem a bit pricey at $6 each, until you find out they are hand pressed, with a crease down each arm, and the collar held in place with a strip of cardboard--just like getting a brand new shirt! No shrinking, either.

Divine Touch Organic Cleaners
41 W 58th Street
(212) 980-5744
http://www.organiccleanersny.com/

Frenchie-Tastic on the Upper East Side

Brasserie Julien

This is our favorite local restaurant. We go here all the time, for every occasion! Here you will find the best, juiciest, tastiest mussels in the city (unlimited refills, if you need more!) Friday and Saturday nights enjoy live jazz. For a birthday or other special occassion, call ahead and reserve the special golden curtain enclosed "chef's table" in the back (5-10 people).

We like to eat:

-tuna tartar
-escargot
-bison burger
-mussels (Regular white wine style available every day, plus one special selection. Fridays take advantage of "curry" style, and Saturday order the mussells cooked in Stella beer.)

YUM!

They are also very well known for their fondue (cheese and chocolate versions) Lots of Frenchie wines to choose from, but beware of seemingly innocent champagne cocktails (don't have more than one!)
PS. Wednesday night is Ladies Night 50% off champagne! How sophisticated!

Brasserie Julien
1422 3rd Ave (bt. 80 & 81)
(212) 744-6327
www.brasseriejulien.com

Recipe: Fabulous Perfect and Easy Guacamole!!

Make this delicious guacamole. Nothing could be tastier. Pick nice ripe avocados (hopefully from California!!), lemon juice can be substituted for lime juice, you can use either red or yellow onions and cilantro is optional, depending on your mood! But, please note, garlic NEVER goes in guacamole (despite what you see in NYC "Mexican" restaurants!!)


2-4 large haas avocados,
1/2-1 red onion, diced
1 lime, squeezed
salt (I like sea salt)
freshly ground pepper
cilantro (optional)
diced tomato (seeds removed--Roma works well) (optional)


I like to make huge vats and serve at parties. You can use as many avocados as you feel necessary! I also like to serve with blue and regular corn chips (baked, unsalted). Enjoy!!


Fun Twist:

Try substituting mint for the cilantro and serve with jicama slices instead of chips.

Recipe (From the CAS Archives): Summer Spritzer a la Stephanie (SSS for short!)

1 shot vodka
1/2 shot Creme de Cassis (only a delicious one from Dijon, of course!)
fresh mint (roughly chopped)
fresh raspberries
Pellegrino

In stemmed glass, smoosh/mangle/manhandle/dismantle (whatever you so choose) 5-6 raspberries (per glass). Add mint, Creme de Cassis and vodka. Fill to top with Pellegrino. Enjoy with good friends.


Black Magic

Same recipe as above--just substitute blackberries for raspberries.

Art and Nature in East Hampton

LongHouse Reserve

This place is super fabulous and worth the drive from any other area in the Hamptons you may be staying... Around every corner is a new discovery of interesting plants and crazy art. One of my favorites was a huge metal sphere sculpture with massive holes--kind of like a huge soccer ball that you can walk inside of and look up through. Another were chairs with backs that were growing trees, Yoko Ono's oversize white stone chess set ("Play it By Trust", 1999) and colorful Chihuly glass sculptures punctuating a calm pond. Pictured here, bronze sculptures on exhibition by Peter Voulkos.

LongHouse
133 Hands Creek Road
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 329-3568
www.longhouse.org

Recipe: Arugula Salad with Grapefruit Dressing

SALAD:
-Baby arugula
-Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

DRESSING:
-chopped shallots
-1/2 grapefruit
-1/2 lime
-1T white balsamic vinegar
-2T olive oil
-spoonful of honey
-fine sea salt
-freshly ground pepper

TO MAKE:
Add dressing ingredients to a bowl and squeeze in grapefruit and lime. Whisk ingredients and let sit.

Arrange baby arugula in a salad bowl. Toss with dressing. Slice Parmesan cheese over top.

You can also add slices of grapefruit over the top (from the other half you did not juice) or grilled steak.

A Tiny Place to Drink Wines in Hell's Kitchen

Riposo 46

This is a fabulous little wine bar. They have a great selection of wines by the glass from varied regions and countries. The wine list is full of inexpesive bottles as well. Try to grab the table right along the window in nice weather and watch people walk by while you eat and drink. I wanted to order everything on the menu (interesting flatbreads, paninis, and salads) and was completely content with my baby arugula and grapefruit salad (paired with a Sicilian red and followed with a South African Pinotage.)

Riposo 46
667 9th Avenue
(212) 247-8018

Drink Cocktails and View Art With Other Interesting Young People

Apollo Circle at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Join this group of 21-39 year-old members at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Enjoy a year of private art viewings, curator talks, cocktail receptions, parties and access to other member benefits for $1,000. A membership allows you to bring a guest to each event and you can bring multiple guests for a daytime museum visit. A fun thing to take advantage of with your new membership is dining in the Trustees Dining Room, which is great for taking relatives from out of town. The Met is by far my favorite museum in the city, with a gorgeous space and a great collection of all kinds of art.

Apollo Circle
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue (82nd Street)
New York, NY
(212) 650-2371
http://www.metmuseum.org/member/me_apollo.htm

Recipe (From the CAS Archives): "Cheers to Never Going Back to Roosevelt Island"

Such a long name for such a simple drink.

champagne
raspberries

Pour elegantly into champagne glass. Cheers immediately to never going back to Roosevelt Island.

Mario Batali Does Spanish

Casa Mono

Another Mario Batali Restaurant I love. Order small plates here a few at a time. A great bet for wine is to order by the carafe--You can taste several kinds this way at about $26 for two and a half glasses. Of course, a trip to the Bar Jamon next door is in order while you wait for your table! I found an amazing sparkling Rose there--crisp, flavorful, wonderful--but any of the wines on the menu are sure to be quite fabulous.

Items I suggest:

-bread with tomato
-serano ham
-fois gras
-lamb's tongue
-pork with figs
-duck
-fried cod balls
-burnt custard
-chocolate cake with ice cream

Hint: Water glasses reside in a small space underneath the top of the table! It remninded me of those desks you have in school as a kid--I thought about leaving a folded up love letter inside...A sneaky odd surprise for another diner perhaps?

www.mariobatali.com/restaurants_casamono.html

Above the Clouds in MAUI

Maui Volcano

Drive to the top (Yep, 10,000 Feet!!) ....They say go for the sunrise, but we all know, that is so, EARLY!!! You could also go up for the sunset (allow 2 hours to get there)--bring a camera with a large memory card, and WARM clothes!! Seriously, it was cold! But pretty...

There is a great Mexican restuarant called AMIGOS near the airport, near the bottom of the trip...rolled tacos, a varied salsa bar and an outgoing owner make this place a must.

Sun Tanning in Hawaii

Black Rock Beach, MAUI

On the road to Hana, stop at the state park...swim in the calm turquoise water, and tan on the black rock beach...

Delicious Burgers in a Park Setting

Shake Shack

Order the Shake Shack Burger, Fries and Shakes (OF COURSE!!!) The line will be long (maybe even 1 hr!) but well worth it. Grab a table and load up on condiments while you wait.

Madison Square Park (Madison & 23rd St)
http://www.shakeshacknyc.com

If You Want to Drink A Cosmopolitan

Cosmo

Although the shelves of this sleek, blue lit tiny bar were covered with bottles of every kind of alcohol, the bartender only knew how to make one drink! (Even after getting on her cell phone and calling someone to find what ingredients go in a Lemon Drop shot!) You guessed it: a cosmo. Happy hour = $4 drinks and the cosmo was certainly an excellent choice. In fact, we ordered another one.


Cosmo
359 W 54th St (Between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue)
(212) 582-2200

Network Your Way through PR and Marketing...

Media Bistro

Join Media Bistro's list for PR and Marketing industry specific networking events throughout the year in NYC. They also offer classes, post news and have a job board for media related positions.

www.mediabistro.com
http://www.mediabistro.com/content/party_photos/party_photos_the_pr_party_58049.asp

Recipe: Fabulous Moroccan Lamb Marinade

This is highly delicious and perfect with couscous (squeeze some lemon and grind fresh pepper over the couscous when you serve it). I suggest serving with wilted spinach and spicy chickpeas.

cumin (2 tsp)
cinnamon (1/2 tsp)
paprika (1/2 tsp)
cayenne pepper (2 tsp)
freshly ground pepper
sea salt (1/2 tsp)
olive oil (about 1/2 cup)
juice of one lemon
1 small piece of ginger (grated to make about 1 tsp)
1 medium yellow onion (grated)
chopped fresh parsley
chopped fresh cilantro

Coat any type of lamb meat and let sit 2 hours. If chops, broil for 5-8 minutes each side. You can also cut into chunks, place on skewers, and bbq until done. A leg can be cooked in the oven. Baste with marinade half way through cooking.

Keep Up-to-Date on All the Fashion News

WWD

Check out WWD. Subscribe online for access to today's paper, archived news, and images. The paper version of course is more fun (separate cost) but will arrive late if delivered to an apartment (rather than an office.) And I know you wouldn't want to wait to be up-to-date on everything fashion!

www.wwd.com

The Best Pint of Guinness

The Gaf:

Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came... Local pub feels like being in Europe. A great find in the middle of Hell's Kitchen. So close to Times Square leaves mostly cheesy touristy bars with jock types and uptight looking girls, all looking to hook up. And, according to a great beer drinking "expert", this is one of the few bars in NYC that pours a proper (and delicious!) pint of Guinness. Take the time to make friends with the bartenders and you are on your way to being a regular. Test your skills at darts and if you are good enough, compete in the local bar circuit. Drink up.

Recipe: Mango Margatini

Delicious and one of my favorites! This drink will put you in the Mexican mood! The mango juice gives this drink a summer flair. Enjoy one or two with guacomole and salsa fresca before the main course.

2 shots Heradura Anejo tequila
1 shot Cointreau
1 splash fresh lime juice
3 shots Looza mango juice
1 dash sugar

Shake over ice and pour into a martini glass.

No Pleated Pants Please

Pleated pants NEVER look good! Most women do not wear this style any longer (hello "skinny" cut) but many men still do. Don't! If you are stalky or have a little pudge, you will look fat. If you are skinny, you will look like you are swimming in your clothes. People will think you can't find clothes that fit, and it looks sloppy. Also, pleated pants inevitably give way to tapered ankles, and we all know by now that is not hot. Men do not have hips and there is not need to give yourself volume in that area through extra fabric tucks!

Instead, find some nice flat-front pants, with a straight or slightly tapered leg. BUT, make sure to get your pants tailored for correct length!! Even if they are ready-to-wear trousers, please go to a tailor (with the proper shoes) and let them measure the pants on you. Bottom of legs should never gather above your shoes in cavernous wrinkles, but should gently graze the tops of your shoes, just below your ankles.

While we are speaking about this area, I would also love it if men (and people in general) would stop wearing hideous "comfortable" shoes with those ugly big rubber soles. Leather soled hand-crafted shoes are always best. Be exciting and pick an interesting color (there are many varieties of brown out there) or some sort of detailing. There is no need to wear the same plain black loafers as everyone else in your office! And no complaining about your feet not being comfortable--at least you are not wearing high heels (and you know you love to see women in them--they are never comfortable!)

Recipe: The Peartini

Inspired by a visit to Bette in NYC. This drink is refreshing--especially with the slice of pear.

2 shots Level vodka
1 shot Peach Schnapps
2 shots Looza pear nectar (chilled)

Shake over ice. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Top with Pellegrino. Garnish with slice of bosch pear.

Best NYC gym/ "outdoor" pool

Manhattan Plaza Health Club

Large pool with two jacuzzis. Trees lining the glass walls of this human greenhouse make for a tropical paradise in the middle of Midtown West. The bathrooms are not as nice as NY Health & Raquet Club, but the pool is fantastic. Check out the snow through the glass walls in the winter, and enjoy the open air and sky above in the summer months. No extra charge for "outdoor" swimming in the summer! Membership is about $70 per month. (Of course they have everything else you can imagine in a gym, including outdoor tennis courts and a climbing gym.) Couples rates and special rates for certain apartments in area.

www.mphc.com

Cheese Please! And Wine! in Union Square

Tarallucci e Vino

Mmm...Cheese...
And Wine!
Hiding in Union Square...

Let your server select 3, 5 or 7 cheeses for your table. Each comes with it's own tasty condiment pairing. Also order a couple meat plates.

Main courses are so fabulous. It is great to order a few pastas and meat dishes and share them around the table. Of course, if you want your own plate, go for the Osso Bucco or the Salmon--both are fantastic, melt-in-your-mouth.

Dessert here is fabulous as well. Try the mini doughnuts for a fantastic treat. Don't forget a glass of Limoncello, served in elegant long stemmed glasses to finish off your meal.

Allow plenty of time for wine drinking and talking with a table full of friends. Try the Barolo and Barbaresco...also try one of their (actually) fabulous white wines!

Tarallucci e Vino
15 E. 18th Street (between Broadway and 5th Ave)
(212) 228-5400
http://taralluccievino.net/

Hottest Jeans For Men

Seven
Ernest Sewn
Rock & Republic
Nudie

Wear any of these brands with a slim body-conscious fit--especially you tall skinny guys! These jeans with a hot t-shirt and nicely tailored blazer, or with an interesting button-up shirt and fitted cashmere sweater can't be beat. Hand crafted Italian leather shoes or limited edition sneakers would complete the look. Also, don't be afraid of wearing your glasses!--nerdy-chic is hot.

For Trendy Dining in East 60s

212

We ended up here after the opening evening of the International Asian Art Fair to benefit the Asia Society.

This trendy nightspot on the UES is perfect for drinks and appetizers with friends if you find yourself in this quiet area...$24 lamb burger is a star of the menu, but pastas and small dishes are fun for sharing and there are many interesting choices. Good selection of tasty cocktails, like a mojito made with Grey Goose and a dark purple pomegranite martini.

212 Restaurant and Bar
133 East 65th Street
(212) 249-6565
www.212restaurant.com

Where to go to Eat Wings, Drink Cocktails, and Be Sporty

Madison Square Garden
Knicks vs. Heat

What can be better than sitting behind the Donald and catching Shaq's flying sweat. Play By Play Sports Bar provides manly fare at its best, including wings, nachos, quesadillas and of course, many kinds of beer. Don't forget to order massive quantities of cotton candy, soda and any other assortment of sugary, salty, fatty concoctions that come around...A team hat is also a nice touch!

For Salmon and Meatballs in a Modern Room

Aquavit

Hot date out on Winter Restaurant Week. The cafe was nice and quiet. Love the selection of cocktails...taken of course in the architecturally divine bar area.

Aquavit
65 East 55th Street (between Park & Madison)
(212) 307-7311
www.aquavit.org