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!

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).

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:

http://www.johnniewalker.com/en-us/mainevents/eventVenue/?venue=117&sourceId=I8

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 space is modern and has that oasis-type feel to it. It's like the Caribbean meets The Jetsons. The uniforms for the female waitresses and bartenders are 50's stewardess inspired, complete with a set of wings (in pin form of course). They give the bar sort of a "mile-high" vibe which I find to be cute, clever, and intriguing. And, for you men, the eye candy is definitely sweet and sure to please!

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

Vino Anyone?

Big ups to Brooklyn! My new friends at J Public Relations invited me to the Grand Opening of Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg last night. Now, venturing to Brooklyn is not part of my daily routine, but, I'm glad I made the trip. This is a must-visit for anyone who has even the tiniest interest in wine.

This place has a great, cozy feel to it. The decor is simple yet sophisticated with its wooden walls, tables and benches. And, in an awesome effort to go green, the furniture is made from recycled materials (i.e. old-school sewing machines--yes, you read right!). But the most unique part about Brooklyn Winery is that their wine is home-made right on the premises. I was lucky enough to get a tour (by the head winemaker, Conor) of the barrel room where all the wine-making magic happens...very cool.

My favorite part about Brooklyn Winery, though, is the back-story. I got to talk to the President and co-owner, John Stires, and he let me in on how this all came about. John and his business partner, Brian, used to commute all the way to New Jersey from Brooklyn to make their own wine just for fun. Using mass transit. The whole way. We're talking about a 4 hour round-trip here. That's commitment. Anyway, one day they decided to fore-go the long trips and bring the wine-making to Brooklyn. They quit their jobs and managed to get Brooklyn Winery up and running in 10 months. I'm impressed, are you?

What more can I say? Oh, I guess I can tell you how the wine was. I loooved the Chardonnay! I enjoyed the red too, but, seeing as I don't normally drink red wine, I was a little wobbly walking out of there. But, hey, if you're stumbling out of a place, it means you had a good time. And I did.

Check Brooklyn Winery out at http://bkwinery.com.

ShoeDazzle Me Please!

Have to tell you all about this awesome website I discovered: ShoeDazzle. I came across an ad for it on Facebook about a week ago and was intrigued so I decided to try it out. Essentially, you sign up on the website and answer some questions pertaining to your style. Then, you get an email letting you know that your "showroom" is set up. Every month, the ShoeDazzle stylists choose 5 selections of shoes, handbags, and accessories based on your own personal style and anything you choose is only $39.95 with free shipping (that only takes 3-6 business days). If you're not satisfied with the selections chosen for you, you can request a new set and you're never obligated to buy.


When I saw my first showroom, I saw a pair of pink suede booties that I just had to have, picked out for me by--my friends are going to love this one--Kim Kardashian!!!

So, I ordered them and they arrived at my doorstep yesterday--again, great timing considering the shipping is free. The shoes look and fit great and I can't wait to wear them for a night out on the town! I don't think I would purchase handbags or accessories from the site because I'm not sure the price is much of a bargain for those items, but, a pair of hot, trendy shoes for $39.95 is definitely a good deal. Plus, I'm lazy about shopping so I like the idea of having other people picking things out for me based on my preferences. I finally have personal shoppers and didn't need to get rich to get them!

Now, the only question I have is...who wore it best?

On second thought, maybe you shouldn't answer that LOL

You can check out http://www.shoedazzle.com/ for more info.

Chronicles of a Jersey York Girl

Hi all! Welcome to my new blog! I'm trying something a little different this time around (don't worry, I haven't abandoned Dirty Dishin'). Life as a Jersey girl can be very interesting; add working in the Big Apple to that and you've got a recipe for adventure. Yet, as insane as life can get, time has proven over and over that it really is a small world (hence the title). This blog will somewhat chronicle the happenings in my crazy bubble of a world, documenting my favorite hot spots and such in the process. I'm hoping that my followers will find this interesting and fun as well as informative. So, enough with the backstory, let's get to it...

Those of you who know me know that I am an avid sports fan. The Yanks are in the playoffs and, to me, this means a chance to go out and drink during the week without being judged. Last night, I chose to watch the game at one of my all-time favorite bars, the Silver Bell Tavern in North Arlington, NJ, known to its loyal patrons as simply, "The Bell,"

As you can see, The Bell is the type of place "where everyone has a good time." With $1.75 drafts all day every day, how could you not? Aside from awesome drink prices, what I really love about The Bell is that you can just walk in there by yourself and not feel weird because it's so quaint and everyone who goes there is friendly, especially the bartenders (Love ya Bob!). And if you get hungry, you can just walk next door to Pizza Land, of Soprano fame, for a delicious thinner-than-thin-crust slice.

If you live in New York and can't get over to Jersey to support the Yanks in their quest for #28, there are plenty of fun places in the city. My favorite--Latitude at 48th and 8th. They've got great Happy Hour specials that go until 8pm...a real treat since most places end at 7. I recommend their margaritas which are generally pretty strong and, at $4 a pop, are quite the bargain. If you get the munchies, try their fries with 3 dipping sauces...seriously, yummm!!!

No matter what venue you choose, I strongly encourage you to go out and watch the games. You never know who you might meet or what kind of fun you might have. You may just find yourself 7 beers deep without even opening up your wallet like a certain person I know last night ;)