My friends and I decided to get a little swanky last week so we headed on over to SD26. The space is great! Waiting for the rest of your party? No problem. Grab yourself a glass of wine from their self-serve, pay-per-glass dispensers. You can also go wait in the bar area and have someone serve you but what fun is that?
The dining area is gorgeous--open, spacious, simple. The kitchen area is completely open and visible to diners which I like because you can see just how organized and un-chaotic the staff is. Speaking of staff, the servers are all so friendly and accomodating...especially my beloved bread server who kept giving me two pieces of carb-filled focaccia goodness at a time!
SD26 features contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and it doesn't disappoint the taste buds! From appetizers to desserts, everything was just divine. Mouth-watering prosciutto and cheese...scallops to die for...tiramisu that melts in your mouth! And, if you're looking for something really special, try their "Uovo" which is egg yolk filled ravioli with truffled butter. Rich, decadent, A-MA-ZING! Note: The portions are not very big so, if you're really hungry, make sure to get the full size.
Does this sound too good to be true? Well, ok, the restaurant is a bit pricey. This is definitely not an everyday eatery for the budget-conscious. But, if you're looking to splurge (and I highly recommend you do so every once in a while), SD26 is a great place to unwind and receive the royal treatment..you and your tummy!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Friday, December 10, 2010
House of Walker--Whisky Heaven
Ok, so, in case you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of Johnnie Walker. I once almost sacrificed my own life to have my first taste of Blue Label, the danger being in that I was going to dip into my father's unopened bottle (given as a gift) to do it. Well, someone spared my life that day and my Blue Label virginity remained intact...until last night!
After picking up our complimentary beverages at the bar (I got a Red Label and Ginger), my friend and I grabbed some free hors d'oeuvres and headed to the Wii station to get our tennis on!
At about 6:30, we were asked by Stephen, the brand ambassador, to take our seats so the tasting session could begin. We got two samples of Black Label and one sample each of Red Label, Gold Label, and Blue Label (the "Label" that had eluded me for so long).
Along the way, we were asked to smell the whiskies, mix certain ones with the mixers that were provided to us and we were encouraged to speak up and interact with the small group. I also learned a few things...did you know that Black Label is a blend of as many as 40 whiskies, all aged 12 years or more? Learning CAN be fun..when you have a drink in hand!
A few days ago, I stumbled upon an e-flyer for a tasting event at the House of Walker in Soho and, being the avid Black Label drinker that I am, had to check it out. Turns out that they're running these events all month and they're completely free! Who doesn't enjoy free booze?!!!
The tasting started at 6pm and the event confirmation said to be there a half hour before as they could not guarantee entry. I showed up at 5:40 and had to wait in the bitter cold for ten minutes so I say to hell with getting there super early! Once inside, the place was awesome! Tables and sofas to the left, Johnnie Walker bar to the right and fun games straight ahead (think Wii and fooze ball).
The tasting started at 6pm and the event confirmation said to be there a half hour before as they could not guarantee entry. I showed up at 5:40 and had to wait in the bitter cold for ten minutes so I say to hell with getting there super early! Once inside, the place was awesome! Tables and sofas to the left, Johnnie Walker bar to the right and fun games straight ahead (think Wii and fooze ball).
After picking up our complimentary beverages at the bar (I got a Red Label and Ginger), my friend and I grabbed some free hors d'oeuvres and headed to the Wii station to get our tennis on!At about 6:30, we were asked by Stephen, the brand ambassador, to take our seats so the tasting session could begin. We got two samples of Black Label and one sample each of Red Label, Gold Label, and Blue Label (the "Label" that had eluded me for so long).
Along the way, we were asked to smell the whiskies, mix certain ones with the mixers that were provided to us and we were encouraged to speak up and interact with the small group. I also learned a few things...did you know that Black Label is a blend of as many as 40 whiskies, all aged 12 years or more? Learning CAN be fun..when you have a drink in hand!Anyway, an hour and 5 samples (plus a tall drink) later, I was feeling very niiiice! The event was short, fun, informative, and free. Did I mention the free part already, I can't remember. The best part--you can go back there for more FREE tastings as many times as you want!!! So, what are you waiting for? Book your seat at one of these events now!
Click here to sign up and RSVP:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Sky Room Reaches New Heights...
...literally. The city's highest rooftop lounge, Sky Room occupies the 33rd and 34th floors of the Fairfield Inn and Suites on 40th Street, right in the heart of Times Square.
I had a chance to check it out last night for a shoot and all I can say is WOW! The views are just incredible! The breathtaking landscape of Manhattan right at eye level...it's enough to make even a long-standing NYC native take a moment to soak in the magic of the city in all of its nighttime beauty.
The Happy Hour is pretty standard (4pm-7pm) and, though not as inexpensive as some that I've seen, not outrageous given the bar's location. They also have daily drink specials like $7 caipirinhas on Wednesdays for Brazilian Night. They've got a really fun and exotic cocktail menu for those of you who delve on the fancy side--it's pretty well-known that I'm a beer girl but I will admit that I found the Brazilian Sunshine to be quite pleasurable. Side Note: The bartender who made it, Marcus, is awesome and can do some fun Tom-Cruise-in-Cocktail type tricks so be sure to ask him to show you a little somethin-somethin ;)
As for food, the menu is drool-worthy with options to please both simple and more sophisticated palettes. I recommend the Deep Fried Mac and Cheese.....O-M-G!
I had a chance to check it out last night for a shoot and all I can say is WOW! The views are just incredible! The breathtaking landscape of Manhattan right at eye level...it's enough to make even a long-standing NYC native take a moment to soak in the magic of the city in all of its nighttime beauty.
The Happy Hour is pretty standard (4pm-7pm) and, though not as inexpensive as some that I've seen, not outrageous given the bar's location. They also have daily drink specials like $7 caipirinhas on Wednesdays for Brazilian Night. They've got a really fun and exotic cocktail menu for those of you who delve on the fancy side--it's pretty well-known that I'm a beer girl but I will admit that I found the Brazilian Sunshine to be quite pleasurable. Side Note: The bartender who made it, Marcus, is awesome and can do some fun Tom-Cruise-in-Cocktail type tricks so be sure to ask him to show you a little somethin-somethin ;)
As for food, the menu is drool-worthy with options to please both simple and more sophisticated palettes. I recommend the Deep Fried Mac and Cheese.....O-M-G!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Katwalk NYC...Far from Purrrrfect!
I'm a very simple woman. Give me good food, good drinks, and good service at decent prices and I'll be happy. I've been to Katwalk before and enjoyed it but I was really disappointed last night.
Let me start off by saying that what they do have going for them is location and a great variety of Happy Hour drink specials that are available every weekday until 8pm. Situated in mid-town, minutes away from the Manhattan Mall and Madison Square Garden, it's no surprise that Katwalk attracts a good crowd. They have a meaty drink menu for Happy Hour that is sure to please drinkers of all types; from beer to wine to specialty cocktails, just about anyone can find their drink du jour for $3-$6!
One other plus--Katwalk has the absolute friendliest, most polite doorman I have ever encountered in my life! I'm not sure if he works every night but you'll know him when you see him. He looks a lot like the Undertaker (yes, the WWE wrestler) and he will welcome you by first name.
Unfortunately, these positives could not outweigh the negatives for my group last night. First off, we waited about twenty minutes to be seated at a table that had been reserved well in advance. Then, our server just vanished without taking our drink orders and didn't return for at least twenty minutes!!! In fact, every time she took an order, she wouldn't come back with our drinks for 15-20 minutes. I know it's busy but this pussycat gets very irritable if she has to wait too long for her drink! Realistically speaking, how valuable are drink specials if you can't take full advantage of them because of snail-slow service? It just seemed like they are a bit under-staffed.
Then there is the matter of entertainment. My friends and I were out to celebrate a good friend's birthday. We were, in no way, shape, or form, aware that we were going to be subject to what looked like some crazy 90's Playboy tryout video playing on the projector. I don't even know what to say about this video--it was weird, it was just straight up weird. If I looked up from the table, all I saw was bikini-clad girls rolling around in sand, running, jumping, etc. This isn't Porky's (now, The Yard), it doesn't fit! It just didn't portray the type of image that Katwalk has created for itself. And I'm not just speaking for us girls, my guy friends thought it was strange too! Seriously, just throw that video in the litter box and bury it real good!
My last qualm about Katwalk, a very minor one in comparison to the others: candles bolted to the tables. I get why they would do it but it's annoying! One of the candles, strategically (and irritatingly predictable) placed candle in the middle of the table made it impossible to have our plate of nachos there for easy sharing. Again, it's a small problem but, when you're already annoyed, the little things do count.
Katwalk is certainly not beyond redemption. On a good day, you can go there and enjoy some reasonably priced drinks with good music to accompany. It just needs to work on some staffing and "entertainment" issues..and maybe get rid of some candles ;)
For more info. on Katwalk, visit http://katwalknyc.com/index.html
Let me start off by saying that what they do have going for them is location and a great variety of Happy Hour drink specials that are available every weekday until 8pm. Situated in mid-town, minutes away from the Manhattan Mall and Madison Square Garden, it's no surprise that Katwalk attracts a good crowd. They have a meaty drink menu for Happy Hour that is sure to please drinkers of all types; from beer to wine to specialty cocktails, just about anyone can find their drink du jour for $3-$6!
One other plus--Katwalk has the absolute friendliest, most polite doorman I have ever encountered in my life! I'm not sure if he works every night but you'll know him when you see him. He looks a lot like the Undertaker (yes, the WWE wrestler) and he will welcome you by first name.
Unfortunately, these positives could not outweigh the negatives for my group last night. First off, we waited about twenty minutes to be seated at a table that had been reserved well in advance. Then, our server just vanished without taking our drink orders and didn't return for at least twenty minutes!!! In fact, every time she took an order, she wouldn't come back with our drinks for 15-20 minutes. I know it's busy but this pussycat gets very irritable if she has to wait too long for her drink! Realistically speaking, how valuable are drink specials if you can't take full advantage of them because of snail-slow service? It just seemed like they are a bit under-staffed.
Then there is the matter of entertainment. My friends and I were out to celebrate a good friend's birthday. We were, in no way, shape, or form, aware that we were going to be subject to what looked like some crazy 90's Playboy tryout video playing on the projector. I don't even know what to say about this video--it was weird, it was just straight up weird. If I looked up from the table, all I saw was bikini-clad girls rolling around in sand, running, jumping, etc. This isn't Porky's (now, The Yard), it doesn't fit! It just didn't portray the type of image that Katwalk has created for itself. And I'm not just speaking for us girls, my guy friends thought it was strange too! Seriously, just throw that video in the litter box and bury it real good!
My last qualm about Katwalk, a very minor one in comparison to the others: candles bolted to the tables. I get why they would do it but it's annoying! One of the candles, strategically (and irritatingly predictable) placed candle in the middle of the table made it impossible to have our plate of nachos there for easy sharing. Again, it's a small problem but, when you're already annoyed, the little things do count.
Katwalk is certainly not beyond redemption. On a good day, you can go there and enjoy some reasonably priced drinks with good music to accompany. It just needs to work on some staffing and "entertainment" issues..and maybe get rid of some candles ;)
For more info. on Katwalk, visit http://katwalknyc.com/index.html
Monday, November 8, 2010
Designer for Less...Sign Me Up!
Balenciaga...Valentino...Versace...
These are just a few of the designers featured on DesignerChatter.com, a website dedicated to bringing you designer fashions for less...much less! I was really surprised to see that a very generous amount of the items on the site were upwards of 50% off. Seriously, I cried tears of joy when I saw this to-die-for Calvin Klein satchel at a whopping 70% off, making it super affordable for my getting-smaller-by-the-second budget.
These are just a few of the designers featured on DesignerChatter.com, a website dedicated to bringing you designer fashions for less...much less! I was really surprised to see that a very generous amount of the items on the site were upwards of 50% off. Seriously, I cried tears of joy when I saw this to-die-for Calvin Klein satchel at a whopping 70% off, making it super affordable for my getting-smaller-by-the-second budget.
Aside from making designer labels affordable to the average consumer, Designer Chatter rewards their customers for interacting with the site. You accumulate points for everything you do on DesignerChatter.com, from making actual purchases to writing reviews on products to participating in polls. The points you accumulate can be used to get things like free shipping, gift certificates to the site, free gifts (like an Apple i-pad) and shopping sprees.
As an added bonus, if you sign up for their free membership program and refer two friends, you will automatically be entered in a daily drawing for a free handbag taking place from December 1 - December 25. I never win anything but, hey, a girl can dream and you gotta be in it to win it!
For more info, check out their site at http://designerchatter.com/
P.S. Design Chatter's fashion tip of the week is that "Biker Chic" is in so stop hating on my motorcycle jacket...you know who you are! Haha!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Finding love on River Street...NOT!!!
A few of my friends and I decided to make a much-needed trip into Hoboken on Saturday. I thought it would be a good chance to meet new people, maybe even meet a new prospect in the form of a tall, dark, and handsome man. Boy did I not foresee the night that awaited us!
Everyone, and I mean everyone, that spoke to us was weird! One of the guys at Trinity was completely annoying, hitting on my friend and constantly asking her, "Are you bored? You look bored." and "You hate me, don't you?" Oyy, what a nutjob! He did provide me with some serious laughs when he told my other friend that she was the grim reaper to which she replied, "You dug your own grave!" Classic exchange!
We thought we might have better luck down the block at 3Forty Grill but, as we waited in line at 1am, the strangeness just continued. A crazy (and super drunk) bride-to-be came up to me to tell me that I was wearing "fuck me shoes." Umm, ok, I thought they were my night-on-the-town shoes but whatever (I was wearing my pink suede booties from ShoeDazzle by the way)! Then she proceeded to tell me that my skirt was cute but I needed to hike it up more, at which point she actually grabbed it! I've said it once and I'll say it again..bitches be crazy!
Everyone, and I mean everyone, that spoke to us was weird! One of the guys at Trinity was completely annoying, hitting on my friend and constantly asking her, "Are you bored? You look bored." and "You hate me, don't you?" Oyy, what a nutjob! He did provide me with some serious laughs when he told my other friend that she was the grim reaper to which she replied, "You dug your own grave!" Classic exchange!
We thought we might have better luck down the block at 3Forty Grill but, as we waited in line at 1am, the strangeness just continued. A crazy (and super drunk) bride-to-be came up to me to tell me that I was wearing "fuck me shoes." Umm, ok, I thought they were my night-on-the-town shoes but whatever (I was wearing my pink suede booties from ShoeDazzle by the way)! Then she proceeded to tell me that my skirt was cute but I needed to hike it up more, at which point she actually grabbed it! I've said it once and I'll say it again..bitches be crazy!
3Forty was definitely an improvement from Trinity but not by much. At one point, the tallest guy in the bar came to talk to us, accompanied by none other than the SHORTEST guy in the bar. No joke--there was at least a whole foot height difference between the two. Initially, they seemed like they had done the guy thing where they decide who is going for who (I get shorty of course because I'm only 5'2) but then they just seemed all over the place and confused...maybe because my friends and I are all so equally awesome. I don't know what it was but they were all just odd!
At the end of the night, all we could really do is laugh it off and agree that it was an "interesting" evening. I haven't given up on River Street in Hoboken but I think I might take a breather for a while. If you do find yourself looking for an "interesting" time though, I promise you'll find one on this lovely, scenic road in the 'boken.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Freshen Your Breath to Save Lives
Last night I was supposed to go to a red carpet event but, apparently, our rsvp got lost in the mail so that was a wash. I fully intended on reporting on all the celebs I saw but what I have for you today is something better...way better if you ask me!
I was getting ready to leave the office when my colleague handed me a pack of Tic-Tacs. Big deal, right? Well, they're "Limited Edition" Tic-Tacs. You see, to increase breast cancer awareness, Tic-Tac has come out with a special pink grapefruit flavored mint that is also pink in color.
Personally, I enjoy the limited time flavor...it starts with a fruit flavor explosion in your mouth and ends with a minty taste that provides the fresh-breath flavor we all crave from Tic-Tacs.
The hook for me, however, is the big push behind the tiny mint. Cancer sucks, plain and simple! I love that the Tic-Tac brand is doing something special to support the cause. The company has already donated $100,000 to CancerCare and will donate up to $100,000 more on behalf of consumers who participate in their Facebook Shake, Share & Care initiative (http://www.facebook.com/TicTacUSA).
So, I urge you, for the remainder of this month, pass on the gum and buy yourself a pack of these limited edition delights. Freshen your breath and help kick cancer's ass in the process!
For more info, visit http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tic-tac-mints-partners-with-cancercare-on-the-shake-share--care-campaign-in-support-of-breast-cancer-awareness-101800618.html
I was getting ready to leave the office when my colleague handed me a pack of Tic-Tacs. Big deal, right? Well, they're "Limited Edition" Tic-Tacs. You see, to increase breast cancer awareness, Tic-Tac has come out with a special pink grapefruit flavored mint that is also pink in color.
Personally, I enjoy the limited time flavor...it starts with a fruit flavor explosion in your mouth and ends with a minty taste that provides the fresh-breath flavor we all crave from Tic-Tacs.
The hook for me, however, is the big push behind the tiny mint. Cancer sucks, plain and simple! I love that the Tic-Tac brand is doing something special to support the cause. The company has already donated $100,000 to CancerCare and will donate up to $100,000 more on behalf of consumers who participate in their Facebook Shake, Share & Care initiative (http://www.facebook.com/TicTacUSA).
So, I urge you, for the remainder of this month, pass on the gum and buy yourself a pack of these limited edition delights. Freshen your breath and help kick cancer's ass in the process!
For more info, visit http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tic-tac-mints-partners-with-cancercare-on-the-shake-share--care-campaign-in-support-of-breast-cancer-awareness-101800618.html
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